Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - The Ride To Cambodia Day 3

Day 3 was going to be Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

But the day before we were told by our hostess that there was flood at the Angkor Wat and some hundred tourists got trapped in the complex and were rescued by helicopter. So Jecel and I decided to cancel the Angkor Wat from the itinerary and just stay at Phnom Penh, the country's capital. We were both very disappointed. It was our dream to see the Angkor Wat. It's one of the seven wonders of the world and we just can't miss it!

On the day we left Saigon, the weather was really good. It was all so sunny. But since we didn't really get good info of the current situation at Siem Reap / Angkor Wat, we conditioned our minds to stay at Phnom Penh and just enjoy what it has to offer. We thought that it just wasn't meant to be. The night before we already booked a hostel for our overnight stay at the capital.

We took the Mekong Express limousine bus. It's the most recommended bus to take to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. We were suppose to take the direct bus to Siem Reap but since the news of the flood, no direct bus was going to Siem Reap.

Mekong Express gave out some snacks and water and they had a semi-tour guide who explained what the trip will be like, how long it will take, bus stops, and what we were supposed to do at the border. It was a hassle free ride. I would also recommend Mekong Express.

The trip from Saigon to Phnom Penh was about 6 hours. The bus we took left at 730am and we had a 30 min stop for lunch before getting to the border.

On arrival at Phnom Penh, outside the Mekong Express ticket office, we waited for our pick up bus. But since we booked our hostel the night before and we were not able to coordinate properly our transportation from the bus station to the hostel, the waiting was a bit long. And the tuktuk drivers outside were all saying they will take us to our hostel. Not wanting to be charged with high prices by the tuktuk drivers we decided to call the hostel using the mobile phone of one tuktuk driver who offered it to us.

Then these group of Indonesians approached us and asked us if we were going to Siem Reap. Apparently, they got fooled by the one who sold them tickets. They bought tickets for a trip from Saigon to Siem Reap but the bus they took was only up to Phnom Penh. And Mekong Express said that all their buses to Siem Reap were full. They cannot give them the refund as it was an agent who sold them the tickets.

These Indonesians thought we were in the same plight as them, so they asked us. We told them about our situation and that we were supposed to go to Siem Reap but because of the flood we changed plans. They didn't know about the flood! Jecel and I got a bit excited. Now if they were going to Siem Reap and if we get confirmation that there is no more flood and the Angkor Wat is still open for visitors, we will go to Siem Reap with them!

The lady at the Mekong Express ticket office called up their Siem Reap office to confirm the flood situation. She said that there is indeed flooding at the downtown area but not in Angkor Wat and that it wasn't closed. It is still very much open to visitors. Given also that on that day the weather was really sunny, we decided to scrap the Phnom Penh plans and head to Siem Reap.

Mekong Express staff were so kind enough to find us another bus company that can take us to Siem Reap. There was one and it was going to leave around 530pm. That meant we will get to Siem Reap past midnight. Not bad.

It was about 2pm then and we had a bit of time to go around the city. We took one tuktuk to take us around. But first we had to get lunch! All of us were very hungry. We had lunch at a really nice resto which was pretty popular with tourists and it offered Khmer cuisine. This was the time to get to know our new-found friends. They were not really good in English but we all got along really fine. :)

Thus, the beginning of our adventure with the Indonesians - Rama, Tiyo, Yessi, and Adi. Three guys and a lady.

They were really friendly, very funny and were also into budget travel. Pretty much like us! So it was a breeze having them as company!

As we didn't have much time to really roam around, the tuktuk driver just took us to the most important spots in the city. We even saw a group of monks (dressed in orange robes) who were standing outside their temple. The Indonesians were so amazed at them that we approached them and took pictures!

The trip to Siem Reap was really long and the roads were not good. Since it was NOT a luxurious bus like Mekong Express, the bus was really full...some passengers were standing. It was a cramped bus. Nevertheless, it was that lonesome bus that took us to Siem Reap to see the great Angkor Wat. So thanks anyway.

We got to Siem Reap past midnight...and with no place to stay yet...



Next - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - Vietnam Day 2

Day 2 September 24 - Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

This is a whole day guided tour we took. I was more excited about the Cu Chi tunnels used during the war. I took this from the Internet so basically all guided tours for Cu Chi and Cao Dai have the below itinerary. The only difference for ours was that we stopped by a local factory for Vietnamese paintings, furniture and home furnishings. Their products are majorly for exports but they had a showroom where you can also buy stuffs if you like.

"The tour begins with a visit to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, home to the unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few. The religion is an odd mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The trip to Tay Ninh is combined with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the war must have been like. The tour includes a local Vietnamese lunch."

The Cao Dai sect was an interesting religion. I think it is unique to Vietnam. Their temple was also nice, very colorful. We were able to witness their ceremony a bit. Something new as well. The high priests / sect officials were in blue, yellow and red robes. So the site inside the temple during the ceremony was a pretty one.

I was excited about the Cu Chi tunnels. You know, the Vietnam War made the country famous. That war saw the vulnerability of America. So it's interesting to learn how these tunnels were instrumental on their victory, and America's defeat.

We were made also to went inside the tunnels - which was for me scary especially on the part where it was really dark. As there were a lot of exits, my friend and I went out on the nearest exit we could find. But all in all it was a good experience.

The real tunnels are actually so small. Most westerners will not fit in! But they made those tunnels extra big for them.

Overall the experience was good. We got back to the hotel around 5pm.

We had dinner and tried their Highlands Coffee. As we saw a lot of Highlands coffees hops around Saigon, we wanted to try them too. They say that Vietnam is famous for its coffee and so we just want to try their uppity coffee shop. I didn't find the place we went very comfy. I still find the experience in Starbucks is way better. I don't know maybe the branch we visited wasn't the best around town. Maybe other Highlands Coffee places are nicer. Check their site if you want, http://highlandscoffee.com.vn/aboutus_whoweare.html.


Next Day 3 - off to Cambodia...

Live up to my Role

So it's just recently that I have realized that so much is expected of me, and that I am now part of management having just taken the role of a supervisor early this year. The sad thing is it was never made very clear to me my roles and responsibilities as a supervisor. So all the while I've been acting in a way that didn't fulfill my role. And all the while I thought I was alright. Not till I just got a feedback from friends that my team lead is disappointed in me!!! So of course, that pissed me off, shoot up my blood pressure because how could my team lead say that to others and not directly to me! Okay, so we talked. And we've set the expectations very clearly now. I hope it's just not too late to live up to my role. To program my mind to this role, I am now starting to shift the genre of the books I read. Human Sigma - I randomly bought this out of a sale rack. The Rules of Work was recommended by a dear friend. Where I need improvement is on building my confidence and handling people. I'll expect to buy more books this year, more on management. Maybe next I should get something about time management - not the normal, not the usual time management books I've read. Something different and really awakening. Recommendations are welcome! I'm just getting busy and so stressed these days!!! I think I'm not working smartly. =(

I need help!!!

Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - Vietnam Day 1

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine

A very famous quote and to which I so agree. That is why I always put travelling as one of the favorite things I like to do.

Last month, my friend and I went on a 9-day trip covering 3 countries, our friendly neighbors, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Three countries in such a short span of time. It was my first time to do that kind of trip. And my first long vacation outside the country. Nine days is actually long considering that it's rare to get approval of vacation leaves this long. Our first and last stop was Vietnam. Cambodia and Thailand were squeezed in between.

September is a rainy month. First day we were in Saigon or now called Ho Chi Minh was raining. Good thing though the rain was not very heavy. My friend did all the planning, she made all the itinerary while I just go and travel with her. How lucky I am to have her!

Our first day involved getting acquainted with Saigon by walking (most of the time). Instead of booking a city tour, we decided on doing it on our own. The places to see were not at all that very far.

First stop was the Ben Thanh market. Well, we wanted to do shopping on the first day as we wanted to buy Northface backpacks that we can use on our side trips to Cambodia and Thailand. Ben Thanh is big marketplace in downtown Saigon where you can buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, and even a place where you can try local cuisine (although we were not able to do the latter). And in this market you can also find really cheap North face bags/knapsacks, Adidas, Billabong t-shirts and shorts at really cheap prices. I bought my North Face backpack for only 700 Pesos, some 16USD. So cheap! Well, I don't know if it's fake but by the looks of it, it isnt! We also bought souvenirs and pasalubongs for friends and family at Ben Thanh. You can actually do some bargaining! However, the sellers first offer is really high! And if you don't know how much it actually costs, you will be fooled. That's what happened to me. The lady gave me a price twice the actual. They can really be pushy, I tell you. They won't let you go until you make a purchase.

Anyhow, after Ben Thanh, we went on to the next tourist places - the City Hall, Saigon Theater, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. I was pretty amazed with the post office. It's not anything I've seen in Asia. The building is of old French colonial architecture that when we went inside we felt like we were in Europe.

Next stop was to get ourselves lunch. All the walking made us so hungry. We went into a typical Vietnamese restaurant. It was named Pho 24. On that day, I fell in love with Vietnamese food. My fave are the spring rolls! :)

After hearty lunch, we went to their Reunifcation Palace. Took a guided tour inside and learned about Vietnam's history. We learned from this tour that the Vietnamese are very good at creating undergrounds. You better go there to see it for yourself.

All the walking inside made us thirsty. So we decided to try the Vietnamese iced coffee. Everyone in Vietnam loves coffee. People sell iced coffee on the streets. We don't have iced coffee sold in the streets in the Philippines.

Getting to our next stop was not easy. We got a bit lost on the way to the War Museum but somehow managed to get there. The Vietnam War is one of the famous wars in the world, the fact that the powerful USA was defeated in this war. What's different in this museum from the other museums I've visited was how they presented the war. My heart was torn to pieces watching pictures of people during the War. The brutality was captured in those pictures; I couldn't bear to look at them so long. They brought me to tears. My heart goes out to all victims of the war.

Next destination was the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. It's an old temple but still being used. A cyclo driver offered to take us there for 150k VND. Only to learn later on that he overpriced us. A tourist trap! Well, let's just charge it to "charity". The pagoda was quite interesting. It wasn't at all that clean and beautiful. Observations - there were a lot of turtles in the pond. There was a hundred yr old or so turtle/tortoise (can't make a difference). They believe turtles are holy (I think). Inside you'll see two large figures of gods. It's also a bit spooky inside.

Our cyclo driver took us back to our hostel. He again charged us another 150k VND. Oh well, the goodness of our hearts didn't see he was taking advantage.

Back in the hotel, we told Auntie our host about the cyclo driver charging us 300k VND and she told us that was way too much. She comforted us by saying just think about it as charity, cyclo drivers don't earn that much.

We took a bit of rest, unpacked items we bought at Ben Thahn. And then headed for dinner...We came to this alley of restos serving mostly tourists. We stayed in downtown Saigon, so expect so many tourists in the area. I think I had a pho - another hearty meal.

We wanted to try Ben Thanh's night market. So we went there again by walking and crossing the heavily-laden-with-motorbikes streets. If there's anything that gives us a heart attack in Saigon it is crossing their streets. They don't seem to follow traffic rules! If you're not careful, you will be hit by a motorbike that came from out of nowhere!

You can practically find the same items sold in the day market at the night market, although much cheaper. And you can haggle to your heart's content! The market isn't as huge as other markets though. But it was a good place to buy souvenirs that we came back again on our last night in Saigon.




NEXT - Day 2, Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

How To Manage A Manager

I have a not-so-good relationship with my manager...we have issues, we have problems... I should have really followed these rules...i would have a better working relationship with her...well, it's not yet too late to amend things!

**********

If you have a manager that is a micro manager, you need to be proactive. Managing a manager is a tricky proposition, but it can be done. Keep the following things in mind as you manage your boss effectively.

INSTRUCTIONS

1
Be tactful. Remember, your manager holds your career in her hands. Even if she asks for your input on her job performance, be careful how you come across, but offer something constructive.

2
Get things done on time. Communicate well with your manager and let him know if you foresee any limiting factors in getting a job done.

3
Go the extra mile. Anticipate the things your manager needs from you and get a head start. People are creatures of habit, so that makes knowing what your manager will want a little easier after you get to know her.

4
Make your manager look good to his manager. Know what is important to your manager's boss, so you won't put your manager in an embarrassing situation.

5
Do your homework. Before you take a proposal to your manager, make sure you have researched all the pros and cons and be prepared to show him how it will benefit the company.

6
Take your concerns to your manager, not over his head, unless there is something illegal going on or there are trust issues that have arisen between you. Don't, under any circumstances, gossip about or back-bite your manager.

7
Keep things on a professional level. It's ok to be friendly, but probably not ok to get too chummy with your boss. Personal relationships can be hard to manage while on the job.


Read more: How to Manage a Manager | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2108071_manage-manager.html#ixzz1agWyEt7g

the final, the last time

I promise now more than ever, today is the last time I will see you face to face, the last time we feel each other's presence. This is the final goodbye!!!! And I mean it every word of it! This is the PERIOD I had always wished to put. And I'm putting it now!

Tokyo Trip Pics

I'd love to come back to Tokyo!

A Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please keep me strong. Please protect me. Please keep me away from danger, from harm, from the things that'll make me fall into sin.

Teach me to be patient. May I be slow to judge and quick to forgive.

Thank you for your everlasting love.

Amen.

7 Habits To Win In Office Politics

Office politics – a taboo word for some people. It’s a pervasive thing at the workplace. In it’s simplest form, office politics is simply about the differences between people at work; differences in opinions, conflicts of interests are often manifested as office politics. It all goes down to human communications and relationships.
There is no need to be afraid of office politics. Top performers are those who have mastered the art of winning in office politics. Below are 7 good habits to help you win at the workplace:

HABIT #1 – BE AWARE YOU HAVE A CHOICE
The most common reactions to politics at work are either fight or flight. It’s normal human reaction for survival in the wild, back in the prehistoric days when we were still hunter-gatherers. Sure, the office is a modern jungle, but it takes more than just instinctive reactions to win in office politics. Instinctive fight reactions will only cause more resistance to whatever you are trying to achieve; while instinctive flight reactions only label you as a pushover that people can easily take for granted. Neither options are appealing for healthy career growth.
Winning requires you to consciously choose your reactions to the situation. Recognize that no matter how bad the circumstances, you have a choice in choosing how you feel and react. So how do you choose? This bring us to the next point…

HABIT #2 – KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE
When conflicts happens, it’s very easy to be sucked into tunnel-vision and focus on immediate differences. That’s a self-defeating approach. Chances are you’ll only invite more resistance by focusing on differences in people’s positions or opinions.
The way to mitigate this without looking like you’re fighting to emerge as a winner in this conflict is to focus on the business objectives. In the light of what’s best for the business, discuss the pros and cons of each option. Eventually, everyone wants the business to be successful; if the business don’t win, then nobody in the organization wins. It’s much easier for one to eat the humble pie and back off when they realize the chosen approach is best for the business.
By learning to steer the discussion in this direction, you will learn to disengage from petty differences and position yourself as someone who is interested in getting things done. Your boss will also come to appreciate you as someone who is mature, strategic and can be entrusted with bigger responsibilities.

HABIT #3 – FOCUS ON YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE
At work, there are often issues which we have very little control over. It’s not uncommon to find corporate policies, client demands or boss mandates which affects your personal interests. Bitching and complaining are common responses to these events that we cannot control. But think about it, other than that short term emotional outlet, what tangible results do bitching really accomplish? In most instances, none.
Instead of feeling victimized and angry about the situation, focus on the things that you can do to influence the situation – your circle of influence. This is a very empowering technique to overcome the feeling of helplessness. It removes the victimized feeling and also allows others to see you as someone who knows how to operate within given constraints. You may not be able to change or decide on the eventual outcome, but you can walk away knowing that you have done the best within the given circumstances.
Constraints are all around in the workplace; with this approach, your boss will also come to appreciate you as someone who is understanding and positive.

HABIT #4 – DON’T TAKE SIDES
In office politics, it is possible to find yourself stuck in between two power figures who are at odds with each other. You find yourself being thrown around while they try to outwit each other and defend their own position. All at the expense of you getting the job done. You can’t get them to agree on a common decision for a project, and neither of them want to take ownership of issues; they’re too afraid they’ll get stabbed in the back for any mishaps.
In cases like this, focus on the business objectives and don’t take side with either of them – even if you like one better than the other. Place them on a common communication platform and ensure open communications among all parties so that no one can claim “I didn’t say that”.
By not taking sides, you’ll help to direct conflict resolution in an objective manner. You’ll also build trust with both parties. That’ll help to keep the engagements constructive and focus on business objectives.

HABIT #5 – DON’T GET PERSONAL
In office politics, you’ll get angry with people. It happens. There will be times when you feel the urge to give that person a piece of your mind and teach him a lesson. Don’t.
People tend to remember moments when they were humiliated or insulted. Even if you win this argument and get to feel really good about it for now, you’ll pay the price later when you need help from this person. What goes around comes around, especially at the work place.
To win in the office, you’ll want to build a network of allies which you can tap into. The last thing you want during a crisis or an opportunity is to have someone screw you up because they habour ill-intentions towards you – all because you’d enjoyed a brief moment of emotional outburst at their expense.
Another reason to hold back your temper is your career advancement. Increasingly, organizations are using 360 degree reviews to promote someone.
Even if you are a star performer, your boss will have to fight a political uphill battle if other managers or peers see you as someone who is difficult to work with. The last thing you’ll want is to make it difficult for your boss to champion you for a promotion.

HABIT #6 – SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, BEFORE BEING UNDERSTOOD
The reason people feel unjustified is because they felt misunderstood. Instinctively, we are more interested in getting the others to understand us than to understand them first. Top people managers and business leaders have learned to suppress this urge.
Surprisingly, seeking to understand is a very disarming technique. Once the other party feels that you understand where he/she is coming from, they will feel less defensive and be open to understand you in return. This sets the stage for open communications to arrive at a solution that both parties can accept. Trying to arrive at a solution without first having this understanding is very difficult – there’s little trust and too much second-guessing.

HABIT #7 – THINK WIN-WIN
As mentioned upfront, political conflicts happen because of conflicting interests. Perhaps due to our schooling, we are taught that to win, someone else needs to lose. Conversely, we are afraid to let someone else win, because it implies losing for us.
In business and work, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Learn to think in terms of “how can we both win out of this situation?” This requires that you first understand the other party’s perspective and what’s in it for him. Next, understand what’s in it for you. Strive to seek out a resolution that is acceptable and beneficial to both parties. Doing this will ensure that everyone truly commit to the agree resolution and not pay only lip-service to it.
People simply don’t like to lose. You may get away with win-lose tactics once or twice, but very soon, you’ll find yourself without allies in the workplace. Thinking win-win is an enduring strategy that builds allies and help you win in the long term.



http://www.lifehack.org/articles/management/7-habits-to-win-in-office-politics.html
By Lawrence Check

1st day with CIMA

Out of boredom, crazy whim, and the idea of a company benefit, and yes, of a feeling a stand-still career, I decided to take the opportunity of doing CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountant).

According to Wikipedia, "The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a United Kingdom-based professional body offering training and qualification in management accountancy and related subjects, focused on accounting for business; together with ongoing support for members.

CIMA is one of a number of professional associations for accountants in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Its particular emphasis is on developing the management accounting profession within the UK and worldwide. CIMA is the largest management accounting body in the world, with more than 172,000 members and students in over 165 countries."

I never really planned to take up CIMA, but because my company offered this opportunity, I decided to take it. To be honest, I am not really after the certification. I'm more after the learning I can get. The discipline I can develop by taking this can move my career. I am more after the experience and what I can get by attending the review classes. But of course, I have to pass the exams. It's going to reflect badly in my employee records if I won't. To pass this, I have to put my mind and heart to it. Most importantly, to give time for it. So I am excited actually of the next 13 Saturdays I will be spending at the review classes and the days and nights I will be burning the candles. =)

So today was the first day of review classes, and I just felt so nostalgic of college days. I am reminded of the days I struggled to keep awake in class, of the times I would ask my seatmate to pinch my arm, to inflict some pain, to give me candies just to keep my eyes open (don't care much if my ears aren't listening!). But today instead of using those tactics, I got myself a cappuccino from Starbucks. A lot more posh! And yes of course, it kept me awake but it didn't keep my attention from wandering. Sometimes, you just have a very short attention span especially on a Saturday which I could have spent sleeping all day. Oh well, I have to start adapting to my new lifestyle.

Till the next review class!

The Pig and The Horse ( A workplace parable)

Oh I see this is very true. I have witnessed this in the workplace!

The Pig And The Horse

There was a farmer who collected horses, he only needed one more breed to complete his collection. One day, he found out that his neighbor had the particular horse breed he needed. So, he constantly bothered his neighbor until he sold it to him. A month later, the horse became ill and he called the veterinarian, who said:
- Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three days.
I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're going to have to put him to sleep.

Nearby, the pig listened closely to their conversation.

The next day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig approached the horse and said:
- Be strong, my friend. Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!

On the second day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig came back and said:
- Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die! Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three...

On the third day, they came to give him the medicine and the vet said:
- Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise, the virus might spread and infect the other horses.

After they left, the pig approached the horse and said:
- Listen pal, it's now or never! Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on!
Get up! Get up! That's it, slowly! Great! Come on, one, two, three...
Good, good. Now faster, come on.... Fantastic! Run, run more!

Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion!!!

All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field and began shouting:
- It's a miracle! My horse is cured. This deserves a party. Let's kill the pig!

Points for reflection:

This often happens in the workplace. Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing
the necessary support to make things happen.

LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A SKILL!

If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional,

Remember: Amateurs built Noah's Ark and Professionals built the Titanic.

DON'T LOOK TO BECOME A PERSON OF SUCCESS, LOOK INSTEAD TO BECOME A PERSON OF VALUE!



ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE and you don’t know when.

I got my Japan Visa today!

Yipee!!! Yehey! I just got the Japan visa today which means our short Tokyo trip will push through. I don't mind if it's short, besides it's fully funded by my company. I'm sooo looking forward to August 21-28. Aside from work / training, I will also get to meet a very good friend whom I haven't seen for years. God bless this trip and let everything fall into place! =))

GRRR!!!

I cannot sleep unless I am not able to post this rant!!!

I just got a reply from my onshore counterpart that I find is an insult to my intelligence! And what I hate is that he copied in my boss here and it appears on his email that I don't understand my work! I beg to disagree! But I don't want to put the blame purely to himself why he replied that way. I may have not been very clear in my email to him about what I expect from him. I just wanted his thoughts, his opinions about a matter I cannot resolved. In his reply, he is implying that this could be resolved by me quite easily without his assistance. I just had one area where I am confused not everything about work! Because I was in a hurry to get home, I didn't get an opportunity to reply to his email. But I plan to do that tomorrow. I don't want my boss to get the impression that I am dumb and that I don't understand my work! So here I am going to draft my reply to him ----

DP,

I understand your point very clearly that this is something that CAN be resolved offshore because this process has been with us for years.

All these checks / procedures mentioned are clearly understood by me and I am pretty sure with the new process owner as well.

Where I wanted clarification is on what explanation to give to the book runner as he is asking what type of adjustment he should then used as the adjustment he is currently using is not correct. I have spoken to the book runner about this that it is clear that he cannot use that adjustment category as it is creating a FOBO break. As this is not a break we encounter very often, the approach on how to deal with this is quite vague to me. I understand that it could have been resolved had I raised this initially to the book runner's team lead. To be honest, we need training, and some exposure on these kind of issues around BAC adjustments to get confidence answering their queries.

Thank you.

-----

And I may still edit this out tomorrow.... but now I am relieved to have let this out.

This job can get really stressful! Haayzz... But I should NOT let this affect my whole being, my aura, my mindset, my all. At the end of the day, I cannot blame other people for what I feel. This is all down to me. It is up to me how I deal with problems.

Shhoooo bad feelings. Let peace come! Yipeeee!!

Congratulations Sister!

Sister got married last Saturday, July 9 and I was maid of honor. Though I apologize I was not able to fulfill my job as maid of honor in all sense of the word. Ohh it was my first time! Give me the benefit of the first timers!

But all in all, I was very happy that someone in the family is now married. I bet mom and dad are excited to see their first apo! I am excited to become a full-pledged auntie!!! =)

What I loved about the wedding is getting to see my relatives from afar get together, couzins and aunties and uncles that I haven't seen for a while, I get to see them! Family gatherings do make me feel like I'm in heaven. Even if they keep asking me when I am getting married. Oh uh...I don't know! Maybe never! But I do hope it does happen...should happen soooon.I am not getting any younger! I'd like to have at least just one offspring, you know. I'd like to have my own family someday...;-)

Congrats to sister and hubby! God bless your marriage and your future together! Stay in luv...

my order of makeup!

on the other hand.... something that's giving me some excitement and lifting my spirits up ---- i cannot wait to receive the Maybelline products I ordered on Ebay! I hope they arrive tomorrow!!! =))

Disappointing Performance

This is the probably the most disappointing performance I ever experienced with my current job. To think that I've been with this team for 3 plus yrs, it was truly disappointing that I was not able to do deliver. I had a 3 hr call with my onshore boss. It was disappointing because I presented a working paper that was completely useless! It had a lot of errors and a lot of stuffs that had not been worked through. Because that is one item that had the most focus over the past months, it was highlighted by my boss. I was even escalated! And when I was asked why I was not able to do the things I ought to - I said that there was just too much to do. In other words, I didn't have enough time. I never really like to reason out that I just don't have enough time. Because it's not really a valid reason at all. Because I believe that there's really time for everything. It is just a matter of priority. That's why I am just very disappointed because this means I was not able to prioritize and I was not working smartly. I'm sooooo down now...I cannot sleep well.... =(

sissy is having a baby!

So I just got news today that my younger sister is going to have a baby! Well, she didn't tell me right away. Maybe she was afraid I would berate her for getting preggy before marriage. Well, I won't...She's getting married anyway in July... Besides the father is his soon to be hubby...

She couldn't say it straight away but I know that that's what she is meaning to say...I confirmed it with my mom anyway! So mom did confirm!

Well, I am happy for you sis. Soon you'll be a mother. You beat me to that thinking I'm older than you by 5 yrs! I just hope you are prepared for this and you will take care of yourself and your baby! Best wishes! I hope that baby is healthy and pretty like me and your younger sis and of course like Mama!!!

New Friend

It's amazing that people you meet and spend a few moments with make a huge impact on your life.

My UK counterpart at work came to help out the team in a huge project. He spent two weeks with us. It was his first time in Manila, first time in the Philippines. I've worked with him for a little over 3 yrs, and this is his first time here, and our second time to meet. I met him 3 yrs ago when I went to London for a 5 week training.

I didn't have the chance back then to get to know him. I was more closely dealing with his boss then.

I was surprised by the kind of person he is. I didn't expect him to be very approachable and friendly. He didn't seem to be like that when we met him 3 yrs ago, and didn't seem to be like that over the phone / emails. It's either he has changed over the yrs, or we just never got the chance to really talk and get out.

The other thing that impressed me about him was that how super "game" he is. He blended well with us, in fact. When we went out for lunch, he joined us and ordered Filipino dishes. When we went out for karaoke, he sang a number of songs. When we did a volcano trip, he joined us as well. And for this trip, he didn't mind waking up at 2am, and waiting for the late people! He can joke with us, and laugh with us. In short, he knows how to have fun the Pinoy way!!!

At work, he didn't seem to be that serious at all like how he seems to be on his emails. You can always ask him questions and he's very willing to help. I said to myself that this is one colleague I'd like to work with for life.

And what really touched my heart, was when he said he really liked it here. He really liked working in the Manila office. He liked the Philippines. He didn't even expect that he would enjoy this much. For a foreigner to say something like that (and I know he meant it), it never fails to warm my heart. Of course, I love my country. But I've always wanted to leave, to work in a 1st world country, and earn heaps of moolah. And when I hear an alien say something like that, I realize that the good things they say about my country are the reasons why until now I am still here.

I do hope that even when he is now back to his real work office, he brings with him the good things that life has taught him during his two weeks stay here.

I am also changed by having met him.

I shall call you Toshiwei

I don't know but I just liked the sound of it!!!

Toshiwei, forever together!

mwahh!!

Here are photos of Toshi using my phone's cam.

my first notebook / laptop

Would you believe!? I just got my first notebook / laptop yesterday...that's how poor I am or shall we say that's how reluctant I am to invest in electronics...

Now that I have this, I will be more faithful to my blogs.

And maybe get serious about earning through the Internet...

By the way, I got myself a Toshiba Satellite L640-1155. It's not a high end laptop. It's suits well for me who is just a plain surfer/blogger.

I wish to journey with you Toshibaby as long as forever. =) Shall I call you Toshibaby? How about Toshimei? Toshi? Toshiwei?

I'll think about it over the next few days...

30

Yeah, 30 is that dreaded number for some women. Well, I used to fear it coming to me. But yeah, what the heck, age is just a number. And I am blessed I got it this far.

I just turned 30...last 24th of Mar!

How does it feel? Feels like I just turned 21. =)

My 30th bday wasn't anything fancy at all. I started the day with a Holy Mass to thank the Lord Almighty for giving me a chance to enjoy life. And since I wasn't really feeling well that day, I took a half day leave.

I treated my teammates to a lunch at Pizza Hut where the Pizza Hut personnel gave me a hearty bday song! Hearty...and LOUD, I should add.

The rest of the day was all work! Oh I had to work on my special day. Just got loads of stuff to finish.

Margie, my ex Team lead was also sweet enough to treat the team for Starbucks.

Incidentally, my brother was in town too. He came to Manila for a job interview that day. I spent dinnertime with him and my cousin, who accompanied him. It was good to see my brother after a while and get to talk to him about life and his plans.

Oh...I should not forget too that my bday celeb didn't end that day coz over the weekend, Mom, sissies, Auntie and cuzs were comin over for a vacay to Baguio. This is actually the first time we as family travelled sans daddies though. It was quite a big lot. There were 10 of us doing this trip. It was the first time for the majority in Baguio. It was another worthwhile and enjoyable trip. This was my third time in Baguio but each was a different experience. I always had one or two places new in the itinerary. Will it be my last time in Baguio? I don't know...;)

Hmmm. On second thought, it was fancy after all...Family came here to celebrate. I had friends who remembered this day. And I had an Almighty Father who continues to bless me.

I can only be grateful to Life.

Day 4 - HK Museums and Avenue of the Stars, Kowloon Park

Goodness, I actually forgot to write my Day 4 in HK. This was July 30. And it was really hot and sunny day...unfair really, becuase the last 3 days had been cloudy and rainy...

Anyway, since I was now on my own, I decided to get a trip to the Avenue of the Stars and then visit the museums and maybe check out some shopping areas.

At the avenue of the stars, I had all my pics taken by other people. But I never got to walk the long stretch of this avenue...it was just too hot that day and I didn't have an umbrella and a pair of sunglasses.

After this, I took a visit to the Museum of Art. The first time in my international travels that I have included museum visits as part of the itinerary. I love their museum. Not very fancy like the Louvre but it gave you a glimpse of the of HK art scene.

The next stop was the Space and Science museum. Very educational museum. Very good for kids (and adults) as well. So I tried their "moon walk" - where you get to experience what it's like to walk in the moon. Cool! Kids will love this!

Now getting famished, I needed to eat some lunch. I went to Times Square in Causeway Bay hoping to do a bit of shopping on the side. Since it was already lunch time, all food shops were very busy. I ended up eating in KFC. Right after I headed back to Kowloon Park to just get a feel of what parks are like in HK. Kowloon Park is really a huge park but you will love it there as you could really relax. Oh you will love the fresh atmosphere. I headed back to my hostel around 3pm. Left for the airport around 4pm. Then at the airport, I met a Filipina who was in the same flight as me. Then at the plane, I met another Filipina who works as a DH. She's a very talkative woman...and the trip back to Manila was indeed not a boring! =)

2011 ---- I claim this to be MY Year!!!

The first quarter of 2011 is about to end... and I haven't yet posted my supposedly New Year's resolutions.

As a blog tradition, I have to declare my 2011 plans (not any more resolutions!)

So here are they...

I have to get my own laptop! I should get one soon...This March, I will take a trip to the computer shops...

An international trip! Oh yes, I and a friend have already booked tickets to Vietnam/Bangkok/Cambodia on September. Praying for a safe and fine weather trip!
I just got my passport renewed! Can't wait to get it stamped!
And I just learned a few weeks ago, I'll get to attend a training in Tokyo. Oh I just hope it will push through. Pls pls Lord let it happen! Tokyo is one of the dream places I want to go to.

A trip to Mindanao - Davao or CDO, any will do. No plane tickets yet. But this trip ought to happen this year!

Save! I have to put in more cash on my bank account. I just have to have at least 1 month salary in my bank. I should be able to do it this time, I just got an OK salary increase! Thank you Lord, you gave me more than what I asked for! I did not get the promotion, but that's alright. It's just not yet my time.

And since this year, I am hitting the BIG 30 in years of stay on this planet, I aim and claim to get a LOVE LIFE! A rightful love life, with a single guy. This means that I am now more than ever more determined for it, and more more so decided to end the wrongful rendezvous I had in the past.

Some years ago, I had aimed that by the time I'm 30 Y.O. I should have my own car, my own house, and 100k savings! Unfortunately, none of that is about to happen. =( Well the 100k is possible, I just need to keep my lifestyle as low as possible. The car? Oh never mind, I don't really like owning a car. And besides I don't know how to drive! Ok, the house...ahhh...it's expensive! But it's on my plans - perhaps next year.


This year, I aim to be financially indedpendent, stronger, and bolder. Happier, healthier and wiser.

Thank you Lord for giving me another year. I shall live it fully!