Friday, October 26, 2012
A letter to a friend (that is not meant to be sent)
My dear friend,
I read your recent Facebook post. I have mixed emotions about it. I am a bit hurt, and a bit okay because I realized a lot of things about you. In your post although you didn't mention names but I think you were solely referring to me. Because obviously I am the only one who doesn't get what you are aiming for. What right do I have to decide for you? Not that I don't get what you are aiming for but my only concern was are you aiming for the right thing? Are you sure that is what you want to work for? I've heard your sentiments last night. And I truly respect them. And I said I am sorry I didn't took the time to listen to you. I just gave my unsolicited advise.
Now I don't want to go into another argument. I don't want to again confront you of this post. I know you are trying to reassure yourself you have made the right decision. And get friends to side on you. Go ahead do that. Who am I to say you have made the wrong one, or the right one? Just as long as you have decided and you will stand by this I am okay with that. If you think you have chosen the right path, then let it be the right path.
I have said my view on things, my view on your decisions, my view on life in general. Because you didn't take them well and you don't think I am right, that's fine. You said it yourself we are entitled to our opinions.
From now on my friend, I will no longer offer my advise. Even if you ask me to. I will only say, "It's all up to you." I will no longer share my views, will no longer share stories with you. Maybe all these time you didn't really want to listen to me and I have just been very insensitive to that.
From this day forth, I will only listen and not say anything. When you get a depressing day at your new work (which you think will get you where you are aiming for), I can and will only offer my ears. Never ever my mouth. Rest assured I won't say anything. I promise you that.
Good luck my friend on your endeavors. Despite what you have just posted, I will still be your friend. I can still lend you money. I will still invite you to dinner and movies.
I am sure this change in me is for the best of our friendship.
Still your friend,
Mhahe
Friday, October 19, 2012
it is never too late...
I am at this point in time, at this point in a woman's life that she denies her age or refuses to divulge the year she was born.
I look back at the years that have gone by...and ask myself questions - do I want to go back and change something in the past? Hmmm...Maybe I want to change that time when I was too scared to tell the guy of my dreams how much I loved him. Or maybe, I should have moved out of home when I was fresh out of college. Or maybe, I should have said yes to that suitor 6 years ago.
My life would be totally different if I took a different path. Indeed, totally different! But would I be happy? I don't know. But the choices I've made in the past made me who I am right now, brought me where I am right now. It's a ME probably others wouldn't see as anything inspirational or a ME that is too humdrum. But this is a ME I love. And it's a ME I want to see progress and improve over time. To age beautifully I might say.
Just because...
I am not married,
I am not a big boss in a big company,
I am not filthy wealthy,
I don't have body to die for,
It doesn't mean I am way behind. It is NOT just my time...yet.
Albert Einstein said: "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."
Thus, it is never ever always too late. Things don't happen all at the same time. The sweet and bitter times have their places. Success and failure take their places at different times.
I was born in 1981, by the way. I am now 31.
I look back at the years that have gone by...and ask myself questions - do I want to go back and change something in the past? Hmmm...Maybe I want to change that time when I was too scared to tell the guy of my dreams how much I loved him. Or maybe, I should have moved out of home when I was fresh out of college. Or maybe, I should have said yes to that suitor 6 years ago.
My life would be totally different if I took a different path. Indeed, totally different! But would I be happy? I don't know. But the choices I've made in the past made me who I am right now, brought me where I am right now. It's a ME probably others wouldn't see as anything inspirational or a ME that is too humdrum. But this is a ME I love. And it's a ME I want to see progress and improve over time. To age beautifully I might say.
Just because...
I am not married,
I am not a big boss in a big company,
I am not filthy wealthy,
I don't have body to die for,
It doesn't mean I am way behind. It is NOT just my time...yet.
Albert Einstein said: "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."
Thus, it is never ever always too late. Things don't happen all at the same time. The sweet and bitter times have their places. Success and failure take their places at different times.
I was born in 1981, by the way. I am now 31.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Rainy Taipei
I just got back from my short vacay in Taipei. It was raining for two days. Good thing there was sun on the last day!
This trip was scheduled sometime in February and as usual the airtickets were so cheap. We got them on sale! Originally, there were three of us but then the other one had to migrate to Australia in April. So that made just the two of us on this trip. And this is my first time to go with someone in my team on a holiday trip outside the country! Anyhow, the good thing about this new travel companion is that he is also a travel buff and goes for inexpensive stuffs on travels ie food and accommodation.
The 3 day trip in Taipei consisted of the following places:
Day 1 - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
Martyr's Shrine
Confucius Temple (but was closed)
Shilin Night Market
Day 2 - National Palace Museum
Longshan Temple
Taipei 101 at the observatory
Day 3 - Taipei 101 by day
Lunch at Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101
Taipei Zoo
Maokong Gondola
Taipei Main Station Underground Mall shopping
Taipei has a lot of Japanese influences. But it is Mandarin speaking. Very few people understand or speak English. Good thing my companion had a few Mandarin words, enough to survive!
If given the opportunity to come back, I would! And I want to go shopping! And yes go to Jiufen which is really old Taiwan. Unfortunately, I only realised it is one of the must-go places in Taiwan when we were headed back home. Oh well, there will always be a next time!
This trip was scheduled sometime in February and as usual the airtickets were so cheap. We got them on sale! Originally, there were three of us but then the other one had to migrate to Australia in April. So that made just the two of us on this trip. And this is my first time to go with someone in my team on a holiday trip outside the country! Anyhow, the good thing about this new travel companion is that he is also a travel buff and goes for inexpensive stuffs on travels ie food and accommodation.
The 3 day trip in Taipei consisted of the following places:
Day 1 - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
Martyr's Shrine
Confucius Temple (but was closed)
Shilin Night Market
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| national theater (?) |
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| Martyrs' Shrine |
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| Chiang Kai Shek Memorial |
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| yummy lunch! |
Day 2 - National Palace Museum
Longshan Temple
Taipei 101 at the observatory
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| Longshan Temple |
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| Longshan Temple |
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| Taipei City view from Taipei 101 |
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| Taipei 101 |
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| Taipei 101 |
Day 3 - Taipei 101 by day
Lunch at Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101
Taipei Zoo
Maokong Gondola
Taipei Main Station Underground Mall shopping
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| Taipei 101 by day with slightly gloomy sky |
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| the zebras at the Taipei Zoo |
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| a tea house in the Maokong Station |
If given the opportunity to come back, I would! And I want to go shopping! And yes go to Jiufen which is really old Taiwan. Unfortunately, I only realised it is one of the must-go places in Taiwan when we were headed back home. Oh well, there will always be a next time!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
An old notebook
When I visited my home in Cebu a few months ago, I found an old notebook that I had in my teens. It contained a lot of my writings and some newspaper clippings from a woman named Katherine Oyson. She had a column in The Freeman, a local newspaper, that discussed life lessons, self-help quotes, and everything that makes you feel good when you are at your lowest moments.
I guess back then I needed a lot of encouragement. I guess I had felt that I was always at my lowest moments and I resorted to reading self-help books and articles to boost my morale.
I scan the pages, read the articles, see if anything I can find there can provide me some inspiration.
Some good quotes relevant to me now are the following:
From Dale Carnegie:
Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment. Remember that no one ever kicks a dead dog. When you are unjustly criticized, do the very best you can and they put up your old umbrella and keep the rain of criticism running down the back of your neck.
When you are kicked and criticized, remember that it is often done because it gives the kicker a feeling of importance. It often means that you are accomplishing something and are worthy of attention.
From Harold J. Sala:
Refuse to judge life by any one situation or experience. Learn to take all things into consideration before you settle on your mood for the day. When something unpleasant happens, do not ruin the rest of the day by dwelling on it.
From Katherine Oyson:
Life is more than a heartbeat, or the ability to breathe, see and feel. It is also anchored on our relationship with other people.
From Harriet Beecher Stowe:
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
It does feel good to go back to this notebook and just read what I have here. It somehow soothes my soul and gives me back a clear mind.
Whatever each one of us does to uplift his or her spirits, for me, this old notebook does its purpose.
I guess back then I needed a lot of encouragement. I guess I had felt that I was always at my lowest moments and I resorted to reading self-help books and articles to boost my morale.
I scan the pages, read the articles, see if anything I can find there can provide me some inspiration.
Some good quotes relevant to me now are the following:
From Dale Carnegie:
Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment. Remember that no one ever kicks a dead dog. When you are unjustly criticized, do the very best you can and they put up your old umbrella and keep the rain of criticism running down the back of your neck.
When you are kicked and criticized, remember that it is often done because it gives the kicker a feeling of importance. It often means that you are accomplishing something and are worthy of attention.
From Harold J. Sala:
Refuse to judge life by any one situation or experience. Learn to take all things into consideration before you settle on your mood for the day. When something unpleasant happens, do not ruin the rest of the day by dwelling on it.
From Katherine Oyson:
Life is more than a heartbeat, or the ability to breathe, see and feel. It is also anchored on our relationship with other people.
From Harriet Beecher Stowe:
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
It does feel good to go back to this notebook and just read what I have here. It somehow soothes my soul and gives me back a clear mind.
Whatever each one of us does to uplift his or her spirits, for me, this old notebook does its purpose.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thoughts of a struggling leader...
Ever since as a kid, I've always been assigned, appointed, designated to lead a group, a class. I've always been a class officer since elementary. I only stopped meddling in student politics when I was in college. But still to some extent and in some occasions I had been asked to lead small groups.
I wasn't a good leader as I would say now. But back then it was okay. But I do remember once, I was 11 years old then when my team member blamed me for a failed group activity. He/she said I wasn't acting like a leader at all. Because I am a timid person, afraid of what negative things others may say, afraid of taking the first step, I was not able to function effectively as our group's leader. I didn't delegate, called meetings, just waited for miracles to happen, or when the deadline was up.
Now with my first stint as a people manager, supervising a small group, there is a feeling of history repeating itself. I am struggling dealing with differing personalities. Shyness overcomes when asked to speak my mind in meeting with bosses or expats. So many times I feel very much challenged and other times frustrated. It is isn't easy to be a leader, a manager, a supervisor.
This is not my comfort zone, I must admit. But where do great leaders start? Where do winners emerge? It is always in difficult situations. The rise to greatness has never been easy. Winning isn't just about luck. It is those who persevere who will emerge victorious.
In my two years in this role, I have struggled. I have made a lot of mistakes yet I have learned a lot from them. I will stick to this role and I will show them that I am a strong spirit. I will withstand this storm.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Milestones...
I've made some milestones this month of July!
First, I enrolled in a gym membership...and what a great feat! This is the start of a healthy life. Goodbye flabs and hello abs! =)
Second, I passed my CIMA P2 Exams! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the email that I passed! Really it was a big surprise. I didn't expect to pass because I didn't finish the exam. But amazingly and surprisingly, I got a score just enough to make me pass! My dear Lord, thank you with all my heart!
I am so truly blessed.
In my heart, there is only gratefulness.
First, I enrolled in a gym membership...and what a great feat! This is the start of a healthy life. Goodbye flabs and hello abs! =)
Second, I passed my CIMA P2 Exams! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the email that I passed! Really it was a big surprise. I didn't expect to pass because I didn't finish the exam. But amazingly and surprisingly, I got a score just enough to make me pass! My dear Lord, thank you with all my heart!
I am so truly blessed.
In my heart, there is only gratefulness.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Leaving for the US
The day came when Ma, Pa, and little sis left for the USA.
I went home to Cebu last weekend to spend some good times and bid them goodbye.
They left last June 26. They flew with Asiana Airlines via Seoul, Korea and then LA.
The drama at the airport was like any drama for families with some members leaving for abroad. Now I know how OFWs feel. huhuhuh...
I will surely miss them.
God bless you always Ma, Pa, and Charm.
Things will turn out well if God wills it.
Enjoy your stay in the US.
I went home to Cebu last weekend to spend some good times and bid them goodbye.
They left last June 26. They flew with Asiana Airlines via Seoul, Korea and then LA.
The drama at the airport was like any drama for families with some members leaving for abroad. Now I know how OFWs feel. huhuhuh...
I will surely miss them.
God bless you always Ma, Pa, and Charm.
Things will turn out well if God wills it.
Enjoy your stay in the US.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Independence Day realizations...
I have beautiful realizations today...12th of June, the Philippines' Independence Day...
I realized that...
...when you are stressed, down, demotivated, all you need is just someone to talk to, someone to listen to whatever you say, someone who shares similar experiences with you.
....I am indeed a late bloomer.
....I may have experienced certain things later in my life while others experienced them earlier on but it doesn't mean I am behind. Time is personal. Time is subjective. If we all experienced the same things at the same time, the world would be crazier, more chaotic than it actually is. Indeed, there is a time and a place for everything.
....from conflicts and difficulties, you learn a great deal of lessons.
....a great leader understands the capabilities of his team and knows how to work around their strengths and weaknesses.
....we all need mentors and coaches.
...it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay that people understand your weaknesses.
...think twice, thrice before sending an email especially if you are emotionally charged.
...there is so much relief in being able to talk it out with someone.
....it pays to be able to discuss things with the opposite sex.
...there is freedom in writing out one's thoughts!
I realized that...
...when you are stressed, down, demotivated, all you need is just someone to talk to, someone to listen to whatever you say, someone who shares similar experiences with you.
....I am indeed a late bloomer.
....I may have experienced certain things later in my life while others experienced them earlier on but it doesn't mean I am behind. Time is personal. Time is subjective. If we all experienced the same things at the same time, the world would be crazier, more chaotic than it actually is. Indeed, there is a time and a place for everything.
....from conflicts and difficulties, you learn a great deal of lessons.
....a great leader understands the capabilities of his team and knows how to work around their strengths and weaknesses.
....we all need mentors and coaches.
...it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay that people understand your weaknesses.
...think twice, thrice before sending an email especially if you are emotionally charged.
...there is so much relief in being able to talk it out with someone.
....it pays to be able to discuss things with the opposite sex.
...there is freedom in writing out one's thoughts!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Exploring the Philippines' Neighbors - < Last Day > Mekong River Tour Day 9
So this is our last day of this trip, Oct 1, 2011.
We spent the most part of the day taking the Mekong River Cruise.
The Mekong River again according to Wikipedia:
It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually.
From the Tibetan Plateau this river runs through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Burma became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework.
The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in this river have made navigation difficult. The river is a major trading route linking China’s southwestern province of Yunnan to Laos, Burma and Thailand to the south, an important trade route between western China and Southeast Asia.
The color of the river is brown, very dark brown, almost like there is mud mixed with it.
The river cruise took us to a place where coconut candies and cobra medicines are made.
We had a typical Southeast Asian lunch. Because the place where we went to was just like any other place in the Philippine countryside this trip didn't give me much excitement. For the Westerners yes this amazed them because obviously this is very different from what they have.
We had some taste of tropical fruits with Vietnamese ladies serenading us with old Vietnamese songs.
We also took the rowing boat ride under the shadow of the water coconut palm trees, much like the old Vietnamese days.
We went back to our hostel around 4pm, packed our bags and went to a supermarket to buy some goodies for pasalubongs. The supermarket is always the cheapest place to buy food items for friends back home.
For our dinner, my friend and I tried their street food. I cannot remember the name of the food but it was tofu-like with spices and you have to mix some toyo to it. All I can say is it was different but I love it!
It's time for us to say goodbye to Saigon and auntie (Vy's mother) and Ms Vy, our hosts. I would recommend their hostel - Vy Kahn Guesthouse to friends looking for a cheap stay in Saigon. They are very accommodating (they allowed us to leave our luggages while we went to Cambodia and Bangkok), place is very clean, and you get really good value for money. We also loved Auntie's coffee! =))
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| boat ride in Mekong River |
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| Mekong River |
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| the countryside...feels like I am just at home |
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| tropical fruits in Vietnam, same as ours in the Philippines |
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| yummy street food |
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| cooking up our dinner |
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| our place in Saigon! |
My bet is still Jessica Sanchez...
One of my favorite performances of Jessica...her rendition of Dance with My Father...
I hope she wins!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
We've Got Tonight - Philip Phillips' best performance!
I felt he was singing to me...awwwww....I won't be surprised if he wins...there are more girl/women voters out there....
*****************************************
I know it's late,I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like everyone else does
I know I'll keep searching, even after today
So that there it is
We've got it all now
And here we are
What do you say?
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last
Let's find a way
Turn out the light
Come take my hand now
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay?
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Goals and Gratefulness
This is just a check of the goals I had set this year...where am I in terms of achieving them?
I have today achieved one which is becoming a World Vision sponsor! And I am so happy for this. I can't wait to receive the name of the child I will sponsor. I hope I will be able to sponsor one more child next year.
A week ago, I thought I was going to get a love life. However, it didn't turn out well. I guess there just wasn't enough magic for a friendship to blossom and then for the friendship to turn into something more...Oh well...it isn't my time yet and he isn't the ONE obviously.
Two weeks from now I will be taking another paper in CIMA. This one is more difficult than the previous papers. I pray that I too shall pass this one. I think I do deserve to pass. I just need 50% score! Please dear Lord let my efforts bear fruit. A CIMA is what I need should I decide to go out of the banking industry or should this industry become unprofitable (although I doubt)...
Also, the US trip for my mom, dad and sister is going to happen soon. They already have their visas. I just hope the airtickets and everything else will turn out well. I hope they will settle well there. I pray my sis and dad will be able to find jobs.
I am grateful to the Almighty for the blessings I have received and will continue to receive. To the other goals, I am sure you will find your place this year ;-)
I am grateful to the Almighty for the blessings I have received and will continue to receive. To the other goals, I am sure you will find your place this year ;-)
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Exploring the Philippines' Neighbors - Bangkok @ Charles place and back to Saigon Day 8
Sept 30 - It was our last day in Bangkok and our flight to Saigon was I think 3pm. Our friend suggested that we just stay at his place and not roam around or else we will miss our flight. So yes we heeded his advise. We didn't wake up early as it was a lazy day...We packed our bags and tried to squeezed all the things we shopped on our North Face backpacks. I brought a foldable bag and this is what I used for the rest that didn't fit in my backpack. We only had carry-on bags and 7kgs was the allowable weight for Airasia.
We had lunch at a nearby eatery. Again the servers know only very little English so it was again another challenging task. We ordered fried sea bass and rice. Another cheap and hearty meal.
After lunch, we decided to check out the pool at Charles' place. We didn't bring swimwears but we just wanted to dip our feet and take pictures.
Before leaving for the airport, we took a sip of the cold beer Tiger and Singha. A good way to start the next leg of the trip.
From Charles' place we took a cab to Hua Mak station, the nearest train station in his place and this then will be our means of transport to the airport.
Bangkok's airport is really amazing. And you would also notice inside the airport the pictures of the king displayed prominently. The Thais truly have a high respect for their king.
There were still some portions of the airport that were undergoing renovation.
I bought a pack of dried papaya from the duty free shop.
We arrived at Saigon late afternoon, took some rest, unpack a few things. We then had another Vietnamese dinner and then headed off to Ben Thanh for the night market. We still have to buy pasalubongs for friends and families. Actually it is better to shop during the night because the items are sold cheaper than during the day. You can haggle through your heart's desire. The vendors always start at a tourist price, and sometimes ridiculously high.
Next day- Mekong River Cruise and last minute pasalubong shopping...last day of the SE tour.
We had lunch at a nearby eatery. Again the servers know only very little English so it was again another challenging task. We ordered fried sea bass and rice. Another cheap and hearty meal.
After lunch, we decided to check out the pool at Charles' place. We didn't bring swimwears but we just wanted to dip our feet and take pictures.
Before leaving for the airport, we took a sip of the cold beer Tiger and Singha. A good way to start the next leg of the trip.
From Charles' place we took a cab to Hua Mak station, the nearest train station in his place and this then will be our means of transport to the airport.
Bangkok's airport is really amazing. And you would also notice inside the airport the pictures of the king displayed prominently. The Thais truly have a high respect for their king.
There were still some portions of the airport that were undergoing renovation.
I bought a pack of dried papaya from the duty free shop.
We arrived at Saigon late afternoon, took some rest, unpack a few things. We then had another Vietnamese dinner and then headed off to Ben Thanh for the night market. We still have to buy pasalubongs for friends and families. Actually it is better to shop during the night because the items are sold cheaper than during the day. You can haggle through your heart's desire. The vendors always start at a tourist price, and sometimes ridiculously high.
Next day- Mekong River Cruise and last minute pasalubong shopping...last day of the SE tour.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - Pattaya Day 7
This day was planned for a one day tour in Pattaya. We hired a cab that could take us around the places we want to go in Pattaya. Our friend planned out our itinerary actually as he has been to Pattaya before.
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung (Banglamung) in the province of Chonburi.
The place is famous to tourists as there are nice beaches around but we didn't go to any of it. If you also want to move away from the traffic and pollution in Bangkok, Pattaya is truly a good option. Although it has also been known that prostitution abounds, we didn't find the place to be loaded with prostitutes. (probably in other parts, or during nighttime...)
The places on our list for that day were: Sanctuary of Truth, Nongnoch Garden and the Buddha Mountain.
We spent more time in Nongnoch Garden and there we rode the elephant. =)
The Sanctuary of Truth is a temple made 100 percent wood. And because it is made of wood, the construction is ongoing. It first begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite an unique architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is an unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. You pay 500 baht for the entrance.
Buddha mountain displays a laser-carved and gold-plated monumental Buddha image. About 130 metres tall and up to 70 metres wide, it is rated as one of the biggest Buddha images in the world. An outstanding landmark in Pattaya's countryside, it is visible over a long distance.
After visiting these two places, we were starving. We saw an eatery on the way to Nongnoch Garden, and so we stopped by. As this was not a classy restaurant, the servers/owners didn't know how to speak English. Menu was in Thai! The only English word the waitress knew was chicken and that's what we ordered. Truly challenging, eh. Actually if you are just not choosy, you can go cheap on food.
We were now excited to go to Nongnoch Garden. Apparently this garden started off as a traditional fruit plantation in 1954 and was designed on 1,500 rai/600 acres of land. However, inspired by the beauty of world-renowned gardens abroad, it was redesigned as a tropical garden of ornamental flowers and plants, initially meant for botanical observation. In 1980, the garden was opened to the public and soon turned into one of Pattaya's most popular tourist attractions.
Apart from the biggest botanical garden in Southeast Asia, Nong Nooch features a variety of attractions like elephant riding (surcharge 400 Baht/person), an exotic zoo, animal shows, and a fascinating Thai cultural show with dance performances and Muay Thai demonstrations.
The highlight of every visit, however, is probably the truly amazing elephant show that is great fun for spectators and performers alike, it seems. You can watch the jumbos play a game of football, basketball, bowling and darts. Some elephants turn out to be real hobby artists and paint images with their trunks, while others have specialized in a special kind of foot massage. Most amazing, however, is that this entertaining show doesn't only provide great fun for the audience, but that the impressively skilled and specially-trained elephants seem to enjoy the show performance and the various challenges themselves just as much as the visitors, and display a great sense of humour and ambition! Entrance fee is 400 Baht for foreigners.
And of course like any Filipino, we took a lot of pictures here. Talk about portraits and pictorials!
We went home around 4pm. The way back took around 2 hrs or more I think becuase of the traffic on the way back. We met our friend at the Paradise Park Mall where we had a sumptous Thai dinner. Afterwhich, we had ice cream in Swensen's. Swensen's was not yet available in the Philippines at that time but it was set to open a branch in Mall of Asia. Swensen's is an American ice cream shop and it offers a variety of flavors and combis. I ordered for a rum-something ice cream + some other toppings... Yummy!!! And the good thing about all this good meals is that our friend paid for them! =)
Went home tired and a bit drunk of that rum ice cream! hehehe...
Tomorrow we are leaving...sniff***
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung (Banglamung) in the province of Chonburi.
The place is famous to tourists as there are nice beaches around but we didn't go to any of it. If you also want to move away from the traffic and pollution in Bangkok, Pattaya is truly a good option. Although it has also been known that prostitution abounds, we didn't find the place to be loaded with prostitutes. (probably in other parts, or during nighttime...)
The places on our list for that day were: Sanctuary of Truth, Nongnoch Garden and the Buddha Mountain.
We spent more time in Nongnoch Garden and there we rode the elephant. =)
The Sanctuary of Truth is a temple made 100 percent wood. And because it is made of wood, the construction is ongoing. It first begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite an unique architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is an unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. You pay 500 baht for the entrance.
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| Sanctuary of Truth |
Buddha mountain displays a laser-carved and gold-plated monumental Buddha image. About 130 metres tall and up to 70 metres wide, it is rated as one of the biggest Buddha images in the world. An outstanding landmark in Pattaya's countryside, it is visible over a long distance.
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| Buddha Mountain |
After visiting these two places, we were starving. We saw an eatery on the way to Nongnoch Garden, and so we stopped by. As this was not a classy restaurant, the servers/owners didn't know how to speak English. Menu was in Thai! The only English word the waitress knew was chicken and that's what we ordered. Truly challenging, eh. Actually if you are just not choosy, you can go cheap on food.
We were now excited to go to Nongnoch Garden. Apparently this garden started off as a traditional fruit plantation in 1954 and was designed on 1,500 rai/600 acres of land. However, inspired by the beauty of world-renowned gardens abroad, it was redesigned as a tropical garden of ornamental flowers and plants, initially meant for botanical observation. In 1980, the garden was opened to the public and soon turned into one of Pattaya's most popular tourist attractions.
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| Nongnoch Garden |
Apart from the biggest botanical garden in Southeast Asia, Nong Nooch features a variety of attractions like elephant riding (surcharge 400 Baht/person), an exotic zoo, animal shows, and a fascinating Thai cultural show with dance performances and Muay Thai demonstrations.
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| elephant ride @ Nongnoch Garden |
The highlight of every visit, however, is probably the truly amazing elephant show that is great fun for spectators and performers alike, it seems. You can watch the jumbos play a game of football, basketball, bowling and darts. Some elephants turn out to be real hobby artists and paint images with their trunks, while others have specialized in a special kind of foot massage. Most amazing, however, is that this entertaining show doesn't only provide great fun for the audience, but that the impressively skilled and specially-trained elephants seem to enjoy the show performance and the various challenges themselves just as much as the visitors, and display a great sense of humour and ambition! Entrance fee is 400 Baht for foreigners.
And of course like any Filipino, we took a lot of pictures here. Talk about portraits and pictorials!
We went home around 4pm. The way back took around 2 hrs or more I think becuase of the traffic on the way back. We met our friend at the Paradise Park Mall where we had a sumptous Thai dinner. Afterwhich, we had ice cream in Swensen's. Swensen's was not yet available in the Philippines at that time but it was set to open a branch in Mall of Asia. Swensen's is an American ice cream shop and it offers a variety of flavors and combis. I ordered for a rum-something ice cream + some other toppings... Yummy!!! And the good thing about all this good meals is that our friend paid for them! =)
Went home tired and a bit drunk of that rum ice cream! hehehe...
Tomorrow we are leaving...sniff***
Friday, April 06, 2012
Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - Bangkok Day 6
Day 6 (Sept 28, 2011) is exploring Bangkok. Actually, Bangkok cannot be fully explored in just one day. It's so huge!
First stop was Khaosan Road. This is one of Bangkok’s most famous streets. It is mainly a hangout for hippies and budget travellers. And there are also a number of money changers, tour agencies, street vendors, budget shops.
Our main goal in Khaosan Road was to look for a day tour to Pattaya that included the Nongnoch Garden. This was our friend's suggestion. Unfortunately no one offered a Pattaya tour that included Nongnoch. So around 12noon after having lunch at a local Thai resto, we headed off to the Grand Palace.
According to Wikipedia, The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, RTGS: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.
The palace complex is such a wide complex that you can practically exhaust your whole day at the place but since we had limited time, we had to hurry up and not stay too long at the place. Since within the complex lies a lot of temples, one has to wear proper attire that is long skirts and shirts/blouses with sleeves. If you are not wearing that, you can rent out a sarong and/or blouse or shirt with sleeves.
Inside the walls of the complex is the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew. Built in 1783, the temple was constructed in accordance with ancient tradition dating back to Wat Mahathat, a royal chapel within the grounds of the royal palace at Sukhothai, and Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch at Ayutthaya. The famed Emerald Buddha is kept within the grounds of the temple.
The temple is surrounded on four sides by a series of walled cloisters, with seven different gates. Like those ancient royal temples of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, the Wat Phra Kaew complex is separated from the living quarters of the kings. Within these walls are buildings and structures for diverse purposes and of differing styles, reflecting the changing architecture during the various reigns of the kings. Despite this, most of the buildings within adhere strictly to classical Thai architecture. The establishment of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha dates to the very founding of the Grand Palace and Bangkok itself. (source : Wikipedia)
I am so amazed at this place. I love the glittering gold, colors and so grand structures inside the palace. Thailand has truly preserved its culture. Kudos to the Thai people!
After exploring the palace, we were now off to temple that housed the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. According to our research, this is just adjacent to the Grand Palace. So we just walked our way there.
Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok (with an area of 50 rai, 80,000 square metres),and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images of 160 ft length: the Reclining Buddha. Again this is another amazing feature in Bangkok.
The image of reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics. The 3 m high and 4.5 m long foot of Buddha displays are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are divided into 108 arranged panels, displaying the auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories. Over the statue is a seven tiered umbrella representing the authority of Thailand. There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. People drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat.
It was around 4pm already when we finished touring the Wat Pho complex. And our next stop was supposed to be Wat Arun but it was already closing time for the temple so we just decided to forego that one.
Outside the Wat Pho were a number of tuktuk drivers offering to show us around Bangkok. A guy offered to take us to one temple, and then some jewelry shops, with the last stop at a shopping center.
So we decided to take that as our feet were tired already and we wanted to roam around Bangkok as much as we can. We were off to that temple which I couldn't remember the name. Then he brought us to two jewelry shops. We later on learned that these drivers get gasoline vouchers from these shops if they are able to bring tourists and even bigger amount of vouchers if the tourists buy something. Unfortunately for him we are on a budget and buying jewelry was never on our to-do list. We did buy 2 items but these were really cheap ones. The driver suggested to take us to another shop but we didn't want any more of that so we asked him to bring us to the shopping center. He dropped us off at some shopping center. Again I forgot the name! I think we paid him some 40/50 THB.
My friend and I just roamed around the shopping center. We bought some nice sandals cheaply priced. Upstairs we decided to go and there we discovered Tesco Lotus. I know Tesco as a grocery store in UK. But I didn't expect there is Tesco in Asia.
Tesco Lotus according to Wiki is a hypermarket chain in Thailand, Cambodia and China. Established in 1998, Tesco Lotus was a joint venture of the Charoen Pokphand Group and Tesco, the British giant supermarket chain. However, facing criticism over the growth of hypermarkets in Thailand, the CP Group sold its shares in Tesco Lotus in 2003.
The much interesting part of discovering Tesco Lotus was the wide array of clothing they offer. And because this is a hypermarket, the clothes were inexpensive! We spent so much time in here! I bought my pasalubong for my family here. I probably spent some 2K PHP and I got a lot! I thank that tuktuk driver for dropping us in that shopping center. Of course I cannot buy so much stuff because we didn't have check-in luggage on our flight back to Saigon.
After our shopping spree, it was now time to get back to our friend's place.
Time to rest and get ready for our Pattaya day tour the next day. Actually our friend was able to get a taxi driver who will take us around Pattaya for 1k THB each. Not too bad. =)
First stop was Khaosan Road. This is one of Bangkok’s most famous streets. It is mainly a hangout for hippies and budget travellers. And there are also a number of money changers, tour agencies, street vendors, budget shops.
Our main goal in Khaosan Road was to look for a day tour to Pattaya that included the Nongnoch Garden. This was our friend's suggestion. Unfortunately no one offered a Pattaya tour that included Nongnoch. So around 12noon after having lunch at a local Thai resto, we headed off to the Grand Palace.
According to Wikipedia, The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, RTGS: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.
The palace complex is such a wide complex that you can practically exhaust your whole day at the place but since we had limited time, we had to hurry up and not stay too long at the place. Since within the complex lies a lot of temples, one has to wear proper attire that is long skirts and shirts/blouses with sleeves. If you are not wearing that, you can rent out a sarong and/or blouse or shirt with sleeves.
Inside the walls of the complex is the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew. Built in 1783, the temple was constructed in accordance with ancient tradition dating back to Wat Mahathat, a royal chapel within the grounds of the royal palace at Sukhothai, and Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch at Ayutthaya. The famed Emerald Buddha is kept within the grounds of the temple.
The temple is surrounded on four sides by a series of walled cloisters, with seven different gates. Like those ancient royal temples of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, the Wat Phra Kaew complex is separated from the living quarters of the kings. Within these walls are buildings and structures for diverse purposes and of differing styles, reflecting the changing architecture during the various reigns of the kings. Despite this, most of the buildings within adhere strictly to classical Thai architecture. The establishment of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha dates to the very founding of the Grand Palace and Bangkok itself. (source : Wikipedia)
I am so amazed at this place. I love the glittering gold, colors and so grand structures inside the palace. Thailand has truly preserved its culture. Kudos to the Thai people!
After exploring the palace, we were now off to temple that housed the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. According to our research, this is just adjacent to the Grand Palace. So we just walked our way there.
Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok (with an area of 50 rai, 80,000 square metres),and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images of 160 ft length: the Reclining Buddha. Again this is another amazing feature in Bangkok.
The image of reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics. The 3 m high and 4.5 m long foot of Buddha displays are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are divided into 108 arranged panels, displaying the auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories. Over the statue is a seven tiered umbrella representing the authority of Thailand. There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. People drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat.
This reclining Budha statue is the biggest in the world, followed by reclining Buddha in Penang, Malaysia, Nepal and Mojokerto, Indonesia. (source: Wikipedia)
It was around 4pm already when we finished touring the Wat Pho complex. And our next stop was supposed to be Wat Arun but it was already closing time for the temple so we just decided to forego that one.
Outside the Wat Pho were a number of tuktuk drivers offering to show us around Bangkok. A guy offered to take us to one temple, and then some jewelry shops, with the last stop at a shopping center.
So we decided to take that as our feet were tired already and we wanted to roam around Bangkok as much as we can. We were off to that temple which I couldn't remember the name. Then he brought us to two jewelry shops. We later on learned that these drivers get gasoline vouchers from these shops if they are able to bring tourists and even bigger amount of vouchers if the tourists buy something. Unfortunately for him we are on a budget and buying jewelry was never on our to-do list. We did buy 2 items but these were really cheap ones. The driver suggested to take us to another shop but we didn't want any more of that so we asked him to bring us to the shopping center. He dropped us off at some shopping center. Again I forgot the name! I think we paid him some 40/50 THB.
My friend and I just roamed around the shopping center. We bought some nice sandals cheaply priced. Upstairs we decided to go and there we discovered Tesco Lotus. I know Tesco as a grocery store in UK. But I didn't expect there is Tesco in Asia.
Tesco Lotus according to Wiki is a hypermarket chain in Thailand, Cambodia and China. Established in 1998, Tesco Lotus was a joint venture of the Charoen Pokphand Group and Tesco, the British giant supermarket chain. However, facing criticism over the growth of hypermarkets in Thailand, the CP Group sold its shares in Tesco Lotus in 2003.
The much interesting part of discovering Tesco Lotus was the wide array of clothing they offer. And because this is a hypermarket, the clothes were inexpensive! We spent so much time in here! I bought my pasalubong for my family here. I probably spent some 2K PHP and I got a lot! I thank that tuktuk driver for dropping us in that shopping center. Of course I cannot buy so much stuff because we didn't have check-in luggage on our flight back to Saigon.
After our shopping spree, it was now time to get back to our friend's place.
Time to rest and get ready for our Pattaya day tour the next day. Actually our friend was able to get a taxi driver who will take us around Pattaya for 1k THB each. Not too bad. =)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Bday away...
I just turned a year older last March 24, Saturday. And for the first time, I somehow celebrated it not in my home country. I was on this day in the island of Bali. Oh yes, Bali. The Bali that was years ago bombed by terrorists, experienced tsunami, featured in Eat, Pray, Love. It is a place full packed of stories - wild, crazy, serene, festive...
I celebrated my bday with not much fancy which is almost always the case. The day was spent with a day tour in Ubud which we had booked. The surprise thing there was that we spent this day with two new found friends who are Malaysian-Chinese-Canadian. They are a vacationing couple who are originally from Malaysia but of Chinese descent and now currently hold Canadian passports. They're very nice. They're very friendly and they have the same travel principle as ours - do everything cheap if you can! So on this trip we were able to save quite a good deal. =)
Of course, my bday was not complete without hearing mass. My friend and I found this Catholic church in Bali - St Francis Xavier. We attended the 6pm mass and (unlucky us) it was said in Bahasa (Indonesia's official language). Despite not understanding a word, we just tried to relate it to the holy masses we were used to.
In the evening, we didn't go to clubs or bars, we just had a simple Indonesian dinner paired with Bintang beer. I treated myself to a cheap foot massage, while my friend had a foot scrub. Then off we were to packing our stuffs as we had to leave early the next day for our flight to Jakarta. To save money again, we shared taxi with the Malaysian-Chinese-Canadian couple who also an early flight to catch the next day.
The day after my birthday was spent in Jakarta. We were able to make Indonesian friends during our trip to Cambodia last year thus on this day, we had decided to see them. Unfortunately, not all of them could meet us. But two were able to spare time for us. One accompanied us the whole day and was our tour guide. :))
The most surprising and heartwarming part of this day was when my friend and the Indonesians gave me a surprise bday cake =). We were having coffee at this posh place in downtown Jakarta called Cafe Batavia when my friend connived with the Indonesians for a surprise bday cake. I went to the restroom to take a leak and when I came back some few minutes after the waitress came with my bday cake slice! :)) I was so touched of the gesture. To have spent this special day with them and in a foreign country, I felt so much at home. I realized that wherever you go as long as you have the people who genuinely care for you, you will never feel alone. I felt the love of my family on that day despite them being away from me.
Happy 31st bday to me!
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
sooo far into the 1stQ of the year...
So it is now March, the first quarter is about to end. I am about to turn a year older. I am about to turn 31! I cannot believe I am now in the early thirties. I feel like I have the mind of a twenty-something woman. Most of my classmates have already gotten married. I am stuck in singlehood... which I think is good for now...
Well, I had a look at the goals I had set for this year, and I am just checking how far I am or how near! Actually, I haven't achieved anything! But first thing, let me mention I did not get the best pay rise in my salary. It was a measly increase! And to think I will no longer be paid overtime :(( The good thing though was that I got promoted. But the promotion did not come with an equivalent increase in salary which just pisses me off. I have more responsibilities now but I am underpaid. I just hate when I think about it :(( I want to stay because I want to learn how to handle or manage people. But I want to move out because I am just not paid enough for a work that is just too much. I will think of this again come mid of the year.
My sponsoring a child via World Vision has not yet happened.:( I have to get this going before March ends.
My going to put a part of my money in time deposits or other short term investments have not yet happened. I want to make sure I have them by April.
My eating healthy and doing more runs and walks is not consistent! Why is it so difficult to lose weight!!
Love life??? I wish to get it soon! Please just give me the courage. :))
Till the next updates...
Well, I had a look at the goals I had set for this year, and I am just checking how far I am or how near! Actually, I haven't achieved anything! But first thing, let me mention I did not get the best pay rise in my salary. It was a measly increase! And to think I will no longer be paid overtime :(( The good thing though was that I got promoted. But the promotion did not come with an equivalent increase in salary which just pisses me off. I have more responsibilities now but I am underpaid. I just hate when I think about it :(( I want to stay because I want to learn how to handle or manage people. But I want to move out because I am just not paid enough for a work that is just too much. I will think of this again come mid of the year.
My sponsoring a child via World Vision has not yet happened.:( I have to get this going before March ends.
My going to put a part of my money in time deposits or other short term investments have not yet happened. I want to make sure I have them by April.
My eating healthy and doing more runs and walks is not consistent! Why is it so difficult to lose weight!!
Love life??? I wish to get it soon! Please just give me the courage. :))
Till the next updates...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Exploring Philippines' Neighbors - Phnom Penh/Bangkok Day 5
We had a flight to catch at the Phnom Penh airport to Bangkok at around 5pm.
The bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was six hours. We left Phnom Penh around 7am via Mekong Express.
We had lunch at Phnom Penh and for convenience, the nearest food stop we found was KFC. Our KFC chicken back in the Philippines was better, I might say;) The meals they served were localized such that they served a sunny side up egg and what we call in the Philippines achara.
After lunch, we had to go find some money changer as we needed dollars. We had extra VNDs but we needed USD to pay for some airport terminal fees.
We were able to find one and where there also abound tuktuk drivers. We got one tuktuk that took us the airport. We were like two hours early for our flight. But there was nothing much to do in Phnom Penh that day as it was raining.
We already did the web check in so we got on a different lane. Actually either we took the normal or web check in, it didn't really matter. The line on the normal lane wasn't that bad. We flew in with AirAsia, Asia's budget airline. :) Without AirAsia, we don't know how this cross-country trip was going to be such a breeze!
At the airport, we took the opportunity to use their public PC with internet connection. We desperately wanted to get in touch with Philippine news as we had received messages of the typhoon that hit the country. And we were worried of another Ondoy-like flood that would hit Manila.
So we read then of the sea surge in Manila and how it devastated Roxas Blvd, the US embassy and Sofitel Hotel. No news of flooding in our area though. But the wind during the storm was really like no other that a billboard in Buendia fell on top of a car. Good thing no one was hurt.
We calmed a bit...and it was now time to board. Another feeling of excitement came as we will be setting foot on a new country. We were also excited to see our dear friend who is now based in Bangkok.
The flight was approximately 1 hour. We arrived on time. Thailand's international airport was really nice. Now I know why this country would beat us on the number of tourists. Our NAIA 1 is way below the international standards for airports.
Our friend picked us up at the airport. And brought us to where we would stay for two nights - in his service apartment. :) Very kind of him.
He took care of our dinner at this posh Thai restaurant near his place. Oh good food~ I so love Thai food - pad thai and tom yum!
After such a hearty Thai feast, we had to withdraw some money. I took out about 10k THB. THB is higher in value than PHP but not so high like USD.
Then I had to get myself a Thai sim card for us to easily contact our dear friend. He was not coming to join us in any of our trips as he had work. So in case we get lost, it would be easy to call him or vice versa.
We then got back to his place and had a good rest.
Next - Day 6 - Khao San Road, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, shopping...
The bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was six hours. We left Phnom Penh around 7am via Mekong Express.
We had lunch at Phnom Penh and for convenience, the nearest food stop we found was KFC. Our KFC chicken back in the Philippines was better, I might say;) The meals they served were localized such that they served a sunny side up egg and what we call in the Philippines achara.
After lunch, we had to go find some money changer as we needed dollars. We had extra VNDs but we needed USD to pay for some airport terminal fees.
We were able to find one and where there also abound tuktuk drivers. We got one tuktuk that took us the airport. We were like two hours early for our flight. But there was nothing much to do in Phnom Penh that day as it was raining.
We already did the web check in so we got on a different lane. Actually either we took the normal or web check in, it didn't really matter. The line on the normal lane wasn't that bad. We flew in with AirAsia, Asia's budget airline. :) Without AirAsia, we don't know how this cross-country trip was going to be such a breeze!
At the airport, we took the opportunity to use their public PC with internet connection. We desperately wanted to get in touch with Philippine news as we had received messages of the typhoon that hit the country. And we were worried of another Ondoy-like flood that would hit Manila.
So we read then of the sea surge in Manila and how it devastated Roxas Blvd, the US embassy and Sofitel Hotel. No news of flooding in our area though. But the wind during the storm was really like no other that a billboard in Buendia fell on top of a car. Good thing no one was hurt.
We calmed a bit...and it was now time to board. Another feeling of excitement came as we will be setting foot on a new country. We were also excited to see our dear friend who is now based in Bangkok.
The flight was approximately 1 hour. We arrived on time. Thailand's international airport was really nice. Now I know why this country would beat us on the number of tourists. Our NAIA 1 is way below the international standards for airports.
Our friend picked us up at the airport. And brought us to where we would stay for two nights - in his service apartment. :) Very kind of him.
He took care of our dinner at this posh Thai restaurant near his place. Oh good food~ I so love Thai food - pad thai and tom yum!
After such a hearty Thai feast, we had to withdraw some money. I took out about 10k THB. THB is higher in value than PHP but not so high like USD.
Then I had to get myself a Thai sim card for us to easily contact our dear friend. He was not coming to join us in any of our trips as he had work. So in case we get lost, it would be easy to call him or vice versa.
We then got back to his place and had a good rest.
Next - Day 6 - Khao San Road, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, shopping...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
CIMA!!!
I am still reeling with happiness when I got the email that I passed both E1 and E2 CIMA papers today!
Never mind my scores... I passed!! And that is all I want! I thank the Lord Almighty for helping me get through the exams, the long nights of studying and reviewing.
This victory is soooo sweet! Why?
I only applied for two days study leave for the main exams.
I was always working late in the office thus not giving me much time to study.
I had so many pressing issues at work.
I took my MTA travelling in Saigon, Cambodia, Thailand while others spent theirs studying. But on my MTA, I took the revision cards with me and read them on the bus and on the plane. I got this tip from the CIMA emails I received for people who don't have enough time for reviews to use every little free time you got.
But when I look back at how I managed my time and how I studied, and the pressures I experienced, I can say that three things helped me:
Persistence and perseverance - despite not being given much ample time to study, I found ways to study / review - on the way to work, even at work - relating the experience at work to what I studied and vice versa. It was about finding ways to connect E1 and E2 to real life experiences. I persevered studying after work when I got home even if it was sooo late...even into the wee hours of the morning.
Working on past exam papers and revision questions - It wasn't just about memorizing but truly understanding the past exam papers. Repeating and repeating to answer them on my own until I get the correct answers.
Lots of prayers...:) from me and from my family and friends. :)) Thank you all. Thank you, God. May you continually guide me as I take the next exam...
Sunday, January 01, 2012
2012 ---- I declare and claim this to be a better Year!!!
I am better off at declaring my new year plans earlier this time as I already have my own laptop! I got this April last year. And I hope Toshiwei (my Toshiba laptop) and I will be together longer.
Today is the 1st of January, the 1st of 2012. And here my 2012 plans and wishes:
Career
I hope this is my time. I hope I get the promotion! And most importantly I hope I get the best pay rise that I could wish for. :)) I have been with the company for 4 years now and I feel that these 4 years have been very productive and I have made my contributions to the company. I deserve the promotion! :))
If I get it, I will stay with the team. If I had failed as a supervisor last year, I would like to make up for it. I want to hone my leadership skills and as part of that objective I got myself a mentor. She is a young VP in the company. I don't know her personally but she has truly achieved a lot in her young age.
If I don't get it. I see no point staying with the same team. I will request to be moved to some other team and learn something new, some new area of the bank. It will be another set of skills and I am pretty sure it will benefit me when I decide to move out of here.
I still would like to continue my CIMA. I hope I get the good news this January that I passed both exams I took last November.
Family
I still pray for good health in the family. I hope father's business will go well. I want to be able to spend more time with my family this year.
I want to make it happen for mom's trip to the US. I know she wants to see her brothers and just see America. It was her youthful dream.
I'll make it a point to go back home to Cebu once every quarter.
Spiritual / Prayer
I want to make it a point to read the gospel everyday. And I promise that every time I wake up I say a prayer of thanks.
And before I go to sleep, I will again say a prayer of thanks whatever may have happened during the day.
Travels
More travels this year! I set my eyes on Indonesia, China, Singapore and South Korea, and yes the USA. Only the Indonesia trip is a sureball. The others I am not making any hard plans yet. If I get a US trip, I will not make any other international trips. For domestic travels, I plan to go to La Union to try surfing, Sagada / Banaue Rice Terraces, Davao for good food and Samal island.
Financial
I aim to invest in short-term investments or time deposits, just to get a better interest than the normal bank deposits.
I already purchased another insurance-investment to augment what I needed for the future. My two insurances will end this year.
I will still maintain my low cost of living. My lifestyle will not change dramatically. If there is an indulgence I will take this year, it will be the US trip and getting a gym membership.
If things will go well towards the end of the year, I will buy a condo unit in Metro Manila.
Charity
I will continue my present contributions to charity. And I will increase that by becoming a World Vision sponsor. I will sponsor one child.
Health
I aim to lose weight. To do that, I will go back to running and badminton.
I will minimize my consumption of fast food, meat and rice. More vegetables and fish this year!
Relationships
I want to increase my network at work and outside work. Build new friends and increase the bond with my relatives. And then yes the love life...well, I will keep to myself my plans, strategies, and tactics for this...
And so those are my New Year's "Resolutions". God bless them. And I stay positive - I will be able to keep them. They will happen! 2012 I just love you!
Happy New Year!!!
Today is the 1st of January, the 1st of 2012. And here my 2012 plans and wishes:
Career
I hope this is my time. I hope I get the promotion! And most importantly I hope I get the best pay rise that I could wish for. :)) I have been with the company for 4 years now and I feel that these 4 years have been very productive and I have made my contributions to the company. I deserve the promotion! :))
If I get it, I will stay with the team. If I had failed as a supervisor last year, I would like to make up for it. I want to hone my leadership skills and as part of that objective I got myself a mentor. She is a young VP in the company. I don't know her personally but she has truly achieved a lot in her young age.
If I don't get it. I see no point staying with the same team. I will request to be moved to some other team and learn something new, some new area of the bank. It will be another set of skills and I am pretty sure it will benefit me when I decide to move out of here.
I still would like to continue my CIMA. I hope I get the good news this January that I passed both exams I took last November.
Family
I still pray for good health in the family. I hope father's business will go well. I want to be able to spend more time with my family this year.
I want to make it happen for mom's trip to the US. I know she wants to see her brothers and just see America. It was her youthful dream.
I'll make it a point to go back home to Cebu once every quarter.
Spiritual / Prayer
I want to make it a point to read the gospel everyday. And I promise that every time I wake up I say a prayer of thanks.
And before I go to sleep, I will again say a prayer of thanks whatever may have happened during the day.
Travels
More travels this year! I set my eyes on Indonesia, China, Singapore and South Korea, and yes the USA. Only the Indonesia trip is a sureball. The others I am not making any hard plans yet. If I get a US trip, I will not make any other international trips. For domestic travels, I plan to go to La Union to try surfing, Sagada / Banaue Rice Terraces, Davao for good food and Samal island.
Financial
I aim to invest in short-term investments or time deposits, just to get a better interest than the normal bank deposits.
I already purchased another insurance-investment to augment what I needed for the future. My two insurances will end this year.
I will still maintain my low cost of living. My lifestyle will not change dramatically. If there is an indulgence I will take this year, it will be the US trip and getting a gym membership.
If things will go well towards the end of the year, I will buy a condo unit in Metro Manila.
Charity
I will continue my present contributions to charity. And I will increase that by becoming a World Vision sponsor. I will sponsor one child.
Health
I aim to lose weight. To do that, I will go back to running and badminton.
I will minimize my consumption of fast food, meat and rice. More vegetables and fish this year!
Relationships
I want to increase my network at work and outside work. Build new friends and increase the bond with my relatives. And then yes the love life...well, I will keep to myself my plans, strategies, and tactics for this...
And so those are my New Year's "Resolutions". God bless them. And I stay positive - I will be able to keep them. They will happen! 2012 I just love you!
Happy New Year!!!
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