At last, I had enough rest and sleep and was able to adjust to the time.
I was able to visit my relatives too.
My dad was always asking on when I will go to Manila.
The Barangay Elections will still be on the 25th of this month, so to save myself from the hassle of being stuck in traffic, I had decided to go there after All Saints/Souls Day so that I can maximize the travel.
My brother will be running for the elections as a Councilor for the Youth’s Sector, the Sangguniang Kabataan and for sure this week will be a busy week too.
I still need to drop by the Recruitment Agency to have my papers processed from their side instead of lining up in the POEA Office.
Some errands before the bazaar need to be attended to.
Hopefully, we can get the most out of it.
I am excited to see my friends from Globe Telecom and also about the bazaar.
Fun, laughter and more stories are ahead of me for sure!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
It’s Raining!
Typhoon Juan had made himself noticed and felt in most of the provinces in the Northern Philippines.
Even so, we can feel him too in Batangas.
It was raining since the night before and the whole day today.
And the cold weather made me so sleepy.
I slept at around 11 AM and woke up at 3 PM just to pee and returned on my bed and got up at 8 PM.
My brothers said that it was a newly found hobby for me.
It maybe because of the time difference thus the sleepiness.
I was not able to visit my relatives just yet.
I was a little upset too as signal was very poor too.
I cannot make outgoing calls using my roaming phones so my boyfriend and I had no choice but chat via Facebook.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a sunny one.
Even so, we can feel him too in Batangas.
It was raining since the night before and the whole day today.
And the cold weather made me so sleepy.
I slept at around 11 AM and woke up at 3 PM just to pee and returned on my bed and got up at 8 PM.
My brothers said that it was a newly found hobby for me.
It maybe because of the time difference thus the sleepiness.
I was not able to visit my relatives just yet.
I was a little upset too as signal was very poor too.
I cannot make outgoing calls using my roaming phones so my boyfriend and I had no choice but chat via Facebook.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a sunny one.
Horror Night
I had brought my laptop and External Hard Drive with me.
My brothers and I had decided to watch Drag Me To Hell.
We were lying on the floor and after 15 minutes I can feel that I cannot hold my sleepiness anymore.
Jake, my 3rd brother said he will go to his room and sleep since he has exams the next morning.
Then, I cannot remember what happened and suddenly it was already 6 AM!
While having breakfast, Julius, our youngest brother was having fun of us.
Unfortunately, he is the only one who finished the movie.
The rest of us had dozed off.
My brothers and I had decided to watch Drag Me To Hell.
We were lying on the floor and after 15 minutes I can feel that I cannot hold my sleepiness anymore.
Jake, my 3rd brother said he will go to his room and sleep since he has exams the next morning.
Then, I cannot remember what happened and suddenly it was already 6 AM!
While having breakfast, Julius, our youngest brother was having fun of us.
Unfortunately, he is the only one who finished the movie.
The rest of us had dozed off.
Touch Down
After almost 8 hours of sitting on the plane, it’s time for Touch Down.
We could have landed 30 minutes earlier but since the weather is not good, we kept on rounding before we finally landed.
We have to fill up some forms for the Customs and Immigration.
I had waited for my bags for almost 30 minutes.
I had given all my strength on lifting them but thanks to my fellow Kuyas who had helped me.
There are banks inside so I had changed my US Dollars to Philippine Pesos from there.
I dropped by Duty Free again to grab more chocolates.
My cousin and my family picked me up.
We dropped by McDonalds to grab something to eat but I was shocked as the prices are almost tripled of what it used to be before I leave.
I had seen bunch of teen-agers who seemed to be celebrating a birthday and Wallah!
Now I can say things are not the same anymore. These kids are wearing make ups and are moving in a classier or sophisticated way.
Sigh.
After 2 hours, I was home finally.
Our house is still the same: the sofa that is older than me is still there; our dining table and the plastic trees are still around.
Our neighbor and cousins dropped by to say “Hi” and it was good to see that some things remained unchanged.
I was telling my cousin, Madz, that it seems like nothing had changed except for the sky-rocketing prices.
She said life is a little harder here nowadays and I had figured it out myself.
During my first day, I did not expect that I will spend that much.
Good thing I still have US Dollars left and some money still in my ATM.
Wheeeewww!
We could have landed 30 minutes earlier but since the weather is not good, we kept on rounding before we finally landed.
We have to fill up some forms for the Customs and Immigration.
I had waited for my bags for almost 30 minutes.
I had given all my strength on lifting them but thanks to my fellow Kuyas who had helped me.
There are banks inside so I had changed my US Dollars to Philippine Pesos from there.
I dropped by Duty Free again to grab more chocolates.
My cousin and my family picked me up.
We dropped by McDonalds to grab something to eat but I was shocked as the prices are almost tripled of what it used to be before I leave.
I had seen bunch of teen-agers who seemed to be celebrating a birthday and Wallah!
Now I can say things are not the same anymore. These kids are wearing make ups and are moving in a classier or sophisticated way.
Sigh.
After 2 hours, I was home finally.
Our house is still the same: the sofa that is older than me is still there; our dining table and the plastic trees are still around.
Our neighbor and cousins dropped by to say “Hi” and it was good to see that some things remained unchanged.
I was telling my cousin, Madz, that it seems like nothing had changed except for the sky-rocketing prices.
She said life is a little harder here nowadays and I had figured it out myself.
During my first day, I did not expect that I will spend that much.
Good thing I still have US Dollars left and some money still in my ATM.
Wheeeewww!
This is it!
After more than two years, I had gone home finally for my much awaited vacation.
I’ve been thinking to go earlier before but due to financial constraints, I decided to move it to a later date.
They say that it’s not a good time to go during this month as it will be raining but it’s fine.
My body is aching for the much awaited rest and “petiks” mode.
My boyfriend would like me to travel together with our friends but they will be leaving still on November.
I will travel alone so be it.
I was scared and hesitant in a way but still, it’s a challenge for me.
All my things are packed a day before and to be honest, I require a bigger bag but my concern is, I will not be able to carry them all. I did not bring many clothes and shoes as I want to buy some from Manila.
So the big day arrived.
My boyfriend and friends dropped me in the airport. He is a bit worried as it will be my first time to travel alone.
He and his best friend had carried my bags and helped me check in.
We just had coffee and then I headed inside and waited for the boarding time.
It was a peaceful flight even if we were behind by almost 30 minutes.
I took a connecting flight as I did not buy any chocolates, wine, coffee and cigarette as I was worried that I will exceed the required baggage limit.
So just in time, I had 30 minutes to spare. I arrived in Dubai at 2:30 am and need to board the plane by 3:30 am.
I headed to Duty Free and got all the stuffs I needed then I looked for the terminal.
It was a bit confusing but the good thing is there are arrows and guides to help the travelers in finding their designated gates.
It was also impressive how accommodating the Duty Free staffs are: they would ask you from which flight you came from and where you are going; the staff even mistaken me as an Airline Crew (hahaha) and they would even guide you on how to find your gate no.
I did not have a hard time in finding mine. I lined up and found many Filipinos waiting for boarding too. What I did not like was this group who kept on chatting almost the whole flight. There was this group of males who kept on asking for Heineken and cannot seem to contain the laughter amongst them. My tummy was hurting too as the breakfast served was a croissant and a glass of OJ. I had asked the Stewardess to hand me a cup of coffee instead.
I was supposed to sit on the windows side but due to the request of an old lady, I sat on the aisle.
I had slept on the first 4 hours of the flight and watched Glee, The Prince of Persia and The Green Zone until I landed in Manila.
I’ve been thinking to go earlier before but due to financial constraints, I decided to move it to a later date.
They say that it’s not a good time to go during this month as it will be raining but it’s fine.
My body is aching for the much awaited rest and “petiks” mode.
My boyfriend would like me to travel together with our friends but they will be leaving still on November.
I will travel alone so be it.
I was scared and hesitant in a way but still, it’s a challenge for me.
All my things are packed a day before and to be honest, I require a bigger bag but my concern is, I will not be able to carry them all. I did not bring many clothes and shoes as I want to buy some from Manila.
So the big day arrived.
My boyfriend and friends dropped me in the airport. He is a bit worried as it will be my first time to travel alone.
He and his best friend had carried my bags and helped me check in.
We just had coffee and then I headed inside and waited for the boarding time.
It was a peaceful flight even if we were behind by almost 30 minutes.
I took a connecting flight as I did not buy any chocolates, wine, coffee and cigarette as I was worried that I will exceed the required baggage limit.
So just in time, I had 30 minutes to spare. I arrived in Dubai at 2:30 am and need to board the plane by 3:30 am.
I headed to Duty Free and got all the stuffs I needed then I looked for the terminal.
It was a bit confusing but the good thing is there are arrows and guides to help the travelers in finding their designated gates.
It was also impressive how accommodating the Duty Free staffs are: they would ask you from which flight you came from and where you are going; the staff even mistaken me as an Airline Crew (hahaha) and they would even guide you on how to find your gate no.
I did not have a hard time in finding mine. I lined up and found many Filipinos waiting for boarding too. What I did not like was this group who kept on chatting almost the whole flight. There was this group of males who kept on asking for Heineken and cannot seem to contain the laughter amongst them. My tummy was hurting too as the breakfast served was a croissant and a glass of OJ. I had asked the Stewardess to hand me a cup of coffee instead.
I was supposed to sit on the windows side but due to the request of an old lady, I sat on the aisle.
I had slept on the first 4 hours of the flight and watched Glee, The Prince of Persia and The Green Zone until I landed in Manila.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Kabayan Ka Ba?...“Countless Ways of Being a True-Blooded Pinoy”
Read on and discover the Filipino spirit in YOU.
A Filipino…
1. Knows Jose Rizal and had visited Luneta
2. Is aware that the National Anthem is ‘Lupang Hinirang” and not “Bayang Magiliw”
3. Can recite the “Bahay Kubo” from the end to the start
4. Loves watching PBA and had watched a live game in Araneta Coliseum
5. Watches Manny Pacquiao’s matches
6. Eats Balot, Chicharon dipped in Vinegar, Fish and Squid Balls, Kwek Kwek, Isaw, Betamax, IUD, Calamares and other Street Foods
7. Loves to eat Ice Scramble, Cotton Candy, Dirty Ice Cream and Taho from Manong
8. Enjoys opening the Balikbayan Box from Nanay, Tatay or any relative from Abroad
9. Welcomes visitors at home and give them the homey feeling
10. Loves to socialize: party, eat and drink a little
11. Sings his heart out during Videoke Nights
12. Eats Pan de Sal with Dairy Cream or Anchor Butter with Hot Chocolate or Brewed Coffee for breakfast
13. Chows down Manggang Hilaw with Alamang/Bagoong during summer and Champorado and Tuyo during the rainy season
14. Loves watching drama-series and noon-time shows
15. If living abroad, would address a fellow Filipino as “Kabayan!”
16. Had ridden the jeepney, MRT or LRT
17. Had visited at least one of great places that we have like Palawan, Boracay, CamSur, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, etc.
18. Loves to haggle in the market
19. Values education very well
20. Loves to text or send SMSs.
21. Is Shopaholic (in a way)
22. Still kisses the hand of the elders as a sign of respect.
23. Saves enough for the future.
24. Is Family Oriented
25. And lastly, Proud to be one.
The list goes on…Feel free to add more
P.S.
My second Definitely Filipino Article.
A Filipino…
1. Knows Jose Rizal and had visited Luneta
2. Is aware that the National Anthem is ‘Lupang Hinirang” and not “Bayang Magiliw”
3. Can recite the “Bahay Kubo” from the end to the start
4. Loves watching PBA and had watched a live game in Araneta Coliseum
5. Watches Manny Pacquiao’s matches
6. Eats Balot, Chicharon dipped in Vinegar, Fish and Squid Balls, Kwek Kwek, Isaw, Betamax, IUD, Calamares and other Street Foods
7. Loves to eat Ice Scramble, Cotton Candy, Dirty Ice Cream and Taho from Manong
8. Enjoys opening the Balikbayan Box from Nanay, Tatay or any relative from Abroad
9. Welcomes visitors at home and give them the homey feeling
10. Loves to socialize: party, eat and drink a little
11. Sings his heart out during Videoke Nights
12. Eats Pan de Sal with Dairy Cream or Anchor Butter with Hot Chocolate or Brewed Coffee for breakfast
13. Chows down Manggang Hilaw with Alamang/Bagoong during summer and Champorado and Tuyo during the rainy season
14. Loves watching drama-series and noon-time shows
15. If living abroad, would address a fellow Filipino as “Kabayan!”
16. Had ridden the jeepney, MRT or LRT
17. Had visited at least one of great places that we have like Palawan, Boracay, CamSur, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, etc.
18. Loves to haggle in the market
19. Values education very well
20. Loves to text or send SMSs.
21. Is Shopaholic (in a way)
22. Still kisses the hand of the elders as a sign of respect.
23. Saves enough for the future.
24. Is Family Oriented
25. And lastly, Proud to be one.
The list goes on…Feel free to add more
P.S.
My second Definitely Filipino Article.
“A Glimpse of Hope”
July 26, 2010
11:30 AM
Doha, Qatar Time
I came from my Arabic Language Class and was about to go back to sleep.
I am working in a Call Centre and am on shifting schedule – our schedule changes on a monthly basis. It’s also a blessing that my body can wake up and sleep on the right time and can also steal some hours of sleep during the days off. Alhamdulillah! (Thanks be to Allah/God – as what my Arabic friends would say).
After settling down, I hugged my pillow, reached for the TV’s remote and tuned in to the Filipino Channel, as I need to hear something so that I can sleep (Thanks to our company who had provided it for free), hoping that I could get a little nap before working again.
How could I forget? The State of the Nation Address is today.
I was waiting for this one but I was not sure of the time.
Good thing it had just started.
I was expecting that I will doze off as the past SONAs that I had watched are a bit long and to be honest, seems like repetitive for me, but I was wrong.
The mere fact that Pres. Noynoy had given his speech in pure Filipino had amazed me.
For me, I believe it’s the best way of giving homage to Filipino language from the country’s highest leader.
Delivering it in Filipino as well helped a lot in conveying the message to all Filipinos from all walks of life: from the elite, to the poorest of the poor; from those who have much to those who barely have any, to those who can read and write and to those who cannot.
It is not easy to be honest especially if people are watching your every move; listening and criticizing every word that you say but I salute how Pres. Noynoy had laid down the true state of the nation.
It’s like a business which had been handed-over: how could the new Manager cope up with all the losses if you have very little or nothing to start up with? Not unless, he has millions to lend the company from his own pocket but it losses the sense of being a Manager: one should have the ability to use the resources on hand and look for opportunities that would generate finances to keep the business running.
Hearing about the figures, budget and how some government employees live in abundance and extravagant manner; how the supplies of the staple food were rotten while hundreds of Filipinos have nothing to eat; how some government projects were put into action without “proper” studies first made me think: Ah, this is where the taxes had gone, then there was a rewind of my life…
I had been working in the Middle East for more than 2 years now.
I consider myself lucky enough.
I passed the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) and was accepted under an AB degree. I need not pay much for the tuition fees since it is one of the state universities.
Upon graduation, I was able to get a job in a Telecommunications Company and had stayed there for more than 3 years before I left to work as they say, in a “greener pasture”.
Even if I am still single and I can say that I am earning for myself and family, I realized that it’s not enough still. With four siblings who are all going to school, it is indeed not enough.
Overtime and Holiday Pays are a big help but when I look at my pay slip, the deduction part is still of a hefty amount: Tax, Pag-ibig, SSS, etc. so when the opportunity said “Hi” I grabbed it and did not let go.
Who would not want to get their full salary without taxes to be deducted?
Who would not want to stay in a nice flat without thinking about the rent, the electricity, water and phone bills?
Who would not want to work if you have somebody to pick you up and drop you off to and from work?
Leaving your home country is hard. Not only because, you will be leaving your family and friends behind but also because of what lies ahead of you.
There are too many what ifs: What if your new Boss is strict? What if you don’t go well with your colleagues? What if you cannot adjust in the new environment? Or worst: What if the pasture that you had pictured to be greener doesn’t even have a shade of green at all?
But again, it boils down to why you have to leave: because what we have is not enough and the world out there is in abundance.
If I am employed and still single and worries about not having enough, what about those who have many mouths to feed, many kids to send to school, those who does not have a regular job and could barely live and get through the day?
I got a chance to work for a Local Government Unit in the Social Welfare and Development Department for a month when I was in school.
As they say, it’s one of the busiest departments: people are coming in for help: for jobs, for medical assistance, for funeral assistance, for scholarships, for financial aid, for emergencies and the like.
It is indeed heart-breaking to see those people who would walk out of the office teary-eyed and with sunken shoulders as the others were prioritized, were deemed needy than them.
If the people have needs and they could not get it as they don’t have the means, they would turn to the government. But what happens if the government cannot provide these as well?
The people need to be empowered so that they could provide for themselves. It is not enough to give them what they need – it will only be cycles of give and take, but instead, give them the means to enable them to get these.
I can say life now is harder compared to the life before.
I remember the time when my Mom would tell me how far her 10 Pesos would go and it’s so sad that with this amount of money you cannot even buy a decent snack to get a tummy through hunger.
The State of the Nation Address of His Excellency exposed the true state of the nation in the strictest sense. It challenges each and every Filipino, not only those who are in position to be vigilant; supportive and be responsible for their future. His speech was indeed honest, brave, and full of hope, very promising. It encourages Filipinos from the youth, private sector and government to work together as one nation towards a better future. He knows that he needs to exert extra effort and go the extra mile to have things done.
Filipinos all over the world watched, listened and applauded His Excellency’s words.
After watching the SONA, I would like to go back home, stay and work there hopefully sooner than later.
I hope that the time will come when Filipinos are only leaving the country not because they have to but they want to.
I hope that each and every Filipino will have their jobs and be able to support the needs of their respective families.
I hope that each and every Filipino will have the chance of going to and finishing school.
I hope that each and every Filipino will no longer have to worry when they get sick.
I hope that the Philippines will no longer be like a “War Zone” but one of the homes of booming industries.
I hope that there would no longer be that much opposition on our leader’s side as they are working for one government only.
It may really be good in theory but very hard but not impossible to achieve in reality.
Hopefully that day will come.
Hopefully…
P.S.
This is the first article I had written for Definitely Filipino Blog Site.
11:30 AM
Doha, Qatar Time
I came from my Arabic Language Class and was about to go back to sleep.
I am working in a Call Centre and am on shifting schedule – our schedule changes on a monthly basis. It’s also a blessing that my body can wake up and sleep on the right time and can also steal some hours of sleep during the days off. Alhamdulillah! (Thanks be to Allah/God – as what my Arabic friends would say).
After settling down, I hugged my pillow, reached for the TV’s remote and tuned in to the Filipino Channel, as I need to hear something so that I can sleep (Thanks to our company who had provided it for free), hoping that I could get a little nap before working again.
How could I forget? The State of the Nation Address is today.
I was waiting for this one but I was not sure of the time.
Good thing it had just started.
I was expecting that I will doze off as the past SONAs that I had watched are a bit long and to be honest, seems like repetitive for me, but I was wrong.
The mere fact that Pres. Noynoy had given his speech in pure Filipino had amazed me.
For me, I believe it’s the best way of giving homage to Filipino language from the country’s highest leader.
Delivering it in Filipino as well helped a lot in conveying the message to all Filipinos from all walks of life: from the elite, to the poorest of the poor; from those who have much to those who barely have any, to those who can read and write and to those who cannot.
It is not easy to be honest especially if people are watching your every move; listening and criticizing every word that you say but I salute how Pres. Noynoy had laid down the true state of the nation.
It’s like a business which had been handed-over: how could the new Manager cope up with all the losses if you have very little or nothing to start up with? Not unless, he has millions to lend the company from his own pocket but it losses the sense of being a Manager: one should have the ability to use the resources on hand and look for opportunities that would generate finances to keep the business running.
Hearing about the figures, budget and how some government employees live in abundance and extravagant manner; how the supplies of the staple food were rotten while hundreds of Filipinos have nothing to eat; how some government projects were put into action without “proper” studies first made me think: Ah, this is where the taxes had gone, then there was a rewind of my life…
I had been working in the Middle East for more than 2 years now.
I consider myself lucky enough.
I passed the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) and was accepted under an AB degree. I need not pay much for the tuition fees since it is one of the state universities.
Upon graduation, I was able to get a job in a Telecommunications Company and had stayed there for more than 3 years before I left to work as they say, in a “greener pasture”.
Even if I am still single and I can say that I am earning for myself and family, I realized that it’s not enough still. With four siblings who are all going to school, it is indeed not enough.
Overtime and Holiday Pays are a big help but when I look at my pay slip, the deduction part is still of a hefty amount: Tax, Pag-ibig, SSS, etc. so when the opportunity said “Hi” I grabbed it and did not let go.
Who would not want to get their full salary without taxes to be deducted?
Who would not want to stay in a nice flat without thinking about the rent, the electricity, water and phone bills?
Who would not want to work if you have somebody to pick you up and drop you off to and from work?
Leaving your home country is hard. Not only because, you will be leaving your family and friends behind but also because of what lies ahead of you.
There are too many what ifs: What if your new Boss is strict? What if you don’t go well with your colleagues? What if you cannot adjust in the new environment? Or worst: What if the pasture that you had pictured to be greener doesn’t even have a shade of green at all?
But again, it boils down to why you have to leave: because what we have is not enough and the world out there is in abundance.
If I am employed and still single and worries about not having enough, what about those who have many mouths to feed, many kids to send to school, those who does not have a regular job and could barely live and get through the day?
I got a chance to work for a Local Government Unit in the Social Welfare and Development Department for a month when I was in school.
As they say, it’s one of the busiest departments: people are coming in for help: for jobs, for medical assistance, for funeral assistance, for scholarships, for financial aid, for emergencies and the like.
It is indeed heart-breaking to see those people who would walk out of the office teary-eyed and with sunken shoulders as the others were prioritized, were deemed needy than them.
If the people have needs and they could not get it as they don’t have the means, they would turn to the government. But what happens if the government cannot provide these as well?
The people need to be empowered so that they could provide for themselves. It is not enough to give them what they need – it will only be cycles of give and take, but instead, give them the means to enable them to get these.
I can say life now is harder compared to the life before.
I remember the time when my Mom would tell me how far her 10 Pesos would go and it’s so sad that with this amount of money you cannot even buy a decent snack to get a tummy through hunger.
The State of the Nation Address of His Excellency exposed the true state of the nation in the strictest sense. It challenges each and every Filipino, not only those who are in position to be vigilant; supportive and be responsible for their future. His speech was indeed honest, brave, and full of hope, very promising. It encourages Filipinos from the youth, private sector and government to work together as one nation towards a better future. He knows that he needs to exert extra effort and go the extra mile to have things done.
Filipinos all over the world watched, listened and applauded His Excellency’s words.
After watching the SONA, I would like to go back home, stay and work there hopefully sooner than later.
I hope that the time will come when Filipinos are only leaving the country not because they have to but they want to.
I hope that each and every Filipino will have their jobs and be able to support the needs of their respective families.
I hope that each and every Filipino will have the chance of going to and finishing school.
I hope that each and every Filipino will no longer have to worry when they get sick.
I hope that the Philippines will no longer be like a “War Zone” but one of the homes of booming industries.
I hope that there would no longer be that much opposition on our leader’s side as they are working for one government only.
It may really be good in theory but very hard but not impossible to achieve in reality.
Hopefully that day will come.
Hopefully…
P.S.
This is the first article I had written for Definitely Filipino Blog Site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)