Bingo est Lotto

Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become. -Bishop Westcott

There, the two game numbers where my age is still included. Officially today, I graduate from the calendar numbers. By golly wow, parang nde ko ramdam, lol (translation: batang-isip pa din). What a journey it has been, as Manang Lea would sing. From the barrio lass who walked to and from her public school, to being a high school extra- curricular activities addict shifting to being a college computer junkie, I have travelled to a number of places and experienced different cultures. However, I would much rather prefer the real world – taxes and all, and leave the student life to memory. Being employed simple meant – may pera na ako, wuhoo!! (regardless of the amount, fact is I now become a contributing member of the society) If you’re a regular student like me, you would agree na sakto lang pera palagi. Photostats were just way too much and consumed most of the extra money left in my pocket.

My sincere thanks to all my friends from Subic, Penang, KL, Singapore, Manila and Brunei for all the friendship and the bonding I had while I was stationed in each place. My life is not perfect, but you sure made it fun and worthwhile.

Thank You for such a wonderful experience. Now a new chapter begins. Will North America be as warm and inviting as Asia? I truly hope so. After all, every race is everywhere now. Just last weekend, amoy danggit sa labas and we had itlog na pula from ‘Es Em’ grocery store. It sure feels homey.

The Great Migration

Today’s Thought: “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” - African Proverb

After the long wait, I’m now here where I hope to start a new chapter of my life. I try to keep with me all the beautiful memories from countries I lived in, friends I have come to love and food that’s truly Filipino and stuffed them all in my luggage. The foods are almost gone, save for a few but, my heartful thanks to the internet (again), I can still keep in touch with friends.

Last few days in Brunei was tagged by Mimi as the ‘Lost’ series as we trailed the steep slopes of Bukit Shah Bandar. The airport incident was a big headache but I was just so thankful to friends and colleagues who helped me until I was able to get a new ticket. I hope their anxiousness to get me to the next available flight was not a sign of ‘good riddance’ but they were simply being helpful as usual, hehe.

Midnight madness could be the perfect description of what I experienced right after I got to my condo in Pasig. That broker was just so unprofessional and utterly lacking of common sense. I’ll be forever thankful to Pam and Mang Marcy who helped me contact my broker and lent me their place, though they just met me that night at the lobby. The heart of Filipinos will always be helpful and accommodating to those in need, save for my broker.

All the frustrations I felt were easily washed away by the overwhelming warmth of seeing and spending time with friends. Just sad that I wasn’t able to see any of my college friends as they were busy with their own family, but it was enough to see my housemates, ‘wedding friends’ and former officemates. Of course, HS amiga Cjay was just delirious over the DVD I gave him. Mic-mic uttered a loud sigh after finding out I could buy her Wu Chu (?) DVDs had she told me she is a fan of him.

My PH stop-over might not have covered Camsur nor Bohol as I hoped, but our Batangas weekend getaway, mall tours and late night chikahan were more than enough ‘pabaon’ of good times together with friends. Even met Dominika and toured her in CCP and MOA as it was her first time in Manila.

And finally, after 20 hours of travel, unfortunately spent with lbm (I’m never flying JAL again!!!!....), I’m home to my adoptive country and together again with my family. Great news that my dad’s papers are already approved and are being processed right now. What could have become of our house in PH, I’ll just worry about that later. For now, I’m recuperating from jetlag (I woke up 3am here and couldn’t sleep) and from stomach problem. I was already asleep by 10pm and already awake by 5:45AM. This is so unusual for me who usually wakes up at 10 in the morning. My body is still adjusting, give me the weekend to recover and I’m sure to be back to the same takaw-tulog me.

Rush Hour

"Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.” -Maurice Setter

It’s been a very hectic month of April for me but I have no reason to complain. On the contrary I love every minute of it. I wake up with the sound of beautiful music in my head and feel so light these days. Though there was a brief awkward moment and this happened when the boss asked for my passport for work permit re-chap and I had to tell them that it’s not with me at the time. I was supposed to give my notice letter on the same day but naunahan. So of course, they were caught in surprise and were aghast that I want to stay until 15^th May only. Discussions ensued but not for long. They decided they will wait for my passport which was supposed to arrive that same week before finalizing everything. And sure enough, it came (with a hefty collect payment price). So it was decided that my last day in Brunei will be on the 30^th April, earlier than I anticipated but I’m okay since I still have time to meet Jojo in PH, I can stretch my vacation until after May 18. Now I’ve finished all document deliverables and just waiting for my last project meeting. My garage sale is complete and my luggage is ready.

Since last week, I have been occupied with meeting up with friends. Thank goodness for internet we can still keep in touch and see each other’s adventures through the web. I just had open house with very tasty caldereta, Mimi’s mom’s specialty – chicken pandan and a humongous chocolate cake.



Saturday was shabu-shabu dinner at Fratinnis in Kampong Ayer - good food and ambiance that is uniquely Malay and Bruneian.

Sunday was late meryenda with a few gym friends.

Monday was delivery of last of my sale and sauna time for me. Carol is back in Brunei so we had late dinner with my fave Mango Fish. House guest was Mark, sitting in for the couple. Too bad Lucas is sick. Today and tommorow are last stretch for work hand-over. After that, its Manila baby! Hello traffic jam, noise pollution and air pollution but still, there’s no gimik life like Manila’s.

Importing Filipino Time

“Math tells us 3 of the saddest love stories. Tangent lines who had 1 chance to meet and then parted forever. Parallel lines who were never meant to meet. And asymptotes who can get closer and closer but will never be together.”

Les Mills Class Launch, my last launch class from FZ. And it had to be ruin by bad time management. They just could not agree on what time to start it. 6PM was the announcement but the first 2 classes started past 6:30PM and the third class started way before 6:20PM. That is such a bad customer service for me. It’s such a simple matter to organize a gym class event that I cannot fathom why they blundered on this one. So many members complain and I even heard some didn’t join the class because of this conflicting time schedule but I don’t think they really expressed it to management – it was all locker talk. For all the mishaps I witnessed during several events at the gym, I verbally relay it to the managers, instructors and receptionists. Most of these are Filipinos, in fact the gym is like 80% Pinoy staffed. So it was so heartbreaking to experience the repeated mistake amid the feedbacks I’ve already expressed to them. Trigger factor of my rant was when they did not want me to join a particular class because the dress code was red or/and white and I was wearing read & black. Why would I wear a gear that is far from the color code? Simply because the poster had the model wore my color and there was no announcement about the attire. Of course, they denied this saying they texted everyone. Well, clearly not everyone. And isn’t it a shame to refuse me to join the class when other guests – none paying participants (because the launch was for public and not restricted to members only) to join because of some attire code that I, a paying member of almost a year now, was not informed about? A Filipina receptionist lent me a white shirt which I wore and yes, I still joined the class though I was late. But I was steaming with anger. This should be the last of this mistake. I cannot take bad management sitting down and doing nothing especially if it affects me dreadfully. I wrote the management a very long email and they were kind enough to reply the following day. Now I’m at peace and have high hopes this will never happen again as the reply promised. It might reflect immediately to the Filipina manager but this has nothing to do with her personally. I like her as a kababayan, she’s fun to be with and is always the life of the party. But this is constructive criticism and I want to correct obvious mistakes. After all, it is a gym club and only positive energy is nurtured and welcome. No grudge please.

Eye Candy

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.” -Helen Keller

Bukit Shah Bandar is Brunei’s remarkable nature trail. And it’s free for public use and yet, very well maintained. How cool is that? It’s also just about 20minutes drive from the city and is just beside Empire Golf and Country Club should you wish to spend a lavish afternoon tea break after climbing the hills of Shah Bandar. Thank you very much Mimi for taking time and inviting me to see this place. Nakahabol pa before I leave and it was worth it. The whole experience was so unforgettable because it was mixed with so many ‘lost’ moments. First, I got in the wrong lane and ended in Trader’s Inn hotel and back to Gadong. It was my first time to drive there alone and the sign was put after the road separates and is hidden in the bushes. But that was a minor ‘lost incident’ compared to what was awaiting us on top of the hills. We started a bit late coz Mimi came from work and I got ‘lost’ on my way there so it was already 5:40ish when our walk started. By 6:30, we were exhausted and can only finish 1 trail. We reached the 4^th hut though and on our way back, Mimi decided to be more adventurous and try the other trail going down the hill. The sky was getting dark and with all the trees in the woods, it was even darker in the ground. After all, I read somewhere that only 5% of the sun’s ray reaches the forest ground. It was exciting though since it felt like we were in some adventure movie – ala Narnia, Lord of the Rings, you get the drift. After about 10 minutes and we cannot see any sign of parking area or highway and just trees abound us, Mimi confirmed that we were indeed lost. We decided to run back from where we came from and just use the trail we used going up. We had to run because it was already dark and the park closes at 6:30PM and it was way passed that time. Lost count how many times we said careful to each other because of the steep road, some paved, some rocky but all very narrow. By 7:20ish, were out of the jungle and were so glad to see the highway. Only 4 cars were left and there were 3 guys chatting there. Apparently, they were about to find the owners of the 2 cars – my and Mimi’s, and were sure we were lost. Told them our story and thanked them profusely.

To reward our hard work and triumph – coz we sure felt like amazing race winners, we had buko juice! Sure trench our thirst.

And final ‘lost’ moment for me as I can’t seem to reach Bandar. It was dark and again my first time to drive on that rode alone and at night. After so many turns, I finally got it. I could have enjoyed the ride it is was daytime and was not exhausted from walking and running. I missed Cel’s birthday party and I’m sure there were lots of goodie food – she’s a good cook, but I’m still happy over the whole event. Unforgettable indeed!

Un-Filipino?

“Never let the things you want make you forget the things you already have.”

I’m in the last phase of visa processing. Had my picture taken, renewed my passport (for a whooping BND85 bucks) and fedexed my new passport to the embassy. In two weeks time or less, it will be returned to me and I’m good to go. Already my youngest sis is starting her list of ‘pabili’ and top of her list is a magic sing chip. You can take away the Pinay out of the Philippines, but you can’t take the Philippines out of the Pinay, lol. My friends here are in excited about the list of stuff that I will be selling on my impending garage sale. My car has a lot of buyers and one even went to our flat as early as last Thursday although they are very much aware that I plan to go back to Manila by middle of May. My stuffs are hot and they know it, lol.

Of course, in the middle of the raucous, I popped my close cyber friends and told them I have good news for me. Funny how they really know me well that Jojo gave three guesses: a) My papers got approved finally; b) I have a new bf; c) I got a big bonus. Told her how I wish they’re all true at the same time but I’m just happy that dream numero uno is positive. The latter will come, hopefully before next season, hehe. Jocy is already inviting me to do a ‘CSI’ - meaning tour Vegas, Miami and New York. Told her I’ll check my schedule. Dominika said she’ll definitely be in Canada by June and wants to know if we can meet. Superb. I still haven’t broken the news to my bridesmaid friends and those that I’ll be seeing in Manila. I have to arrange my 2 weeks in Manila first and be sure to meet HS friends, college friends, ex-officemate friends and ex-housemates. I want to meet them all and my list of inaanak. Also, it’s mandatory to meet my relatives but I’m actually looking forward to seeing some of them.

Now that everything is final and the waiting is over, one thought come running back to my mind. Not so long time ago, my ex-officemates and I were just chatting over lunch and the issue of brain drain in PH popped up. The pros and cons of migrating and how much better it is to be living in your own country amidst everything that’s happening (latest are Hello Garci, ZTE deal, Gucci Gang, to name a few). When asked why I am still in Manila despite the fact that my family has already migrated abroad, an officemate answered the question for me. I don’t want to be a second rate citizen daw. At that time, he didn’t know that I have my papers submitted already. Nakikisagot kasi. But that phrase made me think. Do immigrants feel like and treated like second rate citizens? I know for a fact that this is definitely not true as my family hasn’t felt that except for an encounter with a bitchy saleslady. But, that’s all. Patulan mo ba ang saleslady? Not that I’m demeaning the position but you know what I mean.

As a student, did I ever felt like a second rate citizen? Growing up and studying in 2 public elementary schools, I see teachers play favorites, school libraries that have a policy of no overnight borrowing of decade old books and school canteens that sell mostly candies and junk food. And I thought that was the norm. Until I met very few teachers who really want to educate and kind to the poor students who can’t afford to buy stuffs the school is selling instead of berating them and making them stand at the back of the room the whole day. That libraries can have the latest books, magazines and encyclopedia that you can actually touch and read without the librarian eyeing you like a hawk.

The entire lifetime that I was I a tax paying citizen working in Manila, did I always feel like a 1^st rate citizen? Commuting through the hell that was coastal road, racing through the streets to chase after a bus and wrestling your way in and hanging on to dear life while the bus drives through a potholed road, I was always reminded how poor the Philippines is and how corrupt the system is. Our very own baranggay chairman, who for some miracle, has been elected again after his term, has only succeeded in having another wife and literally kicking the deaf wife out of the house. Our baranggay is still the same though, except for a new baranggay office and a waiting shed (a not very nice one at that) at the end of the street going his house.

With my previous employer, it is an ‘encouraged’ and practiced culture to stay way past after working hours. The boss will raise his eyebrow (although not known to be a queer) if you try to go home pronto and this incident will be the major if not the only thing that will be remembered come appraisal day. But this does not guarantee overtime pay. My job includes covering for overseas counterparts when their work ends – cannot call them unless it’s a really an emergency. However, we got calls in unholy hours and weekends included because we had to take charge of our own clients. It doesn’t work the other way around. I stayed there and tolerated it for a while. That was my norm. One brazen manager (rest in peace, just in case) often tells the newbies that they are dispensable so just be grateful for the job.

Does migrating mean becoming a second rate citizen in a first world country? I doubt it, although I doubt I will never encounter such, after all, each has its own demon to battle. But I’ll take my chances. I’m reading about my soon to be new country and state, and I like what I read so far. Very well organized and the OC in me rejoices.

Why not stay and help PH instead? Well, can I not help if I’m based abroad? Last time I checked, the Philippine economy is fueled by the money OFWs send while that fu#%$#ng POEA fees feed the fat assess of those in position. That may only amount to pennies and cents compared to ZTE kickback, but these breed of alligators will suck everything they can. I love Philippines and I love my friends there and will surely miss them, but I just can’t stay anymore. Now I’ll stop here before this reads like a break-up letter. As for break ups, nothing beats a Sarah Silverman – Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel – Ben Affleck gig. Cheers!

Singleness

“Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.” - Maurice Setter

Four years after I submitted the documents for immigration (yes, I have long decided to be a citizen of another country), I finally got a reply. Talk about backlogs! I have heard so many people tell me that I should have gone through an agency so it will be faster and I’ll be guaranteed positive results. I at times almost believed them as I’ve heard a lot of people whose documents were approved before mine. Good thing I was/still am busy living life and enjoying the journey that I never felt bad that it’s taking too long. Well, maybe on bad days but I try to bounce back to the happy side asap, hehe. So, here I was trying to be a diligent OFW when out of the blue, the papers came. And the correspondence never stops. Updated documents here and there were requested. Kkapagod nga coz I have to process them in PH. Thank goodness for family and friends who helped but I still have to send authorization letters. One new requirement document baffles me and even made me snigger – Certificate of No Marriage or Singleness. It was the first time I’ve heard of it. Apparently, it’s a new certificate issued by NSO and is now a major paper requirement for my application. Panalo di ba? I have no qualms about it and when push comes to shove, I might consider laminating it for display on my office desk or facebook, might increase my chances of getting more dates… or I’m counting that people might simply think of me as looney, lol. Maybe it’s the government’s way of making sure Filipinos will have second thoughts about polygamy but I doubt if it’ll stop them from having kulasisi. Now nobody in PH can cry foul that their lover lied to them about their marital status. I just hope the immigration does not extend this requirement and make it like the police clearance they asked me for – 1 for each country that I lived in for a minimum of 6 months. That’ll be tough to gather and expensive. But I’m through submitting papers and my dear spring, here I go.

Ano Daw?! Part 2

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

Well, I didn’t know that you can actually buy air should you opt to. Neither am I aware that you can actually but air for a price of a dozen bathroom tissue. But this is what I thought the first time I read this tag line from this tissue brand. Oh well, never fails to make me smile in that shitty part of my room, lol..

Couldn’t Be Anymore Chinese than Here

"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet." -Anonymous

It took me to be located in a Muslim country to experience Chinese New Year full blast – open house lunches, afternoon snacks or pika-pika and dinner invitations from Chinese boss and acquaintances, and of course the most exiting part, am pao. The latter makes me feel like a young girl back in our streets knocking on neighbors doors on Christmas day asking for pamasko. Good old times. CNY is the only occasion that I’m actually on the receiving end of money. And it’s been a long time since that happens, $1:PHP25 pesos pa! LOL. I often see news about CNY celebration on TV and newspaper and back in Eastwood, it’s a week long celebration complete with all sorts of psychic reading – from tarot to palm reading and etc. But that’s the closest I was able to get. Not even when I was in college and one third of the class were Chinese. Not even that my Auntie’s husband is Chinese (he’s so Pinoy that he cannot speak Chinese anymore). Not even when I stayed in Penang where only a quarter my officemates were not Chinese and the fact that the island’s main inhabitants are Chinese. Not even when my ex is Chinese (well, that’s another story, hehe). In short, walang nag invite sken, lol (sounds bitter pero nde naman, reality lang).

So I’m glad I experienced CNY here and to personally witness how a big deal it was. My gym even closed on 7^th February, the 1^st day of the year of the Rat. It compensates for the almost non-existence of 31st December eve celebration here.

Muslim Weddings

"When love beckons you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep, And when his wings enfold you, yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you, believe him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste in the garden. " - Kahlil Gibran

Another noteworthy experience is going to local weddings. Firstly, I have to thank Jocy and Mimi for lending me their baju kurung. It’s the local dress worn during formal occasions and as office formal attire for girls particularly with government employees. Our equivalent to Baro’t saya. But who wears them now, really? For local guys here, office attire is your regular Makati yuppie. They wear their traditional dress or Baju Melayu for formal occasions and prayer time.

You have to give kudos to the people here for having such true loyalty to their local attire. The more expensive Bajus are adorned with hand woven embroideries. During Hari Raya which is celebrated after fasting season and runs for one month, families usually wore dresses of the same garment. Super terno talaga, hehe.

In the picture is our client dressed in a majestic baju. It’s a week long celebration and we were invited by the groom, hence we were at his residence. The bride-to-be is in her own residence having a feast with her own guests. The groom will go to her place and his less than 6 steps walk from their doorway to the car must be covered under an umbrella.

Though the celebration stretches from 4 to 5 days, the days do not last long. Unlike in the Philippines where it could last for at least 3 hours (yan ay kung walang karaoke session to follow, lol). Each guest was handed a souvenir gift once they arrive. The female relatives will walk from table to table to shake hands or Salam with each female guest. The male relatives will go to the male guests and shake hands as well. Yes, females and males are seated separately. There will never be an opportunity to mingle and eye for single girls and guys here, too bad huh? After that, a prayer will start the celebration and the feast begins. As soon as the guests have eaten, all leftovers are up to grabs. Take-out or Tapao plastics are available and everyone dugs in. Everything usually takes less than 45 minutes and guests starts to go back home.

As for the newly weds, the celebration is ended with a honeymoon. Now that part is universal and no color or religion makes any difference. ^_^

Brain Meat

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to listen to each other's stories." - Rebecca Falls

Another brilliant marketing strategy brought to you by a famous hotel (not just here I’m sure). I love meat but how can I lust for having a piece if it shows a picture of a whole cow? Cowabangga! He looks so cute and innocent that this ad actually forces me to go on fish and veggie diet. Nice job Sheraton.

Ano Daw?!

"Nothing in this world that's worth having comes easy." - Dr. Cox

Fitness Zone is promoting its café and is giving away free mugs for renewals and new members. But how can they possibly entice members like me to try their drinks when I get this feeling that it may somehow deteriorate my brain and my sense of spelling. What’s with the drink? Lead? Or maybe it’s a marketing strategy – pa shock effect. Well, if it’s the latter, they got me there, hehehe. I’m still not buying it though.