February 25. 2023, 9:30 AM - Intramuros, Manila, Philippines - The Metro Times TV Office
The walk from his manager's office back to his desk seemed longer than it used to be. He didn't remember the hallway in the office being this long. Daniel felt overwhelmed and surreal. He wanted to cry but held back his tears because there were other employees around. Before returning to his desk, he walked towards the smoking area and lit a cigarette. He didn't really smoke anymore, but the stress was too much to handle at that moment. He took a deep drag, feeling the nicotine rush through his body. As he exhaled, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, albeit temporarily. After finishing the cigarette, he returned to his desk.
As Daniel sat at his desk, he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. His mind was racing with thoughts of all the hard work he had put into the company and how it had all gone unnoticed. He took a deep breath and opened his laptop, ready to write the resignation letter.
He paused for a moment, wondering if he should reconsider his decision. After all, he had invested a lot of time and effort into the company, and leaving would mean starting over from scratch. But as he thought more about it, he realized that the company's decision to let go of him and several other employees wasn't just about budget cuts or performance. It was a reflection of the company's values and how they treat their employees. And he couldn't just ignore that fact.
So, with a heavy heart, Daniel began typing his resignation letter:
Feb. 25, 2023
Ms. Jessie June
Operations ManagerThe Metro Times TVDear Ms. Jessie,
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as Creative Artist and Copywriter from The Metro Times TV. I have greatly appreciated my time at this company and have learned a lot from my colleagues and superiors.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided that it is in my best interest to seek new opportunities elsewhere. While I have enjoyed my time here, I cannot help but feel disappointed at the recent decision regarding the termination of contracts.
I understand that tough decisions have to be made sometimes, but I believe that the company's recent actions have not been aligned with its values. I have always strived to be a valuable member of the team and have put in years of hard work and dedication to this company. Unfortunately, it seems that my efforts have not been fully recognized.
I want to thank you and the entire team for the support and opportunities that have been provided to me during my time here. However, I believe that it's time for me to move on and find a company that aligns with my values and recognizes my contributions.
Sincerely,
Daniel Abelardo
As he typed, he made sure to maintain a professional tone but also expressed his disappointment with the company's decision to let him go. He couldn't help but feel like his efforts were not being appreciated. After several minutes of carefully crafting his message, he finally hit the send button and sat back in his chair, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. The resignation letter marked the end of his time with the company, but also the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
As Daniel finished sending his resignation letter, he closed his laptop and took out his phone. He opened LinkedIn and began scrolling through job postings, searching for opportunities that he thought would suit him well. He came across a few promising leads and quickly applied, his fingers tapping away on the screen.
As Daniel sat at his desk, waiting for a response from potential employers, his mind wandered to the memories of all the projects and shows he had worked on during his time at The Metro Times TV. He remembered the long hours he spent writing scripts, brainstorming ideas, and collaborating with his team to create engaging content.
His eyes misted over as he remembered the time and effort he had invested in these projects, only to be let go without so much as a thank you.
Despite the memories of his successes, Daniel couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness and nostalgia knowing that he would soon be leaving the company. He had built friendships with his colleagues and felt a sense of belonging in the office, but it seemed that none of it mattered to the management.
As he reminisced about the events and projects he had worked on, he couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment that he wasn't appreciated enough. He had put his heart and soul into his work and had hoped that his contributions would be recognized. But as he reflected on their choice to terminate his contract and how he was treated, he couldn't help but feel that his efforts had been in vain.
Despite the emotions he was feeling, Daniel knew that he couldn't stay in a company that didn't appreciate his work and aligned with his values. He had to move on and find a new opportunity that would allow him to showcase his skills and creativity while also being valued as an employee.
Daniel had always been a hard worker and was confident in his abilities. He knew that he would be an asset to any company lucky enough to have him on their team. As he continued to search, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future.
After a few minutes of browsing, he found a job posting that caught his eye. It was for a creative writer position at a medium-scale advertising agency. The job description seemed to be a perfect fit for his skills and experience. Without hesitation, he sent in his application and hoped for the best.
Daniel closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was time to move on and start a new chapter in his life.
February 28, 2023, 10:00 AM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's apartmentDaniel had sent out several job applications over the last few days and had even gone through a couple of job interviews. However, he hadn't received any job offers yet. He felt his anxiety levels increase with every passing moment.Daniel was sitting in his small apartment feeling a sense of despair. He had spent the past few days cooped up inside, sending out job applications and going through online interviews. He had hoped to land a job soon, but it seemed like no one was interested in hiring him.The situation was made worse when his landlord came knocking at his door, asking for the month's rent. Daniel explained his situation to him, but the landlord was unyielding. He needed the rent money or else he would be forced to evict Daniel.As if that wasn't enough, the electric and water bills arrived, and he realized that he had no money to pay for them. He felt like the world was closing in on hi
March 3, 2023, 3 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's ApartmentDaniel lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. It had been three days since his breakup with Judy and six days since he had resigned from his job. He felt empty like all his motivation had been drained from him. He couldn't find any reason to get out of bed, let alone apply for jobs.Despite his lack of motivation, Daniel still kept applying for new jobs. He couldn't explain why he was doing it; he just kept aimlessly scrolling on LinkedIn, clicking on job posting after job posting. It was as if he was going through the motions, hoping that something would change, but not believing that it would.Daniel's body was weak, and he hadn't eaten or drunk anything for the past three days. He was dizzy, and his mind felt foggy. The stress, problems, and pressure were overwhelming him. He felt like he was drowning, and there was no one there to save him.As Daniel lay there, he received a notification on his phone. It w
March 3, 2023, 11:30 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's ApartmentDaniel felt as though he was about to pass out, his body exhausted and his mind weary from the constant battles he had been facing. But as he closed his eyes, a flash of light and a strange sensation passed through his body, and he heard a robotic yet commanding female voice inside his head."Prerequisites for Overcome System Achieved," the voice said."Bounding system to the host.""Bounding successful.""Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!"Daniel was bewildered, wondering if he was dreaming or hallucinating. He looked down and saw a semi-translucent panel in front of him, reading "Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!".Suddenly, he felt as if something was being bound to him, and he couldn't move his body. He felt an invisible force being connected to him, like an extra limb but at the same time, he can't really explain the feeling of it. The voice spoke again, "Please remain still while
March 4, 2023, 5 AM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's Apartment*Ding!*"The first mission is being assigned."Daniel was jolted awake once more due to the sound of the notification that appeared in his mind. Although he has already accepted the existence of the system he is still not used to it and is still trying to adjust to it being with him."Take care of yourself," the system had instructed him.Daniel couldn't believe it. "That's it?" he muttered to himself.The system responded immediately, "Yes, your well-being is the foundation of overcoming everything."Daniel was bewildered. He had expected a more challenging mission, something that would test his skills and intelligence. But as he thought about it, he realized that the system had a point. If he wasn't healthy, he wouldn't be able to tackle more difficult challenges in the future."So, what do I have to do?" he asked the system."You must improve your Physical, Emotional, and Mental well-being in the next se
March 5, 2023, 5 AM - Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Quezon Memorial CircleDaniel slept soundly the previous night and woke up feeling refreshed and energized.*Ding!*"7 Hours of sleep was achieved. The system has recorded your progress," the system announced right after Daniel woke up.Daniel smiled at the already-becoming familiar sound and felt even more motivated to start his day. But he suddenly thought that it might sound strange if he referred to the voice as a "system" in public."Hey, is there a different name I can call you when other people are around? Maybe something I can pretend like an AI assistant from my phone?" Daniel asked the voice.After a brief pause, the voice replied, "You can call me Sampaguita."Daniel chuckled to himself. It was a relief to have a name to use instead of referring to the voice as "system." He got out of bed, ready to start his day with Sampaguita's guidance.He checked his phone and saw that it was only 4:45 AM. He kne
March 5, 2023, 9:30 AM - Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines - On the Road to Vertis NorthDaniel sat in the car, scrolling through his phone, and watching some TikTok videos as they made their way to Vertis North. The area where the condominium building was located wasn't really that far from Daniel's old apartment; it was just that there was almost always traffic in these parts (and even most parts of Metro Manila). While watching a video of newborn birds being fed worms, he felt his phone vibrate. Checking the notifications, he saw that it was a reply from Molly."Hi, Daniel! Sorry for the late reply. I just woke up actually. :) Yes, I am free later today. I don't mind hanging out. What do you have in mind for later?" Molly said through chat.Daniel's heart skipped a beat as he read Molly's message. He was about to type in his reply, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. It was his mother, so he immediately picked up the call."Hi, Ma," Daniel said, trying to sound casua
March 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001The elevator doors opened to reveal a stylish and artfully decorated hallway that greeted Daniel as he stepped out. Paintings hung on the walls, each with its unique style, while sculptures were tastefully placed in every corner. The hallway's simple yet elegant design was carefully thought out, with clean lines and a muted color scheme that added to the sophisticated ambiance of the penthouse.As Daniel approached his unit's door, he took out his key card to unlock it. However, he paused mid-insertion and retracted the card, suddenly struck with a thought. Setting his bags down beside the door, he took out his phone and opened the Grab app to order groceries. With a few taps, he selected some snacks and frozen goods and added a 5 kg sack of rice and a 1/2 kg bag of salt to the cart. Additionally, he ordered two appropriately sized containers to store the rice and salt.He recalled his mothe
March 5, 2023, 1:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001After finishing his lunch and taking a refreshing nap, Daniel woke up feeling rejuvenated. He checked his phone for any new messages and found a message from Molly."Hey, Daniel. I'm on my way to Ayala Vertis Mall now," Molly said through chat via Facebook Messenger.Daniel replied to Molly's message, "Hey Molly, just woke up from a short nap. I'll be ready in a few minutes."Daniel thought about the motorcycle reward he just received from the system, and typed another message to Molly "By the way, where are you coming from? Do you want me to pick you up?"Molly quickly responded, "Thanks for the offer, Daniel. I live around Muñoz, Quezon City. It's just one ride away to Vertis North. I'll be fine.""Alright, See you then. Just let me know when you're almost here," Daniel replied.After their short conversation, Daniel made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. He took a quick shower and go
April 3, 2023, 9:14 AM - 121 Valero Access Road 3 Salcedo Village, Makati, Philippines - 1900 Antel Corporate Center - Solé Corporate OfficeInside a small conference room in the client's office building, Daniel and the Inklusive team anxiously awaited their turn to present. TVWA, their competitor for this pitch, was currently showcasing their ideas in the main conference room.Glancing at his team, Daniel observed a mix of excitement and anxiety on their faces. Understanding the pressure they felt as part of Inklusive's first pitch, he leaned forward and addressed them in a calm, reassuring tone."Look at you guys," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Why are you all so nervous? Come on, have a little faith in yourselves! We've got this in the bag. We've put in the work, we've got the talent, and we've prepared an interesting campaign proposal. Trust me, we're well-prepared, and I believe in each and every one of you. Let's show them what Inklusive is capable of."His words seemed to eas
March 27, 2023, 11:30 AM - Makati City, PhilippinesAs the Inklusive team rode back to the office in one of their company cars, the tension from the encounter with the head of the competing agency still lingered in the air. The team couldn't help but discuss the arrogance they had witnessed, their voices filled with a mix of frustration and determination."I can't believe how arrogant that guy was," Jewel exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "Did you see the way he dismissed our ideas and belittled our capabilities? It was completely uncalled for."Daniel, who was sitting beside Jewel, sighed and said, "Don't let them get to you. If there is one thing I've learned in my time in advertising is that if you let intimidation blow your fuse, you lose. Learn to control your anger, you will encounter worse people than that in the industry, I can tell you that much. Besides, they did have grounds for their confidence, they are from TVWA, a bigwig in the advertising field, but let's no
March 27, 2023, 8:14 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Orean Place CS 103 - Inklusive Creatives and Advertising's Temporary Office"Alright," Daniel addressed the Inkusive team, his voice filled with excitement and determination, "Good morning, everyone. Today is the first client brief the company will face, fosho it ain't the last, nevertheless, let's give it our all to secure this one."The team nodded in agreement, also excited for their, hopefully, first client"Okay," Daniel continued, "So Lily, Jewel, Dwight, JP, and Jhunel come with me, the rest can stay here and continue working on our social media. We'll update you on the progress later."The designated team members gathered their belongings and followed Daniel out of the office, excited and nervous for their first client brief with Inklusive. As they made their way to the client's location, the excitement in the air was palpable. This was a crucial opportunity for Inkusive to showcase their talents and
March 26, 2023, 9:27 AM - Senate Village Phase 2, Baranggay 173, Caloocan City, Philipines - Abelardo ResidenceAs his parents heard the commotion outside, they rushed out to welcome him back home. "Daniel!" his mom exclaimed as she embraced him."Ma, Pa, mano po," Daniel greeted them."Oh, Anak, your mom mentioned you were taking us somewhere?" his dad inquired."Yes, Pa, it's a surprise. Follow me there, and you can drive this car," Daniel replied, gesturing to the new car parked in front of their house. His parents were surprised to see it there, and they also noticed Mia standing next to the car."Is this your car, Anak? And who is this? Is she your new girlfriend? Why didn't you introduce her earlier?" his mom inquired.Hearing the comment Mia of course blushed but was too shy to retort. Daniel shook his head at the antics of his mother. "Ma, no po." He then turned to Mia and said, "Sorry bout that. Please don't mind my mom."Mia shook her head in response, indicating she doesn't
March 26, 2023, 5:41 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse 001When Daniel woke up the next day, he was immediately jolted awake by Sampaguita's robotic voice, which, at this moment, was music to Daniel's ears.*Ding*"Congratulations host," Sampaguita announced, "Minor mission: Overcome being unknown has been completed.The host is hereby rewarded with 100 overcome points and a 4-bedroom house and lot property located in Mira Nila Homes, Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, Philippines.The title of the property will be sent right away to the host's current abode."Daniel smiled as he saw the house that was included in this time's reward. It was something he can use for something he had been wanting to do for a long time.So Daniel immediately got up, went through his morning daily routine of working out and making breakfast, ate then freshened up to prepare to go somewhere.But before he left, he picked up his phone and dialed an all-familiar number to him."Hey, ma.
March 25, 2023, 11:23 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Orean Place CS 103 - Inklusive Creatives and Advertising's Temporary OfficeAfter retrieving his motorcycle, Daniel drove straight back to the condominium and parked it in his designated spot before making his way inside.As he entered the building, a cameraman caught sight of him and signaled to his partner, who was holding a microphone with an 'INQ' logo. The two turned towards Daniel, drawing the attention of the others nearby.Realizing that they were all there to interview him, Daniel was taken aback. There were seven pairs of reporter-cameramen waiting for him, including three from TV networks and four from newspapers."Are you Mr. Daniel Abelardo? Hi! I'm Gale from The Inquirer, can we have an interview with you?" asked the woman holding the "INQ" microphone."Sir, I'm Phoebe from Rappler, can we ask a few questions?" another lady interjected.The reporters all spoke at once, overwhelming Daniel with
March 25, 2023, 5:38 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse 001Yesterday, Inklusive not only uploaded the remaining videos but also collaborated with content creators who share their advocacy. In return, the company promoted the creators' videos about their campaign on social media, which helped increase their campaign's reach.However, the downside is that Daniel's projections show that even with the current boost, they might only get a maximum of 3.5 million organic reach. This news weighed heavily on him, causing him to worry about failing their mission this time."This is frustrating," Daniel sighed. "But on the bright side, we were able to raise awareness for the drivers' situation, right?"So after his morning usual routine, Daniel went down to the office. He tasked the team to relax for now and start to shift their focus to the next goal at hand. Preparing to attend client briefs with various companies to create pitches for paid ad campaigns.Daniel a
March 24, 2023, 5:38 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse 001The next day, Daniel woke up to the sound of his alarm and immediately reached for his phone. As he scrolled through his notifications, he felt his heart skip a beat. The company's social media accounts were buzzing with activity.He had been closely monitoring the first video they posted last night, which they had released on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and the company website. When he called it a day, the video only had a few reactions and comments from team members, acquaintances, and volunteers of the foundation. But now, his eyes widened as he saw that the Facebook post alone had over 123,000 reactions and more than 1000 shares.Excitedly, Daniel began reading some of the positive comments out loud, "This video made me realize the struggles of our drivers, thank you for raising awareness" and "The imported modernization is so expensive! The government should find better alternative
March 22, 2023, 1:23 PM - 596 Monumento Rotonda, Caloocan, Philippines - Monumento CircleOn the day of the shoot, Daniel and his team arrived at the circle and worked closely with Berto, who coordinated the logistics for the shoot with the foundation and the drivers. As they arrived on site, Daniel called out to Berto, waving his hand in greeting."Yo Berto!" he exclaimed.Berto turned around and smiled at the group. "You guys all set up?" he asked."Yeah, we're ready to go," Daniel replied.Following Berto's lead, the team captured footage of the food distribution, the stranded passengers, and the people getting into the cars provided by Inklusive for free rides. The long line of passengers waiting for a ride seemed relieved that they would finally be able to reach their destinations. Some of them took photos, while others expressed their gratitude for being able to get a ride without having to pay a single centavo. It was heartwarming to see the community coming together in support