Friday, December 07, 2007
Globetrotter goes local
I didn’t realize I’ve spent almost half a year in Singapore until it was time for me to go.
Singapore didn’t feel so far from home. I’ve been surrounded with a great network of friends from AIESEC, RealAcad and the Filipino community. It was also accessible to my extended networks in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and my hometown, Philippines. I was able to tour my friends to the Philippines, exploring the islands and lakes as if I was a tourist myself.
As the Singapore adventure was about to end, I treasured the last weeks and tried to maximize the opportunities to connect with everyone again.
AIESEC friends helped me organize a Filipino dinner and be there with much delight. They were loyal patrons to the various cooking experiments I had.
It’s even more amazing to be the one receiving surprises. My Filipino friends organized a farewell dinner for me when I was planning to meet with just one of them. As you can see, food tastes better with great company.
Just like any journey that reached its destination, a new one is created. That’s when I decided to pursue my career aspiration of becoming a professional trainer. While it was also my desire to continue an international work experience, I realized that it’s not limited to the work location. I was given the opportunity to join the Learning and Development team of HSBC Philippines, of which I felt, will give me the international work exposure through the Bank’s global network.
I would consider this as my calling: to be back in the Philippines again and work with HSBC. The opportunity came on my second week in the Philippines, when I decided to reconnect with family and friends for a short visit.
It’s been more than a month since I joined and am still at the early stages of my career development. I’ve been learning most by preparing, observing, and participating in various training given by the Bank. As they are also promoting self-learning, I’ve been taking a lot of online modules that are given to employees, to familiarize themselves with different bank operations & management skills.
It’s great to be back on familiar grounds. Interesting to experience the challenges of reintegration, though I feel great to reconnect with ex-trainees like me who are going through the same stage. It helps that we share different ways of coping rather than just complaining.
Christmas is just around the corner. You feel the spirit from the songs you hear on the radio. You hear the countdown that started as early as November. People fill the bazaars while they are trying to complete their lists. Schedules are jam-packed with buffet and themed parties to gather and grant this festivity. Everyone finds a way to share his/her blessing, no matter how big/small, good times/bad times. No wonder Philippines is known as the 2nd happiest people in Asia. Ever heard of someone telling you “Happy weekend!” and not just “Have a great weekend.”? Only in the Philippines!
The same goes with HSBC, where they encourage team effort with the upcoming Christmas party. We have a 90’s theme, which I felt was not so long time ago since I can still remember the times of Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi, etc. New hires are given the center stage to show their talents in singing, dancing or acting (like you are a good singer/dancer). I’ve been very much involved and been great in acting it seems. I’m part of the “human curtain”, where we enter and exit in each segment of the presentation. Well, details of that for you to watch out while I keep some more element of surprise to the actual presentation.
Keep posted for more interesting stories as the globetrotter goes local.
Welcome to the 7,107 islands of the Philippines
Singapore didn’t feel so far from home. I’ve been surrounded with a great network of friends from AIESEC, RealAcad and the Filipino community. It was also accessible to my extended networks in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and my hometown, Philippines. I was able to tour my friends to the Philippines, exploring the islands and lakes as if I was a tourist myself.
I sometimes felt uncertain of the future, but never gave up. Thanks to the support of these people that helped me get back on track. They have constantly challenged me and opened new networks for me to explore.
As the Singapore adventure was about to end, I treasured the last weeks and tried to maximize the opportunities to connect with everyone again.
AIESEC friends helped me organize a Filipino dinner and be there with much delight. They were loyal patrons to the various cooking experiments I had.
Just like any journey that reached its destination, a new one is created. That’s when I decided to pursue my career aspiration of becoming a professional trainer. While it was also my desire to continue an international work experience, I realized that it’s not limited to the work location. I was given the opportunity to join the Learning and Development team of HSBC Philippines, of which I felt, will give me the international work exposure through the Bank’s global network.
I would consider this as my calling: to be back in the Philippines again and work with HSBC. The opportunity came on my second week in the Philippines, when I decided to reconnect with family and friends for a short visit.
It’s been more than a month since I joined and am still at the early stages of my career development. I’ve been learning most by preparing, observing, and participating in various training given by the Bank. As they are also promoting self-learning, I’ve been taking a lot of online modules that are given to employees, to familiarize themselves with different bank operations & management skills.
It’s great to be back on familiar grounds. Interesting to experience the challenges of reintegration, though I feel great to reconnect with ex-trainees like me who are going through the same stage. It helps that we share different ways of coping rather than just complaining.
Christmas is just around the corner. You feel the spirit from the songs you hear on the radio. You hear the countdown that started as early as November. People fill the bazaars while they are trying to complete their lists. Schedules are jam-packed with buffet and themed parties to gather and grant this festivity. Everyone finds a way to share his/her blessing, no matter how big/small, good times/bad times. No wonder Philippines is known as the 2nd happiest people in Asia. Ever heard of someone telling you “Happy weekend!” and not just “Have a great weekend.”? Only in the Philippines!
The same goes with HSBC, where they encourage team effort with the upcoming Christmas party. We have a 90’s theme, which I felt was not so long time ago since I can still remember the times of Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi, etc. New hires are given the center stage to show their talents in singing, dancing or acting (like you are a good singer/dancer). I’ve been very much involved and been great in acting it seems. I’m part of the “human curtain”, where we enter and exit in each segment of the presentation. Well, details of that for you to watch out while I keep some more element of surprise to the actual presentation.
Keep posted for more interesting stories as the globetrotter goes local.
Welcome to the 7,107 islands of the Philippines
