The 9,554,696,748,546,210 REASONS (and counting) why I'm soooooo ANNOYED with my Colleague

Apart from the regular stress I deal at work, I deal with a co-worker who ultimately comes from Satan's den (read: HELL). If you hate someone at your workplace just because they don't follow you on twitter, doesn't like your posts on Facebook OR doesn't give you "life" when you were stuck in level 33 of Candy Crush Saga - consider yourselves lucky!

Sure we don't have to be best friends to co-exist. But if you always put yourself in the subject of discussion and you're an attention-seeking whore, then lock yourself in a room full of mirrors because I'll hand you a glass of drink with poison.

To give you an idea how ANNOYING she is under normal (read again: DAILY) circumstances, read on:

1. The Bubbly Blabber

Who doesn't love a bubbly fellow? We all do, right? But when does being bubbly becomes irritating? It's when (a) she gives her two cents when I'm NOT asking for it. Worst, she's NOT even part of the conversation but throws herself in because she felt that she has a say to EVERYTHING. (b) I'm talking to another colleague then here she comes and asks what we're talking about then shares her own story. Bitch, I've got 2 bucks. Go find someone you can talk to! (c) Somebody asks me a question and she answers. Wait, are you my speaker that you answer everything for me? (d) She repeats what I say. Echoooo. Helooooo...???

2. The Everybody-All-Eyes-On-Me Attitude

Did I mention that she loves attention? Yes? Coz she makes it a point to dress inappropriately in every company event. And when I say inappropriate, I'm talking about plunging necklines here and there, lacy top that makes all the boys ogle at her brassiere, shorty shorts that resembles a boyleg swimwear to me. Not only once did a colleague criticize commented on her distasteful fashion sense but she seemed oblivious.

Now if that's not attention-seeking bitch, what do you call that?

3. Her unladylike antics

I  hate it when people talk loudly on the phone. Dude, have you ever heard about modulation?

 When she's talking to someone outside the company, she always sounds like the big boss. I pity those contractors, customer service agents and staff who had a taste of her whip-lashing tongue. It's pathetic that she had to be tyrannical to get things done. What's more, she wants everything A-S-A-P. So when she calls - drop everything you do and RUUUNNNN.

Another thing - when she sneezes she doesn't cover her mouth. Oh gross!

4. Interruption please...

I really think it's beyond rude when someone deliberately interrupts you in the middle of your sentence. Well, guess what? She does that all the time. I'm not sure if she's aware that it's downright disrespectful?

I guess it happens when you were not born with a spoon of manners in your mouth.

5. Staging a Pregnancy Drama

One time she showed up at the office looking harassed. I mean sleep-deprived. Then she goes on saying she's nauseated, no appetite, food craving and a week delayed period. I get it. She's trying to tell me, oh not only me, but the WHOLE office, particularly everyone she meets at the hallway that she THINKS she's pregnant.

Now if that's how you disclose your active sex life outside of marriage, then go ahead. But stop saying "I'm in denial, I don't wanna get pregnant yet." At 40 you sounded like a high-schooler. Really.

She whines about it every single day. So I told her : see your doctor and have yourself checked. Her reply: I'm still busy. I'll do it in the next two weeks.

She said whaaattt??? 

Then get a pregnancy kit you idiot!

That and the many, many, many things.

I also hate it when she calls while I'm on vacation, whenever she says we have the same shoe style but never seen her wear that even once, when she calls my friends by their pet names that I made up (who the hell gave her the right to do that?), when she refuses to join at meetings because her boss is around and that she's pretending busy (she's not), when she baby talks her boyfriend (gaaaaddd we hear it loud and clear) and this and that!

So tell me, you wouldn't want a co-worker like that or would you?

To All Those Who Keep On Asking When I'm Gonna Tie The Freaking Knot...? READ THIS!!!

That probably is the lengthiest title I've ever come up with. But, what the hell?!

I'm sure you already have an idea what this rant post is all about.

When I went home for my mother's birthday last month, I was overwhelmed to see my cousins, aunts and uncles from my mother's side. I don't see them that often coz I don't go home that much. And whenever I do, I don't spend most of my time with them.

But, "Overwhelmed" turned into "hmmm-i-don't-like-this-type-of-conversation-so-everyone-please-stop-it-before-i-go-haywire-and-kill-you-off".

Coz you know what? They were all asking me - each one of them - the bazillion dollar question : When am I going to get married?

Other similar questions include:
>>>Why are you still single? Is there something wrong with you? - Honestly, I can hear them even in their silence. I've acquired Edward Cullen's mind-hearing ability just so you know!
>>Are you married already?

And the worst question?

>>>Do you have children?

Aryt, lemme get this straight... I know I'm not in my best shape right now but it doesn't mean I've had bore kids with this body. Will you please stop stereotyping?

First, I took it as a joke. Then as a compliment (them showing concern for my well-being - ehem!). Until it became a nuisance, a disgusting version of "how are you?", annoying, extremely downright unbecoming, and I couldn't help but mumble what is wrong with you people?

I get pissed off and insulted when people keep on asking that stupid question again and again and again like getting married is ALL THAT MATTERS.

If being married is the next best thing to internet, no one would have ever invented divorce.

Don't get me wrong. I dreamt of walking down the aisle one day. But if it's not for me, then I'm not gonna cry and lock myself in solitude just because of some people's notion that being single is pathetic! Being married is both a choice and a decision. The same logic applies if I wanted to stay single for now. Being married is not a measure of how you fared in life, in your career, in your journey. But being single can get me to most places, even to the promotion ladder. Being married is not the be all and end all of being a woman. But I believe being single is. Because you do things for your self, you get things done all by your self, you feel happy and contented with your self. And most of all, you can be happy and live your own life with your self.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having someone in your life. But surely there is something WRONG with people who think that a woman like me should join the marriage bandwagon because that is the rightful thing to do.

Oh crap! This is the 21st century...

From which era are you?

And hey! I'm not totally single. I'm with someone. And were totally happy even without the paper.

Im....

Disappointed.

Very disappointed.

That's what I'm feeling right now. I'm disappointed when someone doesn't seem to know I care about them. When they take me for granted. When they shove me aside.

I'm not a wall made of stone. My feelings are not numb. And I'm human. In case they forget... A little gratitude can go a long way. And by gratitude, I didn't mean you have to say "Thank you" coz I can tell if you're saying it just not to make me feel bad.

It's the credit. You don't recognize why would I do such a thing that's not even innate to me. And with that you fail. You absolutely failed. It goes to show you know nothing about me and you don't even care. And why would I care about you? You no longer deserve it. You just made it easier for me to see what kind of a person you are. You just made it clear where do I stand from your stance. And I just don't wanna take more of it. More of your games and pretensions.

My Friends and their Diabolical Plan

I don't know if I should be grateful for having a bunch of supportive friends coz sometimes they feel like a curse. I'm talking about my friends at work. Actually they're kind, cheerful and trustworthy. But they also have a dark side (exaggeration) and I'm often the victim of their wicked, viscious plans (puppy eyes). I guess they really love me like that.

Anyway, since it's almost February, our HR announced that we will be having a 2-week Valentine celebration starting next week. Cool, right? No. Not anymore when I found out they are up to something.

Our HR came up with "Battle of the Singles" game. Here's how it goes : All names of single ladies (which I am one) and men will be posted. On the first round everyone will cast a vote who they want to eliminate. The top 2 ladies and top 2 men who have the least votes to elimate will qualify for the next round. In the next round, employees will vote who they want to win. They will drop one peso (Php1.00) in the ballot box whenever they cast a vote. Whoever accumulates the highest sum of money goes on a date, with of course the money they've accumulated as the prize.

I can't believe I just explained the rules.

After the announcement, the three of them looked at each other, eyes sparkling, smiling scornfully. And I knew then they were up to something. I could actually smell it.

Their target? ME!!! Who else would be a better prey?

Their diabolical plan : For me to win that date!

Pathetic. I know!

Before I'm gonna divulge their strategy, you might wonder "what's in it for me?". If you have read my previous post you would know about Mr. Someone, right? Right. Mr. Someone-is-a-colleague-who-happens-to-be-my-partner-in-that-fashion-show-which-I-refused-to-join-at-first-but-my-sinister-friends-forced-me-to-and-now-I-don't-know-if-I-should-thank-them-coz-you-know... arrggghhh!!! fill in the blanks coz it's going to be another post.

During our lunch break at the cafeteria they were campaigning to everyone and I mean everyone inside the cafeteria. They're making rounds on all tables, telling everyone they meet at the hallway or wherever to vote for me and Mr. Someone! They are that crazy.

I know I shouldn't bother coz it's just a little thing and I would look so childish if I'd let the teasing get into my  nerves BUT SERIOUSLY IT BOTHERS ME. I just don't like being exposed or put myself into the limelight. It feels like "showbiz" and I hate that. Not just my kind of thing. I'm the type who doesn't crave much for public attention.

And speaking of public attention, my friends are on their feet and they're serious about getting the voting public. They're devising a poster with our picture on it and they're going to post it in the bulletin boards. Whoooaahh!!! This is NOT so cool. I should do something to thwart their plan but it seems my tactics won't work. I tried bribing, treating them to dinner and booze but I get snubbed. Grrrr....! They are ridiculously serious. Or aren't they? Maybe I should start beating them until their bones crack... But 3 against 1? Nah! I won't stand a chance.

So let's just wait and see what will happen on Valentines Day. Before we went back to work I heard them talking about shelling out some cash just to make sure we'll bag the highest sum of money. Damn! This doesn't look so good. Tsk...tsk...tsk....

Please Rain, I already have issues. Don't add to it.

There's no doubt about it... Rainy days are here!!! Well, looks like I'm going to miss Mr. Sunny for a couple more months, or a month if I'm lucky. It's no secret that I have more affection to Mr. Sunny but he's out there hiding beneath the gloomy clouds. It's alright though, I'll have plenty and more of him when summer comes.

So the rain doesn't have plans to stop anytime soon. Doesn't it ever get tired from pouring all day and night? I missed Sinulog because of it! Errr... I decided against going to the streets and watch the street dance because : (a.) it's unbelievably crowded. (b.) the long walks! damn. haven't I learned my lesson? if I'm going to sum up how far I have walked, it will translate into miles. that far! (c.) i figured i'm going to walk my way home (like last year). yeah! the roads were blocked and streets were jump packed. you've got no choice but to walk. (d.) crappy weather.

       this is me striking a pose with one of the hundreds of contingents for the sinulog street dance. (taken last jan. 2010)

Actually, I can manage the crowd and the long walks. When you see people dancing in the street in their colorful costumes, it gives you a boost of excitement and you'll forget how tired you are. Oh and not to mention the stinky smell of some people around you. But the crappy weather? No! I've had enough. Last year we were soaking wet and our toes were draped with dirt. Besides, my partners in crime don't think it is a good idea for us to be out there so we just settled.

I missed a yearly event because of you RAIN! Don't tell me you will not let me enjoy my trip next week. Come on! Have a little mercy on the poor girl...

Okay. I'm going to compromise and make a promise that I'll stop cursing you and I will no longer write rant posts about you in this blog. Now do we have a deal? I'm fucking serious here! Just take a break and let Mr. Sunny fill your absence okay? A week without you is just what I need. Please! I'm dealing with lots of issues in my life today and you don't want to be part of it, do you? Thanks.

When they FIND WAYS to piss me off!

Dear BDO,

I hate to start my week ranting but you're absolutely trying my patience! 

First, I don't understand why you require all your internet banking users to change their passwords every 3 months. I know that is part of your security measures. Thanks! I get it. If you do the math, I get to change my password 4 times in a year, right? I was OK with that at first. But when I start running out of familiar password to use, IT WAS NO LONGER COOL. You see, I have 2 email accounts, 2 facebook, friendster, twitter, youtube, pinoyexchange, blogger, paypal etcetera.... I log on to 7 software applications in our company plus 6 administrative tools, and guess what? I'm using the same password for all of these. Coz you know why? Because it's hard to manage and memorize 25 different passwords at the same time.

Now with these frequent password change I ran out of new passwords that sound closer to my usual password. And the thing is you don't allow me to reuse my previous passwords, damn!

Earlier this year, I was locked out from the system. I tried the "forgot password" utility and when I fill in the 'mother's maiden name' field, the system won't accept my answer. Whaaaat???! So now I do not know what my mother's maiden name is? I'm pretty sure I filled in the correct data when I signed up. What the hell?!

I have to call customer service's hotline for that. And I hate calling customer service coz they keep me long on the line and they ask questions NBI-style. It was so tiring going through my personal info over and over.

I learned my lesson well coz after that 10-minute question and answer portion, I saved my new password on my cellphone. And I tend to do that every 3 months. Everytime you require me to change my password. Then lastweek, my forgetfulness got the best of me. I forgot to save my password and when I logged in - BLANK. I just can't remember. I tried guessing and I ended up being locked out. Again! For the second time.

So I clicked "forgot password" and somehow I was able to get through the gruelling question : mother's maiden name. But this isn't just my lucky day. There is more challenging, mind-boggling, unthinkable, inconceivable, bewildering question that I have yet to answer before I could reset my password.

NOT APPLICABLE?

Really, huh?! And since when did 'NOT APPLICABLE' become a question? Or when did it become a crucial part in changing password, huh?! Enlighten me please!!!!! Coz I don't understand and I don't know what's that suppose to mean or what should I put in there! Genius, BDO. Genius!!!!!!!!

You really stood up to your motto : "WE FIND WAYS" Yeah! You find ways to make our lives miserable! You find ways to piss me off! And I must say that you're actually good at it coz now I'm very much infuriated!

I need to gain access to my account. It's very important to me and convenient coz that is where I do all my payments. And it's been 2 hours since I sent you e-mail regarding that 'NOT APPLICABLE' field which you force me to fill-in which I absolutely have no idea about. But still I haven't gotten any word from you. So you really want me to make that call? Fine!!!! You really want to waste my time talking shit on the phone.

I wish your system will crash down and you will not be able to restore it for a year and you will lose all important transactions and all your clients will go after you and sue you! I.MEAN.IT.

To my EX-FRIEND

I did something MEAN.

I wasn't in speaking terms with one of my closest friends for more than a month now. We were completely ignoring each other and I wouldn't shrug even if she'll sit beside me or we'll brush shoulders on the stairs. I don't like to see her around. I can't stand the sight of her! I know I sound much of a hater but that's what I truly feel for her. This is not the first time we acted like total strangers, but this is the longest we ever did.

I can't say who among us is more hurt. I can't speak for her feelings in the same way that she can't understand how disappointed I am to her. I'm disappointed coz I thought she knew me well and she loved me despite all my flaws and imperfections. I thought she accepted me for all the silly things I've done. I know I'm not that good and I'm not perfect. I'm a "work-in progress". So don't expect me to act perfectly under an imperfect situation where my judgment could easily snap! I was going through an uphill battle that time, it was hard to choose right from wrong, and she, of all people knew that! She, of all people should have felt my emotional outburst. And she, of all people should be the first to understand me - NOT that I'm the one to seek understanding from her.

I  know I have hurt her for things I've said. Maybe if I'll go back in time I would still say those words coz that's what I'm feeling right at the moment. I wouldn't pretend. Yet, I sincerely apologized for making her feel bad. And I would understand if she can't accept my apology when we had a heart to heart talk. But what I don't get is why does she have to pretend she's OK and we're OK when deep within her she was still hurting and she hadn't completely forgiven me. I  would understand. Really.

And then after quite sometime she'll get back at me, accusing me of expelling her? What the heck?! I may not be the best person in the world but I'm the type who would cherish her friends and wouldn't trade them for someone who just came out to ruin my life. If she thinks I can let go of our  friendship that easily,  then it goes to show that she doesn't knew me that much and I'm quite disappointed.

I removed her in my facebook and blocked her. I know it's puerile of me but I'm just being true to myself - I don't want to do anything with her.

Friday's coming fast and I need your help!

Guys I  need your prayer, I mean your suggestions. Well, on second thoughts, your prayers might actually come in handy. Here's why : I've told you already that our company will be celebrating its anniversary at the end of this month. So there are lots of activities in line for that celebration. One of which is the fashion week that happens every friday, in which we're supposed to wear clothes that represents the theme for the week. Two weeks ago we relived the 70s. Last week we looked like Madonna and Michael Jackson's fanatics. That's how crazy we are! I almost thought I was working for Runway Magazine when I saw my colleagues pulled off some of the best looks from the 70s and 80s. And for this week... 90s it is my friends!

Now here's the catch. Since we're composed of teams, each team shall have a representative for the said fashion show. And by fashion show I meant you have to walk down the ramp, flaunt your clothes / dress / get-up WHATEVER!!! In plain, simple, understandable terms - you do the CATWALK like a MODEL does! 

Very much like this :

Fuck!!!

So why am I cursing like that??!

Because this Friday, my teammates are forcing me to do that! DAMN YOU PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They didn't ask me first. They just wrote down my name on the list of "participants" and ta-da!!! I'm the official representative for the 90s fashion show. H*** CRAP!!!!!!

Don't you laugh coz it's not FUNNY!

***wails WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH............

I HATE THEM! I HATE them for doing this to ME!!! Are they on coke or something??? Seriously, what-were-they-thinking?

Okay, I understand there are only a handful females in our group but can't they choose someone else? Someone who is more than willing to do the catwalk, smile and pose before the crowd?

Come on guys!!! In my 29 years, I have never did such a thing. Not even a local beauty contest on the street. And I never ever dared dreaming of that. It's not my cup of tea for crying out loud!!! So what the HECK is this all about??!

And they keep on saying this is just for fun. FUN my ass!!! I don't know where would I find the nerve to do something like that. I have a thick face I know but I'm not flashy like that. I'm extrovert on some things but hitting the ramp is certainly, definitely not one of the many things I fancied. NOT IN A MILLION YEARS!!! Not even in my next lifetime!!!!

I tried protesting, blackmailing, threatened everyone to no avail. I might even resort to crying but no one seemed to take on my side. And the assholes are even encouraging me. They're even more excited! 

Fine! Cheers to you guys! I'll be drinking straight up with this one :

P.S. 

Any suggestions about the 90s fashion? I mean the dress, the look? Homaygawd I can't believe I'm really doing this but I've got no choice and I can't escape.  You're free to give me ideas or tips... I don't know. But I guess I need your prayers more than anything hahaha!

Ha! Serves You Right!

Heeeeyyyyy! I found an effective, awesome way to shut off someone from commenting on your facebook status. Oh just a quick reminder : this is going to be a small facebook talk so please bear with me. Actually this feature has been in placed for quite sometime but I thought of using it recently. When patience is put to test, might use technology to your advantage. That being said, I banned someone from commenting every time I write something on my wall.

Here's the whole story :

This person is a friend of mine. We're actually roomates. She treats me like an older sister and I do treat her like a younger sibling coz I don't have a choice. Hahahaha! No. Just kidding. Seriously, she's so dear to me.

It all started with this post :

Sorry but I feel the need to remove my pic and name. And yes I sounded overly dramatic, somewhat broken-hearted which utterly caused a stir leaving my friends intrigued. But really, it was just another random thought.

One who first commented was a college classmate who is a good friend of mine, which my roomate thought would be a "perfect match" for me. See? I just mentioned on my previous post how the people around me are so concerned about getting myself a perfect guy to get hitched with. My roomate would even resort to pimping me out just to make sure I'll walk down the aisle before she does. And she sees Mr. Classmate a good potential / candidate coz we had our friendship going on for quite sometime.

She started teasing us. Bluntly. Upfront. Not caring how many people would be able to read it. It would be alright if it's only the three of us in the thread (Me, Roomate, Mr. Classmate). But we're talking about more than 10 people on the loop! Don't ya think the joke is on me??!

Okay, never mind me. Never mind my feelings. I have a thick face, you know... I can survive being bullied though I'm not all too happy about it. I was more concerned about how Mr. Classmate would react/think about ME...... or the whole comic situation. Not everyone could take on a joke like that. And I can tell coz he never reacted afterwards.

I warned her about the incident. Thought I made myself pretty clear until yesterday when she left a comment on my new post. The comment was totally OUT-OF-PLACE. Come on! I like it when someone leaves a comment but I'd surely be disgusted if that comment is in NO WAY RELATED TO THE POST. And what's more humiliating was that her comment was a reply to Mr. Classmate's and she was saying that the reason of my being emotional these days is because I'm missing Mr. Classmate!

Whoah!

Did she ever realize she's making it awkward for us? I mean, if ever there's a probability of us having any sort of romantic relationship in the offing, can't she just leave it to the universe???!

So I went to the privacy settings, clicked the "customize settings" link, looked for "can comment on my post" and placed her name under exception. And......

Tada!!!!!!!!!

Thank you facebook for coming up with a brilliant idea! Whenever she tries to access my page the comment box is disabled bwahahahahhahahahahahahahahaha!

So much for unwanted comments!

When she found out she told me I'm over-reacting. Over-reacting alright! But it's my facebook account and I can do whatever I want!

Maybe I should accept the fact that I'm a BITCH!

A bitch is a female dog and we all know that. But for some reasons it is used to refer to a woman who is unpleasant and difficult to handle. I may not be the nicest person in the universe but I'm friendly and I do have lots and lots and lots of friends.

Remember the facebook deleting incident? The one I posted last monday about a guy officemate who deleted my precious name (ahahaha!) on his facebook account because he thinks I'm not worthy at all? We'll, he had come to his senses and sent a friend request to me. Actually we're friends now but that doesn't mean I won't get even at him. Because I'm a bit nicer, I did not ignore the friend request but I did not confirm it as well. I will just leave it dangling at the corner along with the pending request until I made up my mind hahaha!

But this post is not about that. I won't give him another citation in this blog of mine. Huh! Lucky him.

Let's talk about twitter this time. I have a twitter account but I don't use it as a means to connect with friends, rather I use it to follow the lives of famous celebrities. If facebook connects you with people you went to school with, twitter connects you with people you wish you went to school with. That's basically how the "bird" works.

Tweet. Tweet. Tweet.

So I'm following a certain local celebrity. She's not totally my idol but i admire her for her witty, funny punchline and outrageous fashion sense. Anyone in mind???

Sorry..... I'm not dropping names....

Yesterday I read her tweet and I felt the urge to reply. I usually don't bother myself to reply at their tweets because they also don't bother to reply at me. So why bother?

Did I just bother you with my constant repeat on the word "bother"? Anyhoo, don't bother it.

They say I'm Miss I-Have-An-Opinion-To-Everything. Maybe that's why I became a blogger because I love speaking up my mind and I'd hate it if I'm not able to express my opinion.

In my opinion blah blah blah....

I replied in a nice, friendly way. I did not yell. I mean the tone of my words are not "yelling". I even said in my reply "I respect your opinion but....." and "This is just my opinion you don't have to agree with me. Thanks!".

Now tell me, was that bitchy? Did I sound irritating /provoking / antagonizing / upsetting / annoying?

I DON'T THINK SO!

She deleted me. Hahahahaha!!!

Again????

Yes.

Funny how some people can't even take other's opinion. They should not express their thoughts on social media if they get mad when others don't follow suit. If others don't agree with your views, SO WHAT???! You won't die!!! If you can't take other's opinion, go somewhere else. This is a free country anyway!

I didn't follow her back. Not worth my time.

But I sent her a direct message :

"Thanks for deleting me in your list. You Suck!"

I was suppose to say F***! but I recoiled.

Not worth the curse.

Then I added :

"I hope your career will deteriorate fast. I would pray every single day for that."

*evil laugh* Bwahahahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhaa....................!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course I didn't mean what I said and I never prayed harm to anyone. I just wanted to piss her off.

fed up with CEBU PACIFIC!!! (Part 2: The Sorry Story)

This post is actually a sequel to my unfinished rant on my supposed "FREE FLIGHT" privilege from Cebu Pacific. I was pondering whether to blog this or not because I don't want to sound like a senile, old woman fuming over some petty, insignificant matters. But as expected my impulses and annoyance got the better of me and I thought that unloading these shrapnels of disappointment would be a better way to get even (at least) with them.

So I went a bit overboard and called up nine times already since last week. In case you're wondering if I don't ever get tired? Well, I do and I'm totally fed up. Imagine how many times they had to put  me on hold while they check on their records. I was disconnected twice and I would redial and wait for a good three minutes before the call went through. I patiently obeyed, not a single whine, when they said to call back after 24 hours coz they have to re-evaluate, re-check, re-validate my concern. Notice the prefix "re", it's getting on my nerves! And so after I e-mailed the scanned copy of the callling card they gave to me at the airport, at the time of my disrupted flight, I was keeping my hopes up that I would FINALLY get that fucking FREE FLIGHT.

The operator, in her most soothing, sympathetic voice (take note that I was already on the phone for five minutes and have been put on hold twice) broke the sorry news to me. MY FREE FLIGHT VOUCHER IS INVALID.

Wait. Say that again?

My free flight voucher is invalid.

After all the calling, the follow-up, which totally made me look like I'm a cheapskate, this is the answer I'm gonna get??? What the ****!!!!
The reason? Cancelled flights due to bad weather do not entitle a free flight. Apparently, their staff made a mistake of issuing a travel voucher to the passengers.

Fine.

I was trying to be in my best behavior despite the nagging feeling, the clenching fist and the urge to transform into a psycho-freak godzilla. I've been running profane words in my head that I wanted to scream at them while my mouth is ready to curse at 60 words per minute at any given time. Before my sight went blank I took a deep breath and told the operator I'm fine with it and put down the phone. (I really wanted to slam the receiver but I'm not willing to pay for the damage.)

Here's my message to CEBU PACIFIC :
SUCK.YOUR.FREE.FLIGHT!

CRAP!

You made us (me in particular) fool at your scheming tactics by not informing us right away that it was all a mistake!


I was on that special flight which you set up the following day for those passengers whose flight have been disrupted, yet no one bothered, no, make that CARED to inform us that the travel voucher you issued was a fucking piece of shit!

What an efficient system you have. You made me call nine times before you finally figured this is another slip-up on your part?!


Well, thank you for making my day. I really look forward to fly with you soon! (note sarcasm on the tone)


P.S. I really wanted to throw more harsh words to them but i'm no miss sent me ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD this morning. Yayyy!!! That definitely made my day and mellowed my rage. I'll be posting it tomorrow since I wouldn't surely sound lovely after I've blown my top.




Related post : fed up with CEBU PACIFIC!!!

fed up with CEBU PACIFIC!!!!

I've had enough!

So they think it's fine for their paying customer to call over and over and over to their goddamn hotline and wait for 3-5 minutes before an operator picks it and attends to your concern?

So they think it's perfectly fine that after calling for the fifth time, the answer I'm gonna get from them is to call back after 24 hours?

So they honestly believe that I'm enjoying every single minute of my precious time on the phone reciting about my concern for the nth time until they finally get the message across that all I want is to get my FREE FLIGHT ticket for crying out loud!!!

I sounded cheapskate, didn't I?

Before you mull on the impression that I'm indeed a cheapskate - HEAR ME OUT!

Last March 31, the flight back to my hometown was cancelled due to bad weather. If you happened to read my blog, My first taste of flight inconvenience you already know how messy that day was for me, and I refuse to recall the summary of events on that day simply because I just don't want to remember it. Period.

Okay. Let's cut to the chase. As a way of making up for the disrupted flight, the airline gave freebie to the annoyed passengers. In this case, the freebie is a FREE FLIGHT to any local destination, valid for 6 months. Yay!!! Isn't it such a great idea? I have an upcoming trip this June and I might as well make use of it.

So last week I called the number on the card eager to claim my free flight. The operator asked for the travel voucher number. Hell, what is that? That personnel in the airport only gave me a card which resembles a calling card with their hotline number on it and an instruction at the back on how to redeem the free flight. There was no writing of any number of sorts that would look like a travel voucher or whatever.

Then she said "Ah, they must have given you the old tavel voucher. I'll just check our record for the number." So we're settled then.

After two minutes......

Apparently, Cebu airport hasn't updated their system. Meaning - they haven't allocated a travel voucher yet for those flight cancelled on March 31st. Meaning - I won't be able to redeem that effing free flight yet, though the guidelines clearly said it is redeemable 24 hours after flight disruption. 24 hours had definitely passed. It's been almost 2 weeks my friend. What the heck!

I made another call after an hour (coz she said so) hoping their system has been updated. And probably by then she can see my name on the list telling her I am entitled to that damn freaking free flight. Well, looks like I'm into some wild goose chasing. Their system cannot put up with my simple demand coz until this very day, this very hour, they still ask me to call back tomorrow. Then the day after tomorrow and so on and so forth. C'mon! I mean we're not in 1960s?! We're suppose to have real-time data and information as commnication is getting better and sophisticated these days.

I really had enough!

Screw Cebu Pacific and your fuckin' free flight!!!!

Get a life! You, Adam Corolla!!

I heard another controversy during the primetime news last night. A radio host apparently threw off some degrading racial slur to the entire Filipino nation. Here's what he said :

***Quote :

" An Italian-American radio host is in trouble for lashing out at the entire Filipino nation including Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, calling him illiterate and for implying that the Philippines is a nation of whores 
Adam Corolla, an Italian-American comedian who made a name as radio host in his own shows known as 'The Adam Corolla Podcast' , 'Loveline' and 'The Adam Corolla Show', is in big trouble for verbally attacking Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in his program. 
(See the above video to hear Carolla's remarks) 
Not contented with his racial assault on the Filipino boxing icon by calling him "a f****ing idiot" and illiterate, Corolla continued his tirade on the entire Filipino nation by implying that the Philippines is a nation of whores. 
Examiner.com reports: 
Adam Carolla starts off his vulgar tirade by bashing Manny for not giving blood before a fight. He then proceeds to say that Manny is off “praying to chicken bones” and that you don’t have to respect him because he’s a “fu**ing idiot”. “Someone has to tell him that it doesn’t make a difference.”[/i]“Here’s how you know when your country doesn’t have a lot going for it: When everything is about Manny Pacquiao...Get a fu**in life as a country” 
He goes on to say, “All you fu**in got is just an illiterate guy who happens to smash other guys in the head better than other people. Really, you want some guy with brain damage running your country? Why don’t you get your sh*t together?” 
He added: “All they have over there is Manny Pacquiao and sex stores. Get your shit together, Philippines!...What happens when Floyd Mayweather beats him? Then what? Does the whole country go into depression?” 
It is quite clear from the statement made by Corolla that he was attacking Pacquiao and the entire Filipino nation. 
Whatever his motivation in uttering these racist and degrading statements, he did not share them with the public. 
In the meantime, damage has been done not only in the person of Manny Pacquiao but to the entire Filipino nation. 
A timely apology could prevent the Filipino people particularly the millions of Pacquiao fans from taking radical actions that will prevent this comedian from repeating the same irresponsible action. "

Unquote ***

Who the hell are you ADAM COROLLA?????

This wasn't the first time I heard someone humiliated the Philippines and the Filipinos in general. Normally, my reaction would be : "uh yeah?" But this time I couldn't help but feel sick to my stomach. This man's really gotten to my nerves.

First off, I don't know who you are Mr. Adam Corolla. I don't know what you're trying to pull off. And I don't care if you're famous, respectable in your field or some big-shot radio host. All I know is you are PATHETIC. Read that? P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C! And you are a sore LOSER! Coz if you're not, then you should not be dragging Manny Pacquiao's name and our country's reputation into your shameless kind-of-circus radio program. And for what? For a few minutes of fame? To draw more listeners? To create some hype and you, of course, is the center of attention. Shame on you!

Yes, Philippines is not a great nation. Yes, we have the most corrupt governance (if there's going to be a ranking of the most corrupt government in the universe, I'm pretty sure we're on top!) Yes, we are poor. Yes, there's a lot  going on in our country - but that's the least of your concern.

I'll tell you what :  Just because Manny Pacquiao is not fluent and articulate in speaking English doesn't mean he's illiterate. Just because he wants to run for public office instead of focusing on his match with  Mayweather doesn't mean he's a "fucking idiot".  And oh, this whole Mayweather fight is not the be-all and end-all of our existence. We have so many problems going on and we've gone through many calamities and disasters unimaginable. So if ever he losses over Mayweather, that will not make us succumb to depression. Coz you know why? We're one STRONG nation and we are far BETTER than you are.

But this sex stores really bothers me. Forgive my ignorance but I didn't know there are lots of sex stores here in the Philippines. You gotta be kidding me. Really! Educate me please... Can you tell me where these are? Coz if you happen to know these sex stores, it means that you've gone to them, which makes you even worse than all Filipina whores combined!

I feel lucky and happy that I don't share the same blood and race as you are. It sucks being you! And if one day I'll die and live again, I'd still want to be a Filipino. No amount of humiliation, disgrace, insult and racism can put us down. And for the record, we do not step on somebody else's toe just to get a good mileage of our show.

My first taste of flight inconvenience

Sure I thought I won't be blogging for the rest of the week as my way of doing sacrifice (internet fasting, that is) for the Lenten season. But just before the onset of Holy Thursday, I never thought there's a need for me to unload this unsatisfying, disappointing feeling that urged me to sit on a chair, turn on the computer and blog about it. The thing I like about writing, or blogging for that matter, is it allows me to speak up my mind, say out loud what's in my heart, rant about everything and anything I could think of, without feeling guilty that I can hurt somebody else's feeling. The fact that I can completey share my thoughts without being afraid that someone might contradict or reject them is liberating. So speaking of liberating - I want to liberate this gnashing feeling I had in my heart, coz for a second, I thought I'm having hypertension.

This is such a terrible day! Actually, as of this writing, I'm supposed to be home with my family. Like I said in my previous blog, I'm spending lenten season back home. I'm a type of person who plans ahead. Who sees to it that everything is in order. Who wants to be in control of her time. So because I knew that going home at this point of time, where everyone else are also taking a trip back to their respective homes, I knew darn well airport is a mess - flights fully booked, passengers here and there. So I booked my flight two months in advance. Roundtrip. I arrived early (I seriously take the "check-in one hour before departure" rule). Everything was fine. I got my ticket and proceeded to the waiting area excited to read the book I brought along. But lo and behold! After passing my things on the x-ray machine, the guard asked me to check-in the herbal medicines (which are for my mother). Normally, I'd hand carry them. And I've been doing it for quite sometime. And since arguing with the guard, who obviously is just doing her job, is the least of my concern, I agreed to go back to the counter and have the bottles checked in. Oh I thought I would only pay an additional 100 pesos, but wait, why are they making me pay 400 pesos? 400 pesos for the damn 6 bottles that weighs 3 kilos? Are they kidding me? Coz it's not at all funny! And I can remember well, very well, that when you travel go-lite (go-lite means you don't have baggage for check-in but you're allowed to hand carry 2 of your belongings but not exceeding 7 pounds), you will only add a hundred peso in case you decide to have your baggage checked in. Of course I told the airline personnel about that, yet she insisted on her point so who am I to insist on mine when I'm not even sure if they have amended the rule or not. Okay, 400 pesos down the drain huhuhuhu... Good thing I had some extra cash so I didn't run around the airport like an idiot looking for an atm machine like what had happened two years ago when the payment for my excess baggage went nuts.

Boarding time...

One thing I like about this airline is that they usually call their passengers to board the aircraft 30 minutes ahead of departure time. And as soon as everyone is seated comfortably on their seats, attendants done demonstrating safety measures in cases of emergency and all those tape-recorded reminders (which I had already memorized), up we go climbing high into the sky. But today was different. I was seated in the front row beside the window which is actually my favorite spot and Im so happy about it, yet I noticed the flight attendants weren't doing their usual routine - headcounts, demonstrating how to put on a lifevest, etc. I glanced on my watch and 10 minutes have already pass the hour of our ETD. A few moments later, the captain's voice emerged from the cockpit, informing us that our flight will be shortly delayed. Apparently, the airport at my destination was closed due to bad weather. Well, what else is knew... I always say that my hometown is Forks. Yep, that Forks in twilight, where Bella Swan and the Cullen lives, that famous book, remember? Take this as a joke : there are only two seasons in my hometown, rainy season .... and.... VERY rainy season!

We waited for 3o minutes. Then another 30 minutes. I keep on twitching from my seat. Another 30 minutes. And I'm no longer reading the book. What the hell is wrong? And why I'm hearing flight attendants saying we're deplaning. Deplaning? Oh my God!!!! The flight was cancelled!!! It took all my sanity to realize and understand the simple word CANCELLED! What the ****?!!!! Urrrggghhhhh!!!! I'm sooooo... disappointed? dismayed? angry? frustrated? Name it!! To hell with the rain!!! Why does it have to rain on this day, on that hour, at that time exactly? I don't blame the airline for taking such action, they're doing us a favor actually. I mean they're looking at our safety and as much as I wanted to go home, I wouldn't wanna go home unidentified or worse unfound because the plane crashed. Ewwww.... Trust me, I'm best at having morbid thoughts hahaha!

So I went back to the counter hoping there are still available flights. And like I said, it's peak season so you don't expect to catch a vacant flight easily. And the line is so long! And what's taking us more time to inch forward is that some passengers cannot decide which flight they will take, if they're going to cancel or rebook, or if they want to re-route it to Timbukto or to God knows where. I'm really impatient when it comes to this, that's why I book my flights early to avoid panic, the uber-dreaded long lines and these inconsiderate creatures who take too much time on their turn not thinking about the seemingly mile queue behind them.

Homaygawd!!! The last thing I wanted right then is to re-route my flight or have it scheduled on Black Friday - that I'm sure only a few would be travelling. As luck would have it, they scheduled a special flight for tomorrow at 4PM. Yes, I really do want to protest. Why can't they make it at 4AM instead???!! I really wanna go home soooo badly huhuhu...

After the gruelling flight reschedule session, I went downstairs to claim my baggage. And there! I found them beside the conveyor looking like lost puppies waiting for their owners to get them. Finally, I managed to get home without any complication, thank God. While sitting on the cab I realized how exhausted I am, how famished and how this day has been soooo.......urrghh! never mind! I'm just glad the pizza that my roomate left last night was still on the table and I grabbed it without any word. Hahaayyy... Tomorrow is another day (a line from the commercial). And I hope it's going to be fine. I hope it's not going to rain in Forks. I hope my flight won't be cancelled or delayed. I hope to be home...

My rants, sentiments & frustrations in this ruthless society

Every morning when I get out of bed, it has been my habit to sit on the couch and grab the morning paper. I usually skip headlines coz I find it depressing to read disputes ending in tragic slaying first thing in the morning. I'd leaf through the showbiz news portion instead (aryt, I'm a showbiz person), before I head to the bathroom to take a bath. This morning was different. My sleepy eyes caught the front page title immediately. It says a sakristan (altar boy) was robbed and killed. Curious, I read the whole story only to be furious in the end.

This helpless, innocent little boy, who have his whole life ahead of him, was running errands for his grandmother (to buy malungay on the nearby street). While walking, he was texting on his Nokia 3310 oblivious to the approaching three men in motorcycle. These three evil, maybe drug addicts, lunatic men declared hold-up. The frightened young boy undoubtedly gave his NOKIA 3310 cellphone without showing any signs to brawl these bloody criminals. To tell you frankly, when we are in a scary situation our brain tells us to fight or flight. I'm sure the boy knew better than to fight, what with these three demonic forces? He ran for his life after handing his phone, and I would like to repeat, a NOKIA 3310 worth 500 pesos for christ's sake!!!

The gunman mercilessly shoot the poor boy in the head in broad daylight. He was brought to the hospital. Critical. But died on that same fateful day. And he was just 14 years old. Now tell me, what kind of a person is that who robs a cellphone worth 500 pesos to a 14 year old boy and shoot him because he ran afterwards? Are they not capable of showing the least mercy to this innocent child who did not do any harm to them? Don't they have siblings or children perhaps his age? Haven't they thought of what would it be if someone also puts a hole through their head coz I'd gladly pull the trigger! Don't they have a heart or conscience maybe? Didn't they realize this young boy might be full of dreams or he may be the hope of his parents? Would they know how many friends, classmates, cousins, and siblings cried upon his demise? How many like him will trudge on the same fate because our society failed to protect him? What does our law enforcers have to say on this? Or this would be another page in their history books - forgotten, disregarded and overlooked.

I want to rant a little : This is not the first time I've heard about hold-up incidents gone out of hand. If my memory had it right, a graduating nursing student was also shoot in the head last year when she refused to gave her new, expensive cellphone. What right do they have to take away the lives of these innocent people? And this young boy didn't even dare to fight off his predators yet he was shoot, still. Why do we tolerate these heartless, vicious, cold-blooded murderers to prey on our safety? I hope conscience eats at them. And whenever they try to sleep, I hope images of that awful boy will hunt them down.

I was just wondering how on earth did they manage to own a gun, carry it and aim at whoever they pleases? Well, the answer is obvious. There have been private individuals illegally selling guns. If you have the money then you can get one in an instant. No license needed! It has been going on for quite sometime yet the police force seem not to mind it. I don't know if there have been action plans to resolve that illegality, but since road killings are rampant nowadays, makes me think otherwise.

My heart goes out to the family of that young boy (whose name I forgot). I hope something will come out during the course of the investigation that will lead to the tracking of the perpetrators. I pray that each one of us will be vigilant and always ask God's protection coz no amount of defense will be tantamount in His shield. And please, no texting while on the road or inside the jeep... for your safety.


(Edit : Added 03/17/10)

A few days after, I read on the same newspaper that some 13-year old saw the whole killing incident which lead to the timely arrest of the perpetrators. The identities of the killers came a surprise to me. They were all young - the driver of the motorcycle was just 16 years old and a former altar boy. While the gunman and his companion were in their early 20s.

I hope they all rot in jail. Sounds cruel, but I really hope.