August 20, 2008

29th KM, 29th Year, and 29 things

I am celebrating my 29th birthday today.

I have been feeling my - pre-depression, seasonal blues since last week because of it. Growing a year older! Well one cure to my depression is running. It is the cause of my addiction. never thought how much kilometers i will be running this week as last week has been really a bum week for me not have ran for more than 25Kms. And just yesterday i thought, that since today i am turning 29, i should be running my 29th KM for the week.

Tuesday: 7Km, bay run
Wednesday: 14 Km, Bayrun(7x2) - it was difficult to run in the dark! without light, specially near the mental hospital! errie!
Thursday (21.08.08)-7Km Bay run + 1 km King George Oval

1. Thanks I have strong legs and strong passion to keep myself running

i never had anything planned to do on my bday, although i wanted to go out somewhere unfortunately, i can't. I am left to do a night work :-( meaning i cant go out late.

2. look at the brighter side of it, thank you i have a good job, and I dont need to go to work on Friday

Today I got two bday cards. One from my Family, which affected me really well. I was sobbing to see and realize i do miss them as much as they miss me.

3. Thank you for a good and supportive family, dad, mom, Ting, Celes and Lola

This is the thrid consecutive bday that i am working for the client and literally working on my bday! 2006-was in Jakarta, a public holiday, but was on call to baby sit servers at the site. 2007-was at the site, deploying a project, 2008 in Philippines, coming home in my flat by myself - will be working on 8 production servers alone :( in Sydney away from my family

4. Thank you that i do have opportunity to travel, i do love to travel

5. Friends around me, my ever good friends from highschool and college, and friends i have known since i started working who sent me their bday messages - Thank you guys

6. Thanks for the Good health

7. Thanks for nice homes

.... things i still need to do and continue doing

8. make a good difference to the world every single day

9. share my blessings

10. learn new things everyday

11. Travel the rest of Philippines

12. Travel China, Korea, Myanmar and Brunei

13. Travel rest of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea

14. Travel North America

15. Travel South America

16. Travel Europe

17. Meet new sincere good friends

18. Smile and make someone smile everyday

19. Run a half marathon

20. Run a full Marathon

21. Snowboard

22. Be better in swimming

23. Travel India and Nepal and parts of Middle East

24. Get my masters in Uni

25. Be a better cook

26. Run faster on races and avoid injuries

27. Create a beautiful piece of art, refresh and do my real love - draw and paint

28. Write better

29. Be fluent in another language

                            

August 14, 2008

Goin to Break .. almost!

argh! 2 weeks and felt so exhausted lately with work.  Frustration is starting to get into me as too many tasks on my plate and I unintentionally miss a lot of things making me so inefficient at work :(

Worse thing is when people start to do finger pointing at me when they should think that working should be of team effort. I just don't like this feeling.

I think this break to Falls Creek will make it all better again next work week.

August 01, 2008

Nearly an Ozzie local

So 4 months and 2 days has passed since i moved to Sydney, Australia.  With no family or relative in the country, moving alone is a big step for me (and an asian cultured family).Just updates from me. 

And so how am i coping up? have I already adjusted?: Been busy with work that I do not have time to feel homesick (and feeling guilty i cant even write an email to my family!, good thing we chat :D)

What made you move to Australia? The place, the people and the environment.  First time i went here, last year of February, I fell in love with the place.  Just so much to see, people are friendly, people value nature and the environment and they have a laidback lifestyle compared to the Asian cities.

So is there anything you don't like in Australia?
1. The customer service in most of the service/hospitality business.  Well embarassingly most services here do have call centers in the Philippines, and being a Filipino, i can tell it is in the Philippines.  Im sad that the agents are not so nice, accomodating, and service oriented (so-far) with my experiences. Asian hospitality is still the best (hotels, restaurants)
2. Thought westerners are more bit of a class, as they always bash the poor Philippines, but OMG! my commuter experiences, people just don't have manners, they do put their feet up the chairs, and unconsiderate.  Filipinos do still have manners.
3. Some locals think they are better than me just because they are white. (to many experiences to enumerate)

So far best things you are enjoying in Oz:
beaches, weather, running routes, food

Challenges as of the moment?
being too nice.
being single, no family obligations just makes people at work i do not have a life and wanted to break my back! (i thought it was laid back) but i am learning to say NO its a weekend, no I have a scheduled appointment i can't do it just like any other Ozzies/locals deal with work.

just lately:
sms from boss: Chaia, please call me back, its EMERGENCY!!
me (heck, its a saturday! what is it?), called ... problem in a solution we deployed ..

(this already happened once and i did help, to find out my time is not paid by emergency call and i just did fair deal of asking compensation days instead)

me (replied): okey BUT i can only help you this afternoon till tomorrow noon
boss: why is that?
me (duh?!?! its a weekend!): i did make some plans and i can not cancel it, I am sorry
... well i am not paid to be stressed on a weekend, i do have a life huh.  Well i know they are working on putting me in the roster though.
just rants on a weekend :D, that's why i am online im waiting for their call ...

July 16, 2008

Us and the World Youth Day

Wyd08logo Been 2 months ago when you feel the World Youth Day fever going around the city. It’s a good feeling you know. A year ago, February of last year, is when I learned that the WYD will be held in Sydney.

That was the period I first came to Sydney, Australia. Which at that moment I did like the country at first sight. Because of I, when I saw the countdown at St. Mary's Cathedral, I told myself, I will come back to Australia no matter what to see the WYD. Same thing I told myself I am coming back to this huge country/continent to discover the place and backpack. Maybe that was a prophecy on my own which led on subliminal way on myself to come here.

Anyway going back to the WYD event. Weeks ago I was thinking of joining the volunteer program for the event. I sent an email but they only accept volunteers fulltime on all days of the event. So I thought of sponsoring a homestay. A few also requested on my Couchsurfing account and suddenly the agreement I had with a colleague to temporarily host her while she looks for a home was more reasonable/on my own opinion to be a Christian and standing on my own promise. So I appologized and at least sent emails to those who requested. Until now I am thinking what can I do to become a contributor in this world event which is happening in Sydney.

Last Sunday the Pope Benedict arrived in Sydney for the week long event. Buses were delayed and there were road closure since then. Tomorrow will be his parade.

In the papers, there were a lot of news regarding this event. Some still puzzles me. Like the priests who are sex offenders, the Pope did make a public appology. Aside from that in the paper, a man was hosting 5 pilgrims, and during the course of their stay the host did introduce his partner another Man and they turned out to be gay couples. So the guests did left the host's home, condemn him and his partner that they will burn in hell. That I can not understand.

So that was read aloud by my colleague while we were eating at the pantry reading papers and he commented on a picture of young couple making out/kissing, he said that should be the one that will burn to hell. Now I am confused!

The world and society makes its own rule. I wonder what were the rules during Jesus, the prophet's days? I wonder in Jesus' time if kissing was bad, or it is a mere not display but a extension of affection to one person? Maybe if it is lust then that is bad.

I am not religiuos and I do not know the bible by the back of my hand. But I did complete and did get high marks on my religion subject at school. In the Bible it mentions Jesus/God being compassionate. It mentions on focus on the poor in spirit, heart, physically. Don't this people do belong to the group mentioned in the Bible? It says all of us belong to the Kingdom of God. Those who Believe, ok ok… butthen those who believe…why do they act/condemn people who need guidance morally/spiritually? I myself I agree should be condemned therefore I have no right saying to someone that he/she will burned to hell.

It’s the same question I have in mind. Organ donation. Doing good and donating your organs when you accidentally die is a good thing (on my own opinion) as you help others, YET it is socially questionable? Or religiosly questionable of why extend a life of a person whom God/Life is already telling that is over? Or why donate your organ to a person dying and you might not know that he/she is a criminal.

This is not for discussion on religion or morals. I do not know if some of you guys reading this do have specific answers to this questions and you think the answers and beliefs you have are RIGHT in the eyes of the SUPERBEING.

So I may not be able to attend any of the WYD events even if I wanted to, and its not an excuse not to either, but on my thinking its better to treat your neighbors with good deed and continue living as a Christian than being a hypocrite of attending the WYD event and yet you do have a selective heart and a judgemental mind.

July 15, 2008

Underconstruction

I am semi-migrating my blog to One-Live Cat's LIfe and is still a work on progress.

I will still be maintaining this, but maybe not the MySpace anymore as i get too many strangers in MySpace.

I will be just generally copy-pasting my blog although wordpress will allow me to be free in design.

July 03, 2008

Ranting on work …

Strange as I had loved and wanting to stay in Sydney/Australia as their lifestyle is more laid back compared to Asia.  Although I miss the night life in Asia Malls and restaurants closing really late, I mean here, they value recreation after office hours which 5pm.

So I am suppose to be not stressed here compared when I was back in my home country office.  I feel work is still lighter here BUT my face is breaking out and im kinda pimple-faced as of the moment, and some skin irritation which I am guessing (and went to the doctor) that this is caused by stress.

I am a junkie for being busy at work, workaholic in short.  Not that I am complaining of too much work as I find these things blessing,  and I've been through to this stress since 6 years ago working for another company.  Anyway, strange but I get more stressed if I am idle, to the point that you do not know which website to browse!  Well I think that being the new kid in the team, its better to show your visibility on doing stuff than doing nothing and feeling it has not been worth shipping me from Asia to down under.

So now, I am under a manager who does more of managing me administratively AND! Reporting to 3 project manager and one technical manager. It does feel good to be needed.  Some days I only have a fourth of my plate full sometimes nothing but most of the time its more than full.  I am a happy worker.  I am happy working and helping projects and the colleagues I have been interacting since.  But just lately, things are starting to irritate me.

Rant 1.  There's this EXTERNAL/Contractor guy who is called a Solutions Architect for the project.  They are suppose to do a reporting application.  The project lacks resource to do the documentation for testing.  I was volunteered as there is no choice but me! So I created the document they wanted NOT KNOWING anything about the project! Yes I am able to produce the document.  Now comes this Architect telling me it has to be changed blah blah and I told him that of  course his inputs are needed as I am doing the document like a blind chicken.  And I told him to just edit what needed to be done (as It was always done with other architects I have been working with) and suddenly he reverts back and say "oh no no, because if I do that I am already doing your work and your work is done!" Like duh!! I am doing this document in your favor! And I am not even suppose to be a fix resource for this project.  And plus! I don't work for him! Not even he is more senior (age wise and length of tenure) he is a contractor of the ex- acquired company.  And I hate him always saying, actually most of these EX- acquired company colleagues  always complain bout during their time during their time! Which sucks as I do not hear any of my ex-N colleagues complain being merged with this company and we suffer of not getting much salary raise because of we have to "leverage" with them! I find this guy too arrogant! He does not want to do the deployment at Sydney, because they do not want to Travel! I don’t think he even should be in this company as this company requires traveling to do work. I can not believe to be working with these kind of lazy (incompetent) people!! (aside of him asking me what are my skills … duh!! They wouldn't bring me over here if I don’t know anything!-- such an insult.. Just because I am Asian and a female.. dammit! --- okey end of rant 1..i am glad he just left Sydney today, I would still be dealing with him on the phone and email though)

Jerk

Rant 2.  This guy I have been working since I was way back my home country office.  Been with him in a project in Indonesia.  Had training with him in Finland.  I started hating him when I was in Finland.  Me and another of my colleague ran out of accomodation since there this Presidents coming to Finlandia.  So all hotels are booked.  One of our other colleagues volunteered that I can stay in his room and our youngest colleague stay in this Guy's room.  Instead of being kind-hearted and being a so-called-Christian himself, he said No he is not comfortable doing that.  And the guy who volunteered to accommodate me can only get one.  So we just decided to travel 1 train hour away Helsinki for accommodation :).. Out of nowhere.  Looking at the silver lining of it, we were able to travel to a very different town of Finland.

2nd time I hated him, is @ Jakarta's project.  We were all working at the customer site/data center.  On a weekend.  And its past 7pm and Im hungry and decided to go back to the hotel.  To find out that they already have left, since they are working one level below where I was working!  Left the only female team mate at night time. How gentleman is that!

3rd time, he emails me yesterday and today asking for advice/consulting me on Angry_wet_catproduct expertise with a bunch of colleagues on copy furnished.  I replied what I have which I think is with substance, oh guess what? Not even a reply to me (reply all not needed) to thank me is received.


You must be thinking I must be stupid to have been being a good colleague to him despite the things he has done.  I prolly just forgot everything what he have done not until again earlier. Grr! Engrata! jerk @#%#@%!!


Oh well that's all :)  going home now as it is 6 pm.  I will just go run this off at the treadmill. ;->

May 09, 2008

Finally my permanent home!

After staying two service apartments, Hordern Towers and Regency Hyde...yey! my permanent apartment!

Not that I did not like the two, well i do aside from it was free, ill make a comparisson
Hordern Towers: Modern style, huge sitting in 50th floor overlooking the Central Train Station. Food shops, hip bars, cafes and grocery at its basement and street level
Regency Hyde: Warm cozy style, wood accented, like it better smaller but i like it. in front of the Hyde park where i go run.

Okey now after 2 weeks of postponement of my move due to work schedule, at last i moved in.  I like the area first because 1. It is near a park where i can do my runs 2. far yet near to the city, its not the bush yet! 4Km away from CBD by bus, 15 minute to work. Bay area, safe.  its near the main busy neighborhood with shops, resto, cafes and bars.

So got here by 1130, bare unit. Waiting for my furniture rentals as my removals will still hopefully get cleared early June. 

so here it is and the transformation! in just a few hours!
before:
09052008011 09052008012 09052008019





After:
09052008025 09052008027 09052008028




I wasn't sure of the services of the furniture delivery cover the arrangement of stuff as would you think you will expect two blokes arranging your bed for you? they did assembly my bed i made my bed after they left.

Good luck to my new house!

April 24, 2008

Adjusting, Overwhelmed, Keeping up

At last i got an apartment to lease after a bit of challenge looking one near the CBD as there is a "property shortage" going on and apparently auctioning them for higher prices! argh! not to mention i felt the first reasons i did not get called for my application on the properties i first applied is because i am a Pinoy. The they-think-so-called-lower-asian-race. Anyways, i am glad i got one which i felt is really for me, expensive a bit but with garden, pool, gym, lap pool and the bay and the park near it and plus the shops and cafes! so that's off my to do list!

it was a rush-sign-turn over the keys, as i was called if i can help an emergency work in Malaysia. Well remotely a first, then comes a call 4 hours before the signing of my contract to lease, i was told i was booked for a flight to KL!!!  Wow sounds nice I am one of the three remaining experts left in the region.  It was a long Holi in oz so the PMs thought okey, i can be lent to KL. First time to fly on a business class! i am so Promdi :D and excited! they say so i am rested and go straight and do my firefighting-job.

Less than hour before the time i need to be at the airport i am leaving the premises of my new home, thinking of not ready not able to pack my clothes yet. Arriving the apartment i just dumped all clothes in my luggage, freshened up. because of the rush i had boo boos
1. forgot to bring my Ringgits with me
2. left my Universal adaptor
3. forgot i was flying business class i just slipped on my rubber thongs! uh yea i was thinking of relaxing and rest at the plane after a busy day.
4. I forgot my camera
Oh not to mention of sending you on a business class mean a high expectation you should get the job done! (haha and here i am blogging.. yea on multi tasking monitoring the logs)

So since I arrived wednesday morning i hardly had 8 hours of sleep in total working on shifts desperately hoping this time the fire goes off and i say mission accomplished as they want me back Monday. Well not before i get a call yesterday they want me in Melbourne for a deadline on Friday!

Sounds nice, i could not complain! i love travelling... i need to keep up and do my job. well looking forward on Monday's work load, hoping this last day at KL get this work done, and hopefully move in my new home.

March 07, 2008

Run for Tubataha Reef, sick for two weeks

After a week of spilling my guts, i think i am getting old and my body is not used to too much alcohol anymore, My body was not able to recupperate yet for these past weeks!

it has been drizzling for the past few days and yet i went running short twice within the week.  After the 2nd day of the run i was feeling funny and not well.  The next day I know i will be attending a team building.  I had to run two consecutive days to offset my not be running when we go team building.  Oh! and i wanted to run since i have been eating carbo and meat fat at work! and which i know will happen for the next few days while i am in our team building.  Which i was being ready of MIGHT be sleeping late no running or might be drunk!  Good thing i was able to do a physical-day filled for the 2nd day in the office activity held in Montemar, Bataan.  A 3km run on the shore line, a swim on the beach, and a swim on the pool.  In between the team physical competition.

I felt i was wonderwoman that's why! and too naive that i might get fat!

i was planning to go home Baguio after the 2nd day to attend the Flower Fest and visit my folks. Which means no run and full of eating again! So i had to rest only for 5 hours and travel back north come back 3rd day later.

I think i am not wonder woman after all! I got  colds and cough after returning from baguio Which I am still tending until now, which gave me a not too bad (yes stubbuorness!) record i still went to the Tubataha run race March 2, 2007.

Time: 56.06
Distance: 10Km
Venue: Fort Boni

Freeing turtles to the sea; shoreline of Montemar, Bataan; Obstacle course of the team building activity; freebies on the Condura Run
Dscf2702Dsc_0619 Dscf2697 Dscf2744 Dscf2756 Dscf2760 Dscf2817 Dscf2818

November 11, 2007

When I am and I am not a Filipino

I am writing this piece on another realization of just like a few writing and speeches that tell the modern heroism of Filipinos and the sad part of being a Filipino.

One Friday, I met with some friends i met from couch surfing,Munwah and Michael for drinks. we went to meet one of Munwah's chinese friend an older man business man who Munwah was consulting for his business.

As we were discussing business stuff and things henry says Malays in Malaysia take for granted the education d government they've been given they he says right now in Asia the Indians lead the good pack os sales and marketing people because they are agressive talkers,next iare the Filipinos. He said Philippines is a sad case Filipinos are smart,the country is rich.I can not agree more,we were the template of of the other asian countries before. we were say 10 years farther in dveleopment compared to the other countries,now what?because government would have changed the priorities were are now 10 yrs bck fr Malaysia,20 yrs fr Singapore!sad isnt it?

 

He was saying that for Micheal to be able to grow in his career,he should go to a univerity and learn a degree.surprised that when i was in Australia are valready contented if they finished Highschool because they wud be able to get a job without having a degree. well more of this people i meet from travelling are even more surprised to learn that in the Philippines,you need to be at least 2 yrs in college to be a Janitor.correct? And yes,the maids of their friends who are Filipinos, finished a degree in Universities. some can even teach the kids theyre tending to aside fr household chores because she is a teacher.then if u were to choose a domestic Helper i think aside fr Hospitality choosing Filipino is better. not all people know this they always bash this indio race.

 

but at times i agree and guilty as i can be at times i pretend not to be a Filipino. This is when they get lazy,they get too loud or show they lack manner and breeding. Hurtful as it is the truth,most are even gold diggers, things i need to brave that some men would think a another Filipina who wanted to marry a foreigner and get money or ask money!I appreciate when a lot of times foreigners and not just the westerners would tell me i am different from the stereotyped. But i tell them i am just one of them i am sure a lot of the Filipinos are nice people.

Some people would jsu think at times im Malayor Indonesian,number of times.i also wonder it prolly be good that they don't think I'm the Abusayaf,or the corrupt Filipino.but in the end i stand proud when they ask me where you from? I say Philippines. it helps when u make a difference and change the perception of how they think about Filipinos.

August 15, 2007

Filipino's colonial mentality

I asked Amy for dinner this week, which she asked to be scheduled on tuesday.Amy is a canadian girl i met at d pool while i was doing my regular workout.She's nice and sincere when u talk to her and very entusiastic on how she likes Philippines.She likes to travel so that encouraged me to continue conversing with her. We've been friends, that i know of, eversince. She's leaving the country on Thursday because she found work based where she stays,Switzerland.It was challenging for her to be away from her boyfriend that's the reason she wanted to go back to the alps.

Anyway, we went for dinner at Greenbelt at Banana Leaf.The dinner was good, aside from the company and the stories told. i insisted to pay the bill which that night i just brought my BPI local credit card, to my disappointment they do not accept the card in the establishment. But funny the waitress handed the credit card to Amy. The name on the card sounds so pinay,is it because the waitress thinks Amy was paying for the bill because she was white? I did not mind.

To cut our dinner situation short,embarassing she insisted in paying the bill. We went for gelato and stories after our meal. We decided to head back home since it would be her turnover day today,her last day at work.We thought its going to be a long day for her. We took a cab at Greenbelt 3 driveway.

As we boarded the cab the driver said 80 pesos flag down. I didnt want to argue and destroy my night, i wanted to go home, i was tired. Amy asked why is that so i asked the driver why? He said it was difficult to queue at the driveway, well he has options not to fall in line in that driveway.or is it because they knew that Greenbelt was a tourist haven. And-or is it because i was with a white girl. I was a bit pissed but i just kept cool.

Dropped Amy at Leviste st. As i dropped her off the driver asked, 'amo nio po?'(is she your boss?). I answered him, 'Why? Not just because she's white she's a boss, not just because we are pinoy and all whites they are our superiors' and he kept mum. I said, she is my friend not my boss. He said probably out of embarassment he said, because she seem so kind. Duh! This is just one of many stories of thinking the foreigners are better than us.

Whenever we see Caucasians some of us call them sir or ma'am. In a plane ride from Europe back to Pilipinas a Caucasian couple took Joel's sit, and asked if they can take it.  Joel and i did early internet check-in so to choose a comfortable sit in the plane. Joel consulted me what he needs to do. I told him not to agree and just get pushed over. Well we could have been nice if they were elderly or disabled, not just because we are brown and they are white we would have said yes. I hope one day people get over of feeling inferior of other races and other race would treat us one of their equals.

July 29, 2007

We Filipinos complain, but why?

Most of us complain that Philippines is crap and they'd rather stay abroad than to stay on their own homeland...
but how dare us say and whine about Pinas if how come we still do not know how to do things right, but most of us act right when we are outside our country ... why?
... why don't we know how to throw your cigarette butts right
... at the escalators, and streets why dont we keep right? left side is for those who are trying to catch time so let them pass
... getting in the elevators, let the people out first before getting in
... why are we so loud at the elevators and corridors? do we need to let the other people hea what we are talking about? (i can not imagine hearing Angel Locsin say in the TV she only knew about it during her travel in UK .. err duh!)
... what's not simple about Unloading and a loading zone?
... most of us stereotype most foreigners as mabaho, yet did you not observe that they are cleaner than us when it comes to the environment, we might take a bath 6x or more a day but then we can not even simply throw our candy wrappers on the waste bins, embarassing isnt it then we complain bout floods yada yada ...
Maybe we need to start to realize and start with ourselves to change what we think is wrong with the Philippines, thenn this might make it a better place to live than the other places abroad (... well that is if we can also get rid the dirty politics in our country)

July 25, 2007

obsessed on loosing weight

Three  years ago, I weigh 53 kls. from 46 kls to 53.  I ate too much and even how much i wanted to eat right and eat properly, it was challenging.  It was challenging specially if you are destined to eat with a company most of the time.

I really didnt care how i look like cause i thought someone cares and love (in a romantic way) for me anyway and he would always tell me to just rest instead to go jog or walk at the park after work.  so I thought it was okey.  Not until the end when i realize most of our common friends would already talk behind his back and tell their concerns about how unhealthy his weight is.

I knew and i was aware of that, well i tried letting him know and encouraging him to watch his weight, he do not care. It is difficult to advice a person who would not listen at all.  He would not even listen to his family members and not even me.  Not after I realized that the attitude was pulling me down and one night we had an argument i asked him if i could go out at the park and jog and as usual he wouldn't let me.  I took courage told him "if you do not want to feel better about yourself, do not pull me down with you."

And in a different story until thing have gone bad, he'd say, "ang taba taba mo, ang itim itim mo ..." it hurts so much that knowing me if im mad i would either just shut up or blabber, i just shut up, blaming him inside me, that i wouldn't gain so much weight because of him.


His words still lingers in my head until now.  After we separated, i tried my best to run and jog the park and not until i was sent to work offshore for almost 7 months.  Working till mornings, with daily buffet at the hotel, no need to do chores, late dinners with colleagues and that you go back to your hotel room so tired that what you only have to do is shower and go straight to bed.

I try to go to the gym if i could if we finish work early and swim at the  pool.  But i know it wasnt enough and too serious, to take off all the toxins i have in my body.

When i went to Australia, it was different since the hotels did not include breakfast in our rates so i do not have my buffet breakfast, instead i buy my own cereal and milk or water and energy bar.  From the hotel, i walk approximately 2 kilometer to ride a bus to work.  On my way to the bus stop, i often pass by or they pass me by, joggers that jog in the city.  I was amazed to see how enthusiastic and conscious they are with their health.  At work at the cafeteria, i told myself i guess i am going to get thin here, they just serve healthy sandwiches and salad, chicken or fish.

That was my weekdays for 3 weeks.  Came back last March, most of the people i knew that i meet would say i lost some weight (and aside from the comment i got darker.)  I was happy to hear those comments. well at last i lost some weight! I do not know how much but yes it seem like i did.  I tried to jog around the park 8 laps for at least 4 times a week.  for a month and not until i met with Myrick, and told me she saw my ex at the department store, and he seem better and lost some weight.  she told me I should look better than him.  I thought i was looking better than him.
(well yes, it is still a constant struggle with myself and my insecurities to compete with him as so people would think he is a looser.) 

So Myrick's comments was tatooed on my mind, told myself i need to lok better than him, and for myself i wanted to feel good about myself after a long time.

I wasnt doing much work for the past 3 months and thought of going to the gym where our company is accredited to have free slots for interested employees. I took advantage of that.Went to the gym as long as i am not busy after work. Fifteen mins at the stationary bike, 20 minutes at the treadmill. after which my interest increased i was feeling better i added alternatively badminton for 1 and a half hour at least every Thursdays with my colleagues, which i go to the pool after wards to relax.

I was feeling better as i can see gradual change in my weight from 48 went to 46 in a month.  I transferred homes and told myself i should prepare my own lunches to work to save money and change my lifestyle.  I tried to eat healthy stuff. 6 times a day. Oatmeal, fruits, low fat, low sugar, wheat-made bread/pasta, little salt little sugar, olive oil, all veggies for lunch, brown rice if i have to, tofu and tuna as a source of my protein.  Well i still eat pizza, burgers, and fries, steaks on the weekends.
I was feeling lighter and happier mood with my mood.  at the gym i increased my threadmill with to 30 mins. Then i was encouraged to join the fun run sponsored by mandarin health club. I told myself, since i thought of joining marathon before i die, then why dont i start working out on my goal.  I tried to train for the run but only in the thread mill.  After having a good results on the run, and seeing how much weight i have lost for a month and a half, i decided and told myself i will maintain this lifestyle i chose.

almost 6 times a week i go to the gym swim at the pool and play badminton. added 10 minutes work out on the climber equipment.and arm weight building at home.  my weight dropped to 42.4! i got scared. i thought something was wrong with me.  I checked on the internet based on the body mass-index and to find out that i am still not underweight.  Good to hear, i havent gotten sick lately anyway since i lost weight.  yes just reading my previous blog 2 weeks ago, i was told by Ms Elsie the trainer at the gym that i was getting to thin and change my routine.  yea i do not have any program at the gym.  All my goal was loose weight.

But now since i joined a running club online who are actively participating on local runs and international runs as well, going to the gym for me has a purpose.  I will be maintaining my weight and will not go below 42 kilos, and build my endurance, agility and strength i need for running and badminton and the plus of having a feel good body.

Just funny years ago when people would tell you "uy ang taba mo, buntis ka ba?" or uy ang taba mo naman!, they say now, uy ang payat payat mo naman, then say they want my chubby me better. Now i cant understand the contentment of people how they seem to like people based on their shapes. funny isn't it?  Well i will not listen to anyone anymore, because i love how my weight loss went and how i think my lifestyle has been more  healthier in food and in being athletic.  It support the disposition of being happy as of the moment.  Without all the challenges i met while i gained weight, during i gained weight, i sincerely thank these factors as without it i wouldn't realize how wonderful it is to feel to feel good about yourself.

Others might think its too thin ... no i am not. I am still with the BMI and still more than the minimum weight :). I wiegh 43.4 kls now... lets see how it goes when i get some stress at work should i maintain it or not. STill i will try my best to maintain my weight.  Ive changed most of my jeans to smaller sizes and some of my blouses. There goes my savings i told myself.

Oh btw, while writing this piece on my way to Cebu, im munching some butter filled pastry, crackers and peanuts. Finishing this article, we went for lunch with our customer to a local carinderia i ordered Cebu dinuguan with chili chopped and hot steamed rice. Yum! I still eat you know :P

The old and new me :)

Fatme Thinme

July 18, 2007

Ket's week 29 and weekend 28

Monday, after having a good weekend of company and food at my folks home in Baguio, met friends from highschool, indulged with white rice, pinapaitan, pizza and kare kare (yum!) and yes of course vegetables :D.

My sisters were very consciuos i might not eat the regular food they will prepare when i get home.  I haven't seen them since May/April.  I lost weight, my arms is smaller that's what they said.

Anyway, after feeling guilty of eating too much and having a good weekend, with no exercise, I had my lunch food of sayote tops which my mom prepared, i steamed and sliced tomatoes. Yum! my colleagues liked it. lol not the very regular food you see in Makati! Tuesday, Green salad with avocado, and tuna in olive oil.  My stomach was still recuperating from the big meals i had from the weekend i was always hungry.
Side by side with the all veggies again! i went to the gym and told myself i am going to burn the calories i ate last weekend ... unknowingly, after 15 mins of bike, 30 mins in the treadmill and a plan to do the 10 min stepper, the trainer told me i have lost the weight i wanted to already its getting too much.  Told me to take the weights instead. :D promised her tomorrow i will swim instead and went ahead with my 10 mins 'stair' climb and 30 mins arm toning (talk about my being stubborn!).  well i also do not have a program in the gym :D i just really do cardio usually.
Tuesday, the trainer dint know i am having a badminton game Tuesday. Twas good i only played like 30 mins, hit the gym swam in the pool.  Leisurely swim that is as i do not know how to swim perse!

It was raining, have to stay out for sometime because there were thunderstorms for 3 minutes... and went back in even it was raining! it was fun i thought.  After which i had the usual 15 mins sauna. went back to the office to leave my badminton shoes.  after i knew i was sneezing!.. damn i told myself please no!

well the symptoms were correct :D i have my colds now.. i hope i am done with it before the race on Sunday.  race? well that is if i am able to register tomorrow! :(

my goal to eat more so they wouldn't think i am too skinny i ate rice and Monggo with tofu today. Guess what i got? my Hyperacidity acted up.. oh well. just took my friendly antacid Zantac, would like to meet my new running mates, the happy feet people :).

i dont think i did something today at work. too lazy. My team leader comes back from his military training tomorrow, my being 24/7 will be lifted off tonight. i hope i can still run despite my still a bit painful tummy.

June 28, 2007

The Merger

April 1 was April Fool's day as i reckon.  It wasn't April fools for Nokia employees (and Siemens) that day.  It was the day when this two telecom giants married and became NSN (Nokia Siemens networks).

3 weeks ago, there was a all on forum globally for all employees of the new organization.  A communication and discussion on work and culture related issues and opportunities.  I was being teased by my Philippine peers to be the most active poster for the country.  I wasn't just there to post and voice out my own opinion having grown at the Nokia Philippines, I observed the differences immediately.  I felt a bit bad to see and the threat of embracing and accepting what has been there for the other side.

Should you see a post that requests that web browsing be allowed, that some do not want the work at home policy...its a bit surprising since it has been a comfort for us the ExNokia to have these oppportunities at work.  I can not tell why and how did HR Globally for Nokia be able to choose people who have common values of discpline and respect to placed in Nokia and see to it that they were employing the right people in the organization.

January 1 was suppose to be the wedding day, but because the financial fraud that happened at the mideast region on the other organization it has been delayed.  I would agree more why i would hear the staff of this organization say bad things about their boss about having a fishy expense claim is not possible, it was really happening in their organization!  Everybody from where we came from would raise an eyebrow to hear that the CEO asks his assistant to make coffee for him, and carry his stuff on a meeting.  At Nokia culture its different. Everybody are very independent and trusted.  I could not imagine that this new head would shut a good boss from our side to tell It is unethical to ask questions on redundancy in front of lower peers. That is not how Nokia culture is.  Nokia has always been practicing fair and open communications.  Fins are good colleagues and bosses.  Nokia grown employees are different as i just now realized. I am proud to have worked with Nokia and blessed to be hired by Nokia.

Im a bit saddened and threatened on the new marriage.  a month ago redundancy in Europe has affected 2K employees, 12 on the other hand here in the Philppines shall be announced.  I hope not me, not yet. 

There has been a lot of mergers, Sony-Erricson, Lucent-Alcatel, and others.  I am just wondering would this marriage last or be on the plan of divorce soon.  Who knows.  The kids will always suffer inthe end if they will not struggle and survive.

June 25, 2007

some Things I would like to do before I die

surf
travel around the world
buy my own condo unit
buy my own car
complete and finish at least a scrap book
join a marathon
Travel with my family
Learn to speak, understand and write at least one foreign language aside from English
See my sisters finish college and get a work they would love

and last but important Be sorry for all bad things iv'e done

i am indeed a nine-lived cat, I still have lots of things i wanted to do before i die ... its not bad to dream right? :)

April 09, 2007

There must be something wrong

1. if a battering partner excuses its the girl fault why he hit her, different case when the he hits all the ex-gfs and the current gf and the gf he is having an affair with
2. Indonesia is the most populated muslim country in the world.  Then yet, they have Playboy, and 2nd ranking country most with aids next to thailand.
3. Why do same so-called Christians oppose and argue with each other on TV on who the real church is? Why do so-called muslims suni/sh'ite kill each other?
4. A muslim colleague said she grew up and schooled through her elementary days in a catholic school, her parents opted her and her siblings to study in catholic church than to be in the Muslim school
5. malaysia a conservative muslim country ranks 1 with having a relationship and flirting with sms even if they are already in a relationship, this is followed by Philippines, Russia then singapore.  this reasearch was made by CG Logica
6. Non-denominated citizens are actually more disiplined and humane than people who always religously go to church
7. when you can buy bullets and guns on a department store but you can not buy cigarettes and alcohol if your under 18 :D
8. Philippines 99% only Christian Nation in asia ... because of the phrase "go forth and multiply" is overpopulated, therefore poverty exists, but then the chruch can not feed these people :( .... sad!

January 31, 2007

untitled blog of my general realizations of my past 6 months

1. It is true that every nationality they have a certain attitude you would appreciate and you would despise
2. It is difficult to please everybody
3. Hardwork for me is not always seen as hardwork for everybody
4. Some boss gets frustrated with what your weaknsses and your perfections, but if you keep on trying and proving them what they think is wrong they will keep on calling for your assistance
5. Culture influences power and positions and people relationship
6. Hypocricy is reality
7. If you are a person of a worth,  politics and gossips will never cease you
8. again mentioned, Never be loyal to work as it will never be loyal to you
9. Choose the people you talk to and surrpund yourself with, better to have fewer people around than to have a lot who'd betray you
10. Stand up to what you think is right
11. Corruption is disgusting and ridiculuous
12. How could we ever want to have a developed and successful country if we ourselves do not have any discipline? i.e spitting everywhere, littering anywhere we want to.
13. be careful whom you ask favors/assistance and requests with. Not all are willing to help you.  I need to be more self reliant.
14. i appreciate working with my Filipino colleagues
15. I am thankful to be Pinoy
16. Not all "nice" people are your friend
17. Not all team mates are really your mate and not necesarily know what team is
18. Life is frustrating
19. If you have not done anything why would you feel guilty, (but i still get a shiver on my spine for people to seem to have no values, or o soul at all)
20. Not all friends from your past would be the same friends you would be expecting in the present.
21. Time changes people, but a human can not change someonelse
22. Having a boyfriend a partner or a husband does not necessarily say your happy, also not ncessary you'll be happy if you get one

January 29, 2007

The new Baguio City, the city I was not born at

During the Holiday break of christmas and New year, I finally went back home to my folk's place after 5 months of not seeing them 

during my stay i get to go out again and visit my birth city.  I think i have a delaye dreaction, even after most people say that Baguio is not as nice anymore.

i even remember writing on a bulletin board to defend Baguio about being branded as the most polluted and dirty city in the country. Embarassing, i would have admit, I waas wrong to defend baguio.

I even more appreciate Makati where ive been constantly living for more than 6 years which i thought dduring my first days as hot, humid and polluted.  I changed my mind.

A brisk and leisurely walk at esssion road is not enjoyable anymore as it was before like college just going up and down after classes.  It will just make you stressed with the population walking on it.  never in a minute that you'll get physically bumped by someoneelse.

Not the city I know when you get the mist or "fog" from your mouth when you talk or yawn. Its not even getting colder at 12 degrees.  I neer knew Baguio as a place for Koreans who feel as locals.

The City is so dirty, poluted, and overpopulated, just by looking at it.  Im disappointed.  I wish i can do something to bring back the Baguio most filipinos love to go during the summer time.

January 09, 2007

Feeling blessed during the Holidays while i was in Baguio

One of my usual hobbies everytime I go home in Baguio is doing my Ukay Ukay (used clothings/thrift shopping). A chance for me to get "new" wardrobe without feeling bad after getting tired ofusing it just once or twice then gove it away after. 

While Me and my sisters (including our mom) we were doing our Ukay ukay, I was touched when two sister were discussing what to get their mom.  the other said, you better get a skirt since our older sister is getting a blouse.

And I just realized that they were buying ukay ukay clothes to give as gift to their mom.  As we hopped from one store to another, we bumped to another pair, looking through the clothes and stuff in the shop.  It was a father and a daughter, we overheard the father saying "okey pick what you want and try if it fits you."  He was taking his daughter to a Christmas shopping.

And another on the afternoon/eve of 31st we went to buy Pizza as that is what my sister to just eat during the Feast on the Eve of New year, it was traffic in one of the junction where a grocery was.  As we told ourselves, these are people who were rushing to buy their food for the feast as well.  My mom said, She doesnt want going to the grocery during those days of the year when everybody are rushing to buy their Christmas or new year feast.

As she pointed out that it breaks her heart to see some people buying a fourth or half kilo of Spaghetti noodles, or just small amounts to prepare a very simple dinner.

just few simple situations, but it made me very thankful and realize that I have a blessed life, and not most of us see this. At times we end up whining and complaining most of the times that we did not get what we want in our gifts instead of bieng thankful. 

I am thankful to have seen and saw these things during the past holidays and reminded me again to be always humble and try to be charitable to people who are not blessed as I am.

January 07, 2007

The Starbucks stories

Late night on a work day, having been free and still on leave on a first week of new year, I met with a good friend.  I owe her a money Tree. Which I think would give good luck.

She picked me up in the building where i stay, loaded the plant and drove to the nearest Stabucks.  Luckily we got a a spare parking space and the branch was still open as I was also think on going to the 24 hour one in Rufino st.

Anyway, She just finished her student nursing duty in the Hospital.  We had our catching up to do as usual :)

it was a susunod na kabanata after the last time we saw each other before I left for Baguio last December.  She was left by his husband in exchange for another separated woman.
yep She is one of the friends listed from my previuos blog.  Well another heart breaking and annoying story of what transpired when we did not see each other. 

After my own break up, I felt it was God's way one way or another that i would be of help to my other close friends who had problems  with their relationships, well and it was a good teraphy for me as well realizing my situation wasnt that bad after all and I wasn't alone...that the world was that miserable? hehehe!
While I was doing my listening theraphy session with my friend, from the other table we overheard discussion unintentionally a group of women in their late thirties, regarding one of them filing Concubinage! My friend and I were laughing silently telling each other, ano ba naman eto, it is just so funny.

I also remembered that I do my listening teraphy with another close friend with her failed marriage in Starbucks, the same place where Me and another highschool friend with the same fate cried with each other of how our fate was!

Starbucks, must have heard a lot of stories I am sure.  Its not all sad stories but of different specs of life, and if only it could talk, it could write books, or telenovelas.

January 05, 2007

When Schumi got lost and Blaque died

I just arrived from Baguio hours after and I decided to watch DVD when i woke up to keep my mind from missing my Family way back home. I was watching highschool musical in my unit when i received an SMS from my sister Celeste through my mom's phone: "U kn0w wat, nwawla c schumi at blaqeu dis m0rning, tap0s nkita namin blaque s kanal, dead na, huhu, parang nkalabas pa intestns nia :'(". (you know what, Schumi and Blaque are missing this morning, then we saw Blaque in the canal dead, and it seems like his intestines are even out)

I cried. I can not do anything. Schumi and Blaque are our one of our dogs who are in their young years. Schumi is brownish greyish and Blaque is black, they are Mongrels. They might have been not the dogs with breeds but they were good friends of the family. They are a part of my family.

Celeste, my sister calls them her siblings along with our pet cat and turtle. The grief was undescribable pain for me. Myself whose presense was not constant in our home bieng ive been staying in Makati more than staying in my folks home. What more could my dad, and my family feel to have a lost a member of a family.

Well some think i may be over reacting, then maybe you don't know how it is to feel like to have a loyal dog and a family. I am not even a dog person, I like cats far better but I do treat dogs well anyway. I grew up eversince with my late lolo with dogs around. The pet dogs and cats has been part of some family pictures since i was young.

It just this late years that a neighbor, hate our dogs so much claiming our dogs bite his kids which dont. The dogs get agrevated because they tease them everytime they pass our house. Bad for me to judge, but im counting him as one of the prime suspect why the Blaque died. I could not imagine how could someone kill a creature so brutally. He should have just taken the dog and not just dumped it with its guts spilling. I feel like it was an insult, or probably the person who did this is sick in the mind. I might have had my share when i was younger of have eaten dog meat, but what's difficult to understand is because its culture. And that's another story. Should they would have wanted Blaque as a dog meat, then they should have not just dumped him in front our house. I really feel sorry and i feel so sad.

I sent smses back to my sister and i donot know what to say if i would have called, I do not know how to feel the pain my family are feeling right now. We have 5 dogs, so minus 2 we got 3. They do not eat dog food, its just that they were not used to it, and so wit the family. they have their own cavan of rice and they get their own supply of bones from the market.  Every week my dad buys for them.  Every 6am and 3pm my dad feeds them punctually. I can recall, my Lolo does the same when he was still alive.  Celeste when she has time bathes them. The dogs guards the house, and keeps my 91 year old grandmother company at home when everybody is at work and school.  There was no miss a burglar was able to break in (God forbid) because they havent missed a single chance to watch the house.

Its just so sad and its a waste to loose someone like them.  I bet the dogs are of even higher intelect and level than the person who did this to Blaque. 

Karma gives fair justice to the world.  Karma most of the time come worst than what has been done.

As long as my family is safe back home, and i pray for Blaque's soul, he would be in dog's heaven right now, for the killer to be in hell. And I'm still hoping Schumi shows up one day unhurt and alive.  Told my sister as well to hope that our new puppies would be healthy to replace the lost ones.

I've heard according to one of our carpenters who burried Blaque's furry boday, the wound have been caused by a stab from a short object. 

A day after, I heard that the puppies were gone as well and joined Blaque in dog's heaven.  I'll pray for better days.

My mom sent me that day SMS telling me our cousin Sue-ann gave birth to a baby girl, that same day it was Morella's bday.  I just thought that in every death there is life, the law they call Circle of Life.

December 19, 2006

there he was

He was charming
He likes his red jacket
He is friendly
he always makes ways to be able to talk to me
He smiles and say hi
Ill call him Y

He was a looker
a friend of Y
a feel of likeness
He asked my name
He tries to come near but says nothing
he was shy
D would be his name

both of in a different profession
but not far to what I do
prolly that's why
shy or intimidated
Prolly married that's why
i would be far away anyway, that won't work
There must be a better reason why

he was a friend's contractor at work
they do got along well
She like him
cute as according to her
sent messages regularly
frank that he just wanna have fun
never sent message again
He was not for her
She do not deserve someone like him

Just like my luck
surprising to see a goodlooking jeepney driver
he was sweet to her
persevering
asked my other friend for a date
Friend found out he just broke up
seem that he got back with his ex
She is better without him

there they were
just our luck
or HE knows what would hurt us and not
frustrating but its ok
There must have been a better reason why

December 17, 2006

The Filipino Christmas

I was surprised to receive a comment in my blog which was suppose to be meant or more appropriate with this posting of mine which I wrote days before I got the comment from my currently previuos writing.  I think UK_Hot_Offers have a thing for predicting the future .. hehehe..

I never thought I missed almost 70% of the company events in my Nokia country since i was out working for another Nokia country for a while.  And so colleagues, here ask me how come I need to take such a long leave.
more than a month! Well its because as I started my blog if you've read or you can still remember, I wrote that Christmas is the most favorite holiday season of mine.

never mind if you run your pockets dry for gifts for your godchildren and love ones and freinds, the sprit and the thought of giving is fun and fullfilling.

Anyway, the Filipino Christmas starts from December 16 ends in January 6!  December 16, is the first midnight mass for the Catholics.  This is the start or the 9 day night masses by the church to tell the advent season inthe church.  Commensing on the 24thmidnight cutover to 25 dawn, the christmas Story.
(I planned to attend this but then plans changed ....)

But frankly speaking, by November, department stores start decorating their shops with the festive trimmings.  Just after holloween, they will never miss as it has been like a practice.  Malls, close late at night till 11PM during this days.  By Start of december, most homes and offices and buildings have their most decorative Christmas decorations, and Christmas lights.
First week of December, carolers also go around the neighborhood to sing Christmas songs.  Well experience is most on the outskirts of the business district as you will not see such if you are living with the Business district :).  this is the time when most of the filipino contract workers abroad come home to celebrate Christmas with the famlies, not to mention that this is the time dollar value go down because these OFWs bring home dollars back to the country.
Not to mention the Balikbayan boxes brought by the balikbayans!

By start of 2nd week of December, Pinoys start gaining weight as office/school christmas parties happen.  Exchange gifts or gift givings.  Most people do their charity as well during these times.

On the night of 24th of December, after the midnight mass, a Midnight dinner (noche buena).  The food in the table depends on how much you can afford, but what is important is that this is the time most families are together to partake such meal.  Be it simple a sweet sticky rice and cocoa/ or bibingka to roast pig, ham and queso de bola.

After which dinner is done at around 130amish of the 25th, that is when the fanily members give and open presents.  The next morning are usual going to visit relatives to celebrate with them, or godchildren come visit their god parents (Ninong and ninangs) to ask presents or to give presents as well.

As you do not expect that the leftover from the prparation will be finished on the very same day, the leftovers will run until the 29th or 30th of december.. after which on December 31st is the preparation for the New Year's eve celebration.  (Not for us as Dec 28, Lolo Teng's bday, has been a family tradition to have a family reunion on our father side, 25th supposedly on my mom's side but its just my mom and his brother left here in the Philippines) Thanks giving new year masses are done at 10pm to welcome the new year, and arrive home and partake another evening dinner! (Media Noche) :)
while waiting for the countdown, we either light up firecrackers or watch the firecrackers display of the neighbors.  In the Philippines, you can light up your own firecrackers and firecracker display.. i know its not that safe.. Pinoys try to be safe but never on the 31st evening or January 1 that a hospital will go 0 for firecrakcers related accidents.

Then Celebration continues on the first day of New year, continue visiting relatives and friends and greet them for the Holiday season.  the season ends on the three kings on the 6th of January.  the day when the third of the three kings arrived in the manger to give the gift for Jesus. So mass is celebrated as this is usually on a Sunday.  So that is the reason why Pinoy Christmas is that long :D.

December 16, 2006

Contentment and happiness

The other night I crashed the annual ender party of the Indonesia office. What can I say? It is more grand! Held in an exclusive membership club. More door prizes, have employee awards, more booze and food... i stopped and thought, and I asked my self, am I asking myself How I wish it was like this way back at home, but then I realized, I was happy with what we had back in the Philippines a week earlier. Simplier but I was happy.

So it made me think and realization that what I have been thinking to my thoughts for the past 9-10 months about contentment and happiness. I would always be told by him that I am never contented with the material things he gives me, not that because I ask for more but because I do not find peace of mind with it or should I say, i can not feel any internal happiness, i feel null.

I never looked for material things that I can not afford or asked for things that I know it is not practical. I was content with what I have, i just have what is just enough but I was happy.

I read somewhere, that discontentment only happens when one entertain the thought. Of wishing more, questioning and start to compare of what is present and what is fantasy or thinking the other possibilities when one get's bored with what is given in a current state. One becomes unhappy and discontent. Actually it was his self defense, it was him who became discontented and unhappy. And not all understand of as always to first find someone to blame such discontentment and unhappiness, but what most of us do not see is it is about making right choices in your life. A human bieng makes his own choices in life.

As we were discussing with my Indonesian colleagues in the car they ask me about how is the Christmas party like in the Philippines and I told them how I found the party in Jakarta as grand and Sali say, but your was also fun right? and I think he was right. Of course, i still can not exchange anything from what I have way back home. I am happy and content.

Though in human nature, there is always discontentment, It is still up to the person on how one controls his life. It is always our ability to make a choice, a choice to be happy and content or to be discontented and unhappy.

keeping your language, and speaking a common language

This probably would be my third post re: language.  I just find it interesting from a new friend/colleague from Indonesia, Parlin's comment.
We were eating lunch in "padang", and i asked them to translate what was the news report about.  It was about a job fair. 

And I shared to my collagues that in Philippines, unemployment rate is getting high again because of english proficiency went down for college graduates.
They asked me what's speaking english got to do with finding a job? It would be culturally difficult to understand but one way me and my other Pinoy colleagues put it ths way, the american were one of our conquerors.  they were the first one to establish and encourage education among the locals.
My lolo, father side, was once a scholar in fact of the American government after the war and taught and studied in Chicago.  He is Pinoy,
But can not and never was able to speak in Filipino/tagalog. During he was still alive he talks to us in either Ilocano or English.  Get's mad or curse in english or in Spanish.

When I grew up, at school we learn most of all basic subjects were taught in English.  There would be a subject, yep, only a subject teaching the students the Filipino Language.  When were growing up, we were used to be taught on counting 1,2,3s and A,B,Cs more often rather than reciting isa, dalawa, Tatlo or the A,B,K,D before.
I myself might have learned my tagalog language from a cousin who stayed with us when I was 5 years old.  At home our elders either talk to us in English or Ilocano.  I remember my highschool friend, Steve, thought when I brought along one day my youngest sister at school and we were talking and he asked me, she speaks english?

Going back at school, during my time when i was studying, I can not remember that the Filipino language has been implemented to be practised in Science and Mathematic subjects.  there was a time when the President was cory that she asked that Science and math should also be taught in Filipino/tagalog.  I can not recall that in school, my teachers tried to teach the subjects as suggested by the President.
There was an experiment where they changed books of History, Physical Education, Home economics and Values Education was changed to Filipino.  But still the teachers can not resisit at times to explain better in English!

In Philippines, i estimate about prolly about 95% of job interviews are in English for white collar jobs.  At work, most work related email exchanges with colleagues are in English.  Letter within companies, signboards, signages around are in English! So another reason probably to blame that is why Philippines is so transparent to the world specially on current events and political scandals and problems.
I can not even say that countries who do not speak English are not progressive.  A lot of progressive and developed/industrialized countries do not have English in their Newspapers, in their signages etc!

So to answer what is the relevance of the English language to getting a job? First, As of the moment, major population of the working class in the Philippines are in the trend of working with a call center, that serves around the world.  call centers helped unemployment in the past few years.  But then as statistics shows, decline in English proficiency made it more difficult for this institutions to employ people who are below their standards.
It is difficult to impress, your interviewer or the panel or interviewer not to take account if foreigners are present if you can not express yourself well in English.  At work, you'd be ridiculed if you write a very evident gramatically erroneos correspondence in the office. 

But then, I am not saying that Filipino shouldn't be spoken ever! that would be so shameful to say.  English might be present but still at times you can not avoid of bringing the impression of arrogance should you be speaking English to a co-Pinoy if you know he/she is a local and grew up in the Philippines.  I do not even have anything against the dialects as i find this of my advantage at times.  That I can talk or do my "coded messages" to a person who speaks of my own dialect.
same when able to speak in the Filipino language as you can speak "confidential" subjects amongst your amidst your foreign colleagues.  Filipino language is one characteristics that would define your national Identity.  I do not want to be called someone who do not have any National identity ever.  I do not want to be a disgrace to my country as well.  So even with how i find it too normal or English is one of our "way-of-life" in the Philippines, I still do not shun the use of Filipino.
Just to try to make other culture understand, it is just something that Pinoys grew up with, something that has been in their daily lives, that is why.
So we are also proud coz most of Pinoys can help a non-Filipino speaking person i directions in a COMMON language, may it be the taho vendor, Taxi driver or the jeepney driver. 

I can not imagine seeing myself in these situations: A chinese guy is bieng questioned by an Immigration Police in Frankfurt and all he can say is Yes and No even with questions not answerable by yes or No.  Im sorry but i find it pathetic or I feel sorry for the guy.  2nd, I have never been so sorry again for someone, when I was looking for a vacant seat in a performance of Barong Dance in Bali when i asked this asian lady if someone is seated in the vacant seat beside her and what she just did to me is stare and even wrinkle his eyebrows! oh the nerve.  Frankly, I find it hostile.

I am not embarassed to be able to converse in English comfortably (yes even with my usual gramitcal errors!), I am glad and thankful that at home we were practiced to speak in English first when we were growing up.
At least all my two cents is, at least we try our best to be able to converse in a language that could be understood by all (a lesson from the Bible story of Babel) and be able to at least learn, acknoledge and practice your own national language. 

December 15, 2006

to be or not to be a girly-girly kind of female

i am a woman, but sometimes I feel i am not one.  I try to be one and I end up feeling like not one.  Not that I feel like standing up peeing in the john, but you know what i mean.

When i was a kid, I always get teased by my older cousin Kenneth, of my habbit of always putting both hands in my jeans pocket.  He tells me I am not a boy.  Or worse he will tell me I am like a tomboy.

I guess there are a lot of woman who feel the same.  the Tomboyish kind because of our actions and mannerisms and habbits.  but we are not actually lesbians.

there was a time an ex boyfriend and I had a heated argument that telling me his philandering is because the one he is having an affair with dresses like a girl and nice to look at .. and i should dress like her.  i was the wrong girl, glad twas over.

Anyway, at times like you try my best to dress like a girl, and then i thought i was girl enough to look atbut then when a stranger woman stands beside me, I feel like disappearing in that moment because i feel i not as pretty girl.  Girls are expected to be pretty and girly girly you know ..

oh well enough whining, while reading my Zodiac sign description, it says that traits of our sign for a woman will act like a man.  And so maybe that explains why I am one of those woman that is not too girly enough for a guy.  I know a lot of girls would agree with me that they do not find difficulty working with guys compared if they work with other women.  a lots of problems like gossips, etc!

And so I said well I am happy for what and how I am.  I maybe not too girly enough for others but I am happy.  I maybe the only 1 girl in a 1:20/30 guy ratio working environment, that sometimes they get too comfortable and treat me like as one of the boys, but I do not want find it a problem.  I realize now that at least I can be competitive like how these guys work.  At times that they just love to make fun of me and try to make me cry! Gladly I am still able to be put-up with their nasty jokes.  Sometimes you do not get the confidence because our culture can not avoid that the male race is smarter than the female species.  But then if you are able to build and to be their equals.

This will start that they either enjoy the competition or feel insecure and start to test and make your life really difficult. Oh well anyway, i am not too girly enough ...whatever that's your problem.  what's important i am happy :) ... i do not want to be the girl of will be too full of herself one day because of all the outer beauty she has

So even though I am working in an environment of men, with such number of males around me, one asks how come I still have a bf or am i too picky to be able to think that one of the guys can actually be good for me ... but then again you can ask them ... its because I am one of their Pare :p ...

My over analysis would have paid off at last and reading from my previous post about the Lion...people or women born on this year are of more of the masculine side, well if you get the context of what i mean (not that i am masculine!!grrr)...

December 12, 2006

The year of the Dog speaking from a cat's point of view

I told myself I ought to write this piece before the year ends ...
A friend told me that the Year of the Dog is bad for relationships
True, Never in my life (yet) did i hear the most tragic or blessing separation of partners/couples
Not that I am writing this for myself but surprising for me that it was not just me ...

Couple 1: just when the year started around February, both of these couples were our friends, 3 lovely kids aged(i think) 5-9, divorced after 10 years of marriage. As law provides (i think) kids stay with the mom not until they decide who they want to be with when they get older. So the Mom got all three kids in US. 
couple 2: me... well i do not think you want me to write about one of a hell telenovela segment ... that was February
Couple 3: one of my bestfriends. Her first and only bf. 1 girl kid aged 4. last march
Couple 4: A good highschool girl friend.  One kid, partner left her and impregnated another woman ...March
Couple 5: another 'alcoholic' Friend separated with another 'alcoholic' friend
Couple 6: A very good friend.  she is a mommy, husband left family with two adult kids for another woman after 28 years of companionship November
I thought Couple 6 was the last for the year ...
Couple 7: A 25 year-old work colleague.  A good friend.  long distance relationship.  He was planning to go to US this Holidays ... surprise his girlfriend and propose this Friday...not knowing his plan, girl told him she found someoneelse....december

You probably say its not just this year, but never in my circle of friends including myself to have this ala-pang-maalaala-mo-kaya? episodes.  7 of these fate brought me to them to be the ear to listen. So heartbreaking ...
anyway... i hope couple number 7 is the last for this year...

... sad, I never thought that reality is even more colorful and full of irony than those of in TV drama shows.

October 08, 2006

Only true Pinoy Does it

2 weeks after the typhoon Milenyo left wrath to my country Philippines, more than 200 died, the President declared state of calamity to the capital Manila,
and donations local and international are given to the victims of Milenyo. 

1 day after the typhoon hit the country i arrived in Manila, after having to argue mentally with myself should i pursue flight and go ahead on my weekend home or just stay after project interest convicing from my team mates, i made into finality of my spending of weekend at Makati. 
Anyway, as i arrived the airport, surprised why is it so dark from the bridge going towards the immigration, I overheard someone say "naku wala pa atang kuryente!".  She was right, we arrived and there were no aircons and limited power for light is only available.
But amidst such chaos in an international airport, where would you ever see a local traditional band playing traditional folk songs to welcome guests and balikbayans... only in the Philippines.

On my way home, i saw the bill board frames that feel to the ground due to the strong winds yet, I still see some kibitzers taking pictures near the condemned structure.

Again in this situations, you can see what the real Filipino is.  It doesnt seem to affect a Pinoy even if he is in a calamity. Is it because he is used to in staying in a country that belongs to the asia-pacific ring-of-fire. Where Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods and typhoons always hit the country all year round.

even after a storm, or a typhoon, or eathrquake you see the filipino still can manage to smile.  Even so he is eating relief goods of canned sardines and packed noodles.

I even can remember, i was in Grade 5 when the deadly earthquake hot the Major island in the north of the Philippines.  Structures fell to the ground, and my dad have to literally park his truck on the highway for days so patient just to get our ration for petrol.(I can not imagine that Filipinos can be displined in queue if they want to!)

Where else in the planet can you see children and neighborhood people laughing, smiling, pushing each other trying to steal scene  from the new reporter on site who is on duty covering during a disaster.
Yes the Pinoys are funny. They seem not to take any problems seriuosly. They still always manage to smile.

During this times, you can also see when "bayanihan" (helping-each other) floats amongst the attitude of the disaster stricken province. Very inspiring.
We sometimes forget to realize this... the Filipinos always have this atu-psyche within themselves that there would be a rainbow or a sun after a rainy day. We are one of the born humans who are naturally hopeful and sunny in disposition.

The frustrations and devastation are there but what we do not know what floats within each true pinoy if you can not observe is our positive attitude towards problems.

sad to say, you did not see this people when the Hurricane Katrina hit US.  They maybe far more richer than us, but Sad to say that you saw how violent they went when they have to line for their ration of petrol that you might get shot, violence instead of patience.
Maybe because they are not used to it. I hope it is something for them to learn not to take things for granted ... and they can learn from us.

Even how i was embarassed and frustrated that 2 days after i arrived the airport i went back there were still no power and not even fans. And yes it was terribly hot and heard foreigners talking who else would like to come back in the Phlippines. Well despite of this, I would not exchange my bieng Filipino to be one of them.
Well soon i hope and i know just months after that Milenyo, Manila will be back to normal, and i am sure those two foreigners talking will eat their words and will be back in my country...Only in the Philippines. :)

October 04, 2006

Of Success, Happiness, Wealth and Love

I would have read some blogs on Success and Happiness now i got one email that i think is more logical and i'd stick to what this has to say:

A WONDERFUL STORY ON  LOVE vs.Money

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out." 
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
 
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked. 
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with lo! ve!"

"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
 
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The o! ld men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"

September 13, 2006

another helping of my over-analysis of whatever

I learned that first impression lasts.  When getting introduced the first time wherever to whoever or whenever, make sure to be ready and present yourself neat, and be impressive. 

We judge a lot and time comes that we are very scared when we think people will judge us.  There is this one friend who was so perfectionist and or i say conventional and criticize what the reality or what he thinks immoral some actions are, and right now i guess he is in what he thinks socially unaccepted state, my intuition tells me that he is scared to be judged by people and he avoids seeing his friends

nice format resume will attract an employer when they are doing shortlisting, specially when they receive bulk emails, they do not actually read the contents.  that takes place when it has been shortlisted. remember that the resume sells you. So you have to make it nice, brief and content-quality.

It is useful to look smart and talk smart even if you are not much very familiar of a subject.  Just make sure not to get caught.  Impression will look like that you know the subject even if you are as if-you know it ;) you can deceive someone.  I am not saying that it is nice to deceive, but sometimes at work, you need to look you are skilled, then after do the research in case they follow-up.

A proper hand shake is a FIRM grip (not too firm that as if your angry) but a good sincere hand shake.  i find bland when people do not know how to shake hands, some shake hands as if they are scared to let someone hold their hands.

A man can both successful in carrer and lovelife, it is difficult for a woman to be successful in both like a man. 

Success is not always happiness but happiness is success; happiness is passion, passion brings you to success

True friends are not just there to tell you what you want to hear but are also there to tell what you need to hear

True friends are sincere to what they promise

Some think it is always easier to blame somebody/something else for your fault, it also takes away the guilt

Some people would cover their insecurities by material wealth, some would make an lie excuse to divert insecurities and pressure

If I was a cat, I realized that the saying "If the cat is away, the mouse will play" is same as true for humans as well

I rather be an old maid rather than to be with a man who i do not see growing old with

never be loyal to your company because they will never be loyal to you

Scars never heal, you get use to it

After break ups we avoid streets and locations at a certain time for they are like emotional land mines.  I felt it was true at first, but i did not avoid the land mine, I conquered got over it and got used to it.  And yes i can without crying

Trust no one but yourself

September 09, 2006

A my and his story

Weeks of just watching MTV since there are no other English channel i felt that these songs are my songs :

Smile by Lily Allen
when you first left me
I was wanting more
but you were f**king that girl next door
what did you do that for

when you first left me
I didnt know what to say
I'd never been on my own that way
just sat by myself all day

I was so lost back then
but with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

now you're calling me up on the phone
so you can have a little whine and
a moan it's only because you're feeling alone

at first when I see you cry
yeah it makes me smile
yeah it makes me smile
at worst I feel bad for a while
but then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

whenever you see me
you say that you want me back
and I tell you it don't mean jack
no it dont mean jack

I couldn't stop laughing
no I just couldn't help myself
see you messed up my mental health
I was quite unwell

I was so lost back then
but with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

now you're calling me up on the phone
just to have a little whine and
a moan it's only because you're feeling alone

at first when I see you cry
yeah it makes me smile
yeah it makes me smile
at worst I feel bad for a while
but then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

lalala (x26)

at first when I see you cry
yeah it makes me smile
yeah it makes me smile
at worst I feel bad for a while
but then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

lalala (x7)

at first when I see you cry
it makes me smile
yeah it makes me smile
at worst I feel bad for a while
but then I just smile
I go ahead and smile


Fairytale Gone Bad
Music: Samu Haber, Jukka Backlund


This is the end you know
Lady, the plans we had went all wrong
We ain’t nothing but fight and shout and tears

We got to a point I can’t stand
I’ve had it to the limit; I can’t be your man
I ain’t more than a minute away from walking

We can’t cry the pain away
We can’t find a need to stay
I slowly realized there’s nothing on our side

Out of my life, Out of my mind
Out of the tears that we can’t deny
We need to swallow all our pride
And leave this mess behind
Out of my head, Out of my bed
Out of the dreams we had, they’re bad
Tell them it’s me who made you sad
Tell them the fairytale gone bad

Another night and I bleed
They all make mistakes and so did we
But we did something we can never turn back right

Find a new one to fool
Leave and don’t look back. I won’t follow
We have nothing left. It’s the end of our time

We can’t cry the pain away
We can’t find a need to stay
There’s no more rabbits in my hat to make things right

Out of my life, Out of my mind
Out of the tears we can’t deny
We need to swallow all our pride
And leave the mess behind
Out of my head, Out of my bed
Out of the dreams we had, they’re bad
Tell them it’s me who made you sad
Tell them the fairytale gone bad

ps.(of course the singer is a guy but you change the gender state to fit why I felt it was my song)

September 08, 2006

Spinster to be

It occured to me months ago I guess I'm going to be a spinster. Yep, an old maid.  Spinster is the the female bachelor.  So you ask me what made me think I'm going to be one of them?

I do not know.  I just felt like Im going to be one.  Actually i've already have accepted the fact about it.  Maybe that is my calling, im not sure, but i can feel it.  Hehe, so you feel pity for me now, do you?  Or for the guys out there, now you feel indifferent towards me?

Anyway, I think it is a choice.  After trying to think and open the idea of bieng involved with someone else again, and listen to friends advice that i should go out and be dating again, and so i tried to be a person desireable for men that they can date me. So i tried to groom my self well and be at least a lady girly girl.  Try to act dumb and be humble so they won't get scared.  I go out with some girl friends for night outs, 7 months and nada.  My market has been slow, no customer! I did not expect this would be this difficult when you get older (and wiser)!  So a