OYM!

Ang pamilya namin nde mahilig sa techonology, makaluma talaga. Pare-pareho kami na nde mahilig sa computers (since, i am a blogger na pinipilit kong maging updated na ngaun.hehe). Lately lang nila in-embrace ang pag-chachat. Yung dalawa kong kapatid kelan lang sila nagkaroon ng sariling yahoo email. Yung nanay ko naman, ginawan ko pero ang ginagamit na account yung sa kapatid ko din. So malamang, inactive na din yun. Nakalimutan ko na nga din password niya.

Pinilit ko talaga sa amin na magkaroon ng internet kasi mas mura ang chat kesa tawag plus yung kuya ko nasa abroad din tsaka yung asawa ng aming bunso, mas convenient lahat sa amin pag may internet. Malaking tipid sa load sa akin. Kung dati 8 cards ang budget ko sa isang buwan, ngayon pwedi na ang 3 cards pag walang okasyon. Yun nga lang tuwing Friday or Saturday ko lng sila naka-kachat. Dahil sa 4 hours time difference, tulog na sila pagkatapos ko sa work. Ok na sa akin yun. Normal chat hours naman ng aming nanay is almost 3 hours lagi..hehe. Grabeh, sumusuko ang aking nanay sa akin. Masakit na daw ang tenga niya...hahaha. Tinatawagan ko din sila in-between days. Sabi ng aking nanay, daig ko pa nga daw nung nagta-trabaho ako sa Maynila. Parang andun lang daw ako. (Sa akin, sana nga andun lang talaga ako)

Buti nga natuto na ding mag-chat ang aking mga kapatid. Dahil siguro naranasan din nila ang magtrabaho sa ibayong dagat. Alam na nila ngayon kung gaano kahalaga ang YM pag nasa abroad ka. Dito kasi, walang limit ang usapan...one to sawa kumbaga. Unlike pag sa mobile, laging bitin ang usapan o kaya naman nagmamadali lahat kasi alam na mahal ang tawag pag overseas. Kaya ako, sanay sila dati sa amin ..."HELLO MA! MUSTA NA? OK NAMAN AKO DITO. CGE, BABAY!". hahaha....o kaya naman on other side of the line "LOLA, SI TITA NASA PHONE"-sigaw ng pamangkin ko sabay takbo ng mabilis papunta sa nanay ko..."HELLO ANAK, NASA LIKOD AKO NANG BAHAY, BUTI NA LANG SINAGOT NI GEY2 ANG PHONE. MANGANGANAK KASI ANG BABOY NGAUN KAILANGAN MAY NAKABANTAY. YUNG KABABATA MO PALA NANGANAK NA, NINANG KA DAW. SI MANONG ISUNG (jogging mate namin dati sa baryo) NANDTO NGAUN SA PINAS, TINATANONG KA. PUNTA AKO SA TITA MO BUKAS, BIRTHDAY NG APO NIYA, SAMA KO SINA GEY2, AWUD, & KOB (my three pamangkins)...kwento pa si madir..hanggang sa "MA, MERON NA AKONG NARIRINIG NA WARNING SIGN DITO PAUBOS NA ANG LOAD KO, PAG NAWALA AKO IBIG SABIHIN UBOS NA"...."OK"-sabi ng nanay ko sabay tuluy sa kwento at biglang may naalala pang bagong kwento...at Tooooot..Toooot. Tooooot....naputol na ang linya.

Ako, naiwang balisa at hindi mapakali. Pag feeling ko makakatulog naman ako, sa next tawag ko yun ang unang-una kong itatanong. Pero pag feeling ko kailangan kong malaman yun, punta sa tindahan at bili ng card. Bitin. :-)

Pag sa YM, patatagan kami. Actually, parang paulit-ulit kami kung minsan ng aking nanay. Kung minsan nagku-kwento siya biglang sasabihin niya sa akin parang nakwento na daw niya sa akin. Naikwento na nga niya. Pag wala na kaming mapag-usapan showbiz at politics naman. hehe. O kaya naman pagku-kwentuhan namin ang palabas..usually TV Patrol kasi live ito sa TFC. Kaya parang magkasama lang kami sa bahay na sabay nanonood. :-)

Why suddenly i thought to blog YM? kasi ka-YM ko ang kuya ko kanina lang. As i've earlier blogged, isa na siyang chef ngaun. Ang kulit kulit ko daw sabi niya. Kinukulit ko kasi siya to send me back pic na naka-uniform at yung mga gawa niya para sa aking blog. I'm so proud of him kc and I want to blog him as chef. hehe....Sana mapadala niya ang mga ito soon. :-)

Ang comment ng kuya ko regarding my request:
"Bakit nakatalikod na litrato ang gusto mo? Ikinakahiya mo ba ang itsura ko? Pangit ba ako?"

Napatawa niya talaga ako dito. I explained to him na gusto kong magpaka-anonymous sa blog ko. Pero kung gusto niya, cge ipo-post ko pic nia dito. Akala ko sasabihin niya, cge i-post ko (ang kuya ko is kabaligtaran kasi namin ng aming bunso- mahiyain daw kami). Buti na lang ayaw din nia. hehe.

Saying Yes Responsibly

This post is inspired by the 'YES' commercial of Western Union. I have liked this commercial the first time i saw it. I got to LISTEN. THINK. ENJOY. My heart always beats faster whenever I see it. I personally believe that this was made especially for all OFW's around the world who are working very hard just to make things happen not only for themselves but also for their loved ones back home. I am saluting them for their unwavering love and sacrifices.

The Tagline:

Everyday millions of people around the world are moving their lives forward, making things happen. Saying 'yes' to a brighter future.


The Lyrics:

Standing on your two feet baby
Tell me what do you need

Oh
It's not to show or prove, make your move
Do what you gotta do
Do what you gotta do

Standing on you two feet baby
Tell me what do you need
Stand up on your two feet baby
That's how it's got to be






ps:
today is another milestone in my 'blogging' life. i successfully posted the first ever video in my blog (from YouTube). i'm so proud of myself. lol. feels like heaven. :-)

Being Childlike Once in Awhile

I Got A Feeling Lyrics by Black Eyed Peas

I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
that tonight’s gonna be a good night
that tonight’s gonna be a good good night (x3)


I was right all along. It was really a good good night. Thanks PC for having to bear with my kind of 'trip'. :-)

@ ZABEEL PARK, DUBAI UAE

i really wanted to try this slide eversince; so i took the courage

to do it today once and for all para matapos na itong nararamdaman kong ito.

but it happened that this is for children's use only- nakita ko nga puro mga bata.

sa isip ko, sana pwedi batang isip. hehe...anyway, atleast i have taken the first step. :-)

then, nag-go karting kami. :-)

i was so serious, parang totoo. hehe.

@ Stargate, inside Zabeel Park
this is supposed to be the Planet Earth but can't find Philippines in it.

this could have been better if they modelled earth as seen in the globe.

just a suggestion. :-)

inside Planet Earth at Stargate

i'd wanted to pick this flower and give it to anyone

who loves flower. :-)

i love this pic.

can you feel our joy and happiness?

ang saya saya! parang fiesta. :-)

Sleepless in Dubai

I was out the whole day yesterday. It was the 2nd day of my seven long holidays. I'm trying to enjoy my holidays as much as I can. But really when you're away from home, it's very difficult to be 100% happy. No matter how much I tried, parang kulang pa rin. :-(

When i'm consciously feeling lonely & dissatisfied, that is the time i get to re-think & reassess my own life. I always get the same assessment everytime i do it- that i'm so blessed and my life is not that bad afterall. Then, i'll be okay. Ready na ulit makipaglaban sa buhay-buhay. :-)

I am more mature now. Dati kasi pag nalulungkot ako, ayokong lumabas ng bahay. Masyado akong nagpapakalunod at sinusulit ang nararamdaman kong kalungkutan. lol. But i've changed now, parang kayang-kaya ko na ang lahat. Or natanggap ko na lang na ganito talaga ang buhay sa abroad. Bittersweet.

Eto ang mga ilang bagay na nakakapagpaalis ng 'homesickness' sa akin:

1) dalawin at makipaglaro kay baby MJ, ang aming super cute na baby

dito sa Dubai. He's just one year & 4 mos old, ipinanganak dito.

First baby ng aking kaibigang sina ID & RD.

me and baby MJ while 'driving' - marunong na bata :-)

sweet at super bait ni baby MJ (mana sa kanyang magulang at mga ninang.hehe)

grabeh pag nag-kiss na yan, wala kaming nagagawa kundi ibigay ang gusto niya.

iba talaga ang naibibigay na kaligayahan ng isang bata.
ngitian pa ako ng ganito. parang ayoko nang umalis tuloy. hehe.


2) eto ang favorite past time ko eversince; magpunta sa mga bookstores.
nagagawa ko lang ito pag lumalabas akong mag-isa so this is the perfect time for me.

dito ako sa Borders naglagi kasi i discovered na mas good price ang books nila

meron pa silang promo- buy 3 for a price of 2.

eto naman ang aking fave corner. i am always on the look of a

good book kaya binabasa ko muna ang preview nito bago ko bilhin ang mga ito.

dito nde bawal ang magbasa so kung gusto mong tapusin ang isang novel, pweding pwede.
favourite ko ngaun mga nobela ni Jodi Picoult. :-)

3) gawin ang bagay na kailangan kong asikasuhin.

i need to buy a demand draft so dumaan din ako sa aking bangko.

Ang daming tao dahil holiday na kinabukasan.

4) dumaan sa Virgin Megastore dahil........

MALAPIT NA! And I'm so excited! :-)

And sympre ang isa pang nakakapagpasaya sa akin ngayon ay ang pagba-blog at blog hopping. Natutuwa ako na finally nagawa ko na ding magkaroon ng blog. Soon, sana makilala din ako ng aking mga sinusubaybayang blog.

I wanted to share this new found happiness to others. Kung minsan biglang maikukwento ko na lang na i'm into blogging. Sinasabi ko kung gusto nila, subukan din nila. Nakakatuwa kasi dalawa na sa aking sinabihan may blog na din ngayon. :-). Kaya lang dahil gusto kong magpaka-anonymous sa kanila, ayaw din nilang magpakita sa akin. hehe. That's fair enough.

It's 12:20 am now, gising na gising pa ako. Tapos na akong mag-blog hopping. Patapos na din ang aking post for the day. So what's next? I must sleep kasi kailangan kong magising ng maaga bukas.

My Two Brothers & Our Nanay

I am the middle child and the only daughter in our family. Napapagitnaan ako ng aking kuya at ng aming bunsong kapatid . Naisipan ko silang i-blog kasi ka-chat ko kanina ang nanay namin. Nabanggit na naman niya ang walang kamatayang issue tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng sariling pamilya. Huwag daw akong mapili as if naman meron akong pipiliin. No one's perfect daw. Natawa talaga ako sa nanay ko. Kinuwento din niya ang isa kong Tito na matandang binata (kapatid ng tatay ko). Ayaw daw niya akong matulad sa kanya na parang hindi na pinapansin ng mga kasama niya sa bahay- ang pamilya ng tita ko na kapatid nia. :-(

Sabi ko sa nanay ko, huwag siyang mag-alala. Ngayon pa lang magpapakabait na ako sa mga kapatid at mga pamangkin ko para pagdating ng araw maalala nila ako at alagaan. hehe. Huwag ko daw gawing biro ito baka magaya ako sa isa na namang kamag-anak na babae na 43 years old naman. Ngayon daw nagsisisi siya na hindi siya nag-asawa. Nahuli daw siya sa biyahe. Eto pa ang sinabi ni madir, dapat daw sa edad ko ngayon meron na akong boyfriend! Tama bang i-pressure ako. hehe. I told her about daring myself getting a date before this year ends, tawa siya. ( i'll blog the dev't of this soon).


Back to my two brothers:

MP- He's the 'bunso' in the family. Unlike me & my kuya, he is super tahimik. He seldom talks. Sabi nga nila, paano kaya daw siya nanligaw at nakapag-asawa. In fairness, napakaswerte niya sa kanyang naging asawa. Ang bait daw at marunong sa buhay. Coming from my mother, naniniwala ako dito. Napakabait din kasi ng aking kapatid. He's currently busy in his farm (this is a true farm, not Farmtown.lol). He's a farmer now :-). We're so proud of him for he has become a responsible person esp. now that he's a family man. He has a one very cute son turning one-year old this Feb which we all adore. I remember when he told me that he's getting married, i was adamant then for really for me, he's still my little brother.

Ang ikinakatuwa ko sa kapatid ko nung bata kami is pag meron siyang kailangan, lapit agad siya sa akin. Ako naman, feel na feel ko ang pagiging ate. He calls me 'Te' short for Ate. He's the only person who calls me that way. Would you believe ako ang tagagawa ng love letters ng aking kapatid nang magsimula siyang manligaw nung highschool? hehe. Salutatorian daw nila ang nililigawan niya, gusto niya english ang letter, sympre nagpapasikat si bunso. haha. Ganun kabilib sa english ko ang aking kapatid. Hindi naglaon napasagot ng aking kapatid ang kanyang nililigawan. Ako ang numero unong natuwa. In fairness sa aking kapatid, sulat kamay naman niya ang mga love letters na ibinibigay at isang babae lang ang sinusulatan namin. Partners in good crime kami talaga nun.

JP- He's our big brother. Nasa ibayong dagat din siya. Kelan lang cguro mga two weeks ago, he phoned me for his good news. He is now a chef! I'm not joking. He never attended a formal cooking school, though i have no doubt kayang-kaya niya ang maging chef. Sa bahay namin dati, pag nagluto siya para siyang chef talaga. Lahat kami pagod sa kanya sa kaka-assist sa kanya. hehe. Sabi nga namin ni madir, nakuha niya ang kanyang gusto. We're just so proud of him! Lalo na ang aming nanay at ang kanyang pamilya sa Pinas. He has a 9-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter na kamukha ko daw. Lagi kaming napagkakamalan dati na mag-ina pag sinasama ko siya sa lakaran. :-)

To read more of my kuya, please click my previous blog entry Ang Aking Kuya.

When we were younger, i always tell other people that our 'bunso' was the favorite of our mother while me was the favorite of our father ('tang, mis na kita. 2nd yr highschool ako nang mawalan kami ng tatay). Our parents would always tell us we are all their favorites- pantay pantay lang daw kami. When I grew older, my mom confessed to me that iba daw ang panganay na anak which is my Kuya. Lahat ibinibigay sa kanya. Hmmm, kuya nakalamang ka sa amin dun ah. Anyhow, sa aming magkakapatid walang sibling rivalry na nangyari. Mataas talaga ang respeto namin sa isa't isa.

Would you believe next to my mom is sa Kuya ko ako natatakot. I guess ganun din ang nararamdaman sa amin ng aming bunsong kapatid. Takot not because of anything but because of the love and respect we have for each other.


Back to the concern of my mother:

Tinanong ko siya kung sino sa dalawa kong kapatid sa tingin niya ang kukupkop nang maluwag sa akin pagtanda ko if ever nde nga ako makapag-asawa. hehe. Aba with all her pride, sinagot niya ako na wala daw akong problema dun kasi love na love daw ako ng aking mga kapatid. :-). Sabay sabing pero nde daw makukumpleto ang kanyang kasiyahan sa buhay pag nde niya nakitang may sarili akong pamilya. Hala, ang nanay ko masyado niya akong minamadali. Bakit daw nde ko subukang makipag-chat or makipag-text mate? Hahaha...napatawa talaga ako ng malakas dito. Uso naman daw ito kasi yung anak ng kumare niya, nakapag-asawa thru chat lang. Biglang sisingitan naman niya na pag daw nag-asawa ako, sasama siya sa akin. Doon siya titira sa amin. Sabi ko talagang dapat ang mapangasawa ko mabait talaga. Kaya huwag kaming mainip baka piniprepare pa ng Nasa Itaas or baka on the way na pala. :-)

Ang aking nanay talaga. Binibigyan ako nang isipin ngayon. hehe. Bukas chat ulit kami, baka biglang mabago na ang topic. Napapansin ko parang all time favorite niya ang tungkol sa pagpapamilya ko. Next year daw 29 na ako, yung pinsan ko kasi na feeling ng lahat ng kamag-anak namin na tatandang dalaga 29 nakapag-asawa siya. So biglang nasabi ni madir, malalampasan ko pa pala ang record na iyon. hahaha....Natatawa talaga ako.

***naiintindihan ko naman ang aking nanay, kasi lahat ng mga kapatid at pinsan ko nag-asawa na lahat. Ako na bale ang pinakamatanda talaga na walang asawa pa. So feeling cguro ng nanay ko, huling-huli na ako.***

All About My Passion in Blogging

I am on-leave from office for 3 days starting today. In addition to this, our company declared Nov 29 & 30 as the holidays for the Big Eid Celebration. So it means, i'll be on vacation for 7 days considering Thurs & Friday as my days off! :-) Yippee!

What's the best way to start my vacation than to blog. hehe. I'd finished my blog entry yesterday at 4 am today. I was so engrossed with what I'm doing that I forgot the time. Ewan ko ba, iba ang hatak ng 'blogging' sa akin. Masyado akong pinapasaya nito (kahit na lately medyo may mga kalungkutang sumasagi sa isipan ko). Aminado naman ako na hindi naman talaga kagandahan ang mga pinagsusulat ko dito. But still, i can't help but feel proud pag nakikita ko na ang aking blog. :-)


I set a target of an average of one post per day. My friend & housemate JC always laughs at me kasi tuwing gabi pagkagaling sa ofis lagi akong nagmamadali to blog na para bang may hinahabol akong deadline. Niloloko ako ng mga housemates ko, sana daw yung blog ko pwedi din nilang makita. Hindi lang ako ang nakakaalam. hehe. Sabi ko, in time.


Malapit na akong mag 2 months! Yehey! Nakakatuwa kasi ayoko ng count down talaga pero ngayon i'm anticipating the days to come. Excited sobra. hehe.


Hindi na din ako masyadong insecure sa mga sinusubaybayan kong blogs ngayon, nde ko na nararamdaman na nakakahiya ang blog ko.hehe.. Bagkus, lalo akong na-iinspired sa mga gawa nila. Malay mo, one day makapagsulat din ako ng kagaya ng sa kanila. :-)

'Madugong' Araw

Galing ako sa probinsya kung saan masasarap daw magluto ang mga tao. Ang nanay ko as in superb ang mga luto. Pero ako medyo ang nakahiligan dati ay ang pagkain ng mga masasarap na luto ng aking nanay kaya ngaun pa lang talaga ako nakakapag-aral magluto. Kasi required, nasa Pinas si madir walang magluluto para sa akin. :-)

Anyway, mukhang in-born naman yata sa akin ang pagluluto. Naks! (binuhat ko na ang sarili kong bangko). Sabi kasi ng mga kaopisina ko, masarap daw ang luto ko. Minsan kasi dinalhan ko sila ng 'dinuguan' for our lunch. Aba, nde na nakalimutan. Hehe. Last week, kinulit ako ng kinulit ni JM, ang bagong kasal na kaopisina ko. Kung pwedi daw akong magluto ulit ng 'dinuguan'. Sabi ko cge kasi bawal daw ang tumatanggi sa taong naglilihi, niloloko ko lang kasi kagagaling sa honeymoon.

So nung Saturday ng gabi, nagluto ako ng dinuguan sa bahay. Parang fiesta nga sa amin kasi halos lahat natakam sa aking niluluto. Natuwa naman ako. Naisip ko agad ang nanay ko, she would be proud of me. Ang anak niya marunong ding magluto. Mana sa kanya. hehe.
Nakakatawa kasi medyo 'feeling down' ako sa mga panahong ito pero nakalimutan ko ito nang mag-umpisa na akong magluto sinabayan pa ng aking pagkuha ng mga litrato. :-)

HOW TO COOK A 'DINUGUAN'?

Complete Ingredients: pork belly, pork intestine, pig's blood,

sili, vinegar, fish sauce

cut the pork belly & pork intestine into small pieces; boil it until tender

igisa at ilagay ang pig's blood na may halong vinegar;

lutuin ng maigi bago tikman ito, lagyan ng fish sauce at vinegar ayon sa panlasa

yipee! my masterpiece :-)
(nilagay ko lang alak dyan for picture purposes;
matagal ko nang kinalimutan ang pag-inom. hehe)


fiesta kami sa canteen namin last Sunday
nagdala pa ng puto si JM para kumpleto ang puto't dinuguan

Segue. Kinagabihan nag-pregnancy test si JM para malaman kung buntis na nga siya. Take note, POSITIVE! Congrats, JM! So, totoo talaga na pinaglihian niya ang aking luto. Kinukulit na naman tuloy ako kanina ng mga kaopisina ko magluto ulit daw ako. Tokwa't baboy naman. Hala, masyadong nasarapan sa aking luto. hehe..Sabi ko, cge sa December na, naka-leave na ako from office. :-)

ps: grabeh, 4am na dito. i need to sleep na. :-)

A Grand Reunion That Was

My previous and 2nd company that I worked with here in Dubai had been very memorable to me. Not only because it had given me the 'perfect job' but also because of the people I became friends with.

I am always thankful that I met all these wonderful people. We were the most happiest & loudest in the company. There were no dull moments. There were lots of dramas but always with happy endings. :-). I really felt true friendship in them.

I was there only for one year & one month but the friendship we had built will stay here forever. We are no perfect for sometimes there are disagreements, even persistent discussions over something. That's very normal to us. The important thing is the lesson learned after those 'tampuhans'.

Since maybe half of the group (including me) had left the company, we seldom have time to see each other. I am fortunate enough to have my communication line open to all of them. From time to time, I was keeping in touch to almost everyone & updating them at the same time. Then, one suggested that we hold a Grand Reunion. Hmmm, such a great idea for really, it's been such a long time since we had bonding time together.

And the Big Day was held on 19 Nov 2009 Thursday night at Jumeirah Open Beach, Dubai. It was indeed a happy and successful event altogether! Thank you so much JAMDABARKADS!

@ JUMEIRAH OPEN BEACH

spaghetti, macaroni con fruit salad & of course the

'fried chicken!' (not in the pic). My friends would be laughing out loud

should they read this. There's a funny story behind it. :-)

The Jamdabarkads' Girls

From L to R: RT, Ate M, Ate J, JY, LT & me

looking at Burj Al Arab Hotel (the ony seven-star hotel in the world)

not visible in the pic though
Again From L to R: Ate M, RT, JY, Ate J, LT & me
it's winter time here in Dubai; malapit na Pasko. :-)

sitting & looking @ the beach
i told them my new hobby is taking back pics of myself. :-)

they have no idea they've all been blogged here. hehe.

thank you friends for willingly posing with me.

I wasn't able to get a back pics of the Jamdabarkads' Boys for they arrived late as usual. But we're still glad they made it, it's better late than never. They will kill me if i post their pics here with their faces while us girls, just back pics.

They say, it's difficult to find a good and true friend here in Dubai. I say otherwise, for i found all of them right here in Dubai. :-)

To conclude this, i'd wanted to share the short note I sent to them thru my work email last Sunday 22 Nov 2009: (now, i forget the exact words i sent. lol.)

To All Jamdabarkads,

Thank you for being a friend to me and to each one of us. May we always be a true friend with one another. Kahit anong mangyari. Kahit saan man tayo mapunta.

-me

ps: nde ito drama ah. :-)

With the above note, I received some violent reactions & at the same time some heartwarming responses from them. To all of you guys, thank you. thank you so much. 'til our next grand reunion.

Shocking Revelations

Naiiyak ako. Ang sama sama ng aking loob sa isang taong itinuring kong kaibigan. Wala akong hinangad kundi kabutihan lang sa taong ito. Never akong gagawa ng isang bagay na ikakasama niya. Nakakalungkot kasi hindi pala niya nakikita ito.

Akala ko tapos na ang aking 'paghihirap' sa taong ito. Lately kasi napansin ko talaga na ang bait bait na niya pati sa akin. Nararamdaman ko na ang kanyang concern. Ang saya saya ko kasi okay na ang lahat sa buhay niya. Nalampasan na niya ang mga unos sa buhay niya.

Nagkamali ako. For the nth time, pinasama niya ang loob ko ng todo. Hindi ako makapaniwalang all this time pala kasama ako sa mga taong itinuturing niyang kaaway. Harap-harapan akong pinagbintangan sa isang bagay na hinding-hinde ko kayang gawin sa kanya. Ni sa aking hinagap ay hindi sumagi man lang sa isipan ko ang bagay na ibinibintang sa akin. But I do appreciate him for telling me the whole truth. For his honesty and trust. Yun naman ang gusto ko. Malaman kung ano ang totoo kahit gaano man ito kasakit.

Naiiyak pa rin ako. Masama ang loob. Disappointed. Betrayed.

But

FREE.

It's My 4th Year Anniversary in Dubai!

Earlier today at work, I had sent below messsage via email to JC & ID (they're partly the reason why I'd decided to go here in 2005; see my post about Going to Dubai):

"Today is my 4th year anniversary in Dubai and I'd like to thank you both for everything! ( with teary-eyed) :-)"

Time really flies so fast. I'm feeling nostalgic right now. I'm thinking deeply what had Dubai made me after being here for four years and more years to come I believe. My original plan is to work here for just 2 years then I'd go back to Philippines for good. I'd find a work in our province so I don't need to stay in a boarding house again. I'd wanted to experience everyday the comfort of home & my mother's care immediately after work. While working, I'd take my masteral for I dream of teaching in a University when I turn 30. I was also full of hope that by that time, I'd probably meet the one for me and i'd be ready to settle down. :-)

But things have changed. I no longer imagine myself working in the Philippines. :-(. Does it mean i'd be forever working in abroad?!? Not a bad idea as long as I retire to my home country. I'm really grateful that I had this opportunity to work abroad and had managed to successfully embrace it. I don't have a concrete plan for myself right now. All my plans are focus to my family esp. to my mother. (my mom wouldn't want to hear this statement for she doesn't like the idea of me forgetting myself). She would always tell me to enjoy my life here in Dubai. She would say, I need not worry about her for she is still as strong as a carabao (oldies' saying). She can still manage everything. I believe her for she's really our source of strength in the family. For the love of my mother and my family, I could stay for another four more years working here or in another country even if it means re-arranging my own plans. :-)

Since it's my anniversary, there's no better way to celebrate it than eating. hehe. My friends prepared and ordered some of our favorite Filipino Foods.

@ ID's Home

from Salt & Pepper Restaurant: palabok, siomai & putong puti

home-cooked meals by Ate E- shanghai rolls & sinigang?! (ulam nila ito.hehe)

From Baskin & Robbins- praline ice cream..hmmm, yummy!

More Than Just The "Libre"

I wasn't supposed to blog about this for it is not something about my life. It just so happened that I got invited by a friend to join him in his celebration of happiness and joy. He might soon blog about it so I won't give the details for now.

When you're friend is happy for whatever reason it maybe, you also tend to feel happy for that friend. Bonus na lang ang malibre ka niya lalu na kung sa gusto mo pang kainan yun.hehe... :-)

To this friend of mine (you know who you are), I really wish you good things in life. You are so blessed by Him, don't ever forget that. You have changed but for the better. You became wiser and also nicer. I couldn't be any happier. :-)

@ FISH & CO., Al Ghurair City

banana mango shakes

banana mango shake on the other side & calamares

seafood platter for two- the main attraction. :-)

Manny Pacquiao Made Me Feel Proud To Be Pinoy :-)

Manny Pacquiao is truly the greatest fighter of all time. After winning the fight via TKO over Cotto today, he is now the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different divisions. He is indeed the pound-for-pound king!

THE TITLES
1. WBC Flyweight - Dec 04, 1998 - Chatchai Sasakul
2. IBF Super Bantamweight- Jun 23, 2001 - Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
3. The Ring Featherweight- Nov 15, 2003 - Marco Antonio Barrera
4. WBC Super featherweight - Mar 15, 2008 - Juan Manuel Marquez
5. WBC Lightweight - Jun 28, 2008 - David Diaz
6. The Ring Junior Welterweight & IBO Light welterweight- May 2, 2009- Ricky Hatton
7. WBO Welterweight - Nov 14, 2009 - Miguel Angel Cotto

i was able to watch the whole fight dubbed as 'Firepower'

thru Pay-Per-View on TFC

Mabuhay si Manny! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! :-)

Source: Wikipedia

Memorable First sa Buhay 'Blogger' Ko

Medyo nde ganun ka-retentive ang aking memory. Medyo hirap din akong mag-memorize. Pero pag mga unang beses na pangyayari sa buhay ko, tiyak tatatak talaga sa isip ko ito. Hindi na ito mawawala sa isipan ko lumipas man ang napakahabang panahon.

Nitong mga nakaraaang araw ay may mga unang pangyayari sa buhay ko na tunay naman nakapagpasaya sa akin bilang blogger. Oa na kung Oa pero sobrang saya talaga ang feeling! :-) Hindi ko nga masyadong ma-idescribe ito. Basta yung feeling na nanlalamig ako tapos nde ko alam ang gagawin dahil sa sobrang tuwa. Then feeling inspired at energetic ako the next day. hehe. :-)

Kahit hindi kami magkakilala ng personal ng mga sumusunod na bloggers (except si Dating Tambay na kaibigan ko), nais kong iparating sa kanila ang taos puso kong pasasalamat dahil napasaya talaga nila ako ng todo sa kanilang munting paraan. Sila ang mga salarin kung bakit mas lalo pa akong na-inspired mag-blog ngayon. :-)

the 1st 3 memorable blogs to me; hope ok lng sa knila to be in my blog roll. :-)

Si Chookminder- sa kanya nanggaling ang pinaka- First Comment ko na natanggap last Nov. 9. Grabeh, hyper na hyper talaga ako that day. Obvious naman at nai-blog ko pa ito sa Those Things That Makes Me Happy. Pramis, kinuwento ko pa ito sa mga kaibigan ko para bang nanalo ako ng award. hehe. Syempre umasa ako na merong ciang follow-up comment sana pero naiintindihan ko naman kung gaano ka-busy ang isang blogger lalu pa ang kagaya nia.

Si LordCM - sa kanyang blog roll ko naman nakita for the very first time ang aking blog noong Nov 12. Grabeh, napa-wow talaga ako sa saya! Ibang level na ito! I'm so grateful na in-add pa rin nia ako kahit wala naman akong mga ka-blog roll pa.

Si Dating Tambay- siya naman ang dahilan kung bakit meron na akong blog roll today. Yipee! Medyo mahina kasi ako pagdating sa computer samantalang cia marunong daw..hehe..Totoo naman ito talaga. Madami pa akong dapat ipagpasalamat sa taong ito pagdating sa blog ko. Alam na niya ang mga ito. Sa sobrang tuwa ko, bawi na siya sa lahat ng sama ng loob na idinulot niya sa akin. :-)

Girl Friends' Day Out

I am really thankful to God that He gave me these wonderful friends in my life. They are my family here in abroad. They treated me like their little sister. I'm the youngest (pero nde daw halata sabi ng iba.hehe.) and also the 'sumpungin'. They always understand me. They accept me for what I am. They have been so good to me through all these years. They are so kind and are a pure-hearted souls. With them, I can never go wrong. :-)

We have been very busy lately with our own lives- JC just got engaged, ID of course is busy with our little angel MJ while me is busy blogging?!lol. But today, we took time off to date ourselves once more- just the three of us. (actually we're 4 in the group but PC stayed in the Phils. PC, we miss you so much!!!)

MAIN TRIP

From L to R: me, JC & ID

my friends are not really keen/'addict' on having their pics taken.

i just asked this favor from them and so they give in. :-)

they knew about my blogging. but i've warned them not to ever look for it.

i don't want them to feel that I am invading their privacy with my stories.

@ Reel Cinema, Dubai Mall
we watched the movie 2012. this is also our first time in Reel Cinema.
the cinema lounge area is like in a hotel plus the screen is much bigger!

Reel Cinema's snack bar menus/posters are electronically made
those posters are actually moving. they're fast moving
that we really had a hard time reading them. hehe.

finally, my choice- Nachos combo. :-)


SIDE TRIPS

@ Dubai Mall Aquarium

I'm 100% sure, the guy feeding those fish is a Filipino.

See the Philippine flag in his chest . :-)

a dancing chef statue

this photo was taken from the 1st level of Dubai Mall

the newest attraction for candy & chocolate lovers

CANDYLICIOUS

those young and young at hearts will surely enjoy going here.

cameras are not allowed inside

ANOTHER MAIN TRIP

we soon got tired strolling and stopped at Noodle Factory

but wait, where's the noodles here!?!

we all love eating rice, kaya tumataba kami. :-)

Note: After ng aming girlfriends' day out, sinundo kami ni RD (husband of ID) kasama sympre si MJ para sa aming family's night out naman. hehe..Baka magtampo si RD sa akin pag nalaman itong blog ko, kasi nde ko man lang nabanggit na kasama din namin sila. Just in case lang na mabasa nila ito in the future. :-)

I Knew It Was Coming! :-)

My friend JC is now officially engaged with her bf G! Today, she told me the good news so casually. I reacted so casually too. I know she's just trying to hide her excitement from me. She doesn't want me to feel abandoned. I am the one to blame.

I knew it was coming very soon. I sensed it all along. I even mentioned it on my post last 31 Oct 2009. And now it has come. I am truly happy for my friend. I promised I'll be at her side. I must not feel alone or left out for the truth is I gain another friend, her soon-to-be-husband. :-)

I don't want to ruin the happiness of my friend. I want her to savour and enjoy this moment of her life. I want to assure her that I am okay and I will be okay. I'm just glad that I had realized my mistakes before it's too late.

Now, I'm really excited! I'm not fond of wearing gowns & make-up but for the love of my friend I'm gonna do it gladly. Anyway, this will be the last. (JC & I were bridesmaids to the wedding of our 2 other friends- we're four in the group, the F4). I will also involve myself in her wedding preparations. I plan to hold a memorable wedding shower for her! (i got too excited! there's no exact wedding date yet). I love this friend of mine so much that I will do everything to make her happy.

Blocked

I have been here in front of the laptop for two hours now, just staring blankly at the screen. I was about to blog the two upcoming happy events that I'm gonna attend soon but decided to dismiss them last minute. I don't think I'm capable of blogging happy thoughts right at this moment for I feel otherwise. :-(

This feeling is so familiar to me. I thought I had already overcome it over the years but I was wrong. It's still here. Worse than before. I feel alone. sad. blank. I wanna go home.


Note:
The author doesn't want to linger on a sad story/feeling, the reason why this post is too short and titled Blocked.

O Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan

O pag-ibig na makapangyarihan
Pag pumasok sa puso ninuman
Hahamakin ang lahat
Masunod ka lamang
-balagtas

Pag-ibig Pag-ibig Pag-ibig
Kay ligaya kung ikaw ay umiibig at iniibig
Laging may ngiti sa labi
Na hindi basta mapapawi
-subok lang :-)


Hindi ako inlab. Sa katunayan, parang ang layo layo sa akin ng pag-ibig. Parang kinalimutan na nga yata ako. Kung minsan gusto ko na ding magtampo, gusto ko na din siyang kalimutan. lol. :-)

Ano nga bang meron ngayon!?! Parang lahat na lang ng kakilala ko inlab. Kasama ko sa haws. Kasama ko sa ofis. Pinsan ko dito. Lahat ng mga kaibigan ko. Lahat sila ay tinamaan na ng pag-ibig. Worst yet, pati kaibigan kong 'walang-puso' (excuse my word fren, for blogging purposes only. hehe.), napana na din ni kupido. Haaaay, hindi ko na alam ang mararamdaman ko.

Mae-excite ba ako kasi ako na ang susunod? (uyyy, hoping..hehe). O baka naman ako pala ang exception to the rule, kalungkot naman. Medyo nababagabag na ako ngayon over this. Napapaisip ako ng malalim. Hindi alam ang gagawin. Kasabay pa nito ang pagiging blanko ng aking isipan. Kaya pala 2am na! itulog ko na lang ito at baka sakaling bukas may maiba. hehe..

Those Things That Makes Me Happy :-)

Today, I got more reasons to be happy. A newly-wed friend/officemate (now Mrs. JM) is back from vacation and she gave me these pasalubongs fresh from the Philippines. :-). I'm really touch with her thoughtfulness. She even made me happier because of the color of her pasalubongs- all in green colors w/c is my favourite color! Thanks J!

my friends know that i'm not wearing sleeveless.

J, is this your way of saying it's about time for me to wear one?

soon, i will. thanks for this one. i really appreciate it.

lengua de gato from max's

made even more special by wrapping it w/ a specialized ribbon

And guess whatelse!??!.(i'm holding my breath in excitement) I just received my first ever blog comment today! It came from none other than RJ of Chookminder who is one of my favourite bloggers in the blogosphere. I've been following his blog religiously (like everyday). I love his writing style so much that sometimes I wish I could also write like him. :-). Once again, I would like to thank RJ for the generosity he extended to me. I couldn't be more happier. :-)

THE FIRST COMMENT << >> My comment: It's all worth the wait. :-)

A Short Note To My Mom

10:25pm

House

Deira, Dubai

Dear Mom,

I wish you are here beside me tonight. The more I think I'm miles away from you the more I long for your presence and touch. I miss you so much, Ma. A chat every weekend & phone calls don't seem to be enough to ease this longing.

Your baby (now a big girl) is confused with so many things in her life right now. She doesn't know where exactly she's going. You are her guide eversince. With just your words she will be fine. You are her strength. The mere thought of you gives her the confidence to go on with her life journey.

I'll be dreaming of you as I sleep tonight. Once more, you will hold my hand and assure me that i am not alone in this journey, for you are with me all along. You will tell me I am doing just okay. With that, I will feel relieved and be free from things that makes me worry. I could never be lost for you taught me to always choose right directions over not. You always believe in me. And when I wake up tommorow, all these confusions and worries will just vanish into thin air.

missing you,

your daughter

Isang Pagsusuri

Nasubukan nyo na bang maasar sa isang tao ng todo-todo? Yun bang gusto nyo mawala na lang ito sa buhay mo at wag na itong magpakita kailanman. Opppss...hinay-hinay lang. Huminga ng malalim. Be objective. Suriin mo muna ang mga pangyayari baka hindi naman sinasadya ng tao o kaya naman nakatagpo ka ng taong ugali lang ang mang-asar.

Base sa aking karanasan, nakakaramdam lang ako ng pagka-asar sa mga taong malapit sa akin. Madali akong maasar pero mas madaling mawala ito, unting eksplanasyon lang pwedi na. Swerte ako sa mga kaibigan dahil hindi pa naman umabot sa sukdulan ang aking pagka-asar. Wag naman sanang umabot dun.

Last year, naasar ako kay DG dahil sa pang-iindyan niya sa lakad ng grupo. Okay lang sa akin kung hindi siya makakarating pero yung sabihin na darating at parating na siya tapos hindi naman pala. Hanggang matapos ang pagtitipon ay ni anino niya ay hindi nakarating. Ibang usapan na yun. Dahil naasar ako ng todo, ang aking nagawang depensa ay manahimik. Hindi ko na sinagot ang tawag, text at email niya after that (which is so unlikely of me). Wala din akong maramdamang guilt feeling habang ginagawa ko ito. Nawalan talaga ako ng gana. Dumaan ang Pasko, Bagong Taon at iba pa. Deadma talaga ako. Tumataas pala ang pride ko pag naasar. Hindi naman nagtagal ay parang walang nangyari. Naging close ulit. Atleast naiparating ko sa aking kaibigan na tunay namang nakakaasar ang nagawa niya so pls lang wag na niyang ulitin. (Note: Si DG ay ang aking kaibigan na tunay kong maaasahan sa oras ng kagipitan. Tried and tested na ito ika nga. Never niya akong naasar, isang beses lang talaga kasi mas malakas naman akong mang-asar sa kanya. peace!)

Ilang bagay na tunay namang nakakapagpa-asar sa akin:
1) hindi pagsagot sa call o kaya naman di pag-reply sa text (medyo malaking issue ito sa akin kasi hindi ko ito gawain. ginagawa ko lang ito pag me problema ako sa tao)
2) hindi pagsunod sa oras ng usapan. ayaw na ayaw kong nag-aantay (except kung sa bookstore ang meeting place) tapos di pa sinasagot ang phone.
3) hindi pagsunod sa salita o pangako (nai-blog ko na ito dito at may titulong Word of Honor).

Meron ding ilang bagay na nakakapagparamdam sa akin ng pagka-asar pero hindi dapat- dahil alam kong wala akong dahilan para maasar. Malinis ang konsensya ng kinaasaran ko dito, ako ang may problema sa sitwasyong ito. (ito yung gusto kong baguhin ko sa sarili ko). Hindi ko na ito isa-isahin dahil nakakahiya. Wala na nga akong mukhang inihaharap dito. Baka pati likod ko ay mahiya na ding magpakita.lol.

Waiting For a Star to Fall

When I was new here in Dubai, the novel 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coehlo became my instant fave. It talks about the life journey of a boy named Santiago which anyone could relate to. I recommended this book to all of my friends. It was like reading your very own life journey.

These lines had caught my attention big time-also posted on my Friendster account.

"If what one finds is made of pure matter, it will never spoil. And one can always come back. But if what you had found was only a moment of light, like the explosion of star, you would find nothing on your return."- The Alchemist

The Secret Keeper

I am known as 'madaldal' to all my circle of friends which until now i'm trying to disprove :-). I was telling them that the real me is really 'tahimik', they just have to look deeper. But all they can hear is my loud voice. lol.

I was invited to a birthday party of friend/(busmate) last week. The venue was at Chowking's Al Ghurair. She told me 'tayo-tayo lang' & she would be glad if i can join the celebration. Of course, i will be there i told her, i wouldn't miss it for anything. I and another friend of mine went there and we were suprised that there's really a party going on. i mean with party games, baloons, cakes, wishes etc. When the emcee asked for well-wishers, i did'nt give mine. i really feel shy. I went to the birthday girl instead and whisper my wishes to her. :-)

The birthday girl is crying for the overwhelming love she receives from her housemates, ex-housemates and friends. She thanked everyone. And do you know what she had told about me? "This friend of mine always makes me laugh inside the bus. I don't know but she has this gift." While saying this, all her friends looked at my direction in amazement. I was just assuming they were, 'seryoso kasi talaga ako sa personal at medyo may pagka-snob daw'. With her telling everyone this, hindi ako tinigilan ng mga kaibigan niya. There is this videoke portion in the party. Pinakanta nila ako. My gosh?!!! kumanta naman ako for the love of the birthday girl. Nag-duet kami. Kinalimutan ko muna ang kahihiyan ko. It was such a fun though knowing na meron kang napapasaya in your own little ways.

But believe it or not, despite of being tagged as 'madaldal' among my friends. I am their secrets' keeper. I can really keep a secret. It's against my ideals to divulge what is entrusted to me. Though if the secret is bigger than me & therefore couldn't keep it, i would tell my friend honestly about it.

I'm not only a secret keeper. I also find ways for every secret to come out in it natural course. It should never come from me though. I don't really like to be a secret keeper for I do believe in the saying 'The truth will set us all free.' I hate it when someone's tell lies for whatever reasons.

Shopping Spree for Myself!

Earlier today, I went to our company sale in World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 3 & 4. Our company is the main distributor of luxury brands (such as LV, Fendi, Cerutti, RL, MMJ, Dior, Lacoste, Loreal and many more) here in the Middle East. I am never a fan of luxury brands for the reason that I have a lot more important things to spend my money with. I am really strict when it comes to my own finances. Would you believe I never allow my bank to charge me an interest on my credit card since? I always pay my full balance due on time. The secret is I only buy what I can pay. I make sure I live within my means. (This I always remind & explain to some of my friends-how to manage a credit card). I also do not buy things impulsively. I only buy what I really need. I'm proud to say that I have a strong control on this department. I do not fall on the shopaholic category. Never.

Our company sale which is a two-day sale happens twice a year, every May & Nov. Employees & their spouses (if married) have special privilege shopping hours from 12:00 to 3:00pm on the first day of sale. The sale will then offcially open to public from 3:30 to 8:00pm on the first day and from 10:00am to 8:00pm the following day.

Since this probably would be my last sale in the company (i will blog about this soon), I decided to go there. When you're about to lose something, that's the time you'll realize the importance of this thing. So, I savored every moment of the sale before it's too late. lol. I and a shopaholic friend met there. And the end result is.....I spent quite a lot and mostly are for myself. It's beyond my monthly budget limit but I actually felt good after buying all these things. This considering I am really 'matipid' to myself. I do not want luxury in my life. I can wholeheartedly buy expensive things for my friends and families but not for myself. It takes a lot of thinking before I can treat myself to such kind of shopping spree. I do not want to feel guilty in the end. Now you probably know why I've written all these explanations. :-)

Below are pics of those things that I bought for myself. I haven't included pics of those for my friends and families (mostly perfumes), I don't want to preempt my presents to them. If in case you happen to receive a presents from me, i want to reiterate it's always comes from my heart. it got nothing to do with my battle against my being 'matipid' to myself. I 'm continously working on it. My shopaholic friend told me, I should learn to treat myself right. I agreed to her completely only on this occassion. :-)

a Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt

polo shirt is really my fave wardrobe of all time.

i find it very comfortable to wear.

another Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

i just can't get enough of them. :-)

a sweatshirt from Polo Ralph Lauren

it's getting cold here in Dubai. i definitely need this. :-)


flat denim shoes from Lacoste
i wear my polo shirt with denim jeans.
these shoes would be a perfect match/combination. :-)

Insecure

Bago ako mag-blog ngayon, bumisita muna ako sa mga sinusubaybayan kong blog. Ang galing talaga nilang magsulat! Napapahanga ako sa mga gawa nila. Para sa akin ay maikokonsidera na itong mga obra maestro! Taas talaga ang mga kamay ko sa mga blogger na ito (isama ko na din ang mga paa ko. lol.). Nakaramdam tuloy ako ng insecurity para sa blog ko.

Ginagawa ko naman ang lahat para mapaganda ito. Buhos ang atensyon ko at naglalaan talaga ako ng oras para dito. Walang oras na hindi ko ito naiisip. Araw-araw ay lagi ko itong naaalala. Gusto ko lagi itong maganda at nasa ayos. Gumagawa ako ng paraan para araw-araw kaming magkasama. Pero bakit ganun? Parang kulang pa rin. Hindi pa rin sapat ang effort ko. Wala pa din akong ka-blog roll. :-(

Iniisip ko ganito talaga siguro ang buhay. Hindi ko mapipilit ang iba na gustuhin ang gusto ko kung ayaw nila. Lalong hindi ko mapipilit na gustuhin ako ng ayaw sa akin. Pero hindi pa rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Mag-aantay pa rin ako. This time, hindi ako maiinip.

Free Gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of

the heavenly lights, who does not

change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Late na akong nagising kaninang umaga dahil sa kaka-blog ko hanggang madaling araw (adik na ako talaga). Muntik pa akong maiwanan ng bus service namin. Buti na lang mababait ang mga kasama ko sa bus at inantay nila ako. Nakiayon din ang driver namin na Indian lagi naman daw kasi akong on-time. Salamat RE & Lalu! :-)

Tumakbo talaga ako papuntang pick-up point para hindi masyadong nakakahiya. Hingal na hingal ako pagka-upo ko sa bus. Tiningnan ko mga kasama ko nandun, mga nakangiti pa naman. Pag umaga, wala munang masyadong kwentuhan sa bus. Reserved ang mga kwento pag uwian. Pero kanina medyo naiba. Tinupad na kasi ng isa naming kasama sa service ang kanyang ipinangakong 'ham and cheese sandwich!'. Meron kaming breakfast inside the bus. Siguro mga isang buwan ko ng kinukulit na magdala ng ham and cheese sandwich itong kaibigan kong ito. Natakam kasi ako dito minsang nabanggit ito sa aming kwentuhan. Pareho kami ng probinsyang pinanggalingan kaya madali kaming naging close nito. Nagkakaintindihan kami, we speak the same language ika nga. Sabi nga niya 2.5 hours lang daw ang naging tulog niya dahil sa paggawa nito. Pero sulit naman, masarap talaga siya! Lahat kaming kabayan ay nakakain, pati syempre si mamang driver. Sobrang saya ko talaga dahil dito. Special request ko kasi ito. Tig-isa isa lang ang lahat, samantalang ako naka-tatlo (2 lang talaga dapat, kaso hindi sumabay sa service yung isa)..hehe..At my disposal ko daw ang mga ito. Thanks EG! :-)

Naalala ko kaninang pauwi kami from work na kailangan ko na palang magbayad ng aking kautangan para free of interest charge ako. Bumaba ako sa Khalid Bin Waleed Station para sumakay ng Dubai Metro papuntang Deira City Centre para dun magbayad. Madami na ang sumasakay sa Metro ngayon. Walang available seat ng pumasok ako sa train. Ang daming lalaking nakaupo tapos ang mga babae nakatayo. Pero deadma ang mga ito. Biglang tumayo si kabayan, pinaupo ako. na-touch naman ako at naging proud as Filipino. Meron pa ring gentleman sa mga panahong ito :-).

Pagkababa sa train, pila palabas ng station. May foreigner (isang Kenyan) na tumawag sa pangalan ko. Medyo malabo mata ko, nde ko ma-recognize kung sino pero nginitian ko pa din. Nilapitan ako. Grabeh, small world yung dati ko palang seatmate sa bus service namin sa current company ko. Nag-resign siya last year & first time namin magkita ulit. Kwento kwento ng mga pangyayari sa work namin. Papunta rin siya sa mall kaya nagsabay na kami. Magkikita daw sila dun ng husband niya. Siya ang pinakauna kong seatmate at naging close noong bago pa lang ako sa company. Palagi kasi akong huli pag pauwi, sakto naman lagi siyang walang katabi. Siya lang kasi ang Kenyan tapos puro Pinoy at Indian na lahat. Sa araw-araw naming magkatabi sa bus ay nalaman na namin ang mga kwento ng buhay namin. Naipakilala ko pa sa kanya ang lutong pinoy na sinigang. Isinama ko siya minsan sa De Belchior, kung saan lahat ng tinda ay galing Pinas. Bagong kasal lang siya nun kaya super kilig siya pag nagkukwento ng kanyang love story. Ofismeyt niya dati ang napangasawa, Kenyan din. Nabanggit din niya sa akin na nag-Runaway Bride siya kaya napadpad siya sa Dubai. Habang naglalakad kami ay kita mo ang excitement sa kanya. Ipapakilala daw niya ako sa husband niya. Medyo mabigat ang dugo ko sa mga lalaking foreigner pero nagpaunlak naman ako. Sabi ko sige para naman makita ko kung bakit kilig na kilig siya sa asawa niya. Gosh!!?!!, grabeh medyo napatulala pa yata ako kasi as in ang guwapo ng asawa niya ala Will Smith ang dating! Nagpunta kami sa isang coffee shop at dun nag-chikahan. Nagpaalam ako sa kanila para puntahan ang aking sadya bago pa man magsara ang bangko at bago pa ako maubusan ng english. :-)

Pagkapasok ko sa bangko, kuha agad ako ng ticket number at dumiretso sa kung saan nagfifill-up ng bank slip. Kakasimula ko lang nang tawagin na ang number ko. Kabubukas lang ng bagong counter. Kabayan ang teller kaya tinanong ko kung okay lang ba yun. Ang bait ni kabayan, inasikaso niya ako talaga. Pag lumampas kasi number mo dun, uulit ka na na naman. Kukuha ka na naman ng another number. Kaya maraming salamat kay kabayan dahil mabilis akong natapos.

Pauwi na ako ng maisipan kong dumaan sa isang pharmacy store. Bumili ako ng gamot para sa taghiyawat. Naglalabasan na naman kasi sila dahil sa kakapuyat ko sa pagba-blog. Pero dahil mas priority ko ngayon ang blogging kesa sa mukha ko ibig sabihin magpupuyat pa rin ako, kaya bumili na lang ako ng gamot para atleast may pangontra lang. hehe..Nakilala ko si kabayan, promoter ng brand ng gamot ng binili ko. Madami daw kasamang free products ang binili ko. Balik daw ako sa Sabado at hanapin siya para ibigay niya sa akin. Dadamihan daw niya ang ibibigay sa akin. Without hesitation, for sure andun ako sa sabado. Hindi ko ito palalampasin. Naniniwala din kasi ako na "The best things in life are free."

One Step At A Time

I love listening to music. I could stay all day at home just doing this. When my younger brother (who's working in Taiwan then) asked me what I want to receive from him, I immediately requested an iPod. That was in early 2007. Since then, my iPod has always been with me and stayed with me in good times and bad times.

I have also this habit of looking deeply to the meaning of its lyrics. When I really like a particular song, I would 'google' the lyrics and sing it over and over again 'til it sink in to my mind. Like what I'm currently doing (while blogging) :-)

My latest fave song is the "One Step At A Time" by Jordan Sparks. I heard it before but it is only just today that it caught my attention. It was played by the radio station we are tuning into inside our bus service on our way home from office. I find its melody awesome. But what I really like most is its lyrics for it defines what I exactly feel nowadays.

I wanted to put mp3 of this song in this blog. But I don't know how. I've been trying to do it for almost 4 hours (it's now 1:50 am here) but I'm no successful. I still need to do some further research and a careful analysis on this. Meantime, the lyrics would be enough- one step at a time.

"One Step At A Time"

Hurry up and wait

So close, but so far away

Everything that you've always dreamed of

Close enough for you to taste

But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet

Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it

You know you can if you get the chance

In your face as the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated

And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]

We live and we learn to take

One step at a time

There's no need to rush

It's like learning to fly

Or falling in love

It's gonna happen and it's

Supposed to happen and we

Find the reasons why

One step at a time

You believe and you doubt

You're confused, you got it all figured out

Everything that you always wished for

Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours

If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet

Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it

You know you can if you get the chance

In your face as the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated

And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus]

When you can't wait any longer

But there's no end in sight

when you need to find the strength

It's your faith that makes you stronger

The only way you get there Is one step at a time

[Chorus x2]