My last day in DA

Never in my life did I imagine that I would be working for the Department of Agriculture. I wasn't even supposed to be working at all. I was supposed to be studying for the bar, but because of certain events, I had an extra year before I could take the bar, so I needed something to do. Preferably, something that gave me some income. I didn't even search for it. One day, my good friend Deniece called me up and asked me if I was interested in a job. It would require me to talk to high profile people, she said. They needed someone diplomatic, preferably a woman, with pleasing looks and personality. She also said that the office is along Elliptical Road, just two rides and twenty pesos away from my house. The salary was decent. It was perfect, I thought, if I would be accepted.

So I hurried on over there with my resume, wearing my best suit. I had some trouble with parking, so I was kind of in a bad mood. This was erased, however, the moment I stepped in the building. The guards were all smiles and gave me cheerful greetings. I went to the second floor, and was greeted by even more smiles and greetings. I was offered a seat, given the most delicious coffee, and was even treated to lunch, because I had to wait a while. I thought, this must be the friendliest job interview I have ever been to. 

I thought I wouldn't get accepted, because it was so obvious that I wouldn't be working there permanently. In a year, I would need to resign and prepare for the bar, my interviewers said. But at that time I told them, and myself too, that maybe I could handle staying even while reviewing. I'm not sure if they were convinced, but for some reason, they accepted me.

Looking back, I see how my stay in DA had been a great blessing from God. I was put there at a time when I needed it. The past few months had been the most difficult time for me. I needed a reason to get up in the morning. I needed some cheering up. I needed new friends. I needed a family. I got all that and more in DA.

I know my co-workers haven't got a clue how much they have helped me through that difficult time in my life. They don't know, but napakalaking bagay na para sa akin ang mga good morning nila saakin sa umaga. Malaking kaligayahan na sa akin ang makainom ng napaka sarap na kape sa umaga. Malaking bagay na para saakin ang makaranas ng tawanan at kulitan at kwentuhan at damayan sa trabaho. I will forever be thankful for being blessed with my stay in DA. I will miss everyone.

ANYWAY. Drama over. So last Monday was my last day. I took pictures with some of my officemates as remembrance. I just wish I had a more flattering white blouse (-_-).

This is Ms. Milette, our receptionist. She is a certified Donya. Haha. I envy her walk-in closet. She is also our Bible Group leader. We have Bible Study in the office every Friday during lunch time.

This is Kuya from the pantry. When he found out it was my last day, he told me to have coffee, and then insisted that he washed my cup and teaspoon for me. So sweet.

This is Engineer. He's the tatay in the War Room.

This is SIr Wheng. He likes to make jokes and play songs like Pusong Bato loudly on the radio.

This is Maam Zandra, our super duper masipag Administrative Assistant. SHe is the only person with a thriving love life in the War Room. :))

This is Roan. She's the newest addition to the War Room staff. SHe's from Bicol and I love her because she gave me Laing!!! She's a future Agricultural Engineer.

This is Ma'am Bea. She's our boss. She is super nice, considerate, and patient. She is also super duper busy. 

This is Kuya Juni, one of the drivers in the office. Ampogi niya lang ano?

This is Micmic. He's super macho, I swear. Hahahahaha.

Oh, there's Glenda! SHe started at about the same time as me. She's very cute and sweet. She likes Korean boys and teeny bopper movies. She and Bong coerced me to watch Must Be Love.

Ma'am Bea treat the War Room staff to lunch. This is us in the van.

We ate at Yang Chow in Centris. Although we had a great time because of the great company, the restaurant service was not so good. Sobrang bagal. Bong even found a cockroach on one of the dishes, although they replaced it immediately.

The food tasty though. Thank you so much Ma'am Bea for this treat!

After lunch I took some more photos. This is Mommy I (for Irene) She's a mother to us all, and she's super maasikaso. She likes giving us food.

This is the fabulous Cesar. He is the queen of the pantry. He's really good at videoke.

This is Ms. Bing. She's very kikay, like me. She gave me a cute pair of tweezers for New Year. I like her outfits.

This is Sir Macky. He's super haggard, because he's the Secretary's close-in. Bilib ako sa kanya.

This is Sara. She's a great dancer, and she's hyper. We will do Kinect soon.

The Attorneys and Tita.