Dig it!

This is from Dimaks.

Here is how you do it:

1. Please go to http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp and enter your birthdate (Month, Day, Year) in the text box provided.
2. Then click “Submit“.
3. Results will then be displayed containing lots of information about your birthdate. What to take from here? take your:
   • Date of conception, scroll down a little bit then take the list of
   • Celebrities who share your birthday and also the
   • Top songs in your birth year

Now let’s go to the name’s meaning generator tool.

1. Please go to http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp and enter your full name in the text box provided.
2. Then click “Submit“.
3. Results will then be displayed containing lots of information about your name. What to take from here? take your:
   • What your first name means (sometimes no meaning is given so you may skip it if that’s the case)
     
   • Your number and also
   • Your number’s characteristics
   • Your inner dream number plus the
   • Meaning of your inner dream number

My results: for Feb. 13, 1988.

Your date of conception was on or about 23 May 1987 which was a Saturday. (Wow ha.)

Celebrities who share your birthday: Robbie Williams , Kelly Hu, Peter Gabriel, Stockard Channing, Jerry Springer, Peter Tork, George Segal, Kim Novak, Eileen Farrell, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Grant Wood, Bess Truman L.L. Bean


Top songs of 1988
Roll with It by Steve Winwood, Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison, One More Try by George Michael, Look Away by Chicago, Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley, Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses, Anything for You by Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car by Billy Ocean, Man In the Mirror by Michael Jackson, and The Flame by Cheap Trick


Which I think i should download and listen to them. Just to feel. Haha. :P This is nice. I learned a lot about my birthday huh. I know the sweet child O'Mine, though... but the rest?

Now for the Name's meaning generator...

What your first name means: Follower of Christ.

Your number is: 1
The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.
Your Soul Urge number is: 4
Your Inner Dream number is: 6

I am tagging: (bintot bintot): Avy, Jona, Ychel and Arianne.

Pasensya na Sissies! Haha *hugs*

Just want to add some stuffs I found out about my name.....

The expression or destiny for #1:

You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. -- I am not exactly soo sure about my "leading skills" yet... because I have not the chance to exercise it. Although, yeah I'm a firstborn and I'm actually being a leader for my siblings and all that but outside the family... not yet.

You are both ambitious and determined. -- Uhmm... True. Obvious naman na ambisyosa ako. Haha. I am a girl full of I-wanna-be-this-and-that.

Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind. -- Ok. I don't exactly fear loneliness... I DONT WANT to be lonely... but I don't fear being lonely... which is unlikely to happen. Coz if everybody leaves me... someone within me is still withIN me therefore... i would never be lonely. ROUTINE? I don't like ROUTINE. It bores me. Doing the same thing over and over again... bores me. I want CHANGES all the time. But, again I don't fear routine... i just don't like it.. but of course I'm tolerant I can deal with it.

The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage. - So, yeah being Number 1 has it's disadvantages too. But, the key here is BALANCE. And, it never occured to me that I have to destroy or ruin somebody/something in order to be on top. I create my own ladder of success if there is to be a ladder of success. We can all be at the top without bringing one another down.

My number 4 is totally contradicting my number 1:

It says i fear sudden changes, which of course is soo not true. I guess my number 4 trait would be:

You have an inner desire to serve others in a methodical and diligent manner. You are responsible, reliable and in the final analysis, practical. Highly analytical, you can see your way through all sorts of situations and generally have a clear understanding of the issues. You are a very honest, sincere, and conscientious individual.

Negative?

The negative side of the 4 is rigid, stubborn and somewhat narrow-minded. There is a tendency to hide feelings, or to really not be aware of real feelings. Avoid being too rigid and stubborn in your thinking, and try to always see the big picture rather than becoming to involved with the detail. Don't be afraid to take a chance once in awhile.

I hide feelings.. yes.. when I'm not aware of my feelings.. I seek. Uhmm I don't think I am stubborn. I have a streak of being a stubborn-lady... but not all the time. I'm learning to see the big picture now.... and I do take chances.

Updates: I finished two books for 2 days. Review @ Espresso Break

Thrift

One of the reasons I don't usually bring money to college was because of my "impulsiveness" to buy anything I want. I usually bring enough money for my fare and that's about it. Whenever my friends/classmates will buy something in our canteen a.k.a. Convenience Store which is just in front of our school, just a stone throw away... I sometimes borrow if I did not bring enough for extra "food".

I mean I can control the flow of the money if I am really determined you know, but since I just want to save a few cash I don't bring big amounts at all. When I say big, it usually means Php100 and up. The lowest I came around and dared to bring in college was Php 14.00. Haha. Really. Php7.00 for my back and forth fare. oh dba? Tipid. But that only happens twice a week when I only have one class which would last for an hour.

Anyway, for a week I've been carrying a big amount of money because someone paid me 2k and another 500 coz they borrowed and I forgot to leave them at home... and yesterday I went to the mall. You can just imagine... with that amount.. nyahaha. I can prolly finish it all up.. but hey I have my future(the next few weeks) to think of.

I bought some blank CD's(it's part of my business.. and a year ago it was uhmm burning you know.."stuffs" but now I don't accept that anymore.. righteousness and all that. I only burn some business files/audios for my mom and her partners which can be mass produced.) and in front of that store is my favorritteeee bookk stoooreeeeeee. Sooo yeah, me and Nessa (i was with nessa that time by the way) decided to just take a peek.

I found good books. Waaa. I decided to buy only one but uhmmm I bought 4. So much for saving the money. Anyway, I got soo excited by the books I decided to arrange my books and take some pictures for my upcoming review if I happened to finish reading them for my ESPRESSO BREAK blog.


Anyway..... here's a picture of my Book/Computer Shelf. Do not mind the clutter please. When I'm working.. clutter happens.

On the left side are the books I've read... on the right side.. are the books waiting to be read. Nyahaha. Wala lang. I loveee my collections. Most of them were from my money.. a few were gifts from friends... and some from my mom.

I can't wait to read the books. Hayy. Sooo manyy books and yet... so little time. Hehe.


Sorry for this post. Just an update got nothing else to talk about. See you! Have a great weekend!

Infected by the 5

Infected by Dimaks and Bea.

State 5 things that happened to you because of blogging:

1. ] Gained more Friends online. :) I get to socialize and gain many friends. Weeee.

2. ] I get to broadcast different views/opinions that the people should be aware of... and thus help you guys increase your awareness. It's all about awareness baby!

3.] I learned a couple of stuffs from fellow bloggers. Really. -_-

4.] Just like Dimaks... due to the blog-addons. I have created a lot of accounts in various sites. Super duper.

5.] Learned more about CSS. Making layout and whatsoever. Actually, one of the first reason why I decided to blog on was because how amazed I was by the uber cute layouts that has been running around the net. And wala lang.. i became envious and thus placed a desire for me to learn about making layouts. Kaya ayun. Nag tiyaga sa mga tutorials.. haha.

I won't be tagging anyone. Feel free to do the tag if you want too. I know just how busy you guys are nowadays... or is it just me??:)

Oh and by the way thank you Dimaks for the tux. Super Super.

Cuteee nohhh?

Monuments of Great Men

We had a certain family(couple) member who stayed in Kenya, Nairobi for six months and who stayed for two months in Germany.

They talked about how Kenya was like, that it wasn't that HOT and sunny all the time after all. Although one part which is an 8 hour drive from Nairobi, near the coast would be sooo much like Cebu, the weather that is. They talked about all the things that are feared by most they have gone through all of it and of course they talked about they've had enough and would not be coming back to really stay there.

Poverty is pretty much evident in those parts. If you've seen poverty in the Philippines, boy you've never heard far more than that than in those places. You would begin to realise that "Hey, I'm blessed after all.. I can eat 3times a day and all that."

In every poverty-stricken country you can always pinpoint that the government is corrupt. Yup, pretty much more corrupt than our country.

What is saddening about the country is the way the people live. I'll give some examples about how poor their situation is.

• they get to eat one heavy meal a day.


• You'd see people lying on the grass by midafternoon. You would think they are sleeping which is in fact true but the reason for their sleeping is because they are HUNGRY. They believed that they would be FULL when they lie down and get the energy of the land.


• Rice is a luxury. It costs 180-200 pesos half kilo.


• Girls always skip class 2-3 days a month whenever their period strikes because they have no money to buy sanitary napkins


• Most of them walk to work because they don't have enough money to ride the Matatu (their public transpo much like our jeepneys here)

Actually, there are still more saddening information but I'm not gonna dwell on them since my post is about Monuments of Great Men.

Anyway, they stayed in Kenya for 6 months. They got a visa for Germany, actually it was a visa wherein they could travel to different countries in EU except Britain and Switzerland I think. Anyhow, they were riding an Egyptian airline for Germany. The rate of the airline is actually half of the rates compared to Lufthansa and other airline companies.

Airline: "Our rates are pretty much good right? Well, only one downside of it. It's because you won't directly go to Germany we will be stopping for a night in Cairo. Sorry for the inconvenience."

But of course, we Pinoys would definitely love a sight-seeing and it was free sooo why not?

Couple: "Would we have Visa's for that ?"
Airline:"Of course we will take care of your visa and your hotel accomodation."
Couple:"Oh ok, that would be fine."

But deep inside... one would definitely get excited.

They got the tour to see the pyramids of Egypt and the Sphinx in Giza. With all it's glory, they were awestruck. It was really a great experience they say. They saw the Sphinx and behind the Sphinx was the pyramids. The Sphinx was created in monument of men, the egyptians. Before, the Egyptians were really on top. They created the Sphinx and it symbolizes strength and power.

Image from National Geographic.

Behind it are the Pyramids. It's supposed to guard the pyramids, that's what they say. It's face was meant to be in honor of an Egyptian Pharoah. It has a "missing nose" and it was believed that it was broken off by a cannon ball fired by one of Napoleon's soldier.

Anyway, when you gaze in front of the Sphinx you'd be awed specially by the view behind it, which are the Pyramids. But, have you ever wondered what the Sphinx is gazing at nowadays? -_-

I have to google for the picture. Haha.

image from TrekEarth.

There you go! With all it's splendour and glory the GREAT SPHINX faces it's opponent. A chicken! Of all the fast food chain in the world... why KFC(notice the red sign of KFC)? And of all the types of chicken whyyyy should it be the "FRIED" onesss? Could it have been much better if the chicken was alive?

God really has a humor. In fact God invented humor. The Ancient Egyptians were so proud of their accomplishments before. And now...... it faces it's opponent.

They also saw the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and the Mercedes Benz museum. Each different monument/memoirs of great men behind it.

It actually made them realise that great men can make a monument of what they have done in the past to show to the world in the future about what they accomplished but it's just PHYSICAL. What good would a monument be ? Sure, it has it's part of being amazing (like the pyramids which were created without the use of mortar and was done mathematically right.), sure it is a reminder, but then what? What good would it be to the next generation?

Men can make monuments of their accomplishment. And you can see that behind every monument there is a great man who HAD A DREAM. A great man who wanted sooo much and nurtured that DREAM and thus in the process made itself a monument as a reminder of what he has done.

A monument is a great reminder. But, what's best is to SHARE the DREAM to the NEXT GENERATION so that they to... will learn how to LIVE THEIR own DREAM. Not just SHOW but SHARE. Not just stones and rubbles but it should be alive and with a heart that could be passed on from generation to generation.

The marble keeps merely a cold and sad memory of a man who would else be forgotten. No man who needs a monument ever ought to have one.

Hey, I'm not putting down the monuments ok? It's just that we all need more than just a monument of a great person. -_-

Busy Bee

No updates in a few while. I'm drained. Haha. I don't know what to talk about. I dont want to bore you with my thesis details... and talking about it would not be exactly therapeutical for me. I'm still pondering on how to rig this whole thesis ordeal.

Our school's not giving us enough time to breathe. Every other week we have exams and our Final Defense was moved to Feb. 15, 16, 17, yesterday. Which is sooo shocking!! All eyes BULGED. O_O As in. HUWAAATTT ?

When asked the reason why the freaking defense for our Chapters 1-3 would be early, the admin says it's better not to prolong the agony and it's better that way since we have more time to "lamierda" afterwards. Yeah, right. As if we can. Although yeah we have the time but then we'd better use it wisely and work on our Thesis 2. Don't ask me why it's happening so fast, aside from the reason our admin stated. (Although yeah I do have an inkling why. It should involve $$$. Oops. Did I say that much ? haha)

----------------------------------------------

As to my 2 previous Inspiring posts. Seems like I know a lot about them and yeah I do. I've been reading a lot about happiness, life, spirituality last year..... and I've sorted them out. Tried the secrets to happiness, life, health, wealth. The ones I posted are the ones that worked for me. I've tried and tested them. But if it worked for me.. it doesn't mean it would work for you. We are all different and unique. We have different experiences. I'm sharing to you what I experienced and in the process might give you an idea, open your mind, inspire you.. or help you in any way.

Specially the one about Happiness being a choice. We can always choose to be happy despite the circumstance... but yeah sometimes we can't help but be sad by the events... but that's all part of the process. Just enjoy it! :)

Law of Polarity works in every way. We are living in the world of RELATIVITY. Where everything is related to each other. There'd be no happiness if there's no sadness. How can we appreciate happiness if we never go through sadness? Life. =)

And we all have our own definitions of happiness. Whichever way.. everyone's right. No one's wrong given their own model of the world.

Cheers to Happiness and Love! (Love you all!)

In pursuit of Happiness

A lot of people wants to be happy. If you ask people around you about what they really want in this world, mostly they would tell you: "I want to be happy". It's like they believe there is a place called "Happy" located in the map, and that they need to reach it. It seems like a faraway land to most.

But then happiness is not a place where you need to go (just like heaven and hell and that's another story.. I dont want to venture as of now.) , it's not a place that can be found in the world. In fact, you don't have to go anywhere or have "something" or have "someone" to find happiness.

It exists within you - in your mind and in your soul. - M. Hansen.

Can you define HAPPINESS in just one word? Guess not. It does not have one definition. Since every individual is unique, it means something entirely different to each person. Happiness does not exist in only the big things in life. It does not ruminate around an ipod or the latest gadget you acquired.

So where does one find happiness?

BEING happy. And i mean BE-ing HAPPY is a choice. It's a state of mind, an attitude we consciously choose to express. It's not a gift that would fall into your lap or that would knock at your doorstep. It's not what circumstances brings you (e.g. having a car, being with someone) it's how you see things the HAPPY way. It's not the RESULT but it's how you perceive the circumstances/situations. It's not because everything is so perfect but despite the imperfections you are happy.

The world may seem imperfect to most of you, people may seem unfair, parents may seem inconsiderate, friends may abandon you at one moment in time, lovers disappointing you, kids on the street going hungry, people in Africa getting AIDS, terrorists killing innocent people, politicians fooling the masses, graft and corruption, pain and poverty.

And you ask... "Where can i find HAPPINESS if this is the world I am living in?"

You need not wait for the world to turn away from what people call imperfections. Because you see we all need IMPERFECTIONS in order to appreciate PERFECTION. How can we say this is perfect if there is no imperfection? How can we say you are doing something good without the existence of evil? How can we say it's hot if there's no cold? Beauty without the beast ?

You need not rely on someone else to be happy, only you can be responsible for that. Accept the world, accept who you ARE completely the perfections and the imperfections... and make changes if you want to.

So where does one find happiness exactly?

Again, you need not wait for the big things to happen. Happiness can be found in simple things. Happiness can be found in the aroma of a coffee, the morning dew, the rainy Sundays you spend indoors or if you'd rather sing and dance in the rain. A silly joke that can make you laugh everytime you remember it. A movie or a song that enlightens you and gives you peace of mind. A character in a book or a movie that you can relate to. Watching kids smile... seeing the lone flower in the dusty road.. the little act of kindness...

You can make the smallest thing or scene, like the moon in the sky or the first rays of sunshine into a joyful experience.

Nothing can bring you happiness but yourself.

We don't need a reason to be happy. Everything hath been given by GOD it is up to you to notice the simplicity and the joy it brings.... even when there seems to be nothing.

Share it... live it...love it. Happiness is a lifestyle... and you can't help but share it to other people as well.

Universal Laws

Ever wondered how our universe correspond? Ever wondered if there is such a thing called "The Laws of the Universe". Do you know what are those laws? Do you know that you are subject into one of them too?

The laws that I will share to you are the ones for the universe. It's much easier to understand since this law is around since the beginning, and it's much more stable than the Man-Made-Laws. It is much more real, and it has been proven and tested by me and among many others - even by you. Everyone is subject to these laws consciously or unconsciously.

It doesn't matter... because

Ignorance of the law, excuses no one.

Law of Gravity

This one is pretty much known. It has been taught everywhere during elementary and in high school. Who would not know about the Gravitational Law? Huh? This law works all the time, it is unalterable for everybody, regardless of anything. If you step off a building (no matter who you are), the law of gravity is going to pull you down fast.

Law of Sowing and Reaping

This is what we really call the "Law of Cause and Effect". This is the first among the laws. Whatever you sow and plant, you reap or harvest.

If you sow wind you reap storm. If you sow an apple tree you reap an apple. You cannot simply reap an orange if you planted an apple right? You cannot plant one type of seed and produce a different harvest. For every cause, there is a corresponding effect. In every action there is an equal reaction.

You use this law to your advantage. Manage what you sow and you are going to manage what you reap. What you sow is a cause, and what you receive is the effect.

If you sow poverty thoughts into your subconcious mind, guess what you are going to receive? How about if you sow negativity into your thoughts ? Mind what you sow and you wouldn't complain about what you reap.

Remember, it is YOU and every bit of YOU who makes these things happen. You cannot blame anyone, nor God. Whatever is happening to you right now is the effect of whatever you sowed during the past few years.

Law of Polarity

There are two sides to EVERYTHING. Everything is equal and opposite. If there is imperfection there is bound to be perfection. If there is something bad there is something good in it. Everything has two sides to it. You cannot have an inside without an outside, a hot without a cold, an up without the down. There are always the TWO SIDES of THE COIN.

Sometimes, people are too caught up with one side (which is usually the negative side). Why is it that many people dwell in the this side? You are free to choose whatever you want to focus on. Whatever your feeling or that is happening right now, sad, angry, envious, ugly it has the chance to be absolutely great and beautiful. It's all in the manner of where you focus your thoughts. You can turn every bad experience into something good. No point of making you feel worse with what happened to you by dwelling into something negative.

Train yourself to see the good in everything, to see the perfection of everything that goes along your way.

Law of Germination

This law states that whatever is planted and sowed requires some time before it grows and can be harvested. Every idea, every thing that you planted, requires a CERTAIN ACTION, a certain AMOUNT OF TIME before the possible outcome.

Be patient with your ideas. Give them time, give a lot of effort, energy and action. You cannot be like Juan Tamad just waiting for everything to happen without effort. Everything needs action for a RESULT. Do not give up and quit if something you want did not happen.

Do not be like other people who gives up and quit right away when something did not turn out the way they expected it to be. They blame other people about what happened. But in reality they did not just understand the LAW of Germination.

Understand it, give it effort, time and energy.... but do not force just relax. Everything will just flow and be fine.

These are just some of the Universal Laws. I tell you there are more out there working for everybody. Use these laws to your advantage. Do not go against it. My mom has a book about all the laws but I forgot where it is. I have to go look for it. -_-

Traffic Lights

Two weeks ago our old traffic lights here in Davao was replaced by new ones. They had the dry-run. Everybody noticed it. The new traffic lights caused too much traffic in the dry-run. I think the motorists were just adjusting and in the long run the new traffic lights would then be to our advantage. Just now, I was checking my Google Alerts I have in my gmail. I actually signed up for it. This Google Alert, would alert me about anything that is happening in the Philippines and in Davao in case I won't have any chance of watching the news.

Anyway, my eye caught this headline -> "Davao's new traffic system is "Asia's most modern"

Davao’s new traffic signalization system, despite experiencing dry run problems, is the most modern in Asia, a traffic management official here said.

The P140-million traffic system was implemented on Dec. 19, but Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered its suspension days after it created traffic jams in some of the city’s major intersections.

Gempesaw said other Asian cities installed traffic systems much earlier and are now just upgrading technology. In the 1990s, he said, Cebu’s traffic system was the most modern in the country.

The system will be run via a command center using video cameras in intersections. It is thus capable of watching out for traffic violators on camera.

Gempesaw said four US-based consultants of the contractor are expected to arrive this week to help fine-tune the system.

“No matter how modern the system is, there would be a problem if the people are not attuned to it,” he said.

Gempesaw said they are preparing information and education modules to inform the public, especially those in barangays, about the new traffic system.

Woo. So the traffic lights are even better than I thought it would be. You see, it's my dream (ever since I got to visit Hong Kong and saw their traffic lights with matching sound effects) to have our traffic light upgraded and just now it began to materialize. Even better. Which actually makes sense, since if we will do some upgrading why not settle for the best ones right? It might cost a lot (just like the new streen signs. It was upgraded twice. Soo much improvement.) but then everyone in Davao should be used to such modernities. We need it guys.

Davao is much too laid-back and not exactly that modern. Mayor Digong don't leave us just yet. -_-

Untitled

I have a new layout... inspired by Nay Joy's song which can be seen from this post. Nice song and quite catchy. And very fitting for the new year :)

Our schedule for the title defense would be this January 18. *gah* We were asked to prepare 3 titles, if one gets rejected we have 2 more titles that would act as a back up. Nervy nervy. -_-

----------------------------------------------

RANDOM ICST CONVOS:

Renel: My gawd! You look soo cute! Anong breed ka? (referring to Giovanne)

Giovanne: Breed ?

Renel: French breed, Garlic breed...

Giovanne: Iinom na ako ng tsa-a. Ito ay nakabubuti.

Avy: *snickers* A crowned princess does not have chubby fingers.

Giovanne: I'm wearing gloves.

Jona: Ang laki naman.

Vanessa: Ill have a coffee shop. It would be called THE COFFEE SHOP.
Giovanne: Hmm.. parang pinag-isipan talaga ang title ahh...

Jhonnel: What could be the possible title for my thesis ? (in Bisaya)

Avy: I don't know. But I have one! Automated Teller Machine.

Renel: Oh my gosh! Balik balik na... you said that four times already.

Tina: Haha. Title? Mine is "Untitled"

Which reminds me of a convo with me and my sister:

*BG music:Untitled - Simple Plan*

Darlene: What's the title of that song?

Tina: *serious* Untitled

Darlene: Tarong ba! (Be serious!!)

Tina: Untitled lagi. (Untitled nga!)

Darlene: Huh? Isulti ba. (Huh? Tell it to meee!)

Tina: Untitled nga *bulging eyes*

Darlene: Pleeassee share it to me

Tina: It's Untitled ok?

Darlene: What? Untitled? Pleaseee tell it to me.

Tina: The song's title is Untitled!!!! rawrrrr.

Soo exasperating. -_-

Espresso Break

Awhile ago Jona,Renel, Giovanne,Avy, and Nessa went to office.

Kape-kape together. Oops actually choco drink yung kinuha nila. Hehe. If they opted for the coffee they would've gone straight to the C.R. Our coffee has that effect of making you poo(sorry, if you're eating) if you did not get to poo for the day. Which is actually good, since it eliminates the toxins of your body... and thus we call that "deTox". Haha.

One reason they visited the office, is because it's where Jona, Renel and Pearl (who was not present that time since she measles) would have their OJT. So, they talked with my mom, hope they learned a lot. Ahihi. -_-

Oh and before we arrived at the office we got Paul's Christmas Cards straight from the U.K.!! Thank you Paul!! In behalf of everyone from ICST! We miss you!

Anyhow, I'm launching (haha parang LIBRO anoh? Book Launch) my NEW REVIEW BLOG.

So that I only have to login once. I don't have to login at Multiply or Friendster for the reviews. Although, I'll go there once a month and post at least one review so that it won't be inactive.

Tomorrow will be our first meeting for our THESIS 1. -_-

Anyway, just drop by.. @ ESPRESSO BREAK

See you. Have a nice night.

Patience my dear

I am being patient about the whole sluggish-internet-i-can't-comment-sometimes-cannot-log-in-after-48-years-thing.

Really. I am patient. I did not bug PLDT about it because I know those call center agents would not know about the recent progress of those underwater people trying to fix the cables dba?

As far as I know, the Internet companies or any company affected by this thing is trying hard to fix the problem. What company would not want to fix this kind of problem anyway, specially if it would affect their sales and the people who patronizes them ?

Soooooo.. patience guys.. patience. (Actually, I'm trying to calm myself down. I've been doing stuffs for my mom sending countless of emails and scanned documents for the whole day and because of the sluggish-net... it went on and on and on and on....)

So to all ye blogger friends, If I did not comment on yerrr blogs... it means I cannot browse thy comment pageeee... beeeecausseee.... of the sluggish net..oh wait we've been over this haven't we?

Anyway, I have taken on a new project. I'm transferring all my REVIEWS from multiply to another BLOGGER hosted blog. My reviews of the books, movies, food, restaurants and anything that needs my opinion will be there. Some of the reviews are not so well.. since I just have to recall most of the books and movies I've placed there. But, the recent ones would be well "reviewed". Nyahaha. But, it's not yet completed. Wala lang dagdag trabaho.

Quote of the day: Imagination is more important than knowledge. - Albert E.

True. True. Imagination should not run away from you. Let your knowledge run away.. but not your imagination. -_-

Happy New Year

So, I wanted to post last January 1, 2007 but then due to a hundred unsuccesful attempts of trying to log-in I was unable to. Nyahaha. For the nth time today, I finally got to log in.

Our classes started yesterday. I have 3 subjects this term and 3 more left for me to graduate!! *Congratulate me* I'm doing the Subject THREEnity each term.

MWF - Computer Aided Accounting. Every 1-2 pm.
TTH - Thesis 1 (10-12 am) and Seminars on Technology (1-3pm)

Not bad. At least I don't have to wake up too early everyday.

I finally got to finish the COMELEC registration last Jan. 2, 2006.

It's raining cats and dogs today. (oooh.. I soo Love the weather). Since, I love it... I'm staying home. (In other words.. "skipping class") Haha. Did I mention that I love this weather when I'm snuggled up in bed and reading a book with a cup of coffee beside? Ahh.. Heaven.

Yesterday, we only have one class.. so the rest of the gang decided to watch 2 movies at home.

The gang composed ofAvy, Nessa, Renel, Pearl, and Red. Jesel, Jona and Kath just followed suit.

We watched The Devil Wears Prada and The Banquet.

And now... I'm still here in front of the PC.. doing errands (paperworks) for mom... and sending it to her business partners.

Happy new year Everyoneee... (im posting a jan. 1 2007) haha. cant help it.

Random ICST convos:

Tina: Why?
Renel: Kay greedy man xa... *explains*
Tina: Huh? (did not get the explanation)
Jesel: Greedy ba.. sa manok.
Tina: Double ha?
Kath: Whattt?
Jesel: Greedy sa manok
Kath: Manok?
Tina: Ahh,... gravy. rawrrr.

Tina: *after a korny joke*
Pearl: Tina... I thought you said... it's a new year... and no more korny jokes
Tina: Yeah... no more korny jokes... yes to super korny jokes. (Evolution is the name of the game.)

Watching Merryl Streep at the last part in her car.
Tina: What? Does she have a Multiple Personality Disorder?

Renel was locked from the outside. He kept knocking but we did not open the door. After a few minutes when the knocking stopped... we opened the door.

Jona: renel come in.
Avy: Renel.
Kath: Reneeeelll!!!
*Renel comes in with an angry face*
Jona: Uy Renel that was just a joke.
Tina: Your despidida party joke.
*Angry face still*
Renel: Give me my bag....
*uh oh we smell twable..*
Jona: That was a joke....
*everyone serious concerned face. Jesel hands out his bag.*
*Renel about to go and Jona beside the door*
Renel: Excuse me beh... Palingkuri ko. (*Excuse me. Let me sit*)
*and everyone bursted into laughter*

*noisy room while watching.. everyone talking*
Avy: Saba ra gud mo beh! (*Will you guys shut up?*)
*the room was suddenly silent*
Red: *genuinely coughs twice*
Avy: Oh naa pa diod mu ubo. (*Oh.. and then someone would cough!!!* pouts)
(Poor Red..)

A New Beginning....

I can see it from my window...
I can hear it from my door...
I can feel it in the morning....
Like Ive never felt before...

A new beginning in the making.. another season is in stored.
From my window I can see... and more....

There are times we spent together....
There are many more places together...
There are visions to discover....
And a lot more things to know...

A new beginning in the making.. another season is in stored.
From my window I can see... and more....

- Composed by Nay Joy Abella. :)

It's one of my favorite songs. Grabe. :) It's a family song.. so it's not out in the public. Ahihi.

Anyway... it's fitting.. (this song) for January 1, 2007. :)

This year is going to be incredible. This year is going to be one of the best.

This year all the planets will line up for me.

I can feel..... it'll be a whole NEW THING this YEAR.

January... Id learn to fly.. Febuary... it's my day.... March... Thesis will be over and perfected. April... and so on and so on.....

A whole new year.... a whole new beginning. :)

In every ending.. there is a new beginning.

This again is another one of those "Butterfly's New Beginning!". Nyahaha

Farewell 2006

What a year! 2006 is about to end and the whole world’s about to welcome 2007 with a big loud bang. Although there are no loud, sparkling fireworks here in Davao since they are banned, well that gives another New Year minus the fireworks. J

This year made me experience a lot of “firsts” in my life.

Last year was my first time to celebrate the new year out of the house… and into the Nationwide Family Camp we endured for days *from Dec. 25 – Jan. 1* How’s that for a holiday? It was fun anyway… and a whole new experience.

* to sing in public with the family… and followed by a lot of singing presentations.

* to travel out of the country.

* to fly business class and use the business lounge (it’s free… so why not take the chance?)

* road-trip with friends for an hour and a half drive to a wedding and without a chaperone.

* See a panda.

* make a layout all by myself

* manage and edit a mini-video + music video

* take an international exam

* be in an organization. (IIPA and PCAM)

* an official (treasurer) of IIPA Davao Chapter

* to be late in class and it went on till the end of the year

* to make matters worst… I even have a couple of consecutive abscences..

* first time to see a Yellow watermelon.

* to be tagged

* to ride a tram and a double decker bus.

* to ace a math subject. Woohoo!

and a whole lot more of firsts…

I thought the election would be done by the year 2008. Silly me. Not up to date. It’s on 2007 and I was even lazing around not worried about registering in COMELEC. Now, I’m with the “rush-rush” registrants.

My first day was December 30, 2006, when my mom called me 8 in the morning to inform me that it would be the last day of registering and all that. I rounded up a couple of my classmates to join me in COMELEC at Magsaysay Park, only Avy and JV went along with me to register, but JV gave up after a few minutes of trying to get the form. It was not a good sight actually. Sweaty people and bad smell hovering. *Gah*

Me and Avy decided to be early today. We arrived at the park like 5:20. It was drizzling and we waited there patiently. Laughing at some korny jokes or just watching other teenagers. We were just keeping ourselves busy, not minding the negative side. The gates opened 8 am… and everyone rushed out like prisoners released. Shouting, pushing. Avy, Ate Alice and I just slowed down not minding the rushing people.. because it’s still the same.. we will all be inside in a few moments anyway. To make the long story short… we got the forms 11:44 and ate a quick lunch and passed the forms by 2pm. I was asked to go back this January 2 for the picture, and Avy on January 3.

I was quite disappointed with COMELEC (Davao) specially the ones handling District 2. They are not organized. They would tell you there are no more forms and then the people would go away, and in a few minutes they will tell you the forms are available. They are like toying with the people.

The lines in District 2 was not good. Dami sumisingit. Rawr. It was exhausting and suffocating plus with the blaring heat of the sun and the smell. *Gosh* The place smells like dog poop and to make matters worst, someone farted. Sweaty people pushing you around made it even more exasperating. I don’t like to be pushed nor do I like to push other people in front of me. I called my mom that time wanting to cry already and give up because I cannot take it anymore… our line can’t get anywhere with all the people trying to overtake. I told her there are no more forms. My mom told me “How can that be? With all the money we-the people are paying (referring to tax) they would suddenly run out of forms? No… No.. You better get your forms. Don’t go home without getting one. And that’s Philippines. You have to go through that experience… you must understand how our system works.”

Yeah. Crappy system, I must say. I was even asking myself why in the world am I there? I don’t care about the election. It doesn’t matter. Who wins, wins. End of story.

When I arrived home, I was dropping hints to everyone how tired I was, how the people were, how the place smelled. My mom would then reply…

“Oh well, everyone needs to go through with that… Now you know how it is like in the Philippines eh?”

Yeah, and I wish one day it would improve. A better system, one that would benefit everybody even to the ones who serve the people.

I’m not exactly complaining, I’m just observing. Although, yeah awhile ago I was. But, then I must experience this….. and get something from it. A lesson perhaps, one that I could apply to other experiences as well.

It was a good day. All’s well that ends well. No matter what process you’ve gone through.

It’s a nice thing to end the year. This is another first. Going to all the trouble on New Year’s Eve, and helping in the kitchen right away without getting a good rest because our relatives are coming over. A whole lot of them… and so there goes my movie marathon into the bin. I won’t be able to do it then. *sigh*

Oh my cheeks turned pink to red. Nyahaha. Na sunburn pa ako ni 2006. Salamat sa pabaon haaa?

Happy NEW YEAR!!!

Marathons and a Dash

I wanted to post yesterday, but I wasn't able to log-in. Don't know why. Either my internet is having a hard time connecting to blogger thus resulting to a timeout during the process or there's just something wrong. Whatever. Schmever. All i know... I'm posting now.

Oh and by the way.. I just switched to the new blogger.

Almost everybody's been having a "movie marathon", and I for one would want to do it myself. I only got to watch only one movie, hardly a marathon at all. But, as the days progress.. I found myself reading the books I haven't read yet. I think in just one week I finished 4 books. Not bad at all... considering I've been in and out of the house twice this week. So nice.

I'm planning to have the movie marathon by 31. Weee. Hope I'd fulfill it.

I've been playing Diner Dash 3: Flo on the Go(courtesy of Dwinny) for days now... and I'm on Level 45. But, I'm stuck.. at Level 45.. there's an invisible customer. I've been searching the net about this glitch.. and I've done what they told me to do... but to no avail. *Gah* Anyone out there who can help me? =)

Is my internet speed by any chance connected to the recent earthquake in Taiwan? Haha. Just a thought. I just got the message from Globe saying there would be delayed messages.. and those browsing blah blah... because of what happened in Taiwan.

Anyway,HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :)

Christmas and White Envelopes

Merry Christmas everyone!! Have a Blessed day! :)

Im sharing a story I found online.... =)

White Envelopes

It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it, overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma, the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son, Kevin, who was 12 that year was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended, and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.
These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in the spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids, all kids, and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse.

That's when the idea of his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition, one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.

You see we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.
Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

Author Unknown

Time flies..

Time sure flies.. -_- I can still remember what happened last Christmas... and it's Christmas(the day) all over again.

Party here and there... party everywhere. How many parties did you attend this month?

-----------------------------------

I was not tagged by Ate Ghee specifically. She just said whoever is interested... may do the tag...

Rules:
1.Grab the closest book to you.
2.Open to page 123,go down the 4th sentence.
3.Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.
4.Name of the book and the author.
5.Tag three people.

"You were driving away in a taxi. Then I followed you, in another cab."
McAuliff put his glass aside.

Cry of the Halidon by Jonathan Ryder(a.k.a Robert Ludlum)

(Anyone is free to do the tag) :)

I'm currently reading that book now. I just finished Fire by Sebastian Junger author of the Perfect Storm.

I thought it was just some fictitious book(it's not)... and the first part of his story (little did I know, there were different stories in that book) was pretty boring. It was all about Fire! Oh my gooseneck. Jumpers, fumes, forest fires... etc. etc.

Yeah, yeah the title was pretty much related.. I know.. it's Fire.. and literally about fire. -_-

I was expecting some kinda "story" in it... but the first part droned on and on about forest fires. How a couple of fire fighters were killed in a forest fire... and investigation says that it was all sudden.. blah blah. So, I stopped reading the book for a few days.

But then, since I bought it... and it's not good to judge a book when you have not finished it from cover to cover.. I decided to continue reading it.

The next part was about whales. I thought it was part of the first story... and I was confused at first because from fire to whales? -_- Confusing, really.

Finally, as I was reading the book... the characters, the events that took place was real. (di kasi ako nag research about the book.)

From whales to the war in Serbia.... to the conflict diamonds in Sierra Leone. (I even read the book.. with a map.. para ma-imagine ko talaga.. hehe.) From the diamonds to the logical warfare in Afghanistan.

I learned a lot. Really.

I learned diamonds are not exactly rare and should not be THAT expensive. The supply for the diamond was just controlled by some people.. and in that.. they increased it's price.

When the diamonds was discovered in Sierra Leone,and the whites heard about it.. they spread rumors to those "ignorant people" in Sierra Leone. In that rumor, they told the people in Sierra Leone that those stones are electric and they should not touch it, they should wait until a white man comes. *Wah, so mean!* Was that even right? *sigh*

I liked the story about the Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Massoud. He was never "power-hungry". He just wanted to serve his people and lead them away from all those people who wanted to wage war against them. Like the Soviets and the Taliban.

"A few years ago in Kabul, I thought the war was finished, and I started building a home in Panjshir. A room for my children, a room for me and my wife, and a big library for all my books. I've kept all the books. I've put them in boxes, hoping one day I'll be able to put them on the shelves and I'll be able to read them. But the house is still unfinished, and the books are still in their boxes. I don't know when I'll be able to read my books." - Massoud

Though he holds the post of vice-president in Rabanni's deposed governmenet, Massoud is a man with a few aspirations as a political leader, no apparent desire for power. Over and over he has rejected appeals from his friends and allies to take a more active role in the politics of his country. The Koran says that war is such a catastrophe it must be brought to an end as quickly as possible and by any means necessary. That, perhaps is why Massoud has devoted himself exclusively to waging war. - Sebastian Junger

Massoud's strategy has been studied by many soldiers in the Soviet. Massoud outwitted them for years.

One part, I found funny there was...about General Ratko Mladic the Serb's chief of staff who was indicted with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by South African Judge Richard Goldstone. He was never caught. But they heard that Mladic spent his days on a Bosnian Serb military base, tending beehives and a herd of goats. Each goat has been named after a Western leader or UN commander.

Pretty funny. Hehe. -_-

Anyhow... MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!

Adventures in China

I learned quite a few things in China. Our first stop was Beijing and then Shanghai.

Beijing is the conservative and ancient city unlike Shanghai which is the exact opposite.

Weather: The first thing you would notice when you step down from the plane is the weather.

Beijing is way cooler than Shanghai. Beijing is dry, windy, and sunny and the weather when you are outside is untolerable. In Shanghai, it’s wet(rainy) and cloudy and a ray of sunshine would bring a delight to your face.

Tour Guide: Most of the tourists have tour guides here. It’s the next thing you would notice.

*Miss Vicki fooling around while Mr. Hao gave us a few tricks.*

Our Beijing tour guide Miss Vicki, was jolly and very efficient. Good services. She made our stay in Beijing fun. She was not a bore, and she made us interact with her as well. She is very flexible and cater for everybody’s wants.

Our Shanghai tour guide Miss Sammi, was ok. She smiles and answers your question but not as efficient as Vicki.

Common thing in our tour guides: Nice clothes. You can make them sing(and the same song). Both are trying hard to give us jokes. Both are single and looking for a boyfriend. Haha.

Buildings: The bus has a wide window, enough for you to take pictures and get a full view of the places you are passing.

*A Beijing building*


*Another Beijing building*

Shanghai is much developed compared to Beijing. It’s buildings are higher than in Beijing. Shanghai has a lot of well-known hotels.


*Taken outside Shanghai Airport*

Food: We arrived during lunch time in both cities. So, before we proceed to the hotel we ate our lunch at a local restaurant.

Shanghai-nese food is much sweeter than what is served in Beijing. Still the same though, too oily. -_- The signal for the lauriat-style to end is the watermelon. It is the last to be served. Peking duck was not new to me. Davao has a Chinese restaurant that serves Peking duck but lately it ran out of supply due to the bird flu. But still the way they serve the duck is different. They also serve pigeon in Beijing and goose in Shanghai.

The part I like there was the breakfast buffet. Less Chinese food. Haha.

I like the interior of their restaurants. They have a man-made falls or whatever in display that would attract customers. It’s nice. Every restaurant has a different façade and interior. Some restaurants has a performance every night as well.

*Shanghai: While we were having dinner they performed different kind of dances and one of them is tinikling and they are encouraging the diners to participate as well*

*We were supposed to have pictures with some Chinese girls in costumes.. but they're asking us for money if we're to have our pictures taken with them.*

So guys beware of those picture taking... because you might be asked for some money.

Nights: Shanghai Nights

They said Shanghai is the Eastern Paris. The city is well-lighted during night time. They spend millions for the lights the tour guide says. (I wish they could spend it for the people in China who has no living/home. Specially during winter days. It’s awfully cold and freezing outside.)

Shanghai night life is pretty much active. They have a lot of bars/karaoke/mah-jong places. There are more foreigners and business people in Shanghai. Teenagers go to bars, the not-so-much teen goes to karaoke and the old ones in mah-jong places.

Shopping: I have to say shopping in Philippines is way better than shopping in China!! They have 3 different qualities. Class A, Class B and Class C.

Vicki: Class C may be cheap and you can bargain at a much cheaper price but it's rubbish. Really really rubbish.

Vicki: I will take you to a shopping place.... but I'm warning you. The prices should be bargained 70% off. Example if the price is 100 just pay it for 30.

And asking for the bargain is really stressful.. SUPER! They have crazy prices!!!!! and its not easy to bargain with them because they SHOUT! Gosh!!! It would make you want to go back to Philippines and buy from there. Usual convos in bargaining.

Pinay: How much is this?

Chinese: *takes her calculator out and types the price* 350

Pinay: Oh... so expensive... *types out her price 105 *

Chinese: Oh.. no no..*face angry* *types out 330* That is already cheapah.

Pinay: No.. that's too expensive... *sticks to 105*

Chinese: Oh ok ok.. *types 180* that's cheap. Very cheap lady.

Pinay: No... never mind.. *tries to go away*

Chinese: Wait lady! How much you want?

Pinay: 105

Chinese: That is a crazy price lady! You must be kidding!!!

Pinay: Im not kidding.. Im serious. *walks away* (you can call this the WALKAWAY TRICK)

And then in a few minutes... the chinese lady would run after you with your item in a cellophane already.. and giving you your price.

NOTE: Never ever try to bargain if you are not sure you will buy it, because they might *smack* you with their bag. Believe me... one incident like that happened. So, if you try to bargain...... be sure you will really buy it.

If you are just looking, they would grab you and force you to buy. *gah* what a terrible shopping experience. You would appreciate Pinay's who sell in Divisoria/168 better. Really. Those Chinese might be cussing you in their language for all you know.

But of course there are some who seem pretty fine. Just laugh and dont forget to smile when you try to bargain.. there might be other Chinese who are pretty much nice. But they are just the 5% of the lot.

CLOTHES:

Since, it was the winter season their clothes are mostly for WINTER. Checking out their winter clothes/boots/gloves/hats/scarves... you would want winter to be in the Philippines too. I absolutely love their winter apparrel.. as in!!! Imagine, all those cute boots... those gloves. *sigh*

We did not get to buy some of their clothes since.... the ones in display are for winter and pretty heavy!!! Too bad.

FACTORIES:

In Beijing we visited the Jade factory. Real Jade is pretty much expensive. They have nice designs. Prices are fixed here. No bargains.

*taken outside the royal pharmacy*

We also visited a very popular herbal medicine factory and also their royal pharmacy which goes back to the Ming dynasty. Amazing huh? :)

In Shanghai we visited the Pearl factory. Fresh water cultured pearls. Not so exciting, since we have our very own South Sea pearls. :) Although, I liked their Pearl Lotion. It is so nice.

We also visited the Silk factory. We bought the silk quilt (wala sa pinas eh) and it is sooo comfy. :) Just the quilt would be enough, you can buy any cover (cotton/wool/silk) of your choice when you get back to the Philippines.

Temples and Gardens:

*This one is the frozen lake. You can see people are trying to walk through the frozen lake. Just look closely. They said, this was the setting of King and I. I am not sure. :)*

Beijing has a lot of temples and gardens. Since, it is pretty much old-fashioned. And mostly people in Beijing still stick to their old customs/values and preserving the ancient structures.

Great Wall of China(Beijing):

So yeah, this is the number one spot. I finally saw it's wonder. Haha. Wonder ba talaga? Hehe.

There are different parts of the great wall.. and I am not sure what part we visited. I did not actually went to the top... it was freeeeeziinnng.. and the steps are too steep..... it's a bit hard to go down.

*The DXN TSI Qualifiers w/ the DXN staff. Wooo Go Philippines!*

Forbidden City(Beijing):

I thought it would be exciting to visit it.... but then since the fact it is not forbidden anymore and pretty much open to tourists made it less exciting. The history itself is a good story. Beijing has a lot of stories about Emperor, Empress and the concubines.

Chinese people are fond of rock formations. Every temple/garden you go... you see rock formations everywhere and with different meanings. :)

Disneyland China(Beijing):

This was supposed to be their Disneyland. It was unfinished because the owner got bankrupt.

Olympic Stadium for 2008(Beijing):

Everybody knows that the Olympics this 2008 will be held in Beijing. Everybody in China is preparing for it. They have different souvenir items ready even if it is just 2006.

Panda Zoo(BEijing):

I did not get any decent pictures of the cutieee pandas. *gah* All were too dark. They were inside and the lighting was not that good. It was a bit dim... so the pictures are dark. One is supposed to be staying outside but I guess the weather is a bit toooo cold for them. They said during summer the pandas have a cable tv to entertain them. And since they are too preoccupied with the tv they would not even look at the tourists. Nyahaha. :)

Mausoleum of Mao Tse Tung(Beijing):

This is where the body of Mao Tse-Tung lay. Mao Tse-Tung wants to be cremated... I wonder why he wasn't. Ala-Marcos style. Once inside, you are not allowed to stare at Chairman Mao's body... but you need to move on. Cameras are not allowed inside.

NOTE: Do not buy the flowers they sell to honor Chairman Mao. You know why? Because, they are just recycling it. All the flowers are identical. And once it is inside.... they can recycle to use it for tomorrow. Wow.. pretty cunning huh? :P

Tiananmen Square(Beijing):

*Behind is the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao*

This one is just near the Mausoleum of Mao Tse Tung. Here you can take pictures all you want.

Kung Fu Show (Beijing):

They say it's one of the best show. (but I like the Lion King Live Show in Disneyland HK better hehe) -_- You can even have your pictures taken with the actors/actress outside.. before and after the show.

I did not have mine taken with them... because there were soooooooo mannyyyy people. Foreign people. Big people. British and Americans alike. Haha. -_-

Yu Garden(Shanghai):

*A picture with the shy lioness*

The Yu Garden in Shanghai. Near this garden is a temple-turned-flea-market. The bargain thingy here is much better compared to Beijing. -_- A bit better... but still...

Nan Jing Road(Shanghai):

This is the shopping haven of the people in Shanghai or so they say. A few minutes walk in our hotel. Well lighted as well. :) Nice place to hang out.

Huang Pu River Cruise(Shanghai):

This is a nice river cruise. :) You'd see Shanghai at it's best! Yay. Well lighted... with all the prominent structures.... *sigh* It was soo nice. :)

Kids:

I love to watch the little Chinese kids. -_- They look so cuteee with their winter clothes.. and it's not hard to make them smile. They smileeee sooo genuinely from the heart it would make you want to cry. SOooo cuteeeee.

*That kid made me teary-eyed... hayyyy. I would never forget that lil kid's smile. It wass just so different from the smiles of other kids. -_-*

Language:

Not everybody knows how to speak English. Hard to communicate with them. But there was one kid who showed us the way to Pearl Market... and it was quite astonishing to hear him speak in straight English.

Random Pics

*The Czar and Czarina of da Philippines*

*That guy is so funny. After the picture taking he would gesture to look at your camera... maybe to check how he looks like in the picture. hehe*

*Sunset in Beijing. Outside the Royal Pharmacy and near the Tiananmen Square.*

I almost did not get any chance to take the Sunset in Shanghai. And *good heavens* when we were about to board the plane for Shanghai-Manila... I was able to see the sun setting in Shanghai and capture it. Weeeee.

*Sunset in Shanghai*

That's all for now.. Picture overload na ata eh. -_-

All in all... it was a fun filled trip.. although there were certain times... it was not that good because.. my parent's oppressor is around. Read this for more info.

China Convo part two

More Convos:

Sammi: Do you know any Chinese song?
Ed Hao: Yeah, Kong kway la... *sings* Buchikeee
Sammi: Haha. Do you guys know about General Mao?
Everyone: Yes..
Sammi: How about Jackie Chan?
Everyone: Yes...
Sammi: How bout Sammi Lee?
Everyone: *mumbles* huh?
Ramil: Oh I know Sammi Lee, She is the sister of Fami Lee (family)

*gah pinoy talaga ang korny!*

Sammi: Everyone hungry now? We will have dinner already.
Someone: What's the dish?
Sammi: Chinese.
*everyone disappointed*
Sammi: Why, you dont want Chinese food?
*almost everyone said no* ( who would not get fed up if 8 consecutive days your lunch and dinner was purely chinese lauriat style and same type of food? )
Sammi: Do you guys know the 4 best things in the world?
Someone: What is it?
Sammi: You don't know? Ok I'll share it to you... Number 1 is American money.
Everyone: Ooohh...
Sammi: Number two Japanese Y.
Noel: Y? What?
Sammi: Japanese Y.
*me thinking yen*
Noel: Y? Why? Explain it!
Sammi: Japanese waif.
Ed: Ahh.. Japanese wife.
*everyone laughs*
Sammi: Number three French perfume....
Sammi: and Number four Chinese food.
Noel: Who told you? Maybe you just made that up ha.
*everyone laughs*
Ed Hao: What about the 4 worst things in the world?
Noel: What?
Ed Hao: Number 1 House in Tokyo.. very expensive.
Ed Hao: Number 2 English cook
Ed Hao: Number 3 American wife.. a nagger
Ed Hao: and number 4 a Filipino salary.

Sammi: *talking about General Mao*
Noel: Wow! thanks for the information. tomorrow we will talk about General Hao.
*everyone laughs*


Im in a bit of a hurry. Have to sleep. -_- I just updated. :) Ill be sharing a lot of infos when Im back in Davao. :) See you all.

Ancient China

Weeee! My parents' room in Shanghai has a free broadband access. So I can at least be in touch for 4 days! oh dba? :P

Beijing is SUPER COLD(-16 - -4), dry and windy but unfortunately I did not witness any snow falling from the sky. Snow would start in January.

I learned a lot from this trip. =) I will share it when I'm in back in Davao with the pictures para colorful! haha.

Shanghai is WET and a bit cold. RAINY!!! I love rainy days.... when I'm inside.. but outside? tsk tsk... nu-uh.

I can't think of anything else. Everything's COLD HERE even the dishes. haha. *GAH*

Mag DXN na kayo tataba kayo sa kain pag sila ang nag host ng trip. Imagine Breakfast buffet, lunch(lauriat style 10 dishes, unli rice,) and dinner(lauriat style 10 dishes, unli rice) for 10 days?!!!

Anyhow... I'll blog hop.. :P and read all your posts!!! MISS YOU ALL. :)

Pinoys are known to be a happy group and loves to joke around. Happy bunch of people. Fortunately my team (we were divided in to two teams) has a few jokers around and our tour guide in Beijing was really good.

Here are some convos I overheard:

ON FLIGHT
Mean Stewardess.
Stewardess: Anong company kayo? Iisa lang ba?
Mom: Yup, DXN.
Stewardess: Kaya pala magkakilala. Ilang days kayo sa China?
Mom: 10 days.
Stewardess: Ang ganda 10 days. 10 days kayong maninigas.

IN BEIJING on BUS.
Vicki (Tour guide): We have a different government here in China and I heard that the Philippine government is corrupt.
*everyone laughs*
Everybody: Nooo....
Someone: Not all.
Vicki: You sure? I encountered some Filipinos from electronics department.. *sharesthestory*
Someone: Oh, corruption is evident in 13 regions.
Vicki: How many regions you have?
Someone: 13.

Vicki: Mr. Hao? You will do magic for us tomorrow? Or sing?
Ed Hao: Eherm. I cant sing in public, I just signed a contract in Star Records.

*Mr Ed giving us a magic trick while singing*
Ed: Ang tiguwang (the old man...)... *sing*
Vicki: What's tiguwang?
Nestor: The old man.
Ed: That's Jose Tan!
*everyone laughs*
Ed: you should marry a Filipino. Filipinos are loving like this *kissingsound*
Vicki: Yeah. They said I go to Manila and look for the 4M.

Bing Hao: Jose oi. Tama na ang benta. Sunod na. Oi.. tsk..

Ed: This would be my last trick. If you want more, just visit room 511.
Nelson: Ticket sales through Jose Tan.


SEMINAR
Prajith: How are you guys doing
Everyone: Great!
Someone: Great Wall!

Ed: Ok, thank you everyone. Mhmm *looks around* Saan na ang emcee?
(emcee was outside counting the pesos of the people to be changed into yuan)
Someone: Nasa labas nagbibilang ng pera
(enter Ramil)
Ramil: Thank you for waiting. We were joking outside and thought that with all the money we can go back to the Philippines.

There were more jokes but I wasnt able to record all of them. :P