frenchfRaiz

Uniquely Singapore: Selamat Datang

2009-07-18T00:15:00.018+08:00

After the a year of knotty, tense, harrowing, but nevertheless blissful journey of thesis writing, I badly needed a wonderful R&R. And what else is there, but a Singapore trip down the pike. Thanks to my sister, I was a junket in her 3-day holiday reward she received from her company. The trip was pretty interesting. I was sick days before our scheduled flight, and was sick during the entire trip, I thought I'd spoil the fun. When boarding the plane, I was so worried that the thermal scanner in both Ninoy Aquino and Changi Airport would alarm because of high fever, and boy did that unnerve me. The trip turns out to be fun and funny, because just when I thought I was running away from anything and anybody related to that arresting thesis, Surprise! Surprise!- I saw my thesis panelist-reader during my R&R. The trip was very short, and how I regret not being able to visit other interesting sites, but surely the days I spent in SG were enough to do the following (in no particular order):

1) Taste the Ice Cream sold by the Ice Cream Uncles in Orchard Road.

2) Take a boatload of photos at Merlion Park.

3) Meet the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles.

4) Bump into the people of the River Sculpture.

5) Bestride the Luge and wing the way to the Sky Ride at Sentosa.

6) Snap up at Bugis Street.

7) Get a load of Singapore via the Tiger Sky Tower.

8) Explore the Arts House at the Old Parliament.

9) Discover the Images of Singapore.

10) While away at Vivo City.

11) Get a glimpse of the performances at The Esplanade.

12) Be sited next to the Golden Grain.

13) Make a whoopee along nicely-built underpass.

14) Grin when your photo is being taken at the Merlion's mouth.

15) Lap up and get a thrill out of your visit at Singapore.

:D

To full, or not too fool?

2009-07-10T23:47:00.002+08:00

Driving a car is a good way
to learn your lesson today.

Listen to daddy,
or else you'd feel sorry.

Never keep your gas tank empty, but full
Otherwise you'd laugh at yourself for being a fool!

The turn of events just blew me away. I was driving along Aguirre avenue and was trying to call my brother, when I suddenly felt my car was going on the fritz. I decided pull over to the side, to avoid obstructing the traffic. I turned off the car engine, then tried to key in and put the car to start again, repeatedly. But heck, it wasn't working!!! At first, I thought of calling my dad to ask for help, or to ask him to send me a car mechanic, so i'd be able to go home. I was looking at my gauges, then recalled that I've been driving for several days with the gas gauge signaling "empty". It's not like I did not know that it was empty when I left the house, but I had this brilliant idea in my head that even if my gauge is signaling empty, i still have a few liters to spare, and I can still drive until Batangas toll, and so i decided to go on with my activity; procrastinate and gas up before I go home. Stupid enough to entertain such thought, I decided not to call my dad because for sure it's a big hassle and a big mouth waiting for me. I talked to some guy in the shop where my car is parked. I informed him that I cannot move my car because I had no gas, and apologize for blocking their way.

I started to put a brave face on then left my car and took the trike so i can reach the main road. And what could be worse, I was snarled up in traffic, with the littlest of idea whether I was doing the right thing. So i arrived the main road...walked a little, and then, another brave face on for crossing the busy street. When I reached the gasoline station, I asked the gas boy if they sell gasoline in a container. He asked for my container, because they don't sell unless there is a container, and I had none. I asked him, if they have some spare that I could borrow, because I was already in deep trouble. Good thing he was able to find one. Another gas boy approached me to ask how many liters do I need and if I am using unleaded. I asked him to sell me some P500 worth of V-power gas, then he gave me grin. Laughing at that, he told me,that the container can only carry some 4 liters and P500 worth of gas would just be too much. And so I said, go ahead, fill-up as much as it can hold.

I had to walk back holding the container of gas. Pathetic me! I took the trike again until I saw my car. I wanted to ask the trike driver to fill-up my tank with the container of gas I was holding, but I was embarrassed. He had this look on his face...something that shows a wonder as to why I carry such container and why I opened my gas tank. After I payed him, he left, and I was left alone. I opened the container, poured in the gas, until I noticed some cars taking a slow down as they approach me; they stare at me, maybe at a wonder why I was doing such things that only men are supposed to do. Oh well! what to do...I've got a car to drive...but without a gas.

So I continued, until, I almost emptied the container. Then i washed my hand with a container of water stored at my trunk. At one moment, I thought I was some long-time expert car mechanic...or that at least i know something about cars...and car engine. Then I was ready to drive, but my car still isn't working. I tried several times. And just when I thought I was at the brink of everything, I thought of stepping on the gas pedal. Until the time I had my car engine started I was shaking my head. I knew my dad was right...I should not let my gas tank reach an empty state .No matter how expert you are with the streets, no matter how great a driver you can be, everything would be an exercise in futility unless you have a car to drive and to drive a car with an empty gas-not!!! :D

Tennis' Ace

2009-07-10T22:20:00.012+08:00

Only the best in their time
now here's my message to rhyme:

In U.S, French or Wimbledon's centre courts
in clay, or lawn of some sort.

There's someone named Roger,
who'd like to conquer

and a fellow called Pistol Pete.
who can beat,

those whose name starts with letter "A"
like Andy and Andrei!

No wonder they are tennis' great.
They are players who can have a set,straight.

Players who gave the most aces,
in their opponent's faces.

Players who'll forever give the best service
and the most heart breaking miss.

Players who knows how to keep their cool
Players who are clean, gentle and no bull.

Players who's at the topmost of their game
Players who's never worried about their aim.

Then who is the greatest you ask,
This year, at Wimbledon it's time to uncover the mask

There's only one seat
So I am sorry Pete,

It's got to be Roger Federer
"The Greatest Player ever"!!!

Forza Federer

2009-07-06T02:01:00.021+08:00

I am a tennis fan.

And this year's Wimbledon is such a delight as much as the exciting French Open. A few things about this year's Wimbledon.

1) You've got the best player in grass court ...and i mean not just the best, but the greatest Roger Federer, who was out to redeem himself from the sorry lost in last year's tournament courtesy of Rafa Nadal.

2) Former World No.1 Nadal, who took away the top seed from RF in last year's Wimbledon, was out of the tournament because of knee injury. Sure, it could have been exciting with him around...but the ball is round, and Wimbledon was the venue to append the World No. 1 title again on Roger Federer's name.

3) Apart from reclaiming RF's no.1 ranking, Federer was set to get his 15th grand slam title, after tying his 14th slam with another great Pete Sampras (USA) via the Roland Garros 2009.

4) This year's men's singles was marvelous, sublime and massive, and why not? You've got Andy Roddick who went up against Andy Murray and ruined the hopes of the Brits for their first Wimbledon via the Anydmonium. Heck! fans were treated with a classic match of Roger Federer coming from a set down to defeat Andy Roddick 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 in 4 hours and 16 minutes.

5) Apart from that, we saw tennis legends in the royal box watching day 13 of Wimbledon's epic match. It's nice to see Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras side by side as they watch another great Roger Federer.

There are a lot of reasons to say why this year's final match can be described as tense, fun and knotty, especially when you have Sampras flying over in the am to witness a classic, record-breaking game, alongside tennis greats, whose records were beaten and broken over the years. You have an Andy Roddick on the other side of the court, playing tough with those secret service powers and wonderful backhand to beat. You have an umpire whose calls you want to challenge from time to time. You have a huge crowd to please and many more watching at home, across the globe.

At the end of the day who wouldn't grin at the idea that you brought down the house with 2 sets or so, of aces in a match; at the thought that you were able to regain World's No.1 title after you slip down to no.2 last year; at the fact that you've made history by setting your 15th slam, by far the most number of wins ever made by a player; and at the great delight that you're sending merriment and glee to fans like the one who's writing this post.

Delightful Indeed!!!

**Photos from Wimbledon Facebook.

Amazing Thailand: Chan Rak Mueng Thai (I love Thailand)

2009-07-04T19:25:00.026+08:00

Below is the transcript of the speech I delivered during the group presentations in closing session of the ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp held on February 6-12, 2009, in Thailand. The speech answers the question posted by the organizers to culminate the week long camp, which is stated as: What are the things you learned from the camp, and how are you going to share it to the world?

I, together with my group mates namely: Martine and Anke (Netherlands), Kathleen (Germany), Clara (France), Cin, Pat, Sulaiman and Golf (Thailand) summed up our amazing camp experiences which began with buffet dinner in honour of ASEM Youth Participants at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Ayudhaya Road,Bangkok, that was followed by visits to the Ancient City and Crocodile Farm in Samutprakarn Province, then a briefing on self-sufficiency economy philosophy at Bhumirak Centre in Nakorn Nayok Province, where we also planted rice. Not over just yet of our dinner at Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel, we went sightseeing the following day at the Temple of Emerald Buddha, Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Gold Mountain Temple. We also made brief visits to UNESCO world heritage sites in Ayudhya Province such as Wat Yai Chaimongkon, Bang-pa-in and the Chinese-style temple grounds( Wat Sam Po Kong.) We also met the former Senator of Bangkok, Mr. Damrong Puttan over lunch at his villa. Then we made visits to the Muslim communities and mosques, first Christian Church in Thailand (St. Joseph's Church built in 1666) and the Portugese Community. All of which was concluded with a dinner boat trip along Ayudhya river.

Sawasdee Ka! Good afternoon, I am Raiza from the Philippines.

Allow me to start by saying that this camp has provided us with a different kind of learning experience. This camp has not kept us insulated in the four corners of a room. It has allowed us to discover new ideas, experience a culture that may be similar to or different from ours; meet new friends that perhaps we can keep in our lifetime. Beyond these discoveries are learnings that can help us become a better individual, a better person of our country and better citizen of the world. Now our group have come-up with a list of words to explain what we have learned from this camp:

First, is LANGUAGE. From day one we were greeted by our host country, with amazing smiles that says sawasdee! Probably, this is not the only word we know of, and the list can go on, including all other languages from different parts of the world.

All the participants of this camp have enriched us with new discoveries about food, ways of life, traditions, history, or to simply put- share something about culture.

We discovered a lot about different faiths like Buddhism, Muslim, Shinto and the Christian faith. The learning is not confined to the discussion of religious practices. More importantly, we were all immersed in worship places, religious communities and perhaps in the heaps of information about our religion that we have kept in our pockets from where we live to here, in Thailand.

From the knowledge that we have acquired, we were able to magnify the traits, which I am sure we all share, like openness, tolerance and respect. Through communication or dialogue, we are able to share and understand not only our differences but also our similarities.

Apart from these new learnings, we have also discovered something about ourselves which perhaps we may not have given much thought of before. Alongside these learnings, I am sure you would agree with me when I say that we all have received the gift of friendship.

While we may all recognize the learnings, we cannot just keep them in our suitcases when we go back to our homes. The most important question we should all answer is ‘how are we going to share this with the world’? Our group listed 6 things, which we believe we can do:

1) Since most of the participants are part of institutions on education, we can come up with sharing sessions, conferences, or presentations that centers on inter-faith and culture, or probably hold an echo workshop.

2) To disseminate the information we have acquired from this youth camp, it would be very interesting to share it through print media, such as newspapers or publish artworks, and I wouldn’t go as far as saying that as a youth, we can tap on resources which are very close to us, like school papers.

3) We can also take initiative on projects that caters on youth from various faiths, to provide more venues for dialogue. Perhaps, we could initiate clubs or centers, open to all young people to freely discuss faith and culture. In this way, we can promote the lessons we have acquired from this camp such as tolerance, understanding and openness.

4) In moving with the current or modern times, we can also go digital through initiatives like an online discussion board where we could share many things about culture, religion or faiths, all encompassing.

5) To foster interaction among youth of various faiths, we can tap on our creative talents and contribute in providing information about faith and culture through the arts. It could be any form of visual arts, such as paintings, songs or photography. This is consequential to the fact that language could at times be a barrier. Of course, the English language do not have to be the common language to explain concepts from our faiths, practices or traditions.

6) Or better yet, we can go for the simplest way to echo the things we have learned from the camp, and that is through our very selves. We could be instruments of promoting respect, openness, dialogue and tolerance among others, through sharing the things we have learned from this camp, to our family, friends, neighbors, and to everyone.

We can do all these, until all of us can realize that the world’s circumference is too small to waste upon ill feelings; that life is good and we can live a happy life.

Allow me to end this by sharing the most important lesson I have learned from this camp and that is: we could use diversity as a language to communicate and experience to be the best tool to learn a lot.

Khob-kun-kah…Thank you very much!!!

Kenneth's Beam

2009-06-12T23:45:00.005+08:00

I am reading over my posts from way, way back, and i think this is one of the most interesting stories i have on my roll. When I was reading this, I felt like I was living through such a pleasant and beautiful moment with Kenneth. It makes me wonder how the kid is doing now, actually, over the years (beginning from year 2006, when I first met him) I get to think of him once in a while. He may already have turned 11 this year. I hope there's a way for me to see him again, to say hello and witness the beam on his face; to hear him play the piano again; to know how his grandmother and aunts have been doing; to recognize the beauty of life in the eyes of the child.

Dec 22, '06 6:49 AM
First quarter of this year gave me the chance to explore the other side of life. In one of our courses, we were required to find best practices of Corporate Social Responsibility by business corporations and enterprises. Through the genuine effort of my group mates in this project I was able to find new lessons in life.

It was the Philippine Airlines Foundation headed by Tita Menchu Sarmiento who was very kind to help us in this project. As of interest, she indulged us in several projects and programs of PAL foundation. However, there is one case that really touched my heart. Perhaps that case alone is enough for me to opine that PAL really does practices CSR at its best.

Tita Menchu insisted to bring us to Manggahan, Pasig, were the lead of my story reside. Kenneth Villa is 8 years old and is suffering from a rare mucopolysaccharide (MPS) disorder called Morquio Syndrome (MS). As of yet, there are only 3 known cases of MS in the Philippines. Kenneth who is one of them, has been bedridden for the last 4 or 5 years, flat on his back, with a tracheotomy tube attached on his throat and is hooked to a ventilator.

According to Mucopolysaccharide Association Disorder Fact Sheet, MS is an inherited affliction classified to the group of Mucopolysaccharide storage diseases. It is a condition where cells are not functioning properly, induced by the store up. It prompts damage to the body including the heart, bones and the central nervous system.

Kenneth’s MS may have been caused by a recessive gene. It is usually acquired from an adult carrying an abnormal gene and marries another carrier. Only one in every four chances with every pregnancy that the child will inherit the defective gene.

What makes Kenneth’s case extra special is that his parents abandoned him. While he is under the care of his aunts (sisters of the father), his father now refuses to recognize him. In their small home in Pasig, Nicole (my group mate) and I met Kenneth and his aunts plus Lola Edna, his grandmother. Everybody welcomed us as if we were no strangers at all. Initially, I felt like we were family to them, they even prepared food for us.

Kenneth’s room is maintained and highly sanitized. When we entered his room, he just finished watching morning cartoons from a local network. Tita Menchu introduced us to him, and he was a bit shy. According to his aunt, Kenneth would shy away every time he would see girls. Then I openly asked questions about him. I commenced by inquiring about his favorites. When he started to answer, I noticed the gasp every time he speaks – must have been the tube attached to his throat. While engaging some small talks with him, I felt some throb in my heart, which would usually bring me to tears. But then, I didn’t even have to shed a tear because Kenneth was just so charming that he would make everyone smile. I would tease Nicole, because Kenneth would only smile and talk to me. Nicole would just say “ay bakit kaya?” then Kenneth would beam.

There were moments of silence, as Tita Menchu would talk to Kenneth. Kenneth speaks to her like she was a real mother and she too like a mother checking on how the day was for her child. I am moved when I learned from Lola Edna that there have been several friends who comes to visit Kenneth once in awhile. And those friends as Lola Edna would say, are not ordinary people; they are well-known, the “celebs” as others would put it. Kenneth’s Aunt gave me an album to browse upon. Lola Edna was right when she said that Kenneth’s friends are no ordinary people, I saw them in the album. Actually, I was surprised because they are not only celebrities in their field but people who are really shining because of their genuine heart to help him.

Lola Edna shared the story of Kenneth. Can I just say, “Man, if you hear the story, you’ll surely cry a river!” But no, I didn’t because I was very keen at Kenneth who was very quiet. I noticed that Kenneth was not reacting. I don’t know if he was listening but he was just staring at us as if waiting for our eyes to meet. When we did, he gave me a smile, I would jokingly say something, and then he would snicker. Lola Edna would smile every time he sees Kenneth smiling.

According to Lola Edna she almost lost everything, including her family. She used to own a sari-sari store outside their compound but she had to close it because of financial burdens. I guess I would not have to elaborate that part. We all know how much an illness would cost. Her family was divided when Kenneth’s father refused to recognize him after marrying abroad. Kenneth’s father works in Dubai and would usually come home to visit him until he was two years old. His father’s siblings were divided on the issue of keeping Kenneth under the custody of Lola Edna. But his aunts surely stuck it out, no matter what. In spite being college graduates and having stable jobs overseas, they decided to help Lola Edna with Kenneth. I didn’t see any remorse in the faces of his aunts; they seem to enjoy taking care of him.

I saw Kenneth press the telephone near him. At first I thought it was just one of the things that entertains him. Then his aunt suddenly entered the room with some medical and cleaning tools. Alas! It was already time for his “suction”. I inquired about it, and then his aunt said it is to help the breathing of Kenneth. I could not even imagine how it is to breathe through the tube.

Earlier then, while I was inquiring about Kenneth’s favorites, his aunt mentioned that he loves to play the piano. He has a talent for music. He owns a battery-operated keyboard. Then he started to hit those notes with his frail fingers. I was so amazed that he could play perfectly well even with feeble hands. He played several pieces, but he caught my heart when he played my favorite song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. I grabbed my phone to take some pictures of him, and he would pose for a smile. His aunt took some pictures too, because according to her, Kenneth really loves to see photos of people who visit him.

Want to be awed more? Well, he has read a lot of books and knows a lot of things – Kenneth is very smart. Some good heart gave him a laptop and I bet he is better in operating those tech objects than me. He owns a cellular phone, and he didn’t forget to give me his number so we could send messages once in awhile. His aunt said, he must have liked me that’s why he was sharing a lot of himself to me, to us.

I wonder where he draws all the courage to hurdle all the oddity in his life and face the world with precious smiles. Despite his enfeebled body, marvel how this young boy manifest his gifts and talents and share it with others. If the child really did like me, I like him a lot, too. He is very special, and God knows how I admire his strength and faith. It must have been the people around him, Lola Edna, his aunts and his friends, they help him enjoy his life notwithstanding what has been bereft of his childhood. Or probably its God’s desire to show the world how much he loves us. That whatever he may not have been able to give us, he makes it a point to make up at other aspects of our life, all else being equal. Go figure. I can say that physically, I may have been blessed compared to Kenneth, but who said he isn’t blessed at all? Did I ever mention his smiles? If I didn’t then, I must have to stress that it is his blessing. Kenneth’s smile is a blessing because it has made a lot of people happy and appreciate life. Proof to that, allow me to say, that somebody like me did experienced it and so are the people who knew him personally and those who have yet.

Perchance our destiny have been predestined once. Kenneth may have had a sordid one, but he is not complaining. He is satisfied with the environment that he is exposed to. He may not have his biological parents around him, but that does not leave him without parents at all. Lola Edna and Kenneth’s Aunts were able to do it, in the context of love and understanding.

Kenneth’s story has given me a repository of extra-ordinary graces. It will forever illuminate my spirit as I recall the strands of determination and leap of faith that he make in his embraced life.

In cognizant

2009-05-28T00:59:00.004+08:00

Random Thoughts for today:

- I have revisited old sojourns, old thoughts, old friends from my re-blog-sitory. Wow! I felt so happy looking back in the past. I cringed several times for having to write whatever that was written in those rolls. Its good to chronicle things because somehow it can be the source of all sources of happiness or sadness, even foolishness. Before the week ends I should blog about some things i failed to write about especially when I was in the middle of writing my beloved thesis (ack!)

- In the middle of a chat with a friend, i speechify some gender-sensitive thoughts: sometimes we (women) expect them (men) to know everything about us, to do everything for us, we expect them to read our minds, we expect a lot from them....like for a guy friend to like us, even if he's not really into us....and then when they fail to do these and whathaveyou....we get mad...we rage, we loathe, we despise them...and make them feel like they're the most useless, stupid and insensitive creatures on earth. While they can sometimes get into our nerves...and they can really be so annoying at times....more often than not, we are so damn blinded by our love or like for them...now, that's certainly a guilty pleasure for all of us...women out there. I, myself is guilty of that, and sometimes, how i wish to sing Beyonce's song...if i were a boy...and make it real...at least no heartaches, no pains.

Gee, how could i have entertained such thoughts...pathetic...but maybe that's the effect of having been so used to miss busy bee life, then suddenly finding yourself free as a bird.

- I have a lot of plans...but this flu...argh, i don't like this feeling. I don't like to be sick. I wasn't able to give my present to some friends in the University, which I promised to deliver beginning last two weeks ago. I haven't finish sending my new contact number to people...and having to migrate all those numbers...it kills me. I wasn't able to pay my almost due bill. In the coming days, I will try to do all these and begin with my projects like organising scrapbooks of my 2007 spring sem...of my recent trips, etc.,etc.When I am well, i will meet my girl friends...to laugh and prattle.

- Apart from all these, my heart is beating happily, these days. Why?Because... :D

50 Questions to while away with time

2009-05-08T20:31:00.009+08:00

01. Who was your last text from?
Mark V.

02. Where was your default picture taken?
i don't see any photo!

03. Your relationship status?
single and ready to mingle

04. Have you ever lost a close friend?
NO.

05. What is your current mood?
Happy!

06. How many siblings do you have?
2

07. Whats your brother(s)/sister(s) names?
My sister's name could be spelled with an 'i' or a 'y'
My brother's name can be pronounced with short or a long 'a'

08. Where do you wish you were right now?
in a 5-star hotel room...perhaps in the plane...business class

09. Have a crazy side?
YES.

10. Ever had a near death experience?
NO.

11. Something you do a lot?
haha! Thesis?!

12. Angry at anyone?
NO.

13. What's stopping you from going for the person you like?
distance...he's on the other side of earth.

14. When was the last time you cried?
sometime ago.

15. Is there anyone you would do anything for?
It depends.

16. What do you think about when you are falling asleep?
what would be the last thing i would be thinking before i lose myself to sleep

17. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Niks

18. What is your favorite song?
Wouldn't it be nice - Beach Boys!!!

19. What are you doing right now?
multi-tasking: watching tv and answering the 19th question

20. Who do you trust right now?
secret.

21. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
from my last trip in Hong Kong

22. Have you kissed someone in the past week?
NO.

23. Who is your friend that lives closest to you?
haha! ktensky!

24. Describe your life in one word.
dream.

25. Who are you thinking of right now?
Alex

26. What should you be doing right now?
Working on my thesis

27. What are you listening to?
the wind...

28. Who was the last person who gave you a hug?
kten

29. Who was the last person who yelled at you?
none, but i remember yelling at someone!

30. Do you act differently around the person you like?
i think so...yeah maybe

31. What is your hair color?
black

32. Who was the last person to make you laugh?
ktensky

33. Who was the last person to make you sad?
none.

34. What do you hear?
i can hear my heart beating

35. Is your hair curly or straight?
its wavy

36. Has anyone ever called you "scrumptious" before?
NO

37. Do you have a best friend?
yes...and she can be my online diary

38. Held hands with the opposite sex in the past 3 days?
duh, NO!

39. Do you use smiley faces on the computer?
YES, all the time.

40. Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
hahaha! YES.

41. Are you happy with life right now?
I couldn't complain!

42. Are you currently jealous?
NO.

43. What jewelry are you currently wearing?
a pair of earrings

44. What were you doing on friday night?
today is a friday night, and im not out!

45. Have you ever had your heart broken?
Maybe NO.

46. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
NO. why would i do that

47. Is there anybody you're really disappointed in right now?
NO.

48. What was the last reason you went to the doctor for?
Annual Physical Exam... and i hate the sight of that tube with a noozle sucking my blood

49. How late did you stay up last night and why?
10 pm...

50. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
NO.

In the middle of things

2009-03-14T18:03:00.003+08:00

It's great to enjoy the "fun experience" once in awhile..and to be away from it, is to feel so deaden.
After the much hyped trips from Hong Kong to Thailand to Zamboanga, I feel so away from the world. And as much as I would want to think of those trips (which by the way, I haven't blogged about), I can't...it's thesis we're talking about here!!!

I shall resume when all else are done. Submission is coming...defense too! See you after the tragedy!!!

Hong Kong January Trip

2009-01-23T22:51:00.001+08:00

Today, is the first day of another HK trip; My first for this year. :-)

I left Manila at 540, arrived in HK 20 minutes earlier than ETA...Thanks to Cebu Pacific!I noticed though that alot were flying to Hong Kong. I am seated on 1A and front row seats are all taken.

At HK, everything seemed to be in the same place, just like how it was when I was here last September. That's good to know, the only thing that I have to worry about is whether I still remember everything I need to know from my last flight.

I stayed at HKIA to have breakfast at Burger King, and then everything started from there. I took the bus, because it's much cheaper than taking a cab or the Airport Express train. I had to worry though, about where to get off. At one point, I thought I missed my stop and I want to blame my having no sense of direction. But my memory serves(although its a digressed version- selective memory, and went down at Quarry Bay. I took 2A bus, and boy did I feel triumphant!!!Great Great!

I arrived at Saincair's place. Then, decided to leave her place at 12 to visit her at Lingnan. At Lingnan, I sighed as I catch my breath while walking at a faster phase. I was received by Sainclair at Hostel F lobby. Goodness, why do I feel a throb in my heart?! I laughed at the thought of the past. It kinda hit a nerve there yah know!

At room, I want to turn back the time. I miss my room, my desk, the view from my window, my roomate. I miss the codes I have to memorize to access the gates and he lavatory. I miss LU and I miss hostel life.

Here's the catch: As I remember the places and people who forms part of that episode in my life. I saw a lot of foreign-looking students gathering in main entrance of LU. They are this school year's spring sem exchange students. Not just a throb in my heart...I felt something I could not explain...I imagined everything...how it was when I was that exchange student experiencing LU. Sainclair and I took the 67x, back to reality...I'm not an exchange student anymore, I am a tourist now;It's not gonna be a 6-month stay...its just a visit until February. So I shall enjoy this visit, especially since, it's Chinese New Year. Kong Hei Fat Choi!!! Lai Si Tau Loi!!!

Tagaytay Chill

2008-12-06T01:26:00.005+08:00

My friend in her usual spur-of-the-moment invited me to go to Tagaytay today. No plans really, as it was meant to chill over stress and what-have-you of life. So she swinged to my house at around 7, we arrived Tagaytay between 830 to 900, had dinner at Pancake House. Yes, Pancake House, and so?! we just want to have our dinner in Tagaytay, so it didn't really matter which resto to eat. Had coffee at Starbucks, and chat over a lot of things. Then she dropped me off to my house at 12.

You bet! t'was really a great time. And though we chilled at the regular food establishments we visit around Manila none of it is disappointing. Obviously, there's nothing really special to go to these places when you know these are next door favorites. But heck, the point of our trip is to chill. So we did, literally.

A certified Tagaytay chill, coffee anyone?!

Postcard from Lebanon

2008-12-05T16:32:00.006+08:00

Today, Alex just made my day! :-)
For the longest time, I've been waiting for a promised parcel from Germany or from Scotland where he is currently enrolled. This year we've been keeping in touch, exchanging hi's and hello's from wherever we are on earth. And in between those chats and musings, he'd never fail to make promises. Today, at least for once I could say: i so believe his promises! yay! so sweet of him! Its like forever whenever we're not speaking, but with him yesterday is like today. He's his usual carefree guy in our International Organization Class in 2007, or that endearing, silly exchange student from Aberdeen, who never fails to play tricks when he wants to.

So here's my shout for you:
Mr. Isele, you really know when to make me smile! thanks for remembering me all the way from Lebanon. I know you've been busy with all your interviews for thesis. I hope they're all friendly and nice to you. Don't forget to thank the owner of the flat where you are staying (haha! that is, if you have any intentions to inform him that you're using his place!) Say hello to Foucault, I know he's not easy to understand, but trust his theory, and you won't have any problems with your framework. I shall be online in skype, to see how my thesis buddy has gone far. You're almost there, and so am I?! (that's if i'd make good with my defense on March).I shall see you and your degree, ill bring mine too, if i make it this year (i'm keeping my fingers crossed). We shall see at least!

Always.

Side trip: Liwaliw sa Liliw

2008-11-30T15:26:00.005+08:00

After our side trip to the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan, we went to yet another famous tourist destination in the Province of Laguna. No less than our gracious local friends volunteered to bring us to the famous tsinelas capital of Laguna, Liliw, it is.

Liliw is 17 kilometers away from Laguna’s Capital. It is believe to have been named after a bird. According to the story, Gat Tayaw erected a bamboo pole to name the town after the bird that would first alight the top of the pole within four days.

However, the first bird to alight the pole was a crow. A crow symbolizes something bad. Gat Tayaw and his men decided to transfer the bamboo pole to the south, and a beautiful bird alighted the pole and sang “Liw, Liw, Liw”. Thus, the town became Liliw. During the Spanish regime, the name Liliw was used. Americans called the town Lilio, since it was easier for them to pronounce it.

Liliw is best known for its sizeable tsinelas industry. Whatever the season, slippers never go out of fashion. In Gat Tayaw Street are the nicest collection of trendy slippers and shoes. The street is the most sought-after attraction being labeled as the “footwear Capital of Laguna. Tourist, especially from Manila enjoys checking out the latest designs on slippers, sandals and slip-ons.

From Nagcarlan, take a right turn after passing by the town hall. Upon entering Liliw, you would be directed to Gat Tayaw, a street lined with retail shoe stores that sells very cheap but nice slides and shoes. It will surely be a feast for any woman who loves shoes.

Before making a liwaliw at Liliw, things you should know:

1. You can park your car on the street. But, since it's a certified tourist destination, parking space maybe full. Don’t worry the people of Liliw will surely assist you.
2. Visit all retail stores as much as you can. You’d surely find something different in every shop.

3. Footwear is cheaper than bags or anything else sold at Gat Tayaw. Try to bargain, because you’ll surely get good items you like, at a cheaper cost.

4. Some of the most trendy, modern-looking stores are Socialite, Entrada, Badong (one of the olders) Pias footwear, La chika, Shalom and Aishe footwear.

5. When you get hungry there are places to eat like Arabelas. There’s also a Chowking branch next to the shoe shops.
6. You could buy some great pasalubongs as well, like: uraro, buko pie, lambanog, espasol and kesong puti, and some souvenirs.

Side Trip: Nagcarlan and the Underground

2008-11-30T14:29:00.015+08:00

Last November 24,2008 was my first taste of driving out of town. Thanks to the kids who participated in a project on citizenship, it gives me the opportunity to experience a lot of firsts. I was with the country director of the organization to visit two public schools who enthusiastically participated the pilot testing of the project. Our travel began from Paranaque at 7 am, bound to Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Nagcarlan is a 3rd Class Municipality in the Province of Laguna, Philippines. It is 103 Kilometers south of Manila via San Pablo, although, it can also be reached via Sta. Cruz, the capital town of Laguna. It is bounded on the North by municipalities of Victoria, Pila and Liliw, on the east by municipality of Liliw (Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines), on the south by the municipalities of Rizal, Calauan and San Pablo city (Home to 7 Lakes).

The town is considered the food basket of Laguna, basic crops include coconut, rice, lanzones, coffee, bananas, root crops and vegetables. No doubt that the food served during our lunch was really good. I really enjoyed the sweet and sour tilapia and the langka (green jackfruit), cooked in gata (coconut milk). “Hmmm, ang sarap!”

Nagcarlan has a very interesting history. It was headed by Datu Gat Lakilaw before its Christianization and was one of the two baranggays in present-day Laguna, the other being the present town of Majayjay to resist Spanish rule, while the others surrendered to the Spanish forces.

Nagcarlan was converted to Christianity under the Franciscan order. Fr. Juan de Placencia, a Franciscan missionary who wrote the first Diccionario Hispanico-Tagalog in 1579. Ten years later, he wrote the manuscript, Costumbres de los Tagalog. The manuscript was used by Alcalde Mayores for effective and righteous local governance. Perhaps, the manuscript is an off-shoot to the galing pook awards for local governance that we have now.

If you happen to be in Laguna do not forget to visit the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. In 1851, the Franciscan Missionaries built the famous Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. The Katipuneros during the Spanish Colonial period used Underground Cemetery as a meeting place by the Katipuneros.

The famous burial ground has marked its significance not only in the history of Nagcarlan local people, but as well as the rich history of this nation. In 1982, the National Historical Institute inscribed the underground cemetery as a National Historical Landmark. The oldest niche in the cemetery has the date, 1886. The last internment was in 1982, before it was declared a national historical landmark.

The historical landmark is really eye catching, with the scenic structured wall depicting the old times. Fr. Vicente Velloc, who was parish priest in the 1800s, designed the 18-foot façade of the chapel for funeral mass and the 1-hectare sloping terrain to build an underground graveyard.

Inside the walls is a beautifully manicured lawn that welcomes visitors. Along the pathway are red santan flowers that lead to the chapel.

The restored underground crypt has the same size as the chapel. It looks so old, that when we were already there, I was imagining how the high-spirited katipuneros were secretly and quietly discussing the revolution. There are two flight stairs from the chapel to the crypt. The first nine steps lead to a Spanish inscription worn away by time. The inscription was translated by the Nagcarlan Historical Committee, which say:

“Go forth, Mortal man, full of life
Today, you visit happily this shelter,
But after you have gone out,
Remember, you have a resting place here,
Prepared for you.”

The last six steps lead to the portion of the actual underground crypt, lit by a small iron-grilled window that opens to the ground level. There are four walls with 36 niches arranged into rows. This is where the privileged families of Nagcarlan, Laguna are buried.

We took several photos of the underground crypt. It’s a very, very interesting place with tiles and stones, resembling the old-Spanish times. As I found myself 15 feet under the ground, I can’t help but notice how the site was incredibly designed with the minutest details of art that carefully presents the status of people rested in this place.

The place did not look as creepy as I thought it would be, well, perhaps, it goes to the fact that it's a national historical site, and that it has to be maintained. I noticed, though that it was cold there.

How to get to the Underground Cemetery:

Take South Luzon Expressway and exit Calamba. As you drive to Nagcarlan you will pass by the towns of Los Banos, the resort capital of the Philippines, Rizal Town, Calauan Town and the home to the 7 lakes, San Pablo City.

Things to know when visiting the Underground Cemetery.
The underground cemetery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The historical landmark is situated, a few meters from the Town Hall, across it is a Shell Gasoline Station where you could park your car.
Before entering the site, find the office and look for a shrine guide. The shrine guide welcomes the guests and provides a brief lecture on Nagcarlan’s history before giving a tour of the crypt.

No fees are collected from visitors. The National Historical Institute maintains the Underground Cemetery but the Catholic Church remains its ownership.
There is no national hero buried in the historical site, and the primary purpose of keeping the underground cemetery is to preserve the past.

When Tragedy is Over.

2008-10-18T17:05:00.003+08:00

Sigh.

This is the best way to describe what it feels like after a grueling 2-hour defense. Although, the results were satisfactorily acceptable, I still can't celebrate. I still have to finish and submit a well-written revised thesis so that my panelist would elevate me to thesis 2.

Heaven forbid, I hope my panelist would not fail. I'm one step close to my dreams, if all things would fall just as I thought it would be.

I wish, I wish, I wish. So, now I am done here...its time to make those wishes come true.

enchantee!

Side Trip: Lucban, Quezon: Kamay ni Jesus

2008-06-15T17:18:00.002+08:00

Last May 30, 2008, after the 3-day Training Conference organized for Quezon Province High School Teachers, we visited Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church. It is a famous landmark in Quezon Province, as famous as the Longganisang Lucban.

The Church was visualized by Rev. Father Joey Faller to give sick and the spiritually weak, a haven where they could feel and experience the presence of God.

At the backdrop of the church is a steep hill designed as a picturesque of Dolorosa Grotto of Healing and Purification. It's a 292 step-hill with life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross that directs to a 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ. The statue of the Ascending Christ is considered the third biggest in the world.

Racing the End for a Good Start

2008-03-10T00:46:00.009+08:00

A lot of things have changed.

You've grown your hair long as if telling the world how you've become wiser.
You hold your body upright that relates how you've embraced adulthood
You keep the smile of a man who's responsible and reliable
You have the bearing of a person who's ready to accept the challenges, and

I am happy for you.
Knowing that you wake up every morning with a smile on your face,
gives me no less than the same joy you have these days.

Believe me, I see no reason to feel sad knowing that you are climbing the ladder of dreams, that used to be plain words we speak of, over lunch or dinner.
I feel happy that as you are closely reaching those stars, you are inspired and armed with so much love and warmth from the one,

the one you thought, you would not meet anytime soon,
the one you thought you’d have to wait forever
the one who’s not left handed.
But she’s there, and she’s the one.

I used to feel the last hold…
But, seeing how you take her in your arms
everything felt so deaden.

I am glad though.

And even if I keep your memory,
Just so you could be near me,
Let’s try to be distant
So we could race the end, with a good start

Pour Monsieur Français

2008-03-09T22:18:00.002+08:00

I think of you in many ways,
So I won’t have lonely days
I keep your memory
Just so you could be near me

I try to keep a kindred spirit
To ease the twinge a bit
I yearn to meet you again
But, I don’t know when

You make me reminisce at times
As I try to remember your lines
You make me feel indifferent
Crestfallen, that’s what I meant

You make me wish to skip another day
So I won’t miss you in anyway
Where have you been?
Years apart, that’s how it seems

I won’t take your words as promises
I’ll just remember those as wishes
At least I won’t get disappointed
By just relying on what you said

I won’t remember you as, special
I’ll just commit you as my friend
That’s what we are in truth
What better words to suit

I’ll settle for what I have
A memory and your wish
Let’s turn everything into a magic
So we don’t make our love story, a tragic

Until the time we meet again…

I’ll just remember how those time were
As others envy us for being together
Like watching a movie to end the night
With our hands holding tight

As we walk on the street
With every single stick you lit
Remember the rain dance
And how you try to cover me with your hands

Bring out the big umbrella
As you run me off with a kiss
We laughed and blathered
We hugged one another

For now let’s keep our hearts apart
And race the end with a good start
Let’s see if soon we could get together
And be happy forever

Je m'ennuie de vous beaucoup Monsieur,
Je devine que vous êtes si heureux maintenant
parce que vous ne vous rappelez pas d'autre
autant que d'autres se rappellent vous
Je suis triste Monsieur, really, I am.

Sketching Out a Security Scenario

2008-02-17T13:57:00.001+08:00

The government in this country is just going crazy. In the midst of all the controversies hustling the anomalous deals, security issues are being dealt with some reservations . The perilousness of the issue has left many at a wonder... who will take the cudgels when the very service forces themselves have been vacillating the very sanction of their office.
hmmm...

why do i suddenly entertain such uncanniness when I'm in my homeland, yet when i was at a foreign land this time of last year, the security of LU just blows me away.

Let me conjure up a picture...

To enter my hostel, I type in a 5 digit key code that is exclusive to Hall D.
Then... I swipe in with a security officer (who by the way i wouldn't mess with)
...and then enter into the elevator that is "disinfected no less than 3 times a day".
Finally I key into my room.

Oh and to enter the bathroom I've got another key code.

Plus, no overnight guest...ever (but being an X/S entitles you some concessions, especially if you're friendly with the officer! hmmm...whoever consumed those entitlements?!)***wink

Bring Back My 2007 'Spring Break'

2008-02-17T13:53:00.003+08:00

Everybody looks forward to spring break or March Break or slack week (for others) because its that time of the year when school is on recess, and many are lured on travels or what have you.

However for me, spending Spring Semester as an exchange student is more or less a spring break escapade. It was obviously not a recess from school, but more likely a breather from my poleco studies here in the Philippines and a leave from the environment I have been used to.

That was last year, but Sweet Jesus! its already 2008 and I'm not really over, getting-over last year.

There's just too much about last year that I cannot really allow to slip away with time. I feel so empty, thinking about letting go of it. For some reasons, I am simply not inclined in doing so. I should know that by this time, I ought to be over it. For crying out loud, people from last year have already moved on (sigh)! I should be moving on as well. However, no matter how much I try to convince myself, I am still romanticized by 2007.

Last month,Vico (X/S Monterrey Univ) shared his cup of coffee through MSN (Mex time) after coming back from a year of studies at LU ... I asked him how he was doing, his reply was "...you know how it feels like, raiza." Okay, I figured, I know what was it like so I replied him with "How then are you, coping?" He said "one day at a time...I couldn't complain". He told me I was harsh on myself, i didn't allow my being to recover from the reverse culture shock, that's why I'm still despondent by HK, LU and all things encompassing. He suggested one viable way to tidy up the clutter of 2007 is to patiently see things as plain as the nose on one's face.

Hence, I should try to shipshape things not by turning a blind eye to the resplendence of my 2007 Spring, but to actually recognize the wonderful things I have gained, be it the unimaginable or the simplest form of learning...or could be the unnoticeable or the most obvious joys of life.

I reckon how do i clear a glass filled with contaminated water...
simple...
lave the glass and slosh water anew!

Happy Corner

2008-02-03T13:42:00.003+08:00

What was one thing you did, which you thought made somebody else happy?

Well, a plethora…or so I thought, but at least that was how I felt.

It was January 31, close to 12 midnight, I came back from a happy hot pot dinner with some Chinese friends. I rustled up a surprise for a friend, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday. I’m not a typical friend who would cook up something for a friend, but last year, I somehow felt compelled to do so. Well, maybe it was one of the episodes in my life where I am enthralled to exhibit the “good traits” I possess but would not normally recognize. I’m really not your nice-type of person, so a birthday surprise for a friend sounded “too nice” of me.

So I called one of the buddies of the X/S (exchange student) to ask for his number. He was one of the first local students in LU, who I’ve met. He’s also one of my close friends in the hostel I was billeted into. Well, we’ve shared a lot of good times and not-so good ones too, but that’s another entry to compose.

I knew he was sharing a flat with another local student in the first floor, but I did not know what his room number was. I called him to ask about it, and good-naturedly inquired whether it was his bedtime already or if he was busy. Already was he asking what I’ve been up to, I had to hang the call as he was realizing the oddity of things. I walked through the exit doors of the hostel and called him back to appease his curious mind. As I walked through the long wing of the 1st floor, I was trying to engage him in a conversation and told him I knew of a secret about him.

In Lingnan University Hostels, the guys don’t openly talk about their birthdates because of “Happy Corner”. Well, it’s one of the few things discussed in the informal orientation with local students and friends. Happy Corner has been practiced for a long time already, perhaps since LU transferred to the New Territories in HK from its old campus in Guangzhou. It’s been a tradition for a person celebrating his birthday to be carried around by the guys who reside in the hostel. So some guys are assigned to knock on everybody else’s door and call everybody to come out of the room and sort-of gang up the celebrant. Even girls participate in this tradition as spectators. There’s a chant that everybody else say or shout repeatedly in a singsong tone to signal that a guy is due to be sentenced. So when the celebrant has been carried around the hostel, they will whack and thwack his body at a junction. Ouch! Probably that would be painful so a guy’s birthday is a taboo in the hostels (poor guys!).

He sounded like I gave him a fright and he was dying to know what I have been up to. Maybe yet, he was scared that I would kick-start the happy corner for him. I was bursting in a tee-hee, knowing that I was sending him into a cold sweat. Already, I was in front of Room 108, I insisted that he open his door. What the heck! I might have scared the hell out of him as he was having second thoughts of opening his door. Just when I convinced him, he opened it and found me standing right in front of his door with a birthday cake at hand. I tried to sing him the birthday song (and boy did I want to sound like Marlyn Monroe singing to President Kennedy). I don’t know if it had made any difference to actually stand in front of him, yet keep him on the phone as I tell him my birthday greetings. I was clueless that there were a number of guys in his room playing some war games and boy did that unnerve me…well because of the happy corner and some loose lips (yikes!) after all we’re just really friends (disclaimer’s affixed!)

A lot of friends, especially him told me that my gesture speaks a lot about my kind of character. Wow! At least I realized I could be nice too. Well, generally that’s one of the few deeds that I thought I would never have done. And Well, its one of the few undertaking that I think I would not have the courage to do again (…unless there are other and better reasons for me to do so). However, if its just about being nice to a friend, maybe other deeds would be better yet. Actually, it doesn’t really hurt to do things like this, once in a while, especially if it would be for friends, but to actually carry the consequences of the actions I make…like the happy corner and well uh, the tittle-tattle…its enough that for once in my life, I’ve tried to be nice to a friend celebrating his birthday.

It may have turned-out well last year, but maybe not this year…

So here’s for a friend who’s now celebrating his 23rd birthday:

One, Two Three
I haven’t seen you lately
You’ve been friendly
And have always been so busy
You can be so irritating, yet funny
You speak of canniness but can also be crazy.
Hello chiseen!
How have you been?
I hope you’re happy
Happy Birthday!

Tears Gone Back

2007-12-02T23:12:00.002+08:00

I cannot recall how many months I have counted from the morning you left me by my window. I surely have continued life with vigor, thinking I have surpassed the torment. I wonder how many times I have rejoiced believing there was nothing wrong with the hollow muscular that pumps blood for me to walk on earth. Heck! It was only yesterday when I found out that there was nothing to rejoice about. In truth, I have not triumphed the harrow of disappointment, which I have cast upon, myself. Somehow, I can opine, how shrinkingly I shied away from the whole affair. Perhaps, this is the price I have to pay for not doing the things my heart wanted me to do, in response to what your heart have gestured. I wouldn't know how to break free from the whole ardor, and pledge to carry on with what the present has to offer. I am clueless as to when I would be unencumbered...will it be when you see me again, as you have promised, or when I see you splinter your words. I don't want to sound like a defeatist, giving up when things are yet to be done, nor an overtly propitious, looking too forward to things that will never be. What then is the incentive for me to go fair-to-middling, when I only have your words as collateral and your sincerety as a guarantor.

You bring me back to tears and I cannot even beg you to wipe those tears away.
You bring me back to my old wound and I cannot ask you to heal them for me.
You bring me back to melancholy and I cannot seek you to make me happy.
You are surely happy now, how can I engage you to the blues you've once have gone through.

I will keep and save everything that has been left,because someday...perhaps soon, fate will bring you back instead of tears which fits to be taken away.