Lizeth Gutierrez

4.00 AM

After my alarm went off for several times since 3:30, I get up like a zombie, rummage through my wardrobe, and take a hot shower. I prepare my food for breakfast and lunch hastily, then get into the car with my uncle driving. I eat breakfast in the car to save some time. Thank God, traffic is not an issue every morning during this pandemic. I arrive at the shuttle pick-up point at 5:30. Giving breakfast to our company driver is a routine for me. He picks us up and drops us off safely, so why not treat him?

7.30 AM

Shuttle arrives at Rockwell early so I still have time to settle, drink hot choco, and have a chit-chat with my colleagues. I check my emails just before 8:00 and get myself ready for my tasks. Most of the staff are working from home. Ergo, there is much space for our team in the office. My project leader arrives, it’s my time to head to her table and bombard her with questions. It’s gonna be a very busy day ahead!

Vacant office in the morning

Enjoying hot choco in my ‘One Piece’ mug

12.00 NN

It’s lunchtime, we get up at exactly 12:00. Rushing to the pantry to get in line for the microwave. My colleagues and I take lunch at the breakout area, catching up, and discussing different techniques on how to take off elements and produce accurate BOQs. After eating, some of us head to the mall across the building to loosen up a bit while I stay and have my me-time or chat with workmates.

Chatting with teammates, Dane Valentin and Jude Granada in the breakout area after lunch.

Enjoying my 'me time'

Arcadis prepares activities from time to time which we gladly participate.

2.00 PM

Trying my best to focus on work, battling with enervation, and striving to respond to all the messages. There is no time to waste. Time is ticking and my deadline is fast approaching. I report to the office only thrice a week so I must make the most of it.

4.30 PM

My project leader records our accomplishments for the day. Sometimes when she thinks we did well, she rewards us with the food we like.

Afterwards, I pack my things up and wait for the shuttle to arrive. Whenever the shuttle is late, I take advantage of it and meet up with my friends.

Catching up with my best friend, Anne Mangubat

Getting my COVID vaccine second dose after work

5.30 PM

Time to go home. At this hour, moderate to heavy traffic is expected. While stuck in traffic, I make use of my time to check my Facebook, Tiktok, or watch ‘Better Call Saul’ on Netflix. I am quite lucky if I arrive at the drop-off point by 7:00 PM. My stepdad picks me up, then we reach home at 8:00 PM.

Greeted by Lupita

8:30 PM

Welcomed by my dog, I get in the house, freshen up, and eat dinner with the family. I turn in by 9:30 and watch Netflix in bed. Well, I can sleep late because I will be working from home the next day.