After all that has happened to me in the past several months, I just praise and thank the Lord. I'm grateful for my family, best friend, friends, my graduation, achievements, Kids' Day Camp, my ministry, my job and the Christian company I'm working at, good co-workers, and realizations and teachings from God every devotion. So many events happened and I just want to thank God for guiding me, protecting me, strengthening me, and teaching me in every situation that I face and every decision that I make.

Thank You Father for everything.

MORE THAN LIFE

Here's a song by Hillsong United. This is one of my favorite songs in their album More than Life (the very first album I bought 5 years ago!!)

Stand by everything You said
Stand by the promises we made
Let go of everything I 've done
I'll run into Your open arms
And all I know

[Chorus:]
I love You more than life
I love You more than life

Fall back on everything You've done
Fall back on everlasting arms
When all the world is swept away
You are all the things I need
You're the air I breathe

How can it be
You were the one on the cross
Lifted for all our shame?
How can it be
The scars in Your hands are for me?
You are the king of all

ALL DREAMS ARE POSSIBLE

I DREAM OF having a great job. My dream job's a cabin crew (actually, architecture was the original one hehe) but I also wanted to experience some other jobs in the industry until I could manage to start up my own business. I DREAM OF helping my family (FINANCIALLY, which is the current issue that makes us all suffer the headaches and all, lol). I DREAM OF traveling with my family, with friends, with best friend, alone, around the world. I DREAM OF visiting Paris, Rome, North Carolina, Hawaii, Singapore, London, etc. I DREAM OF taking long rides/road trip leading to some other place with nothing to do, well, just enjoy the sceneries. I DREAM OF visiting, and, owning a lighthouse. I always remember a scene from the movie Casper when they were sitting at the top of a lighthouse. The lighthouse itself sends me a deeper message. Well, I love its purpose, and, it reminds me of God guiding me through the dark. Seeing a lighthouse makes me feel nostalgic hehe. I DREAM OF spending weekends in a beach, watch the sunrise and sunset. I DREAM OF buying a car. I DREAM OF taking dance lessons, jazz or hiphop, or anything, as long as I can improve my skills. I DREAM OF buying and reading new books. I DREAM OF having a beach wedding. I love seascapes. I love looking at the sea. I DREAM OF making my family happy by buying them whatever they need. I DREAM OF buying him his dream guitar, plus guitar effects. I DREAM OF buying our church equipments for music and kids. I DREAM OF having twins, one girl and one boy. I DREAM OF teaching them Christian values, English, Filipino, some Spanish that I know, some French that I know, how to count 1 to 10 in Nihongo because that's all I could remember, lol, etc. I DREAM OF building a home near or overlooking a sea but to avoid a tsunami, building a home overlooking a cityscape would do, lol. I love looking at the city at night. 

I have lots of dreams. And I know, all of these are possible. I DREAM OF making all my dreams come true. Nothing is impossible with Him. :)

THIS IS FOR YOU

Last Friday, 01 April 2011, was the Solemn Investiture of UST-CTHM, the college where I belonged. It was a very memorable day for me because aside from us graduating students being the Quadricentennial Batch, I also received an award, one that made the whole family and friends very proud of me and of course, I wouldn't have received it without the help of the Lord. He is the ONLY reason behind this achievement. 

After taking the four-year course filled with fear in meeting new friends and professors, with joy in different moments I've shared with the people, with difficulty in accomplishing lots of schoolworks which I was really serious and addicted to, etc, finally, I made it. I made it with the help of the Lord. I was happy to have achieved such good recognition, but I was mostly happy for my family, especially for my mother who sacrificed all her efforts just to provide for my studies. I could still feel her joy...she even cried when she read the letter from the office saying their congratulations to the parents of graduates with honors. I was really happy for her. If she was happy for what I've achieved, I was much happier because I made her happy. That's one of the things I wanted for my family especially for my mother, for her to be happy all the time. And this achievement became a way to bring joy to her and to our family. That's why I praise and thank the Lord for this great accomplishment. 

My partner's also very happy for me because he was a witness to my hardships in my studies. He even helped me in lots of different ways. Thanks to him. He once told me when I was very tired that I already wanted to stop studying, that I should give my best at school because it was the thing that he failed to do, as he spent and focused most of his time on other things. That's why this achievement was also for him. Even though he didn't finish his college with a reward, he helped me finish with a reward though. I share this achievement with him, too. Thanks be to God for everything. :)

GREAT MINDS WITH GREAT FAITH

26 March 2011. Saturday. 

Finally, the project of my partner and his ex-officemate/business partner was dedicated. The dedication was held at The Legend Villas lead by his ex-officemates pastor. His wife, while introducing the two, even shared to us how some incidents happened as if trying to stop the success of this project. But still, the Lord is their partner in this project and He knows the desires of these two workers. Although both of them got sick and had difficulty in finding time to meetup for their project, still the dedication was successful. 

They presented their project in front of young professionals. The project and its whole concept was highly appreciated by every one of us in the room. Aside from the objectives of the project, its main purpose was the highlight of this activity, which is to glorify the Lord. I also appreciated the part of the discussion where the young professionals even gave their comments and suggestions to better improve the whole site.

I admire these two men with great faith in God and with the desire of their hearts to serve the Lord through this project, I believe that this will be a success. I personally became a witness to their longness in pursuing this project and I saw their faith. They begin and end each meeting with a prayer and in the middle of discussions, share each other's views on spiritual maturity. I felt that the Lord was really with them from the very start of this activity. I, together with the few people who witnessed the presentation of the project, am praying for the fulfillment of all their plans for this project, that it may be a blessing to other people, and that it may serve its main purpose, to glorify our God.

A SIGNIFICANT WOMAN

- an excerpt from the book "The 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make" by Pam Farrel

A significant woman bases her identity on who God says she is, and she is committed to do nothing more and nothing less than what her identity demands. In other words, as I line up my thoughts to God's thoughts about me, I will become a woman He can use. When I see myself through His eyes, I realize my value. I am nothing more than a woman saved by His grace, but I am nothing less than a new creation.
When I see myself through God's eyes, I realize His plan for me is found only in obedience. I am nothing more than a servant and am nothing less than an ambassador. I'm not the ,aster, so I don't make up the rules. There is one God, and it's not me! All that He requires from a servant is obedience-there is nothing more I can add. Being an ambassador opens up opportunities. The more God can trust me, the more He will entrust to me. So anything less than obedience means I risk missing out on precious pieces of His plan for me.
When I see myself through God's eyes, I realize my calling and that He has a unique place for me. If I am driven to do more than my calling, then I'm not being the me God designed. If I am so busy trying to be someone else, then who is being me? If in fear I do less than my calling, I miss out on the adventure of being me. Nothing more and nothing less will gain God's applause for me. Decide to make the decision: God, I will be whom You created me to be. Nothing more, nothing less, than being the best possible unique me! I am deciding to line my life up with Your view of me. I choose a connection with You so I can connect to what You have for me.
Today, decide that you will decide. Don't let life happen-make life happen! Decisions move you forward by a series of wise choices. Decide to choose. Victorian novelist George Eliot wad ahead of her time when she wrote, "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Decide to be different. Decide to make things different.

ANOTHER PROOF OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES - Psalm 145:13

Today's activity was the releasing of clearance for graduating students at school. It was the moment every one was waiting for because we would know if we would all be cleared for graduating (which would definitely lessen the tension while waiting for graduation), plus, we would be informed through the small clearance slip if we would be graduating with or without honors.

I and my family have been praying for this achievement. However, if I failed to have this, it's still all right. Ever since I was a child I learned to value accomplishing my studies with honors. I didn't want to "just" accomplish things, I wanted to achieve something, something that would be an evidence of His faithfulness to me that I would definitely give all the praises and glory back to the Lord, the One who has been my partner in these chapters of my life. During my four years of study in college, He has been my guide and He knew all the hardships, challenges, and experiences I've undergone. I really thank Him for everything.

At the receiving room, I got nervous as there were only four students left before me on the queue. I was very glad for my two closest friends (the two students before me) when they received their clearance slips together with the announcement of the tourism chairperson "cum laude". 

Then, it was my turn. Confirmation of my full name, Isabelle Cruz Cortes. Yes Sir, Cortes with the S. You attended the graduation briefing? Yes, Sir. Done with Student Satisfaction Survey? Yes, Sir. He wrote my name on the clearance slip, stamped "CLEARED" on it, and gave it to me with these following words.."cum laude".

I JUST PRAISE AND THANK GOD FOR THIS WONDERFUL BLESSING. THIS IS ANOTHER TESTIMONY OF HOW FAITHFUL HE IS TO HIS PROMISES (PSALM 145:13). HE KNOWS THE DESIRES OF MY HEART AND I KNOW THAT IF I CONTINUE TO REMAIN A FAITHFUL AND COMMITTED SERVANT, HE WILL BLESS ME MORE AND MORE.

NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE MY FEELINGS RIGHT NOW. I AM JUST SPEECHLESS OF THIS ANOTHER BLESSING FROM THE LORD. HE HAS PROVEN A LOT TO ME AND THIS TIME IT IS MY MOMENT TO GIVE BACK ALL THE PRAISES AND THANKSGIVING UNTO HIM ALONE. HE DESERVES ALL THE PRAISES!!

I couldn't wait to tell it to my parents! Yey! 

RANDOM THOUGHTS

It's already past one in the morning and yet I couldn't sleep. I wanted to rest but thoughts kept running through my restless mind..

Late Wednesday morning as I prepared myself for school for the consultation/giving out grades of our practicum supervisor, I noticed an LBC delivery item on the center table. I studied it carefully and confirmed that it was the Life Builder Series that I've ordered from CSM Publishing. I was already late for school but when I received the books, I couldn't help but open the package and browse the lessons inside. I was glad and thought that once I arrive from school, I'd inform the one who assisted me with my inquiry that I already received my orders and thank her for the assistance.

At school, good news awaited me. Though I was late for the consultation (it was only twenty minutes before 1400, the end of the first batch, but I didn't make it, so I'd have to wait for the next batch) which made me disoriented that moment, still I tried to maintain my composure. As I hurried towards our building, I spotted my two blockmates with their practicum reports. I entered the building and headed straight to our practicum supervisor's office. Waley! She's not there. I found my other blockmates seated near the photocopying center and stayed with them. I was quiet the whole time as I felt out of place with their group. I texted my other friend and later on spotted her. I stayed with the group but felt uneasy so I left the company. She spotted me standing in front of the administration's office, near the office of the practicum supervisor, and invited me to join them, telling me as if I wasn't a part of our section. Maybe I was just not in the mood to stay with them. My close friends were not around so until now it was still difficult for me to be with groups I didn't became close to.

Anyway, I thank God for the answered prayer of a good grade for this semester. I was able to see my grade, even though I haven't had the opportunity to talk with our practicum supervisor regarding some matters as I what I've expected the consultation would be, and I had my practicum report back..with its bottom part bitten by our supervisor's dog. Apologies accepted :). I also thank Him for healing me yesterday as I got sick for the third time this semester. I supposed it was caused by overwork or..lack of proper sleep and rest..just like tonight that I must be taking a rest already.

Still got lots of thoughts in mind but better share them in some other time. Gotta sleep now or else I'll prbably get sick...again.

Goodnight and God bless us all. :)

HE HAS GREAT PLANS, I KNOW

So far, my resume's seventy percent done, lol...still had to do a couple of edits and I could already have it printed. But, I got lazy this late afternoon. I couldn't stand long hours in front of the laptop, always thinking aside of how much energy I'd consume just surfing the internet.

I visited my Yahoo mail and surprised myself with a huge number of e-mails from JobsDB. I got hundreds of notifications regarding job hiring related to my field. I browsed IPAMS website again, trying if there would be any job hiring for cabin crew position. And yeah! There was one. Qatar Airways would be having a Female Open-Day Cabin Crew Recruitment Campaign on the 19th of March 2011. Unfortunately, it would be held in Cebu. And to add to this bad news for me, their minimum age requirement is 23 years old. 

Emirates Airlines, too, have their Open Days and Global Assessment Days. Unfortunately, Philippines was not included in their venues.

Seems that these announcements were not for me yet. Sometimes,  I get frustrated because we knew some of our friends would be landing a job after our graduation. One of my classmates got accepted and currently undergoing training as a flight attendant in Cebu Pacific. Another friend of mine was absorbed in a private air transport company she attended to for her OJT. What about me? Hmmm..They always tell me not to be in a hurry. Yes. I'm not. I was just preparing myself. While finishing my training at the airport, I just spend some of my time preparing my CV, browsing the internet for job hiring, etc. I also think about other options for work. Almost everyone knew that I wanted to work at once to be able to support my family. I have many plans for them.

However, there are many "what ifs" in my head as I ponder over this matter. What if no company would accept me? What if I got accepted in the position I long for, and failed to reach the expectations? The second "what if" bothers me because it speaks of my career path. Even though I long for the position of a cabin crew, at this moment I still consider finding a job that I would gain experience first. Probably, an office job basically..so that I would get myself familiar with the workplace first. I'm not really ready to work yet like going to different places..and I still can't imagine living independently, far away from my family. Of course, I'll undergo several trainings if ever God gave me that wonderful opportunity, but somehow I have a fear of getting out of my comfort zone. I mean, I'm not yet ready for these things.

Despite these fears, I know God has great plans for me. It's not just my time yet if . I wanted to work for my family. I wanted to have a good career. And I believe God prepared me the perfect career path. I'm just excited at the next thing God will do in my life. I'm waiting for His blessings. :)

TO-DO LIST

• Create resume and CV plus cover letter
• Search for job openings.
• Eat. 
• Update blogs and other accounts.

EXTENSION

We were asked to extend our duty until March 15 due to the lack of manpower..the fact that a number of senior agents were resigning already gave a hard time to the airport manager, thus requesting us to extend our stay at the airport. However, some of my friends already ended their 600-hour OJT and were not permitted to extend anymore. For the remaining five of us (all girls of UST), we got no excuse because we still got around 70 hours to complete. We were told not to report during nonflight days where we do nothing at the office. Instead, we were requested to report during flight days, when we were actually needed. The moment this thing was brought up during the briefing, the new employees to work for the company already arrived. I wondered why we were still extending when they've got new workers already. Then, I realized that they weren't that well-trained yet about the nooks and crannies of the operations, which will be a difficult time for all of them since they're still on their adjustment stage. They still needed someone like us to help them in simple things like going upstairs just to get some documents or radios, bag tagging, queuing, checking the weight of baggage, etc. So, without the student trainees, it would be a hard time for them because they got nobody to request some simple orders.

Anyway, lots of issues were discussed by us students regarding this matter. I wanted to stop, though. But, it's a good thing to share, too. I just wanted to release some of my bitterness over this experience.

We were even worried with our grades. I told them it's alright for me to receive no incentive for this extension as long as I'll have a good grade. I'm still bitter over the fact that I NEVER cheated with my work posts..unlike "some" who just choose not to do their work just because they didn't want to. Then, they get all the credit and appreciation because they're always like "in front of the crowd"..I call this act as "pabibo"..this was really unfair for us who exert much effort in doing our assigned tasks. Whenever I think of this, I just tell my close friends that God knew that we did our best, that we never cheated. This thought always gives me peace of mind whenever someone cheats that makes it unfair to me on the other hand. God knows every thing that I do. He knows everything.

Hmm..so much for this topic. Just wanted to share my "bitter" thoughts, lol. What I was just about to share that today was, I'm trying to do something productive today. I'll be creating my resume and CV and I'll try to find jobs already. I'm excited for the next big thing God will show me.:D

Practicum Report 9

11 FEBRUARY 2011 – FRIDAY

FIFTY – FOURTH DAY – 1000-1800

Today was a non-flight day. We had nothing to do so we just played word search for the first few hours and watched a movie “Burlesque” again.

I, Keycelyn, and Evan also planned to photocopy some practicum sample works and I just volunteered to do it.

After watching, we just grabbed a snack and went home.

12 FEBRUARY 2011 – SATURDAY

FIFTY – FIFTH DAY – 1300-2100

Today, I did few errands. When it was not yet briefing, Ma’am Arah asked me to photocopy an evaluation form. Next, she told us to prepare the OCS mail. I helped in tearing the passenger manifest. I also gave Keycelyn, Earl, and Mac their photocopied sample works. I was assigned at queue today. Everybody hated this post but I love it. This is the opportunity that I get to interact with the passengers while they were waiting for their turn. Some passengers are friendly, some ignore me, and some don’t listen to me and head straight at the counter at once. They don’t understand my role as a queue comber. Anyway, I just enjoy this post because I have time to talk to the passenger. My co-practicumers didn’t like this because it was very tiring just like today that I almost ran to the counter to sit for awhile because I couldn’t stand the pain in my shoulders and legs. However, even if I love this post, I never get to exchange posts if the assigned practicumer wanted to. I always follow where I was assigned to.

After queuing, I stayed at the counter to rest for awhile before going to the immigration to look for passengers. I took note of some information of the system while I was resting at the counter. For flight info, Shift F7, CTRL E to reduce the display, and CTRL H to add.

The counters already closed and I started looking for passengers at the immigration area.

14 FEBRUARY 2011 – MONDAY

FIFTY – SIXTH DAY – 1200-2000

Today, I was assigned at the check-in counter. Everything went well at the counter.  I was asked by Ma’am Arah to get excess baggage coupons at the office.

It was also Mac’s last day today so we were all sad because we would lose one practicumer again. Many agents were resigning and still Qantas have lots of things to do. They were very thankful they have us practicumers to help them. These past few days we feel the pressure as we always had a full flight yet Qantas already lack manpower.

15 FEBRUARY 2011 – TUESDAY

FIFTY – SEVENTH DAY – 1300-2100

During the briefing, Ma’am Aileen reminded us of the age of UM (unaccompanied minor). The limit of UM passengers would be 12 to 15 years old upon the request of their parents. They should not be seated with a male passenger.

This day every one of us also multitasked because we lack in agents and practicumers already and it was very difficult for us to work.

17 FEBRUARY 2011 – THURSDAY

FIFTY – EIGHTH DAY – 1400-2200

Today I was assigned at the counter. Everything was normal today although we had a full flight and some passengers had clarifications with their travel documents.

I was supposed to have my photos taken at each post but it was cancelled because we were all busy. After counter, I went to the immigration and gate until we waited for pushback and went home.

19 FEBRUARY 2011 – SATURDAY

FIFTY – NINTH DAY – 1300-2100

It was a very tough day for me. This was my last day for my journal and this was a memorable one. Since we lack manpower these past few days, we had difficulties in every post. I was assigned at the gate but I was left with Hsu at the BCO. I was the only one dealing with the many passengers who had excess baggage. Most of the passengers were impatient and this gave me difficulties. Added to this were the slow counters where most passengers had problems, too. At the gate, there was also lack of agents. Our plan of having our photos inside the aircraft was postponed again.

I was already sick this night and we all really felt the difficulty of the tasks. However, I still enjoyed my duty that despite the lack of manpower, I felt that I was able to contribute well to the departure flight that night.

Practicum Report 8

01 FEBRUARY 2011 – TUESDAY

FORTY- FIFTH DAY– 1300-2100

I was assigned at the gate today and instead of positioning at the BCO, I stayed at the check-in counter first to assist Sir Josh. Ma’am Rovynne was shadowing/assisting him so I felt a little awkward because we were already three at the counter when one person could do the job already. Earl, Karen, and Keycelyn were asked to go to the MAAS counter at the departure entrance area. They were to assist two passengers who were first time travelers and one of them was an YP (young passenger). Earl was originally assigned at the check-in so I asked her if she want to exchange posts. She agreed so I, together with Keycelyn, assisted the passengers.

The immigration was full of departing passengers. Upon reaching the gate, the passenger we assisted went outside first. I already started my task at the gate with Ma’am Kamika and Keycelyn. Ma’am Kamika was one of the new trainees at Qantas but they were not yet regular employees. I and Keycelyn were a little annoyed because she told us to move as if we didn’t know our job. It was later that we knew some of the trainees were also having issues with her. When she left, we just continued our task. For me, it was alright to be commanded by the new trainees because they will eventually become our future bosses. However, her tone was not acceptable that time.

My head ached while I was ticking boarding passes because there were lots of noises around. Some of my co-practicumers were chatting while working. It was alright though as long as we do our jobs properly. I also enjoyed their company that time but I was a bit distracted and confused which really put a little stress on me.

While waiting for pushback, the new trainees teased and fooled me with one of their co-trainee whom they told had a crush on me. When mango icecream bars were given, the trainee gave me one which made them fool us around. He even asked for my number while we were collecting boarding passes. I was very ashamed that night because the Duty Airport Manager, Sir Eric, Assistant Supervisor Ma’am Nancy, and Senior Agent Sir Dustin, were just at the podium. I knew they heard the making fun of me of the trainees. Anyway, I just ignored it. I was uncomfortable because the trainees would be our future bosses and they didn’t act as such. For me, they must learn to behave properly. It’s not that we couldn’t have fun, it’s just that they’re still new to the group. As future senior agents of QF, they must act properly to gain the respect they want to have from us.

02 FEBRUARY 2011 – WEDNESDAY

FORTY- SIXTH DAY – 1000-1800

I was an hour late today but it’s alright since it’s a non-flight. When I arrived at the office, they were photocopying a book. I was also able to photocopy another book but it was a thicker one. I did the flipping of the pages of the book while Earl did press the buttons and Hsu and Mac and Karen took turns in stacking papers. I felt dizzy and weak in doing the task from around 12 to 2 in the afternoon, so I already stopped and Mac took my place. It was an achievement for me to have photocopied a thick book but I was worried at the radiation and what it might cause my health. Even so, I felt glad as time passed by quickly and I was able to finish photocopying almost the whole book, well, the last part, appendices, was done by Mac and it was the time I gave up already. Sir Larry called for Evan and Karen for a task. They imparted the task to us. There would be a board meeting tomorrow and six ushers were needed. Ancla and Hsu volunteered at once so I was left with no slot already since three girls and three boys were needed where Karen and Evan was already chosen. I wanted to join but I have no black dress and it was also too early. We planned for the things needed and finalized the ushers and usherettes. Then, since I was not joining, I just continued with my journal.

03 FEBRUARY 2011 – THURSDAY

FORTY – SEVENTH DAY – 1400-2200

This day I was an hour earlier. I started to go to office earlier and gain all the time I lost before. There was a board meeting today involving some Qantas agents, staff, security personnel, and other high authorities of Qantas and MIAA. My co-practicumers, Evan, Mac, Marky, Hsu, Karen, and Ancla ushered in the event. It was from 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, so I didn’t join because it was early and it was even a short notice.

I was assigned at the check-in counter today. I was with Sir Josh and Ma’am Kamika. Sir Josh was mentoring Kamika and I was surprised when Sir Josh told me to oversee her. He was a bit irritated to Ma’am Kamika maybe because of the issues with her.

During my duty at the counter, I was able to review some check-in information. Sir Eric reminded us to take down notes of some details we encounter so there would be fewer questions during duty. For change seat, press Shift F11. For domestic flights QF400 and above, swing tags must be placed. Some commands from agents today were: I was asked by Sir Josh to bring the passport of a passenger to Ma’am Pat. Next, Sir Jj told me to follow up the check-in baggage of two transit passengers from Cathay Pacific. I approached their counter and they even asked if I had a Facebook account and if they could be friends with me. This is what I enjoy at the airport, meeting new friends.

04 FEBRUARY 2011 – FRIDAY

FORTY – EIGHTH – 1000-1800

I was an hour late today. We did nothing today. We just watched a morbid movie “Guinea Pig” and a chick-flick movie “500 Days of Summer”. Ma’am Pat also invited us for McDonald’s delivery. Then, we just waited until it was 6 p.m.

05 FEBRUARY 2011 – SATURDAY

FORTY – NINTH – 1300-2100

I was assigned at the counter today. Everything went well during the check-in process though it will not be avoided that some passengers would have problems with their documents.

At the immigration, we searched for QF passengers at once to avoid delay in departure flight. I distinguished a family who’d be departing for QF. I was about to assist them at the gate after the body check but when they’ve passed the X-ray machine, an immigration/customs officer got the handcarry of the mother and checked it. She was about to confiscate a fork and spoon. I was irritated at the officer because she knew that QF was boarding already and I was telling them to be in a hurry but the officer was like intending to slow down the bag check. The security personnel and the immigration officers sometimes have mood swings. Sometimes they do bag checks, sometimes they don’t.

07 FEBRUARY 2011 – MONDAY

FIFTIETH DAY – 1200-2000

I was an hour earlier today. I was a bit nervous because it’s my second time only at the queue. However, I was also excited because in queue, I was able to interact with people especially while they’re waiting for their turn at the counter. Sometimes, I use the time to talk to them.

At the queue, I met my grade school teacher/adviser with her Australian husband. She was very surprised to see me after several years. She was shocked with my height and appearance. I was very glad to see her also. I also wasn’t able to pay attention to the passenger before them because I got excited to talk to her. After they have checked-in, she even took a picture with me. I told them that I’d meet them again later at the gate. Unfortunately, I didn’t see them again because I was tasked to go at the Immigration. At the queue, an Australian was also amazed at my height. It was unusual for them to see tall Filipinas.

After queuing, I together with the other agents and practicumers, started looking for QF passengers since we had an early arrival, which meant we would also try to depart the aircraft earlier.

08 FEBRUARY 2011 – TUESDAY

FIFTY – FIRST DAY – 1300-2100

We had a class meeting at UST today from 0800-1000. We talked about the practicum report and research and graduation guidelines. There was also a job fair at the Plaza Mayor which started today, 08 February, until 10 February. I was able to submit three resumes at American Express, Rajah Travel Corporation, and Chateau (restaurants). I also signed up at GoFluent, WMS, and Philippine Airlines. I was glad to have experienced the job fair as I was able to expose myself in different companies. It felt good for me to submit resumes. Even if I wasn’t accepted yet, I got excited in searching for jobs that would suite my capabilities.

I had a duty today. My time-in was 2 p.m. already because we left late from UST. I was assigned at BCO-Gate today. It was very tiring day today because of the hot temperature. At BCO, we interacted with a priest whom I thought was weird. Sir Cyrus was calm explaining him that he had to remove his carry-on from his check-in because his baggage was in excess of three kilos. The priest answered back in a scary tone and told Sir Cyrus “I am being irate because you are irate”. His eyes were directed straight at Sir Cyrus and we were all scared. He was like the priests in an exorcism movie.

After BCO, I went down to the gate.

09 FEBRUARY 2011 – WEDNESDAY

FIFTY – SECOND DAY – 1000-1800

I came an hour late today but my co-practicumers were not yet around either. I just did my practicum report. Sir Eric requested me to go to BDO arrival area to pay for his bills.

The whole afternoon we arranged the documents needed for the practicum report. We searched for the history of Qantas as well as other information in the Qantas manuals.

After planning for practicum report, we watched “Burlesque”. Sir Larry came so the movie was paused, but we eventually continued it until it was already past 6 in the evening.

10 FEBRUARY 2011 – THURSDAY

FIFTY – THIRD DAY – 1400-2200

I was two hours earlier today since I’m trying to use up my time wisely. I was assigned at check-in counter today. Today, we were able to interview Sir Larry, the Airport Manager, for our practicum research.

I was assigned at the counter today but I wasn’t able to work at my post because I was asked to MAAS a mother with a child. They had a stroller with them and 2 check-in bags and 2 carry-ons. It was hard for them to carry all of those so they asked for assistance.

Upon reaching the gate, Ma’am Roslyn saw me and asked me to buy her food. After following her request, I went back to the counter. There was a late arrival so we waited for almost an hour before doing immigration.

It was boarding time already. We were at the immigration area looking for passengers. All have already boarded except for one. We spent several minutes looking for that one missing passenger. Then we learned that the passenger had already boarded and his boarding pass was not fed properly by the machine. We went home at 10 in the evening already.

Practicum Report 7

20 JANUARY 2011 – THURSDAY

THIRTY-SIXTH DAY – 1400-2200

It was my last day at the check-in counter for our rotating deployment.  After the briefing, we went down to the counter. I stayed at the Business class counter even if Sir Dustin wasn’t there yet. Passengers started queuing but Sir Dustin was still at the office. I heard he took a nap. Ma’am Candy asked me if I already knew how to check-in. Even if I already know the process, I accidentally answered I didn’t know the process and I wasn’t an expert at it. In fact, I really wanted to try it but I was hesitant because the passengers I’d check-in were in the business class. Ma’am Arah came and started checking-in and minutes later, Sir Dustin went to his post already.  All was good during the check-in process.

Since it was Jomie’s second to the last day of duty in Qantas, she requested me to have photos of herself taken in different areas of the airport. I went with her and I took photos of her at the gate first, inside the aircraft, then at the arrival area (LL), then back to the office. She even took photos of me inside the aircraft, too, which I was really glad to have some. On our way back to the office, I saw Sir Cyrus running towards our direction. He was holding a paper and when he finally approached us, he asked if someone could bring the paper (letter of guarantee) to Sir Dustin down at the immigration area. I got the paper and we hurried back down to the immigration. We were informed Sir Dustin fetched “someone” so we went to the gate instead. Marky found us on our way to the gate and he got the paper from me already because it was needed at the podium.

At the gate, something strange happened. Usually, after all the passengers have boarded the aircraft, QF agents and practicumers at the gate were supposed to stay there until pushback. “Pushback” is the backward movement of the aircraft usually positioned and readied for “taxi”, which then means the preparation for takeoff. However, at that night, I felt a strange feeling that something was not good. In a little while, Sir Dustin approached us (practicumers) and told us to go back at the office already. We were very clueless that time about what had happened. We were nervous because we might have made some mistakes which caused trouble. We were afraid that the agents might get mad at us. At the office, we kept on thinking what might have been done wrong. I guessed maybe they were mad because the paper that Sir Cyrus gave me which was to be passed to Sir Dustin was not given at once at the gate. Then, Ancla and Keycelyn shared the mistake that they’ve done. Ancla mistakenly exchanged QF 19 and QF 20 arrival and departure documents which was placed at the crew lane. This was the issue we all thought that caused Sir Eric and Ma’am Ai to be mad. We were all worried and sad that time. All the agents were making fun of us and they were teasing us about the mistake we’ve made. Someone from the gate even called at the office and informed us that we would have a post-flight briefing with Sir Eric, meaning, we would talk about the details of the flight, including the mistake we might have made.

When all the agents got back to the office, they were fooling us “it” was our fault while on the other side, all of us were scared, especially I, who was worried because of our performance nowadays.

Surprisingly, in the middle of all the practicumers’ confusion, Ma’am Candy and the rest of the agents told us to go home already. We were all shocked because we’re expecting to be scolded or informed at least of what was going on. However, the agents told us to go home because Sir Eric was in a bad mood already.

Despite all the confusion caused by whatever “it” might have been, we just concluded that if ever the agents have been scolded at the gate that night for some confidential matters, the supervisors and managers didn’t want us to witness the not-so-good moment. They always remind us that if ever we would incur mistakes, we must not be worried because the agent who’s handling us would be the one’s responsible for our actions. But, for me, it’s just better to be careful, always careful and sensitive with each and every one’s actions. We must always have presence of mind, patience, alertness, and endurance in every task given to us and most especially, the right attitude as we accomplish and achieve the tasks.

21 JANUARY 2011 – FRIDAY

THIRTY- SEVENTH DAY– 1000-1800

I was still at the bus when Earl texted me that we would be ordering food at Jollibee. I arrived at the office at twelve noon already and I was surprised at the setup of the office. Closed window shades, turned off lights, a gathering of my co-practicumers with ma’am Pat, watching intently to the movie “The Tournament”. I was shy because I arrived late but it was nothing with Ma’am Pat. So, I just watched the movie also. We found the movie very nice. It was an action-themed movie. I gladly recommend this, lol. Anyway, before we had finished the movie, our Jollibee food arrived and we ate silently and quickly first before resuming with the movie.

After watching, we still did nothing. Ban started a conversation and we ended up in a circle, sharing stories and laughing out loud. By the way, we started talking about horror/suspense stuff which turned into comedy, finding whose turn it was to share their experience until we ended up like a television “live show”. We really had a great bonding that time that I would never forget. My first impression of Ma’am Pat changed a lot as we were able to have fun with each other that afternoon. We even hid ourselves at the area near the refrigerator and bookshelves when Ma’am Pat went outside. We planned to scare her, lol.

This was definitely my most amazing non-flight experience with Qantas. We were able to unwind and release the stress out through laughing our hearts out loud the whole afternoon until we got tired and decided to go home to have a good night rest.

22 JANUARY 2011 – SATURDAY

THIRTY- EIGHTH DAY – 1300-2100

It was Jomie’s last day today. Dana, my co-practicumer who also ended her OJT few weeks ago, visited us at the office. They gave the whole QF team a treat (spaghetti, pancit malabon, pichi-pichi).

During the briefing, Sir Eric gave us a few reminders. It was about the unaccompanied minor last flight that wasn’t endorsed at the gate. Whenever there are UMs in a flight, it is a must to endorse them at the gate overall agent. They are supposed to sit in front so they would be recognized at once during the boarding. He also added few reminders regarding visa. Ma’am Ai also reminded that staff must conform to the policy of smart casual attire.

After the briefing, we ate the food Jomie and Dana brought. Then, we went down to the gate to start the work. It was my first time to be assigned at the queue. I was nervous but I just said to myself that I must enjoy and be excited rather than be nervous at all. Being at the queue requires a lot of pains. Number one: Headache, for I must be alert on which counter is already open that is a signal I have to direct the passenger to that open counter. And number two: Back pains. I experienced a lot of it because I was standing for almost three hours straight. However, despite these pains I experienced during my first queue assignment, I still enjoyed it, especially that I got to interact with the passengers.

After queue, I went to the immigration to find QF passengers. Then, when it was already “all up”, we went back to the office, and went home.

24 JANUARY 2011 – MONDAY

THIRTY- NINTH DAY– 1200-2000

I was assigned at the check-in counter today. We made our new deployment and instead of us staying in one area for the whole week, we would be rotating daily instead. At the counter, I assisted Sir Josh. Sir Dustin was with us, too, assisting or “shadowing” Sir Josh.

I was requested by Ma’am Nancy to swipe the credit card of a passenger at the office. She told me to charge Php1000. When I reached the office, I gave the credit card to Ma’am Pat. There was a family at the office and I was informed at once that I would accompany the UM. We went down at the departure area and the UM said her goodbyes to her aunts. I was worried because I still have the passengers’ credit card and receipts with me. I had to go back to the counter so that the passenger could have his credit card back. I was sure that time that the passenger was already impatient and mad. But, I couldn’t leave the UM. I assisted the UM upon entering the airport and the moment we passed through the security, I talked to the officer who lead them to the QF office. I left the UM with him for a while and hurried back to the counter to give the credit card. As I walked toward the passenger at the counter, the impatient man told me in a loud voice “ang bagal naman, I need/have to go to the bathroom!” I was really pissed off at him. Karen also told me that man told her that his credit card must’ve not been handed over to other person but he couldn’t do anything because our credit card swipe machine failed to work, so Ma’am Nancy had to ask me to swipe it at the office.

That impatient man even told Karen that he was Dr. ___. I didn’t care if he’s a doctor. My point was that he didn’t know how to respect a person. He didn’t have an idea that I also assisted another person. He must’ve not told me that I was slow because I tried to run the errand quickly. I was really humiliated that time because the other people around might have heard it. I immediately left the credit card and receipts to Karen and she was already the one who called Ma’am Nancy, then I left the counter and assisted the UM.

I assisted the UM at the check-in counter. Ma’am Jade checked-in the UM and we headed to the immigration. We paid for her terminal fee and when we passed through the line, I was surprised that I didn’t notice the huge crowd at the immigration. Just right after the terminal fee was the queue of passengers in the immigration. Keycelyn, who was also assisting a mother with a child, called me and Karen and told us to go to the queue at the side where they could prioritize passengers with children. We passed through the immigration after several minutes of waiting. It was really difficult for me and Karen because both our UMs had heavy carry-on which we had to carry because they were small. Upon exiting the immigration, we headed to the gate. My UM asked me if there was a toilet at the gate, but I told her she could still go out after her boarding pass had been torn. The moment I endorsed the UM to the gate, it was already boarding time and she was lead straight to the aircraft by Sir Eric.

I had nothing to do at the gate by then so I just went up to the immigration to help looking for QF passengers. After all had been accounted, we went back to the office.

25 JANUARY 2011 – TUESDAY

FORTIETH DAY –1300-2100

I was assigned at the Arrival today with Mike. After arranging the arrival documents and briefing, we distributed them at designated areas. Ma’am Jade didn’t accompany us because we already knew the process and I wanted to learn everything even without the guide of the agent. After the arrival documents have been distributed, I stayed at check-in first with Sir Cyrus. He let me check-in and I was able to accomplish almost 10 passengers. When the aircraft already arrived, I, Mike, and Ma’am Jade went to the gate and accomplished all documents. We had difficulty having the documents signed at the AOD because the elevator was not working.  However, we still managed to finish them and went back to the gate.

Back in the office we had a post-flight briefing regarding general security precautions by Sir Larry, sent by MIAA. Early that afternoon I received a text from my partner that a bus in EDSA was bombed and passengers were hurt and sadly, few passengers died. We were reminded and given some precautions such as avoid going out alone and possibly just stay inside. We were also informed that MIAA heightened their security to Level 3. I just pray and hope nothing bad would happen at our workplace.

27 JANUARY 2011 – THURSDAY

FORTY- FIRST DAY – 1400-2200

We had the usual flight. I was at my favorite post today, at the gate. Before going down at the gate, I helped at the BCO first. We encountered Filipino passenger complaining about an Australian who got into the wrong part of the queue. When it was the Australian’s turn to weigh his baggage, two Filipinos pointed at him while telling us that he just got into the wrong queue. The Australian said that he just went to the CR. He put his baggage on the weighing scale. Still, the Filipinos who said they witnessed the Australian’s wrong act kept on complaining about him. They were very furious. I pitied the Australian because he was calm even if they were threatening him. I’d like to explain to the Filipinos to just let it pass and to understand him since I thought Filipinos would understand us better and they’d just give way and be considerate. However, it’s as if they were very hard on the Australian who wasn’t even fighting back. We learned he was a Frequent Flyer passenger. He was calm and just asked where’d he go instead.

The Australian even told while the Filipinos were complaining against him, “Where’d I go now? You wouldn’t want to lose your passenger” (He was referring to himself who’s a Frequent Flyer). Yes, we wouldn’t want to lose such passenger even if we’re not sure if he really cheated or not. My point was, he must’ve not experienced such treatment from the Filipinos. I really pity him. How rude were those Filipinos. They even removed and threw back to the Australian his baggage. We all saw the Australian’s nails were somehow infected and they went more severe when he caught his baggage thrown by them. He even told them “be careful of my bags”. I really pitied him. Ma’amJade just let him line up at the Qantas Club counter.

At the gate, we also encountered a passenger whom we /I thought at first was fun to talk to. We started the conversations with topics about the places he visited in the Philippines. He pronounced funny places, like Iloilo which his pronunciation sounded like Honolulu. But then when our conversation was already going beyond the limit as to he was already asking who were single among us and he even asked me if I had kids. We avoided talking to him after that and we just continued with our work and ignored him until boarding time.

28 JANUARY 2011 – FRIDAY

FORTY- SECOND DAY –1000-1800

It was a non-flight day. The agents today were Ma’am Pat, Ma’am Rovynne, and Ma’am Loren. When I arrived at the office, the agents were talking about something that I might have agreed at some points but I was sad because they were talking against a person. I just hope they would resolve their problem immediately.

We did nothing today. We were supposed to watch a movie at the office but Ma’am Loren was not yet done with her tasks. So, the whole afternoon was a stress-free one for us.

29 JANUARY 2011 – SATURDAY

FORTY-THIRD DAY – 1300-2100

My post today was at the arrival. I and Ban photocopied the arrival documents. While doing the documents, Ma’am Pat needed one of us to accompany the UM. I was the one who assisted the UM only until the check-in because the UM still needed to go out with his grandparents. I had fun assisting the UM because he’s only seven years old yet he’s very smart as he kept on talking to me. One funny part was when I was about to bring him to the business counter, we accidentally went to the wrong queue. I didn’t notice at once because there were so many passengers around and I thought the queue was directing to the business class counter. Then I noticed the queue of passengers curving in front directing to Hawaiian Airlines. It was later that I learned we were on that wrong queue. I immediately pushed the baggage cart towards the QF business class counter. I was really humiliated. Thankfully, the UM didn’t notice.

After accompanying the child, I went at the BCO, then gate, and finally assisted Sir Josh with the arrival documents.

31 JANUARY 2011 – MONDAY

FORTY- FOURTH DAY – 1200-2000

My post today was at the counter. We had a normal flight today. I assisted Sir Anthony at the counter. At first he let me check-in one passenger but Ma’am Rovynne told him to not let me check-in at once because we had a full flight and there were many passengers on the queue. So, Sir Anthony checked-in passengers first. When few passengers were left, I was asked by Sir Anthony to do the task already. I enjoy checking-in passengers because it lets me interact with the passengers and I also learn a lot from the system. After checking-in, we went to the immigration. When it was “all accounted”, we headed straight down to the gate.