W.O.W

I'd be a hypocrite if I say that I didn't wish I get the W.O.W. (Work of Wonders) award. By far this has been the highest commendation given to any PSRC employee. Not to mention the perk of travelling to one of Philippines' tourist destination. Ever since winning runner-up honors for Rookie of the year in 2003, this has been my next target. But to no avail, every year, somebody else wins it. It even came to a point that I got hopeless. Since my bosses (director and manager) left, it felt like no one recognizes our efforts. I was even justifying to myself that I deserve it given that we were standing by ourselves even without a manager supervising us. And that's all I've been doing for the next X years, justifications!

Since I came back in 2006, I've been nominated twice (not counting this year). And given the load that I've had this year, I was thinking that if I didn't get it, then I won't be winning it in this lifetime. And that would be my last string, I thought.

So come December 16, judgement day, I was completely nervous. I kept myself preoccupied by making everything work for the Christmas party. And when MD announced this year's W.O.W. awardees, I got speechless even to the point of crying (good thing I didn't reach that point!).

Again, I'd like to say thanks to those who nominated me. I don't know everyone, but still, many thanks for these comments:

• He's very professional when it comes to work, but he's also full of life.
• On subjects that he is not familiar with, he takes time to research books/internet so he can explain it to us.
• He's just so helpful.
• He adds so much energy to PSRC events.
• Caloi has also been a model employee for me. I can clearly see his dedication for work. His passion for work is incredible. He always sees a diffiicult task as an opportunity to grow and learn. He has also been an encouraging colleague and friend. Even if it's not his project and/or expertise, Caloi lends his help when we ask for it and volunteers if we do not seek his help.
• Very easy to approach for consultation with regards to sampling, questionnaire and stat analysis concerns.
• Where would we all be without him? The stat department for years has been neglected and he has kept the boat steady. Maaasahan.
• Also, very hardworking. Stat may have been under-appreciated all these years since the team works in the backroom. As the senior in the group, he's led the team to put out and deliver.
• A very valuable resource who has helped us in the many complicated projects we handled this year. I really appreciate his eagerness to understand client objectives and provide or experiment with the appropriate statistical solutions that can address these objectives. He's very reliable and is always there to help. Open to suggestions and creative in his approach. He is also willing to help out the Accounts team to explain to clients the science/statistics behind our analyses.

These words really put a big smile in my face after I secured a copy. I wasn't able to understand anything while on stage. Everything was a blur that moment.

Thanks also to the ExeCom for considering me. And thanks to everyone who made my 2010 more bearable. If not for you guys I would have lost it. Funny that it took me almost seven years and six (or seven?) segmentations before fate gave me this moment. Nevertheless, I am thankful and honored.

Quoting what MD said before and what my boss posted in my FB wall: "What will you do if you know you cannot fail? Even more Work of Wonders, I bet." It really takes courage for one to know one's limits. I'm glad that they've pushed me hard, really hard. If not for them, I would have stayed back in my shell and not explore further what I have to offer. Thanks again mga bossing.

Also, congrats to us Ayah, Rudy, Andrea, and my good friend Jean! PALAWAN...here we come!!!