Its been a while. A long while actually. I can't believe its March already, and this is my first entry of the year. I have been very busy with work, and juggling some other tough stuff in between and I somewhat forgotten that I have a blog to maintain. Anyway, I would like this to be a 2012 year end entry and a 'whats-in-store-for-me" entry for 2013. So here it goes...
2012: Another year of first times
First international travel. First time to leave a job. First time to apply just like everyone else. First time up north. First time to stay healthy. First time to gain a lot. and to get a loan. See, a lot of first time.
In the beginning of 2012, I have been looking for another job, been taking exams and interviews. It was my first time, since I was taken into my first job as an intern and absorbed by the company right after graduation. After staying for the company for a good 2 years, I decided that if I will be taking my MBA soon, it would be better if I have an experience from both sides of my industry. Thus, I decided to take my chances on the client side of Marketing Research.
By April 2012, I landed a job in a major beverage company as a Research Associate and here I am -dealing with a lot of beverages, parties, concerts and trips in between. I gained new friends and someone to look up to. I never felt I was a new member of the team, we instantly clicked.
And because of our proximity to the mall, fastfood and groceries have been our bestfriends - thus, my first ever noticeable weight gain. We actually call it "maintain", since we procrastinate on our evening jog but take on a lot during our 9-6 work. everyday.
As part of my job, I was given the chance to work on field, and this simply means, I get to travel for free! My first stop was in Bukidnon - not a first time in said province but a first in Malaybalay. I was also able to revisit my first plane destination, General Santos City. Its been about 10 years since I set foot on that land. It was my first time in Ilocos, and I was able to visit some of Unesco's World Heritage sites up north - Vigan and Paoay Church. I returned to Cebu for a week, and was able to taste some of its famous treats - La Marea's Hot Bwornie Cup and CNT's famous lechon, aside from the Larsian experience.
By August 2012, it was my first trip our of the country, visiting uncommon first international destinations - yes, destinations, not one but 3. It was also my first backpacking experience, well spent with my two favorite people in the world. A visit in Ho Chi Minh's past and present, Cambodia's dark past and its Kingdom and Thailand's Golden Statues definitely made my year. It was an eye opener, and now, I am hooked at backpacking.
What's in Store in 2013?
Travels
One, coming from a great third quarter, just like in a basketball, I am off to Hong Kong and Macau this April with a different set of friends. It felt so good that I was back in the backpacking theme and research. I have been planning this since we got the Airasia's seat sale at 3,500 round trip tickets. (Still quite hefty, but we grabbed it anyway). My travel buddies are first international travelers, so I am doubly inspired. Well, its an additional task to have them hooked into travelling too!
By September, me and my college friends are bound for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, as a part of our annual international trip since our Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand experience. We just hoped the Sabah issue will not be as high as of this month, so we can go on more swiftly.
Profession
By this year, I decided to pursue my MBA application, so I am busy with my reviews for TOEFL and GMAT. I will be scheduling TOEFL in May and GMAT by August. October was my target date for MBA submissions, just in time for the first round.
While juggling this, I tried recently the online courses of EDx so I am sort of preparing for the tests. Aside from this, I have a part time job to do, which will definitely be a plus point for my application.
I am crossing my fingers for a conference in Singapore on my industry. We hope it will be okay.
That's all for now. I should go back to my packing since I am off to Fontana Resort and Casino by Monday for a conference.
Will definitely be back on writing after this entry.
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