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28 October 2005
Dear Loved Ones,
This is the 2nd chapter of my journal. Due to positive feedback, I’m coming up with a monthly edition of snippets of our journey here, meant to be informative and to give you a glimpse of my uniqueness! (If you missed the 1st chapter, please give me notice, so I’ll send you copy, otherwise you’ll lose the continuity.)
To refresh your memory, I started work with SEARS on Sept. 28, after undergoing a comprehensive on-line training I took for three(3) days, after which I went “on the floor” at the Fine Jewelry Dept. got my own keys wearing the dress code of solid black or white (combination) with collar, black or tan bottoms, “business casual”; the pay is basic hourly rate plus commission, plus you enjoy 20% Associate discounts on everything you purchase from SEARS; that started my being part of the American workforce, so I have something to pay for the apartment and maintenance, until January.
Here are two American stories:
1. When I received my 1st paycheck, I put it in my clear purse (issued by SEARS which we can bring to the floor with a bottle of water), I went to the Ladies Restroom and left my purse on a ledge, before I went to a cubicle. While inside, I heard somebody mumbling something which I did not mind and when I came out, my purse was missing! After looking around and asking people, I called the Loss Prevention unit to report and asked if a purse was turned in to them, sadly NO was the answer!
After the panic and denial, it dawned on me that I must have lost everything I had, since in there were all my IDS: Driver license, BA Credit/Debit cards, my Citibank VISA card, etc., SSS and 1st paycheck! Kung sa Pilipinas iyon, I would have lost hope. But this is America, so I prayed hard and kept my faith! And I thought everything good that happened would be changed to negative and I have to go back home to the Philippines ASAP!
So this is America! About thirty minutes later, Peter, a Chinese in the shoe section called that a customer approached him and turned over a purse and that it might be mine. When I looked, it was mine alright and everything in it was there! My Manila assistant Jessica could not believe that “talaga m’am, lahat kumpleto, walang nawala, kahit pera nyo walang bawas!” Yes, that’s true, guess I am still very lucky and Blessed! Thus, I am still on the right track of my journey!
When I recounted the incident to Sean, I said that if I did not recover it, I should have gone home to Pinas immediately and he agreed it was the only option for me, because I would have lost my identity, with my SSS number in there! Then, we realized that Sean was ready to be left on his own in the U.S.A;. and that is the great positive result of that “almost missing episode”!
(Flashback! Remember, in Pinas, I lose material things almost annually to pickpockets (bags, wallets, etc., climaxed by the loss of our Pajero vehicle to carnappers last December, which partly moved me to come to USA; Criminality is so rampant – seems no one is afraid of Authority anymore! During those “humbling episodes, you die a little”, developing your humility and remove your attachment to material things; after all, we are only temporary stewards of God’s resources on earth. It’s one reason why I can easily detach myself from non-essentials, and move on to my pilgrimage wherever God leads me!)
2. I received a substantial amount from the Philippines which I intended to add to a time deposit (they call it Certificate of Deposit-CD) in my Bank of America (BA) account. I approached my BA personal banker Mr. Eric to tell my intention. Instead of accepting my additional deposit, he advised that BA rates were rather low and gave me names of two other banks who were offering higher CD rates. (I could not believe because in Pinas, it is unheard of that one would recommend competitor banks, then I realized this is what you call, not only Customer Satisfaction, but also Customer Delight!!! They really care for you, what is advantageous to you!) He assured me though that when I want to buy a house, to come to him because BA really offers the lowest rates! So I heeded his advise and proceeded to Citibank which was just across the street from BA, since I also have Citibank dollar accounts and Visa card in the Philippines.
As I went inside Citibank, I loitered about and the Manager came up front and when I told my intention and the story about Eric, he was amused and confirmed that their rates were really higher and that Eric must really like/love me! Then, when I showed my Visa Credit Card where embossed on it, after my Name is “Founder Member”. (You see, I got my Citibank Gold Card in 1994, when it first opened and since then that “Founder Member” is embossed after my name, the reason why I could not let go of my card even if I don’t use it anymore.) Right then and there, the Manager called out to his Staff and announced: “Hey guys, Susan here is the owner of Citibank in the Philippines!” Then the staff gathered around to greet me and looked at my unique card with my 1994 ID picture on it, they have a different card design here. Imagine that, I was quietly amused, anyway, I took it with humor as they gave me VIP service/attention. Yes, I got higher CD rate for 9 months, almost 3 times what BA could offer.
By the way here, the Bank Managers are the frontliners, greeting clients as they enter the door, asking them their needs and directing them where to go, offering lollipops or coffee while waiting. Managers do not stay inside closed door offices, unapproachable, indifferent to customer needs, like most Pinas banks! Philippine banks should learn. Here, the norm is TQM!
DID YOU KNOW?
About Sapphires, my September birthstone. Sapphires do not only come in blue, but in orange and pink as well. Sapphires have been prized for their versatile beauty, extremely durable and resistant to chipping and breakage, ideal gemstone for wearing everyday. Mined primarily in Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, deep blue sapphires are traditionally associated with royalty and worn by kings to protect them from harm; gorgeous orange sapphires (called Padparadshah) are becoming popular, while the pink sapphires go with any outfit anywhere (pink is the new black). Sapphire is the gemstone given on the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary.
I have to explain to customers everything about diamonds and other gems of the world: the 4C’s, the 7 different cuts of diamonds, etc. We are given weekly schedules and when one is assigned to open or close, one has to test the diamonds upon getting out from the vault in the AM and before putting inside the vault in the evenings. I work 5 days a week and I have been assigned closing shifts 12:30 – 9:15 PM, and opening 9:30AM to 6:00PM alternately, so I have to test all those diamonds. I also take charge of checking in fine jewelry inventories on Saturdays which come in by UPS, from the head quarters in Illinois, where procurement is centrally done, from all over the world suppliers. Weekly rotation is management measure to prevent personnel collusion and conspiracy, loss prevention strategy. SEARS, the world’s largest store chain (SEARS Tower, the world’s tallest building in Illinois) is partly owned by Citibank and BA. . . . . more informative sharing next chapter!
I guess a 2 to 3 page journal is just right, otherwise, ma-bore na kayo, so I’ll say bye for now, best regards and God Bless Us All Always!!! Love,
SUSAN BG
Some comments on the 1st chapter from my loved ones:
Dean Vicky Naval, PUP: “I want to hug you and your son on this pleasant journey” . . .. . . .
Dr. Rudy De Lara, U.S.T., PUP, RTU, UP: “I will share your experiences with my students” . . .
Ms. Cora Ignacio, AB English, U.P. and HR Specialist: “You accomplished what normally takes 5 years to do, in just two months with your resourcefulness and strength of character” . . . .”you write like a journalist!” . . (that is why I’m continuing with my writings!)
Thelma: “you belong to the top 5% of Filipinos who easily adjusted to life in America and succeed, congrats!” . . . .
Marilou, my kumare: “na-iinggit ako sa iyo, puwede bang sumama na dyan?” . . . .
My U.S.T. TNEM groups, Dolly, Zeny, Emma, Lin, etc. “Congrats you are doing great”. . “ hep, hep, hooray!”‘. . . .”with your positive outlook in life, you will surely go places” . . . . . .”we miss you, especially when we think of Tagaytay Highlands”
Gerry, my husband: “Hindi ka ba naninibago dyan, eh dito Boss ka namin! Anyway Day, enjoy ka lang; pag-ayaw mo na, umuwi ka na dito! “ (This is the re-assuring comfort, that I still have a life and home in the Philippines!!!)
Dear Loved Ones,
This is the 2nd chapter of my journal. Due to positive feedback, I’m coming up with a monthly edition of snippets of our journey here, meant to be informative and to give you a glimpse of my uniqueness! (If you missed the 1st chapter, please give me notice, so I’ll send you copy, otherwise you’ll lose the continuity.)
To refresh your memory, I started work with SEARS on Sept. 28, after undergoing a comprehensive on-line training I took for three(3) days, after which I went “on the floor” at the Fine Jewelry Dept. got my own keys wearing the dress code of solid black or white (combination) with collar, black or tan bottoms, “business casual”; the pay is basic hourly rate plus commission, plus you enjoy 20% Associate discounts on everything you purchase from SEARS; that started my being part of the American workforce, so I have something to pay for the apartment and maintenance, until January.
Here are two American stories:
1. When I received my 1st paycheck, I put it in my clear purse (issued by SEARS which we can bring to the floor with a bottle of water), I went to the Ladies Restroom and left my purse on a ledge, before I went to a cubicle. While inside, I heard somebody mumbling something which I did not mind and when I came out, my purse was missing! After looking around and asking people, I called the Loss Prevention unit to report and asked if a purse was turned in to them, sadly NO was the answer!
After the panic and denial, it dawned on me that I must have lost everything I had, since in there were all my IDS: Driver license, BA Credit/Debit cards, my Citibank VISA card, etc., SSS and 1st paycheck! Kung sa Pilipinas iyon, I would have lost hope. But this is America, so I prayed hard and kept my faith! And I thought everything good that happened would be changed to negative and I have to go back home to the Philippines ASAP!
So this is America! About thirty minutes later, Peter, a Chinese in the shoe section called that a customer approached him and turned over a purse and that it might be mine. When I looked, it was mine alright and everything in it was there! My Manila assistant Jessica could not believe that “talaga m’am, lahat kumpleto, walang nawala, kahit pera nyo walang bawas!” Yes, that’s true, guess I am still very lucky and Blessed! Thus, I am still on the right track of my journey!
When I recounted the incident to Sean, I said that if I did not recover it, I should have gone home to Pinas immediately and he agreed it was the only option for me, because I would have lost my identity, with my SSS number in there! Then, we realized that Sean was ready to be left on his own in the U.S.A;. and that is the great positive result of that “almost missing episode”!
(Flashback! Remember, in Pinas, I lose material things almost annually to pickpockets (bags, wallets, etc., climaxed by the loss of our Pajero vehicle to carnappers last December, which partly moved me to come to USA; Criminality is so rampant – seems no one is afraid of Authority anymore! During those “humbling episodes, you die a little”, developing your humility and remove your attachment to material things; after all, we are only temporary stewards of God’s resources on earth. It’s one reason why I can easily detach myself from non-essentials, and move on to my pilgrimage wherever God leads me!)
2. I received a substantial amount from the Philippines which I intended to add to a time deposit (they call it Certificate of Deposit-CD) in my Bank of America (BA) account. I approached my BA personal banker Mr. Eric to tell my intention. Instead of accepting my additional deposit, he advised that BA rates were rather low and gave me names of two other banks who were offering higher CD rates. (I could not believe because in Pinas, it is unheard of that one would recommend competitor banks, then I realized this is what you call, not only Customer Satisfaction, but also Customer Delight!!! They really care for you, what is advantageous to you!) He assured me though that when I want to buy a house, to come to him because BA really offers the lowest rates! So I heeded his advise and proceeded to Citibank which was just across the street from BA, since I also have Citibank dollar accounts and Visa card in the Philippines.
As I went inside Citibank, I loitered about and the Manager came up front and when I told my intention and the story about Eric, he was amused and confirmed that their rates were really higher and that Eric must really like/love me! Then, when I showed my Visa Credit Card where embossed on it, after my Name is “Founder Member”. (You see, I got my Citibank Gold Card in 1994, when it first opened and since then that “Founder Member” is embossed after my name, the reason why I could not let go of my card even if I don’t use it anymore.) Right then and there, the Manager called out to his Staff and announced: “Hey guys, Susan here is the owner of Citibank in the Philippines!” Then the staff gathered around to greet me and looked at my unique card with my 1994 ID picture on it, they have a different card design here. Imagine that, I was quietly amused, anyway, I took it with humor as they gave me VIP service/attention. Yes, I got higher CD rate for 9 months, almost 3 times what BA could offer.
By the way here, the Bank Managers are the frontliners, greeting clients as they enter the door, asking them their needs and directing them where to go, offering lollipops or coffee while waiting. Managers do not stay inside closed door offices, unapproachable, indifferent to customer needs, like most Pinas banks! Philippine banks should learn. Here, the norm is TQM!
DID YOU KNOW?
About Sapphires, my September birthstone. Sapphires do not only come in blue, but in orange and pink as well. Sapphires have been prized for their versatile beauty, extremely durable and resistant to chipping and breakage, ideal gemstone for wearing everyday. Mined primarily in Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, deep blue sapphires are traditionally associated with royalty and worn by kings to protect them from harm; gorgeous orange sapphires (called Padparadshah) are becoming popular, while the pink sapphires go with any outfit anywhere (pink is the new black). Sapphire is the gemstone given on the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary.
I have to explain to customers everything about diamonds and other gems of the world: the 4C’s, the 7 different cuts of diamonds, etc. We are given weekly schedules and when one is assigned to open or close, one has to test the diamonds upon getting out from the vault in the AM and before putting inside the vault in the evenings. I work 5 days a week and I have been assigned closing shifts 12:30 – 9:15 PM, and opening 9:30AM to 6:00PM alternately, so I have to test all those diamonds. I also take charge of checking in fine jewelry inventories on Saturdays which come in by UPS, from the head quarters in Illinois, where procurement is centrally done, from all over the world suppliers. Weekly rotation is management measure to prevent personnel collusion and conspiracy, loss prevention strategy. SEARS, the world’s largest store chain (SEARS Tower, the world’s tallest building in Illinois) is partly owned by Citibank and BA. . . . . more informative sharing next chapter!
I guess a 2 to 3 page journal is just right, otherwise, ma-bore na kayo, so I’ll say bye for now, best regards and God Bless Us All Always!!! Love,
SUSAN BG
Some comments on the 1st chapter from my loved ones:
Dean Vicky Naval, PUP: “I want to hug you and your son on this pleasant journey” . . .. . . .
Dr. Rudy De Lara, U.S.T., PUP, RTU, UP: “I will share your experiences with my students” . . .
Ms. Cora Ignacio, AB English, U.P. and HR Specialist: “You accomplished what normally takes 5 years to do, in just two months with your resourcefulness and strength of character” . . . .”you write like a journalist!” . . (that is why I’m continuing with my writings!)
Thelma: “you belong to the top 5% of Filipinos who easily adjusted to life in America and succeed, congrats!” . . . .
Marilou, my kumare: “na-iinggit ako sa iyo, puwede bang sumama na dyan?” . . . .
My U.S.T. TNEM groups, Dolly, Zeny, Emma, Lin, etc. “Congrats you are doing great”. . “ hep, hep, hooray!”‘. . . .”with your positive outlook in life, you will surely go places” . . . . . .”we miss you, especially when we think of Tagaytay Highlands”
Gerry, my husband: “Hindi ka ba naninibago dyan, eh dito Boss ka namin! Anyway Day, enjoy ka lang; pag-ayaw mo na, umuwi ka na dito! “ (This is the re-assuring comfort, that I still have a life and home in the Philippines!!!)
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