My Interview Experience!

Whew!  How fast time flies.

As part of the Department of Education’s Rationalization Program, employees were encouraged to apply for various positions across multiple strands — and being the largest public organization in the country, the choices were as abundant as budget insertions in Congress. (Oops.)

As a mid-career professional, I wanted to make sure I aligned my next move with my strengths. So I scanned the vacancy list with laser precision and ended up applying for not one, not two... but six plantilla positions. Yep, six.

“Why not just 2 or 3?” you might ask — and honestly, I asked myself the same thing. Was it confidence? Was it desperation? Maybe a bit of both. But to be fair, there were no limits to the number of submissions. I even heard one guy applied for 32 positions — imagine the deforestation that required. Sarcastic chuckle.

The Terrible Turn of Events

Fast forward to July. I overheard one of my superiors mention that no one applied for a Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS) position in the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (IMCS) — which was being reorganized under the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR).

That struck me.

I was sure I applied for that very position. So I did what any rational, slightly panicked employee would do — I rummaged through my receiving copies like a madman.

Lo and behold — there it was.

My IMCS application, filed and received properly. So why wasn’t I on the shortlist for interview?

I marched to the Personnel Division (PD), evidence in hand. "How did you know there’s a list? That’s confidential!" one staff whispered. I smiled awkwardly, guilty as charged. But Sir Albert, ever the gracious gentleman, took my document, checked the records, and told me to come back on Monday. Hope flickered.

Monday Blues... and a Miracle

That Monday (let’s skip the exact date — suspense is good for the soul), I stopped by the DepEd chapel to pray for a little miracle. Afterwards, I headed back to PD, holding on to faith... and caffeine.

There I found Ate Meling, who helped me go Sherlock Holmes on my folder. As we combed through it, I noticed two documents with my name — but one was incorrectly labeled. Aha! We found the glitch in the matrix.

She called Sir Albert, who confirmed the mix-up and assured me my name would now be included in the interview list.

YES! VICTORY!

But wait…

At 8 PM that same night — ding! — I got a text:

“You’re scheduled for interview tomorrow morning.”

WHAT?!

I had barely 6 hours to prep. No time for a new haircut, let alone a new soul.

The Interview: A Comedy of Nerves

Tuesday morning came. I walked in, head held high, heart pounding like a drumline.

The panel didn’t hold back. They grilled me on policies, past outputs, and my performance as Education Program Specialist II. It was a behavioral interrogation — the kind where you summon all your “what did I do with my life” memories and try to fit them into the STAR framework (thank you, University of Sheffield online course).

Despite my preparation, I stumbled. My nerves got the best of me. I stuttered. I second-guessed. I could feel my confidence slipping out the door — maybe to join the applicant with 32 submissions.

Honestly, I left the room disappointed with myself.

A Question I Won’t Forget

Then came the most haunting question of all, from the Union President:

“You’re an IMCS staff applying for SEPS, right? There are 9 available positions. What if everyone gets it — except you?”

Oof.
I breathed in, and answered honestly:

“That would be disheartening, especially since I’m from the inside. But maybe that just means I still have to grow and develop myself further.”

Reflection

Looking back, the experience taught me more than any seminar could. It reminded me that mistakes happen, that even a misplaced document can change the course of someone's path — and that you can lose a battle and still win the war.

So yes, I may have faltered. But I showed up. I asked. I followed up. And when things went wrong, I did everything I could to set them right. That, for me, is already a small victory.

No Chess, No Life

Once a chess player, always a chess player. After almost 2 years of hiatus here I am returning to the sports I love most and shouting to the whole world these phrases "No Chess, No Life."

Scholarship Application Deferred

OMG, I was told that my scholarship application had been deferred to 2016. Hayyy.

Dear Joselito Asi,

Thank you for your mail. Please be informed that we deferred your application to 2016. You do not need to submit new documents to XXX.

But you do have to submit new documents for the XXX-scholarship! We are expecting the next XXX-scholarship round for this program beginning next year. By that time, we will send you a link for applying for the XXX-scholarship. As soon as you receive this link, start to collect all the necessary documents and stamps.

Latest Saga of Super GM Wesley So

I'm glad that the 2015 US Chess Championship was finally over. The never ending controversies on Wesley So created worldwide attention and his stories have been the talk in the social networks lately. I have had numerous responses defending his actions at chess.com, facebook, and other internet sites.

Despite family's turmoil, Wesley So proved that he was a tough nut to crack. Needing 2 points in the remaining 2 games after an unexpected forfeiture in Round 9 he won them all by beating defending champion Gata Kamsky and chess whiz Kayden Troff in that order. He scored 6.5/11 and earned a decent 3rd place finish - a surprised achievement since most chess pundits have been expecting a better finish than that.

The chess world had been shocked in round 9 after IA Tony Rich decided to forfeit the game of Wesley So for taking down notes and awarded the point to his opponent GM Varuzhan Akobian due to what Rich say's a FIDE Laws violation. An infraction that created varied opinions amongst chess players worldwide due to severity of penalty given to So for a technical issue and not for the game of chess itself. The conflict started there and it created helluva of conflicting opinions among players, the most vocal was GM Jun Ludwig Hammer from Norway and other notable GMs from Europe.

Allow me to share my opinion and comments on the latest saga of GM Wesley So.

On GM Wesley So
I know you have family issues, but as a professional player you are bound to follow rules regardless of what is going on in the real world. You are still my idol.

On Tony Rich
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I know you have to make a decision but make it a reasonable one. Next time, please have members of the Appeals Committee be represented by international arbiters coming from various states in the US and not only those coming from St. Louis and or those with close ties with it.

On Varuzhan Akobian
To my disbelief you were distracted by the scribbling of Wesley So whom you claimed to be your friend. You are professional chess player who fought with the elite and the best in the world for many years yet you have been distracted by a simple thing is beyond comprehension. You have had a personal issue, in my opinion, and Wesley is right, you just wanted a free point. Now, every time I will see you in the tournament arena I will call you a free man. I think If indeed you were his friend you should have told Wesley, face to face, to stop whatever he is writing for you were not able to concentrate. Was that hard?

I wish that every challenges in the US chess team will be toppled and that your team will become as competitive as possible!

Job Openings at the Department of Education

There are Job Opening(s) at Health and Nutrition Division of the Department of Education Central Office for a Researcher, a Media Officer, and an Administrative Officer. It is a Project-based with 18 months contractual obligation. If you are one of the best then this is your time to shine. Please look for Ms. Carolina Plarizan of Personnel Division or go directly to the office of Usec. Muyot. Apply now!

Crossroad Game

I attended the 1st day of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Workshop at the Bulwagan ng Karunangan, Department of Education, Central Office. I am so happy at the turnout of the discussions. Hearing messages from experts from DOST, NEDA, DILG, Office of the Civil Defense, and DepEd enhanced my awareness on hazards and calamities. What was so interesting were the topics on the Crossroad Game.

How would you react given these situations?

You are: A Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer
Situation 1: There are more than a thousand victims in the evacuation center. Only 750 parcels of food arrived. There is little chance of obtaining additional parcels soon.
Question 1: Do you provide them anyway for the 750 persons? Yes or No?

You are: A local government officer in the affected area
Situation 2: Although your house was half collapsed by the earthquake, there were no any casualties from your family members. Public transportation system is still stopped and it may take about 2 hours tot he office.
Question 2: Do you come to the office to work? Yes or No?

You are: A Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer
Situation 3: There was shortage of blankets in the evacuation center. When the shortage was discovered, a TV reporter has just visited the center.
Question 3: Do you ask the reporter to issue a call for blankets via TV? Yes or No?

You are: An Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation center
Situation 4: At midnight of the first day of the occurrence of flood, a lorry loaded full of relief goods arrived. Your boss ordered you to unload them. But you are very busy for coordinating other matter for the evacuation center.
Question 4: Do you obey the order? Yes or No?

You are: A Volunteer
Situation 5: Just after the Earthquake, a house has collapsed and family members were injured. Injured persons are on serious condition. Meanwhile, one of the family members is still under the rubble and is asking for help. What do you do first?
Question 5: Do you decide to take injured persons to the hospital first? Yes or No?

You are: A Barangay Captain
Situation 6: A tsunami warning was issued in the barangay area. Most people in the area rushed to the designated evacuation place for the barangay. You also evacuated safely, however, you noticed one old lady near your house is not there.
Question 6: Are you going back to help her? Yes or No?

You are: A Barangay Captain
Situation 7: Flood level is increasing. There is no designated evacuation center for the victims.
Question 7: Do you decide to select the primary school as the evacuation place for the victims? Yes or No?

You are: A Public School Teacher
Situation 8: A day after the typhoon, you went to school only to find out that the roof has been torn apart and the rest of the things inside were soaked and wet. A number of your students came in.
Question 8: Do you accept them and still conduct classes? Yes or No?

You are: An Office Employee
Situation 9: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake has affected NCR and all transportation and communication lines are down.
Question 9: Do you stay in the office? Yes or No?

You are: an Office Employee
Situation 10: It is the aftermath of an earthquake and you find an injured person asking for your help.
Question 10: Would you wait for professionals to help the victim? Yes or No?

You are: An School Administrator
Situation 11: A fire started in Manila and burned over 100 houses in the area. Nearby schools were used as evacuation centers for a week now and teachers were unable to hold classes as a result.
Question 11: Do you allow the evacuees to stay in the school? Yes or No?

You are: A Municipal Health Officer
Situation 12: Three days past after the floods. Dengue and diarrhea had spread seriously in the camp and you cannot take care of all the patients. A group of doctors has just arrived from outside. However, there were no enough food and accommodation for the doctors.
Question 12: Do you accept the doctors in the camp? Yes or No?

Source: Workshop Output at the Department of Education sponsored by Office of the Civil Defense, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Team, DILG, and NEDA

When I’m Not Myself

To My Daughter, Betty — I’m Sorry

Last Sunday, March 29, 2014, was meant to be a day of celebration.

My daughter, Betty, had just graduated from elementary school and made it to the Top 10 of her class. We were all set to gather at Amis Restaurant in Quiapo, with her grandparents joining us for a simple family celebration. Everything was prepared — food, guests, and excitement.

Since it was her special day, my wife lovingly reminded Betty to dress up for the occasion. And she did — she looked beautiful. But just before we were about to leave, Betty decided to change her outfit. I told her she already looked wonderful and that there was no need to change again. My wife agreed.

What happened next caught me off guard. Betty responded with harsh words — “This is my life!” — and refused to listen. It broke my heart and frustrated me deeply. As a father, I wanted her to understand the value of listening and showing respect, especially on such an important day.

When the arguing escalated between her and my wife, I stepped in. I told Betty to stop, to calm down, and to wear the dress she had originally chosen. But she kept on talking back. And I lost control.

I let my anger get the best of me.

I hit her. First with a stick, then with a hanger. I kept going even when she cried and asked me to stop. I don’t even remember how long it lasted — only that I saw bruises on her arms and legs afterward. And I saw pain in her eyes that I will never forget.

We still went to the restaurant. We sat down as a family. But Betty sat there crying, trying to eat through tears, while I sat there pretending things were normal — but nothing was normal after that.

I am writing this because I want to say this clearly:

I am sorry, Betty. I am truly, deeply sorry.

There’s no excuse for what I did. You were a child — my child — and I should have protected you, not hurt you. I let anger win. I let pride win. I acted out of frustration, not love. And that is not the kind of father I ever wanted to be.

You deserved joy on your graduation day. You deserved to feel proud and safe. Instead, I left you hurt and afraid — and I will carry that guilt for the rest of my life.

I’m sorry I didn’t stop when you asked me to. I’m sorry I used my hands and not my words. I’m sorry I made you feel that fear — especially from someone who is supposed to be your protector.

To other parents reading this:

This is my confession and my warning. No matter how right you think you are, or how disrespectful a child may seem — violence is never the answer. You don’t teach respect through fear. You teach it through patience, consistency, and love.

To my daughter:

I can’t undo the past. But I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life being better, doing better, and proving that my love for you is stronger than my anger ever was.

Attended the 2nd JAAP General Assembly

I had the opportunity to attend the 2nd JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) General Assembly at the Asia and the Pacific College in Makati City, Philippines. The event was, of course, for the Filipino scholars sent by the Philippine government to Japan to study or to be trained on their respective fields. I, for example, an employee from the Department of Education, was trained in 2007 to 2008 on the "Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education" in Okinawa, Japan which also happened to be my first trip outside the Philippines.

The event was well-attended by talented government scholars (TPYL, JDS, and TESDA Group Training Course) from targeted institutions. Likewise, I was so lucky to participate in the board of directors election process. During the event, I was able to mingle with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) participants esp. with a lady candidate who approached me to include her name in my list of candidates to be elected. I later watched her presentation about her struggles in Japan as a trainee. I was able to see my kids pediatrician from Tanza, Navotas whom I didn't know was a JICA grantee too. I also found a friend whom I meet at the JICA, Makati office a couple of weeks ago. What made my day interesting was the fact that I saw and talked to someone from DAR who also went to Okinawa, the year I was there. I felt very happy during that moment.

Things were going well before the President's report and all were in their jolly mood but not until the items for amendments were read. A long and heated debates ensued. There was a motion to retain the 15 board of directors (BODs) instead of having only 10 BODs, other suggested to have 11 BODs so that a tie would be break. I was so impressed with the way things were going, I felt I was watching a parliamentary procedure. Other issues were raised but those were settled as some lawyers and scholars intervened. BTW, in between the discussion raffle(s) were being held.

During the election proper, I finally recognized (upon reading their profiles posted on the wall) that candidates came from different parts of the country and to my disbelief they were not just ordinary employees or mid-career professionals bur rather lawyers, local government officials, etc. Wasn't that amazing? Simultaneous to the election a sumptuous dinner was served. A video presentation on Japan's tsunami tragedy was shown the same time the votes were counted.

It was getting late and I felt that I would not know the elected BODs so I planned to leave the hall but as luck would have it my name was called as one of the winners of the raffle - a wall clock, so my departure was deferred for about 30 minutes. Nice.

I would like to thank JICA officials, the organizers, and my fellow government servants for an opportunity to be with you during the 2nd JAAP General Assembly. I wish to see you again soon! Dozo yurishiko onigaishimasu.

Gained a Seat to the Finals of Table Games Tournament

I am so lucky today. I went home very early since I was late for office this morning. Since I knew it would be traffic I took the road less traveled. Nah, it was just a figure of speech. Well, since I was not in a hurry and time was on my side I went to Sta. Cruz through FX via Pasig - Quiapo route, my usual day was MRT-LRT-Binondo way.

At Ronquillo, near Sta. Cruz church, I was invited by a supervisor from Casino Filipino to join their Super 6 Table Games tournament. To those who were not aware of what Super 6 meant, it was similar to a baccarat game (Lucky 9). Since I was familiar with the game and have been playing since I was young I acceded to her request. After the registration, I was introduced to other participants and was told that the tournament would be held at Manila Grand Opera near D. Jose St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

I was at the venue at exactly 6:30 p.m. and for the first time, I saw a humongous venue for players eh... gamblers on the 2nd floor of the hotel. After getting accustomed to the place I carefully watched the VIP players as they pushed their Skyflakes-like chips worth P10,000.00 bets.

Now back to the topic, I was assigned seat number 6 and as a start, I was given 10K chips (all of the 8 players have the same chips too). It was my first time joining this kind of tournament and I was very nervous. I lost the first four bets I made and I was shattered. While other players were gaining more chips I have been losing mine. On the 5th deal of cards I saw that solid colored sign (is that the big eye?) has been creeping so I put a 2.5K bet on that and I won. Additional 4 bets through that solid thing and I recovered my chips, however, the guy on my right probably saw that solid thing too as he won numerous betting chips.

One by one, players have been ousted because they lost their chips and the good thing was I'm still alive. I counted the players and we are just 5, then down to 4. I could land to the top 3 with very careful plays. Down to the last 3 hidden bets, and I put 2.5K in the banker and the rest put theirs to the players, and know what? I was the only winner and that increased my chances to land in 2nd place! I was able to win the last 2 bets and just won the 2nd prize! Wow.

To conclude this story, I won a 45K pre-bet coupon but didn't convert it all to cash. I went home with an additional P20K in my pocket. Lucky me, I also qualified to the National Table Games Tournament on December 5, 2015. Yeeheey!

Time Runs Out, Lights Go Out

Tick tock tick tock
Time runs out
The lights go out
Tick tock tick tock

The deadline for a Nuffic funding at Maastricht School of Management is fast approaching, I wish God will grant me an opportunity for international education. Bless me, Lord!

Rush Hour Realizations: A Morning Commute Gone Wrong

The Unexpected Journey

It was 6:30 a.m. when I hit the road, hopeful that I’d reach the office within an hour or two. But what followed was one of the longest, most frustrating commutes of my life—over four hours of discomfort, delays, and unexpected detours.

I found myself crammed into an overcrowded van. Phones were ringing simultaneously, conversations overlapped in a chaotic chorus, and to top it all off, the vehicle’s fan broke down. The heat, the noise, and the sheer lack of space made every minute feel like an eternity.

Deadline Pressure

What made the situation even more stressful was the looming deadline. I had a submission due by 12:00 noon on February 25, 2015. At 10:46 a.m., I was still stuck in San Juan, rerouted by our driver in a desperate attempt to escape the traffic—only to be caught in another jam.

Small Comforts, Big Lessons

Despite the chaos, a few things helped me stay grounded. I had packed essentials in my backpack—biscuits, water, an extra shirt—which provided some comfort. I also managed to read Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynn Truss, a witty take on punctuation and its importance. That unexpected reading time reminded me of the value of being prepared and the need to stay physically fit to handle such exhausting situations.

If you're looking to gear up for fitness, check out the range of sportswear at ZALORA.

A Thought on Urban Work Life

Isn’t it burdensome for employees in the National Capital Region to report to work on a supposed holiday, only to find major roads closed? Traveling from Binondo, Manila to DepEd Central Office shouldn’t feel like a survival challenge.

Accepted to MSM

I was just informed that my application to Maastricht School of Management to study short-term course has been accepted. I am extremely happy, and now I am working on my scholarship funding. Lord, guide and bless me that I be given this opportunity to study in The Netherlands through Nuffic Scholarship!

Too Many Opportunities This Year!

Whew! There are too many opportunities at the Department of Education today. If you are unaware of, please go to www.deped.gov.ph and join the government of the Philippines to make the needed change. You could be the change that this country needs!

Just this morning, I sent the only missing document for an international training opportunity. I wish that God will grant me my request.

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BTW, before the Valentines Day I had a petty quarrel with my wife due to financial matters. I just don't know why, this new place of ours (condo unit) is not giving us financial blessings. I am doomed.

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Hopefully, these coming months I will be blessed.