MRT 3 Experiments 24/7 Operations

The MRT 3 or the Metro Rail Transit will be in a 24/7 schedule starting June 1, 2009 to experiment on making this as permanent operating hours. It's a welcome development for the riding public and it was considered for implementation mainly because of the growing demand for MRT 3 operations from BPO night shift workers.

My only concern about this is the night time security outside of the premises of MRT 3 stations as most of the stations are not immediately adjacent to BPO hubs like in Ortigas and Makati. You may need to walk a few blocks more or ride an FX to be reach these offices. I particularly have a friend that always have to take the overpass in EDSA and says she is generally uncomfortable about her security in the area.

Additional police visibility are needed here if they are of any help. I believe a bus system subsidized by the government with special routes directly passing along major BPO hubs will be a much better service rather compared to an 'experiment'.

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Gloria in McDo with Call Center Agents

Yesterday morning was a big surprise for people eating in a fast food chain in Paseo de Roxas, Makati City when Gloria suddenly, somehow appeared from nowhere and lined up and ordered a breakfast meal. She dined and had a small talk with call center agents in the same place. Some things like extending MRT operating hours to accommodate the late night call center workforce and the Arroyo administration's spending for the training of more people to work for the BPO industry through the programs conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were discussed. After which Gloria thanked the call center agents for their contributions as the BPO industry remains strong in country before leaving.

If only I were also there, I will catch the attention of the President to show her my payslip saying:

'Look at the tax that I'm paying for all of the corruption scandals that your administration have gone into'.

So let's all go out and vote in May 2010 elections and vote wisely! hehe.

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Taxis in the Metro

The taxi should be the most convenient way to travel around the metro but most of the time it's not because of abusive drivers: 'contracting' of fares, they don't give correct change, and if you don't know the way you are going, they will go to a 'long cut' trip to rip you off, and worst of all, sometimes the drivers are also hold uppers.

Because of these, I even discourage my family members to ride a taxi not unless its really urgent to do so. Now, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB is now implementing taxis to issue receipts to passengers. Somehow this will curb the unscrupulous activities of these drivers.

When I was in Cebu, It's really good that a major mall implements a scheme that an employee of the mall provides you a slip that indicates the plate number of the taxi you are about to ride and the contact numbers you may call if just in case you need to report something. This scheme is also practiced in Mactan International Airport.

In NAIA 3 terminal, on my way home, I also rode the yellow metered taxi that is maintained by the MIAA or Manila International Airport Authority. I noticed that they are charging a bit higher, 70 pesos for flag down and 4 pesos for succeeding 300 meters, but its worth it. These yellow taxis are new and air conditioning is good, and it's taxi meter don't charge if you are on a full stop or stuck in traffic, it only charges the equivalent to the total distance traveled by the taxi.

I still believe there's still hope and good job to those who strives to provide an honest service to commuters.

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Bantayan Island Cebu Getaway

Summer ain't over yet! Hehe...So let me share to you my recent trip to Bantayan Island, Cebu. It was a pleasant getaway from the metro, and indeed it was an unspoiled paradise. Unlike Boracay or Puerto Galera, it's not crowded (I can see pictures in the net that these places are like 'palengke'), all I want is a serene, quiet and relaxing time for my vacation.

How to get there? Take an hour flight to Cebu City, then from Metro Cebu, you can ride a bus or van going to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio town. This wharf have hourly ferry rides to Sta. Fe town, in Bantayan Island.


Besides the pristine waters and sugar white sand in Bantayan Island, historical places like the Bantayan Church will surely amaze you. The church building was started by the Augustinian friars in 1580, it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Cheap resort rates, easy access, historical sites, friendly people will make Bantayan Island a sure hit in the tourism industry. So why not explore more than the usual vacation places? I assure you it's worth spending your performance or annual bonuses. Hehe.

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May Agent of the Month: Tin

Witty and funny, Tin is our Agent of the Month for May. Let's dig in and have a share of Tin's call center life. hehe.

Alex: You’re from which call center?
Tin: TeleTech Bacoor

Alex: And your account and role?
Tin: Accenture and I'm a Tech Support Rep for a DSL provider in the US

Alex: Describe your company.
Tin: Uhm.. I dont know! hahah!! told you Alex, this will make my brain bleed!! medic!!!!

Alex: What do you like best in your job?
Tin: I like it when the bosses appreciate all the effort that the agents are exerting to their job. (freebies, certificates, pizza, tshirts, bags, lanyard, etc.) small things ha? but those little thingies can really make you feel appreciated while you're at work.

Alex: what do you usually do on your breaks?
Tin: going to the lung center. (smoking area). flirting. hahah!

Alex: Describe your perfect day at work.
Tin: When avaya is down.. then the supervisors will pull us out for team meeting or for training. woohoo!!! it doesn't happen that often though.

Alex: Can you give some advice to aspiring call center agents?
Tin: Make sure you're ready for it. the short breaks.. the policies.. the bosses.. teammates.. the customers.. the IRATE customers.. and the graveyard shift. hahah!

Alex: If you will have a chance to talk to a person in the past, who will be that person and why?
Tin: My Dad. I wanna show and tell him about my achievements in life. Alex, how come you have this kind of question? heheh.

*muah* seize the day guys! :)

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Pacquiao Demolished Hatton in Round 2!

This overwhelming victory will validate Manny Pacquiao's title as the best pound for pound boxer in the world. I'm not a boxing analyst, but what I noticed with Hatton is this fight is that his hands are always down and without defense, leaving him very open to Pacquiao's combinations. It looked like Hatton underestimated Pacquiao so much and in the end he was severely punished by this neglect. All it took was a cracking left hook by Pacquaio in round 2 that sent Hatton to lala land. Let's watch again this exciting round 2 of the Pacquiao - Hatton fight. I'm proud to be a Filipino! Mabuhay ka Manny!

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Calcent Link Solutions in Cotabato City

Mindanao is not that far flung to be as it seems to be as new growth in the BPO industry finds it way in Cotabato City. Calcent Link Solutions opens its door to aspiring call center workers, providing employment in these hard times. I believe this is also a good business move to explore other locations aside from the expensive Cebu and Manila hubs. Cotabato City can supply a talented pool of workers as tertiary level school graduates are abundant in the city, graduates from schools like Notre Dame University in Cotabato City.

Calcent Link Solutions reportedly offers a 10-day basic workshop, covering US geography and culture, American English, communication skills development, call simulations, stress management and personality improvement.

I really dream that every city in the Philippines would have a call center and that should dramatically decrease the country's unemployment rate.

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