I am mArs

SOME POWERFUL WORDS

2012-04-18T06:24:00.003-07:00

MISSION and VISION STATEMENT
This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables, that fights wrinkles with one hand and breast cancer with the other; that knows the value of a perfect lip, but still opens its mouth and speaks out against domestic violence and for women’s financial independence. This is the company that not only brings beauty to doors, but also opens them. The company that supports 6.5 million representatives in over 100 countries. This is AVON. The company that, for 125 years, has stood for beauty, innovation, optimism, and above all, for women.”

Whooah! Impressive! :)

Cheesy... lines..

2012-04-18T04:41:00.001-07:00

I love everything with cheese... pizza, cheese sticks, cheese bread, cheese cakes, mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, blue cheese...

name it with 'cheese' and i'll fall in love with it.

Sometime this day, i suddenly felt a bad craving for Cheese Manakish.. It's an Arabic food made out of thin soft dough and generously topped with chewy cheese. Since I know i that wouldn' t be able to find an authentic Manakish just anywhere here in the country, I felt so bad I really wanna cry!

My mood did not improve 'til late in the afternoon when I chance upon some funny pick up lines in the net. Had some 'good' laughs.. and yet... i realized.. hell it's CHEESY! hahahhah

Sensya na dude... TAO lang eh..

Here.. paka -cheesy ka rin.. minsan lang naman eh... :-)

1) Pag ang ngumingiti-ngiti gwapo, ang tawag FRIENDLY.

--

Pero pag hindi gwapo, ang tawag BASTOS. Buhay nga naman.

~Wag naman ganito.

2) Ang pag-ibig parang pagiigib.

--

Mahirap lalo na kapag dalawa ang binibitbit. >:))

3) Wag mong sabihing lahat ng lalake manloloko,

--

bakit lahat ba naging boyfriend mo?

4) Alam mo yung sweet? Yun yung hindi sila, pero alaga nila ang isa't isa.

--

Yung naghihintay sila, hanggang pwede na :))

5) Kung alam ko lang na darating ka sa buhay ko.

--

AKO pa sana ang sumundo sa'yo! :">

6) ANG PAGSESELOS AY HINDI KARAPATAN,

--

Ito ay emosyon na hindi mo kayang pigilan. :>

7) Mabuti pa ang resibo, official. Eh tayo?

8) Kung nahihirapan kang maging IKAW

.
.
.
.

try mong maging TAYO
baka mas madali para sayo :">

9) Ang CRUSH parang KALABASA.
Nakakalinaw ng MATA, malayo pa lang kitang kita mo na :D

10) Alam mo kung anu yung MASAKIT?
Yun ung PANGALAWA ka lang sa taong palagi mong INUUNA.

11) Dear EX,

Naalala mo pa ba yung panahon na mahal na mahal kita?
Gagawin ko ulit yon ! :">

--

Pero sa ibang TAO na ♥ :"

12) Walang limitasyon ang UMASA,
pero may hangganan ang pagiging TANGA.

13) ayy dii na uso ngayon yung LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT,
lam mu kung anong bago?, LOVE AT FIRST CHAT.

14) Kakain ka pa?
Eh sa PRIDE mo pa lang busog ka na.

15) B:Laro tyo.
G:Anong laro?
B:Taguan.
G:Bkt ngayon pa?
B:Because tonight will be the night that I would fall for u
G:Ulet?
B:Over again.
G:Wag na!
B:Don’t make me change my mind.
G:Buks na lng.
B:I won’t live to see another day.
G:Weh?Di nga?
B:I swear its true.
G:Bakit kasi taguan pa?
B:Because a girl like u is impossible to find.
G:Ano?
B:You’re impossible to find

16) Alam mo ba yung feeling kapag nalaman mo na MAY IBA NG MAHAL UNG TAONG MAHAL MO?

---

Para ka lang nahulog sa 100th floor ng building at lumagapak ka sa kalsada at nasagasaan ka ng rumaragasa-humaharurot na dumptruck!

At sa kasawiang palad. BUHAY KA PA!

17) Lahat tayo ay may kaibigang "JOHN MICHAEL"

--

NanJOHN lang pag MICHAELangan. :3

18) Boy: Hey, wanna watch me play DOTA?
Girl: Hey, wanna watch me date other guy?
Boy: Joke lang. Hindi ka naman mabiro.

One Day in China..... Town.. :)

2012-04-01T05:42:00.001-07:00

Few weeks ago my baby bro and I went to Binondo for an errand for Ate Jane..

I don't really know why I have always been fascinated with everything Chinese..

Whenever I am in Hongkong I always take pictures of Kowloon's enormous Billboards in Chinese wordings (although I dont have any idea what the heck it does says!) I just want to look at it..

Oh look.. I love bridges..yeah.. even the ones over the dirty water like this...

Budoy wanted to eat Chinese cooking.. and since I was not so familiar with the place, I opted to try MR. UBE. A small but funky restaurant somewhere in Binondo.. if my memory serves me right, I guess it's one of the ENG BEE TIN's subsidiaries (correct me if im wrong!)

(photo credit :masquepasa.wordpress.com)

He ordered LECHON MACAU with 3( THREE, TALO, TRES!) cups of rice!.. that looks like this..

(photo credit: intentiontotreat.blogspot.com)

Not actual photo because Budoy wolf down his food in 3 seconds... LOOK...

Almost Gone.. nada.. finished!

I just had dimsum. :)

How about you..? where have you been out lately?

Hi Mudra!

2012-03-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Mudra? How are you? How have you been doin'?

It has been a year since you left.. a lot of things have happened but time still seemed moving so slow. There were many things that I have wanted to be telling you every day.. but I know that you are all seeing it from 'up there'.

I still miss you... a lot.

I have put my life at "half mast" since you left. I have been silently mourning everyday and every night. Although I don't cry buckets of tears anymore, there were times that I really breakdown and cry like baby when a certain thing reminds me of you.I even closed down my FB and my Twitter and I seldom Blog anymore. I resigned from the job that I really really love.

All those simple joys that lifts me up have suddenly lost its appeal. I guess the road to healing is really very long and each and every step towards it is both painful and sad (not a very good combination, right?)but I know, I'm getting there.

Now that a year has passed since you left, I know it's time to REALLY move forward and start anew. Honestly I am not doing it because I want to, but because I know that it is what you would want me to do.It was really very easy to succumbed to sadness but I know it will not make you happy.

So here I am blogging my way to a new life. Picking up the pieces of my shattered life that I have left from nowhere. I know I will be a whole new person again in no time. One day we will see each other again for our hugs and kisses and by then, our time together will be infinite. For now, say hello to God for me, cause every night that I talk to HIM, I always ask him to give you my best regards. You always get my messages, do you? I believe so, after all HE is a great messenger.

P.S.

I love you.. :)

It is more FUN, in Pinas!

2012-01-13T02:55:00.000-08:00

There's been an "It's-more-fun-in-the Phil" craze going on lately in the social networking sites. It's like a virus that invades the online community suddenly. Pinoy's and "Pinoy at hearts" have done their fair share of spreading the "FUN" worldwide. We really have to give credit to the D-O-T for a job well done. Although it is said that the slogan was originally used by Switzerland way back 1951, a lot of people just shrug it off. Who the heck cares?

We cannot really deny how fun it is in our homeland. The pictures being posted, especially the individual contributions of the people, showcased not only our world class scenic spots but also the fun side of being a Filipino. I suddenly felt ashamed. Whenever I go to a foreign land I cant say how fast I upload the pictures taken from there. It was so easy to brag about how cool it is to be elsewhere rather than in my own country. Trotting the world is fun and enriching as a person. But I should never forget to appreciate and love "my own" first before anywhere else in the world.

So to all my friends abroad or whomever might accidentally hit this blog page, here are some of the pictures to show how fun it would be to visit the Philippines. I dont claim credit to any of these pictures, just borrowing them from my creative kabayans here. Maybe on your next travel plan, you might want to include Philippines in your list of country to visit.

To all my relatives and kabayans worldwide. Come home na! Pasyal tayo, sama nyo ko ha!

2-Dollar Tops/ Blouses

2012-01-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

Looking for a 2-Dollar Top or Blouses? P88.00 or P98.00 clothing?.. Look no more, visit and LIKE our facebook page . Shop cheap.. but do it in style!

P88.oo

P98.oo

I know it's a shameless plugging.. but it's the best deal that you could ever get! :) All our items are BRAND NEW.. unless, otherwise specified. Happy shopping!!

2011-12-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

photo credit to the uploader

Exactly 73hours from now and a New Year is coming our way..

There is a certain feel of "relief" in my emotions as this year finally bids adieu. 2011 was tough year. I have felt the bitterness in all its meaning. The sadness, the pain, the feeling of great loss...

It was like a pang of vampire that has left an indelible mark on my neck, a mark that stares at me all the time.. mocking me everyday...

How do you live in pain happily?

Every time a year ends for the past five years, I have been fervently praying to God.. "Please, please please...make the next one an easier one...."

The last five years was like engaging in a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao... you will get a blow, after blow, after blow 'til every inch of you bleeds and you get knocked out of your sanity.

I attended an overnight prayer meeting in Paranaque last December 25.. and somewhere during mass it was mentioned by one of the preachers that in all our prayers God has made a very thin line between his Yes or No response to our wishes.. and that very thin line is called.. WAIT.

I have survived a 33-year-roller-coaster-ride of life.. and I know I am going to make it for another 33 and more so years. I have seen,said, heard, felt, and tasted a great deal in life already... so the best things I can do right now is to enjoy the ride while waiting for my next bout in life.

But God..."Please, please, please give it to me very very soooon, will ya?

Cheers to the coming of 2012!!

..and again.. just so you know.. I'm ready for Ya!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINONG!!

2011-11-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

Today is Ninong Jess' Birthday! I was doing the laundry when Nanay woke up . She and Tatay want to greet Ninong first thing in the morning... and because probably I was taking too long , they decided to take matters in their on hands....

And so.. this is what I have found..


hmmm... teka nga..what are you so busy about??

Mother and Son bonding moment??? Parang BAGETS lang? nag Fa-FACE BOOK ha!

NANAY: Ining pano dito isusulat ang HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS?

TATAY: ako.. ako ako ang susulat!

Hahahhaha aren't they the cutest?? (pardon Nanay's hair... she just woke up :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINONG JESS!! We love you!

Who says FACE BOOK is just for the young ones??.. it's also for the young at hearts...

Happy TATAY's Day!! ;-)

2011-06-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

The best thing ever that a father can do for the family is not how much money he brings into the house, not just the food that he put in the table, not just the tangible things that will give us temporary happiness, but the everlasting love that he can give us.. his children .. and to the woman he have promised to love FOREVER. Happy Father's Day Tatay! Thanks for loving us.. and thanks for loving Inay more than anything in this world! We love you!

Everything ..SULIT!

2011-05-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have decided to put link my online shop in the Philippines' SULIT.com!!

Here is my sulit.com account! Visit us and Enjoy SHOPPING!!

I heart SG.... (Part 2)

2011-04-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

Singapore is one of the countries where Filipinos are considering to transfer as expatriates nowadays. Given its safe and clean environment, Asian culture which is not that much different from that of ours, it is not really very hard to adjust to the Lion City's way of living.

In my short stay in Singapore I never seen any trash lying around anywhere, I must say also that the people here are so disciplined, everyone of any age is seemingly aware that they all have their share of responsibility in the society that they have to carry through. I wish I could say the same with the Filipinos. Well, no wonder SG is a first world country and we are not.

Singapore offers competitive salary for everyone who would be eligible enough to work there. Your salary will depend entirely on your qualifications as approved by the Ministry of Manpower. There are four types of Employment Passes (P1, P2, Q1 and S).If you are interested to know more about this you can visit their site HERE. The average wage earners I believe is getting more or less 1,800SGD per month, Plus, Plus, Plus other benefits. I could be wrong but as far as I have understood during my stay there it is a fact.

But regardless of the salary bracket you belong, you can still afford to stay in a community as nice as this one..

Welcome to BLOCK 110 of Pasiris St. Singapore, Singapore.

This place has been my home for the almost 5 days...

the funny elevator for a 10-storey building. if you are residing at 1st, 6th, and 10th floor you are lucky but if you are staying "in-betweens"... you should really know how to count.

welcome aboard Tin-Tin's home

this is just 1/3 of the entire living room!

the "sampayan" from the outside..

and from the inside.. this is also the... Tin's.. errr... SMOKING AREA?? eheheh


"fancy some orange? pick it up from my corridor! :-)"

The Pasiris community...

But before I left SG my friends are considering to move to another place for some reason....

This is the "new place" being considered....

borrowing YUJIN's words...."SYALAAAANN!!

So ... do you want to transfer to Singapore??

I heart SG.... (Part 1)

2011-04-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

My friend TIN-TIN has been bugging me to go to Singapore and relocate.

It was my original plan to really visit her in time for my vacation last January. But because Inay was really sick, the trip did not happen.

Before my Inay left us, she asked me not to leave Philippines anymore. Both of us know that it is a request that I couldn't say NO to.. but for an altogether different reason.

She was thinking I will stay because of her condition,

I was thinking of staying because of HER condition that she knows nothing about..

But before I start weeping again, remembering my dearest Inay, let me just move on to writing this blog and share with you some pictures I took during my trip to Singapore.

and ladies and gentlemen, please meet my lovely host... (and sponsor!)

Tin on EK uniform.. Tarrrrraaaaay

Spell freshness! Kahit 2 a.m na... di ba?

Let me take this opportunity to say Thanks to you TIN for accommodating me... and for making my 50-dollar-Singapore Budget goes a long long long loooooong way....... may sukli pa!

But most of all.. Thanks to my dearest MALAU for making this trip possible!

Lab u fwendssss!

freakin' 35,000 feet

2011-04-14T03:34:00.000-07:00

no matter how many times i have been ON-Board a flight...

I'm still not really used to a flight turbulence..

don't ever be deceived by the clouds' soft and cottony look! they are as hard as stones at 35,000 feet above the ground.

good thing I've got nice companions..

courtesy of Cathay Pacific

And yet....

I still love flying...

the FLYING STARS..

2011-04-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry I ranted toooo much in my previous blog entry.. just cant help it.

I promise this time.. not to much.. just slight! :)

So, manong driver, who "had not much choice" but to take me in the airport, did make it on time for my flight. I was on the phone with my Ate Mai for the shoes that she had ordered from MARS SHOP. (I know it's a shameless plugging! ahihihihi), when the taxi stops right there at the Naia Departure gates. This is the first time I ever went to the airport by my self, that is why I was really so stressed.

Anyways, on a lighter side, my attention was caught by this heavenly sight...

OMG- it's Diet on the house! =)

This is probably what they call... Likod pa lang, yummy na! (I cannot say "Likod pa lang ulam na", with out sounding so MATRONIC di ba? so yummy na lang para soshal!)

He was swamped by reporters, fans, uzi's and airport staff that's why it's so hard to take pictures of him.

One more... BEA and Zanjoe..OK fine! my pictures were horrible! So much for my attempt for a PAPARAZZI shot.. but they REALLY are Bea and Zanjoe! If the picture is not clear..well I guess you just need to take my word for it! hahaha

Here's another one:

JL and Shaina

and here is our "Mateo" ... looking at me

While the Immigration Officer was stamping my passport OUT.. I was busy taking pictures! Honestly I was so surprise I can do it from there without being approached by the Airport Security!

Ahem.. Security?? Hello!! Where u??

Oooohhh! There you are people... busy rin sila.. busy sila magpa-picture.

I was so happy following JL , I got distracted also by his Goyard Rolling Luggage, USD 3450 thru The Purse Forum:

I want to take a picture of his luggage (feeling ko, I can rival Ms. Ingrid of The BAGHAG Diaries ahihihihi!)

I am interested to know what these people bring with them when they travel. I got so distracted with the bag... and JL that I realized I was in the gent's lane in the airport security after Immigration.

So they sent me to the other side..where I saw Her:

JL was waiting patiently waiting for Shaina..

One more:

Haay.... the whole airport was in chaos ...

Everyone were distracted even the security personnel. I hope the Security and safety of the airport was not compromised.

We wouldn't want to have another Sally Ordinario case, would we?

the Road to....Hellport!

2011-04-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have flown today..

Somewhere near ..yet so far...

Near because it is supposed to be a 2.5 hour flight..

But far, because since I am a "staff" traveling, I took it for freaking 6 hours! Including transfers and long walk in the transit airport!

Don't ask me why...but in those six hours.. all the following hassles are not yet included..

TRAFFIC IN MANILA


CONSTRUCT-SUMISYON!

It is so hard to take taxi from our place so I need to take two rides going to the airport all the time. FX from our house and Taxi from Katipunan to Airport.

I was so excited because I am traveling.. thus the hassles are more tolerable. I left house early so that I won't be stressed much for the expected traffic ahead, but I got pissed of because of the taxi drivers I have encountered.

The first taxi I chose did not take me.. he said " Ma'm di ako pwede sa Airport, malayo eh!" I was about to retort.."eh ano nmn ngayon kung malayo???" , I mean, seriously, it's a public vehicle, you don't chose the destination of your passenger according to whatever suits you for as long as the passenger would pay.

The second taxi driver, refused again... he said he is wearing "slippers" and it won't be allowed in the airport vicinity. For the love of Christ! Uniform is supposed to be a uniform right? With shoes and all! Taxi Driving is a "trabahong marangal".. they should take pride in that. I mean you don't have to wear a Cole Haan shoes going to work. Anything that looks presentable would be fine.

I was really beyond words. If I were in Dubai it would be much more easier to deal with these things, I would just say "GO..or I will call the police or RTA!" But I am not in Dubai, nor there is RTA here.. so whom shall I call? The police? You might as well just call the GHOSTBUSTERS!

The third one, did not say anything... he just fucking left!...by the time the fourth one came...I was too pissed off to care. My temper is running faster than all the taxi meters in the Metro combined. Standing there in the middle of a humid day in Katipunan with travel bag in one hand, laptop bag in the other and a body bag strapped in my then..stiff neck. I just practically barged in.. and in the tone that would brook no argument.. I said "I AM GOING TO THE (FUCKING) AIRPORT!!! so please take me there! NOW!"

The feat that you need to undergo going to the airport is enough to make you think twice before traveling.

The sight of this stupid thing near along the road did not help in improving my mood. I don't know what this stupid "ART" represent but for anyone who can see and ....think, this is a plain waste of Land, government money and effort! I can bet all my sandwich that this was a multi-million-peso budget! Please naman.. kung mangungurakot din lang kayo.. gandahan nyo na! It's bad enough that you waste people's money.. much worst is you give us eye sore with this "fugly" piece of so called ART.

I love the Philippines.. there is no question in that. I mean, this is my home and forever it shall be.

Pero for Christ sake, UMAYOS naman kayo!

the WALL PAPERS...

2011-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

lFriday is usually the day I schedule my cleaning...

I was sanitizing my BB when I noticed how boring it really looked.

Then I remember I have downloaded some free BB wallpapers online but I never get the chance to change it.

From my files I found these:

I love the humor in it...

some of the pics above may not look to appealing for others but.. hey! it look so cute in the BB's smaller screen... :)

If you wanna get your own wallpaper just click HERE.

A little humor can sometimes gear your day on its best tracks..

Have a nice one!

HIS words..I love..

2011-04-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

I was browsing my Facebook page when I stumble upon these words.. sent to me by HIM:

***********************************************

"I want you to know that I have sent you ALLIES in this world..

There are people who can help you navigate your way through the world...

They can assist you in your healing and your growth...

Seek out people who are supportive and wise and loving and honest.

They will help you on your journey....."

***********************************************************************

Reading this I know I'm gonna sleep better tonight...

Thank you GOD... you are my OASIS...

I love you so much!

MARS

The Truck of Happiness...

2011-03-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

It's been exactly 2 weeks and 1 day since Inay have joined our Creator.

Since then, we are all trying our best to cope with the sadness of not having her by our side. I refused to think that we have lost her, we all believe that she is just around, just invisible but still guiding us in everything that we do. I always joke about those people who made us all "api" during old old days.. I said that no body can do that any more to us, we have a good back up with Jesus now. They have to think twice before they do harm on any of us. hahahah...! Everyone knows that my mom never sheath her claws whenever she feels that any of her family is not being treated fairly.

So now everyday, Inay is our shining Sun and at night she is our guiding Star.

Tatay, Gel, Joi and I (Bok is now back in Dubai so he really misses the fun. nyeheheh).. bonds on reminiscing Inay's naughtiness. She is the family's baby. My tatay spoiled her rotten. And with all her naughtiness and scheming ways.. each and every one is trained to deal with her with maximum tolerance! hahahahah..

She has a love affair with COKE.. errr.. not the drugs. I mean the Coca - Cola. So when I saw this video of the Coca Cola Happiness Truck (from Chuvaness) I had wish that Inay had the chance to "PUSH the Button".

Oh how happy she might have been.. she loves surprises..

This video made me smile ..and really made my day....

Dearest Inay

2011-03-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dearest Inay:

The last three months were the most trying months for our family.

Just when I thought that things could never ever get worst, a huge wave of black clouds have loomed over our heads and swallowed us mercilessly. On a sad day of March 13, Thursday.. you have given up with your battle with Cancer.

There were no words adequate to describe how painful those moments were for all of us. Nevertheless,I just want you to know that the last three months I spent taking care of you was the most fulfilling time of my life. I never regret those nights that I stayed awake with you. It was never easy but I cherished every seconds of it.

I am sorry I was not able to tell you EVERYTHING that the doctors were telling me about your condition.

You have no idea how devastating it was to hear that your system is refusing the medications being given to you. It was so hard to force my mind to accept the reality that your body is slowly and painfully deteriorating and that at any given time, you might leave us.

I cannot tell you that, I should have told you, but I just couldn't. Not when I know that you are not yet ready to go.. Not when I know that you still believe that one of these days, you would still live normally and happily with all of us. I couldn't deny you of your hopes and your faith, now could I? God knows that up to the last time I was still praying for miracles... God knows!

But we all have to face the music.I was there to personally witness how the glow in your eyes started to fade. Gone was the warm smile that is always there. It pains me to look at your frail hands. It hurts to see your discomfort. Most of the time when you were in pain, I even asked God to let me share half of it or even all of it, just so you will be spared of any sufferings. If only I could, I would even have traded half of my remaining life for you, but God has other plans..

I was there when you breathed your last...

Your last words still echo to my ears.. "papakabait.. salamat... i love you... ingat... bahala ka na.."

When the doctor said that you are gone, I know a part of me had died too..

I hope you will be proud of me that amidst tears and the sorrow.. I had forced my self to get up and get things done. I have to face the torture of buying your last clothing, choosing your casket, sign some documents confirming you are gone. I think it was the highest form of suffering any child could ever be subjected into.

Every single step was as painful as being stabbed a thousand times. The bitter taste of mortality truly never leaves.. but we must all learn to live with it. You are not ours any more.

The question now is.. How can we ever say Goodbye?

There are so many things that I need to tell you and there are so many things that we want to do, WITH you on our side.

But as they say.. God has other plans. The only thing we can do right now is to pray that you find peace as you cross the Great Divide. Tita Lucy said I should not cry, instead , I should celebrate the life that you spent here with all of us. She also said that you are now happy with our Creator and you are now in good hands and in a better place where pain and hardships never exist and where pure love reigns. I believe her. We have prayed for it and you deserve it.

Did you count how many times I said and I showed how much I love you?

I hope you did....

because I lost count already.

Majen shared this poem to me:

(Poems for deceased moms)

MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO...

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
...I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free

Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go

For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely, and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go

I will miss you Inay... but I am letting you go.

I know someday, In God's time, we shall see each other again..

Salamat sa lahat.... I love you...

...and don't worry, ako na ang bahala...

the Windows....

2011-01-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

I have mention a lot of times that looking at the window or staying at the balcony is some sort of relaxation for me..

I could stay a full day at the balcony just observing people, looking over the views below absorbing the activities of the world. I think I got it from my "Nanay" (that's how we call our grandmothers in Batangas, we call our grandfather "Mamay"), of whom, after returning home from the US, stayed with us in Antipolo.

I remember one time when I went for vacation 2 years ago, come 6pm in the afternoon, you will find her sitting at the balcony watching the planes flying over . I usually join her there and tell her what particular airline is flying base from their logos.. it is our bonding moment.

Here are some of my " View Pics" , taken from almost anywhere.

Taken from the Taxi Window in Cairo, on the way to the airport..

Sienne River, Paris France

taken from the balcony while making "SAMPAY" the clothes at 3am, doing the laundry after work ...#buhayOFWlang

the best view.. from the kitchen sink while washing the dishes! 6am #buhayOFWulit!!

Behind our Building in Salahuddin, Deira Dubai.. view from the kitchen

MANILA, PHILIPPINES... view from the Hospital Ward..

Can you spot the Pasig River...? Reminds me of Raymart Santiago(when he was still hot!) and Geneva Cruz (when her nose was still... REAL!) (Anak ng Pasig! hahah) #classic!

Andoks, Botikang Pinoy

Got fascinated with the PROUD RED COLOR of the Building. then I realized.. Di pala sya Wholesome!

PROBINSYA

THE PASAWAY!


No Loading and Unloading Zone... deadma si Kuya!

BAWAL TUMAWID!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen.. the WAPAKELS....

ehehehehehe.... ala lang!

the Quickie.. Part 1.

2011-01-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

After two years I haven't been home, I have finally went home on an emergency leave..

My mom is ill.. and only my relatives and closest friends knows that I have flown home to see my Inay.

It's too painful to discuss it here.. but I have a strong faith that by God's will Inay will be OK. I have already claimed her healing and I am holding on to that.

Anyway, on a lighter note, I have managed to take some random pictures of just about anything that hits my attention. Since have stayed in the hospital 90% of the time, the places that I have been to are limited to the views from the hospital windows and on places on the way to home from hospital and vice versa. Here it is..

THE AIRPORT

touch base at 4pm Manila Time...

THIRD WORLD...

The same path I am always so excited to take...

Immigration..Welcome Balikbayans!

Long Lines for OFW lane in Immigration.. few on TOURIST.. haaayy..

If you would visit Bangkok, Thailand... you would notice that there are very few Thai in que to the THAI NATIONAL Lane.. Whereas for the TOURIST lane 10 out of 10 slots are always full of people in que. In our case, OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) lane is always full..meaning a lot of people are coming in from different parts of the Globe. Although I am also an OFW, and a proud one at that, I wish that time will come that, like Thai people, may we have few reasons to leave our own land. May the government find ways to help us sustain our needs without leaving the country and make us stay in the Philippines to be with our loved ones and be happy being just us... Filipinos!

THE QUICK MEAL...

My brother Joi and cousins fetched me from the airport! First time it happened, so sad , it is always Inay and Tatay that I always first to see as I touch down Manila. Given the situation, I have been fetched by my BIG body guards... and when I say BIG.. I'm not exactly exaggerating.. here they are (minus my bro), this is my favorite photo of the GOONS!

hahaha.. hey Guys! woot woot! Thanks for the trouble of fetching from and sending me to the airport as well. 'Til next time. (I treated them to Jollibee.. hehehee.. sorry guys no budget eh.. and I hope they enjoyed the meal though as much as I did.. )

As for myself i had a cravings for Tapsilog. On my way home one day, I dropped by TAPSI ni MOMSI point point (turo-turo). I had ordered these...

At first I seriously thought that there was a dirt in my plate, when I saw it closely I was surprised it was the Tapa na pala! hahahaha... the servings of Food in Pinas is so small.. makes me feel like Gulliver eating in the world of Lilliputians! It was a great contrast in Arabic food servings, where a regular meal of rice and viand is enough to feed 3 people!

Anyways, since i paid only P38.00 for the Tapsi and P12.00 for the drinks.. that is roughly 5AED only..so it's not really that bad, I don't have the right to complain anymore. Never mind that it doesn't include water... the soup taste more like water ..with salt anyways! ewww... hahahahah

So ever wondered the first thing I did after I visited Inay at the hospital? I ate green mangoes with lotsa lotsa bagoong at 2:00 am in the morning.!!

I had an immediate meeting with George Flush and Elizabeth Toilet right after! hahahahah

the hand baggage...

2011-01-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

you cannot imagine how ridiculous some passengers' demands are in the airport..

just this morning I had a rough time telling one passenger that the baggage he is carrying can NOT, by any way, be allowed to be taken on board as a hand baggage...

he give me with one ugly look and one hell of a migraine before he left my counter... because he "cannot imagine why i cannot carry this as a hand baggage..this is too fragile to be checked in.."

and this ladies and gentlemen is his famous HAND BAGGAGE to be... (if I allowed it. obviously.. I DIDN'T!)

there is no way on earth that I can allow a baggage this big to be carried on board for obvious reason that even a 3 yr old could understand, except of course MY passenger.

-unless the passenger can squeeze himself in the overhead locker and let this big box take his seat instead, i might be tempted to consider, just to let him be miserable in the entire journey time...

who ever invented the saying that "CUSTOMER is ALWAYS RIGHT " ..

need to seriously have his head be examined!

the old souk..one more time!

2011-01-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

i love old stuff...

everything that reminds me of the bygone era fascinates me beyond measure...

i don't know.. but somehow i believe that i had once lived in old old days.. all of us did, if re-incarnation is really true.

the old souk in Bur Dubai is one of my favorite place here in UAE..

i would trade a few hours in there than going to some of Dubai's towering malls and world class establishments..

here are some of the pictures i took during my "day tour" across the creek..

i love running my hands through these textured walls...reminds me of my childhood days when we are playing taguan pung (hide and seek game).. i'm the "TAYA" all the time. since i have always been the ..err.. healthiest among the rest...haahhaha... they could easily see me as i can't hide properly and can't run very fast.

so that would make me facing the wall counting one to ten... 95% of the whole freakin game!

i like these lanterns... and these whole wood-work..

Photo credit: Reuters

my favorite stop-over is the candy stores that lined up in the souk. they sell chocolates per kilo. they will give you free taste if you like. and when naughtiness hits me.. i'm gonna run-away after the free taste.

don't worry Karma is digital nowadays.. I always go home with toothache and half a pound heavier at the end of the day.

So... how 'bout you my friend, what kind of old stuff makes you happy?

the Abra

2011-01-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

I went to Bur Dubai last week to sort out some things on the "the other side" of the city. Since I don't want to be stuck in a traffic I decided to take the "Abra" instead.

Abra is the oldest form of transport in the UAE..the creek that divides the Deira and BurDubai is being crossed with this ferry boat.

During our crazy night outs with friends, we normally take the old one like this:

We pay 1.50 AED for each trip. It is open air.. so you can smell the mold-crude oil combined scent of the creek.Oddly enough it has a calming effect on me.

But RTA got a better options for the commuters. For 2 dirhams you can ride this air-conditioned ferry boat. Since I am particularly lazy today... as always.. I wanna share with you these photos I have taken.. no need for caption, I guess, let the photo speaks for itself:

Here is the RTA modern version of an Abra:

credit for the Photo goes to the RTA portal

The PORT

The BOAT

a 36 seater, air-conditioned ferry boat

the configuration

glass doors..

mahogany ..?? and plasma screen... whoah.. seriously?.. for a 2 minute ride??

life jackets under your seats...

glass windows.. and walls .. 360 degrees of awesomeness!

this is my one and only co-passenger. the ferry left with only the two of us. it means for that particular ride they only got 4 dirham revenue! haaah.. seems ridiculous right?

anyways, we are both busy taking pictures...

let's go navigate!

and to complete the day I saw this Water-Bus....

This bus functions both in water and in land..

the driver said, they also have Water Taxi, if in case you want to tour the city and want to escape the traffic!

kyoooot!

Pardon the bad photo. It was taken behind the glass window using my mobile phone.. :-)

So how about you? where have you been navigating lately...?

the Nemesis...

2011-01-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

You know what they say about Hell being non-existent?

That in this world, in our lifetime, we have been passing through all kinds of hell already, that you would feel there is nothing left in your body and soul anymore to be burn in Hades at all.

Trust me, with everything I have been through for the past 3 years, I could even say that I have been to hell and back again! Discussing that sort of thing in this space would made me run out of bandwidth.

I guess the devil himself is so busy making other peoples' lives miserable so he sent me one of his croonies instead... my Nemesis..

This guy and his friends are experts in making your life a living hell. I know.. I had my share of blame of course. Financial matters at this point in time should be taken seriously but being beaten to death by recession things can go out of hand in as snap and this bank can really be mean.

Anyways, I have faced my Nemesis..and won. They may say that the battle may be over but not the war. Well... newsflash!!... I got God with me, and Nemesis will see who really the Boss is! :)

So to all of you who are passing through hell....

.... just keep going...

Because God is always by your side and should the going gets tough... He will carry you.

Trust me!