Pagsasalarawan

Australia in 10 months!

2014-08-03T13:42:00.000+04:00

Hi! How's it goin'? ..Yeah, that's probably how you'd be greeted here anyway. :)

..It has been ages. Perhaps it's time to write about the experience..

and yes, it's my tenth month this week here.

Almost a year ago, I quit my job in Dubai - one which I actually loved, in the aspiration of succeeding elsewhere, Australia in this case. I was very optimistic of the outcome back then. I've always had this high regard of myself thinking that I could make it all work. I had the future all pictured in my head. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but still I pushed through.

Nonetheless, nothing really could prepare one to the actual experience. Not having a permanent job in a new country with new culture was harrowinggggg that I still occasionally look back and question my decision. I would tell my friends that - had I known it was going to be this hard, I wouldn't have embarked on this journey. What did they say? ..What would you have said?!

Then again, it was useless for me to dwell on what has been done. I had to accept and adapt to what is here and now. As in the maxim - 'change is the law of life'. Pretty easy to say but takes an awful lot of discipline to make it work ;) but with good support system (family and friends) it can be done (just expect bills piling on.. :p).

And so, I tried to recall what has happened in what was close to a year! To my surprise, it wasn't all that bad! I can only be thankful for having been able to endure such difficulty
(which actually amounts to nothing in comparison to many other problems in the world!).

So, here.. I'm sharing my journey with you :)

The places I've been lucky to see:

Melbourne Central Business District

Perth CBD

Melbourne CBD

State Library of Victoria, Melbourne
Anyone can use it and it has free wifi :)

Places of worship
(L-R) St. Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne, St. Mary's Cathedral Perth, Church in Melbourne

Interior of the Cathedrals above

The beauty in nature..

Unlike the clear blue skies of Dubai, clouds seem to frequent the skies of Australia
..that's the walk home (Coy and Lyn's home :)

They have nice parks here. Generous green spaces.
Pictured above is Hyde Park, Perth, WA & Sky High, Melbourne.

Rainbows. Double rainbows sometimes.

(L-R) Perth Street Scene. King's Park. Mounts Bay Road.

Kaili's Fish and Chips, Fremantle WA
Fish and chips (deep fried breaded fish+fries) is big in Australia.
Fremantle is such a good place to witness sunset.
It's nice to see the colour of the sky reflect on water.

Places, things and activities I was happy to take part of..

Dolphin Quay, Mandurah, WA

Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
In the middle photo is the famous Ms. Marples, renowned for their waffles and scones.
A lot of specialty shops here.

Inside one of the shops in Dandenong Ranges.
That's Faith, having a hard time picking her kind of tea!

Perth CBD, Forrest Place. Middle picture - London Court, Perth
No plans for Fridays? Not to worry, there's food fair at Forrest Place!

Cottesloe Beach
Sculptures by the Sea 2014 Event

Transportation.
L-R. Tram in Melbourne, Train Station in Melbourne, Train Station in Perth

That's my long walk from bus station to the office - left.
Perth Metro-mid. Right - At the bus stop, it was raining when I was waiting for my bus, not really ideal place for waiting. It was very very cold.

What's uniquely Australian?

A lot of plant species in King's Park, Perth WA

Woolies! Fresh produce.

Buskers. Cycling is big here. They have Jamie's!
Not that Jamie is Aussie. It's just that people here like it I guess. It's always fully booked.

Asian food is good. Government (partly) funded outdoor theatre performances. Freshly picked cherries and berries.
Walking and cycling lanes. Bikes shops. People jog a LOT.

Celebrity chefs are a hit. That's Colin smiling right at yah! Lucky you!
Cooking, almost all the ingredients are available.
Barbie (they tend to shorten words and end it with "-ie". Barbecue ~ barbie. Lollipop ~ lollies. Traders ~ tradies)

The food I've learned to cook out of Sullaga's, Timtiman's, & Oreiro's pantry.

Pinoy Macaroons. Chocolate Cake. Cheese bar.
Butterscotch. Red velvet. Crinkles.

Brownies. Ube cake na medyo blue lols >>> Bluebe cake. Kamote.
Cassava cake. Red velvet. All time favorite, French toast.

Sweet and sour fish. Red curry. Chicken bbq.
Pansit. Guisadong gulay. Spaghetti + pork + corn +edamame (soybeans)

Kamote, brown butter, crayfish.
Yes, brown butter is important. lol. It is actually hit or miss. So I'm pretty happy I got it.

The stuff I had to learn,

painfully. lol.

Most houses are timber.

Precast and prefabricated materials are very common here.

Hence, engineering opportunities are limited in a way.

Middle - Waffle Slab Construction.
I've been phone interviewed about it but unfortunately, I had no experience on waffle slabs :(

The industry I'm currently in.

Some happy thoughts.

Gonna see you baby soon!

Min's doing well in school and I'm very proud.

Reminders of good friends from afar.

Beauty of God's blessings.

This is me. Irrelevant of anything in the post! I want to get glasses soon but can't afford.

Business Bay Station, Dubai Metro

2013-09-17T23:01:00.003+04:00

Red Line Metro Station No.26: Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Buildings behind the station (left to right):
One Business Bay, The Prism, The Regal Tower, Iris Bay Dubai (partly covered)

Facts:
Line: Red
Zone: 3
Station type: Elevated Type 1, at grade concourse
Parking: small car park
Attractions: Business Bay

Bus connections:
F16 (not in service) – Jumeirah 2 / Burj Dubai station
F18 (not in service) – Jumeirah 2, 3
F20 (not in service) – Al Safa 1

Source: http://dubaimetro.eu/stations/red-line/business-bay

Red Line Metro Station No.26: Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

One of the buildings directly behind (almost black in color) the station in the above photo is One Business Bay.

One Business Bay is a 35-storey skyscraper at the northern (at Sheikh Zayed Road) entrance of Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by German architects Kling Consult GmbH, the tower will have 3 basement floors and a five floor podium with 1000 car park spaces. The developer is Omniyat.

Each floor will be larger than the previous. It will have 774 m² on its 1st floor and 1,420 m² on its 30th floor, while three of its upper floors remarkably extend out of the building. There will be a glass feature on top with a sloping roof. On the roof of the podium a garden will be located including trees and paving.

The building will have freehold offices and high-tech infrastructure and robotics.It was completed in Q3 2009.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Business_Bay

Business Bay Metro Station with
JW Marriott Marquis
(the two towers with spires on top) on the right

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel is the world's tallest hotel, a 72-storey, 355 m (1,165 ft) twin-tower skyscraper complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The AED1.8 billion features a 1,608-room hotel run by Marriott International.

The buildings were completed in 2012, surpassing the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana as the world's tallest hotel.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JW_Marriott_Marquis_Dubai

Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi

2013-08-27T22:24:00.000+04:00

Summer is Dubai. Truly, it is. However, since we have been in Dubai all these time, we have decided to spend last weekend at Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi! I wasn't part of the 'we' really. It was my friend Dhors who initiated and planned everything. Thankfully, I was invited along with ten others!

Yas Waterworld is situated in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - about an hour and a half from Dubai.. quite far for me since I don't usually go for long trips as travelling wears me out easily (~lazy really) but when the invitation came, I decided to go. After all, a little going out of the way would be nice occasionally. In the end, I was (still am) very glad I went!

Basic Info:

Entrance Fee: 225Aed (regular price)

Locker, medium: 55 Aed (can fit approx. 3 normal size bags)

Locker, small: 30~35 Aed

Towel rental: 30-35 Aed

1 bottle of water: 10Aed

Meal: 45 Aed (Shawarma which comes in 2 wraps, large cola and fries)

Photo from rides: 50 Aed

(We only noticed one drinking fountain in the resort and I'm not sure if there's more)

Note: Photos from dhors, bhengs, mhengs unless noted otherwise.

Special thanks to Ruby and ate Wengs for the ocular inspection. :p

for without them, this wouldn't be possible!!!!

A company of eleven. One behind the camera!

"Yas Waterworld is a waterpark and amusement park located at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE near Abu Dhabi City. It opened in January 2013. With 43 rides, slides and attractions. Yas Waterworld was officially opened to the public on the 20th of January 2013. The current park which currently sits on an are of 15 hectares is just phase one of the project.General Manager of the Park Mike Oswald said that plans for phase two of the project are said to be developed over an area of two hectares in the coming year.The park is said to fit up to 6,000 people at a time. Yas Waterworld is owned and operated by the same owners and operators of Ferrari World, Aldar Properties and Farah Leisure Parks Management."

Happy to be at Yas Waterworld!

"Yas Waterworld is just one of many entertainment outlets present at Yas Island, but it is said to be the biggest project to yet be executed. It is expected to be very successful and rival the success of Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, and Wild Wadi water parks."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yas_Waterworld

So, what's in Yas Waterworld? Water. Rides. Fun.

Here's a photo of the artificial beach with waves they have inside. Nice isn't it? I'd be safer here considering that I can't swim! The water by the way (we think) is salt water. Yes, we've gulped quite a few litres from shouting and found the water salty! ..Don't overthink. :p

Inside Yas Waterpark; Amwaj Wavepool & Beach complete with parasols and lounge chairs and even cabanas. Those yellow and red cabanas on the right are actually for rent. Yeah? What's that ball? The complete name of the theme park's: Yas Waterworld, The Legend of the Lost Pearl. Got it?

Walk inside the park showing the gigantic bucket of water
that overturns when full at Marah Fortress.
Kids and adults alike will surely enjoy the thrill of water gushing out of that bucket.
Simple pleasures really.

Bandit Bomber's Seat
http://www.blooloop.com/news/vekoma-s-interactive-suspended-coaster-at-yas-wate/3260#.Uh2zwtJgdF g

The epitome of amusement parks - roller coasters!
In Yas Waterworld such ride is called the Bandit Bombers and it's aptly called so as it is equipped with water bombs and guns to spray over people on the ground.
Mind you, that's not unfair.
People on the ground also have access to water sprays from the ground for fighting back!

Below is us from the ride. If you notice, the seat is without the usual lock that securely fastens your upper body. Instead, its seats are so deep - enough to provide the rider's stability with seat belt. Furthermore, the seats remain upright the whole time so there's really no need for the usual locks.
If you ever feel scared, just shout it out!

That's us on the left.
It's a four-seater ride and four of us were supposed to fill it however,
....one of my friends changed her mind the last minute!
And we never knew until we the ride was over!
At the end of the ride you'll be shown 3 shots from the ride.
You can, of course, not take the photos.
Photo on the right courtesy of themeparkreview.com

Then here's the Slither Slides.
The yellow tubes are used for the slides.
You can choose to do it alone or by two's.
It's a nice way to start the fun! We arrived at the park at around 10am and started with it.
There was almost no queue for the slides that time.
Then we passed by it an hour or two later and found the queue to be long.

Slither's Slides. Photo courtesy of Yas Waterworld
You start from the top and end up at the snakes' mouths!
It begins with a covered tube then open tube and end in covered tube once again.
It was dark inside though there's this one video in youtube which showed the slides as lighted inside.
We're not quite sure how was that.

Sebag - race through sliding on those blue mats. It's an individual ride.
What actually scares me is the first part. You stand in front of your respective holes and there's a light on top of each, signalling ready, get set, go! The blinking of the yellow, red and finally green lights definitely adds pressure on the already scared rider.. plus the fact that if you don't dive in, you'd be the only one left standing there. Here's a video of how it happens..

Al Raha River (Lazy River)

After scaring yourselves with the other rides, you may want some time to relax a bit.

Just float around the lazy river! Tubes come in single and for two.

Yas Waterworld Slides: Hamlool's Humps (blue), Jebel Drop (green)
Photo courtesy of Yas Waterworld

Still have enough courage? Then try the long slides!
The Humps is actually similar to that of Wild Wadi's old Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
Only, I think the Humps is wider and longer.
Which one is more scary? I'd have to say that of Wild Wadi's old slide.
Why? It's because the slide was narrower and when you lie down, the slide's wall is just barely a little over your nose's level so you can clearly see the highway on your right and the waterpark on your left. Furthermore, I think it's a bit steeper that at some point in the slide, you'd lose contact with it - free fall bit.
Perhaps, I was just more afraid of free fall?

You prefer free fall? Then try Yas' Jebel Drop!
Tell me more after as I haven't tried that!
I was willing to try it, only the queue was considerably long.
There's one line for Humps and Drop but
we were supposed to try only the Humps or atleast the Humps first.

After the slide at Hamlool's Humps Yas Waterworld.
Ecstatic that we tried it!

Liwa Loop
Photo on above from Yas Waterworld Youtube vid.

Never miss Liwa Loop!
It's equally thrilling as the Humps!
Set aside your fears, it's a quick one! I'd like to say again 'just shout it out'.
However, before you even begin to summon your vocal chords to shout, it's already over!
Or, am I just the one who's late to react?!

How does it work?
You stand in a capsule as above then by the count of 3,
the slippery floor opens up allowing you to free fall then slide at a tube that's looped as in the photo below. The water in the tube plus your sun block (yes, it helps) allows you to slide easily through the loop! Preferably, try it with two piece or atleast, board shorts to ensure that you won't be stuck inside!

Yes, there were those who were stuck. No worries though, if you're stuck, you'd be found at the lowest point of the loop where there's an opening so you can be retrieved
(excuse me for the word but it seems like it's that case!).

Liwa Loop
Photo on the left from thenational.ae;
me on the right at the end of the loop - from bheng's/mheng's cam.

Then here's us, at the queue for Dawamma and Falcon ride.

Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of us during the ride itself.

Both rides are for a group of 4-6. Falcon was like a big roller coaster on water!

This was the part when we gulped the most water!

There are several rides/attractions which we haven't tried such as surfing

but we're already very much happy and contented with what we have experienced!

Surely, it's well worth the visit!

Bring along friends whom you are most comfortable with,

that's the icing on the cake! Or the other way around!

To end this post, here's a video:

The Reason - Rachel Tucker & WICKED

2013-08-26T00:04:00.002+04:00

Amidst the busy day, a package arrived! ..not that I was surprised. I totally know what was in it! It's a gift I got myself for my coming birthday! Nonetheless, I was more than ecstatic to have received it as I have been waiting for it for two weeks now! (Can you feel my excitement with all the exclamation marks?!!!)

And so, this was it... A signed copy of The Reason album

Rachel Tucker - The Reason Album

I know you can tell I'm such a huge fan of hers. In the first place, that's the reason why I'm posting this now! I've declared my love for music countless times already. However, the kinds of music which I love may be a bit strange or odd to some.. but I love them anyways. I like music from theatrical plays, folk and country and those in Spanish. These are the ones on repeat the whole time!

So, again, who's Tucker? She's a West End Theatre perfomer. And, what's West End?

Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London.

The West End of London (more commonly referred to as simply the West End) is an area of central London containing many of the city's major tourist attractions, shops, businesses, government buildings, and entertainment venues (including the commercial West End theatres). Use of the term began in the early 19th century to describe fashionable areas to the west of Charing Cross.[1] For strategic planning the area is identified as one of two international centres in the London Plan.[2]

The West End is the second most expensive location in the world in which to rent office space, after Tokyo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_of_London

Glinda, Elphaba, Fiyero
http://london.broadway.com/shows/wicked-london/buzz/

Wait, let me ask you first. Have you heard of WICKED? If not, you've missed the magic!! Google it! Better yet, book for the show now!!! If you have, then you probably have felt, laughed and cried for Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero.

Rachel's best known for playing Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked in the West End, where she has played the role longer than any other actress in the production's history and has won several awards for it. Wikipedia. As you would have guessed it, she then recorded an album after her contract in Wicked ended and after giving birth to her first son, Benj.

Interested in WICKED? Currently, the show runs regularly in several countries such as UK, US, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia. It also has its production on tour. One of which (Australian cast - who visited Singapore not so long ago) will be gracing Manila's CCP Main Theatre this January 22, 2014.

Here are some clips (some only audio) from the show (all are West End clips): Give it some time. It's just spell binding!! I hope the show grows into you as much as it has to me :) Enjoy!

Here's No Good Deed.

I just like how effectively the feelings of

outrage, misery, desperation, torment

have been translated into the song.

Thumbs up! Incredible, really.

I promised myself, I'll go and see it one day!!!!!

Run for fun?

2013-08-19T22:27:00.002+04:00

Yes! I do exercise! ...sometimes! :)

Tonight, I did the best I could! *ahemmm.

Here's the evidence.

I normally find it difficult to work out.

And, in most cases, I only rely on the not so brisk walk to and from the office which would take me 7~8mins (500m) under the sun at temperatures as high as 45+F during summer. In addition to that, I do another 15-minute walk from my part time job to home (which is only every other day). That would be approximately 1.3km. Other than that? Nothing.

But the past few days, I've tried walking a bit more. Initially, the goal was actually to "jog". So there.. yeah, I tried to jog.. then walk. Walk. Walk. Walk more. It was quite frustrating that I couldn't jog an entire oval of ~500m!

And so, one day, I joined a friend in her jog (after having my hair cut by her, what contradicting activities right?). I was scared though a bit excited to test my endurance. Funny how, I was more worried of the jog than of how my hair would turn out! I would constantly ask her to watch me as I (was imagining) might collapse along the way. Thankfully, we managed to complete 2 rounds (bigger oval) mostly jogging - atleast I think it was!

Tonight though, I tried to do better and above is the record (and the haircut)! Not bad eh? But still, almost 30mins and I only get to burn 153kcal??! Considering my dinner was adobo, I assume that wouldn't even get a quarter off that! Nonetheless, it felt great to have sweat so much. How about you? Have you tried working out lately?

Analysis Paralysis

2013-08-19T10:21:00.002+04:00

I’ll keep it short for now.. Just to get started (with whatever it is).

I know it has been ages since I last tried to bring myself together, focus and put my thoughts in words. The reason? As my friend would have put it – I would be guilty of analysis paralysis and the acknowledgment of such came pretty late. Furthermore, I was convinced that, when I write with this current flow of emotions, I would be putting myself out in the open (you know what follows) and what would come across to you may be anything but positive.

But, I'm writing a fraction anyway hoping that in doing so I would be unloading something.. and little by little lose this feeling of immobility.

Some notes:

Analysis paralysis or paralysis of analysis is the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome. A decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so that a choice is never made, rather than try something and change if a major problem arises. A person might be seeking the optimal or "perfect" solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results, when on the way to a better solution.

Casual analysis paralysis can occur during the process of trying to make personal decisions if the decision-maker overanalyzes the circumstance with which they are faced. When this happens, the sheer volume of analysis overwhelms the decision-maker, weighing him or her down so much they feel overwhelmed with the task and is thus unable to come to a rational conclusion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_paralysis

Coming Up! Photography

2012-12-16T23:39:00.001+04:00

How do you feel about your age??

2012-12-10T17:59:00.000+04:00

"Life is one indivisible whole." - Mahatma Ghandi

It’s the time of the year when people pause and try to reflect on what happened in the past 11 months. It’s the time when some of us try to make sense of what we have done, of what we haven’t and of what we should be doing. Most importantly, it’s the time to be thankful for having reached this point.

As with anyone enjoying being in the 20’s, it’s undeniably so certainly easy to get out of track of the road we imagined ourselves leading when we were still younger. Looking back at the university days, in general, we would want to “succeed” and in most cases, our definition of success was common – which still holds true, I believe. We wanted to land in a nice, high paying job and have a happy family life.

At early to the mid twenties, life simply gushes out of everyone. There’s no time to even think.

We just went with the flow. Many had fun. Others tried. We did things with little regard of tomorrow. After all, we have so often heard that to truly enjoy and be happy, we should be able to live in the ‘moment’.

Come late twenties and the idea of success creeps back in, but this time, it comes posing questions that are sure to make the bearer think and re-evaluate. The kinds like “Where am I now? How far have I gone in reaching my dreams? Did I really try? Is this the best I could possibly do? Am I happy?”. So, the tendency is to do some reality check.

This is the stage when we think less of the short term goals and more of the opposite, the time to make bigger and bolder plans. Pressure builds up. Our views then slowly change. Slowly. Well, we should wish for it to be slow otherwise, the rollercoaster of emotions might just be too much to handle with just a handful of confidants around – few, as the others are most likely experiencing the same crisis as yours.

At this stage, few feel lucky. If one is single, he wishes to find someone to wed and spend his life with. If one is married, he wishes for kids or for a better career. So, consider yourself lucky if you’re married, with kids and a promising career! You are what the society calls “successful”.

Wait, don’t you feel that way? Then you’re not simple minded. I'm guessing you've been wanting to have a business of your own or perhaps, to literally go and see the world? Simply put, you're wanting more. If you can, then, why not? We are insatiable. Besides, we cannot wish for things which we already have although, at least, we can be grateful.

Come to think of it. We gauge ourselves with common goals yet we all have different benchmarks; we all have different paths; we all have different tolerances. What you have endured to reach this stage, I may not have. Even if we share one common experience, its impact to me may not be the same as its effect on you. You may have been lucky today. Who knows, it just might be my day tomorrow!

Some times we feel accomplished, other times not. Maybe those are the times when we actually fall short of gratitude. We sometimes fail to acknowledge our growth. We fail to see that we are in fact a better person than we were years ago. And, this is so because we were pushed by our own situations. Again, that's something to be thankful for. We deserve a pat on the back!

From a simple case of having failed an exam in class to being able to pay for the food you feed yourself – that should be something to be happy about. In the not so simple case: one loses a loved one by death or by failed relationships – on the process he acquires certain wisdom from being loved and being heartbroken which others may not have the chance to experience at all!

There are countless things which we should be grateful for: our life, the reason for everything; our health that keeps us able; our job that provides for our needs; the food that we enjoy; our family, friends and lovers with whom we share our ups and downs; the comfort of our bed; the water that freshens our bodies…Anything.

I am saying all these because this is how I picture life at this age. I am happy and thankful for the feeling of being challenged yet capable of achieving more... I hope you are too!

Happy Teachers' Day :)

2012-10-05T18:19:00.000+04:00

It's teachers(') day! So, let me ask you.

When you were young, were you ever keen on the idea of becoming one some day? I bet you weren't! That's because I never was in spite of my mother being a biology teacher years before I was born. Worst, maybe it never even crossed my mind at all!

In my primary years, when asked of what I wanted to be when I grow up <not the literal 'grow' ;) > I thought of becoming someone else.. someone whom I thought was much better than a teacher, an accountant perhaps? Or an engineer. Yes, maybe. A lawyer.. or doctor? I've heard of these professions as the 'great' ones. You are and will be 'someone' when you're one of them. That's undoubtedly a very common notion.

However, as years pass, my perspective continue to change. I, now more than ever, begin to realize that teaching should in fact be hailed as one of the greatest professions. Teaching is difficult for it deals directly with individuals who will, in time, play major roles in our society. Oh! How often we've been taught that?! But do believe it in its very sense!

Anyways, too much convincing, let me share with you my experience with one of my students (tutorials).

A year and a half ago, I began English tuition with an adorable five year old Korean boy, Min, who only knows how to say the ABCs but could hardly identify the letters and, all the more, its sounds. Min was so young then. He was just starting to learn their native language when his family had to move here in Dubai. He was never exposed to English and it wasn't spoken at home too.

Mini books which we used only briefly. The boy didn't like it so much.

Nonetheless, he was sent to school without any idea of the challenge he had to face. For quite a time, his mum was very worried as to how he would get by. And, as you would've guessed, I came in. Pressured. I have not got the slightest idea of how to teach kids to read and write! But, I needed the job and some diversion as well. So, I solicited advice from my teacher friends and began the work! I started with phonics, and since I love music, I sang the video above a hundred times with him! :D He loved it as he was interested with hand signs while unconsciously learning the very foundation of English.

The boy, young as he was - still learning muscle coordination, had a bit of difficulty in writing. And, being barely exposed to the English alphabet didn't help since it was way different from Hangeul (Korean). He didn't understand the use of writing guide lines too that I would encourage him to color straight lines between which he would write the letters and copy some words.

I would write simple* (don't laugh!) sentences for him using the lines correctly and ask him to follow. Of course at the beginning, he found it rather difficult. Some times, I just let him scribble... and scribble! Eventually, I taught him reading and spelling which was easier since he's already learned the phonics by heart.

At this time, he still wasn't aware of my name's spelling.

The first words he learnt? S-T-A-R and S-P-I-D-E-R from the songs Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Incy Wincy Spider :) That's way before he could spell the words below. The method? Reward system? Smileys, stars and stickers.

18 months of : Patience. Love. Dedication. Commitment. Glowers. Innocent tears. Fights. Cuddles. Hide and Seek. Tic tac toes. Stars. Points. Stickers. Balloons etc. It took a lot of these to be able to get him where he is right now! :) And so, here's how far he's gone:

Whew, Tuesday. Refreshment for a hot summer!

2012-07-31T17:33:00.000+04:00

I recently bought a new juicer, Braun - so far, so good. I must say the old one's (Black and Decker) wear and tear was too early.. which of course is a bit disappointing.. And, I really have close to nothing in mind for this post aside from the following points:

1 orange navel = 100 mL freshly squeezed orange juice
200mL commercial juice = 1 to 2dhs.
1 orange = 1dh.; hence, fresh orange juice cost only as much as those in bottles/tetra packs!
Logically, I should opt the fresh one since it's healthier - only, I have to be patient in the preparation and cleaning up!
Braun Citrus Juicer costs 89dhs at Carrefour

That's it!!

What's on your mind? Once.

2012-07-17T19:52:00.001+04:00

What's on your mind? Better yet, what should be? ..what's on mine? MUSIC, Ramadan, Mockingjay, Fifty Shades of Grey, Czech Republic, Vietnam, arts.. and food :)

For the past months, my hands have been full with moonlighting here and there; whereas now that the kids are on a two-month vacation, it's summer and Ramadan is fast approaching, I could say that I have and will have the luxury of time for whatever! Strangely though, it's almost as if I had already forgotten how to deal with this much time!

So much so, that I found myself enjoying Marketa Irglova's & The Swell Season's kind of music.. only enjoying at the beginning but grew fond and kind of obsessed with it now. Goodness! How could I be so into them?! ..not that the music is bad or there's nothing extraordinary in it. In fact, I find it very refreshing (Swell Season's), personal and touching (Marketa's). However, I do not always go into digging even the tiniest details about singers or celebs. Blame it on the free time! :p

And so, I've got a lot to say about them.

Have you heard of the movie "Once"? I'm guessing a lot of you haven't. Well, I don't blame you for that. It came out as an independent low budget film back in 2006. I've only seen it over a year ago. I must say, though, that it was a very lovely movie about music! So what's the connection?

Here's the clip from the movie, please give it a bit of your time :)

Song: Falling Slowly
Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 80th Academy Awards

for the movie Once

The movie featured Glen Hansard (Irish) and Marketa Irglova (Czech) who were known later as the musical duo "The Swell Season". In real life, the guy was from an Irish band while the girl was only a high school student back then. They made the movie without any expectations of getting anything out of it! True enough, the movie came out to be really simple - the lead characters have no names; the supporting actors were their friends and family; the cameras were rented; there were no permits for filming; the passers by never knew they were in the scenes (as long lenses have been used).. and yet there was something about it that captured the hearts of many.

It was known later that both shared the same feelings that time. Moreover, what made it special I guess is that the songs used, played and sung in the movie were all theirs. They composed it, gave it tunes and rendered it realistically in the movie very well! Such gifted people!

Here's one of their slightly upbeat song as a band:

Here's Mar after four years with the album 'Anar'.. going on her own kind of music, which I absolutely adore! ..And touring Asia on my birth month (sigh!)
I particularly like the lyrics in her songs.

We Are Good

Early morning, rising with the sun

Resting where the sky meets the earth

Feeling the first rays of sunlight reaching into my soul

Where they reinstate the sense of my own self-worth

If you're not good, you're bad
That's far too black and white
Behold the glorious sun in all its radiance bright
It too, at times, is obscured by the thick blue veil of night
Still the moon and all the stars continue to reflect it’s light.

And so it is that we are good

Though we do not always do as we should

We lose track of right and wrong

And we’re not always standing strong

But still don’t you wanna believe

In things that eyes do not perceive

Like our light shining from within

That in a battle with our darkness can win

The gates of heaven open up before me

As my heart is given wings and flies

Leaving all pretense behind, everything is crystal clear

Even the worry of uncertainty subsides

They say that time will come for us to be reborn

Into the newness of unity that has been torn

Into duality, into “it’s us against them”

It’s from a place of fear that all our conflicts stem

We’re almost there, but not yet, still the stage is set

For the play we may enact according to our contract

That we may both you and I, with everybody in our home up high

To awaken from our deep and long undisturbed though hardly peaceful sleep

If to look is to know the grace, which you bestow

Upon those that you would raise into a kind and loving gaze

Then to look is to see everyone as good as they can be

I love Broadway, but I'd be equally happy to see people like The Swell Season or Mar perform live! I'd willingly pay even if it would be costly! Hence, the frustration of not being in Singapore or Seoul this August!!!

Anyways, if you're lovin' them, here they are again, live :)

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

2012-07-08T22:26:00.000+04:00

I used to wonder what was so thrilling about Hong Kong's Ocean Park. I've never been to the one back home either. In my mind, I so often dismiss the idea of spending that much only to go to 'just another' theme park!

"What else could there be more than Disneyland Paris or Atlantis/Wild Wadi Dubai?!" Forgive me. To be honest, that's what pops in my head when a theme park invitation comes my way! It's simply because it cost a lot of money to be able to enjoy places like these. Aside from the ride all you want entrance fee, of course one has to spend on food and drinks too and these aren't cheap at all!

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

But recently, in my visit to Hong Kong I have decided to just go with the flow and do what most people do. Go to where most people go. Perhaps they do it for a good enough reason. Don't you think? And, that would be going to Ocean Park for one!

True enough, the experience was fun filled! Maybe I could say, it was worth every penny!

*On a note though, every popular theme park has its own distinguishable attractions so one's degree of appreciation may vary on what actually interests him. Furthermore, there a lot of relatively new parks open today, which I'm sure others may find equally more interesting like Singapore's Universal Studio or Sentosa; UAE's Ferrari World and Iceland etc.

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

I, along with three other friends, went there just this June. The month was not exactly the best month to visit Hong Kong. It was hot, humid and there were chances of rain if forecasts were to tell you. Indeed it was hot and humid.

Luckily though, it wasn't raining when we went there.

So, what's in Ocean Park?

One of the most popular must do in Ocean Park is riding the cable car! Afraid of heights?! Help yourself and don't be because this, for the most part, is what you pay for!!!

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

Covering an area of 870,000 square metres of land,

the park is separated by a large mountain into two areas,

The Summit (Headland) and The Waterfront (Lowland) respectively.

The areas can be reached by a 1.5 km long cable car system, a shuttle bus, or the Ocean Express funicular railway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Park_Hong_Kong

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

Ocean Park features a 1.5-kilometre (0.93 mi) long cable car system connecting the lowland and the upland areas of the park with an 8.3 minute journey.

It has a capacity of 4,000 passengers per hour with 252 cable cars on two pairs of ropeways. Each car has a capacity of six passengers.

The cable car system perches on the side of the mountain and allow its passengers a quite overwhelming scenic view of the other side of Hong Kong.

There were highs and lows along the journey.

It was pretty fascinating to see colorful, bubble-like cable cars
which seem afloat and in contrast to the verdant mountain.
I was actually in awe... like a child in awe.
I couldn't get enough of the experience to the point that I kept on blabbing about it!
Not only me though, my friends were also pleased with the experience!
If only time wasn't a constraint, I would have taken the ride a couple of times more!

Anyways, here are the photos.

Enjoy and do visit Ocean Park when you happen to be in Hong Kong, ok?!

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

The yellow and red thing, that's the Hair Raiser which only opened just last December 2011.
Here's my post for that:
http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/06/hong-kong-hair-raiser-ocean-park.html

By the way, Ocean Park also showcases a lot of shows - The Sea Dreams Show is one.

More about it here:

http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/06/hong-kong-ocean-park-sea-dreams-show.html

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

Are you so lovin' Hong Kong now like me?

Appreciate it better knowing how rich it's culture is. Visit the famous

Mongkok - a very lively market!

Here's the post:

http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/06/hong-kong-mongkok-and-vicinity.html

Hong Kong Ocean Park Cable Car

Hong Kong Beyond Disneyland

2012-07-06T18:58:00.002+04:00

What comes to your mind when you hear "Hong Kong Disneyland"? Fun!! Right? As they say, it's the happiest place on earth! What more? To many people, Hong Kong is synonymous to Disneyland and Ocean Park! I'm one of those! No. I was.

Not anymore, I mean.

Anyways, what actually happens in Disneyland is that both

kids and adults alike endure the hot and very humid weather to enjoy the theme park!

Enjoying Hong Kong Disneyland

To capture their fun in Disney, people take lots and lots of photos!!

Here's how it looks like...

Tourists busy taking photos

People gather and wait for their favorite and not so favorite characters in the parade!

Tourists were mostly Asians. A few were westerners. A lot of Chinese were there too.

People usually use digital cameras and iphones; occasionally ipad and tabs.

Digital cameras..but they've got very nice ones, they've got the bridge cameras.

It's actually quite overwhelming to see a lot of them using this kind. Yes, they can afford it.

Teens were plenty during our trip. It's nice to see them so good at self-cam approach!

It was so hot. Either you want to be on the shade; you wear hat;

or just go and well, bask under the heat of Hong Kong sun!

Yeah, we were spying at his camera! In the foreground is my friend.

So cute dads, so young :p

Dear God - I'm worried Part 2

2012-07-05T22:08:00.000+04:00

For example - saving for the future.
<cos this is what's bugging me these days, comes with the age xp>
Say you want to save. You calculate N months and you get this much. Math is easy. Life, however, is tricky. The time in between the N months will never be easy. It's a struggle. At least, that's what makes reaching a goal fulfilling! In our plans, the goals are attainable but in reality, the journey towards it will never be that simple for we have emotions. We think but we still feel.

No, I'm not saying that we are helpless; that our lives are just our 'luck's. If we come to think of it, we aren't. To begin with, we have been blessed with our intrinsic qualities. We have our natural abilities and we can hone our skills. Also, there is a lot of help available if the former shouldn't be enough. We co-exist right? We are not an 'isolated case'. Furthermore, we are blessed with our family and friends; our society. To a certain extent, we are also a product of our experiences and choices. And although, we feel exhausted from time to time, we are also given breaks which should be gladly taken and used - not postponed. We should avoid the tendency to be greedy <talking to myself>. We should be able to make a sound judgment as to what we really need.

What I am saying is - we are well equipped and seasoned to handle our circumstances. Can it get any simpler than that?! However, rising above one's own burdens and adversities is another story. The actual thing is blinding. On the process, we often only see from our standpoint; what's evident and clear. We forget that man as we are, we are very limited. We couldn't do it alone. If one thinks he can succeed without any help from others, be it - which just reminds me of the 'king' from the book "The Little Prince". He thinks that he rules over a planet but how can he not command the sun to set? Got it?

But, we have to acknowledge that there is nothing wrong in having others help see us through. There is nothing wrong in admitting our inadequacy. There is nothing wrong in believing and putting our trust in an absolute being. Only then can we humbly say our prayers.

Nonetheless, we pray for this and we get that. Isn't it frustrating? In Philo, it has been said, though, that there are a lot means but only one end. The end goal is that which is of more importance. But then again, do we know our end goals?!

They say that we must be specific when we pray. As for me, I'm not sure if my prayers fit into the definition of specific but blessed as I am, I have been granted a lot of my fervent hopes. As I recall the prayers I've said, I realized that I'm not the kind who actually prays for world peace nor for the needy. If this should be of any help, the gist of mine has always been for my family. I've always prayed for my family's health, safety, and long life. I pray that they be given these so that they may be able to enjoy the fruits of my labour with God's grace. The same prayer for myself so that I may be able to continually provide for them. I pray that those who prays for them and helps them be blessed double! Perhaps, that is why it's been often answered?!

As such, upon contemplating these thoughts, I somehow felt better. I am happy to have my own share of hardships and good times that enabled me to be what and who I am right now; justified the cause of my worries and happiness; made me know myself better.

Recalling:
As a child, my father was a mechanic and it wasn't easy for my parents to make both ends meet with 3 kids studying in a private school. In spite of that, I saw how my parents were generous to us. My father used to bring home 'pasalubong' often. When he gets home, I always check his tattered bag for one!
I felt grateful for that.

As a child, I wanted a lot of things but my parents would sit with us transparently doing the budget to make us understand that such is only what we have and what we 'want' isn't always reasonable.
I felt involved in family matters - that I, too, need to contribute for our betterment.

As a child, my parents were not that strict with me. I was allowed to go catch spiders; play outside until the sun sets; come home with blades of grass on my shirts and all messed up; get bruised and fall on the bike; buy marbles, rubber bands with some pennies; spend after school hours at the neighborhood etc.
I felt I was trusted and free to explore without them worrying so much.

As a child, I've learned to work on my school assignments alone.
I would ask my mother the meaning of a word and she would just tell me "you ask mr.webster (dictionary)".
I felt that I could do something on my own too - that I am capable.

As a teen, I've had good school friends who I still get to meet when I go home - a few were the ones with me in Hong Kong. The others, I spent time days before I had to go back here. From elementary to high school, we enjoyed each other's company. I felt that a few good friends can be enough.

As a student, although I wasn't the best in class, I still felt the appreciation from my teachers. It boost my confidence.

College life was a bit difficult for me though.
It was the time when I sometimes had to make promissory notes to the cashier.
It was the time when we (same with my classmates also) experienced culture shock in school.
It was the time when I thought I was good enough.. only to meet others who are just exceptional.
It was a five-year endless competition among approximately 20 other equally talented individuals who I respect and have gone through a lot also. We were all determined to be the best in our own ways :)

That time, my parents were trying out their luck in some other place to make money as my father was retiring. My sister had a college assurance plan at that time for her college. My brother went to a government school for a vocational course which was cheap while I was privileged to go to Ateneo to study engineering only, I had no educational plans! I wasn't a scholar either. That meant, all the hard work of my parents basically was directed to me. Having marked a good rating in the board exams kept my parents' hopes up.

These, among others, are the reasons of my worries. I worry too much because I feel that I must be able to lead a good life - a life that's expected of me and I feel very much responsible for my family. I want to be able to give them comfortable lives. My parents are not getting any younger and so am I. That's why, as much as I could, I work hard for them.

However, as I've acknowledged, one can only do so much. And worrying won't do me any good. So perhaps, it's time to move on.. still do my best but let time take its course; let Him do the rest. Believe.. for life will always be a leap of faith!

But, thank God for all that has been, that is and will be.
"We obtain from Him as much as we hope for."

Dear God - I'm worried Part 1

2012-07-05T12:44:00.001+04:00

Good morning! Sounding optimistic, ain't I? Well, I'm feeling much better today!

Yesterday, I was in fact sick and had to throw up a couple of times at home and at the metro station (excuse me)! But, I still had to go to work though. It was one of those days when I needed to get over the sickness - not that it's an absolute must. It's just that I felt the need to do so. After all, I just came back from a vacation. A sick leave shouldn't be necessary..

Why was I sick? I suppose it was the sum of all possible causes! xp In the first place, I was still recovering from the physical stress out of the long travels and moving around plus the time difference. My friends remarked, perhaps I was too tired that I was snoring endlessly all throughout my sleep for how many nights already!

Secondly, while it's wet season at home, it's actually summer here. And, by summer, I mean scorching hot summers! Thirdly, I admit, I am stressed out. I worry too much lately - family, work, goals. And, it isn't healthy at all! I'm just glad that I have some people whom I could share the burden with. As they've said: A shared sorrow is half the sorrow.

So, how could I be feeling much better today?!

Well, I prayed. Yes, I know how to pray :)

I grew up in a family where religious obligations must always be given time. I studied in religious schools and have recited the holy rosary and novenas who knows how many times. I have taught kids once in my life during Flores de Mayo. I have served as a catechist for quite some time. I have attended the holy mass almost everyday at some point during my review for the board exams. I have visited churches and offered dozens of eggs hoping that I could smoothly go out of the country for work.

I pray, but how could I dwell too much on my own share of crosses when all this time I have been so blessed?! All this time, I've always been provided of what I have fervently asked for. How could I not simply trust when I know how powerful a prayer can be?! Although,...

"Let Your will be done.." is one prayer that's most difficult for me to say. As simple and as common as it is, the very sense of it is too much, too heavy for me. What if I was planning all these years and all along, it isn't meant to be? What if, this is what I have been working so hard for but it isn't the right thing for me? What if my goals and dreams cannot be realized. It's scary and it will be heartbreaking. On the other hand, what if you have been working so hard and you have been saying this for a very long time already and yet nothing happened?! I'm guessing, that state of being idle is not at all comforting either!

A man plans. At least, that's the best he can do to cope up with the overwhelming uncertainties of life as it is not as easy and even sometimes far from being logical. But, a man's plans will, more or less, only address limited instances.

For example - saving for the future. <cos this is what's bugging me these days, comes with the age xp>
Say you want to save. You calculate N months and you get this much. Math is easy. Life, however, is tricky. The time in between the N months will never be easy. It's a struggle. At least, that's what makes reaching a goal fulfilling! In our plans, the goals are attainable but in reality, the journey towards it will never be that simple for we have emotions. We think but we still feel.

http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/07/dear-god-im-worried-part-2.html

Photography - Baby Samantha

2012-06-30T23:53:00.001+04:00

I did a photo shoot today and below are some sample shots. Light is very important in shots like these.

Hong Kong - Mongkok and Vicinity

2012-06-30T10:37:00.002+04:00

Definitely in Hong Kong's must do list is visiting lively Mongkok! They're selling almost anything here. It's a treat for the eyes. Have fun!

And, here's another note from Wikipedia:
Mong Kok (also spelt Mongkok), is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong. Before the 1994 merger, Mong Kok was part of the Mong Kok District. The Prince Edward area occupies the northern part of Mong Kok.

The district is characterized by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, with shops and restaurants at street level and commercial or residential units above. Major industries in Mong Kok are retail, restaurants (including fast food) and entertainment.

According to Guinness World Records, Mong Kok has the highest population density in the world (mean 130,000 per km2 or 340,000 per mi2) and with a development multiple of four.

Young and not so young.

Yeah, a lot of tourists were Chinese too!

Street food stores always on the corner

Thirsty? or Hungry? Have a break from shopping and grab a bite.

At first look, I thought they were tomatoes of some sort. Read. Strawberries!

Fruits!!!

Phone accessories... or whatever :)

A lot of Jades!!

I bought 3 of them for 15HKD. Boy, girl and castle.

Shirts for the kids and feeling kids.

Aww, I was surprised to see they're selling here plants too!

Shopping = Hong Kong. Truly. Blouses and dress range from 40-80HKD.
With the fabric and the designs, it's not bad at all!

Hong Kong - Moving Around

2012-06-29T22:25:00.000+04:00

Firstly, keep in mind that Hong Kong is geographically composed of mainly four sections: Hong Kong Island (central business hub; where Ocean Park and The Peak are), Kowloon peninsula (where traditional sights are and where you would most likely stay), the New Territories and the outlying islands (including Lantau Island where the airport and Disneyland are).

http://www.chinatouristmaps.com/provinces/hong-kong.html

Hong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. And, over 90% of the daily journeys are on public transport, making it the highest rate in the world.

The Octopus card, a smart electronic money payment system, has been introduced in September 1997 to provide an alternative to the traditional banknotes and coins. It allows payment for not only public transport but also at parking meters, convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants and most vending machines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Hong_Kong

Hong Kong International Airport - HKIA

Terminal 1 of the HKIA is currently the third largest airport passenger terminal building in the world (570,000 m²), after Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 (1,500,000 m²) and Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 (986,000 m²^[17]) - Wikipedia

HKIA is equipped with a lot of Timetable screens and internet stations.
In addition, besides the wifi all over the airport, there are also a lot of shops to keep you busy while waiting for your flight = tons of shops to spend your money..if you have! xp

The airport has a total of 70 boarding gates, with 63 jet bridge gates and seven virtual gates which are used as assembly points for passengers, who are then ferried to the aircraft by apron buses. - Wikipedia

HKIA is of course linked to other transports.
Most likely, after the plane ride will be the bus ride! Give yourself, 5-10minutes to find the ticketing station. Most people take the bus to get to the city as it is the cheapest option (33HKD) which will take you to the center of Kowloon at about an hour. The more expensive alternative is the Airport Express train which costs 100HKD with 20-25mins travel time.

Surely, you won't get lost in the airport since there are a lot of information stations.

Inside the A21 bus.

People queueing for the bus. Luggage in the bus.
To note, the 360degree wheels won't do standing in the bus. It better be laid on the floor instead unless you want it moving around annoyingly and noisily!

Like anywhere else, no eating and drinking allowed inside the bus.
Parents with kids and the elderly should be given the seating priority.
So cute caricature of an old woman!

Hong Kong Taxis

Honestly speaking, we were puzzled to see old model cars as taxis in a highly urbanized place in comparison to Dubai's luxury car taxis - Camry and Altima.
The explanation below enlightened me.

Most of the taxis in Hong Kong run on LPG (liquified petroleum gas) to reduce emissions. In August 2000 a one-off cash grant was paid to taxi owners who replaced their diesel taxi with an LPG one.
Since August 2001, all newly purchased taxis run on LPG. By the end of 2003, over 99.8% of the taxi fleet in Hong Kong ran on LPG. - Wikipedia

Inside the right hand drive taxi.
Although the units are a bit old, the cars are still clean and efficient.
It still delivers you safely to your destination!

The Tram or Ding Ding
Locally known as 'Ding Ding', the tram has been an essential part of Hong Kong Island’s daily life for over a century. http://www.discoverhongkong.com/tramguide/eng/

A tram (also known as a tramcar, streetcar, trolley car) is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way.

Most trams today use electrical power, usually fed by a pantograph (a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams)
in some cases by a sliding shoe on a third rail or trolley pole. If necessary, they may have several power systems.

The passenger waiting area for the tram is at the middle of the road.

The fare is HK$2.30 for adults, HK$1.20 for children under 12, and HK$1.00 for senior citizens 65 and above. Unlike most other forms of public transport in Hong Kong, there is a uniform tariff regardless of the distance travelled. Passengers pay by either depositing the exact fare in coins or using the Octopus card. -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Tramways

See those black rods above the tram? That's the pantograph!

Big bus view. Notice the overpass on the left. Seldom are pedestrian crossings at the ground level. Indeed, Hong Kong is a very vertical city!!
On the right, Hong Kong Islands' streets.

The Subway

There are always signs on people traffic flow direction which is good.

Inside the stations. It's huge. It's like a network of streets below the ground!! Don't get lost!

Another famous transport in Hong Kong is the Maritime transport - Ferries.
Pictured above is one of Kowloon's ferry terminal. It's a very busy one.

Passengers boarding the ferry.

Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminal, daytime.
Terminal on Kowloon side and Cityscape on Hong Kong Island side.

The traditional junk boat sailing in Victoria Harbour.

Star Ferry docks at Central Pier terminal at Hong Kong island side.

It's always overpass.

Cars at Hong Kong Island and overpass.

Public Light Bus or Minibus

Bus in Kowloon

Butterfly

2012-06-28T09:47:00.000+04:00

http://true-wildlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/butterfly.html

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.

One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.
Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther.

So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened!
In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life.
If we went through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.
When you are under pressure, remember that you are a stronger person after you have gone through it.

Author Unknown

What's in Kuala Lumpur?

2012-06-15T19:13:00.000+04:00

Very much homesick, exhausted and starved on a Monday, I came to Singapore from the week long Hong Kong trip at around 4pm only to face another arduous journey ahead! To be honest, I was so tired that I considered cancelling the whole thing while I was in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, I went on as planned because I know that my chances of meeting up with my college pals (Tina, Joy, Guia, Lotz) come too rarely. Besides, it was part of the vacation that I, for a long time, so longed for! Why not just be grateful instead of whining right?!

Tina, who now works in SG, was gracious enough to prepare everything - from the itinerary to all the reservations and bookings! Effort acknowledged. But, this came a bit new to me as on all my journeys, I was used to deciding for myself and not following ;) *Although I claim to be indecisive at times when there are other people involved - which is this case! ..Actually, Tina and Joy even filed a leave vacation for this. :)

As per the itinerary, we were bound to Kuala Lumpur by bus at midnight and were to arrive at around 5am in the city proper. Just a note: A common misconception is that taking the bus means you could save time when in fact it is, more or less, just as taxing as taking the plane - only economical! You have to find the stations; be there atleast an hour to check in; transfer buses at the boundaries; sleep uncomfortably sitting; and, go through a lot of immigration checks! But well, it was a new experience and I enjoyed the company anyways.

So, what's there to see and experience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Here you go!

The Petronas Towers.
Several years ago, the bridge was accessible for public viewing.
As one can see in the picture, the bridge is only at the midheight of both towers.
Then, just two years ago, Level 86 was opened with a fee of 80MR
(1 Malaysian Ringgit ~ 14.5Php).
The time allowed for viewing, however, is limited to
approximately 45minutes (Level 86+bridge).
And yes, they were very strict about it.
Note: The tower just behind Petronas is another viewing tower.

The Petronas Towers, breaking dawn.
These towers are said to be the tallest twin towers in the world today.
Have you seen the national geographic feature of this? You must see it. Just google.
By the way, because it was sort of a 'do it yourself' trip, finding our way to the tower was
a bit tricky. We tried to walk at first from Time Square (bus stop) since arriving 5am got us
plenty of time for walking (exercise :p). Unfortunately, asking directions wasn't that easy.
Ask where "Petronas" is and you get a confused look from the person you are asking!
And so, we assumed that maybe people there do not call it
'Petronas'..perhaps a local name? Strange.

The Petronas Towers, in broad daylight. Photo taken after the morning tour.
We took the 9am (first batch) viewing schedule and so,
this picture was taken at about past 10am.
The weather? Hot and humid. Don't forget your hankies.

Viewing queue. It was free until the last two years they said.
It was a weekday so the queue wasn't that long.
Also, we got there at about 7am so it was still quite early.
Police Officers shown are women.

Playing around the interactive TV at Level 86. Petronas Twin Towers

Here's your view from the 86th level. Malaysia looks booming right?

Another view from Level 86 of Petronas Twin Towers

View from the bridge of Petronas Twin Towers

A pose with fellow travellers. Hello Ho Chi Minh! ;)
Like us, they said that they had planned this trip 6mos back!
They were bound to Genting Highlands- another Malaysian tourist spot, later that day.
We could not do that in our trip since our time was limited.
Genting Highland is situated quite far from the city.

Kuala Lumpur Street Scene
After Petronas, we head on to explore the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Just like in HK and SG, taxis are colored white and red. Buses are plenty too.
Crossing the streets? Save your life ;p

One of Kuala Lumpur's public transport - Monorail.

A visit to the Central Market
It's a place to shop for souvenirs and everything else.

So there. Are you planning to visit Kuala Lumpur? Good luck! And, let me know! ;)

Hong Kong Ocean Park - Sea Dreams Show

2012-06-07T16:53:00.001+04:00

Hong Kong surprises me day after day!

Ocean Park, to me, has always meant aquarium.. but not anymore! Theme park as it is, there are a lot of activities to enjoy :) and the dolphin show is one of them. It was my first time to go to such show! I was in awe. The child in me surfaced, amazed to have witnessed what wonders these animals could do!

Adults. This actually reminds me of the book "The Little Prince". I'm sure such exhibitions and tricks are not new to many of us. Perhaps, we even have already seen them a number of times in movies. But, the funny thing is, for me, the feeling you get from watching them with your own eyes is something one wouldn't get from any book or movie or picture!

I am, therefore, suggesting that you grab that chance to watch one if possible! Ain't it nice to come in close contact with such lovely creatures?! ..hear them squeal as well! ..

Here's a trivia:

Each and every dolphin has a different sound just like you and me, a sound that other dolphins recognize as a particular individual. Even a new baby dolphin, (calf), can detect it's mother's whistle within the pod soon after birth.

Utilizing their blowholes, air sacks and valves, dolphins can emit a very wide variety of sounds. In fact, the frequency levels range 10 times beyond what humans can hear! This system is called "Echolocation", or "Sonar", just like what a submarine uses to navigate while underwater. Yet the dolphins sonar is much more advanced than human technology and can pin point exact information about it's surroundings ranging from size, distance and even the nature of the object.

Dolphin Speech is so complex that the sounds even cross the species barriers and enable different kinds of dolphins to communicate. They have been known to instruct each other as well as receive instructions and act accordingly.

http://www.everythingdolphins.com/SoundsPG.htm

Hong Kong - Hair Raiser @ Ocean Park

2012-06-07T07:13:00.002+04:00

Here are photos from Ocean Park's Hair Raiser ride.. How would you like to try it?

Ocean Park Hong Kong Hair Raiser

As we went there on a weekday at past 4pm, it was less crowded. Queues were bearable and, in fact, short and quick! Hair Raiser was the first ride we tried. It was a bit heart racing but it was brief. It only lasted for about a minute, I suppose. You will be back on the platform before you know it! So, there's no need to worry at all! Just hold tight and shout!!

Hong Kong - Hair Raiser Ride at Ocean Park

One has to take off his slippers, shades or anything lose so as not to drop them on air. And, No. I'm not in the picture :) I took the photo after getting off and still feeling a bit nauseous!

To be honest, I first thought of Ocean Park as over rated. Well, what you always hear people say about it turns out to be true! It should rightfully be in your 'to do list' in that future Hong Kong escapade! It's well worth every HKD! x) And, mind you, this is just part of the whole experience!

Hong Kong Symphony of Lights

2012-06-05T20:42:00.001+04:00

This spectacular multimedia display, already named the 'World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show' by Guinness World Records, has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. It is for free public enjoyment. No admission tickiet is required. Happens daily, 8pm.

The show creates an all-round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes — Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration.Source:http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/attractions/kln-symphony-lights.html

Hong Kong Symphony of Lights - June 2012

Hong Kong Bank Notes

2012-06-05T12:04:00.003+04:00

Travelling in Hong Kong? Then here's what your money should like..

HKD - Hong Kong Dollars smaller bank notes
The texture and a touch of the designs are like Euros! *Atleast, I think!
The 10HKD also looks like the AUD, only the color is different.

HKD - Hong Kong Dollars bank notes

To my surprise, there were 3 designs of the 500KHD!
I then googled it and here's what it says:

The following three banks are allowed to issue Hong Kong money notes:

The Hongkong Bank (HSBC),
The Standard Chartered Bank, and
The Bank of China

I'm assuming - there are therefore 3 designs of each notes?! Well, that's new to me. So, please be advised when it's your turn to travel :) Yeah, your time will come! Just keep believing!

Happy Vacation Gift - Korean Clay Dolls

2012-06-04T00:08:00.003+04:00

Sharing with you some photos of 'happy vacation' gifts from the kids' mom..

Although I've been introduced to this kind of art before, I was still utterly surprised when she smilingly handed it to me - neatly packed in paper cups and fitted in a sturdy, lovely red box so as not to damage them. How thoughtful! I was extremely delighted and touched of the gesture, not only of the gift! She told me to take it home (pinas) with me :)

The giver: She's actually one of the kindest and humblest person I've ever known - not to mention how skillful she also is!

Art is her passion aside from cooking. She spends most of her free time (which she seldom has, given the 3 kids) making Korean clay dolls. In fact, she was actually featured in her teacher's book in South Korea - praising her for such talent. In UAE, she has been invited in top universities across the Emirates for the same reason - Zayed University in Dubai, Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi etc. Furthermore, she has been featured in KBS (big network in South Korea) as part of the team promoting their culture in foreign countries.

Korean Clay Dolls by Eunkyoung Lee

So, what does it take to make them? First and foremost, it is important to note the quality of the clay. Some clays aren't advisable to be baked. Yes, baked. These dolls were baked briefly, say 3minutes. Second, it requires patience and imagination. For someone inclined in art, perhaps a pleasant output would be expected. However, art ,as it is, is a skill which progresses over time, practice and dedication.

Korean Clay Dolls by Eunkyoung Lee

Clay blocks I have been given to work on..

The concepts are: heavy base to make the dolls stand; base hidden under skirts; matching of colors matters; fingers must be very clean while doing it; use wet wipes to remove color from fingers every now and then; use patterns as you like; be familiar with the thing/person to be modeled; bake briefly in the oven to get a smooth glossy finish of the clay; keep the dolls standing on wood and glass only, preferably.

What I have here are only few. At home, she has quite a collection and it's not limited to their traditional Korean dolls only! ..I hope one day I could take some photos of them!