3000 words

I’m in the middle of writing, probably, my 3000th word for the day. Although I can still bet I have made it to the 4000th for the day. I have been doing some blog works for the past week–writing for someone else’s blog and neglecting my own. But at least I’m earning extra $$$. And with the way I’m spending these days, I really have got to get a better paying job.

It’s only now that I realize I am actually earning, as in getting money for something I am doing. I have been working with The Times for more than 8 months now but it has never ocurred to me that what I do actually matters, even if I am underpaid.

What’s happening with the Comelec is killing me. I have been literally squattering in their conference room: eating there, writing stories, working, running after people and getting pushed by cameramen. It’s funny how it works–I mean, the whole fuck-up system. I arrive after lunch, park at CBCP, walk shortly to Comelec, do interviews, wait for resolution, get phonecalls from my bosses, get scold at… then, the whole process starts again the next day.

I have always hated anything that has to do with monotony but somehow, I think this is giving me a lesson on patience. After all, I’ve gotten the job I have always imagined myself doing right? So what better way to teach me how to persevere than to let me get stuck in something I have always abhor doing–waiting.

I’m running out of words describing the way I feel about my life now. I’ve got nothing to complain about and I basically have everything I need and love in my life… The work is running me to the ground. But in a good way–the kind that pushes your determination to the edge.

Article # 1: Tamano receives death threats

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Tamano receives death threats

Adel Tamano is feeling some pressure these days—not from the Palace but from those upset about his position on an agreement between government and Muslim secessionists. Tamano, the United Opposition spokesman and president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, told The Manila Times that he has been receiving death threats since last week. The agreement between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) proposes the creation of a Muslim homeland, or the Bang­sa­moro Juridical Entity (BJE). The agreement defines the territory of the homeland, which expands the area of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min­danao or ARMM, and gives the MILF autonomy to govern that area. But the Supreme Court stopped the signing of the agreement that was set on August 5 in Malaysia. Early on, Tamano said the agreement is unconstitutional, even accusing the administration of making promises to the MILF that officials know they cannot deliver. His comments are drawing angry text and e-mail messages, such as “He is a bad person.” The messages got worse Tuesday, when he received the text: “Let us pray for his [Tamano’s] death.” He said the threats do not bother him, and that he is more concerned that differences in opinion have led to violence. “As Muslims, we should not react this way,” said Tamano, himself a Maranao. He said he also believes that as a good Muslim, he should respect the Constitution, and that there is no conflict of interest with his stand on the issue. – Bernice Camille Bauzon Published on The Manila Times, August 13, 2008. Link: http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/13/yehey/top_stories/20080813top7.html

Job landed!

You know what I should be doing now instead of blogging my time away?  Rubbing my nose on “The Manila Times Style Guide.”  Yep, that’s right.  Rub nose.  Literally.  Because, honestly, that’s the only way I can think of for me to digest all these things in one night.  Or maybe a wizard spell can help me?

I got into the Times, by the way.  I had the interview with Mr. Ang this afternoon (after waiting for an hour) and already I will begin working tomorrow as one of the paper’s proofreaders.  It’s a pretty decent job.  Great, actually.  I was not expecting to eventually end up working for a newspaper.  I always thought I’m a magazine-type of girl.  But, its good.  I’m pretty excited, to tell you the truth.  Oh, the pay sucks.  Big time (quoting Angel).  Minimum wage, dude.  I still have to ask Muy for monthly allowance.  And here I thought I can be “independent.”  I forgot, independence comes with a price tag; and a minimum wage is the farthest thing from independence as I can get.  Oh well… it’s good enough for me that Muy actually supports this “advocacy,” as I call it.  Really, it’s like volunteering your time and effort not for money (no, not at all) but for the knowledge you will be able to learn from the experience (this I’m sure I’ll get).

The working hours is hellish.  2pm onwards.  I’m betting I’ll get off at around 10ish or 11ish, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.  No weekend day-off either.  Oh, and I only get one rest day a week.  It’s a six-day working week.  Yeah.  Goodbye, social life.  By the time the malls start closing at 9pm, I’d still be “rubbing nose” with the blueprint.  The only “good thing” I can find about this schedule is I won’t have to worry about color-coding.  The window time is from 10pm to 3pm.  Yes, yes, yes!

I’m guessing this blog should be about how thrilled I am that I finally got to land my “dream” job.  And it is.  I’m just voicing out some of the “dreambusters”–the pay and the schedule.  But, like, overall?  The job is great.  It’s the right path for me.

There are certain things, of course, that I have to adjust myself to.  But all in no time.  My time management skill is superb.  Unbelievably, I sometimes think I can stretch the time to suit my needs.  That’s back in college, mind you.  I think it’ll be quite different now.  Still, sacrifices have to be made.  I prayed for this and I got it.  I just forgot to ask that I be given a normal 8-5 schedule.  Haaysh… tsk tsk.  Oh well… we can’t have it all.  I will just have to bend forward, sidewards, and backward to stay sane.

Nice huh?  “First day high” tomorrow.  Hehe!  Ta-ta!