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... :)