Kristy’s entry: Work-out?

May 2, 2006

Went to POEA with fellow Consortium intern, Sandy Miguel. I had a killer headache because of sinusitis, and I hated the traffic jam that we encountered on our way to the MRT station in EDSA. We met at around 7AM outside their subdivision in Bacoor, Cavite, and from experience, we were confident that we would be there before 8AM.

We had to take a jeepney to Baclaran because the buses that would take us straight to the station were looked like cans of sardines, with the passengers pitted against each other. I’m not that finicky, but I though I would faint inside those buses. Imagine the heat. And we didn’t want to take the bus that would take us straight to Ortigas. Let’s just say that both of us had our share of “traumatizing” experiences.

It was smooth from Baclaran to the MRT station, but it seemed like the line to the ticket booths were endless. After purchasing our tickets, we made our way to the train (rather, I *thought* I was...), but, being the MRT-inexperienced girl that I am, I almost made my way out of the station. Thanks to Sandy, my ticket was saved (^_^). How could I have forgotten that the loading area was a floor below the ticketing area?! Hey, at least I’m learning how to commute! Wee!

Worried that the train would leave without us, we slipped into the first open car that we saw. However, when we realized that we were in the men’s car, which Sandy knew would be jam-packed with people after a few stops, we instinctively ran to the car for women. Good decision.

We got to POEA at around 8:30. We proceeded to the library on the 5th floor and gathered our materials. We have been discouraged from going there because the agency may not have the data we’ve been looking for. True enough, I did not find the statistics of OFWs living in Region IV, particularly in Cavite. What we found were materials for background information.

We proceeded to the 6th floor to have our materials photocopied. We were first in line, because of some (incredibly annoying) circumstances (which I prefer not to mention), I almost blew my top. Good thing I have learned to control my temper a couple of years ago.

Sandy went to Cubao while I decided to go home at around 12NN (got home at around 2). I sat down to continue transcribing the interviews that I recorded in my phone. After a few hours, Sir Leo texted me and asked if I could meet him that night. I said ys, of course. I had data to show him, plus my mom had picked up the questionnaires that I sent to two busy former OFW-friends. Sir Leo and I met at Jollibee Imus at around 6PM.

Tiring day, huh?

After showing him the interview transcripts and the questionnaires, Sir Leo suggested that I interview some government officials, so I told him that I would try to interview the mayor. *gulp*

I’m lucky to be under Sir Leo. He’s really nice and accommodating, and he knows how to deal with interns.