OS X: Grumpy Cat

I'm getting used to OS X of Apple Mac right now. I used to be a MS Windows 7 user.

I'm browsing through Catster.com on facebook when I spotted this cute cat pic on their facebook wall saying: "Maybe we can petition Apple to make this their next operating system name?"

Who wouldn't find it cute and funny?

Well it's just a thought but if it's going to be cats, people will love it!
Because most of the operating systems of Mac are named Snow Leopard, Lion and the latest OS X is the Mountain Lion. Most people in every country love cats, don't you think?!

Call Center Work: More Fun in the Philippines

I'm back in the BPO industry again last month, working myself hard like a dog in order to survive the city life. I was born in Manila and grew up here all my life. In my opinion, city life is complicated and fast-paced while in the countryside it's more laid back and a simple life. I love my work right now and I'm enjoying it. 

What is BPO?
BPO stands for Business Process Outsourcing. Most multinational foreign companies have outsourcing in other countries, mostly are in the third world countries like the Philippines.  Many Filipinos are switching their career into this kind of industry because of financial reasons. Whether you believe it or not, me and my two other sisters are working in a call center but different companies.

So how is it like to work for a BPO or call center company?

1. Multi-Cultural environment – Offshore call centers deal with US-based clients and customers. Since the US is a multi-cultural country, we get calls from diverse backgrounds. Our headquarters is also in the US, so we have officemates of different nationalities. 

2. Night Shift work schedule – The job of a CSR (Customer Service Rep) may require working in the evening, night or “graveyard” and in rotating schedules. We follow US working hours because that’s where the customers are coming from. 

3. Dynamic and fast-paced – Things happen quickly in call centers and CSRs have to learn to work gracefully under pressure. 

4. Performance-driven culture - Call center folks are highly driven and strongly motivated to succeed.

5. Continuous Training - Employees are encourage to learn everything they can during training so they will be prepared to go “live” on the floor. Continuous training help employees move to the next level in their BPO career.

6. Multi-Tasking skills - The skill set requirements for CSRs are quantum leaps away from directory assistance. A CSR engages the caller in a conversation, while at the same time follows a set of protocols to help solve the caller's problem - whether it is for customer service or technical support. This requires analytical and problem solving skills and the ability to multi-task while on a call. 

7. Fun at Work – Call center work is no joke, so we find time to do fun things and exciting activities. 

8. Casual Work Environment – The environment is made comfortable for employees to be able to work efficiently. Our Open-door policy, employee-friendly facilities, casual work clothes, fun and crazy activities make for a relaxing and comfortable environment. 

9. Youthful Environment – Although employees are aged anywhere between 19 and 60, our environment is generally youthful. Employees radiate a fresh and vibrant attitude that’s just full of life! 

10. World-class Customer Service – Customer Service is our bread and butter – we live and breathe it. We give efficient, respectful and value added service to our internal and external customers. Our mantra? “Exceed expectations in every interaction.”

iPhone 5: Arrives in More Than 50 Additional Countries in December

CUPERTINO, California—December 3, 2012—Apple® today announced iPhone® 5 will be available in South Korea on Friday, December 7, with more than 50 additional countries being added in December, including Brazil, Russia and Taiwan. iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina™ display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless*—all while delivering even better battery life.**

iPhone 5 is currently available in 47 countries around the world including the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and the UK. iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: Shared Photo Streams, Facebook integration, all-new Maps app, Passbook® organization and even more Siri® features and languages.

iPhone 5 comes in either black & slate or white & silver for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model, $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the 64GB model. iPhone 5 will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPhone 4S is available for just $99 (US) and iPhone 4 is available for free with a two-year contract from participating carriers.

iPhone 5 will be available in South Korea on Friday, December 7 and on Friday, December 14 in Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. iPhone 5 will also be available on Friday, December 21 in Barbados, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St.Vincent & the Grenadines, Tunisia, Uganda and Vietnam.

*Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks. Check with your carrier for details.
**Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary. 

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.