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.

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.

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 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?"

Clock is ticking

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

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

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.

Memoirs of June

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.

1. 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...^^


2. 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...^^