So, I’m studying in MIHCA now. I like that name better, it sounds fugly to say Magsaysay Institute of Culinary and Hospitality. I mean come on, you’d think about engines, masts, cargo, and OFW with those tags. Not that these words are demeaning, beneath me or negative in their substance. Its just that my industry is about food so my school, being equated with metal, rust or, worse, the parched Arabian desert seemed weird and unattractive. I think perception is very important here, so..

Anyway, we are somehow connected to the renowned Johnson and Wales University, although I am kinda lost in regard to the degree – somewhat connected, very connected, a bit connected – no idea still. Bottomline is the school has no problem (so far). Facilities are the best I think in the whole of P.I. Dunno about Enderun, though.

So what’s happening now? We’re almost done with the foundation week. The crowd’s – my mates – good (although, we were sent to the new facility in Makati – meaning, there’re fewer people still and henceforth, a shortage of good-looking peeps). Then, the uniform is kinda crappy. In addition, I have to crop my hair, contend with either boring or egotistical instructors. And so, see, things are normal.

I am supposed to say something about the characters in this whole caper but there’s an exam coming this afternoon, so the dude needs to review.

Siyempre, with all the stuffs going on, mapapatigil ka di ba: Syet, what’s happening with the world? Me domino effect na yung Wallstreet fiasco at malamang dahil nga sa interconnected na tayo dahil sa global village phenomenon, di ako  magtataka na yung damage nakarating bigla sa aking doorstep mismo. Waah. Wag naman sana. Di ba nga me nabasa ako na baka etong mga call centers dito sa P.I. e maging casualties bigla. Sabagay, yung HSBC is eliminating na more than 1000 offices and works (mostly front ends daw >> di ba kasama dun customer support?) 

It’s about 80% official. I am going to do Culinary Arts come November. Ye! The bit of uncertainty there rests on these facts:  1) I might get to the enrolment too late because frankly the allotment for the whole endeavor would be completed by mid-October and there’s just a lot of peeps angling to do CA as well (heard from a friend that as early as June there are waitlisted students already for the November term in Global Academy); and, 2) My bank would suddenly go bankrupt with all the Wallstreet turmoil happening and all .

One of the interesting things about this whole stuff goin on is finding the right school. Things like the ff are big factors in the choice: Is the school uniform crappy and would it suit me? >>> Chris in a toque? gah. Gorgeous people? Lol. School reputation. And, of course, the ROI, practicality – whatever you may call it. I am always after the other end of the bargain.

ROI…

For example, there’s this CCA who wants (I heard) more than half a mil for a two-year course. Ridiculous, eh? not exclusively because it is so expensive (all CA schools are expensive, though there are those who want less) but also because of the time. I mean fvck, I’d be 29 when I would look for my “first job.” And how much do they pay “cooks” these days? 

But CCA is a good school and so is ISCAHM I heard. But now, for me, things boiled down to two: Global and MIHCA.