a touch of me

4th quarter

2009-11-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

2nd sem started formally this week, and since there will be lots of holidays coming which includes Christmas and New year's break, colleagues told me that most likely will only have 6 weeks to complete the whole semester.

Obviously, the topics per syllabus this sem was much more compared to the previous one. Plus I had additional subjects to teach which makes me hurrying doing advance studies. I'm sure it'll be a more tough battle this time. Current load makes me visible on all levels, including the supposed graduates next year. Glad it's considered as minor only and research/interviews of people in the field could compensate or make the subject more interesting.

While I'm focus dealing with time management this sem, don't know what happened last week as my stomach gets upset again. Making me worried once feeling the same symptoms. Sometimes makes me crazy to think of dying early. Well yeah, perhaps being a good girl after all is worthy because after that, one doesn't need to feel anymore the pain, difficulties and heartache. Don't think that I'm a quitter, it's just that I've grown tired doing lots of things for everybody (doesn't mean pleasing them)...Neither have regrets doing it if I'll be given another chance. It was my joy to give almost everything and expect nothing in return. If there was something to be given back, for me it was like a taste of heaven!

And if I have more time or opportunities along this journey, the things I would like to do would be the fulfilment as a person and not to have the material things nor achieving my dreams. I guess, God has already blessed me for all the experiences and things I achieved. To tell the people I love, that I love them,to laugh with them more often, to be with them, to be a blessing for others... so that at the end, I could be worthy enough facing my Creator.

Hat's off to you Survivor

2009-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Thou it seems like no one is following this blog or being nice or considerate enough to drop comment, I won't be discourage nor hinder from updating this blog of mine. But still, I had hopes of course to gain friends over here.

Anyway, 1st sem is over but it's been a busy week for me in computing my student's grades. More so, in preparing other documents for my clearance in which if I hadn't complied with will be the reason of me not in the payroll list this month. Ouch, it can't be since I had so many obligations (means bills to be payed for). So, hurry....lol

Also done this week was the closure of the deal on our historic jeep, which was on sale for sometime now. I haven't had a picture of it actually until the actual day it was sold. And while their towing it away from it's usual place, I was crying and turned back to ease the pain. Loosing and selling it was hard on our part, especially for mom. It was a very special thing for her, something very near on her heart. And why it couldn't be so?

This jeep has been with us for more than 20yrs. It was my parents first vehicle bought and thou it wasn't brand new when bought, we had considered it then as new. This jeep was our transport means for all the goods to the store back and forth. From the original padyak (pedicab - bicycle with 3 wheels), that's why they named him Survivor. It was my late father's baby, he droves it along Ayala Avenue to Pasong Tamo Makati back then and later to our home place area now. This jeep was usually my sundo (service) during flood days in Intramuros and going home from evening classes. It was then my sundo again (service) when I started working. And to the other many countless service days whenever Tatay (father) would like to visit our relatives or take the family outside for bonding.

There's just so, so many good memories with Tatay's jeep. And just like everything, it has also grown old. The paint fainted, the metal tarnished and the seats had been broken. Yet the heart of it, which is it's motor is still alive. Yet, after father died 7 years ago, it hardly ever left it's parking or better say ever run again. I really don't know what happened, I was still in Taiwan then. Don't know why my brothers whom I should say expert drivers, never had the guts to drove Tatay's jeep again. It's late when we learned that it already lost it's franchise and can't be renewed again. Thus, leaving mother to finally decide selling what I should say, her most material possession.

I asked her, " Nay, ok ka lang ba talagang ibenta ang jip? eh souvenir nyo yun ni Tatay. importante yun sa yo." (Mom, are you really ok, selling the jeep? it's yours and father's souvenir. It's important to you). She then utter to me, " Oo, ok lang. Matagal na din syang nakaistambay lang. Tama na yun. Si Tatay mo, kasama natin kahit saan. " (Yes, it's ok. It's been in the parking for a while. I think it's enough. Your father, will always be with us."

And before it finally roll out, I took a picture of her and the jeep for the very last time. I'm glad she's smiling and I'm sure even it's already gone, her memories with this jeep will always be with her. Hat's off to you Survivor.

Notes as ma'am newbie

2009-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last week was a bit hectic schedule for me. With short notice that it's already midterm, it only left me in a panic state preparing for the test exams. More to my dismay, I haven't cover all the topics yet. Partly blaming myself, but isn't it schedule should had been posted or disseminated in advance. OK, so I slip this time and hopefully has learned.

I guess bosing heard my silent protest as September activities was now at the board. Whoa, there will be a total of 3 days off due to holidays and the college semestral field trip for this month. Although am happy since it'll gonna be a long weekend, but obviously will need to do double time for the finals. Uh oh, sounds not so good for me since I'm doing parallel studies with my students. I guess would only mean four times for me to move ahead.

Ask me now if I like what I do? honestly, I can't exactly say that I like it or doesn't at all. There are pros and cons of course. Perhaps it's because I'm still adjusting so let's see what will happen next. And that so far are my experiences in the academe world. Will keep you posted...

Oh by the way, it's September already and "ber months" normally means Christmas period esp that it's the first month. Wow, Christmas is near again! have a good weekend everyone.

It's August again!

2009-08-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

A week from now, I'll gain another year. I won't post the exact number, OK... I'm still young anyway. But it's interesting to know the changes that lays ahead on this new period of my life.

Interesting - for instance, family members somehow are pushing me to get married. In my thoughts, I had a venue, a motif, the ninong's & ninang's lists as well as the entourage are in completion. But what's lacking is the groom, the most important person... uh oh, so let's see if it'll be this year.

Apologies if I got excited on that thought, I guess all ladies out there would normally feel the same. I once mentioned to a dear friend that it's always exciting to know the ending of once love story. This is esp when most of my friends and colleagues get married. Nevertheless, whatever the Lord has prepared for me is still enormously inspiring.

And after 6years, I'll be celebrating again my birthday with the family. It won't be a grand one, bottom line what matters to me is to celebrate it with the important people in my life. Thanking God as well for sparing me to be alive and still kicking. And, hopefully close friends could come. It's heart warming once people remember you and able to come on your special day right.

And thou a part of me is still recuperating from it's loss. I'm hoping that it'll be over soon. As they say, love is like a wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it. But love just like the wind, once it passed you by, won't come back to where it belongs. But the perfect meaning of love was actually quoted in the bible from 1 Corinthian 13:4-8 and would like to walk with it from now on...

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.

In loving

2009-08-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

When someone asks, how are you today? normally, one would utter "I'm OK...I'm good" Actually, I always thought that it's always the case regardless the situation is. Meaning, one would expect an affirmative remark. And always been a pleasure response especially if it comes from the heart.

But when your in despair, say for example because of a broken relationship, when something hoped for didn't materialize as expected and seems like everything keeps falling out of place. These exact same words are just so hard, so so hard to exclaim, but yet, most likely, you'll still say, "I'm OK".

I'm writing this because the second one is what I'm going through right now. And most of the time when it rains, it keeps on pouring and it pours a bit hard. Especially if it's related to matters of the heart.

After a long time, I trusted once again to give a part of my heart. Was now ready to take chances wherever the tides brush through. To fight hard for something I thought was mine. Unfortunately, I lost him. He may have grown tired of waiting patiently, or perhaps of my immaturity.

I hoped that I'll bring smile to your face whenever I come across your mind, because me, when I think of you, I can't help not to smile. I missed our silly fights and you always being the one soothing it. When are we going to do it again?...I hoped that I was somehow of helped to you when your learning life, in which you already had that sound wisdom. I missed how you assure me that you'll always be there making me feel so important to you out of your so busy schedule. I missed the many lenghty conversations we had and discussing it together. I'm so used to you....what should I do now? how to move on?

It's very sad that we ended up this way and I regret that I wasn't able to tell you how much you really mean to me. The time your asking why I was so guarded is actually because I'm struggling with my feelings...that I'm falling, falling so deelpy. I regret that I wasn't able to tell you...na mahal na kita ( I love you already)...question you've kept on asking and answer that you've kept on waiting....Not sure if we'll still meet, I guess if it's meant to be, then only time can tell and God only knows when. Take care always AI.

New opportunites at the doorstep

2009-07-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've been taking notes since last week to update this blog of mine which I haven't visited for a while. And as much as I would like to do it, my current to-do list prevents me from doing so. Not complaining thou, since those are more urgent than this one. Oh, please spare me...it's because of my new job that make me busy and visible again, in a very different industry that I've grown up with.

Well, yeah the usual routine at home somehow become boring and dull. It's not productive anymore, staring at the same four corners of the house. So I decided to look for at least a part-time job where I could be of more use.

Working in the industry would of course mean a full-time job, so the other option would be in food chains like service crew...joke joke, as if my age would qualify me...ha ha. So, the other option I thought was the academe world.

Yup, since last month I'm doing part time teaching in one of the universities for some basic and major subjects in the same field. The opportunity was really a blessing, because it was so near to where I lived plus it would prepare me shall I pursue further studies which I'm also planning for the next months.

Yeah, I'm starting to make plans again. I've felt that I should kept on going and move forward as to whatever is still left for me. Although there is no guarantee it will materialize, it's better to have purpose again than not having at all.

Make a wish....

2009-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

How time flies and little did I realize that it's almost six months now after I came back to the Philippines. Don't know exactly if it's really because time flies so fast or was because I've been busy attending to those things left and my starting a life once again after more than 5 years of absence.

Although waking up early and hurrying for work is no more an issue now. Home chores plus occasional to-do list including prospect dealings become my usual daily routine. In which, I often find more tiring, challenging and throbbing. A time where I wish that I was still in a country in which ignorance of the language is a bliss....still a small price thou to pay for such valuable enjoyment of being with my whole family...

More thanks to God for being such a comfort and strength in this bumpy ride. And am sure, His behind all this in order to mold me into the best possible person I could be.

Before I close this post, just want to share this song from the Prince Of Egypt entitled "When You Believe", sung by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston...I just love this song from both my favourite divas of all time...Also tried to I past the video, unfortunately there was an error. So, any help you could extend is much appreciated. So, I will leave with a chorus cut whilst me singing it loudly....

There can be miracles when you believe

Though hope is frail it's hard to kill

Who knows what miracles you can achieve

When you believe somehow you will

Manny Pacquiao, Philippines Pride

2009-05-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

My summer years as a teen usually involves watching my brothers play basketball on street leagues. There are also times when I watched Philippine National Basketball (PBA) live only for free at the ringside. But despite of this, I am simply a supporter, not a real sports enthusiast. Especially for those form of sports which seems brutal, like boxing. But obviously today, I don't have a choice than to sit back and watch Manny Paquiao buying for another world boxing title.

Though Manny is very famous due to several titles won over the past years in boxing, it would be my first time to see how he fights. Talk Asia interview of Manny also says that there is lesser crime in the Philippines during his fights because many of the Filipinos are watching. Meaning, in his own way, he's definitely a superstar or better say, a hero to most of us.

We started watching as early as 11am and need to wait for more than an hour prior the main event, where Manny will fight the champion Ricky Hatton from Britain. Heard from local media that 25,000 Brits flew from UK the other night just to watch the fight. There were also occasional teasing here and there between the Filipino crowd. Oh oh, sounds like a bloody event huh...It also made me laugh when pinoys make fond of the song London Bridge is falling down replacing it instead of Ricky Hatton's falling down...hahaha. Personally though I find British sophisticated, for this time, I will support my own. My very own kababayan (fellowmen).

More tension build-up when Manny and Ricky entered the arena. Brits crowd sang so loudly for Ricky. And thou I didn't hear Filipinos sing when Manny was introduced, there is tremendous screaming. Oh boy, if I was there, I will surely do the same. Screaming and cheering at the top of my lungs for Manny. Manny..Manny...Manny...plus singing pinoy, pinoy ako. Ipakita mo sa mundo. Kung ano ang kaya mo. Iba talaga ang pinoy (Filipino, Filipino, show it to the

world. What you can do?....Manny

As much as I hold my breath, I could see my mother and brother on the same mode while watching the 1st round. Ricky obviously is a tough contender, very aggressive like a bull. But Manny also shows determination facing his opponent with confidence. "That's it, go Manny, go" was what I can hear my mother is saying. Before the first round ends, Ricky was knocked down twice. Whoa!

The second round now becomes more exciting, I was looking now to what kind of strategy Ricky would do in order to recover. It was a real good fight, I almost thought that Manny has lesser points this time. But around 8 secs before the 2nd round end, Manny throw his left punch hitting Ricky so hard leaving him unconscious. Referee signal the end of the fight and paramedics came to administer Ricky. Whoa! that's it, Manny won the event. Manny...Manny....

Silently praying that nothing serious happened to Ricky, I was rejoicing for Manny. Graveh! it's overwhelming...so overwhelming that he gave such glory and pride to our country. Truly, despite the difficulties we had as a nation, there still lots of things to be thanked for and be proud for. Thank you Manny, thank you for making Filipinos proud because of your God given talent. Thank you for making me realize once again to be proud of being a Filipino.

Mabuhay ka Manny!!!

Memoirs of Kaohsiung - Part2

2009-04-05T00:28:00.001-07:00

And this post will be Part2 of my previous post.

Since I'm back to Taiwan for visit, I took the chance to take pictures of the spots where I usually spent time either wandering or shopping. Also to eat foods which I'll surely missed a lot.

Night Market. Apologies for the
blurred photo :B This Night Market opens only during Friday and Saturday's and as the word "Night" stands for, shopping starts from 7PM till 12MN. Other Night Markets in Kaohsiung like Downtown runs daily.

Dirty Kitchen. Expats coined this name for the resto just in front of Night Market. Well, the place might be, but the foods are surely delicious. I ate fried rice and clam soup that night.

KRT Houjin Station. 5 minutes away from my apartment. Bike and scooters are the usual means of transportation in Taiwan. This is of course apart from the transient prestigious cars you'll see everywhere.

Downtown. Across the bridge moving forward seats to electronic shops where one could buy the latest e-gadget available in the market.

3C Store. E-gadget stores are commonly called as 3C in Taiwan. Actually, their names varies only with respect to color, which could either be Yellow, Blue or White 3C.

This photo was inside Blue 3C where I bought my laptops cooling pad. 3 months past, the price is quite cheaper. Oh oh, I'd better hurry-up coz it's so tempting to buy :B

Inside the Bus. Well, my trip is done over for the day and thou it'll take me an hour to reach home, I took the bus. It's good I supposed for more reminiscing :B

By the way, buses are named by Numbers. They are all fully air-conditioned. So, if your a newbie, just ask the hotel DO which bus will reach your destination. It's also the same bus that will took you back to your hotel.

Public buses are also operated by the government. How I hope it'll be the same here in the Philippines. Yeah, because drivers don't mind to have passenger's or not. They'll just pass by on-time on their specific terminals. So, no to traffic. For newbies, just be sure you know what time the bus will arrive, otherwise, you'll wait for another 30-45 minutes :B

The last picture was me inside the bus and if your really a keen observer, you'll see something in here. Let's see if you guess it right :B

Have a safe and happy Holy Week to all.

Memoirs of Kaohsiung - Part1

2009-03-31T08:31:00.001-07:00

Yahoo, after 3 months of silence, I am nearly back to blogging...nearly? Yes, because somehow I think I have collected my thoughts back...he he. Oh oh, does it sound like some screw fell out...he he...Anyways, what I wanted to say is that I missed you and this blog thing and hoping to be a better blogger from now on.

So, before this month ends. Thank God our internet was activated today, thank you. A quick update of my life happenings.

Early this month, I was back to Taiwan to visit friends and finish unsettled business. Can't explain the joy upon arrival, or better say the joy upon my feet setting on the ground. Honestly, I loved this country from the bottom of my heart. And to my surprise, everything looked stunning that even the stingy tofu vendor and it's stinky smell became pleasant. Well, for those oy you people who've walked the streets of China town, I bet you know what I mean. @_@

So, here are some photos of what I can say, Taiwan-Kaohsiung at it's finest memories....hope that you could use it during your visit.

Kaohsiung Railway. There are actually 2 railways now in the downtown area. Early this year they opened KRT (Kaohsiung Rail Transit). It's a subway train and surely runs fast. Right side structure will bring you down to the terminal (almost 4 floors below the ground), and the left side will bring you to the oldest railway .

Splendor Hotel. Kaohsiung's tallest building with 85 floors which caters to offices, stores, restaurant and hotel.

NKMIT. A typical university school structure in Taiwan. Obviously shows the rich culture of the country. This school is just in front of my apartment.

FOODS. One doesn't need to worry with foods, since Taiwan has adopted western culture . You can choose and afford to eat even at the finest cuisine. Of course, it's better to taste their local food. And my favorite if you ask, fried rice and variants of friend foods popularly known as tusok by pinoys.

Promise of new beginning

2008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

I had this feeling for sometime now. Why would not I ? after returning from 3 months leave, the office was already full of new and new, yet old faces. It's surprises me thou to see the later because, those people have left the company for sometime and then go back with a continuous length of service. Oh well, where can you find such favor? anyway, I'm pretty sure they do know exactly what they're doing.

I do loved my job, there's no question about that. But with the recent changes of leadership, plus my health being compromised made me to consider resigning after a month. I do understand the employment risk of expats here in Taiwan. In a span of one month, hundreds of Filipino's where laid-off and sent home. Rules also become stringent in the company, say for example: once there's customer complain and mis-operation, the fault person will be automatically terminated. No negotiation, period and this rule applies to either local or foreign.

Despite the uncertain economy, thought of resigning made me think a lot. Perhaps the reason why I'm feeling low these past few weeks. Yet, decision has to be made. So, when I had the chance to talk to my manager, I boldly told him to lay-me off or transfer me to another team rather than suffer more misery later on with my leader. Mind you leader was my close friends before she got promoted, but started to complain favors I got from manager. Indeed, I was blessed to have higher favors.

Manager was good enough allowing my transfer and say good things about me. Why will I knew? he blind copy me on all e-mails sent to dept heads. He said, he can't afford to loose me, but only this crucial timing that need the transfer. Each time I saw it, I can't help not to shed tears. And though I'm trying to hold on for my love with my job, at the back of it, I knew staying isn't the answer.

I am about to go home for Christmas holidays using my 2 weeks force leave. But when I get my ticket yesterday, the HR personnel asked me to go to the meeting room. Oh boy, this must be something really serious, I said to myself. That's it, everything was settled there. I took my stuff back to office accompanied by a security. And thou I have prepared myself should matters gets worse, once you're there, it isn't enough. The blow of events strike me like a knife. I don't know how many hours I cried. What I knew is that my head kills me in pain and weigh so heavy that made me throw up. So once again, I was back to the hospital.

I rush to the clinic or hospital by myself most of the time. But tonight it's different, I have a christian companion with me. The fellowship was an encouragement and a reminder of my situation compared with other people. Certainly, if I will look on deeper, I have more things to be grateful for.

So, when I wake up this morning, I'm not hurrying for work anymore. The good night sleep last night was surprising. It enabled replenishment of God's promises for the new direction I'm going to face. Yes, I am jobless now, but I do believe His preparing better things for me than I had planned for myself. That all these things are connected with one another in order to meet God's ultimate plan for my life. You see, if I resigned earlier I will not get an SLP, it's not much, but it's a good start. Plus my papers update for immigration came-up timely. So what can I ask more, what can I complain in this situation. Nothing I supposed, but to give thanks to God and rejoice!

P.S. This blog will be in hiatus for a while...but I'm still here, talking... @_@

Greeting you in advance.....

A blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Atypical Monday

2008-12-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

It's atypical Monday for work today...hmm, it might be only me as colleagues seems to be in some sort of discussion or pretending to be busy in hitting their laptops keys. Well I think I had fairly done my share for today's need-to-do list and am sure, each one of us had their styles spending those not so very busy days right. Plus, we're still entitled to take break once in a while. So, spare me, I'm not being defensive OK....hahaha

And so, while waiting for the time signaling it's done for today, I browse on my archive mails and found this forwarded mail which made me almost fell out of my chair. It's funny, that I would like to share it with you guys. So enjoy a loud belly laugh as it takes years off your face and does surely makes you fabulous when you laugh.

Have a nice day ahead everyone!

=========================================================

There are 4 gents who go out to play golf one sunny morning. One is detained in the clubhouse, and the other three are discussing their children while walking to the first tee.

"My son Kent," says one, "has made quite a name for himself in the home-building industry. He began as a carpenter, but now owns his own design and construction firm. He's so successful in fact, in the last year he was able to give a good friend a brand new home as a gift."

The second man, no to be out done, tells how his son began his career as a car salesman, but now owns a multi-line dealership. "Norm's so successful, in fact, in the last six months he gave his friend two brand new cars as a gift."

The third man's son, Greg, has worked his way up through a stock brokerage, and in the last few weeks has given a good friend a large stock portfolio as a gift.

As the fourth man arrives at the tee, another tells him that they have been discussing their progeny and asks what line his son is in.

"To tell the truth, I'm not very pleased with how my son turned out," he replies. "For 15 years, Chico's been a hairdresser, and I've just recently discovered he's gay. However, on the bright side, he must be good at what he does because his last three boyfriends have given him a brand new house, two cars, and a big pile of stock certificates."

Simplicity is beauty

2008-12-08T00:33:00.000-08:00

Things aren't really going well recently and apparently, this mayhem has affected me more that expected. If there's something beneficial I see, is to often find myself wanting to post an entry. Perhaps as means to release tension, an escape from this roller coaster ride mix of emotion.

However, if that post would only mean to whine and groan, I would rather discard it. So, I choose to revert on positive thoughts and pray at the same time. Later, I also realized that it's really useless and tiring to feel down on something that is beyond my control. So, why waste this precious time!

While at office, I was able to do blog hopping and fortunate to come across a blog which really encourage me. Like a journal as it is, but what captured me most is the way he shared his beautiful photos. I was really shocked how beautiful the Philippines is. That blogger indeed savor every minute of the places his been with.

Not bragging, but I've been to several countries already and had taken remarkable photos that I could keep as memento of such travels. But what I learned from him is photography. It strike a chord on me to always take the shot on those times that it had taken my breath away, as simple as the sunset, the silhouette, a flower, oh and so much more, much much more. Simple right, my happiness is really simple you know.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

PS. I hurriedly check the available photos on my computer. It may not be the best, but it's one of those moments, so glad that God created such beautiful sight for free.

Sunset at Chin Ching Lake, Taiwan

On time of crisis (Part2)

2008-12-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Who's paranoid? I guess it's a normal thing nowadays as everyone is asking the latest update of ones status quo. Just like tonight, I bumped into another Filipino folk at work and heard that there were Filipinos sent back home as of today. So, I hurriedly checked the news for authenticity to end up my speculations and here's what I got, courtesy of gmanews.tv

2nd batch of laid-off OFWs arrives from Taiwan
12/02/2008 09:06 PM

MANILA, Philippines — A second batch of overseas Filipino workers who lost their jobs in Taiwan arrived in the country Tuesday evening, a radio report said.

Radio dzBB's Lito Laparan reported that the second batch of 21 Filipinos arrived aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR-899 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

This developed as Labor Secretary Marianito Roque admitted some 200 Filipino seamen working in a luxury liner had been laid off.

But Roque said it is not a cause for worry, as more Filipinos are still deployed abroad then those who lost their jobs.

Last Monday, militant labor group Migrante said at least 103 OFWs more were to return from Taiwan on Tuesday after being laid off due to the impact of the global financial crisis.

Migrante chairwoman Connie Regalado said the first batch included 82 OFWs while the second included 21.

Regalado said as of November 2007, 720 Filipinos in Taiwan have already lost their jobs after companies there were forced to close down or lay off workers due to the global financial crisis. - GMANews.TV

Appeasing as it seems and an optimistic lover like me, but dropping the word "anxiety" is kinda out of my list now. I've been in the same economic slump down 8 years ago, but this one is quite different. Technically speaking, it's alarming to see that almost everything is smashing down in the economy, accompanied with conflicts happening in other nations like India , Thailand, including Taiwan. Oh yeah, their ex-president has been detained recently facing graft and corruption charges. And from latest news, his on hunger strike behind bars.

With this turn of events, our tendency is to dwell on the problem and not into solution. And so far the effect on me is not wanting to move at all. I became unsure of the challenges I'm facing ahead and I don't like this feeling. If there's only a pause button in this race of life, I have pushed it long time ago. Anyway, it's still a long way to go and how I really wish that it will be resolved soon, as in real soon. And hoping there's be no more tension adderr. I may have been looking on things it differently, was it because of PMS...oh oh, blame it to PMS? toink!!!

On times of crisis

2008-11-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone heeds and trying to keep composure as the verdict will come out in just a matter of days. News circulating around says that 10% of the current workforce will be cut-off from both direct and indirect labor. And that would mean adding 1000 more jobless people in this sadly to say rapidly depleting world.

With the advantage of seeing everyone working at their best efforts, it still fretting going to work and later found out that you'll never come back the next day right. I actually don't believe that the weakest link are mostly expected to be sent off. What about those people who pledge their loyalty and service to the company, will it just end up in vain and wait till the company goes into bankruptcy? as such, no one is indispensable, recession is at the threshold and shortly after will be opened.

Even me, I'm starting to prepare myself and deal issues related to this. But what I'm more concerned about are the OFW's who just came here. When they left home, everyone is hoping for a better future for their family. Most of them has payed large amount of processing fees, which was either taken from loan sharks or worse sold or used their hard earned possession as collateral. What about those? what will happen next?

It's really sad that in a situation like this, the ones affected most are the "little people". Last Friday night as I've waited my bus and work shift Filipinos pass me by, I don't know why I can't help not to stare on their eyes and feel sorry at the same time. I'm not sure what I'm thinking exactly, but I guess if there's only enough good job back home, maybe the pain won't be this much.

On the side, I will always be forever grateful to God for bringing me to Taiwan. I'm sure lots of expats will agree. For me, He has given the best years experience of my life and career. More than I could ever dreamed or imagined and amidst the situation, I believe His preparing the best things for everyone. Just like the bible says, when a door closes, He will open another window, and that window is from ceiling to floor.

On budget campaign

2008-11-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

2 months ago, a former colleague of mine e-mailed me about their company's imposing force leave due to economic downturn. She inquired further of how are we doing so far, which I replied back as still stable. Our respective companies are basically the top competitors in this field and having said that, we're not into spying each other OK, but rather checking out latest updates in our lives.

But in just a matter of time, this global economic crisis has also started it's blow in our company. Effective last week, we're enforce of 1 day-off every week. Now it's 1 day, maybe 2 next month or 3, who knows...as economist predicts that this crisis will last until quarter 2 of next year. A total big loss for sure, but looking at the bright side, there's definitely a purpose and something that can be learned out of it.

So for my case, I started real budgeting and watch out my expenses. Actually, this statement is a big deal especially for a shopaholic like me ( I may misspelled it) and would like to believe that I'm succeeding to date. Anyway, everything is a work in process right. So, I'll do it one step at a time.

Say for example, today I went to Watson's to buy my toiletries. And in that area, several shopping stores are found which I usually go thru just like today. With the season changing and winter coming in, it's a norm to check the newest fad and those for sale summer clothes I've been eyeing. Oh my, the gorgeous dress is already 50% off, so I hurriedly fit it and was convince does looks good. But deep inside says it isn't practical and so I left without regrets after returning the dress on its rack. Yeah, no regrets because for sure it's much cheaper next month...ha ha

Another way to may I say budget campaign is to lessen eating outside. Just like today's stride is usually accomplish with me eating my favourite beef noodles. Well, apart from the toiletries, I also bought chocolote cookies for my craving, it's no yet dinner anyway. Hmm, wise buy I guess as I could also eat it during my snacks, yummy with milk.

Productive weekend

2008-11-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

This weekend seems productive I think and maybe you might ask why.

Well, yesterday morning I was able to go to the wet market which I was planning for more than a month. Before with my housemates, we normally go there every payday, but since I started leaving alone, I became used to buy in the grocery. Of course groceries has higher prizes than the traditional ones, so I was really happy that I could save plus it's fresher I supposed.

What amazes me here in Taiwan is that in their wet markets, you could also do shopping at the same time. Yeah, it's a one time shop which has stores for clothes, bags, shoes and anything you'll want in much affordable prizes. How I wish I bought my camera with me for your visualization. Anyways, I'll try to do it next time. And since I'm on budget, I settled my eyes in looking and left after getting my needs. A record breaker of spending only an hour of buying.

My mother is really a good cook and I love to cook when I had time. The problem is, I didn't inherit her skills. So far, I only know 5 recipes which I alternately cook, and maybe it's only me who'll aprub the taste. Well, as long as it's edible right, ha ha...So I cooked nilagang baboy just enough for the whole days consumption.

And then in the afternoon, I was able to sweep and mop the floor. Finally, I could removed those accumulated dust. Can't remember when was the last time I mopped. And with just me, surely one afternoon isn't enough to clean everything. But at least, I did my best, so should be OK. One more thing, what about the laundry? well, skip this week and do it next week. Whew so tiring! can somebody send me a maid please!

I spent this morning till noon in the church and after checking progress of our activities for Christmas, I went home afterwards. So, I cooked broccoli with shrimp sufficient till dinner and then took a quick nap.

After waking-up, I could still feel my stomach full and so, I decided to jog in the university which is just in front of my apartment. Again, I forgot to bring the camera with me. I was downstairs when I realized it and so lazy to go back. I guess, my thoughts are also still flying at the time. Anyway, I was able to have 4 loops this time, twice as I had 2 weeks ago and I hope I'll improve next time. I missed jogging with sweats dripping my face and back and with the winter coming, I bet it'll be a lot of effort doing so.

The night is still young, much so in saying I'm not yet finish doing my chores. I ate my dinner and took break by watching television just enough to do the next task. So, while watching Dwayne Johnson's movie "The game plan", I was ironing clothes for this workweek. Well, it's the last one to finish and had a good time while watching it. And before I closed this post, I was reminded of Peyton's question to Joe which you'll know the answer if you've watched the movie. But the question is actually applicable to all, and made me also to ponder. So, what about you, " What is the best thing that ever happened to you?"

Remembering you dad on this day

2008-10-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of the month and by tomorrow, majority of the population will be celebrating "All Souls/Saints Day". A day specifically dedicated to commemorate our departed loved ones. But in Taiwan, it'll just be another ordinary weekend, as they celebrate such occasion on April which is known as Laudzong jie (Tomb Sweeping Day).

Such event will definitely make all cemeteries a very busy spot in the Philippines. The bustle should have started as early as last week and today, will surely be at it's peak. Good that my family has payed their visit last week except to that one special person we haven't been with for 6 years by this December. My father's grave...

He died of heart attack last December 22, 2002 in our province and we weren't on his side at the time. Normally my father went to Samar during Christmas to be with his relatives and be back before New Year to celebrate the coming year with us. I admired my father for such dedication to his clan. Breaking long distance to cover the gap was his expertise and much by getting along with people very well. I guess the reason why most of our relatives and former neighbours are very close to him. I still remember him asking me to prepare coffee during afternoon chats with his pals , oh his favourite drink apart from beer... :)

As a father, he was indeed strict and strong. There come a time that we grew-up far because of his discipline style, and despite the odds we didn't go into rebellion. Thinking out loud now, it's because we knew that at the back of everything, he is still a loving and a responsible father. We also thank God for giving us a wonderful mother as her love and comfort united our family to stand.

My eldest sister is his favourite, nevertheless I knew he cherish us no less. Mind you, I was his kikay daughter...haha...When I had late evening classes in college, they used to pick-up me up from school and when I'm already working, he drove me to the next station in order to save time and money. My salary then was just enough for basic needs. Then in the evening, they will pick me up. Such caring from both of my parents already made me a princess!

As soon as we can, the family headed to the province where my father's lays remained. Know what, it was also my first visit. He used to tell me before how beautiful it was and I totally agree, only that it's too late for him to hear. I haven't go back there since then, but it doesn't mean that I have forgotten him. His memories will always be with me wherever I'll go,not only this day but everyday. As simple as going to worl already reminisce me of my father and I'm sure his definitely proud of me, his kikay...

Breakthrough

2008-10-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

God's favor is really awesome...I've posted last time about my added work tasks. Know what, after a week, re-assignment took place in our team and now, I'll just be focusing on my original accounts. God is so good, He's so so good.

This is what happened. We had account focus team which normally meets weekly. And so, part of the discussion was the progress of development projects phase-in to production. All of a sudden, the team champion asked me to provide my accounts activity list. Never really knew what happened after sending the mail to him, but that's how re-assignment trigger I believe. Mind you that his from another group. Then that's it, I'm back to my old routine.

I'm really so grateful with this set-up. I shall be able to focus now more plus it also allowed me not to stress out much. What really matter's most is to make use of this life worthwhile. Yeah, after the last experience, I become more cautious and yet I feel the symptoms time to time, I'm not frantic anymore, I'm already aware.

There are times when it's a real struggle, when I feel almost ready to give up. Nights and days crying out to God just to ease the pain. And His indeed faithful, day's that I called, " I'm living because of God's mercy and grace". A journey of spiritual growth I guess and God's answer to my long time prayer. Truly, it's only in our darkest time where will learn to surrender and said I can't do it anymore, please take control.

Have a nice weekend to all... :)

In working again

2008-09-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

It's nearly 3 weeks after I came back and it appears to have that same smell of an old demanding career. Maybe more this time. Why? because apart from my original accounts, they added 3 more, plus 2 new released process by development team. WHAAAAA!!!! WHAAAAA!!! HELP!!! as if they don't know, my 3 months off was not for pleasure.

I had raised this concern to my leader and she said, it has been arranged. Meaning I don't have a choice but to follow. I see it thou as payback time and as much as I wanted to complain for the unfairness, I believe in due time everything will turn around. So for the meantime, I'll be still, keep my peace and have a positive attitude, because God is faithful and just, His promises will never fail.

I posted last time that I'm staying at the dormitory, but actually it didn't last as I transferred back to my old apartment after 3 days. Moving-out is not that easy, so I was having problem who can help me. But guess what, there's always helping hands when I need it at the time. At the same time, my landlord was so good having me back and so nice for re-installing the conveniences I had before. What a Blessing!!!

And so I'm back to what I'm used to everyday, only this time I don't have a housemate. So maybe spending extra time at work would be beneficial for exercise...talking and smiling...hehe...but need to watch the time not to miss my bus otherwise, it seems years of waiting...haha...imagine for another 45minutes. Got to go for now folks!

Back for a fresh new start

2008-09-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

After a very long break, I'm finally back to Taiwan last Saturday. Supposedly, it should be the 1st week of the month, but something came-up which caused the delay. Since I gave-up my apartment, I had no choice than to stay in the dormitory which is actually the shelter of the many Filipinos working here. Although I knew the place and came for some personal matter, it will be my first to leave in the dormitory. So definitely I need to adapt and adjust.

My room is at the 3rd floor which I'll be sharing with a local who wasn't around when I came. Thought it was a good timing to roam around, scrutinize and get familiar with. After bringing and settling my stuff inside, it was the comfort room that I checked first. There were separate partitions for washing, bathing and toilets. The compound also has a net cafe shop, a convenient store, food house and a beauty salon. So, apart from the awful toilets, the place indeed caters to one's home temporarily.

My roommate arrived the next day and luckily she knows how to speak English...he he. We're from the same company and has been in the dormitory for 20 years. Yeah, read it right. So, does it mean our company is a nice and fair employer? well, I would settle for yes considering they had been so nice for allowing to have a lenghty break. It's like that I give birth...ha ha.

I went back to work Monday morning. And though I'm missing home, it made my heart warm to receive calls and welcome back mails for a beckoning start. Glad as well to have my work gadgets back and catch up the latest work happenings et al. Know what, things do happen the least we expect them. Imagine, I had no income when I was on leave, but hey the company gave profit sharing and other bonuses. Wowowow....it's almost I was payed all this time. Wow, what a blessing right :-)

And this is life...

2008-04-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

How time flies, it's now the fourth month of the year and shortly will just realize that another year is going to end, looking forward for the new year.

This recent break has allowed me to contemplate again on things and ask questions which most of the time I don't know the answer. Thoughts about the recent disappointment, about life and happiness, living differently and doing other things instead. Thoughts that I hoped to be asked or shared with someone who do knows me, or much better if it's someone who knows me more that I knew myself. And how I wish Ann was here, if only she was here.....

14th floor at 4PM, that is our usual meeting place. The place where will have our afternoon coffee break and chat about our never ending issues at work, people that hurted or influenced us, places where we wanted to go, our individual dreams and plans, our life existence, our beliefs. And when there's nothing to talk about, we just sit there quietly while drinking our coffe and watching the magnificient sunset. And though I see the sunset daily, it's like there's always something to be watched for, the scene is really wonderful and lovely just to be contained in a day from that floor. But something came up which made her to decide leaving and do something which she believes is the best for her. With a very promising career and talent, her decision is a total big NO for some, but for me, that decision was quite admirable, for it takes a lot of courage to do so.

With none so near trusted friend, I find it difficult to open with the family. In a way, I don't want them to be so worried about me or maybe there's just really things about ourselves which we feel more comfortable talking with a friend than family, because friends can relate more to the situation. But then at the end of the day, I'm still thankful to have a family who is with me at this depressing moment in life and for a God who is not letting go of me who promised that everything will come to pass.

I also wanted to share this text message sent by a friend, " Even though friends can be a help, only JESUS can reach beyond our tears and touch the dip hurts of our hearts. His comfort can carry us through the struggles of are lives until that day wen GOD himself wipes away every tear from our eyes."

Should I or Should I Not

2008-03-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

Many things happened these past months, things that can be given only to some, something which can be the ultimate fulfilment of a dream, one considered to be as life changing. But once you're there and it's just beyond your reach, something will happen where you'll say "let's pause this moment for a while", but at the same time your doubting to step back because you also don't want to miss the thing and just hoped and prayed that everything will turn out just fine. And then eventually, it will turn upside down, nearly to cause everything, left nothing but to ask, "What should I have done instead", " Did I push for something regrettable later on?, or "Was it a mistake?"...ah, all questions that I never knew the answers if I did it the other way around.

They have been asking me for a while, but I already said NO. They become persistent and asked me for the second time, and this time, the knock of opportunity is indeed appealing. Everything was arranged, settled, and by end of the month, I am scheduled to visit their headquarters for final assessment. I know something is wrong before the big day, reason that I took common medications to counter the symptoms. And when that day arrived, a feeling of hesitation is still there. But after seeing my suitcase, it landed my feet heading towards the door. While on the way to the airport, I closed my eyes and said to myself, " I can do this, it's not my first time, just relax, take it easy and see everything will be fine, you're here, this is it!"

The body do reacts on how you think, and that's what I did. All along, I fought hard between mind and body and kept thinking repeatedly that the pain will leave me if I'll refocus positively. It helped me in a way to survive and was able to enjoy my last night, until it triggered back on my actual departure. My rehearsals seem not working and this time, I panicked. Consciously that I'm still miles and miles away from home, I asked the flight attendants for medical assistance. They were really helpful and have explained to me that I need to stay for another day for the check-up and see if I can handle the long flight. It was a point where I got involved in a very tight situation, where past experiences cannot be compared to put into resolution, nevetheless, I need to make a decision either way.

I paused to think and pray, it maybe the first time where I prayed so hard for God's deliverance to endure a bit and to bring me home safely. I realized now, that when you're there, when there's nothing to hold on too, it's only between you and your faith that will bring you out from misery. And He was indeed merciful, the flight attendants had been so nice for treating me well too and I was able to find peace on that long journey. And so, upon my arrival, there's no wasted time but to go immediately on that place. Yes, I was hospitalized and have traces of it until this time.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, my very first entry for 2008 after a long silence in this blogosphere world...hehe...and better late than never, would like to greet everyone a blessed New Year!

So, where am I and what's going on for the past month? oh! it's almost 2 months since my last post and that would give an impression that I'm lazy or just not a real blogger...ha ha. Hey, spare me, please be kind, I'm still an apprentice and really doing my best to write out of this busy (yeah) world.

And what am I supposed to write would be of course the highlights of my holiday season. Lucky me, I was able to spend it simply with family...yeah, I was again in the Philippines, good boss I have for this second time break of the year right...^&^

And there's really no place like home where I could just be myself. Nothing to worry or think about to much. No need to rush in the early morning for work where I can sleep or wake-up till my head hurts and just be lazy for the whole day. Where I can eat anything I like to my fullest and play with my niece&nephew till my stomach burst with laughter and same as them. It sometimes made me think then of going back to childhood where everything is simpler and funner. Ah! and the best is to ponder on things, talking anything whether it makes sense or what, just anything, to catch-up those missed time. And how time fies that I had nieces&nephews now which are on teen years, good though it means I'm getting old. They can start to accompany me as real friend or barkada. The whole 2 weeks was a real feast, not minding If I'm still on diet, whatever, I just wanted to eat, it's just so so good to eat...he he

Then we had this chance to pay a visit to Tagaytay which is an hour drive away from our place. It was chilly at the time, much colder I may say than my winter experience. So, we're really not prepared with jackets et al, just the same were able to put that big grin in the camera and attaching are some fun memory photos of that quick peek in this coldest side of Manila .

November audit craze

2007-11-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

When I said before that I'll prevent blogging work matters topic, I actually didn't believe it. How can I share other stuff when my 14hrs in a day is consumed to working. And if our company will have a loyalty award for expats, definitely I'll be one of the nominee. Imagine, I'm the only survivor out of the six expats previously in our department. Meaning, I'm the only foreigner, which I won't brag about but I'm really proud of it, pinoy ata ito!

Anyhow, I hoped you won't get bored reading again this sort of lenghty blog about my entertaining job...hmmp, maybe entertaining only for me...ha ha

Yesterday my end, end customer had an audit. And when you say audit, everyone is in alarm level#1. But I'm somehow confident because last Friday, the premier#1 brand worldwide (S...)had an audit. And this end, end customer of mine is also from Japan and in cases like this, there must be a translator which of course is not me. So inside the meeting room are multi-cultural people composed of Taiwanese, English, Japanese and yours truly.

My first job was a Jap firm and has spent almost a year. Hence, I can still vividly recall some words and so, when I introduced myself in Niponggo, they were surprised...ha ha ha. My company then offers training in Japan and I was the first in our batch to got the privileged of a six months training program. Unfortunately, it wasn't pushed through as my visa was denied. I said to myself at the time, ok lang yun...but thinking it now sayang s'ya, If I just waited for 3 more moths to re-apply for the visa as their pushing to have me stayed, I could have been there already for free. Well yes, knowing how expensive travelling to Japan nowadays will make me to reconsider. Anyway, I resigned and the rest is history.

Going back to the meeting room, aside from listening to and discussing the agenda in which I also prepared myself. I can't help not to stare and observed how could one recognize this seemingly same individuals. Local folks says that Jap consider themselves as superior among their race, well for some reasons I agree because when you said made in Japan...wow, it must be good, the quality I mean. And while pondering, I think the identification trademark would be the eyes.

So we went into the line and not wondering why the English guy keeps beside me. Of course, I'm the only one he could understand. And has spent an hour of more blah blah blahs. Then they departed to the other floors of our building to continue the audit with another entertainer. After they've left and while returning some audit items, the production supervisor asked me "How many Chinese words could you say?" Oh well, I said itien-tien (means little), then both of us laughed afterwards.

Having said that, given the chance to be a customer in the future, wow, really hoping for that chance, I could somehow communicate with them right? cause I know itien-tien...ha ha ha, kidding aside though, but I do hoped that my mandarin skills will drastically improved next year as one of my goals.

To close with , we finished at 5PM with minor findings. Very nice, and then requested our team to attend dinner with them. For past experiences, although it's time to have that bonding, it usually ends up to a working dinner. And though I liked one of those Jap end customer, coz he defended us from our end end customer, I declined and headed back to the office where I'll just start going over on other pending activities...whew! tough job isn't it, but entertaining...^&^

Time to move on?

2007-11-21T07:10:00.001-08:00

There are just so much that I would like to write, but once I started to hit my laptops keys, it has left me clueless or better say speechless to be exact.

Whilst the cold breeze of winter, I decided to walk going home. Hoping that the 30minutes walk will allow me to ponder on things and finally have a decision upon reaching home. This is one of those times that I just wanted to be alone.

Recently, I received a job offer back home and weighing on things, the only topic for discussion is the salary. Significant difference of course, on the side, I could finally be with my family.

I like Taiwan a lot and have iterated so many times how I love my lifestyle here. But the question that popped out of my mind is that until when I could stay here? Money for sure is important, but is it the bottom line of everything?

I'm not saying that preparing for the future is not important. Indeed it is, I'm not just the type who plans and sets goals to have much, for example, this year I'll have this, next year this one, and so on and so forth.

I always believed that sufficient for the day is what's important, for tomorrow will worry for itself just like what the bible says. But then again, I guess I don't have that enough courage to go back. It takes a lot of faith to do so considering the status of the Philippines.

When you had that experience to leave outside and go back home say for vacation, you can't help to compare and hoped that the pleasures outside is the same thing in the Philippines. Never knew and understand why from a well-known developing country in the 70's has turned into a 3rd world country in the 20th century? In which the current economy greatly depends on OFW's remittances. And what will happens next? I don't know either.

And since there will come a time for me to come back, I wanted to settle for sure in the Philippines. I just hoped that I have the confidence to say that my family has a future. Having said that, I think I should keep my feet here for now!

After 10yrs and still counting....

2007-11-18T08:56:00.001-08:00

I'm actually not into writing this post because it's so late now and I should start to snooze. But upon realizing that it's a special day to me and the rest of MIT-CHE batch'93, I got that adrenaline to reminisce a bit.

Wow, it's been 10 years already, the moment after 41/2 years of sweat, tears, hunger and countless sleepless night with matching sunog kilay has paid. Upon calling my name and stepping finally at the stage to get that much awaited diploma has come into reality. I graduated at last!

Looking back then, I never knew I will take such course and study in MIT. At the time, the most in demand course is either PT or Com Sci. And usually, a fresh grad from high school doesn't have much in mind for what direction to go through aside from the fact you wanted to be with your barkada's. Sunod lang ika nga...

Our food store in Makati was just in-front of the former P&G Plant now transferred to Laguna for environmental reasons. And it's one of our customer who encouraged me to try MIT, he said I had big chances to enter this giant company which we all knew offers great security.

And so, I tried, sige try lang naman, let's see how it goes. I still have fall backs after all. Know what, I was actually part of those last batch of examinees and enrollee. And thinking it now, God indeed send that guy to encourage, or better say guide me.

Although studying in MIT was quite difficult and challenging. In which you need to maintain a certain grade in order to stay, I finished my studies with flying colors. Not saying though that I never got 5, but the thing is I graduated ahead of time. One thing is sure, I loved my college days and has treasured every moments of it until these days.

And today, 10 years to be exact after our graduation. I would like to greet fellow MIT-CHE Batch'93, we made it guys!

Here it goes again

2007-11-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Just 2 weeks ago, I had written on my last post that I will try to avoid writing work related subjects. Apparently, it won't be the case as we encountered once more another strange case.

And so, I'm back to the same workaholic full-mode, a slave maybe the exact word. And thanks to that smooth sailing process one month break, mind you that we pinned down the last one. I was able to recharge, and now wanted to shout " Panahon na para ilabas muli ang isang daang porsiyentong kapangyarihan" (in English, "It's time to unleash my 100% power")...ha ha ha, funny as it sounds, but I like it, it's very appropriate. Hey do you still remember which famous cartoon show tag line it was? I already forgot, it's one of my fave back then.

Actually this one is more critical than the last one, considering the failing rate is quite low. Imagine, they will be flying back again next week. Oh well, maybe they just like me that much...ha ha ha

And you may say, hey it's kinda serious and should be taken seriously. Yes, I am, I really am taking that into that level. Obviously, I just wanted to use another approach and see what happens next.

I just learned from previous experience that, I usually put additional pressure on myself for motivation. Don't know why, maybe it's just my style in order not to loose momentum of what I'm doing. But realized at the same time that the more I put myself into pressure, the more I can't move. So this time, I would like to try like playing, but surely hitting the nail and I believed that it's more light and fun.

I'll end this post for now and let's see how my next entries goes, better watch for it...@_@

Have a nice weekend every all.

Three points shot

2007-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Finally, after four months of distress figuring out the root cause and resolution, we have seen light and fingered this one.

To pin down analysis straightway for a new failure was really difficult. I'm somehow helpless during initial stages of the experiment as our 1st leg matrix on two group samples showed different result.

It only made the problem worse and complicated plus the need to explain why is it so...argh!...considering that we issued instructions of ways to control it, don't tell me now that somebody didn't follow the exact sequence. In which we find no abnormality after investigating.

But with our 2nd leg still not able to simulate the same defect, has lead us to conclude that we're not hitting anything and thus made us to step back and re-check everything.

And so far, with the pilot lots showing promising results was a complete relief. There's not much to be done apart from continuous monitoring to establish confidence...TYL!!!

With that, I hope I can post as much as I could or say at least once in a week would be fair out of this mediocrity. And I hope I could post not only work matters but of personal stuffs as well...Actually, I don't have much idea what to share for a single like me. On the contrary, I think telling about one's child development and family affairs is kinda more interesting. It's just that there are lots of subject to be tackled about than just oneself, particularly myself....he he

Oh! did I just said I wanted to get married already? hmmp, can be, but not really. On the side, I'm still enjoying the benefits of single hood, but of course if God provide it soon, so be it, no objection. By then, I'm going to retire...he he, although I really can't figure out myself staying at home doing home stuffs, especially for a lazy one like me, it is my dream to be one when it's already my turn. You may say, let's see, but for now all I can say is read it right! ha ha

P.S

While thinking of a suitable title for this entry, I came to write it as "Three points shot". And just in case you wonder why? just spare my explanation. Life in general is ain't easy and there are times we need to step forward, make difficult decisions and take the risk. But once you shot the ball into the basket similar to shooting it from a three points lane, then it's a great achievement. A sure winning shot!

Will close this post for now, have a nice weekend to everyone.

Latest Phils experience

2007-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

In case your wondering why this blog was on hiatus for a while was because I was in Manila for 2 weeks and immediately jumped back to work after coming back in Taiwan.

My anticipated merry vacation turned out to be a blow as our only one taxi was carjacked which tested once again my then frazzled serenity. We're supposed to go to Baguio the following day and wondered what sort of hustles then if we've left earlier...whew!

But what terrified as more was the driver, who was my older brother, a family man. The incident happened last Aug31 at 10PM along Pasay Rotonda where a certain man rode and asked to bring him to Pasay General Hospital.

Shortly, the guy asked to pick-up another man whom he said was his companion. With just thoughts of helping in such emergency, my brother did as told and in an instant the second guy declared holdup pointing a 38 cal gun on my brothers' right abdomen.

Mindful of his young children, he told the robbers to get everything they wanted but leave him unharmed. They then entered a desolated narrow street, took his 450 pesos (10 dollars)income, cellphone and the taxi.

The next couple of days are even more stressful especially to my mother who was the owner. It was our parents hard earned possession after being a sidewalk vendor for 12 years. Contrary to my air-conditioned, pretty nice work place but with a brain draining job, I still cannot whine just thinking of my parents sacrifices for those hot sunny days and cold rainy days in the street.

So despite the fact that I'm physically and emotionally exhausted, though this vacation didn't turn out as expected, my feelings were superseded by just seeing my mother's own sweat and blood turn into void.

It was her source of income, but more worried of her sons who get there living out of driving it. Even at the age of 72, mother is independent financially to her children. She never asks unless it's necessary. She even treats me when I'm in the country and I will forever treasure those moments and be grateful to her.

God do answers prayers, after 4 days of searching and waiting, a QC police called and told us that our taxi was found abandoned in Cubao Q.C. It was a great feeling of relief and joy that everything will now be settled. He even provided police officers who never took advantage and assisted us in many ways. It has somehow regain my broken trust in our security system.

So before I end this long entry, hope you never slept on it...^____^...I would like to thank once again the police of Quezon City's Pride, Pasay Best's and TF Limbas Crame for their unwavering commitment. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!!!

Clock is ticking

2007-08-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Since last week, Taiwan is experiencing heavy rains and thunderstorm. So, most of the time I overslept, too lazy to get-up in the morning for work. Treasured times where tickling my pillow is way much better than pressing my laptops' keyboard.

My workplace is not that far from my apartment, and my usual transportation everyday is riding a bicycle. Thou it's a little uneasy due to sweaty thing and awkward feeling riding it while wearing slacks on sunny days , I missed now my bike. Just love the feeling riding it and it's also my sort of exercise. And so, for the time being, my means not to get drenched is by taking a cab. Only this time...

The truth is I can't imagine myself riding a bicycle back home. There's just so many means available, that even it's just 2 blocks away, I may think of riding the tricycle. But living here thought me to be practical and not to be so concern on stuffs like what we called as "porma" (get-up). For the locals, no one will care or even dare to stare. What also amazes me on my early days here is to see elite cars such as BMW's parked along sidewalk vendors just to buy or eat something. It's just something rare to be seen in the Philippines.

No wonder though that most Westerners wanted to stay in Taiwan. Why? because living here is so simple, not complicated. Aside from the cheap cost of living...yeah read it right, no imposed 14% tax for every items bought, Taiwanese folks are very nice in general. Hard workers as usual Chinese people trademark, they are soft spoken and loving individuals.

No wonder too that I also love staying here. It offers great security and health care. Although the government does not offer migration for foreigners like me, my employment has enabled me to avail of permanent residency upon completing 7 years in the country. So that would be, 3 yrs from now and by then I could go back and forth without hurdles at the embassy. What else? Hmmp, not sure if I could also get my family to stay with me permanently.

It's getting late once again and I should start to snooze, but before that I just realized that time is also ticking for my D-Day...ha ha...tick tack...tick tack...yeah, 14 days to go and I'll be stepping on the 30's. Oh, how time really flies and another year will be added to my age. Can't help to think now if I'm getting matured or still immature at this point...ha ha. Just the same, still thankful thou that I have reached this age.

Let me see, what should be my plans then? Hmmp, I'm supposed to be in the Philippines at the time and hoping that the weather will cooperate. Just wondering now what's the weather when I was born?oops...hope it's fair then. Of course, have that gathering with family and I hope those close friends I've been missing since college will also be there. What else? we're supposed to go to Boracay and Hongkong if time permits. I really do hope that I could squeeze my schedule for this 2 weeks vacation. All hopes!

Weekend thing

2007-08-04T10:31:00.002-07:00

As much as I tried getting to bed early to catch more sleep during the weekend, my body clock was somewhat get used to sleeping late. Good thou that it's weekend and free to be lazy waking up the next day.

I should be now sleeping at my bed back home, had a taste of my fave dishes during dinner that is especially cooked by mom, obviously it's only a dream. Yes, I was actually flying back to the Philippines today, but need to postpone till end of August for some urgent responsibilities need to dealt with. Yeah, yeah, yeah, no other logical reason except than work matters as my biggest European customer will be coming over next week, meaning I need to endure a bit.

The truth is I was gear to be back on December, but I think I do need this break to unleash myself from being compounded. At the same time, it would be great if I could celebrate my birthday with family. For 3yrs in a row, I have spent it here and I think it's payment time, imagine I miss my gifts thrice and surely can't happen for the 4th time. Just kidding thou, I am actually so excited for this vacation and have done my itinerary to maximize this break.

So while pondering on these thoughts and because I can't sleep, I played one CD of this series which I have watched for the nth time. It's my sort of temporary escape from reality after a hard day at work, just makes me feel good after watching it everytime. Rain & Hye-Kyo's tandem in this romantic comedy Koreanovela was a blast, even ranked as one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. The most adorable pair I have seen so far (yeah, they have surpass my likeness with Meg & Tom from You've Got Mail). Oh! how cute these two look especially when one is jealous over the other (both tagged as chicken...ha ha).

Anyhow, allow me to post some pictures in remembrance and I do hope you loved the series as much as I do. I'm planning also to attach YouTube's OST , but don't know how. So, if you can provide inputs and I'll post next time. Along with my collection of videos.

Have a nice weekend everyone....^^

TV game shows

2007-07-24T01:39:00.001-07:00

It's been 2 days in a row that I ate my lunch on some Filipino restaurants just outside the processing zone. A good get-away from the usual pentang meal at our buildings basement cafeteria, plus a relief of that ever fishy smell after which...ha ha...Nothing really beats our own taste of Filipino dish. Yesterday, I have Embutido (grounded pork with egg, carrot, raisin, etc) and today Adobong Pusit (onion fried squid sauteed in soy sauce and vinegar) as viand, so delicious.

While savoring the moment of that break, the store was also equipped with air-condition to be free from the outside heat. At the same time, they had satellite to show Filipino channels on the TV screen. It's been a while that I haven't watched any, aside of course from the help of the Internet, so thanks to the computer geeks who discovered it.

Anyway, it was Game Ka Na Ba of Channel2 that was on air, now hosted by Edu Manzano. In fairness, his a good host, a capable replacement of Kris Aquino. On the side, I can't help to laugh realizing that he needs to do some dancing move to please the viewer's...ha ha, it might be call of duty. The shows motif has also changed from the one I've seen couple of years ago, so this is like my first time watching it again. Yesterday, I've only seen some part and today is like the continuation of it.

So the winner yesterday is Vannie from Los Banos and there are 2 challengers to get that position. The final round was naming the latest 12 senatorial electorates, so Vannie started and rest follows. The winner should be able to answer when it's his/her turn which is under time pressure. The 2nd person miss the 3rd round, while Vannie lost the 4th round and the winner is the boy whose qualifying answer to the final round was the question: Imbey was short term for gays which actually means: Imbyerna, with matching raising his eyebrow with one hand...oh oh! it seems like his one of the federation...ha ha. Anyway, it just make me think at some point because when Vannie lost her turn, there was a pause when it's the boy's turn to answer the question. It actually adds to his time to collect thoughts and answer the question. Not mean anything here, it's just plain observation for my 25cents worth.

Anyway, the show is entertaining and informative to sum-up.

Times of Reflection (part2)

2007-07-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Good that my browser is now functioning properly and can key-in the title text field. So, this post is supposed to be the continuation of my previous post entitled "Times of Reflection", and as much as I wanted to write part2 there was a delay.

Life is really ain't easy, but I'm sure I'm not the only one that is having difficulty at the time. It maybe much more harder for other people.

So, the following days was a struggle of holding on and letting go. Setting my priorities straight has been a work in-process. It's like trying to meet east from the west, a total no no. But I got no choice, I have to change my perspective, otherwise it will eat me alive.

The discussion I had with my boss was an eye-opener and I hoped you could also get something from it. It was more than a 2 hrs discussion and truly you can't see yourself clearly unless from another peoples point of view. And this is what I've learned about me: He told me that I'm someone who does & tries everything to make the work polished. And because the supposed collaborative effort is not working, I put the pressure on myself and thus left me so frustrated because it's still not working.

Initially I don't know if I'll get upset or encourage hearing that criticism. But soon I bursted out my complains which I rarely do so to be honest. It's not my style to whine, if I can do it, I'll try and I will really try hard. So, don't tell me now as if it's my fault, hello, I'm already brain drained here coz of this issue, can't you see there is problem in our system that's why I need to do this & that...blah blah blah. I cried so hard and I don't care if it's right whining at the time, but I wanted him to know how I feel, how hard I'm pushing myself just to close this issue and tell you what a relief, refreshing afterwhich.

For a fast paced working environment such as mine, time is crucial especially this case I'm handling is our leading customer, which only means there are plenty of eyes on me. Theoretically, subordinates should always deliver a good job to their respective bosses and I may have overestimate this assumption, that I also raised high expectation. The fact that I'm a foreigner with define communication gap and quite different paradigm among locals are sure pressure adder.

So does it mean I'll just be lax and wait everything to fall on my lap, definitely not. But rather to extend my horizon of understanding that I can't expect things to appear just like how I want it to be. But the best I've learned is not to put that pressure or burden only on myself. I'm not saying that I could handle it now more wisely, but I'm sure I won't dwell on it just like before. In the first place I have put so much attention on it.

Neglecting the Bible's reminder: "Where your treasure is, there your heart as well". So this time, I will start to pay attention and use that time and energy to the things that are critical to my happiness which are: my loved ones, my dreams, my faith, doing things that I love, time for myself, mentoring others and taking care of my health. To be a good steward of the talents and blessing that God has entrusted to me. Afterall, where not working only for ourselves but for the One who has made us.

2007-07-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Times of Reflection

My daily routine has turned back once again of working till midnight, skipping dinner on time and if have luck, eat finger foods at my desk just to use that extra time and for what, for working as usual. So absorb attending to work issues, that I failed to recognize that I'm forgetting to take care of myself.

I do love my job, no doubt on that and it's the main reason why I am working so hard. Always a team player, always doing my best in resolving process issues. But this time, it's different, it hit me so hard, so hard to consider giving up and leave everything behind, the things that I have worked so hard building. It's the time that I felt so down at the wire.

I have come to the point of giving up, yes, not because it is too hard, too difficult, I wanted to get out, I can't do it anymore, maybe, just maybe...but, the main reason I believed I have come to this thinking is because I realized that what I'm doing is not the bottom line of everything.

What's the use of being able to buy things that you want if your going to loose your health. What's the use of getting recognition if your going to loose valuable time with family, losing time on the things that will make you happy. What's the use of being up in the ladder if your going to be all alone.

Those thoughts has struck me more that I ever imagine. I am putting myself on unnecessary stress and pressure that I'm forgetting the things that will really make me happy.

To be continued....

p.s. If you've notice, I put the title inside of this post as my browser can't key-in the title bar. Not sure though what's wrong. Appreciate if anyone can advise how to fix it...thanks

It's raining time again

2007-06-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

I fortuitously neglected this page for a while and felt good somehow that I was able to catch at least the last day of the month, my 2nd post entry for June.

So where was I these past weeks you may ask? I was deeply, as in deeply engross to the torrent of activities at work. Even this humid Saturday morning does not left me go to the office to catch-up with the activities and multi-taskingly write this stuff while having my short meal break.

With only two hands, one body and one mind...ahhh! has definitely left me worn-out each day. And from the way things appear, this sting will be running till next month. Oh oh...it's raining again, and when it rains, it pours, and it pours really hard. But, there's always rainbow after the rain right?

What amaze me though is that even if my personal or social life was at stake because of the current scenario, I still love what I do and I mean it , I really do love my job. It's one thing that I'm able to do at my best, it's my passion, my obsession.

And it pays most of the time, just for example the GAP bag I received from my recent US customer visit, plus the big bang of happiness after my boss confirmation that I'll be promoted next month...yahoo!!!

And in all these things is because of God's grace, to God be all the glory.

Memoirs of June

2007-06-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog entry for the month of June and despite the fact that the past days had been one of a hectic week at work where several topic can be a subject for posting, I never come out to anything in particular to share with or maybe, I just don't want to go over on work matters again. Hence, I choose instead to reminisce on the D-day's this month. Those events that my memory will serve me well and try figuring out plans of making it more worthwhile.

June15 is my twin kuya's (older brother's) b-day and just this afternoon, I chatted with sister and learned that they will have a small gathering. A typical pinoy style b-day which is usually composed of the immediate family members plus nearby brothers friends or repapips. Thankful though that I won't be seeing the drinking session, plus the singing as if concert Ala king...ha ha, I can't help not to have that wistful thinking that I won't be celebrating with them. My family is one of the ordinary class and though our b-days are not celebrated with grandiose, we make sure that this day was spent as always as one of the most important days in our lives.
Well, as the occasion means gift giving, I just hoped that my brothers won't ask too much...ha ha, actually they are not that bilmoko nun type, sound good for me right and even hesitant telling what they really like. So this time I just left them buy for them selves. Happy B-day to you my Bros...^^

June15 is also the end of my working contract and I should be going back home a week before this day. But then I was blessed as the company renewed my contract. Yeah, will be here for another 3 more years. We had done the contract signing last week and my residence permit and visa are on-process at the embassy. I could actually now avail my yearly vacation, but I prefer to use it instead on December for the holiday season.

I have experienced Christmas in Taiwan once and though most of them are either Bud dist or Atheist, they were already westernized in many ways. And during this time, decorations can be seen everywhere to join Christians all over the world in celebrating this glorious event. But truly, I could say that there is no other place to spend Christmas among us pinoys than in the Philippines and I'm sure that most of the pinoy expats will agree to me on this matter regardless of the potential cost.

I've been in Taiwan for 4yrs and honestly, there are only a few places that I have visited so far. And so I said to myself, these next 3 years should be a breakthrough for that delay in exploring the country. The fact that my mandarin skills is still on phase1 (basic) should not be anymore my long time reason for fear of being lost. Also, the courage to travel alone though it would be better to have companions sharing the experience should not be anymore an excuse. So, I decided and determined to take that risk. And well, in life we need to have some right...Aja Aja fighting...^^

3. Lastly, after being a colony of Spain, Japan and Americans, the Philippines will be celebrating it's 109th Yr of Independence this coming June12th. Now I'm not surprised why upon seeing the natives of Taiwan just make me think that they look very similar with pinoys. Why you may ask? because majority of our ancestors came from the Austronesian from Taiwan. If you don't believe me, then you can check Wikipedia and hit Philippines as key word. And now, I'm also not surprised why J.Rizal has Chinese blood...ha ha, small world isn't.

Now more that ever, I realized how important learning mandarin. How many times I tried, really, but my tongue just goes nowhere. Oh well, it may not be too late. I still had my 3 years in the row...Aja Aja fighting...^^

Practice perfect

2007-05-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

I went to bed early than usual last night. I need to wake up early and have that energy for the next day's big event. It's so important, so so important and I'm excited of the outcome.

Today, I just had a meeting with our new European customer and discussed our capabilities in supporting their product. Off-course, it's a matter of new business pull-in and in times like this , it only mean one thing...brain draining.

For a technical job such as mine and an environment dominated by man, I need to be effective and assertive. And well, after the whole day's presentation and table discussion, I received a very good feedback, what an accomplishment. Ang saya saya!

Actually, last week I also had one of my US customers visit the factory. It's our first time to meet in person after having that bunch of e-mails going back and forth. And since I've been working with them for a year, the agenda mostly covered project updates and road maps.

Confident to present my part with expertise, deep inside, I felt guiltily that I had taken it too easy. My workaholic me is out of sight, a seemingly odd situation of myself especially when it comes to work matters.

Do I just sound so hard on myself? hmmp, I don't think so, because I think the main reason of not having that momentum last week is my being fancied of what I'm watching last week (see my previous post)...ha ha. Anyway, so glad that I'm back to my old self and now you know why today is so darn important.

I've learned in school that practice makes it perfect and have spent so many sleepless night in practicing mathematical equations just not to have that singko. But now, I can't stand of not having at least 5hrs of sleep...Gah! ano ba ito, senyales na ba 'to ng tumatanda...ha ha

Tonight, I ate my lunch with my dinner, see how it did affect me. Anyway, it was a long day and have to pamper myself, so I ate in my fave resto. I actually would like to take pix so you can peek on the dish, but I don't have my camera with me. Next time, I'll do it and that would be all for today folks.

Recent viewed et al

2007-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

It was more than a week after my last post and just in case your wondering where am I, not sure though who you are but thanks anyway. I've got pre-occupied watching a Korean Telenovela...ha ha, yep, pathetic it may seem or jologs, whatever, I don't care. For me, it was blissful.

Contrary to the usual happy endings of Filipino Telenovelas, the Korean Telenovela I just saw ended up with lovers separating their ways. The girl died due to a terminal disease leaving the boy...her husband...her childhood sweetheart.

I believed that stories, especially love stories are usually ideal and dialogues are well scripted and edited which will made you long for to be heard or said to someone. Anyhow, I know that everyone has a romantic side and need to be tapped once in a while. Otherwise, life will be so dull and boring, right? So allow me to rate this love story as remarkable, because one of the lead roles give up his life in order to let others live happily even if it'll mean for just a short period of time. Isn't it awesome? a one of a kind love. OK, I think that will be enough for now and I don't want to be mock further...ha ha

P.S If you wanted to know the title of that Korean telenovela , just let me know...^^

=============================================================================

Moving forward...last Monday was our country's National election and since it's a relevant topic, thought to add it on my post.

Aside from the stagnant voting system of the country, I assumed that the latest absentee voting of pinoy expats is an added opportunity for the parasite officials to delude. I actually received an electoral mail from COMELEC couple of weeks ago, but I rather choose to ignore my right to exercise.

I stopped voting even when I was still in the Philippines and for sure one vote will not have a significant impact as winners may have been defined long before the actual election. So, why waste time filling-up the ballot and go to the post office, it was also not a payed to envelope. Paying the stamp is not the matter OK, it's a just a small amount, the point is was there an assurance that my vote will be used correctly? Apologies for being cynical, I stopped believing this system for quite a long time and hoping for a time to regain back my trust on the government. When will it come? I just don't know...maybe if the total outcome of this election winner turns good, it will be soon, all hopes!

Random thoughts of leaving alone

2007-05-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was already 4AM when my eyes got heavy and fell asleep. Knowing that I'll be a tug of war event getting me to work shortly, I decided to take the whole day-off as I also feel the urgency of this break in order for me to think things over. Can't settle later on and pretend everything is OK.

After calling my boss at 8:30AM to inform of such absence, I headed back to bed to get more sleep. Unfortunately, all of my senses are wide awake and so, I decided to start the day with no plans in mind. Thought that it's good...just letting it flow, or where ever my feet will bring me.

As I took my breakfast and looking in the house, I can't help not to feel sad. I'm leaving now all alone in a place so big for a single person. While pondering the reasons of not getting enough sleep, the thoughts of being alone or was the milk tea I drink late afternoon the day before flashed thru my mind. Oh boy, both of which are potential root causes, the last one is a sure item than can be avoided, but the first is something that needs fixing real soon...sabi nga nila dibah " No man is an island " . Although, friends are coming sometime for dinner & launch, having someone to live with is really different.

Working abroad is my first time to experience being away from my family. For some, going abroad, is a time of independence , but for most, it is a time to seek brighter pasture for one's love one. Although mine is the second, I really don't know if I can to stay long, just the thought of longing for the next couple of years is something unbearable, and now, as I look back, wow, it's already 4 years since then.

They say that the 1st three months are crucial, it's where you'll be homesick and everything, but honestly, I never felt that way and all I could say is that I have been blessed to lived with people which become my good friends and family.

Nothing is constant as defined and people move on overtime, some of this friends went home, while others are leaving in different parts of the country, keeping in touch once in a while. And so, this time, I considered as my very first time leaving alone in a foreign land. The truth and challenge I need to face valiantly...one that is easier said than done.

Too blessed to be stressed

2007-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

My housemate is moving out, she's been in the house for a year and tomorrow will be her last day. It was a very sudden decision, leaving me and our landlord both shocked, and what could be the reason? matter's of the heart. Speaking love from an amateur I would say is inappropriate, but then, if it concerns the interest of a friend, it's a different thing. After that conversation, it's just sad to know that she still choose the wrong choice and so, what else can I say, well, I'm just a phone call a way.

I wasn't prepared for this and with the accompanying payments to be consider, I started to look for a new apartment for the past 2 days. Unfortunately, most that I saw are all flats which need fellow friends to be with, others are dormitory type, which are too small to accommodate all my stuff. But within this time, I was also praying that my landlord will give a reasonable rent even if I'll be staying alone so that I can keep it. It's been my home since the first day that I came and I'm so get used to everything that's in it.

The Lord is good, this afternoon meeting with my landlord was very positive and he agree that I will pay the exact amount that I was praying all along. Graveh!!! Lord ang bait mo talaga. After dinner, my sister called, she doesn't call often and I know that the call is of need, it's like this eveytime anyway. It was a short talk and then the line was disconnected. Can't help di magtampo, eh kasi naman parang naalala lang niya ko in times like this. Just the same, it's still not enough reason not to bless other just like how God blesses me and so, I called mother. I told her about the good news that I can keep the house and at the other line, I can hear her teary voice sharing the same happiness with me. It was an answered prayer, both of us agree. Then told her that my sister called, she was a firstborn on mother's first husband and got widowed after only a year of marriage. I learned that she called earlier because of the need for my sick uncle&auntie, the persons who took care of her and her family during their healthy years. I told mother that I will send money immediately and give to them not as borrow, but merely a gift and it's always a fulfilment to give out of love, expecting nothing in return.

Beginners post

2007-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first entry in a much anticipated long journey of blogging. A journal where I could find myself contemplating later on and having said that, you'll find this page having all with " a touch of me" and so, let's get started.

When I came across the word "Blogs", I really dunno what is it and what for...ha ha, I may sound out from this world for some, considering that I'm working in a very fast paced industry of technology...yes, not ashamed to admit tho, and well here I am now trying to explore my potential and possibilities. You may ask, " so how did you discover it finally?" lucky me that it's not that hard and tiring just like how Magellan discover the island of the Philippines...c",) rather it's thru my tukayo, a former college classmate and friend now leaving in France and so, I would like to thank you my friend.

Never knew that I will be encourage to write and express freely what I think and feels inside...lalo pat' na ho-homesick ka sa pinas o naghahanap ng kausap, ah basta yun na yun. And who knows that I could use my newly bought laptop for blogging aside from chatting and surfing veoh...haha...yes, not ashamed to admit again, dahil pag ala talagang magawa, yun ang gawa ko just to let the time past and this one is much better, way, way much better spending time with...