My Turning Point

..tHe New Zealand eXperiEncE..

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:32:00 +0000

"Kia Ora" the welcoming word once you arrive at Auckland International Airport, it is a Maori word for "Hi/Hello". Last January, I was able to visit and explore the wonders of New Zealand's North Island - Auckland, Rotorua, and Waitomo particularly. At this time of the year (December - March), it is the summer season in New Zealand where the average maximum temperature ranges betwee 20-30 deg. C.

New Zealand is an 11 hour flight from Hongkong via Cathay Pacific, not including the 2 hours flight Manila to Hongkong where I started my trip. Prior to this, I pre-arranged a 2 weeks stay to a "kababayan" whom I have met in pinoynz group of which I am a member that include meals, accomodation and pick-up from the airport upon arrival.

Due to unavailability of rent-a-car for the first two days upon arrival, armed with excitement, gps, travel guide which I got free, and NZ$ bills which I bought from Travelex at the airport, I roamed around Auckland by bus. Unlike Manila, where you can find taxi, tricycle, jeepney, and bus almost anywhere, here you need to go to the bus stop or in some instance you need to call the hotline for your cab. Bus route, time table, and fares can be found on the internet via www.maxx.co.nz. Also,be prepared to walk most of the time.

Day 2, Auckland Botanic Gardens, just 5 minutes away from where I am staying - covers 65 hectares of stunning plant collections, native forest, lakes and wandering paths. Special attractions include the Potter Children's Garden, the Threatened Plant Garden and a splendid magnolia collection. The Gardens are open every day till 6pm (8pm during daylight savings).

The Visitor Centre offers visitor information, and a stylish café, overlooking the beautiful views.

Day 3, After picking-up my Toyota Corolla at the rent-a-car station, I proceeded to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter - Underwater World. The Antarctic Encounter is home to New Zealand only sub-Antarctic penguins, offering a rare opportunity to see the magnificent birds up close in their icy domain. A unique snowcat ride brings you within arms length of the 80-strong colony of King and Gentoo penguins to watch their playful antics on the snow and their elegant flight underwater. In the Underwater world - Giant stingrays, turtles, sharks, different species of fish and other deep sea creature can be be found on the moving walkway.

Day 4, Auckland Museum. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. It has pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections, it is a war memorial for the province of Auckland. Auckland Museum stands in Auckland Domain which has an spectacular view of the city and the Harbour. For a 35NZD, I was able to watch the Maori Cultural Performance. The show is a vibrant and entertaining glimpse of Maori Culture, culminating in a high-energy Haka - New Zealand's famous dance. After which, performers will then take you on a special guided tour of the Museum gallery.

Day 5, Just stayed at my accomodation, woke up very late. I had a good sleep that night because of the cool breeze through my bedroom window. I was able also to meet everyone in the house who were all very accommodating.

Day 6, armed with my GPS Off to MATAMATA at 7 AM, first stop the Hobbiton Movie Set where some of the scenes in Lord of the Rings was taken. From Auckland , about 2 hours drive to The Shires rest Cafe, the starting point of the tour. The tour costs around 60 NZD, if you are LOTR fanatic, this is worth visiting because The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for the LOTR can be viewed and how beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of the tour which is around 1 hour and 45 min. it will end at The Shire Rest Cafe with the sheep farm experience.

Next stop, the TE PUIA at Rotorua. Te Puia has so much to offer with various attractions from the museum, the carving and weaving school, the Maori house, The KIWI, and culminates at The Pohotu Geyser. Worth visiting with a daytime tour costs 43 NZD.

My Last Stop for the Day was the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. One of the most amazing caves I have ever been with worms glowing in the dark they are just stars at the caves ceiling. It is a boat ride tour and costs around 30 NZD and will lasts around an hour. Too bad it was prohibited to take photos as it may disturb them from camera flashes.

Day 7 -Lunch with my new found friends at the house.

Day 8 - Waiheke Island

Day 9 - Downtown Auckland and shopping

Day 10 - This day culminates my trip no New Zealand with the 9 AM flight via Cathay Pacific.

To sum-up, it was a fun filled worth remembering vacation and hoping that I could return as New Zealand has a lot to offer. Next time, South Island and Wellington!

Another year, and I am still the same!

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:37:00 +0000

With the start of the year, I promised myself to engage in activities I have never been, try something new and be productive. First quarter of 2010 is almost over but it seems I can't figure out still how am I going to fulfill this promise. Another year, and I am still the same, can't focus on things I want to do. I tried to be productive as I can everyday but it seems I am going nowhere. I envy my friends who has wish list at the start of the year and trying to fullfill this wish list as good as they can. Can I still fulfill my promise?

I know within myself I have to change something, I know I don't need to be reminded over and over with the promise. I need to start from somewhere, but how? I told with someone before that I don't plan because I take them as they come to me, when asked regarding my future plans. But it seems I need to break this rule and have that plans written all over my bedroom walls. Am I just lazy or I am just a typical person who can't focus on my goals?

Now, I am laying out my simple goals for me to be reminded always:
1. Get out of my comfort zone - still I haven't done anything new. That trying to learn how to swim is still a big question "WHEN" for me as well as engaging in sports. I know the environment I am within now have something to do with this so I have a consolation.
2. Be productive. At the end of the day I have done something worthy. That includes blogging!!!
3. Eat healthy and have a daily exercise. Reduce my weight to 50kls.
4. Clean my room and keep it organize always.
5. Meet someone interesting.

I hope I could keep up to this simple goals always. The more serious goals have already set and I don't need to write it down I just need to do it.

Merry Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:07:00 +0000

May the true meaning of Christmas "peace.love.joy" be always in our hearts always! Wishing each and everyone the best of everything this season could bring. Merry Merry Christmas!

First Class

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Flying with First Class seats really gives me a sense of royalty from the food to its amenities. A warm welcome by the staff is provided with a cardamom-flavored Arabic coffee and dates, as well as selection of the freshest juice. With the help of a fully electronic control, foot rest, and an adjustable headrest, I was able to secure a comfortable position during my trip. Without a doubt, First Class cuisine is the best in the air, you get to choose on the menu provided.

This is the time that I really appreciate being an overseas worker having the time of his life in an environment very conducive for relaxing.

sTriKe oNe!

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Driving in Saudi Arabia for over three years now have made me very cautious, alert, and very attentive while on the road. With my untarnished record of zero accident within this time frame, suddenly it was tainted yesterday, when I slammed into the rear of a native resident – a students’ car. Though, the damage on my car was minor still it was an accident that should have been avoided if road courtesy, road safety rules and regulations have been followed.

Although, road network in Saudi Arabia has the highest standard, with eight lanes for inter-city highway and construction of ring roads and over- or under-passes, still car accident is one of the top 5 causes of death in the Kingdom. In Riyadh alone, at least 5 accidents occur every hour. Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Driving habits are generally poor, and accidents involving vehicles driven by minors are not uncommon. Other causes are over speeding and inattentiveness.

Quick facts: In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all persons involved (if not in the hospital) may be taken to the local police station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. In many cases, all drivers involved in the accident are held in custody regardless of fault. Those involved in an accident should immediately contact their sponsor and their nearest Embassy and Consulate. Under Islamic law, blood money of up to SR 100,000 can be imposed for injuries, so it is important to take out insurance to cover this. Speed detection devices are in use in the country, and there are standard fines for exceeding the speed limits of 45kph in urban areas and 80 to 120kph on motorways. There are automatic jail sentences, or corporal punishment, for some driving offences.

iF OnLy...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:42:00 +0000

posting Ely's poem, a reply on sa isip lang.

remember the days we’re together?
isn’t it bittersweet and no reservations..
who thought that will be forever?
letting our heart flows in different directions..

grudges have no room anyway,
who do you think someone had a regret?
in some point we have those decisions what would I say..
never in my deepest soul, should I forget?

life is a choice of your own will..
how about the Almighty hands to you?
His plans are perfect , so better stand still..
did I said I follow mine or to those are few..

this again a piece made to you to think..
can somehow tell the contents of my within?
you can read twice and have a single blink..
are you a good one to be that keen?

—-cheers on xpressing the other side of yOu

tHe heRo wiThin uS

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:27:00 +0000

"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.

"So to each and every person inside ...this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dream, and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be." Efren Penaflorida

We are created unique; every one of us has the ability to transform whatever we want to everything we wanted to be. We have the power to think and knowledge to create something substantial and tangible that would uplift the betterment of our surrounding. If all of us have just to look inside our hearts and radiates that to everyone, this world would be a better place to live in. Everyone would have an equal share to what is available to us.

Everything boils into one word “LOVE”. If we have love for mankind and humanity, we have to act now; it is not yet too late for us to catch up on the things we have lost. I know it is not easy achieving our goals, there will be ups and down, all we have to do is to believe and have faith that we can achieve it. Let us unleash the hero within us, share the love within us and be an example that others may follow.

A toast to "Kuya EF", may you continue to be a good example of doing extraordinary things and may GOD bless you always!

sA iSip LaNg

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:26:00 +0000

posting Ely's comment on my poem ...sa isip lang...

i thought there is someone better than you
nobody knows what we’ve been through
i have found something that never can replace
the space you fill in my heart, no one can erase….

times flies and thousand miles we’re apart
who says you haven’t captured my deepest heart?
i miss you the most on this journey they called life..
when will be the time again that i can hug you tight??

prayers and love is what i always have for you..
you can smile, but u never know this is so very true..
there maybe ups and down on us before..
i jsut want you to know i always care for you more and more..

if you are reading this, and you feel i have touch your heart ..
somehow this is for you , or maybe just a piece created..
for more than once read it again, and tell me why..

maybe this piece have posted … just for you to say HI

sA iSip LaNg

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:25:00 +0000

posting Ann Agustin reply on my poem sa isip lang

winner ka badonng… sa pag-gawa ng tula…
sa pagbasa nito ako ay namangha…
mga adventures and get-away iyong nilathala…
sa pag babalik tanaw ako ay tumula…

di matatawaran ating mga pinagdaanan…
mga simpleng mithi, malayo ang napadparan
sa bawat usap at kamustahan, loob ay gumagaan
kalungkutan ay napapawi pag mensahe at chats na ang pinag-tutuunan…

salamat sa lahat ng inyong pananatili…
sa barkadahang ito tayo ay nakatali…
malayo man sa pisikal, puso’t isip ay wagi
basta nandyan ang kaibigang winner ka kung pinili….

sA iSip LaNg

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Ito'y pagpupugay sa mga kaibigang tunay

Na sa puso’t isip ay kailan ma’y di nawalay

Saan man mapadpad pagkakaibiga’y taglay

Sama-samang inaabot mga hangaring binuhay

Ito and simula ng pagkakaibigang makulay

Naalala mo pa ba mga nakaraang napakasaya

Kasama na rin mga lungkot na minsan dala’y luha

Mga tampuhan na kung iisipi’y sa ngayo’y nakakatawa

May tatalo pa ba sa ating mga ganitong eksena

Na sa pagdaan ng taon ay kaygandang balikan tuwina

Sa bahay nila Inay at Agus, sa Bulacan ay napadalas

Handa nila Nanay at Mama ay ubos at masarap na likas

Swimming nagkayayaan kaya daan sa Puerto Galera’y binagtas

Papunta sa Corregidor sa barko sama ng loob naibulalas

Na di mawari kung anong mangyayari sa pagdating ng bukas

Sa awa ng Diyos ating napagtagumpayan

Mga pagsubok sa atin ay kanyang pinapasan

Upang maging matatag para sa ano pa man

At sa tulong niyo kaibigan aking nalagpasan

Mga salitang magaganda sa aking loob ay nakagaan

Tayo’y nangarap, plano ay nabuo “Laudry shop” naitayo

Salamat kina Flora, Nelson, at Fria na naging abalang puno

Mga masasayang trip sa Subic palaging takbo

Kotse ni Inay at Agus dyan ay panalo

Masarap na tulog sa apartment nila Flora at Nelson ay isa pang panalo!

Di rin pahuhuli ang ating Tagaytay adventure

Siksikan sa kotse ni Agus ating nasurvive

Sarap ng kape at lamig sa Starbucks ay na endure

Sa maliit na kuwarto’y tabi-tabi’t walang demure

At sa Bag of Beans almusal ay mahusay!

San man mapadpad komunikasyo’y nandyan

YM chat siyang naging huntahan

Yahoo Mail naging sulatan

Yan ang patunay na kahit san man

Sa pagkakaibigang di mapapantayan

Salamat mga kaibigan ko

Kayo’y dumating sa buhay ko

Di ko man sinasabi mahal ko kayo

Sa aking mga panalangin kasama ko kayo

Di man tayo nagkikita nasa puso ko kayo!

Basta isipin mo lang….mangyayari!

tHe paLaCe...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0000

I am still in awe with what I saw a while ago, I was able to go inside a Prince Palace (Saudi). Actually my first and I truly savour the moment because I don't think it will happen to me again. I have been into a palace but mostly just outside the perimeter. I am very glad the work was given to me, to appreciate and see the beauty, the architecture, the grandeur, the technology and amenities of the palace. I was lucky enough to go each and every corner and room while doing my work (test calls). Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take pictures but I was able to get some with my cam hidden inside my pocket. The huge underground underneath the palace where the garage (basement 1) can be found, a collection of cars were parked beautifully, from Lincoln, Bmw, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari , you name it they have it. On the opposite side of the garage an olympic size swimming pool was designed perfectly (imagine a pool underground) and across was the lounge area, massage, spa, sauna rooms and the bar. Picture this, a big hall was turned into a kiddie play room with a kiddie pool, rides, game room, and the “foodie” room which caught my attention because of the tempting and expensive goodies inside. “The kitchen, my goodness napanganga talaga ako as in ngangang-nganga! Imagine the refrigerator, ang haba at ang laki, one block ata sa dingding. If I’m not mistaken 10 doors, you can never find such this one on the market kundi pasadya para dito lang. Then the industrial gas range, the utensils, the machines my goodness gracious the room itself ay wish kong magkaron.”

Experiencing and seeing the entire place gives me a hope and dream of having my own “PALACE”. But for now, work hard huhuhuh!!!

aRRozcAldo aLa BadOng

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Surprisingly for my lunch today, I was able to come up with a very sumptuous meal and named it “arrozcaldo ala badong”. My original menu for the day was to substitute rice with oatmeal and sardines as my viand but instead I incorporated the sardines on the oatmeal while cooking. While on field work I get used to eat on Arabic restaurants or Filipino restaurants, good thing there’s a mini kitchen on my hotel, I can cook my food. Due to time constraints and in a hurry always, cooking oatmeal is the best choice because it’s fast, easy, affordable, and very healthy.

Ingredients: 1 can sardines(in tomato sauce and chili)/ 6 tablespoon of oatmeal

Procedure:

1. Boil a small amount of water - enough to cook the oatmeal.

2. Add the oatmeal, cook for around 5 minutes.

3. When oatmeal is ready, add the sardines – cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Whalla “arrozcaldo ala badong” is ready

blogging on the phone?

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Hope this one will get posted, I am blogging right now through my phone E71 while waiting for my flight 0745H going to Tabuk (Military City close to Jordan border). I am just trying out if it will work and get posted on my site and maybe do this from time to time while on field work. Good thing I am on Business class, I have access to Golden Lounge of Saudi Airlines where I can have Wifi access on my phone, Eat, and very comfy couch where I can sleep comfortably. I have 45 minutes more prior to my departure time. Right now I'm having a hot chocolate, 2 types of cheese - I don't know what type all I know It's very yummy together with my bread, small slices of kiwi, apple and grapes. Oh, after this meal I'll have to taste their freshly squeezed orange juice. By the way, it's my first time to see a hardened milk for coffee, just see the photo to appreciate, hope I can have this one as a "pasalubong" when I get home. Photo not of good quality taken by my phone.Yehey, successful!!!! Blog posted...edited 1908H.

tHe fLashBack...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:19:00 +0000

I was thinking very deeply and contemplating on myself lately of the opportunities and blessings I may say pouring into me, do I deserve all of this?

Then everything came just like a flash of lightning. When I was a child all I just wanted was to grow up, go to school, graduate from college, work, be rich, and have a family. When I started working, all my aspirations changed and shifted to what I dreamed of.After being hired by SMART and working for them, I thought that will be all, work, earn money to be rich and help the family, but I was wrong. I am one of those people not contented with what I have, I want more. Being not contented, my expenses also became bigger that what I’m earning cannot compensate, it wasn’t just enough. When I was employed overseas, I thought this will be the end, it will me much enough for me and my family but, I was wrong again. As my earning became bigger, my expenses as well. Right then, I kept thinking when will be the time I’ll stop wanting for more?

After meditating to all the things that I have done, I may say I have no regrets. All things happen for a reason, God doesn’t give you anything that you cannot endure and surpass. As they say “we make our own destiny”. I am not saying I deserve all the blessings; I have just done what is right, to help and give back what I have. Being not contented for purpose to help my family gave me a reason to pursue what I have started. I don’t set any goals for myself before and plan to keep it that way for now; I’ll just take things as they come to me and hope to have a decisive mind as always.

As of now, I don’t have any answer yet to when will I stop wanting for more. All I wanted is to be the best I can be. Provide and support the family as long as I can.

“Sana di mapagod and Diyos sa paggabay, pagsubaybay at pagtupad sa aking mga kahilingan.”

a confessed addict to FV/FB...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:57:00 +0000

I have been playing this online game for a month now, and it's seems I can't get myself out of it. It's probably the most fun on facebook right now. I rarely go on for anything else other than farmville related topics. I have to be online daily to get bonuses on my neighbours ribbon or achievement and even give shelter to lost animals found while farming. Can you just imagine how addicted I am? I have to sleep very late at night sometimes and even brought my laptop and hsdpa card at my worksite just for me to harvest my crops in order for them not to wither. There’s an instance that I was very angry and very devastated when I wasn’t able to harvest my crops because of Zynga’s Network problem (creator of the game) and all my crops have just withered and kept thinking my coins or money was wasted. I even have to compute the income of crops I have to plant. Who can tell that I really never thought that I’ll be playing this game on facebook?

Oh, no!!! A confessed addict to this game. Right now, I am aiming for level 34 in order for me to buy the villa on my farm and redecorate it as good as I can. So, why not be my neighbour and let’s be an addict together. I’ll be waiting for your request ok?

Diary of my Life

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Have you seen my future?

No, it is I who will make it

It will be me who will traverse the feat

To conquer my fears and cowardice

To be brave and succeed courageously

I have been in the past

The yearning and longing instilled

I have fallen and have stood up

Faced the challenge this life could bring

And emerge triumphantly in the end

The present is a journey

To succeed is to believe

To fight and not to loose the battle

To be what I am and be the best

And continue for what is right

I know I am indispensable

Sooner or later I’ll vanish

But the things I have done will linger

So I live today as if my last

And do the best I can be

Life is what we make it

I am what I am; I can be what I can be

I am a son, I am a brother, and I am a friend

This is me, this is really me

Thank you! The Diary of my Life.

the "padalahan: telemoney(akaria)" experience...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:50:00 +0000

I am very angry....as if I can do something about it?

From my point of view, Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that don't particularly care about the word “customer service”, with what I have experienced from banks, airline ticketing office, and government offices. Though, with exception to Saudi Investment Bank as I am very satisfied with the service they are giving me. This is somewhat a norm here, better not complain if you’re not a native or else you'll just be ignored. The slogan "Customers are always right", in Saudi Arabia “be patient, keep still and hold your temper".

I experienced the worst, last Wednesday(30 September 2009) at Telemoney(Akaria) – padalahan, I was on the long cue of customers (nearly around 50 people) waiting for my turn (15th on the line) with just two counters open, one for men and one for ladies with transaction per customer nearly reaches around 10-15 minutes. So, just imagine how long will you be waiting if you are no. 50? Coming from a customer oriented company, I can say their service was very poor. Actually, I waited for around two hours for nothing, as the stupid and idiot Saudi teller blocked my card. So, instead of being angry to his stupidity, I reported him to the bank manager. To my dismay, no action was done. I just walked out the bank upon bursting my emotions to the manager and keeping in mind just another ordinary “customer service” experience in Saudi Arabia.

The Beauty of Letting Go

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:48:00 +0000

I don't know where to start

The sadness pouring in my heart

Emptiness and loneliness by my side

Darkness became my sight

Tears became my laughter

Hopelessness became my strength

Though I don't know where to go

I have to let you go

Now I must go on

For surviving is living

Living is accepting

Accepting is the start of a new beginning

Life is colorful

As the saying "Don't forget the past, but don't dwell on it"

Now I must let go and learn from it

For I know I can make it

This is what we call life

To see the beauty in it

No matter what it is

Just like this

The Beauty of Letting Go!

the beginning...

noreply@blogger.com (jbsantos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real! When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile. Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.