My Fantasies

Guam

2019-02-11T15:24:00.003+08:00

Hafa Adai!

Hafa Adai! (half-a-day) means "Hello". The first Chamorro word I learned.

I am so blessed to see another part of the world - Guam, a journey to be added on my travel eDiary, My Fantasies.

This is Guam!!!

Chamorros or Chamorus are natives of Guam, while people who live in Guam are called Guamanians. Folk or noble called Matua which is similar to my Pampanganian dialect.

Stone latte used as the foundation for
a shelter constructed by Chamorros

Currency: USD. Counting their cents is confusing. A dime,a smaller coin is equivalent to 10 one cents or 2 five cents which is a bigger coin.

Power voltage: 110V. I should have known this first before flying to Guam and not bring a 220V hair dryer, just added weight and space in my luggage.

A quarter of a dollar coin- Guam

Land: Guam is a United States territory, 210 sq.miles (540sq.km), with a population of 163,000 (2016). It has 19 municipalities called villages, these are 1)Agana Heights, 2)Agat, 3)Asan, 4)Barrigada, 5)Chalan Pago - Ordot, 6)Dededo, 7)Hagatna, 8)Inarajan, 9)Mangilao, 10)Merizo, 11)Mongmong Toto-Maite, 12)Piti, 13)Sta. Rita, 14)Sinarajana, 15)Talafofo, 16)Tamuning, 17)Umatac, 18)Yigo, and 19)Yona.

Sinajarana is the smallest area while Dededo is the largest and most populated village in the north. Hagatna is the capital.

Coconut leaves weaved fan

Military Bases: Two American military bases are;
Anderson Air Force Base in Yigo (north) and Naval Base in Sta.Rita (south).

Airport: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, named after Antonio Borja Won Pat, Guamanian politician, served the first delegate from Guam to the United States. The airport is also known as Guam International Airport, IATA code: GUM.

Bougainvillae seen in Dededo,
the northern part of Guam

National Flower: Bougainvillea

Time zone: UTC +10

Calling Code: +1-671

Transportation: For drivers it on the left side, the downside for commuters who want to explore the island is not having public transportation on the island.

Visited Places in Guam

War In The Pacific Park, Asan

On this site lived Apolinario Mabini and other 51 heroes. They were captured and exiled to Guam in 1903 by the American military, quartered in what was formerly a leper hospital. Released in 1903 after taking an oath of allegiance to the US. Apolinario Mabini is a Filipino revolutionary lawyer, regarded as Utak ng Himagsikan (brain of the revolution). Lost both of his legs to polio in 1895 shortly before Philippine Revolution in 1896. He died of cholera in Manila on May 13, 1903.

Apolinario Mabini Historical Marker - Asan Point

War In The Pacific Park, Asan

War In the Pacific Park

Guam Veteran's Memorial - Umatac

In memory of 74 Chamorros who died in the Vietnam War

Guam Veteran's Memorial - Umatac

Fort Nuestra de la Soledad, 1810 - Umatac

For 250 years, beginning around 1565, Spanish galleons sailed yearly from Acapulco, Mexico to Manila, Philippines and return. The only replenish stop for the Spanish galleons was Umatac Bay. From 1680 - 1810, the Spanish built four fortifications to protect the anchorage from the pirates and privateers. After WWII, the Government of Guam transformed the Fort into a park.

Cannons - Fort Nuestra de la Soledad - Umatac

Umatac bay view from Fort Nuestra de la Soledad

Fish Eye Marine Park
Underwater observatory located in Piti

Ron approached the tourists in the observatory window and waved Hi!

Inarajan Natural Pool - Inarajan

Pago Bay - view from the University of Guam

Tumon, Tamuning

Tamuning is the capital of Guam

Masso Reservoir in Piti
This quiet hidden area once utilized by the Chamorros
and was selected by the US Navy as a drinking source in 1940.

Agat Small Boat Harbor
Charter recreational boats for local residents and tourists.

Sons of Guam Pearl Harbor Memoria 1941 - 1944

See those whitish lines? Engraved on the wall are names of United States Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and coastguards. Chamorros who died suffered personal injuries, and forced labor from 1941 - 1944 WWll, US retaking of Guam from Japanese invaders.

Sons of Guam Pearl Harbor Memorial 1941 - 1944

A Closer look of names engraved on the wall

War In The Pacific Park overlooking Apra Harbor

Overlooking Apra Harbor at night towards Tumon from Libugon Vista Park

Umatac Bridge

Cetti Bay Overlook - Umatac

Merizo Combento - Merizo

Merizo Bell Tower - Merizo

The bell was used to call parishioners to worship and to summon residents of the village for meetings and disaster warning.

Statue of Our Lady of Camarin in Merizo

Chamorro Village Market day

BBQ BBQ BBQ

Chamorro Village, Hagatna

Christmas tree erected fronting Guam Museum. Christmas in Guam! - Hagatna

Mount Lam Lam range in Agat

At the height of 406m. / 1332 ft. above sea level, Mt. Lam Lam is considered the highest mountain on earth!!!

But why is that? I flew several times to Nepal at the height of 30,000 ft. and can see the apex of Mt. Everest above the clouds. Mt. Everest is 8,848m. / 29,029 ft. above sea level. Touching a bit of Geography here, thanks to Wikipedia ;-). I am liking this. Guam lies on the Marianas Trench in the Pacific Ocean with a depth of 10,994m. / 36,070ft (+/- 40m. / 130ft) which is the deepest natural trench on earth. If Mt. Everest submerged into the trench it will be >2,000 ft. below the sea.

Stations of the Cross, Mount Jumullong Manglo, Agat

The second highest peak in Guam, 391m. Yearly pilgrimage around the Easter Season, to commemorate the death of Jesus.

Underwater World Guam USA - Tamuning

Guam Veterans Cemetery, Piti

Pigo Catholic Cemetery, Hagatna

Churches in Guam

Over 85% of Guam's population is Roman Catholic. There are over 2 dozens of churches in Guam including those in 19 villages. Here are a few that I have seen.

San Dionisio Church in Umatac , view from Fort Nuestra de la Soledad, Umatac

Dolce Nombre de Maria Cathedral, Hagatna

Went here for a 5pm Tagalog mass, which is every first Sunday of the month seen on website/s. when we got there, No sign of mass for 5pm, maybe they are no longer serving Tagalog mass. Waited for the 6pm regular Sunday mass instead.

San Dimas Catholic in Merizo

Road trip to Dededo

Offbeat road

Spotted these wild pigs crossed the road and soaked in mud

Forest

Star Sand Beaches Resort

Barbed wire fence on the left is a property of Anderson Air Base

They have SM outlet too, inside Agana Shopping Center

Vista Mar Condominiums, Consolacion Ave., Asan, Guam
Where I stayed, super nice view.

My Birthday In Guam

2019-02-11T05:30:00.000+08:00

Today, I want to thank God for another year of a journey and I am welcoming this year's new challenges.

Last year's highlight was my myomectomy surgery. I was worried that it may take a while before I could lift heavy things again and may not able to do what I enjoyed doing before slashing my stomach. It wasn't all true. After 3 months I was already lifting iron at the gym, and before 6 months I was able to carry air tank and scuba dived. It feels great. I can see the scar on my belly but I no longer stressing over my monthly cycle for heavy bleeding. Well enough of that ... it's my birthday (smile).

Today, it started my day with the surprises, a rose, cake, silver and pearl and a 64GB USB flash drive for saving my photos, he knows what I need (smile). Indeed a good morning, isn't? Sometimes you are so sweet, Honey ko. Wish, every day is my birthday,lol. Joke lang. I don't want to multiply my age.

So charming to wake up with these

Ron and I attended the 6pm Sunday Mass a Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna.

After the holy mass, we had our dinner at Chili's. There are some places that we thought of having dinner. I want a new place. It's unbelievable that most places are closed on Sundays. So hard to decide where to go for dinner when you have on your left, right and in front are Lone Star Steakhouse, Apple Bees, Wendy's, KFC and Chili's. Decision...decision. We are at the GPO - Guam Premier Outlet Mall compound, parked just opposite of Chili's, so there you go for dinner. It was another cheat meal. Hey, it's my birthday! Busog-lusog again my tummy.

Boneless wings, egg rolls, chicken strips to start

Chicken Enchiladas

The Boss Burger

Thank you Chili's crew for singing happy birthday to me.

Blow the candle!

Thanks to you Honey ko for making this day so special and memorable one.

Your time and effort on waking up early to get the birthday cake you ordered the night before (I haven't thought that you would think of that hahaha).

Thanks for coming with me to the church.

Thanks for the surprises.

Thanks for the effort, time and money you spent, hahaha.

Thanks for being so thoughtful today. You didn't sing happy birthday for me though, hahaha.

Hope it's my birthday every day, kidding.

I heart you.

Learning is Fun

2017-03-06T23:48:00.001+08:00

I got new certificate for Social and Business Events Management.

It is nice to go back to school and refresh brain. It is not that I have not attended previous training, in fact my previous career as a cabin crew required yearly review and training. I was excited meeting new people and gaining new knowledge.

I remember when I took the lesson on Significance of Touch Therapy, a Swedish massage in 2005 there was number of students, this time we are only three. Anyway, training will be more focus on three of us however it is more fun when meeting more faces.

I achieved my expectation in learning the know how to put up an event either for LOL – Labor-of-Love (free of charge for family but not encourage ☺) and business wise.

2 Days Training on : Social and Business Events Management

Training school : Negoskwela Quezon City

Facilitator: Allan Hilary Orgas

Classmates: Princess Regio and Josie Panaligan

Mt. Samat National Shrine, Bataan

2017-02-28T13:26:00.000+08:00

It was one fine day, woke up inspired and looking forward in spending the day by myself. I want to be on a zenith to embrace the solitude of the loving nature.

You know the feeling when you are up there and looking at the bottom? It feels like everything on earth is just so small. The thing that bothers us is just a dot size, maybe just a dust that will disappear in wind. Let it go. Do not worry, just dance with the wind, like the wind, we feel its presence but doesn't stay. It was my birthday, that's a gift to myself. I want her to feel good and feel lighter. Just be you. I love myself.

Mt. Samat is located in Balanga, Bataan. It's the nearest high location and it was my first time to travel to Bataan. I am excited to do something for the first time (again) to let my feet take me away.

Are you ready? I am ready.

I traveled by bus from SM Pampanga, any bus with Balanga sign will do. I got into the First North Luzon Bus to Balanga - Victory Bus Terminnal for P99 pesos fare and took me an hour and 40 minutes travel. Then took a trike to take me to Balanga Terminal, the driver was charging me P20 pesos, I object saying I thought it's only P10 pesos ( I read it from a blog), and driver agreed. The trike did not run far. You know what, I could have just walk that distance of more or less a 100 meters. Would be nicer if he just pointed me the location. Well, anyway, I understand that he was trying to make a living, but!!! That's what happen when you don't know the area. Take note of that…that's a lesson.

Then from Balanga terminal take a jeepney to "Cabog-cabog". Tell the driver to Mt. Samat, the fare is P18 pesos. The driver will drop you off at the foot of Mt. Samat where trikes are waiting for passengers.

Trike to Mt. Samat charges P100 pesos per head one way and P200 pesos for two way. The trike will run with 2 passengers before it will go to Mt. Samat. Since I was by myself I had to pay double, P400 pesos to go and back.

The entrance fee was P30 pesos with an access to the lift to the museum on top of the cross, however the lift was not serviceable for many months, that's according to the guard. Anyway the shrine was open from 8:00 am till 5pm.

Happy birthday to me

Mt. Samat National Shrine also known in Tagalog as Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor. It is situated in Barangay Diwa, Pilar, Balanga, Bataan.

I am blessed to see you and feel nature

The Battle of Bataan

The memorial was built to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II against the Japanese Army in 1942.

The Shrine was completed and inaugurated in 1970 during the time of President Marcos.

A fulfilled day.
Thank you.

Mt. Samat National Shrine

Barangay Diwa, Pilar, Balanga,

Bataan, Philippines

February 10, 2017

When Gardening Goes Nuts

2017-02-08T00:39:00.000+08:00

Mag-tanim ay hindi biro (farming is no joke) is a farmers' song, which tells how difficult it is for farmers who were hunchback the entire day of planting.

This song turn out to be so real and literally farming is no joke for someone who knows nothing about planting.

This is when gardening goes nuts.

I thought it would be nice to have a small plot in adjacent vacant lot. A little greenery would add life. A week spent in cleaning and removing the grass in the making of the small plot.

I remember my mom buying plants that are placed in a small black plastic with mixed of soil and palay husks.

So I purchased 2 sacks of palay husks from the rice mill and mixed it on the soil that I prepared.

After a few days…ta-da!

What an odd surprised! There are many, as in many, many tiny green spikes and sneaking out from the soil. Keeps on growing taller day by day. There's more and denser than normal grass.

The palay leaves keeps on growing and that required more time and effort in removing it, simply by pulling them just doesn't work. Will I harvest more palay this time? I laughed at myself for what a toinks! toinks! (think of your own words) I have done.

It is funny how I learned from this :).

Well, now that kept me busy, removing the palay young leaves before they get even taller as that will be much harder to remove.

I was curious though whether they will bear palay :).

What do you think?

Diving in Malapascua Island

2016-04-30T11:05:00.000+08:00

Diving in Malapascua

It was another first experience traveling on a ferry for 24 hours, overnight trip. It was relatively calm night sea and a nice travel. Although there are few hassles dealt before and after getting in to the terminals. Add to that the taxi-drivers practice of “naming their price” fare. They have their own rules of setting the price, own choice of not using the taxi meter. The eradication of this taxi system will boost trust and respect from not just local commuters but also from our tourists as well.

Back to journey.

From taxi from the ferry to the bus terminal, and from there we took the bus that goes to “Maya”. It was about 4 to 5 hours trip, can be 6 hours depending on the traffic and stops. I got headache, I didn’t tell that I have travel sickness specially if it is on the slow moving bus, the motion is like stop, break and go which made me sick.

After reaching Maya terminal, we transferred boat to Malapascua Island. They fill up the boat so have to wait for other passengers. The trip was like less than an hour.

Purple Snapper's Balcony

Stayed for a month in Purple Snapper, so basic just fan, shower, bed, bath, bamboo made shelves, table and walls. No television, not needed though. It’s a basic place to sleep at night, shower and dive during the day.

Ron, was the one who pushed me to learn to dive. I felt pushed because I feel content being on the boat watching divers to jump off the boat and be gone for a while with trace of bubbles J. He believed that I am a good swimmer, psssh I made him believed that nyahahaha and said I can dive J. Honestly, I am scared to go and jump in what it seemed to me in the middle of no where. I don’t understand why he got so addicted in diving. Diving for him is like a yoga, the breathing technique made him so calm.

He gets so excited when he sees something new, and something new is always great. He is proactive and more relaxed when he is diving.

Anyway, so I took an Open Water Diver with Mette Halloum as my instructor at Evolution Diving Resort. We have lecture and exams in the morning and practical in confined water, near the shore.

Evolution Diving Resort

Review board

I felt sick on our first boat dive for confined water skills, could be motion sea sick. I was able to performed the practical training but again feel sick when I started to feel cold, went back to the boat and now it’s the combination of sea sick and cold… I was trembling on our way back, I was dizzy, felt weak and wanting to vomit, felt so weak even to remove the wet suit. Probably because everything, as in everything was new to me. It was my first time to don a wet suit, which is tight and felt compressed, first time to inhale that air from a cylinder… my mind and body was new to that. next dives… I took a motion sickness pill 30 mins to one hour before expected boat trip and dive. Then following days went well.

Ristorante Angelina

I was having trouble with my buoyancy and so Ron had me take the Peak Performance Buoyancy and because he wants me to see sharks he had me take Deep Dive lesson. I had 6 dives with Mette and 5 dives with Ron in Malapascua.

Kalanggaman Island

Palompon Leyte

Sandbar of Kalanggaman

Gato Island Diving

By the time we left Malapascua I made 11 dives J.

I can now see the underwater world.

Dubai Miracle Garden

2015-01-30T14:20:00.000+08:00

Dubai Miracle Garden

It was a huge flower garden, located in Dubailand, Dubai, UAE.

Valentines day February 14 in 2013 when it was first opened. It is only open for admission in October to April during winter season.

The admission fee is AED40 for adults, AED30 for kids and Free for disabled.

I am saving these photos and memories as collection of my life events.
My online diary.

Thanks for reading.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubailand, Dubai

United Arab Emirates

With

Mary Ann Hinto

Marylyn Dela Cruz

January 30, 2015

Sochi, Krasnodar Krai

2014-12-09T06:29:00.000+08:00

Sochi Olympic Park - Adlersky City,

Sochi, Krasnodar Krai

November 19, unforgettable date. It was my mom's birthday and this time I traveled as a crew to Sochi, Krosnadar Krai in Russia.

Thank you Lord for the gift of travel. Blessed.

With me are (crew) Valerie, Rose and Mary Ann; (Engineers) Ehsan and Ali; (pilot) Wissam and Waseem. We departed from Sharjah to Doha on a ferry flight. Loaded catering from Doha and picked up 74 passengers to Sochi, Russia. They were school-youth participated the International Robotic Competition in Sochi, Russia. They were accompanied by their parents and school faculty members. The flight time was 4 & half hours.

We were welcomed by freezing cold as we landed in URSS Sochi International Airport.

We stayed in Radisson Blu Resort and Congress Centre, just 20 minutes away from the airport.

We arrived evening time so not much to see. We were there for 5 days and had 4 full days to explore the place. Departed in the morning on our 5th day, 24th November.

Beautiful sea view, sunny, cold fresh air greeted me every morning at the balcony. Definitely away from sandpit.

Daily after breakfast, we trio (Valerii, Ann and myself) starts our business, and that is to explore the place. We got so lucky for having Valerii, he speaks Russian. It would either be impossible for us or hard to go around Krasnodar as people hardly speak English.

People are beautiful but not friendly. The place is clean, less cars, not crowded, foreign money such dollars not widely accepted. Had to go and find bank to exchange to their local money ($1 = 41.5 rubles). Easy for me to convert money since the exchange rate is close to peso rate ($1 = 43pesos). Cabs are not that many and do not run the meter, have to haggle for fare. We had to walk for almost half hour from hotel to the bus stop and train station to access transportation. Food shops not seen in many places. Maybe that is one of the secret of Russians being slim, walk a lot, eat less :-). I had to avoid drinking water while traveling, it was difficult to find comfort rooms.

C'mon, I am excited to show the places.

Sochi, Krasnodar Krai

Lies between Ukraine and Georgia, close to Black Sea. Sochi hosted the 22nd Winter Olympic Games, where Michael Christian Martinez, the first Filipino ever qualified to compete for Figure Skating. Sochi to host Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2014 till around 2020. They will also host the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

These are the photos taken around Sochi Olympic Park .


A walk from the hotel to the Olympic Park


Black Sea view

Torch, Main Ceremonial Square


The Olympic Rings, behind is Tennis Academy

The Theme Park

Entrance Fee: Rub1000/unlimited rides.
Opening: 12:00 till 19:00.

Bogatyr Hotel

Bogatyr Hotel, Castle like at night

Adler

To get there: Any Bus passing Adler, on the way back take bus#125C or 57.
Fare 19 rubles, 30 minutes.

Sochi City

To go there: Train, one hour, fare 68 rubles.

Sochi Olympic Symbol

By the port

Just love these multi-colors

Romantic place for a couple


Second hand books

Roza Khutor, Krasnodar

To go there: Bus to Adler, fare 19 rubles, then from Adler take train to Roza Khutor, 68 rubles, two hours.

Cable rides: first station - free, 2nd and 3rd station 700 rubles, 4th station to the peak 900 rubles.

The team, back to work

Thank You Lord for this sate and fun trip.
It was a great experience.
I am so blessed.

November 19 ~ 24, 2014

Ken and Tracy's Big Day

2014-08-29T20:58:00.000+08:00

One day I will turn these pages and read this story again.

This is today's story... on one fine day... on my friend's big day

It was in August 18, when I received a call from Tracy about Ken and her plan of the civil wedding this August 28, Thursday. She called to inform about the event but not inviting us to come over. It is going to be a civil wedding and not many people can come to the embassy to witness the ceremony. And since they are still settling financial matter, I understand that there will be no reception to be held. To me, to be just one of the people who get informed about their big day made me feel so honored enough to add credit to the friendship.

A voice inside of me yelling that it ain’t enough just to hear it and sit and not be able to do something or share time on that special moment with them.

I have the key!

I mean. I literally have key of their building and room. Thought of surprising them. Maybe not a good time since they are busy and I know they have a lot of friends too. Maybe I can do it...some other day.

Thanks to Dax and Lou for the plan of going to Abu Dhabi. We activated the plan. We will leave at 08:00 or 08:30 so we can come back early. I left Sharjah around 07:50am thinking that I might reach Sahara before 08:30 counting the traffic. I reached pass 08:00 though, informed Lou and Dax that I already reached Sahara bus stop, in Sharjah - Dubai boundary. I was told to order 2 Pancit Lomi in Pan de Manila, Filipino restaurant located behind the Blue Tag building. So I went there, the place was already busy that so early. Majority are male kabayan (blushed going in). I can tell they’re from cycling and basketball game. I ordered 2 pancit lomi for dining, requested the server to just keep it the kitchen coz my friends hasn't arrived yet. Dax and Lou showed up around 09:00 am, enough for the food to get cold since it was ready half hour ago. Dax requested to pack the pancit to-go as soon as she got in, will eat it while on the road.

Since it was going to be a long drive, we watched a Filipino movie “Maybe This Time” by Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo while Dax was driving. Less cars on the road, it was Friday. We reached Electra, Abu Dhabi and remained inside the car for another 20mins to finish the movie, it was a good movie though.

We went directly into the building where Tracy and Ken lived, entered the flat but they were not in their room. I called Tracy but didn't tell her that we are in their pad. Tracy said their friends prepared a surprised reception party at the Vision Hotel the last night and they stayed overnight there. I have the spare keys, so we just get inside the room.

Tracy and Ken doesn’t have a slight idea that we are already in Abu Dhabi. We told Tracy that we are still in Dubai and waiting for her. Dax was so good in acting angry insisting that they spoke days ago and Tracy was scheduled come to Dax's place on Friday (which was that day) and that was already at Dax flat, waiting for Tracy. When we're told about Tracy's where about and that she could not make it that day to Dubai, Dax said we are going to Abu Dhabi instead and requested Tracy to cook pinakbet dish for us.

We went to Spinney’s and vegetable retail shop just down the building. Dax surprised about the price of vegetables. Tomato at .500/kg. Dax messing with the vendor :-) said in Dubai its only .450/kg., and the vendor told her to buy in Dubai instead :-). I wanted to go buy balloons for decorations but most shops are closed that time of the day. I saw Tracy's bouquet of flowers in the room and re-used them for our decorations:-).

When were almost done cooking, I replied to Tracy's earlier message.

Tracy: Sis, send me message when you're in Abu Dhabi.

I can't really cook so I will just buy food.

Please don't tell Dax, coz she'll argue with me over this.

I am finishing up here then I'll go home.

See yah.

Me: Go home now sis, we're very near

Tracy: I am already near the house.

What food shall I order? Kowloon?

I am rattled.

Now it is set.

Our simple preparation, not bongga but heartily done

Ooooops…oh em gee, the door, there was someone trying to open the door! We are surprise, we’re caught unguard! Hahahaha! Now she knew that they have intruder inside the room.

We were surprised! Oh she was surprised! That look on her face like a child twist and bit her lower lip, those watery eyes. Oh, I feel that too. But to digress, not the time for tears…it’s your Big Day. But where was Ken? She left Ken in the hotel with friends who booked and prepared surprised reception for them in Vision Hotel.

We had late lunch with Tracy within 24 hours of being married time frame.

Tracy had to leave us in the room while watching to pick-up Ken. Tracy has the car.

They were back sooner with their cakes.

We had a movie marathon.

Is an “Invitation for Divorce” an appropriate movie to watch that day? Well it's the couples' idea :-), It's crazy title but the ending was not really a divorce matter but strengthening more of a relationship, so I think still a fine movie. Oh, one thing a slight stupidity there ;-).

Followed by World War Z which was a to good to heart and laryngital workout for screaming and suspense-thrilling scenes.

It’s almost 22:00 and played another good movie “Captain Philips”. I warned them they can’t leave without finishing the movie, which what really happened. A must watch movie till the end.

Since we can’t leave without finishing the movie, we just ordered food from Kowloon.

There was no rule after 19:00 that night, it’s my cheat day! Thanks for the food. Full tummy.

Happy tummy :-).

We left at exactly 23:30 from Abu Dhabi, another movie played…well that’s to keep us all awake. I bet the driver (Dax) doesn’t want to be the only one awake, you know…shared time! No sleeping while she's driving hahaha!

Thanks Ken and Tracy for sharing your bed, I know that you really want to overtake it from us but sorry whose idea to play nice movie by the way?

Convoy:
Ah Tracy...what was that movie again?...with one cast, stuck in the middle of the sea, tried to survive?

Dax: What movie? You are making your own story...

Me: Aah yeah...i remember watching that!!! Drifting Away?!!!

All: Laughed. Maybe, that is till in the making :)

Ken: "All Is Lost",
Me: Yep, that was it! LOL

Thanks guys for the good laugh, good times.

Love you all.

xoxo

It's one in a lifetime.

YOLO!

So, who is going to be next? ;-)

A Prayer

2014-08-28T19:30:00.000+08:00

Every night when I close my eyes,

I see darkness.

The darkness of uncertainties.

Thoughts drifting on what is tomorrow going to be like.

Lead me oh Lord,

I am holding on to You.

Just like when the sun appears after moon,

Trusting there is light after this darkness.

Please guide me Father.

Amen

CLP Christian Life Program

2014-07-02T00:56:00.001+08:00

What is CLP? It stands for Christian Life Program, a short course to refresh, renew and strengthen Christianity. There are series of Talks and inspirational life sharing during the course. It is often says that experience is the best teacher, so true. We can learn not only from our personal experiences but also from the life experiences of our fellow.

CLP is a gateway into a life changing path. I may not fully understand God’s way but one thing I am certain, He is there to guide us. Always there. Many times we just ignored it. He is within us, in our family, with friends, strangers and even in life trials. He is just waiting for us to recognize Him and to call on His name. ASK, SEEK , KNOCK.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

I often pray for my unending demands and complains. I forgot to look and be thankful of the many little things the Father is providing even I did not asked.

The Talks,

God’s Love
Who is Jesus Christ
What It Means to be Christian
Repentance and Faith
Loving God
Loving Your Neighbor
Christian Family
Life In the Holy Spirit
Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit
Growing in the Spirit
The Life and Mission of Singles for Christ

I am blessed in so many ways.

After our practice in Corniche, Sharjah

( Myself, Lynette, Meljie, John, Nesty & Art)

June 27,2014 Completed CLP, We are now a part of family CFC-Singles For Christ

(SFC Batch 28 Chapter II, Sharjah, UAE)

Our group, on our graduation day :-)

(Myself, Meljie, Jon Brix, Edzile, Kaitchi, Art, John, Nesty & Lynette)

What we did ... lol

Get together for an early dinner after CLP at Megamall

Door to door delivery from Megamall :-)

My take home kit, thanks to SFC

Our CLP course started on March 27 and completed it on June 27, 2014 at the St. Michael's Church, Sharjah. Our group was handled by Sis Nesty Baco(Lynette Canete, Meljie Apas and myself) and Bro. Kaitchi Villarin (John Vincent Talidanao, Jon Brix, Art Antonio & Edzile Reyes).

It was not the end of the CLP but rather a beginning of new challenge on how we are going to live CLP in our daily lives.

God Bless us all.

Your Way

2014-05-22T03:10:00.001+08:00

Dear Almighty Father,

You truly are amazing.

You really are a great provider.

I pray that I may understand your plans for me,

and that You'll lead me the way.

Thank You my Lord

SFC 21 Journey Beyond

2014-05-17T21:28:00.001+08:00

Journey Beyond

The 21st Years of Singles For Christ (SFC)

National Conference May16,2014

I attended again the CLP (Christian Life Program) in Sharjah, UAE which I initially took in Bahrain and also am a inactive SFC member.

The SFC UAE National Conference.

The conference was in Friday, day off, it was a whole day activity. Our meeting place was behind Mega Mall, Sharjah at 5:00 am. Again the time was always not being followed.

Each one of us received this kit.

A sling cloth bag, booklet program and a wooden cross.

Guest ID and food/snacks stub

I was so happy to witness and be a part of the SFC National Conference, held in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, also my first time be in Ras Al Khaima, United Arab Emirates.

Thank you Lord.

Our team leader in our CLP was Sis Nesty Baco and my colleagues were sissies Lynette, Meljie and Joy, all of them are Visaya :-), that sometimes they forgot that I do not speak the same dialect. It's ok, kabalo nako a little :-). (I know a little, Bisaya).

There are 4 main topics:

The Journey of A Lifetime - Revelation of Hope amidst despair, Generosity amidst poverty, Truth amidst deception, Life amidst death.)

The One who Remained - Mother Mary who witness Jesus sufferings and John.

To Jesus, Through Mary - Mary His own mother.

Journey Beyond - where there is a call. Recognize the Relationship with the Lord, Our decision to change and Action for renewal.

This was an entirely family program to know and serve the Lord. The Kids for Christ, Youth for Christ, Singles for Christ and Couples for Christ.

The church proper

The conference

Speakers / Sharers

The conference is a call for all the SFC to become a future CFC. There is a program that I ever wanted to do, the MV...Mission Volunteer.

A fulfilled day.

Write to Speak

2014-05-14T04:53:00.000+08:00

I haven't written for so long. I sometimes have thoughts to write but I have been preoccupied with other things or always have something to do.

I want to go back to the state of talking about whats on my mind. In here nobody will judge me and say I am right or wrong. Writing is the best medicine to release anger, when you inspired, when sad or happy. I just now once again realized that I don't want to forget about those memories. I want to remember those moments by one day reading back what I wrote.

Please...keep me inspired...and Therrie keep writing your thoughts...as I will go back and read what you have written one day.

I will write to speak my mind.

Nanay Turns 60

2013-11-23T20:28:00.000+08:00

Our mother's special day as she turns 60 and here was a surprise for you.

This was her surprise birthday party, held at the Kamay Kainan in West Avenue.

We love you Nanay, we wish and pray for your good health and you will be with us for many years to come.

Personalized tarpaulin

Venue - Kamay Kainan, West Avenue

Celebrant

Ras Al Khaima Beach Camping

2013-10-28T00:07:00.002+08:00

It was during Eid, the long holiday for Muslims and so thus my friends who work in the office. Here, decided for an outing. It was my first camping ever. Our tents were stood next to the shore which adds to the excitement. Not only that! Swimming the next day!
Wohoooo!
It was really a great experience, a night of get away just simply "away".


Lou and Kuya Rogel preparing our food "baon"

Dax and Kuya Bong preparing the our "Sulo" lights

Meal was served :-)

Let's eat

Beautiful moon

Play time

Good morning Ras Al Khaima Beach, taken at 05:30am


Our neighbors

Good sleep by the beach

Our tents

It was calm

Thanks for the good time shared.

Ras Al Khaima, UAE

October 15, 2013

Picnic at Mamzar Beach, Dubai UAE

2013-10-27T01:39:00.003+08:00

Compilation of photos taken during our picnic at Mamzar.

Dubai, UAE

September 20 2013

Petra, Jordan

2013-10-05T04:35:00.002+08:00

Petra

UNESCO World Heritage and 2007 Seven Wonders of the World "Petra".

On our way, finding the Lost City "Petra".

There is entrance fee of 1JD for locals and 50JD for tourists. The elderly can visit the place without the worries of a long walk for there is a number of camel and horses carriage services in the area.

Al Khazneh or so called The Treasury

It has been called as Red Rose City because of its pinkish rock walls.

Petra has been the Nabataeans caravan trade center in early period. Below is the Bab-el Siq or the long entrance to the ancient city of Petra.

The sun was pretty high on this day but walking along these huge walls is like in an open air conditioned area.

Djinn Blocks

These are tombs or memorial stones, cube-shaped monuments.

Obelisk Tomb and Bal el-Siq Triclinium

The upper is the Obelisk Tomb crowned with 4 pyramids, below is the Triclinium or the funerary dining hall.


Sabinos Alexandros Station

Sacred stone blocks work of Sabino


Relief of the camel caravan driver

Street of Facades

Rock cut tombs neatly arranged in rows.

The first view of the Treasury at the mouth of the El-Siq.

The Amphitheater

Tombs


The Urn Tomb

Petra, Jordan

September 2013

Aqaba, Jordan

2013-10-03T02:06:00.000+08:00

Aqaba, Jordan

I came in Jordan before and never thought that there is this hidden paradise.
The flight landed in King Hussain International Airport, in Aqaba. The downtown area can be reach in 20 to 25 minutes. Israel is close to Aqaba.

It's not a clear shot as it was shaky. Just to share the idea how close Israel is. The lights across the road is Israel. Our transport here is heading to the hotel from the airport.

Radisson Blu Sas in Tala Bay, Aqaba hides a haven. It is a great privilege for me to be here.

Heading to my room

My room :-)

View from the balcony at night

Day view from balcony

Bay Watch area

Longer pool

The Heat Wave, Red Sea

A Cover Up

2013-03-30T05:07:00.002+08:00

Rights violated
Posted on » Friday, March 29, 2013

I have a loan and my company has "closed down". It released the settlement through the bank but now I cannot withdraw a single fils.

"Because you are jobless", explained the bank authorities, when I asked why I could not withdraw my money. I personally appeared at the bank and stated my working status, after the closure of the company where I was working.

I asked what my options were when a company closed down. Given no option, I was asked to pay my monthly dues to avoid the late payment charges.

I am jobless, yes I am. And I have been responsible by paying my dues to the bank. I am avoiding the accumulation of late payment charges. However, is this how you handle customers who lose their jobs? Hold the money until a new job is found?

Haven't you realised that we need a shelter, feed ourselves daily and have an allowance in getting a new job?

I felt that the bank violated my rights by denying access to my own money or letting me decide on what to do with it.

You can take a few months' advance but don't hold all of it, it's equivalent to seven months salary.

I need to live.

For as long as I pay my monthly dues, you should not have issues with me.

Another bank at least thought about the welfare of their customers, took only one month advanced loan payment from my colleagues and did not hold money.

T G

This article Rights Violated sent to the Gulf Daily News in Bahrain about Standard Chartered Bank in holding my money. My letter has been edited and editor omitted the name of the bank which I am not happy about. Why they have to cover the name of the establishment? What is the point to sending an article to the newspaper publication when they are not telling the truth or covering up something to the public/readers?

Michael W. Smith Concert

2013-03-03T05:29:00.001+08:00

Michael Whitaker Smith, an American Christian musician having his world tour concert.
He was here in Bahrain on February 28, 2013 for his concert and am so glad I was able to watch it.

Some of the his songs that I like are "Above All", "Shout To The Lord", "Amazing Grace", "Draw Me Close".

"One Voice - A Prayer For Peace" Concert Tour

BD10/

Michael Smith

28 February 2013

Isa Town Stadium

Bahrain

BN Crew Team - BBQ Night

2013-03-03T00:38:00.004+08:00

Who & When was It?

It's when you have a group and more work load...
   and yet you don't feel that load.

It's when you cannot wait for the day to fly...
   to see your group again.

It's when your team members asked for flight swap ...
   because they are inspired to meet their goal.

It's when you are inspired to push the cart, to push that sale up...
   aiming to see your name up on the Top Sellers List :-)

It's when you are working and all of you are having fun.

It's when you asked the passenger "Dosa or Paratha" for breakfast choices
   and passenger chose "Pizza"!

It's when you don't care for turbulence that shakes your cup of tea and you cannot seat comfortably...
   because you are eating at the galley with that home made hot chilly sauce.

It's when you sold 2cups of tea to a passenger whose under the spirit of alcohol...
   only to show off to 2 ladies seating next to him...and does not want to pay!

It's when that cabin sanitizing spray doesn't really seems to work its magic,
   when you can't breath with strong smell that keeps getting in your nostrils and
   when you want to speak to the passenger because of unlimited and generous share of farts!

It's when you walk into the cabin for final cleaning...
   you have to rush into the lavatory without a word ...
   and you came out only after the rest completed securing the cabin ...
   it's when you had the final word "Sorry, I had a emergency landing".

It's when finally landing in Bahrain after diversion in Dammam...
   and your sleepy head keeps falling side by side...

It's when your effort paid of...
   Duty Free Top Seller: L4 Ellyyana
   F&B Top Seller: R4C Ana

It's when you had so much fun and team work...
and on the last day you planned to have barbeque.

It's when you realized...that was the last group you will ever fly with Bahrain Air.
I really had fun memories with you guys.

This our cabin crew team in January 2013:
Cs - Marites Gamboa #176
R1 - Nooh Haji #849
L4 - Ellyyana Ruansyah #203
R4C-Ana Marie Dalosong #328

Big fish by Nooh (Therrie, Elly)

Oh No! This is not a Cold Store :-), everybody had their share


Other colleagues joined on this fun BBQ windy night (Nooh, Raquel, Therrie, Mary, Ana & Saithip)

Excited! Excited!

This is team work


Some colleagues joined us too (Zhanna, Ezelda and Katrina)

It's when they dreamed of putting up a band...


The 600 Fils Band, their Talent Fee is 200fils each :-) (Raquel, Mary and Ana) Presenting .... The 600 Fils Band

"Anak" by The 600 Fils

"Laklak" by The 600 Fils Band

"The 600 Fils Band"

Guitarist:

Nooh Haji

Vocalist:

Mary Hinto

Ana Marie Dalosong

Raquel Garcia

Other Sponsors and Guests:

Marites Gamboa, Ellyyana Ruansyah, Saithip Boonthan, Ezelda, Zhanna, Katrina

Galali, Bahrain

Location

29 Jan 2013

My Natal Day on Chinese New Year

2013-02-16T03:50:00.000+08:00

My birthday this year fell on the Chinese New Year, February 10, 2013 year of Water Snake.

I believe that it is going to be a lucky year ;-).

Thank you Lord God for all the blessings.
Thank you Lord God to all guardians you sent (friends & family).

Gong Xi Fa Chai Everyone!


Our home made nian-gao "Tikoy''

This sticky rice-cake is considered a good luck to eat "nian-gao" means "higher-year" during this season which symbolizes raising oneself each year :-). This also imply promotions or prosperity year after year, and this makes a popular gift during this season.


Lucky color "Green"


Therrie, Jenny, Janet, Elena, Sanny, Rolly, Mariz, Joy, Wilma and Ana

Birthday Combo of Mark &Therrie at Pizza Hut, Exhibition Road, Bahrain

Ouch My Nail

2013-01-04T01:53:00.000+08:00

It was on my sister - Jo's birthday, December 30.
She requested me to bake 2 cake for her colleagues in the salon.
Done. Ready for pick up.

I handed the cake to her colleague whose waiting inside the taxi.

I closed the door and oouuuucccch!!! My left hand was still by the door...blag!
Ouch! ouch! I will not cry. I will not cry. Uy! Uy! Uy! Such small finger tip that can greatly shaken my nervous system.

That's my day and my New Year! Went up to the flat while my hand was raised...hurt! hurt! hurt!
I was by the sink cold compressing my hurt left thumb for 2 hours. At first I did not noticed the blood and wondered where it was coming from, can't see it since i have red nail polish. The blood was coming from the mid of my nail...:(...poor nail.

I continued the cold compress and continued my pending house chores. I finished cleaning and mopping (since i already started to clean before i went down to send the cake) with my only right hand and finished the laundry with the help of my friend washing machine.

The bleeding did not stop for 24 hours. The following day January 1, I have a flight, the swelling was not obvious since my nail wears red nail polished. I still did not remove the polish since I am afraid of the the acetone solution might got into the wound.
My colleagues at work advised me to removed its color by a oil base nail polish removal to allow it to breath.

And this surprised me :-(.

I am so sorry my finger and nail for hurting you. You deserve to see a doctor.

Promise after that you will be fine and look pretty. For now, you have to bear the pain :(.

After the flight, January 2...I went to King Khalid University Hospital (Emergency Department) in Busaiteen. It is a new hospital and not fully operational yet but so good for it is still free service and free medicine. But dang! don't want to be hospitalized even if it is free.

At first, I was worried because they are not fully organized when it comes to patient handling. They are professional doctors and nurses so I have nothing to fear...weew...weew..weew. C'mon Therrie, giving myself courage.

Huh!!! Seriously, no anesthesia!!! Doctor explained that the nail itself has no pain, the pain is coming from the inside, where blood that can't let go and there was build up pressure. Thanks Doc...it's a relief. Since there is a crack on my nail, the doctor just cleared the way by syringe needle. I can't stand to watch it while the doctor is squeezing and pressing my nail to let the blood to come out.

I felt pain when the black-violet inside almost gone.

Proceed for an x-ray and finger is fine.

I am given an appointment for OP_General Surgeon on January 6 for surgery. Nail removal. It's better that way, it will allow the new nail to freely grow.

Since I have more than 10 days DIL (Days-In_Lieu) on my company, I requested 4 DIL commensing on 3rd, then 4,5 and 6 then 7 and 8 I am off.

Surgery scheduled on 6th, do you think after 2 days I can go back to work????

.... here is my nail after four days.

January 6, outside the building just waiting for the transport. Took a photo of my nail before it will be gone. I am scheduled to go back to the hospital for the surgery. That worries me...if doc will remove the nail then I need more days off to give it a time to heal.

"Wait there (pointed the sitting area) they will call you", the male hospital-receptionist told me. One hour still not hearing my name...two hours exactly of waiting I finally heard my name. The Kabayan nurse placed the arm-cuff for blood pressure test...once completed, I was told to wait again...they will call me. After exactly an hour...I got to see the doctor. In 2 or 3mins...I'm done!!!! Voila!

Doctor, just hold my finger and tried to move the nail. It is stable, does not need to remove it. Just wait...it will go by itself. No medicine or antibiotic needed. The tip of my finger felt numb still but it will go anyway.

Wew! What a relief! I can go back to work soon :-).

After 23 days


Nail is off after a month

Nail growth 2 months after

Doha, Qatar

2012-12-27T20:56:00.000+08:00

Doha is neighboring country of Bahrain, their flags are similar except Doha is red-maroon and the later is bright red.

Here i spent my one week leave with my sister. I haven't seen her for a couple of months and she can't join us in Bahrain for Christmas. I also would like to see her living and working condition in Qatar after her husband went back to Philippines. It would be nice to share time and cheer her up atleast before Christmas.

Love you sis, Elena.

Doha is just 25 mins by plane from Bahrain. There are so many different faces and nationalities on queue at the immigration but the transaction was fast. There are digital ID photo capturing mounted on the wall at each counter, so the immigration officers need not to move from their seat. They are only accepting credit and debit cards for visa payment on arriving visitors. The visa chrage is QR100 Qatar Riyals. It was fast, no sweat!

I ended up waiting for my sister to pick me up at the airport :-))). I teased her that i came from Bahrain and she is just in Doha and I came first to the base :-). It was traffic she said.

She arrived on a private taxi and paid QR30 each way (near or far)... not cheap!

It is much likely Bahrain as we continue on the road and observed that very less, nearly no people walking around.

We reached the place where my sister lives and I quoted that if I reached home, I will not go out...since there is no place to hang around. Boring place.

Oh! seeing this line of shops from the window makes it feel that this place is not really isolated :-).

The next evening my sister walked me around, since she came home early from work. I felt that it is unfriendly environment. Wide dusty road, tall fences no people around expect those inside of the so many moving cars. If there is something happened to you along the way, no help. You shout- no one will hear or care will give a hand. Anyway...it's ought to be deserted place what would I expect.

Anyway, there are three malls probably 1.5 km by walk. The Lulu Hypermarket which is located at the opposite of the high-way and impossible to reach not being suicidal. The Ramiz, Restaurants and The Landmark. When the famous Villaggio mall had its traggic fire, customers diverted to The Landmark so it was crowded.

Here are the places that I have visited and seen around Doha.


Villaggio Mall It's an amazing showcase of indoor shops with collection of different building designs.


Hyatt Plaza, another mall next to Villagio, had our lunch there to fuel our tummy for next exploration :-)


The Aspire Park located near Hyatt Plaza


Museum of Islamic Art


The Famous Waqif Souq


Beef Wanton Noodles and special halo-halo (no pic) by Chowking. We don't have this in Bahrain.


The Pearl at Porto Arabia

The City Center

Katara Cultural Village


Ric's Kountry Kitchen in Doha, there is another branch in Bahrain


Modeling these cute hats, bought dozen of these for pasalubong :-)


Our own made crochet for winter :-)


Time for us to leave, my sis wear her black uniform for work and me? yeah back to Bahrain.

I would like to thank the following;

Elena

- my sister for accomodating your ate.

I will come back when I have 3 days off :-)

Tol Joey

- as in Tol (for putol - cut finger :-) for snacks and long talk at Ric's :-).

Nice to catch up after hmmm counting, 6 years :-).

Bro. Angel Mendoza

- for the ride and showing us around, see you back in Bahrain.

Doha, Qatar

December 5-11, 2012