Hey, it’s been a while. I haven’t been able to write posts or work on those supposed guitar videos and guitar scribbles (how I describe me just playing random stuff on the guitar looking for ideas). So, what have I been up to recently? Nothing, nothing outside work to be honest. I just feel too frustrated at the moment. Yeap, I’m in a slump again.

I mean, why though? I’ve been yearning for a job that’s related to my passions and yet I feel so stressed and frustrated. Well, it’s not really that simple now that I take a better look. The work is extremely challenging since I’m just starting out as a MIDI arranger, there are targets and deadlines to meet, I get scolded a lot, I am barely improving, and I’ve also stagnated when it comes to the other things I’m trying to pursue. I can’t maintain the balance anymore.

Now, I decided to unload a bit, take a step back so I could go back to the reason why I wanted and decided to do this, why I am working, and the feeling of accomplishment I had whenever I made progress.

I hope I can overcome this high hurdle as soon as possible and once I do, I’ll be more confident and passionate than I was. I hope letting out some of the pent up frustrations helps you in what to do as well in case you’re in the same situation as me. Let’s not give up on the things we’re pursuing.

That’s it for now.

~Adieu

Hey,

How’s it going? I hope things have been well for you. A slightly busy week for me and I have a lot to talk about and I hope you enjoy reading about them.

Last week, the Manila Guitar Festival was held in St. Scholastica’s College from May 30 to June 1. Sadly, I could not attend the opening concert due to my work schedule but I committed to going on the second and third day of the festival since I planned on recording the concerts. I also attended a lecture on composers’s insights on composing for the classical guitar and a lecture and open forum on publishing and intellectual property rights. I really learned a lot and asked a couple of questions as well. The recording? It went well, I’m so glad that I recorded the premier of a commissioned piece by my friend Emile Bagtas and I got to help the steadily growing classical guitar community.

By the way, since I am now working for a local company, I got to experience what it feels like to not go to work on a Philippine holiday and it feels great! Now, I am able to sync my schedule with my family especially for trips and all. Although I will surely miss double pay and stuff, I am quite happy where I am! Also, I just finished the third week of training as a MIDI arranger. It’s still hard but I think am improving even just a bit.

Just yesterday, I went home to Antipolo where I was born and spent most of my early years. It’s an ever-changing city and there’s a lot more establishments and people (since I rarely go home after starting college). Speaking of hometown, I also consider Malabon as my home town as I also spent a significant amount of my childhood days there and that Malabon is my father’s hometown. So I consider myself having two hometowns. As for where I currently live, as indicated in my bio, it’s in Pasay. Let me tell you something I find interesting: while I still tell people that our family resides in Antipolo, the current address is actually in Angono. The reason why I still tell people that we reside in Antipolo is due to our place being more accessible via public transportation via Antipolo rather than via Angono (rather, it’s not accessible via public transportation from Angono town proper at all!), so it rather feels like I’m still in Antipolo.

That’s all for this week and I hope to see you again next time!

~Adieu

Hey,

How’s it going? I hope things have been well for you. It’s been a while since my first entry where I mentioned about finally being able to work as a MIDI arranger. I am really having fun and I get to learn more about music, sequencing, and other things about life in general.

Is it tough working as a MIDI arranger? Yep, there was a point when we had to practice transcribing certain instruments for a song, I got so tired and stressed I ate ice cream right after dinner. It wasn’t that bad, especially if I had to compare with with my prior work experience. It’ll be better working my ass off trying to meet deadlines than trying to provide assistance over the phone for people who don’t even appreciate you. Not to mention that you get to work at your own pace too!

Is it a dream come true? Not exactly. Although I’ve been yearning for a job that has something to do with music, it’s still not the ideal job but still, that doesn’t stop me from really liking it, and eventually loving it. With the things I learn and skills I acquire each day, nothing beats it.

A lot of my colleagues are also active musicians. My boss is even a producer and has a lot of other jobs. I got to know people who still gig with their bands at night and was reminded of the important things if you want to make it big in the industry… passion and commitment. The musicians who work there clearly have those in contrast to most of the “musicians” I’ve worked with in the past. They’re on a different level.

So yeah, that’s what I can say for the time being and as I still try to chase my dreams, I hope you still chase yours earnestly. Until next time!

~Adieu

So, what have I been up to lately? So far, this year has been so good to me. With the opportunities I am getting, I am finally getting closer to realizing my dream of being able to earn a living through music. I thank the Lord and the people who gave me the opportunities I am enjoying as well as the people who showed their relentless support.

I’ve worked for the BPO industry for over four years. I’ve been to three different companies. For my first job, I was a sales representative selling telco services over chat. That job did not end well for me as I was terminated due to not hitting quotas despite working my ass off. Despite that, I enjoyed my time there as I made friendships that I still maintain up to this day.

For my second job, I worked as a conferencing specialist for a major player in the BPO industry. Initially, I was so motivated to work. There are ups and downs, but I made sure to get up every time. As with my previous work, I was able to create healthy relationships at work that I still plan to maintain. I stayed there for three years and a half until I realized that I really want pursue music and had to leave. It was such a waste, but I needed something that job cannot give,

Right after that resignation, a lot of opportunities went in; I became an assistant recording engineer for a well-known recording engineer specializing in classical music; recorded two major orchestras in the Philippines; became a bassist for a friend’s band; played as a sessionist for other bands as well.

After a few weeks of looking for a job while picking up the momentum in music, I was hired for a dayshift campaign for another BPO company. Even though my stay was just about two months, I was able to connect with my colleagues. The culture was different. The schedule works great! But I was reminded that I’m a dream chaser.

Recently, I got hired as a MIDI producer for another company. I had to adjust so I could go through the application process, but it went well. Of course, I had to immediately resign from my current work, Personally, it’s somewhat unfortunate that I was not able to see the extent of what I can do with my previous job, but being able to work on music and music alone is a chance I cannot let go.

Now that I’m entering another “new path” in my life, I would like to thank the various people I’ve worked with; my previous supervisors who put in their efforts so I can improve and supported my choices; and the friends I’ve made at work who made stress easier to handle. I also thank my family and my churchmates for their encouragement. Above all, I thank God for showing me so much favor even though I don’t think I deserved it.

So that’s it, I am finally free from the BPO industry. I have more upcoming projects as well. I hope to do well as I have always tried to do.

~Adieu,

kurusujann

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton