A 51Talk Journey!

I had my very first attempt on applying as 51talk teacher 14th of February 2021.

At the time, I do not have a wired connection, I only had a prepaid wifi at home. Unfortunately, I failed the technical test.

I moved on from that heartache because I found a new regular work in Ortigas.

But something bad happened, the Dreamwave Media Network who offered me job was a scam.

To cut the long story short, I sought help to a former co-worker/friend Ragie (51Talk Teacher) to help me out with the referral. Teacher Mae Laurel started teaching way back October 2020 up to present.

After sending her a request referral Tuesday, May 25, 2021, a certain Chad called me for an initial interview.

The questions were all simple like I was asked if it was my first time applying for 51Talk, If I had teaching experiences previously. The surprising part was, I was asked to sing ABC alphabets and counted numbers 1 to 10.

Chad from 51Talk had a bedroom speaking voice. But I remember I told him indirectly to increase his volume when speaking.

After a call, there was a telephone prompt voice which asked me to rate the call he did for the interview. There was only two choices press 1 or two for a good or bad conversation with him.

I gave him a very good feedback.

The following day, it was for technical test with a certain Gina.

I refused to use my eldest daughter's laptop that has a better specs. By doing this, I was told I never made ir again.

Out of showing eagerness to the post I wanted to acquire, I said I felt bad about the unfavorable result. But when asked if I will used another laptop, I was told an instruction to get the  "operating system" (OS). I followed their instruction and was given the so called "conditional pass."

The very next day, I was granted a chance and have attended a 51Talk pre-service orientation.

I got shocked to see many aspiring teachers who wanted to pursue a career also in teaching in 51talk. 

At this very stage, we were told about so many things like our salary, all the requirements that we have to submit, 2x2 photo, a government id, diploma, and an NBI, recorded and uploaded a voice introduction and gave a little background of myself. 

While the very big chunk of our responsibilities was to finish all the sent examination links forwarded on our emails. 

These includes the course that an aspiring 51talk teacher has to finish, introduction to 

teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), the new teacher training, and the H5 self-access material too. 

Everything was all here how to teach, previously successful teaching class done, parts of speech, how to pronounce the critical words correctly, and several helpful teaching methods like the total physical response (TPR) or the use of body movements, visual aids, AC icons and many more. 

It was all given to me in a blast. Now, I happened to choose a not so wise schedule for the "national teachers training" (NTT) three days after 51talk pre-service orientation. 

Part of my unforgettable experience was cramming the very night all the way to the examination date. 

Unfortunately, there was several links of the said examination thay I haven't taken yet. 

And from scheduled NTT Sunday, May 30, 2021, it was moved to Friday, June 4.

The time was also different for it cale to my senses that I am not a morning person. 

But it was a very good decision because our neighbor started to do a home renovation at that very moment. The extra loud noise produced out of cutting all the tiles for her flooring was very similar to an act of sabotage. 

The days I was waiting for NTT,  I was training at home. I even prepared for visual aids I will use. I even practice for the technical aspect. 

But you know prior to this, I approached my youngest sibling Salie and have offered a help for some of the things I will be using. 

We went to the mall and scouted for the best webcam and a headset to use for the training and if ever I will pass it.

I even requested my youngest Mikayla to be one of my student to practice the exhange of dialogues and spiels I will be using during the NTT.

And then finally comes the much awaited training. I think from how I remembered it, we were 18 aspiring teachers under trainer Karen. 

Prior to the NTT, we were given an instructions via skype that we have to send screen grabs of the finish exam links. But one teacher for some reason missed this. 

It took us more minutes before the training started. 

But I also wondered, why it even escaped on the teachers monitoring? Also, I knew that the teacher never wanted this to happen. But since its escalated, we were all witness when the trainer almost lost her temper.

The training proper to some who are so curious about how it was done. The teacher participants of 51talk was required to do a live mock demo (a recorded one) but the twist was you also have to play a student by yourself. 

The trainer will observe from her end the following how you pronounce the words, no grammar related problem, the techniques you used in teaching, it has to be short and simple all the time because we were told that at the very beginning we will be teaching a zero level student. 

The students they were referring here are from China with an age ranging approximately from 5 to 12 years old. 

I was so spontaneous and lively and full of confidence at the beginning. But towards the end of our 10minute demo my attention got called thrice. 

The very idea here was I have to follow strictly not just the rules in teaching but the content of the teaching demo as well. 

After that, I and my partner were given attention to some of our mispronounced critical words like three, this, the, and even the word picture. 

My attention got called also when I said the word "generous" which the trainer said a zero-level student would not understand. 

But luckily, I wasn't called for any single grammar related problem when speaking during the test. And that part really I was so happy. Because I also have standards too when speaking upon reaching this very age. 

After that, the trainer will give you a message via skype if you a successful candidate you will still stay in the training. 

But if go so unlucky, you have to leave the group during the training. 

The beauty of this, you can re-apply again after a month. 

About the said information, I'm just not sure now if I am willing to try again.

Only time can tell.

To some of the aspiring teachers who showed the standards they were looking for...CONGRATULATIONS! 👏

SQUEEZE HARDER

 

At the beginning, you have a resources enough to handle daily needs.

This is very similar to a brand new toothpaste you prefer and purchased in the nearby grocery or elsewhere. 

This is comparable to your monthly obligations that you can handle well like electricity, water, apartment rental, telephone, groceries and other important necessities.

But the unexpected coming of the pandemic changes all our daily lives. 

When the lockdown got implemented many of us literally has to stop from working. Many of us lose their jobs. 

To survive, from the expensive or popular brand of toothpaste, we settle for something unbranded. Similar from getting a job sometimes far or out of our expertise. 

A realization that you have a family to feed, and an obligations to meet. 

This is the time now, you make use of your remaining resources. 

Every move has a plan, every step is calculated. 

From a full amount of toothpaste you place on your toothbrush, you lessen them. 

Because you never wanted to reach the very end that even though you squeeze harder... 

there were none. 

OPEN TO WORK

 

Good day! 

I am Rodolfo Garabot, aka "Rod,"  an experienced Broadcast Journalist for two decades now.

I graduated Bachelor of Arts, A. B. Communication Arts at the University of the East in Caloocan, in 2000.

I began my professional career when I started working as Program Researcher for Balitang K, a news magazine program in ABS-CBN, Channel 2.

Then occupied positions such as Editing Supervisor in The Filipino Channel (TFC). 

After 8 to 9 years of working with the Network, I moved to GMA 7, and worked as Segment Producer for "Good News, Kasama si Vicky Morales," in GMA News TV in 2011 to 2012.

Another opportunity came in when I became an Associate Producer for Solar News, 9TV, and now popularly known as CNN Philippines for 6 years, under Nine Media Company in Mandaluyong City. 

A hunger for career growth, and financial stability pushed me to find another work which led me from becoming an Executive Producer at The Manila Times Television in April 2009. 

Another very recent opportunity was spotted and given to me when I was hired for Dreamwave Media Network as News and Current Affairs Head. 

Now, I am open to work for another company and willing to share my expertise in the broadcasting network or any related field.

Through the years, I developed a philosophy in life which a strongly believe... 

"Dream, 

Work Hard, 

Triumph." 

Thank you and more power! 

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Rodolfo A. Garabot

Interested Applicant

A SAD BUT TRUE SCENARIO

When you applied for a post, and the company thinks you're suitable for the job, they will send you an email to know that you're being shortlisted.

Some gave a concrete time for a zoom interview, while some just let you know that you have to be on standby. 

After more than two hours of waiting, they became ready for an interview. But as an applicant, you're not informed that there are 7 more candidates buying for the same post. 

The back-to-back exams and the interview is over. You were told that when the result is ready, you will be informed. 

Here comes a week, or two, you send them a text and an email. 

The beautiful ending, they never answered any of these inquiries. 

May I ask, do you know that your human resources have this kind of behavior? 

YOUR FAILURE ALSO COUNTS AS A SUCCESS

 

One normal scenario a  candidate has to go through is sending resumes to a number of companies he/she would wish to become part of it.

Most of the time, they'll be sending a generated automatic response that there's a bulk of applicants they have to screen. And that you have to wait for their notice if they find you suitable for the desired post you applied for. 

When you became too lucky, you will receive a text or an email that you were shortlisted. 

You will be scheduled for an interview and an examination too. 

But come to think of it, do not even blame yourself if you never pass their standards. 

It just happened that you are not the only applicants who applied for the post. 

Sad but true even though you think you are qualified, they will pick for a candidate who has the highest qualifications than you. 

But applicants, think of it this way also it doesn't mean that you are not chosen because you have less potential than others. That's part of the screening process. 

Try to look at it in a different perspective, like your favorite brewed coffee maybe, the right job for you is still brewing before it was ready for you. 

And also, the most important part is the thing you consider a "failure" is also counted as your winning moment too. 

The quirky community pantry in the Philippines: Magbigay ayon sa kakayanan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (Give what you can, take what you want)

It started with an inspiration and an agitation as well, when the very first "community pantry," in the Philippines was established in Maginhawa in Quezon City. 

The woman who intiated this brilliant idea of extending help to our fellow Filipinos is Ana Patricia Non, 26.

Obviously, the act of kindness came out because of the lockdown in the country due to the spread of the deadly coronavirus, COVID-19 and what Non and the rest of the people was seeing the inability of the government to give food and financial assistance to those in need. 

At the beginning, Non was seen struggling. The most recent was the controversy she was framed as to red-tagging issue with the communists. 

But as time goes by, the act of kindness multiply from one to 807 community pantries in total now. 

The act of giving is presented in a quirky manner

The community pantry in Maginhawa in Quezon City provides foods for free like rice, eggs, vegetables, milk, bread, vitamins, disinfectants and many more. 

If this particular act of kindness went viral, an act of a group of woman who went to not just get something but everything in a community pantry in Quezon City also did the samething. 

That is why, a reminder signage that began with "Magbigay ayon sa kakayanan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan," now has a different "hugot lines," relatable to many of us. 

In Barrio Obrero, in Manila, Christine Mae Norombaba came up with a breakfast community pantry that goes with "hugot lines," popularly known by many ay "hugot pantry." 

And because it came up with a breakfast theme for community pantry, what they served for free was the following...

From a famous birthday feast that most people connects to life longevity..."Pancit!"

But before getting a free serving you will read these lines... 

"Pansit para sa pinagpalit sa pangit," along with a follow up lines..."mapapakain ka talaga ng pansit sa sakit!"

Normally, this is being offered by ambulent vendors, peddlers of "taho."

Here, it comes with a hugot lines which says..."taho, para sa pagibig na naglaho." 

(Taho for a love that fades away). In short, "ghosting!" 🤣

It was serving breakfast, so expect soup like sopas. 

It comes with a unique hugot lines..."Sopas, pasa sa iniwan ng "so fast!" 

(Sopas for those who were left so fast) 

And I think the most catchy hugot lines about "lugaw," or "porridge," who lacks suitors... 

"Lugaw, para sa walang manliligaw." 😂

But wait there's more because a certain "Marvin Garcia," organizer of "stock box community pantry,"  in Silang, Cavite, came up with a "witty," one. 

From Garcia's Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, he only wanted to stress the point to only get what they need, without too being preachy about it. 

Looking at these eggs that has a signage which says..."kumuha lang ng pang-umagahan, hindi ng pang leche flan."

(Please get eggs only for your breakfast). 

And even a rack of ketchup has a reminder signage which says... 

"Kumuha ng pangsawsawan di pang spaghetti." 

(Get a sauce for your dip only, not for a spaghetti recipe). 

Canned goods also came up with a witty but concern signage reminder which says... 

"Isa-isa lang ang delata, upang 'di masira ang abrelata." 

(Get one can at a time, to not ruin your can-opener). 

While, in packs of layered sugar it says... 

"Isang pack lang ang asukal, mahal ang insulin." 

(Get only a pack of sugar, the cost of insulin is expensive). 

And even a basket of garlic has a saying which says... 

"Isa-isa lang po sa Bawang, hindi po totoo ang Aswang." 

(Get only a whole garlic, the unearthing rumors are not true). 

Street food for community pantry

In Marikina City, the concept of free food giving was extended also for donating to people a "Street Food!"

From a Facebook post of a netizen named Sagun John Rufinel, in Barangay Concepcion Uno, on Monday, April 26, he offered his kababayans street foods for free!

In his signage it says... 

"Tumuhog batay sa pangangailangan, mag-ambag batay sa kakayanan." 

From this community pantry, one mother said and was thankful that her son now has food to eat at home when he wakes up. 

Not only a mother benefited from the street food community pantry but also tricycle drivers, construction workers, motorists, passers-by, and many more. 

It doesn't  just fed the hungry people but also helped the livelihood of Gil, who owns and sells the street foods.

From basic needs to wants community pantry

The idea of giving do not just have one interpretation now, because in Barangay Sto. Niño in Makinina City, aside from food giving...the shoe capital of the Philippines gave something very known to their city. 

A reporter from ABS-CBN, Adrian Ayalin took photos of people quequed to get a pair of slippers, sandals, and shoes! 👠👟

Brewed Coffee for free community pantry

Photos of a patrolman in Barangay Santo Cristo, Tabaco City in Albay gave free not 3 in 1 coffee but brewed coffee for residents. 

☕

In his Facebook account post, Mark Aleph Maceres, shared his team initiative of a "Modern Day Barangayan and Bayanihan," program of the Albay Police Provincial Office.

In his interview with Philippine Star, Maceres said he only wanted to share what he has, his hobby of making coffee out to the community. 

Because some people appreciates his effort, they were also bread donations given to pair now with his brewed coffee. 

Zero Waste Community Pantry:

Magbigay ayon sa kakayanan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan at i-recycle ang mga lalagyan

(Give what you can, take what you need, and reuse containers) 

In St. Therese Street., Peñafrancia in Brgy. Cupang, in Antipolo City, the community put an emphasis on zero-waste practices. 

Jr. Papel stressed in his social media post the value of preventing one from using single use plastics, and encouraged everyone to use recycled bags and bottles too. 

They also advised the residents to bring their own bottles and bags upon claiming items in their community pantry. 

One great example to a zero-waste practices was the used of glass jars for condiments like soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce or patis to be given away. 

But you see, the idea of helping and giving do not only applies to people who has alot to offer or those whom we say rich anf famous. 

A living proof to that was Thelma, a seller of bitso-bitso, an Ilonggo delicacy. 

She was once passed by in one community pantry, she asked if she can get some. 

Aling Thelma took rice, 3 eggs, one apple, a noddles, vegetables and dried fishes. But instead of just saying thank you, she replaced it with her bitso-bitsos. 

She explained, that she is selling to have a day's budget solved. And now that she got it, she was even more willing to share what she has. 

(Photo courtesy: Lors Langoey MI) 

And also the same kindness was reflected in the heart of a taho vendor in Barangay Panamitan, Cawit, Cavite where he offered a few glasses of what' s he's selling. 

(Photo courtesy: StarFish Project/Facebook) 

It is indeed proven here that there is no amount of help small or big to share one's blessings to other people. 

Just like a virus, this act will continue to grow to inspire more people. 

WE ARE…”ONE VOTE PH!”

The 19th of March is not just an ordinary Friday, where one is excited for because it serves as a cue to end work days prepping for weekend, a time to rest and special time spent for loved-ones and family.

At this very day, marks the grand launch of One Vote PH and the Keystrat Campaign Hub a central command located at the 29th floor, One Corporate Center in Julia Vargas Corner in Meralco Avenue in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Several friends from the media came in to witness this very much anticipated and monumental event of the year.

We have the following visitors from the Department of Education (DepEd), representatives from the QC-LGU IT department, guests from the multimedia office, Philippine Star Global, and Fundnest.

ONE VOTE PH ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT SOME ACCUSATIONS, THE AGENCY ADVOCACY, TOOLS, CANDIDATE SUPPORTS, ON ABSENTEE VOTING, ACCREDITATIONS, AND MORE

Mitch Isip, The Chief Executive Officer, denies accusations that One Vote PH is competing with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and reiterated that the agency, do exist to provide help for the Filipino voters.

“We are helping the COMELEC and not competing with them. Even with a disclaimer, we are really here to help.”

On the other hand, Mr. Christian Gabriel C. Cruz, spokesperson of One Vote PH, said that it was established to provide an advocacy and to educate more the Filipino people on election matters.

Cruz in his recorded interview said, 

"It’s more on advocacy po eh para maging active para ma-educate.

Meron na po kasing tayong mga area leaders and coordinators.

Meron po kasi talagang mga taong hindi alam kung paano magparehistro, hindi nila alam ang kanilang gagawin. Pati rin po yung mga dokumentong hindi nila alam na ipi-present para magparehistro.

So doon po papasok ang One Vote PH. We inform and at the same time, kami na rin po ang nagbabantay na rin po. Wala pa naman pong election process pero yun pre- election po natin.”

One of the invited press that attended the said launching was Ric Ryan L. De Leon, a representative from Department of Education (DepEd). De Leon asked a question  particularly on how One Vote PH escalate calls regarding election related concerns.

“Di ba tumatangap kayo ng calls? Paano i-escalate ang mga concerns regarding sa mga concerns sa election?”

Mitch Isip, CEO for One Vote PH, answered the question by giving an emphasis on the help of the call center that offers helpful hotline numbers that will soon to be released before the end of March 2021.

Isip said, 

“Actually may call center na kami we have hotline numbers na ipo-post na namin siguro before the end of the month. So yung mga ganung concerns po ibabato po namin lahat yan sa COMELEC with documentations. 

Since, recorded naman yung bawat tawag, yung nga recordings na yun pwede naming ibigay kay COMELEC. At the same time, kapag nakita nila yung mga pages namin, meron ding mga email addresses.”

“We want to make sure that everything is documented. Ito yung complaint ng isang netizen na ipapasa namin lahat kay COMELEC.

Dahil ayaw naman naming sabihin nila na gawa-gawa lang namin, sinisiraan namin sila. Talagang kami, we wanted to make sure that everything is well-documented and well-recorded,” Isip added.

Meanwhile, Cruz also gave an emphasis on the active and passive role of One Vote PH.

Cruz said, 

“Mino-monitor po natin and at the same time dini-disseminate din natin yung information. Yung active role po natin is to disseminate. Yung passive role naman po natin is to monitor naman po.”

We also have visitors who came in from the IT department of the Quezon City Government namely; Mr. Roberto M. Germio and Mr. Edmund F. De Guzman. 

One of them was then curious if One Vote PH has a master list copy of Voters in the Philippines.

“Do you have master list of our voters?”

Cruz, said that One Vote PH are gathering a nationwide information with the help of “Area Leaders,” including “Area Coordinators.”

“Sa ngayon po ay we are gathering the masterlist of our voters through our area leaders which is really reported na po sa mga area coordinators natin. This is a nationwide campaign naman po siya. 

Isip also clarified that most of the information the agency is getting was from the COMELEC that became available as public documents. And reiterated that immediately after the erection of the call center “AADI,” comes the launching of One Vote PH’s mobile app.

Isip said, "Most of the information naman ay nanggaling sa COMELEC kasi it’s a public document din naman. Though, hinihingi din po namin yung mga nag-parehistro para po in case na may magtanong sa amin. Kasi po, after ng call center we're going to launch our mobile app na rin po natin. In case, mga press finders. Dahil ang kumpleto may listahan ng mga voters ay si COMELEC lang naman po. So we are still requesting it with them. And also yung updated one. Kasi what we have is baka hindi na rin updated. Usually may mga nire-remove at may mga bagong mga voters. 

The QC-LGU visitors did a follow-up question and asked on how far the agency will go when it comes to election-related concerns regarding the COMELEC.

“Yung tolerance o length ng pakikialaman ng One Vote PH? 

Cruz said, "Lahat po pwede po nating pakielaman since independent po tayo."

Another question from the QC-LGU was if the agency was allowed to have someone trending? Which particularly pertains on giving a support on election candidate/s.

Cruz said, 

"For that particular matter po, I think hindi po dahil non-partisan po tayo. Though kung lahatan po, I think pwede po iyon.

Most likely naman po pagdating ng election, nakalatag na po ang lahat ng kandidato diyan. Sa part po ng One Vote PH kung lahat po ng available na kandidato nakapost sa atin. Wala naman pong nakikitang masama doon.”

Isip gave concerns and emphasis on this very important question and answered it as…

"Wala tayong ipo-promote na kandidato. Even in our call center that's our requirement. Kung meron silang nabanggit na kung sino ang iboboto nila, it’s really a prompt for termination. That's how we keep the integrity of One Vote PH. 

Naka-disclaimer naman even sa aming mga area coordinators na kapag tumanggap sila ng kahit candy, and everyone can report from us naman po, we can definitely terminate them and also they are legally bounded with us.” 

"Actually wala naman pong perfect na system, the good thing with us since nakita na namin ang mga mali at kakulangan ng mga nauna sa amin, yun ang inipon namin. 

And kung ano naman po ang nakita naming maganda sa mga nauna sa amin ina-adopt namin at ini-improve namin. Kasi iba na po yung mundo natin ngayon eh.”

One Vote PH team was also prompted with a question if it has a stand-alone watcher when the election officially begins? 

“Pagdating ng botohan may sariling watcher si One Vote PH?”

Cruz said it comprises mainly with area leaders and area coordinators and that it will soon launch satellite offices in several regions in the Philippines.

“Yung ating area leaders and area coordinators, nagsisilbing parang training nila pagdating ng election. 

After a hard work and busy schedule launching AADI call center, One Vote PH will soon launch satellite offices from Region 1 to ARMM.”

The challenging question thrown so far by the press people was knowing the limitations of the agency as to how far it can go? 

“Hanggang saan ang One Vote PH?” 

"Siyempre po ayaw naman nating direktang makialam kay COMELEC, hindi na tayo non- partisan kung ganun. Nangingialam kami. Nawawala po tayo sa mission and vision ng organization. 

“Monitoring, reporting, siyempre po to the proper authorities po. Since hindi naman po tayo endorsed o directly under ng COMELEC wala po tayong jurisdiction na pakielaman o i-enforce na nandaya ka, ganito ka, hindi po kasi namin pwedeng gawin yun.”

Pero at least, may nakakakita rin at nakakapanood kaya supported din siya ng documents. Kasi may mga previous na tanong diyan na mayroon daw pong pulitiko na na nagpo-post na po ng mga banners, is that considered campaign na po ba? 

Sa election code po kasi natin ang isang kandidato, considered na kandidato kapag nakapag-file na po ng certificate of candidacy. Habang wala pa pong certificate of candidacy, isang normal na citizen lang po yun. Gray area po, sa kabilang kampo po eh nagpapakilala na, sa kabilang kampo ay may nagsasabing... 

Ganundin yung mga nagbibigay ng pagkain, namimigay ng relief goods. COVID ho naman ngayon baka gusto lang tumulong, on the other side po, nagpapakilala po. Depende po eh sa mga makukuha nating mga evidence.”

 

Cruz also added…

“Sa absentee voting naman po may toll free numbers naman tayo. Sa ngayon po wala tayong area leaders at area coordinators abroad. May campaign naman tayo via social media, dun po sa Facebook. Meron din tayo sa website natin na pwede naman po silang maglog-in doon at magcheck kung ano ang mga info na kailangan nila."

So far, according to Cruz, he explained the current status of its accreditation that was placed on hold due to the wide-spread of COVID-19.

“Boss Mitch (referring to Mitch Isip as the CEO), is still meeting with the COMELEC. As of today, everything is placed on hold due to the recent developments in the cases of the covid virus.

Rest assured, we will comply with all the mandatory requirements needed by One Vote PH to function independently in the upcoming elections.”

The election period is very near now, in a couple of months and after 2021, marks the official year where we get to know candidates who would want to serve our country.

Like any other organizations and agencies, One Vote PH will be playing a very special role in helping Filipinos here and abroad to know about the latest information on the progress of the election in the Philippines. Be it good or bad, whatever information the agency will gather, it will be following the strictest rule implemented as non-partisan and independent body.

As it can be recalled with the strongest battle cry, “One Voice, One Vote, One Nation!”

One Vote PH related information:

https://onevoteph.wordpress.com/

https://www.instagram.com/itrustonevoteph/

https://www.facebook.com/onevoteph/