If you’ve been following me long enough, then you’d probably know that I am just an average jane. No fancy place to stay, no beautiful backdrops at home, no glamorous work to talk about. I’ve seen different versions of A Day in the Life, but I have yet to see a post that features the daily struggles of commute, or the routinary work that they have to face on a daily basis. So that’s what I’m sharing with you guys! I know my life isn’t as interesting, but at least there’s a comfort on knowing that you are not alone with your battles of everyday hustles. He he!
These photos chronicles my activities from last Tuesday. 🙂
MORNING
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| Morning coffee! |
My usual routine goes like this: wake up at 8:00 AM, laze around in bed until 8:30, rush into fixing myself until 9:00, then travel to the office and make it to my 10:00 AM shift.
However, last Tuesday, Mark decided to pay me a visit and have breakfast together on a rainy morning. I woke up at 7:00 AM and hang around with him until 8:30 AM. We had coffee and toast, mixed with our mundane stories and inside jokes.
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| The bus ride to work |
My daily commute to work goes like this: take a jeepney going to Monumento, take a bus going to Mother Ignacia, and then take a tricycle going to our office. Despite the rain last Tuesday, my travel was rather peaceful, being able to get into a spacious bus and ending up having a seat. Most of the time, I’m forced to stand up on the bus as it is already full when it stops at Monumento. This is also where the fun begins — people stomping on your foot as they made their way to the door, people trying to push you instead of saying excuse me, men unknowingly smothering you with their crotch as you innocently sit near the aisle, and many others. Oh, what a journey.
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| Guess I did the right thing on wearing my boots today! |
WORK
Tuesday was a pretty slow day. We had our work suspended a day before, so naturally, there’s nothing much to check on my e-mail during the morning. If you’re wondering what my work is, I am actually part of the Marketing team and I handle network promotions. I coordinate with a bunch of people on a daily basis, so pretty much my e-mail plays a huge role on my daily workload.
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| Typical work desk |
During lunch time, I had my usual break at the conference room with my colleagues. We talked about a lot of random things, as per usual. Most of the time, my friends and I would go down after eating to buy coffee or just enjoy a quick stroll before getting back to work.
I spent the next 8 hours staring at my computer screen, shooting countless e-mails, creating cost estimates and decks, casually going to my friends’ table to talk, and pretty much browsing the internet.
By 6:00 PM, I was fetched by the team that handles the weekly draw for our on-going promotion, and went to their office to actually pick the winners from a bunch of entries. Guys, if you feel like joining network promotions (a.k.a. those promos that have drop boxes) are dubious, I tell you, there really are people winning these things. I picked the winners myself, y’all!
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| Kind of stranded, really |
The draw was rather quick, and I went back to the office just in time to go home. However, the rain was pouring heavily, and we were kind of forced to stay back for a couple more minutes. We ended up going out of the office at past 8:00, and that is where the stress begins.
EVENING
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| EDSA Lights – North Bound |
As expected, the traffic was very heavy, it made EDSA look like it was a giant parking lot. I usually take the bus going home, but since the road is congested as hell, I decided to take another route via MRT. Since I’m going north bound, there wasn’t any hassle in terms of getting on the train. I went down at North Avenue station and then decided to line up for the jeepneys going to Monumento. And man, wasn’t that one of the worse decisions of my life.
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| The liiiiine. Monumento jeepneys are located at the farthest area |
Little did I know that I would actually be lining up for almost 2 hours. My usual travel time is 45 minutes from work up to our house, but since the traffic was crazy, most jeepneys got stuck, and I had to endure the long ass line for hours. I felt that my legs went jelly, standing up for a long time, and when I finally had my turn to get into the jeep, I took all the energy that I have to stop myself from screaming “yahoo”. I went down at Monumento and took another jeep going home. I was able to reunite with my bed by 11:30 PM.
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| Kicking them boots off! |
I plan to write this post last Tuesday, but since I was extremely exhausted, I ended up sleeping right after I fixed myself for bed. I was able to check in with our orders though (we still have a couple coming in even if The Dream Shirt went on an indefinite hiatus) and reply to a couple more e-mails and inquiries. By the time that 12:00 MN hit, I was already falling asleep.
THE NEXT DAY
I was extremely thankful as the work was suspended the next day! It wasn’t as rainy as expected, but an extra day off is definitely something to be happy about.
My everyday life is kind of the same with what I’ve written above, only it differs from time to time when it comes to work loads and after work activities. How about you? What’s a day in your life? Feel free to tag me if you happen to write about your day as well! 🙂
That boots though! I need to buy one for my self. Badly need it for the kind of weather we are having lately. I love how you chronicle your day Jhanz. #relatable hehe..
http://www.hintofglitter.com
That boots though! I need to buy one for my self. Badly need it for the kind of weather we are having lately. I love how you chronicle your day Jhanz. #relatable hehe..
http://www.hintofglitter.com
Grabe lang ang 2 hours na pag pila para sa jeep!
Great to know though that you were able to rest the following day. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Grabe lang ang 2 hours na pag pila para sa jeep!
Great to know though that you were able to rest the following day. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
That same Tuesday was hell for me, too! Grabe talaga ang combination ng rain and Metro Manila. I actually saw your tweets and wanted to reach out and complain, too, but I was too tired and napped in the van instead. KAKALOKA.
That same Tuesday was hell for me, too! Grabe talaga ang combination ng rain and Metro Manila. I actually saw your tweets and wanted to reach out and complain, too, but I was too tired and napped in the van instead. KAKALOKA.
The traffic situation in Manila is the number one reason why I don't want to work there. Are you commuting all by yourself Jhanz?
Live Blog Love by Hazel Asoy
The traffic situation in Manila is the number one reason why I don't want to work there. Are you commuting all by yourself Jhanz?
Live Blog Love by Hazel Asoy
Rain plus crowd plus pila sa jeep, grabe lang I've always hated that moment. Good thing now that I'm just living across our school so it all fine for me. But I always worry with my friends' case cs ang lalayo ng bahay nila, bumabaha pa. Buti nlng yung boots hindi nag-gi-give up sa ulan 🙂 I like this feature, Ate. I should make my version of "A day in the life" too 🙂
Lou | wander-soul.net
Rain plus crowd plus pila sa jeep, grabe lang I've always hated that moment. Good thing now that I'm just living across our school so it all fine for me. But I always worry with my friends' case cs ang lalayo ng bahay nila, bumabaha pa. Buti nlng yung boots hindi nag-gi-give up sa ulan 🙂 I like this feature, Ate. I should make my version of "A day in the life" too 🙂
Lou | wander-soul.net
sis you live so far far away pala! (taga bundok na kasi ako haha) youre on my list pa naman of bloggers to have coffee with someday hehe! btw where do i find these promos and whats the prize!
sis you live so far far away pala! (taga bundok na kasi ako haha) youre on my list pa naman of bloggers to have coffee with someday hehe! btw where do i find these promos and whats the prize!
Well, my day went well, except that my body needs to adjust due to change of my shift. 4 out of 5 shift per week ko is Day (5am-1pm). Which means, I have to wake up at 4 in the morning (although I only live 50m from the control tower, so I just have to walk). As a night owl, waking up to the time that I usually sleep was a struggle.
Anyway, I can relate to your daily struggle in Manila. When I was still in Manila for my air traffic control training three years ago, I really hate commuting especially when it rains. Because in MNL, when it rains, it floods. I wasn't really used with commuting because I was 'hatid-sundo' boy whenever I'm in Davao. But hey, it taught me a lot of things in life! That despite the trouble of commuting, I still have a job; that I am still fortunate to have a work in my chosen field. 🙂
Well, my day went well, except that my body needs to adjust due to change of my shift. 4 out of 5 shift per week ko is Day (5am-1pm). Which means, I have to wake up at 4 in the morning (although I only live 50m from the control tower, so I just have to walk). As a night owl, waking up to the time that I usually sleep was a struggle.
Anyway, I can relate to your daily struggle in Manila. When I was still in Manila for my air traffic control training three years ago, I really hate commuting especially when it rains. Because in MNL, when it rains, it floods. I wasn't really used with commuting because I was 'hatid-sundo' boy whenever I'm in Davao. But hey, it taught me a lot of things in life! That despite the trouble of commuting, I still have a job; that I am still fortunate to have a work in my chosen field. 🙂
I cannot function properly without my morning coffee. I become a grumpy bear if I don't get it! You're lucky to get a seat – I hardly ever get a seat when I take the train, so I end up standing for at least 45 minutes of my journey. So fun!
I should do one of these 🙂
I cannot function properly without my morning coffee. I become a grumpy bear if I don't get it! You're lucky to get a seat – I hardly ever get a seat when I take the train, so I end up standing for at least 45 minutes of my journey. So fun!
I should do one of these 🙂
I know you find your day quite exhausting but I'd rather have this kind of day than what I have right now. I wake up 1 pm in the afternoon. Watch tv shows, go eat, then drink coffee, then in front of the computer for the rest of the day. For school year, my class ends around 2 pm, then I go back home to do the same things I do during Summer. Quite boring. Hopefully leaving my apartment for vacation will be a different experience and different day schedule.
Dice, '96 Wild Heart
I know you find your day quite exhausting but I'd rather have this kind of day than what I have right now. I wake up 1 pm in the afternoon. Watch tv shows, go eat, then drink coffee, then in front of the computer for the rest of the day. For school year, my class ends around 2 pm, then I go back home to do the same things I do during Summer. Quite boring. Hopefully leaving my apartment for vacation will be a different experience and different day schedule.
Dice, '96 Wild Heart
I can only imagine how dreadful Edsa traffic is. There isn't a day that my boyfriend doesn't talk about it. While I'm thankful that I live in a traffic-less city, I think that fhere are more adventures away from these narrow streets. Thank you for sharing your day!
tonyintechnicolor.blogspot.com (๑′ᴗ‵๑)
I can only imagine how dreadful Edsa traffic is. There isn't a day that my boyfriend doesn't talk about it. While I'm thankful that I live in a traffic-less city, I think that fhere are more adventures away from these narrow streets. Thank you for sharing your day!
tonyintechnicolor.blogspot.com (๑′ᴗ‵๑)
What a day you have! I haven't experience that kind of journey yet, but i don't know if i can really handle it because 2hours is just a killer naaaw!
sarahrizaga.blogspot.com
What a day you have! I haven't experience that kind of journey yet, but i don't know if i can really handle it because 2hours is just a killer naaaw!
sarahrizaga.blogspot.com
I've been meaning to write a post about a day in my life but never got around to doing it. I guess I just forgot about it. I might do it one of these days! 🙂
I've been meaning to write a post about a day in my life but never got around to doing it. I guess I just forgot about it. I might do it one of these days! 🙂
I miss your workplace so much :(((( Anyways, I extremely hate the rain + traffic combination. I want to shout at every person I see and punch them in the face while struggling my way home. I definitely don't miss times like this!!
Aneth // Summer Babe
I miss your workplace so much :(((( Anyways, I extremely hate the rain + traffic combination. I want to shout at every person I see and punch them in the face while struggling my way home. I definitely don't miss times like this!!
Aneth // Summer Babe
Yep. I agree. I've seen and read a lot of this series or post but doesn't really show the truth about their lives off cam. Kudos to you, Jhanz! This post is very realistic and relatable cos I commute every day to work, you're so lucky your work starts at 10am, I have to be at work as early as 7:30. hehe
Can't wait to do my own A day in a life.
– Joyce | http://www.bitsofjoyce.com/
Yep. I agree. I've seen and read a lot of this series or post but doesn't really show the truth about their lives off cam. Kudos to you, Jhanz! This post is very realistic and relatable cos I commute every day to work, you're so lucky your work starts at 10am, I have to be at work as early as 7:30. hehe
Can't wait to do my own A day in a life.
– Joyce | http://www.bitsofjoyce.com/
aahh the bustle of Manila!! gosh, so busy and yet i miss it there! 😀
Have a great week!
Back to blogging at Animated Confessions
aahh the bustle of Manila!! gosh, so busy and yet i miss it there! 😀
Have a great week!
Back to blogging at Animated Confessions
I've never really commuted in Manila and I have no plans at all. The traffic is just wild what more while commuting. It's just so crazy!
I've never really commuted in Manila and I have no plans at all. The traffic is just wild what more while commuting. It's just so crazy!
oh my…the rain. the traffic. the huge billboards. manila. manila. missing manila 🙂
kisses from dubai ♥
http://www.mahryska.com
oh my…the rain. the traffic. the huge billboards. manila. manila. missing manila 🙂
kisses from dubai ♥
http://www.mahryska.com
A good insight to your life! Honestly I don't think I could ever live in Manila.. I was there two weekends ago and I was just imagining how people can commute peacefully and not induced by stress. Lining up for a jeep for 2 hours? Whew. I lived in a metropolitan city for almost half my life and I definitely know what traffic congestion does to your system. As long as you don't let it get to you, I think you'll be fine =]
A good insight to your life! Honestly I don't think I could ever live in Manila.. I was there two weekends ago and I was just imagining how people can commute peacefully and not induced by stress. Lining up for a jeep for 2 hours? Whew. I lived in a metropolitan city for almost half my life and I definitely know what traffic congestion does to your system. As long as you don't let it get to you, I think you'll be fine =]
hi Jhanz! watta day! haha~ I used to be in your shoes in my early 20's…my footprints are all over Pasay, Makati and for quite sometime in Paranaque & Alabang. Never had a job in Manila area though but I definitely used MRT & LRT and the jeepneys and tricycles as well. That's every typical Filipino's rite of passage during their college years AND early working years. As much as I love the adrenalin rush and the quest-like way home, I got tired of it eventually and decided to move to one of my dream places ~ Baguio! hihi…this post inspired me to make a draft of 'A Day in a Life' for my blog as well. 🙂
hi Jhanz! watta day! haha~ I used to be in your shoes in my early 20's…my footprints are all over Pasay, Makati and for quite sometime in Paranaque & Alabang. Never had a job in Manila area though but I definitely used MRT & LRT and the jeepneys and tricycles as well. That's every typical Filipino's rite of passage during their college years AND early working years. As much as I love the adrenalin rush and the quest-like way home, I got tired of it eventually and decided to move to one of my dream places ~ Baguio! hihi…this post inspired me to make a draft of 'A Day in a Life' for my blog as well. 🙂
I like your boots Jhanzey! Thanks for letting us glimpse on how your day goes. I can never imagine commuting in Manila. The traffic sounds terrible to me. lol
I like your boots Jhanzey! Thanks for letting us glimpse on how your day goes. I can never imagine commuting in Manila. The traffic sounds terrible to me. lol
Haha! I guess there are a lot of people who can relate to the hassle of traffic!
Haha! I guess there are a lot of people who can relate to the hassle of traffic!
Thanks Zai! Jusko ayoko na ng ganitong byahe ule hehehe
Thanks Zai! Jusko ayoko na ng ganitong byahe ule hehehe
Haha anong bago ba guys ganun naman ata talaga (sadly)
Haha anong bago ba guys ganun naman ata talaga (sadly)
Yes! All by myself, every single time hehe
Yes! All by myself, every single time hehe
Go, gawa na Lou! Will wait for that! 😀
Go, gawa na Lou! Will wait for that! 😀
Hehe! 🙂 Tara, let's coffee sometime. Hindi naman hindrance yang layo! Imma go to your little mountain hehe!
At least you're pretty near where you work! It really does take a great effort to fix your body clock for work!
At least you're pretty near where you work! It really does take a great effort to fix your body clock for work!
Go! I'll wait for your post then!
Go! I'll wait for your post then!
I like my day, sure, but it's very stressful to work on these conditions especially when you feel extra tired with the day's commute T_T
I like my day, sure, but it's very stressful to work on these conditions especially when you feel extra tired with the day's commute T_T
There are a lot of things to discover in Manila, but the traffic kind of ruins a lot of things for people ESPECIALLY when it's work (or when you're on a rush hehehe)
There are a lot of things to discover in Manila, but the traffic kind of ruins a lot of things for people ESPECIALLY when it's work (or when you're on a rush hehehe)
It's always refreshing to go on a smooth journey in edsa haha -_- but rly, this can be worse, depending on the rain too!
It's always refreshing to go on a smooth journey in edsa haha -_- but rly, this can be worse, depending on the rain too!
Go go go I would really love to know more about your day (esp bec you don't have social media!!!)
Go go go I would really love to know more about your day (esp bec you don't have social media!!!)
Hahaha ok lang yan, you're free naman today! Hehe!
Hahaha ok lang yan, you're free naman today! Hehe!
Maybe there's some truth to it, kaso it just doesn't fit the set up of a normal person hehe! 🙂 I'll wait for your a day in a life post!
Maybe there's some truth to it, kaso it just doesn't fit the set up of a normal person hehe! 🙂 I'll wait for your a day in a life post!
Thanks Sybil! xx
Thanks Sybil! xx
You should try commuting on a Sunday though. Feels like heaven haha!
You should try commuting on a Sunday though. Feels like heaven haha!
How long has it been since you last went to MNL? 😀
How long has it been since you last went to MNL? 😀
Ahh sometimes you can't help it, but you can always try to make the most out of whatever situation you're in. Traffic and hassle is inevitable here in MNL -_-
Ahh sometimes you can't help it, but you can always try to make the most out of whatever situation you're in. Traffic and hassle is inevitable here in MNL -_-
Ah, share with me your a day in a life once it's posted! 😀
Ah, share with me your a day in a life once it's posted! 😀
Thanks Alissa. And yes, traffic IS TERRIBLE I tell you!
Thanks Alissa. And yes, traffic IS TERRIBLE I tell you!