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!

Day3 - Macau and Wan Chai (July 30, 2010)

This is a solitary trip. Mom and company have gone back to Cebu. I'll be roaming Macau on my own, or maybe with someone if Ate Ging's friend is available. She contacted her friend, Chris Stratford who works at the Venetian. Chris is an English guy in his fifties who designs shops/spaces etc at the Venetian Macau.

I took off on the 10AM trip of the The First Ferry from the TST ferry terminal since I was staying in Kowloon. The trip was approximately one hour. I already then texted Chris that I was on my way to Macau and if he had time off to see me or better show me around Macau.=) Well, his reply didn't arrive till my two feet stepped on Macau.
During the entire one hour, I did try to take a nap, read the print outs about Macau, tried to plan how to start my tour, first stop, next, etc. I know in my mind my first stop had to be Senado Square, and just go about where my feet would lead me. On my list were Senado Square, Fisherman's Wharf, The Venetian Hotel, Sands, MGM, Wynn, and whatever other casinos I will see along the way.

As I got off from the ferry, I was kinda roaming around a bit, not entirely knowing how to get a bus - should I cross across the street? where the heck is the bus stop. Well my huge wandering eyes found a bus stop. I asked a local how much the bus fare was so that I could prepare my coins. Since he didn't speak English and he just said something like "Hongkong money OK". I tried showing him a map and pointed to Senado Square to ask how to get there but he just pointed at the bus stop. So I waited for the bus to arrive and hopped in. Now, where was I gonna get off? I asked the passengers sitted next to me but oh my goodness, they couldn't understand me. This is a big problem for tourists in China - majority don't know English. Unlike the Philippines, majority can speak English, maybe not fluent, but could understand English and speak a few. So what I did was just watched out for the cobble stoned floors of the Square like what I saw in pictures. When the bus stopped at a place which I thought was the Square, I got off and only to find out it wasn't!!! So I walked and walked until I met some tourists who was able to show me where Senado Square is. And I was truly far far from my destination. So I walked and walked till I got to the Square. Oh dear me! I took my camera and started taking pictures when 3 tourists approached me and asked me to take a pic of them which I obliged smilingly. I also asked them to take a pic of me. =) And then it hit me that maybe I should go with them, I was all alone and needed some company! And they were so kind to accomodate me! I learned then that they were from Switzerland and were on a China trip - mainland China, HK, and a quick tour of Macau. They were on their last day and will be leaving in the afternoon. They spoke Italian but know how to speak English. So there I made new friends. Though they couldn't stay long as they had to leave by noon, I was alright with it. As long as I didn't feel alone...So there we explored the square and then went to the Ruins of St Paul, the church that was burned some years ago and what was left was just the facade. After this we then went to The Venetian Hotel. I didn't realize that inside the Venetian they were trying to replicate Venice. Inside, they really made it look like Venice - w/ all the architecture, river (minus the smell as my Swiss friends say), the boats, etc. The Swiss didn't appreciate it very much as they say it was all FAKE! hahaha...Well, I who hadn't been to the real Venice appreciated it. =) It was good, a good replica. I didn't really get to explore the Venetian but we got to play at the casino. We just wanted to try maybe bet a 10 or 20 HKD. And it was my lucky day, coz my 10HKD bet made me win 300HKD! And I no longer played after winning 300HKD. I cashed it out right away. This is enough to pay for my ferry fare! Luv it!
It was also at the Venetian that I met up with Chris. He said that he was awfully busy that day and couldn't really get the free time to show me around Macau. So he just met me and I introduced him to my companions. It was really cool, I had an English and Swiss companions. The Swisses had to leave early, and I was back to my own self again. Chris asked to take me to my next destination. I said it would be City of Dreams. Chris had a two-door car and was kind of enough to show me the little town of Tapia and then brought me to City of Dreams.
At the City of Dreams, I watched the Dragon's Treasure show at the Bubble Theater. It was a 10 min multi media show, really unique and something that I've just seen for the first time. It's not to be missed! Besides, it's free. According to their website, "This 10-minute multi-media experience combines high-definition video, a sweeping musical score and over 29,000 theatrical LED lights. This 360 degree multi-media experience was honored with the 2009 THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement." Truly amazing!

After exploring City of Dreams, I hopped on the free shuttle back to the Macau Ferry Terminal where there are free shuttle service of other casinos. I went to the Sands casino. Just passed through and got myself one bottled water. This was also free!

I then went across to Macau Fisherman's Wharf, w/c according to Wikipedia, is the first theme park in Macau. It is near the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Pier. The construction took 5 years, before an opening ceremony by the Chief Executive of Macau and trial operation began on December 31, 2005. After one year of trial operation, the wharf was officially opened on December 31, 2006. The complex includes over 150 stores and restaurants in buildings built in the style of different world seaports such as Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice, six rides, a slots hall, a 72-room hotel, and a casino.

It was here in the Wharf that I met two Pinoys. They were workers in Macau and were on their day off. Since I had a camera, I offered to take pictures of them and they were so nice to accompany me and take pics of me on my cam. =)

After wharf, I wanted to go back to Senado Square and explore the areas around there where according to Ate Ging sold really nice shoes at bargain prices. And then maybe buy some more pasalubongs. So I did get to buy some pasalubongs but not shoes...

It was beginning to get dark already and since I so wanted to see the lights of the casinos, I really stayed up till 8PM. And took pics of the night lights. I just wanted to feel Vegas-y! I went inside Wynn as they say there is a beautiful fountain show and a dragon show inside. Unfortunately my camera's batt was fully drained so I never got to take pics of these.

After watching these shows at Wynn, I then took off to the Macau Ferry Terminal for my trip back to Hongkong, where I will meet up with my colleague in DB London named NIck, who will be working permanently at the DB Hongkong office. He was going to take me out for some drinks in the Wan Chai area, to which he said was more of like the Burgos area in Makati. Hmmm.... Well, I was pretty sure I will see Pinoys in this area and yes I did, a bartender and some ladies of the night. This makes me sad seeing this kind of girls.

I met up with Nick at Four Season's Hotel where he was staying. And then we headed off to Wan Chai area.

If I could recall so well we went to four bars that night. I had one pint of beer at the first bar. I think I got really drunk that night but I was still able to hold me myself and able to get back to my hostel in complete piece. It was during this hang out with Nick that he told me was getting married and he hasn't told anyone yet! OMG! I was so honored! He was going to make the announcement soon so I just better zip my mouth till that official announcement comes out. Congrats! Finally!

I went home taking the cab, as I was from travelling from Hongkong island to Kowloon, I paid a good deal of the taxi fare. I probably got home at around 2am.

Day2 - The Peak, Ocean Park, Night Market (July 29, 2010)

First stop was The Peak, one of the not to be missed tourist spots in HK. You haven't been to HK if you've never been to The Peak. It gives you a good view of the city and truly an amazing view. Since we were on Kowloon island and The Peak was on the Hong Kong island, we took the ferry to cross to the other side. Our landlady accompanied us on this trip. She had suggested we took the bus to go up to The Peak. But the bus never came, so we took the other option w/c was the tram. Oh I was excited to take the tram! I've never been able to ride one! According to their website, "the venerable Peak Tram is, as most passengers agree, the only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders. Tens of millions of people from every corner of the globe have taken the ride, which affords a uniquely spectacular perspective of the city." I sooo agree!

Since that day the weather was a bit foggy, it was truly cold up on The Peak. Good thing I brought a cardigan with me. When we got off the tram, there were souvenir items for sale that greeted us and so we couldn't resist but start our pasalubong shopping. I got a tip from my friends that the prices were just as good as buying them from the night market so might as well do the shopping while there's time.
After this, we went around and took a lot of pictures with a background of the HK city below. Actually the view up makes the buildings so much closer. I bet the view would've been better at night. An hour before lunch we went down via the tram again and we were off to our next destination, Ocean Park. According to Wikipedia - the Ocean Park Hongkong is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and animal theme park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has now grown to about 35 attractions and rides. The park has won several awards, including The World's Seventh Most Popular Amusement Park and 33rd Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World by Forbes. So it wasn't to be missed by the young and young at heart. The park was really huge, so wide that a half day wasn't enough to explore it. Too bad we missed a lot of the nice spots. We didn't miss though the very exciting rides - The Mine Train, The Abyss, and The Dragon. If you enjoy parks like this, give it one whole day to explore. It surely is worth your money.

We headed back to the city around 430PM. We had to hurry as my sister still wanted to go back to Citygate and my mom was keen on seeing the night market and maybe buy a few. Their flight to Cebu was at 12MN. So when we got back to our hostel, all we did was packed the remaining things (as we had already did the major packing the night before). We went to the nearest night market from our hostel. We got some good buys on tshirts and a nice fake wallet w/c was first priced expensively. You really have to haggle at these night markets. They just overpriced them for tourists. And if you're so gullible, unlucky you. We got back to our hostel and got our luggages and headed off to Citygate. Citygate is just near the airport. It is located approximately 10 minutes from the airport. It is right outside the Tung Chung MTR station exit B. Sis and I got good buys from Esprit, Nike or Adidas(was it?) and New Balance. =) We were now happy happy with what we got. Mom, sis and sis' bf had to take the airport express to get to the airport fast. From the Tung Chung station, we went to Tsing Yi station where the airport express line is. The trip took around 20-25 mins from Tung Chung to Tsing Yi to airport. It was fast. We were able to do a lot on that day. So all went home happy. =)

I went back to the hostel and had to prepare for day trip to Macau the next day.

Day1 - Ngong Ping 360, Disneyland, Citygate Outlets (July 28, 2010)

Finally, I am able to find time to write on our HK trip last July.

So officially Day 1 w/ mom, sis and sis' bf was July 28. We first went to Ngong Ping 360 and to get there you need to take their cable car. It was the longest cable car trip I've ever experienced. We took the crystal cabin - a bit pricey than the ordinary but it was all worth it though. Since the weather at that time was not sunny,ie cloudy and windy our cable was swaying most of the time! Kinda scared the hell of us! hahaha... When we got off, it was showering a bit. So we just toured the area, took pictures and just looked at the Big Buddha from the foot. Mom was not keen on going up the stairs and so was sis. It was already raining and I couldn't really convinced them to go up. We went back and took the cable car ride. We had lunch at Citygate Outlets and were able to do a bit of shopping in Giordano. The Citygate outlets is not to be missed by any shopaholic. If I just had much moolah, I could have bought a lot!
We didn't really stay long as we still had to go to Disneyland. The rain has not stopped and the clouds were very dark and ready to release a big big splash on earth. tsk tsk. All I could do was say a prayer. But Nature is nature, you just can't stop its course. So it did rain and rained hard in Disneyland. We didn't get to see all the attractions unfortunately. Nevertheless, we still had fun. It was a good experience. The HK Disneyland as they say can be toured around, in all corners in a day or less, less if you're not in a hurry and you don't like to buy souvenirs. It's not as huge as the other Disneylands. For anyone who'd like to go there, do keep in mind - wear comfy footwear, bring umbrella to protect you from the sun/rain, put on sunblock, wear sunglasses / hats, study the map and know where to start, where to go. And do not miss the fireworks display at night. =)

Christmas Away From Home

Christmas 2010 is the first Christmas I spent away from home, Cebu and away from my family. I felt a bit sad really. I didn't realize that I would somehow feel loneliness in my heart even with close friends and relatives around. Nothing compares to spending Christmas with your family. =) I sooo miss them already...
On the good side though, I got to experience how other people also spend their Christmas. It was a nice experience yesterday/today. I so love the food, the turkey especially! And I love what I got from my cuz, a Tory Burch shoulder bag. Just the right color I needed. I don't have a brown bag. Super thanks to my Ate. Babawi ako. Promise.

I thank the Lord Almighty for my cuz Te Ging and her hubby Kuya Tyler. It was a splendid Christmas eve. I thank both for letting me into their home and into their hearts.

Tomorrow, I will be in my other relatives here in Manila. I've spent two New Year's with them, and it has been good. Though the last wasn't really the best...Anyway, I am looking forward to eating the home cooked food of my Auntie Celia. =)

I can't wait to be home in Cebu in the next 2 days. Haaay, this is life. But I love life and I want to live it fully!

May your hearts be filled with peace, love and joy this Christmas season. =)

My Dreams

Before the clock strikes 1AM, let me write my dreams, let me declare them on the worldwide web.

I've been inspired by Bo Sanchez saying how he wrote his dreams and that he never really cared if they ever came true, but they actually did! I have been inspired by Yvette saying that writing them down and looking at them (if they are on pictures) or reading them so often could actually come true!

So here are my dreams, wildest, craziest ... I don't care! These are mine.

I dream of travelling the world - going around Asia, Europe, Americas, Oceania, or even reaching the North Pole. I dream of having friends from all corners of the world.

I dream of being a wonderful wife, a loving wife, the best wife to a wonderful, God-fearing and responsible husband, the most handsome man my eyes has ever laid. =)

I dream of being the best mother my kids could ever wish for! I dream of reading bedtime stories to them, playing with them and watching them grow to become lovely people who'll make a difference in this world.

I dream of a happy family! The best family in the world. The best company in times of sadness and joy.

I dream of owning a wonderful abode, w/ a nice garden and a modest library! It's a house I will always call home.

I dream of being able to help others in need - a scholarship to a deserving kid, donations to charitable institutions and the Church.

I dream of a family travel - my parents and siblings, extended families, nieces and nephews and my own family too!

I dream of owning properties that could provide me passive income and that I no longer will toil day and night, or work till my eyes drop out.

I dream of a lovely Philippines, where people from all over the world will always want to come back and never get tired of its sheer beauty.

I dream that these dreams do come true!!! =) May God bless them.

I thought it was over...

I thought this "part" of our friendship is over. I thought "last year" was never ever going to happen again. I only realize now that there's this part of me that was still holding on to the past. I wasn't fully letting go. And it dawned on me now that I am just as weak as anyone in this planet earth. I am capable of breaking my own rules. I could be bad, wicked and dirty. I admit I can be blamed for why it happened again. I admit I have created a suitable and convenient atmosphere for these things. So don't blame yourself wholly. And if I decide to make irreversible decisions, and harsh, I might add, I want to say sorry in advance. It will hurt. I will hurt, too, as much as it'll hurt you. But this has got to stop. I have to stop it. Otherwise, unexpected things will happen. And I don't want to be surprised. And I don't want to say, I have regretted knowing you. Because the truth is, I am happy our paths have crossed. What I just don't want to happen is I concluding that having met you is a big mistake.

This an exciting episode in my life. It will be something that will make it's way to my life story. But I am not sure it will be something I can share to my children and grandchildren. Yet I hope I will be able to, and I just have to decide to make a happy ending to this episode. I so look forward to the day this episode ends. I know in my mind that this is up to me. Honestly, I just don't have the courage to end it, to put that PERIOD. No buts, no ifs, no commas, no semi-colons. Because I fear I might not have the tenacity to hold on to my final decision.

Please, please GOD help me...

Please, please dear friend, let me go...

People are People by D Sound

A fave song...

Speaks so much of what's in my mind @ d moment...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I am the one
who believes in all that you say
I am the one
who never wants to define herself
I am the one
who's parallel, upfront, behind
I am the one
paddling like crazy through the night

Refine, old time, colorblind
Big sign, do time, doesn't rhyme
A lot, too much, standing tall
And I'm crying in the valley:
"I shall never, ever fall!" and

People are people
and I feel so strong
People are people and I'm
going on

People are people
and I feel so strong
People are people and I'm
going on

I am the one
who stirs it up every time
I am the one
who never knows how close she is
I am the one
who'd rather be dead than confess
I am the one
trying to be good, wanting to be bad and so on

Excess, temptress, big mess
Phony, lonely, it's a test
Be still my heart, don't you fail
And I'm crying on the stage floor:
“I will always prevail!” and

People are people
and I feel so strong
People are people and I'm
going on

People are people
and I feel so strong
People are people and I'm
going on

I'm going on…

My Eat Love Pray poses

On a lazy Monday, no work, UK and Phil holiday, I took pics of me reading my recent book purchase, Eat Pray Love, a book that I love and would recommend to my women and girl friends. These are not lovely pictures....i know!!!

NB - Day 1 of HK trip soooon....when I have the time and energy to write... sorry...

HK Arrival (July 27, 2010 around 930PM)

I arrived at the HK Intl Airport on Jul 27,2010 around 930pm. It was my first visit to Hong Kong. And my first out of the country trip in 2 yrs. The last was still in 2008 when I was sent to London for training. So I was super excited about this trip. One, I'm travelling on the plane to and from HK alone. Two, I will be joined by my mom and this is her first trip abroad. My sis and her bf are on this trip as well. Three, this our first time in HK (and hopefully not the last!).

The HKIA is huge, as expected. People have been telling me how extremely huge their airport is and that anyone could get lost. Well, I didn't get lost. The directions are everywhere in the airport. And one other thing that would tell you HKIA is huge is that you need to ride the train to get from one terminal to the other. Once you deplane, you really won't worry about where to go. Just follow the rest of the passengers. Trust me, not all of them are on their first trip to HK. ;) Then we took our checked in luggages and headed to the Immigration counters. It took a while for me at the immigration line not because the officer suspects me to be a hooker or a drug dealer but becuase the woman ahead of me was being asked with a lot of questions. And that included how much money she had. Now I don't want to stew any stories about why she was questioned that way. Anyway, when it was my turn, it took no more than 2 minutes. The next thing I did was go find where I can buy my Octopus card. My natural insticts told me go with where the other tourists were headed. Oh yes, I saw a bunch of tourists approached this corner where you can find free tourist maps and brochures. And right next to it was a counter where you can buy the Octopus card. The Octopus card is the equivalent of your Oyster (London) or your EZ link card (Singpaore). It is a very convenient card as you can use it on the trains, buses and even in 7-11 stores. Trust me, it saves you enormous time if you use this. I bought the 150HKD value card w/ 50HKD refundable deposit. After getting my Octopus card, I needed to make a phone call to our host as I have to get the exact direction to their guesthouse. Our host told me that there were public phones at the airport where you can make free calls. I asked the lady at the Octopus counter and she was kind enough to show me where these phones are located. They were just 30 steps away from the counter. So I made the phone call, and I was told to get off at the second bus stop and I should find a 7-11 store then some 10 steps from it would be the Lucky House building where I will be staying for the next 3 days. Mom, Sis and bf were already there. Next thing to do was board a bus and head to the city. I just followed the directions for public transport and there I was finally where the buses were waiting. I took the A22 Citybus and this should take me to the Lucky House near Jordan MTR. Just to be very sure, I asked the bus driver if this was going to stop near Jordan MTR. I am not sure what was his answer but to me it seemed like a YES. It took a while to get me to destination, I think it took some 45 mins or 50 minutes, basta less than an hour. And the fare was 39HKD. Other options for transport were the taxis and the Airport express (train). Taxis were expensive and that is absolutely not an option for me. The Airport express is also convenient, I heard. But then for me the very practical thing was the bus. Aside from the fact that it was cheap. The airport buses had spaces for luggages which were conveniently located near the doors. So I placed mine there and took my seat near a Chinese guy in business suit who was endlessly speaking to someone on his cellphone and a Chinese girl who was dozing off to sleep. The ride was I must say quite long and all I felt then was agitation. Ahh the beautiful feeling when it's your first time! ;) I was to get off at the second bus stop after the tollgate. So after feeling that I was so near to my bus stop, I stood up and went to to the driver and just said "Jordan MTR". (Why would I need to say it in a full sentence when he didn't understood English) I learned on the next few days that I what I did was against the law. Never ever speak to the bus driver while the bus is in motion! I could be penalized for it. But thankfully, I wasn't. Well the driver was very kind I suppose. I couldn't understand him since he was speaking in Chinese. But when it was my bus stop, he just pointed to the door. And so off I went out. My marker was a 7-11 store, which I found and then I knew I was near to my destination when I decided to do next best thing, ask someone. I asked a guy selling magazines where Lucky House was. And he told me, (good thing he can speak English) pointing to the building on his back, the very building where he was selling his magazines outside. He pointed me to the entrance, so I went inside. I took the elevator and pressed 4 because that where the guesthouse is, it's on the 4th floor. When I went outside, I couldn't believe my eyes - laundry hanging, unpainted, rusty insides of the building. It spelled dirty and old. I didn't expect that these old buildings in HK look this old and dirty. Well, why should I expect the better or the best when the price I paid for this accomodation was very cheap? I learned later on from my housemates and some Swiss travelers I met that their hostels were also on very old buildings. I guess that's just how they are.

My sister and her bf met me at the "lobby" of the Lucky House since I couldn't find Flat 4M. And boy, I was glad to see my mom and sister...we talked and shared experiences. My mom and company just came from Macau and had a rainy episode at the Avenue of Stars watching the Symphony of Lights.

All tired and sleepy, we called it a night and snored our way to sleep...

Up next, DAY 1.