New Opportunity - New Heights! 

8 Years is Enough... I guess?

I've been working in the retail industry sector for almost 8 years. I never thought of shifting my career into another industry. But this was changed when covid strikes.  I'm very lucky since my former company didn't lay me off, instead, they put kept me on furlough for 3 months, right after, we reported back to work on limited time.  Fast forward to 2022 I decided to search for some jobs since I am no longer happy. 

Hotel and Restaurant Management....yep, that is my course...

Since my educational background is related to the tourism industry, I submitted my cv to hotels and leading airlines. I was shortlisted by the 2 leading airlines in the middle east, however,  didn't make it to the last part of the process. I applied to the Dubai Duty-Free, and passed the initial assessment but failed to make it to the final assessment. 

And then I asked myself, where did I go wrong? What's the missing piece? I asked God, what's the missing piece, I have the experience and all, but where did I go wrong? 

Pray Without Ceasing!

I composed myself, took a deep breath and In my mind, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.  Don't get me wrong. I always pray, before eating, before, and after sleeping, Yes I do. But the question is, Is it just because I need something, and that's the only time I remember God? I felt guilty, to be honest!

I contemplated, I prayed. 

Low and Behold!

It came to the point that, I have to stop applying for jobs because I always get rejected. But guess what?  Low and behold. One time, I got a call from an interview for a position that I always wanted to do! And guess where? It's at the airport! I was praying and hoping that everything will be all right!  My weekly off happens to be the scheduled date of my interview.  

The interview went well but in the last part of it. The hiring manager advised me to wait for a call from the business head unit confirming whether I got the job or not. 

Sharing good news kept to myself until it's confirmed! 

I haven't shared the good news with Auntie, Ramella, or Chesca. Only Mai Mai, Peter, Kai, and Tinang knews it.  I haven't received a call the next day. So I thought, I got rejected again.  But one morning, around 8 AM. I got a call from the company. I answered the call and they congratulate Me!

I couldn't believe it! The business head unit even told me: Cedric, Welcome to the Family!  Low and behold! I'm still floating on cloud nine! 

Offer of Acceptance Letter...

Straight of the bat, same day. They gave me the offer of the acceptance letter. I was not expecting that much amount of salary offer, but I was really overwhelmed! Truly I am so blessed!  I signed the offer letter and send it back to them via email the same day. I head on to my workplace and submitted my resignation letter right away.

I have to render 30 days notice period since this is mandatory for those People who had another offer letter from the new company.  Writing this content, it's June 28, and my Last working day was June 23. I am now waiting for my visa cancellation, and right after, the new company will process my new visa.

I have still more ways to go to seek new heights in this new opportunity. And I will always be forever grateful!

Before I end this short content update. Let me share with you this wonderful bible quote :

 "The more God-focused you are, the closer you are to Him and the more of His help you can receive. Prayer is about being God-centered" 

credits via: matchdaily

Thanks for reading my content!

--Ceddy

Huawei Band 6 Quick Unboxing Review

And here we go again...

As you may know, I am an avid fan of the Apple Ecosystem. 

It's not about the bling and the brand itself but how I enjoy using the ecosystem itself.

But enough with the introduction, Let me introduce to you the Huawei Band 6. 

I used to unbox it with my camera ( video) but let's do the traditional, taking photos :). I curated the images for you to see it.

Let's start with the packaging. Pretty straightforward packaging, I can sense the vibe of the iPhone box here Folks. 

The front of the box, reveals the image of Huawei Band 6. I purchase the forest green, so it will show the color as well on the front. However, you have the option as well to choose the other 3 colors. Such as graphite black, amber sunrise, and sakura pink.

forest green

graphite black

amber sunrise

sakura pink

The backside of the carton reveals the specifications. 

actual box

Here's the complete feature of Huawei Band 6.

 Please do note that other features such as music control are not available on iOS Devices. But Android users can enjoy using all the features.  I'm hoping that Huawei can provide an update in the near future.

Other features such as:

• 96 Workout Modes
• All-day SpO2 monitoring
• TruSeenTM 4.0 heart rate monitoring
• Sedentary reminder
• 14 day Battery Life

On the right side of the box is the barcode and mac address and other information from TRA (Telecommunications Regulation Authority -UAE)

What's inside the box?...

Let's start with the warranty card and user guide with safety information. 

Free gift! Huawei Speaker...

The Huawei Band 6 comes with a 1-year warranty. I purchase this at Carrefour and there was also an ongoing offer. I got a free Huawei speaker as a promotional offer as well. 

In the Box...

Next is the charging cable and cradle. Do note that at the end of the cradle is USB Type C. 

...and here's the Huawei Band 6 

The watch case is built to last and it's made with durable polymer materials.

The Huawei Band 6 has a magnetic charging thimble. See below.

forest green silicon strap

The strap which Huawei Band 6 uses has also different colors such as: 

• Graphite Black Silicone Strap,
• Sakura Pink Silicone Strap,
• Amber Sunrise Silicone Strap

The weight is 18 grams, without the strap

Built for fitness enthusiasts -Huawei Band 6...

Since this watch is built for fitness enthusiasts. The Huawei Band 6 has built-in: 

• Accelerometer sensor
• Gyroscope sensor
• Optical heart rate sensor

Customization...

You can also customize the watch face with a pre-installed watch face in the settings, however, if you want to change or make it more personalized, you need to download the Huawei Health App in App Store or the Google Play Store. 

Other Features...

Please do note that it is needed to download the Huawei Health App to initiate the setup process. 

And the Huawei Band 6 is 5 ATM water-resistant! Wearing the fitness band while washing your hands or swimming in a pool, ocean or shallow water is fine up to 50 meters deep. But it should not be used for scuba diving or high-velocity water. 

So that's it guys, Thank you so much for reading this quick unboxing review of Huawei Band 6.

See you again on my next content! 

--Ceddy

I haven't posted lately as I was so busy at work. I was transferred to Dubai for 2 months due to the business requirements of my work and right after two months, I went back again to Abu Dhabi.

As you can read from the title above, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Later, I will discuss but let me share a glimpse of what just happened to me for the past 7 months. 

Here we go...

Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Attack!

For the past 7 months, This all started in August of 2021. I've been to depression, anxiety, panic attack 

and stress. I am having some financial issues and worried about my job. Apart from financial difficulties, the one thing that worries me a lot was when the brand where I'm working with, wanted me to shift to Dubai, and I am so worried since I don't have any family or friends there to stay with. To the point that I kept thinking about it. Day and Night. And it came to the point that I wanted to resign and go back to the Philippines.  I never shared this with anybody about my struggles even with my Auntie way back in the Philippines, because I don't want her to worry about me, except for Aileen and Peter (Aileen is my niece while Peter is Aileen's husband). They gave some opinions and advice but of course, this is what I've signed up with my company, it is based on the contract otherwise I'll be in trouble if I breached it. 

There are some other factors apart from financial issues, I am also stressed as well at work since I have to comply with the metrics (metrics are where they are checked and analyze our performance at work). Unfortunately, I was below the metrics, and this added pressure to myself that I have to think about it day and night.

And there are other factors as well, I will not discuss them here. I'll just leave it for now.

Time to move out!

November of 2020, the brand that I am working with, decided to shift me to Dubai. I was able to find a nice Only Filipino accommodation and a nice partition with a door. You can rarely find this type of partition at an affordable price of 700 dirhams.  I was happy and I took the partition. The location of my accommodation is very near to my workplace, just a walking distance and approximately 5 mins to my workplace.  Here's my partition below:

I have terrible experienced working with a manager at the branch where I was currently assigned. The pressure of work was unpredictable. I don't want to give everything in detail. All I can say is it's a really terrible workplace, unlike my workplace back in Abu Dhabi. 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Photo credits to google

Let me copy and paste this information that I have taken from NHS. So that you will understand.

Fibromyalgia also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:

• increased sensitivity to pain
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• muscle stiffness
• difficulty sleeping
• problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog"), such as problems with memory and concentration
• headaches
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

My Symptoms and When It All Started

Vitamin D Deficiency

Hustle!

Hello Dubai!

During my weekly off at Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Series of Blood Tests

Another Neurologist and LYRICA

Who Can Get Fibromyalgia?

Is Fibromyalgia Curable?

 What Really Matters is Invisible to the Eyes 

Hello Everyone!

 I am back again for another content, just ponds to ponder.

I've been wanting to write this content but due to the complicated roster, I have to postpone it. 

But, hell yeah, time to stretch these fingers! lol 

It's Really Invisible to the Eyes! (literally)

Most of us are getting judged by some People, justifying only what they have seen on you but the fact that they only know you in a span of time otherwise it is just the tip of the iceberg.

I encountered a lot of people who talked to me behind my back whether its good or not. But for some reason, this episode (lol) just hit me so bad that I just wanted to laugh about it. I don't want to be sarcastic but it is just a downside comical in my opinion. *Insert sarcasm

You are not Everyone's Cup of Tea

There will always be someone out there who will not be happy, jealous otherwise insecure about you.

Trust Me, while writing this content, Their names are on queue in my hippocampus. Someone is very friendly, nice, and great in front of you, otherwise, they will backstab you for no reason if you're not around.

I don't want to be rude to them, Instead, I am sitting in front of my Mac writing about it.  At least Google pays me for it. Lol

Taking advantage of what they are or who they are

Someone might as well use their authoritative state to control you so that you will become their puppet otherwise you don't have a choice but to choose their decisions and you will be like a dead useless robot out of warranty and ready to be recycled.

I own what I said, and sorry not sorry. 

Backstabber by any chance? Or cloudy with a chance of meatballs?

There are some people who are so good at pretending that they knew everything otherwise if they made a mistake, they will blame it on other people or they are taking all the credit to themselves. In short: Credit grabber. There is no such word to describe these People otherwise I addressed them like that.

There are two types of People:

Low key and High Key

I think it's pretty self-explanatory, but let me reiterate it again for you.

If I will describe myself, I would be under the Low Key type of People. Why? I really don't reveal myself the fact that I'm a content writer, there will always be some limitations. I am not an introvert but I don't want any attention around myself.

On the other side,

High Key is having this character of being high, intense, and out of the open. 

Well I knew a person who is High key ( but it is a different description to this person since it is out of the context to describe that person's behavior and attitude)

Misuse? No. Not at All

I don't want to misuse my platform to share my experience but I just want to bring this aspect that You have your own decision. You have to set your own decision. Be yourself and don't let others pull you down.

I learned a lot of this while working abroad. To stand on your own and fight for your own right as long as you have the right at any cost.

Anyways, let me wrap it up and close this context and I see you again in my next post.

Stay safe and God Bless!

--Ceddy

Ponds to Ponder

Ceddy's Random

Hello Everyone! Ceddy here and I am back again for another blog. 

I've been focusing on my vlog lately and missed writing new content. But anyway, I am trying to bounce back in writing again.

There's a lot that I've been pondering lately. Starting from My career, personal growth, love, and finances.

I don't know where to start to write this content, but let me try. To begin with, I've been working in the Middle East - here in Abu Dhabi for 6 years. For the past 6 years of working in retail. The daily routine that I've been doing 6x in a week and a rest day. And I asked myself, Do I even have to do this for the rest of my life? I've been applying from other companies not related to the retail sector. Fortunately, I passed the exams but I always refused their offer letter since it is not a competitive amount of salary.

Career

It seems that the offer letter is not really competitive especially that it's pandemic and it's 2021. I didn't regret that I've been in the company for more than 6 years now. However, Most of my colleagues who left the company founded another job and were able to get a higher and competitive salary. And, while I'm here, stuck with the same salary and same position. I ask myself, Where did I go wrong? It's easy for them to find a job and a good offer letter but, I'm here trying but epic failure in the end.

Despite these unprecedented times, I am still grateful that I have a job. I have money to save for my future and to send money to my Auntie in the Philippines.

Personal Growth

Let's talk about my personal growth. Living and working alone far away from my Family is quite challenging. But as time goes by, I was able to stand out and moved out of my comfort zone. My personal capability to leave and work alone was, even more, better and I don't have the fear that I cannot do it without depending on others. Being matured enough to think about the important decisions and doing the things that I loved the most really changed the quality of my life. 

Love

Writing this topic, reminisced about my relationship way back in high school. If you may be asked, what is my orientation, Yes, I am Gay, proud to be a member of the LGBTQ community.   But during in Highschool fell in love with a girl. Yes, I am Gay. But in high school, I was a bit confused about my sexual orientation. Then in college, I figured out that YES!. I am Gay. Our relationship didn't last up. Only a couple of months. I tried to fit in with my so-called "society", to prove to them that I am not gay and I have a girlfriend. But then again, I learned that You don't have to prove yourself to others. You don't have to please everyone. I am just being myself and It'll be good to know who's down for that.

Our relationship lasts up for a couple of months. For somehow, there are sometimes that I missed her and when we see each other and go on for a date, I get "Kilig" of course. Hahaha. Enough of it. Lol. 

My Auntie is always asking me if when I'm getting married. Before I am ignoring her but the older I get, The pressure is surreal. She still on the level of denial that I am not gay and I am straight, and I totally understand. She always compares me to my other relative. One of our close relatives whom I called Uncle is Gay but was married and with 3 children. She always compares me to Him, that no matter what's my sexual orientation, I should get married and give offspring.*that cringes me to the bone (LOL).

But anyway, I don't want to disappoint my Auntie, especially that she is old now. And I considered that since she wants to become a grandma too. Let's see, and hoping for the best. 

Finances

Finances. Ah, working abroad means supporting my Auntie way back in the Philippines. My salary abroad is not much and if you compare working in the Philippines this present time, you can totally get this type of offer especially if you are targeting some jobs in Business Process Outsourcing Sector.

Sometimes, I'm thinking, what if I didn't accept this offer way back in 2015 and took the other job offer? I guess I've been promoted now and got an increment. 

What if I don't have to pay the rent and do need to send money to my country? I guess, I already saved a lot of money and traveled to other countries. 

What if? What if?

Ugh. But that is Life. I am matured enough to think about my responsibilities. Some People became successful at a very young age in their 20's, some are 30's. 

Working abroad is no joke and a lot of sacrifices just to aim for that dream. I may not be rich working a long time abroad but I am grateful that at least I have some savings and as a responsible mature human being.

And that's a wrap!

I hope you guys enjoy reading this content. 

See you next time!

Sony A6100 Mirrorless Camera Review with Sample Photos

Hello Guys! Ceddy here and welcome back to the blog! And for today's content, I am going to share with you my camera test review of the Sony A6100 mirrorless camera. 

Sony Alpha 6100 Mirrorless Camera

Level Entry Mirrorless Camera by Sony

This a level entry mirrorless camera from Sony. Its brother Sony A600 was debuted 5 years ago, and Sony needs to refresh its Mirrorless Camera lineup and they created its big brother - The Sony A6100, also followed by Sony A6600 - having more advanced features and a stiff price hehe. 

Well, I've been longing to have my own professional camera, filming and taking photos but producing excellent results is my aim. So I decided to buy the Sony A6100. I bought the camera for the price of $800. For aspiring content creators, It's optional to buy these types of cameras. Trust me, I'm using my iPhone and my DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for vlogging and taking high-quality images. As for me, I want to take it to the next level and decided to upgrade my tools. It's not necessary to buy such expensive cameras, as long as you have great, informative content then you are good to go. 

Hefty Price, But Worthy Investment

Yep, $800, a bit pricey for a camera, other content creators preferred to use an affordable Canon or Go Pro. But I decided to choose Sony as they have an excellent product reputation especially in creating Mirrorless Camera. 

Mirrorless Camera or DSLR?

Mirrorless Camera (Sony A6100)

Sony A6100 can be categorized under the APS-C (Advanced Photo System Camera) Mirrorless E-Mount Camera. So basically, the lenses are interchangeable. You can use other non-sony branded lenses, If you have an existing canon lense, for example, you can use it on this camera. It's very light but the downside is the limited usage of lenses and accessories. 

The only thing that I don't like about this camera is the weight, it weighs .87 pounds without the lens and the longer I hold the camera while filming, my arms are getting number after,  on the other hand, I find it very handy to hold.

Sony A6100 Mirrorless Camera 

DSLR Camera (Canon EOS 4000)

On the one hand, DSLR is bulkier, the advantage of using multiple lenses, and the ability to use the optical viewfinder in low light conditions. Since it's bulkier, It's difficult to use it with one hand. 

Build Quality

The build quality of the camera is (of course,  the Sony way) It feels good in the hand, and the handgrip is so comfortable, just a solid grip.

4K Video and Image Quality / Memory Card

For the video footage, In order to utilize the 4K feature of this camera, You need to purchase a separate UHS SD CARD. I have 2 SD HC Ultra Memory Card, one is 32 GB and the other one is 128 GB. You have to cash out a little for the UHS Memory card, and they're a bit pricey compared to regular SD HC. It's just funny because I can film a 4K video in my iPhone 11 without any additional memory cards.

The image quality that this camera produced is excellent. It surpasses my expectations, but for the video quality, it's great but not excellent. I find the video unstable especially if I'm doing a vlog inside the car for example. For pre-editing, it takes hours to render and stabilized that shaky footage. 

There's a lot of mirrorless camera stabilizer these days. But that's another story. Speaking of Stabilizer, I am also using a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for my on-the-go vlog. You can check my review by clicking here.

Anyways, here are some of the images made possible by Sony a6100 Mirrorless camera. 

Do note: These images are in the raw file and it was edited using Adobe Lightroom.

Enjoy!

These sample images were taken at Hudayriyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

If you're not in the mood to read this content, then you can watch my quick unboxing review here.

And that's a wrap! If you like reading this content, consider subscribing to the email newsletter or you can subscribe to my Youtube Channel or follow my Facebook Page for the latest published content.

Thanks for reading!

Stay safe and God Bless 😊

-Ceddy