4th quarter

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

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

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!

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

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

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!