Four years ago today, I found myself wandering around tall buildings and hi-tech elevators of Makati. It was our first day of training. Working away from home has never been in my plan--at least, not that soon. But there I was surrounded by future officemates trying to neutralize our accent to sound a bit like an American over the phone. What I didn't expect was these folks, whom I also hesitated to be close with [because I didn't want to stay long in the big city in the first place], ended up being one of those best colleagues I've ever had by far. Despite my disposition..and despite what I went through there, working with them was one of those memories that I will forever treasure. Those drinking mornings were absolutely unforgettable. It was with them that I experienced drinking beer for dessert at 7 a.m., and get drunk before lunch time arrives. It was with them that I experienced working without getting practically a wink of sleep because I went out some place with them, usually drinking. It was with them that I experienced smoking 1 pack a day, especially during a drinking session. And most of all, it was with them that I experienced looking forward to another working day because I knew there was an exciting aftershift drinking session in store for us. Our separation was one of those painful things we had to experience, but I am grateful that that didn't stop us from still drinking together and still keeping in touch. No matter where we are now, or what career path we are pursuing, here we are still making a point to know how each of us are faring--or in this case, if we are still drinking beer after work[hehehe!]. I do hope that one of these days, before each of us get too busy with career, or family even, we would be able to meet again and drink like we just did in Top and Table and Brown Paper Bag...
There are times indeed that I think, maybe wish on the side, that I still insisted on declining that job offer and stayed home and work here. But, as what a dear friend told me [who happens to be one of
them],
"...kung sinunod ko siguro payo ni erpat, walang SITEL...di ko maeexperience yun." And I looked at him and smiled in agreement.
