What's your stand on capitalism?

Rafi and I went to another interview today.This time, it's with TNS, a research firm. Since he was scheduled for a ten 'o clock interview, he went to the office premises ahead of me. On the other hand, I waited til 11 AM at Jollibee, while I read the interview materials that he researched the other day.

Two people were present during his interview. There were four during my turn, which was a little unsettling. I prepared to be asked about my strengths and weaknesses, but that question never came. Surprisingly though, I was asked about my favorite TV commercial. More surprising however is that Rafi and I had the same response to this.The McDo commercial (hamdesal), though not necessarily my favorite was the first commercial that came to mind, and has perhaps made an impression on us. Another surprise was that I was asked about my stand on capitalism. It's not the kind of question that I was prepared to answer. The interviewer sensed perhaps that my heart longs to do some developmental work and that is why she asked me about my stand on capitalism.

I said that I am not totally against it but I am aware that this system has the tendency to become abusive (especially to the proles, at least according to Marx) . However, I am not also advocating for socialism as I find it so utopian and hard to realize. But of course, I want poverty to be alleviated. I believe capitalists are doing their share of alleviating it, though somehow, I have some misgivings about it.

Anyway, I think I digressed.

Going back to the interview, the interviewer was being kind when she explained that the reason she asked that question is that in the kind of work where I am getting in, we would be serving the interests of the capitalists - how to help them grow their money in that sense. Perhaps, she wanted to be sure that I am sure about where I am heading.

My answers would have seemed half-baked, trying to stand on the safe-side. At this moment, I am still trying to find for myself the side on which I can proudly say I stand.

TNS or PBSP? Nature of work might be totally different. It doesn't matter. I just want to work. At least let me try what it feels like to work there. Then later, I will decide whether I fit here or not.

Independence day

Tomorrow is Mama's birthday and although she wouldn't be able to read this, i'll greet her anyway. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA! :)

Today, on the other hand, is 110th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. Coincidentally, today is the day when i had an interview with Mr. Enan dela Rosa of PBSP. Should i mark this day as my day of independence too? i hope so, but it is still unsure. The interview went okay. Exams followed in the afternoon. I was with my Bes, who didn't seem to be much aware of what's going to happen. Still, i'm happy he was there with me.

Last year, i've sent them my application letter and resume as i was interested to work for this org. Due to some twist of fate, it so happened that my application was overlooked and that only last week did they have interest in inviting me for a job interview.Bored as i am with the work that i am currently doing, i did not hesitate to pursue my application with them in the hope and strong belief that the work that i will be doing there will be somehow in line with my goals and desires plus my educational background.

So there I went, through the traffic jam and all. I came late even, but what the heck. I came, that's all that matters. I almost got angry with Bes because he was supposed to fetch me in our house in San Andres by eight but it was already a quarter past eight and still he was not there. But, i decided i will not get angry. (See, emotions are controllable Yna. You just have to learn how to master that. Bes is right.) For us to be there on time, I suggested we meet near Lawton. Good enough, he was there half past 8 while I was still caught in the heavy traffic jam. Too bad. I even missed the free LRT ride by the last minute. That's worse. Nevertheless, it was ok. I was at least able to get to our rendezvous at about five past nine. Then we took the pedicab and had to pay 30 for our fare. Were we overcharged?

The usual application process went. We had to fill out the form and wait till the receptionist summon us for the interview. My turn came and I was told to go to Function Room B where Mr. dela Rosa was waiting. The interview went for minutes, i was not able to count. He asked the usual questions. What are your strengths? What areas do you want to improve? He interrogated me about my previous job experiences and commended me for being so hardworking. Questions, more questions, till it was time for me to ask. And i said "are you kuya enan?" What a funny way to end the interview. :D

Since Bes was a walk-in applicant, the interview had to be done on a later date. We both took the exams in the afternoon along with four other applicants. The exams were manageable, not difficult, not easy but manageable. Then we left.

I had to tell my TL I'd be late for work and I had to make another excuse and justification as to why. It makes me feel a bit edgy whenever I had to do that. What if they find out? Isn't it wrong to tell lies? And i'd end up justifying that i have the privilege to go on leave especially now that I am regularized. I told Bes that if I continue to be absent for the following weeks, people here in the office might already suspect. That leaves me with no problem if I will have a new job waiting for me. That is actually better.

I just hope that this time, luck will stay on my side, as well as with my Bes'.
Happy Job hunting!