Facebook and Instagram accounts

It was in May 15th when I started to think that I need to go offline on Facebook as my account has been disabled for no reason at all. So my accounts on Facebook and Instagram were closed down. These are two addictive and dopamine-inducing social media websites.

A week later
A bit of adjustment after a week. I began to think that most of my time spent on reading articles. I develop my habit of reading blogs as days are passing by, took a lot of photos, etc. I also began to read Wikipedia articles, Spanish news, watching YouTube tutorials and a lot more. I also listen to music and start to learn vocalization. In the long run, I became more active by signing up a gym membership.

A month later
Well after a month, I began to be organized. Not just checking my calendars but to be mentally active and focused on things that I need to attend. I try my best to keep on visiting some parts of Metro Manila that I used to visit when I was working as a field researcher back then. So long as I have enough.

Alternative Apps
I have other apps that I am using now. These are meetup and couch surfing. These apps are useful in meeting people. Know what's happening sorts of.

I challenge you to do the same thing. Delete Facebook and Instagram accounts. Let's start to go offline.

Why I don't followback: Instagram 101

The question of why I don't follow back my followers often arises, prompting this post to shed light on my stance and reasoning behind it.

Firstly, the number of followers holds little significance to me. In the ever-changing landscape of social media, follower counts fluctuate constantly as people come and go. I prioritize genuine connections and meaningful interactions over mere numerical metrics that don't necessarily reflect the quality of engagement.

Secondly, I prefer to highlight and prioritize following personalities who inspire and resonate with me. My loyalty lies with those whose content and messages align with my values and interests. On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, I limit my follows to a select few individuals and pages, namely Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, whose insights and teachings I deeply respect and admire.

Furthermore, I refrain from following back others to avoid comparisons and the desire for validation on social media. My focus remains on staying true to myself and my beliefs without seeking external validation or approval from others.

Lastly, maintaining a selective following helps me filter out unnecessary noise and distractions, allowing me to concentrate on what truly matters to me. By curating my social media feed to include only content that inspires and uplifts me, I ensure that my online experience remains positive and enriching.

In essence, my decision not to follow back is a deliberate choice to channel my energies and attention towards sources of inspiration, aspiration, and creativity, particularly those embodied by Bro. Eli and Kuya Daniel. It's about quality over quantity, and prioritizing meaningful connections that align with my values and goals. If this approach resonates with you, I encourage you to consider adopting a similar mindset and unfollow those who don't add value to your online experience.

This is Instagram 101: The Gerry Yabes way.

Believe it or not, we, Filipinos witness how serious President Duterte in his campaign for change. Even the World Bank declared our country, the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Therefore, we should no longer a third-world country. Such label remains to some of us, Filipinos who are still stupid, therefore, I am writing this blog to tell some suggestions:Stop this constant defense to anything such as "ganito talaga dito". That's very unacceptable.

1. Being professional has nothing to do with your race, skin color, wealth, religion, health, work and age.
2. Never be late! Most of us are coming late like 30 minutes without even notifying other people. That's very rude. Remember that time is gold.
3. Be capable of answering "yes" or "no". Most of us answer "maybe". It's either you can or cannot. To decide is not hard.
4. Be good in keeping commitments. Read the number three above. We agreed to have meeting at 4pm on October 18. It was already 5pm and still waiting. I sent text, no reply. I called, no answer.
5. Always be specific. If you are sending a report to via email and your boss asked you what time, be specific regarding what time are you sending an email. (What time in the afternoon? Baka mga 3 or 4 pm. What time 3 or 4 pm? 4pm.). No need to go through back and forth!
6. Reply or confirm via chat, email, text messages, etc. I tried to send email, text messages to people I know personally, I got no replies at all. Listen, if you don't have access to Internet, it's not a problem. But, we are the Social Media capital of the world. We have the most number of Facebook users in the world, 67 million! Start replying!

If we are dreaming to be one of the developed countries, our professional values, ways of doing business, interactions must be equally developed, too. We are a very rich country but stupid poor.

Hate me or not, I don't care.

Thirty-five

Today, I turn thirty-five years old of existence since birth. At one hand, it is an age that I cannot believe I have already reached. Few years ago, 35 was just light years away. Still the feeling of being young incredibly lives on. Being on adulthood, with privileges and benefits, feel like still fresh!

As I reflect, I remember the day when I heard the Christian doctrine being broadcast over local radio station in Tuguegarao City. It was Ang Dating Daan, I heard the voice of Bro. Eli Soriano who preaches the truth in the Bible. That was year 2000 when I was in fourth year high school. Eventually I was baptized in March 12, 2002.

Ten years ago, I was closer to 30s, now I'm getting close to 40s which seem a lot of blessings from God. It's a blessing because I still exist under His mercy and guidance. I can confidently say that it is one of the best years of life, if not the best. Here are a few highlights and things I have learned.

Now that I am 35, I have decided to stay where I should be.

Living in Manila

I have been living here in Metro Manila since July, 2015. My first job was a field researcher for more than a year until December 2016. Thanks for EB Research Service Corporation for the chance to visit places in Luzon islands from Cagayan province down to Iriga City.

Then the year 2017 pave the way for my career in BPO, my first company was West Contact Services, Inc. which is headquartered in Maka City for almost six months. I had the chance to meet the 24 fellow call center agent, figuratively call center virgins because most of use were first timers working in a call center company.

My current company, which I cannot disclose for now, is located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City as my second job as a call center agent. And I am earning five-digits salary. I was able to get a housing loan with the help of God through this company.

Future Goals

With my futures goals are to finish my studies in mass communication someday, and to get a master's degree in library science. Hoping to land a job at a famous government library someday in the Philippines or elsewhere. With God's help and permission.