Kapayapaan

Happy 76th Hunger Games!! errrm este Happy 76th Araw ng Dabaw!

Our theme for the year is: Kapayapaan.

When I arrived last night from a weeklong trip in Cebu-Bohol, I was excited to see my vibrant city amidst all the lights flickering from above the plane. I can't help but notice they all looked like that cardboard boxes/model houses architects make.

As we were heading home, most of the streets were alive and throngs of people are out partying in the streets. And the usual restaurants who would've been occasionally not that "full" is now suddenly filled with a whole lot of people and cars were just all around. The city has awakened and the party is in full swing.

Here's a list of the schedule: Schedule for 76th Araw ng Davao

Till here!

Enjoy the festivities if you are in town!! :)

Madayaw!!!

Photo Source: Silaab Dabaw

Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013

As I post this blog, Kuya Jude, Kuya Falcon(Bayawan, Dumaguete) and Valerie (Baguio) is probably on the way to Batangas City from Manila on their 11th Day of biking for Liwanag of their 24day sojourn!

What's the gist? (Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013)

Padyak tungo sa Liwanag 2013, a bicycle pilgrimage all over the country from Palaui Island, Sta. Ana,Cagayan to Davao City (Jan 2-Jan 29,2013). Its the personal way of carrying the ideals of Liwanag Worldfest 2013 for creativity and sustainability. Please join us as we string beads of light all over the Philippines. 

The plan is for biker friends to meet them along the way, and bike with them till whatever part of the Philippines or bike all the way to Davao!!!

What's amazing is, they will visit various historical sites very important in the Philippine history and also to light candles at lighthouses stationed along the Philippines.

more updates.. of their whereabouts soon!

Here is the itinerary they have: 

Place	Est. Dist (km)	Days Travel	Date
Dumaguete to Manila*		1	30-Dec
Manila-Palaui*		2	31-Dec
Palaui Island to		1	1-Jan
Sta Ana to Aparri	130.00	1	2-Jan
Aparri to Claveria	90.00
Claveria to Laoag City	90.00	1	3-Jan
Laoag City to Vigan City	100.00
Vigan to San Fernando City	140.00	1	4-Jan
San Fernando to Baguio City	75.00	1	5-Jan
Baguio to Dagupan	100.00	0.5	7-Jan
Dagupan to Tarlac City	100.00	0.5
Tarlac City to Manila	120.00	1	8-Jan	Via  Anggat, Bulacan (Enchanted Farm)
Manila to Batangas City	150.00	1	9-Jan
Batangas City to Caticlan	2go leaves at 9pm	arrives at 6am the next day
Caticlan to Culasi	100.00	0.5	10-Jan
Culasi to Sn Jose de Buenavista	120.00	0.5
Sn Jose de Buenavista to Ilo2	100.00	1	11-Jan
Iloilo to Guimaras
McArthur’s Wharf to Tumanda Wharf	45.00
Pulupandan Wharf to Kabankalan	75.00	1	13-Jan
Kabankalan to Mabinay	60.00	0.5
Mabinay to Bayawan	60.00	1	14-Jan
Bayawan to Dumaguete	100.00	2	19-Jan
Dumaguete to Santander
Santander to Cebu City	135.00	1	20-Jan
Cebu to Cagayan			21-Jan
Cagayan to Davao	298.00	3	22-Jan
Davao	150.00	5	26-Jan
	2,502 Km	24 days

Hello November!

I don't know why I'm saying hello to November.... but maybe because I feel this month has a lot in store for me. Haha. Sweet surprises perhaps?


So.. yeah... November please be good to me.....


I've been in and out of town lately. Thus the lack of updates.

Will probably talk about my seminar-venture in UAE.

There were no Desert Safari for me, or any of those gold stores or whatever. Just plain visit to four states of UAE. and the hoarding of gadgets. Hardly hoarding. Just the essentials. Nyahahaha.

But, I'm definitely coming back for the desert safari.... one day. And, I better have me a husband... it's hard to get a SINGLE WOMAN a VISA to visit Qatar, Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries. But, well... that's not the priority. I'll go to countries where it's easy to get me a single woman a visa... like, say.... Europe. Wooohoo.

Surf, Sand, Fire and Party

Photo: (Taken at Botona Beach Resort, it's the whole stretch of Dahican Beach in Mati. Kanakbai Beach Resort is on the other side).

Hi guys!

This year, I had one of the best birthday (every year.. it's always BEST for me!). I was out of town, with my childhood friends whom I considered as real brothers and sisters. We went out for Maranatha's debut.

From L-R: Darlene, Ate Jill, Me, Cris, Paolo H., and Walter at Kanakbai Beach Resort, Dahican (Mati)

We took off early in the morning, and my sister and I got around to helping the "decorators" of the venue who happened to be my childhood friends. Everyone (including us) was a bit groogy, because we all slept late or didn't sleep at all the night before since we all have to do last minute stuffs. (I was the one in charge for our surprise video presentation).

It was all crazy, really... we finished late with the decoration because we thought there were locals who would help us with the decoration, but no help came and if there was ever one... they came in late na rin. And we went to the party with no make up at all because there was only one bathroom and the party was about to start. The venue and the accommodation of the guests is like a 5-8 minutes ride.

Photo: (us with the debutante... like a fairy doll).

Anyway, despite all that.... it was arguably FUN! The debutante was the star of the night... unlike the usual (princessy debut which I had), it was fairly-like and of course hawaiian. She was the only one who was allowed to wear white. One thing I enjoyed was the "fire dance" and the hawaiian dance by the debutante and her mother at the last part. :)

that was February 13.... and it was also my birthday...

I told everyone to forget my birthday and give the day to Maranatha. And everyone was pretty accommodating. But, when the party ended and the debutante was entertaining the rest of her guests at Botona where we were all housed, everyone sang a "happy birthday" to me. *how sweet of them*

That night, was one of the best nights because I saw the diamond glittered star-filled sky. It was like a blanket of stars and I was barefoot with the sound of the waves and the wind howling at the background and the air was it's usual refreshing self. *swoons* Could this get any better? Too bad, I don't have pictures of the star-filled blanket of a sky.... it will forever be in my mind though. -_- *i have simple delights! just gimme nature.. and id be beaming with joy*

That night, we were good girls and boys... all we had was cake and coke. Bread breaking, eh? The modern way. Haha. :)

We just talked underneath the sky and with the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep. We slept around 3 in the morning like sardines because of the limited rooms.

There was like 13 of us in the room. It was crazy. :)

Photo: Don't mind the eyebags, please... -_-

Some of us woke up around 5-6am to scout for the surfer dudes to give us surfing lessons. And came the best "Valentine's everrrrrr". We talked to the guys from "Amihan sa Dahican". They were a nice lot. Too bad, I wasn't able to try the surfing.. I had the tide. Get my drift, please. The beach was bare save, for us. Perfect for beginners to surf. :)

I fell in love watching them surf. It made me want to go back to Dahican.

By the way, they have an upcoming Skim Competition this April. You can search them on Facebook and add them: Amihan Sa Dahican, for more information regarding their competition. You can also donate something for the said competition. :)

It was a good memory... and yes... I can't wait to go back to Dahican... I discovered a lovely place 3 hours away from Davao... =)

Surfing photos on my other post na lang.... :)

I know this is late... but how was your Valentine's? Or Chinese New Year? :)

Egypt: Papyrus Factory

Papyrus Papers - the first paper in the world and is very much associated to Egypt.

Papyrus plants grew almost exclusively in the region of the Nile delta and the dry climate made it possible for papyri to endure, in most cases, for over 2 millenia. The use of papyrus as a writing material goes back to extreme antiquity. The oldest written papyrus known to be in existence is, according to Kenyon (The Paleography of Greek Papyri, Oxford, 1899), an account-sheet belonging to the reign of the Egyptian king Assa, which is conjecturally dated circa 2600 B.C.

Got a chance to see how a papyrus paper is made at one of their factories. They have nice collections of paintings done on a papyrus paper. Kinda expensive though. *oh well*

Pictures aren't allowed daw.. but I managed to get one before they said that. Hehe. *peace*

Egyptian Museum

This museum is home to the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world. Of course, it should have the most extensive collection since it's in Egypt for crying out loud.

Established by the Egyptian government in 1835. They exhibit more than 120,000 collections. This is located at Tahrir square, Cairo, Egypt.

It's also the first big museum, I've ever been too. Photographs are not allowed inside, so I can’t show what’s inside the museum.

It contains a lot of coffins (made out of granite, limestone or covered with gold), statues, tables, jewelries, the treasures found from King Tutankhamen's tomb, weapons, instruments, chariots, and other stuffs .

Of course this is where you will see the mummies - they have a Royal Mummy Room and you have to pay for another extra to go inside. We did not get to go inside because almost everyone’s itching to get out of the place - medyo mainit rin ang museum plus everyone’s tired.

This is also where one of the scenes in the blockbuster hit movie "The Mummy" was shot.

Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a half-human, half-lion Sphinx statue found in Egypt. It is also the largest monolith statue in the world and one of the world's oldest statue.

The Great Sphinx was believed to stand as a guardian of the Giza Plateau, where it faces the rising sun. In the Old Kingdom, it was the focus of solar worship. It's LION form, has long been a symbol associated with the sun in ancient civilizations.

With all it's grandeur in history, nowadays it is facing one of the world's famous franchise - Kentucky Fried Chicken. Yikes. Of all the opponents to face... it's facing a chicken for crying out loud.

Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza

A pyramid is any three-dimensional polyhedron where the faces other than the base are triangular and converge on one point, called the apex.

The base of a pyramid can be any polygon but is typically a square, leading to four non-base faces. - from Wikipedia.

The most famous pyramids are the ones found in Egypt.

There are three pyramids in Giza - there is the Khufu's Pyramid, Khafre's Pyramid and Menkaure Pyramid.

Khufu's Pyramid, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is believed the pyramid was built as a tomb for Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. The Great Pyramid was the tallest man made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. - from Wikipedia

Khafre's Pyramid, is the second largest and the tomb of Pharoah Khafre. The pyramid has a base length of 215.25 m (707 ft) and originally rises to a height of 143.5 m (471 ft) The Pyramid is made of Limestone blocks(weighing more than 2 tons each). - from Wikipedia

Menkaure's Pyramid, is the smallest among the three pyramids and the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure. It was probably completed that time between the 26th century BC.

I wasn't expecting to be THERE - for real - but there I am standing right in front on one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World and the only surviving structure in modern times. Woot.

April 2008 Trip I

The trip went well (in fact it was great!).

The first part of the trip was spent on four scheduled Leadership Training in different places to be conducted by my mom.


April 12-13 :

The first one was conducted at Malolos, Bulacan. My mom's training is limited to 30 persons only (and that's already the maximum but on some places it would exceed to 35). But this time at Malolos there were only 12 participants (which makes it easy for mom). Less audience is easier.

I also tried a delicacy from Malolos called Inipit *review some other time*. I also visited the ever famous Barasoain Church. I was supposed to take a picture in front but, a wedding was about to take place and so all my plans of being there went down the drain. Hehe. Give way to the bride. :P

April 15-16:

Our second schedule was set to be in Tandang Sora, Quezon City to be hosted by Mrs. Luzviminda's Service Center.

Basically, this group is a great one, most of the attendees are in their youth and they are way beyond people their age already. (Not a lot of youths attend this kind of training though). They are responsive and they ask a lot of questions (which is actually great because my mom encourages questions and clarifications when she speaks). Very interactive. They are also achievers which makes it a plus. Keep it up guys! :)

April 17-18:

The third schedule was held at Willie Mercado's Service Center over at Zamora Street.

Mrs. Lelel was a great host, she made sure we were doing all right and all that. She even drove us at the hotel when our drive wasn't able to make it. I also admired her three kids helping out with their Service Center. You can see they have a tight family bond.

The group here is great as well. Intellectual and Spiritual and so Mom did not have any trouble and actually finished early because they got it just right.

I also admired Mr. & Mrs. Lauron(Crown Diamonds) who attended mom's training. It's quite rare to see a person EARN MUCH and attend trainings. Most people who earn much and are in a high position don't attend trainings anymore. You can see that Mr. & Mrs. Lauron are green mangoes*

April 19

Supposed to be our rest day but mom made time for some of the Network Leaders who weren't able to attend her trainings. It started by 10am ended at quarter to 4 or something.

April 20

en route to Quezon. We took our time getting to the place. Not much in a hurry. I enjoyed the ride.

April 21-22

The last schedule was held at Aramin Resort in Tayabas, Quezon Province. The bond on this group is very tight. Quezon already had it's first batch, which were the "uplines" of the second batch and they bonded during the two nights talking about a lot of things in life. I enjoyed observing their bond here.



April 23


Before going back to Manila we decided to climb the 300 steps of the "Kamay ni Hesus" grotto. Due to the "coding" in Pasay we delayed our going back to Manila by stopping at different places and taking a different, scenic route. I was able to drop by at Lucban, Quezon (to check out the hats once again... but did not get to buy one.. since I don't know where I would store it. T_T), and Lumban, Laguna (the home of the finest barongs).

All in all it was a fun filled trip full of learning experiences. I learned a lot from different people. It's one of the reasons I decided to stay in the Networking Field. You get to understand people more and more and you meet different people and learn from them and at the same time you got to help them out. You give something, they get something. You get something, they give out something.

*Green Mango - mature independent person, attends trainings. leaves their cup empty, eager to learn. coachable. A green mango stays on the tree. It doesn't fall. It wouldn't rot.
*Yellow Mango - immature independent person, don't attend trainings because their cup is full already. they feel they know EVERYTHING. A yellow mango usually falls from a tree and is left to rot. When you stop learning, you start to rot just like a yellow mango.

Once again

Once again I will be out from the online world.

I do hope I get to go to a few events I've been invited to by online friends if it fits with my Mom's schedule.

1. April 12 - SM Megamall NBS - Book Signing by Pamela Santos of The Only Thing Between Us. After a series of exchanging mails with Pamela (she has good PR with her readers and I'm sure her book would be a hit to her online acquaintances) she informed me she had it published already. I finished the book and the review is HERE.
2. and of course the Bloggers Meet up with Ate Ann who will be in Pinas by then.
3. April 26 - Malcolm Theater, College of Law, in UP Diliman Quezon City - The 4th IBlog Summit. I do hope I can drop by. *sigh* But, to those who want to join you can register HERE. Check the list of participants HERE.

Ill ty to visit your blogs as much as possible. See you all and enjoy the summer.

Too bad ill be missing out some events sa mga ka covs ko. Oh well.

Have A GREAT WEEK!

Roma

As most of you are aware our Mediterranean Cruise was canceled. One thing that thrilled me about the said trip was our supposed to be stop-over in Rome for 5 days after the said cruise. Anyway, they rescheduled the trip early this year, I am not sure when and where but one of the possible places that we would visit would be Rome.

Speaking of Rome and if you have plans visiting Rome I know of a couple name Mauro and Paula in this internet world who can help you with your tour and stay and also your Rome accommodation. You can consult to them about leisure travel in Italy since they live there and even better if it's about Rome since they reside there. So they actually know what they are talking about. You can be assured that those hotels they refer to you are of you quality. They've been to all of them and they know what's best and what would fit the accommodation you envision. The hotels on their list are all set in the very heart of their ancient historical centre. You can search hotels by their rating whether they are a 5 star hotel or lower. If you also want it on a specific location, it's indicated as well. Try them and they will find the perfect hotel that would suit you. Also feel free to browse their website for more info - > Rome Hotels.

They also have a page for car transfers if you want one at your own convenience.

You can refer to them if you want to stay on some of Rome apartments too.

Shipwreck

No. Nothing of the sort. No shipwrecks really.

You might ask why in the world am I blogging when I should have been enjoying the cold weather in Europe. Wait. Where is my lovely intro? I was talking to myself awhile ago -no make that making a speech about what to write. It just went right out - and now all I have to do is just remember them. *jumps up and down as she catches her bubbling thoughts*

*think think*

Ok. Here goes. *regains composure*

Cruises are meant to be special right? I mean, at least for me. Cruising is one of my ultimate desire. Not just a dream. It's a deeeh-saaay-reeee deep down inside.

And so... since cruises are meant to be special it shouldn't be spoiled with Tupperwares right? Yes. Humans who acts like Tupperwares. As mean girls would have it. - Plastics. That was harsh. But, that's what I know.

It was just quite fitting then and I call it Divine Intervention that we did not get to go with them. Simply put, our Visas were denied and the management did not even have the decency to inform us - up until the last minute.

What a shame, yes. Most people would probably be enraged by this. Specially if it is your desire going down the drain.

But for me it's actually a blessing in a horrendous - ok - I'm exaggerating na- disguise.

I was thrilled that I'm finally going to Europe and all. I was excited but - that usual "magical feeling" is missing. That's right. The magical feeling. I call that magical cause you're anticipating what will happen, what you will see and all that. Basta, it's magical.

I'll be listing the reasons why the "magical feeling" of traveling was blocked:

1. the cold weather. I love cold weathers but not when cruising. I have this idea of cruises where you get to be on deck and you do the munimuni.
2. the people we will be with. Part of the group would be three(3) couples which company I pretty much don't like. If it's cold and we are with them.... you'd probably be thinking that hell has frozen over or something.
3. the baggage. travel light they say. how can you travel light when you need big coats the whole trip? And you need to change clothes in the cruise for the dinner(which would prolly require a long gown or cocktail dresses) and breakfast/lunch which requires casual formal outfit (no jeans allowed) and walking clothes for the shore excursions. Three sets in a day? And I haven't enrolled in a class called "The Art of Travelling Light".

Anyway, to make my story short. I am just grateful that we (the lucky 29) did not get to be with them for this cold trip and that we will be arranged for another trip equally the same with the first trip. But, not this year anymore. It would be next year. I'm hoping it's spring.

We found out that we got denied because when we applied no "documention" was attached. We gave all our documentation to the management. They were responsible for that. And now... There are (2) two possible reasons why it happened.:


1.) Lack of Experience / Mismanagement.

2.) Sabotage / Conspiracy.

Meaning, I can go to Yeh yeh's debut! Yahoo Yahoo! :) And yes! I am back. No scheduled trips till December. Weeeee.. :) I'll be hopping by your blogs now.

Cruisin'

Ahoy!

I will be gone once again "indefinitely", which wouldn't matter much since I'm always in and out of the blog world. The real world's calling is much greater nowadays, but fret not I am not leaving the "blog world" since I have so much "discoveries" to share... I just can't place it to words... as of now.

In consequence of my going away, I am missing a "debut" I waited for so long. But that's life... you always have something to offer. You don't always get what you want without something to sacrifice. Rawr. Yhe.. sorry sorry... ikaw ang akong "Isaac" karon. daghan nako utang. Phbbtt.

I'll be seeing you guys in a few weeks time. Seeee youuu!!!!

Road Show - Push, Drive, Explode

The return of the come back! wooo...

Thank you for all the graduation greetings.. thank you pam for -> THIS.

Ate Ann hit it right with her comment that says "Congrats! San ka pupunta? Out of town again?".

As soon as I graduated I hopped on a plane the next day (October 16) and left Davao for 23 days! gooseneck! The longest time me and my mom were away with the whole family. But, it's all for a good cause. :)

I missed a lot of things while I was away. I missed to attend the Road Show that was conducted here in Davao which I wanted sooo much to attend since we will present our production number last October 18. But I had to choose in serving (lovingly) my mom and be her Personal Assistant(Alalay wahaha) while we are in Luzon specifically the South.

I missed the Birthday of my business partner/great friend/blogger Ate Jireh last October 17 but at least I got to celebrate her birthday bash which I will recount one of these days last October 13.

I missed the Blogger's Summit last October 27!!!! One of the biggest events in the blogging society this year! Booooo! I apologize for not being there.... I was really hoping I can come back right away. T_T.

I missed Giovanne's birthday last October 31. Yes, It's Halloween. I also missed my plans to sell our product wearing my uber-outrageous-butterfly costume, just for laughs. I wonder if I could do it next year... Hehe.

I missed Ate Disay and Avy's birthday last November 6, 2007. I was monitoring their birthday... and when 6 came by... I forgot it was November 6.. for crying out loud. And I did not get to greet the two of them ON TIME. Pretty close pa naman sila to me..... SORRRY AVYYYY!!! I really really owe you big time! Kaon na lang ta pizza haaaa??????

For things I missed there is of course a "seed of equivalent benefit"....


We went to Lucena City from the airport to prepare for the two(2) day training. :)


I enjoyed the crowd here. :)

By October 19... we had the first ever Diamond Convention held at Trader's Hotel. It also seemed like a whole day event. This was coordinated by the EDC.

October 20 was our 8th Anniversary and we held it at Cuneta Astrodome. :)

The Alabang crowd is a different crowd but nevertheless their responses to my mom's training were all good.

I guess different places calls for different people... and so Laguna was a different batch altogether. I enjoyed their company by the way...


The males in the Cavite Group are more dominant than the female. This group has less questions compared to Lucena, Laguna and Alabang.


Miss Honey said my mom's presentation in Batangas is her favorite.


The last two(2) trainings Masinag and Cainta was not part of the schedule but nevertheless my mom accepted it because she was requested.


My mom took a long time to lay down all the details in Masinag since the group is pretty not used to "responding" during trainings. She was having a hard time getting answers from them because they don't respond. In the end, they were at least able to let their feelings out.

If my mom had a hard time in Masinag, Cainta on the other hand was pretty easy. This group is basically aware and their comprehension is fast and they respond whenever they are asked.

All in all I met different people and I have seen the "I-am-alive-ill-live-it-this-way" look from them after the trainings. They all inspire me.... to reach out and help people get what they want. I gave a short speech by the end of the session in Lucena (because they asked me.. cant refuse them), Laguna (I was asked by Miss Honey.. cant refuse once again), Masinag (my mom asked me... how can i refuse?) and in Cainta (because the group asked me too).

I am enjoying what I am doing now, because i get to HELP PEOPLE who WANTS TO HELP THEMSELVES. In the trainings, you rarely find people who don't want to be helped because my mom's training has limited slots and so you have "to fight your way in" and those who attended were not forced but are willing. It's better that way than forcing someone to join a training.

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

I missed all your blogs!! Super! So I'll be blog hopping in a few while.

Happy Birthday to Dwinny - November 8, 2007. You are now 21. Be happy always and follow your dreams...... have the courage. :)

HAPPY BLOGGING!

Singapore

After the Malaysia trip we decided to drop by and tour Singapore for two(2) days. If Malaysia has lovely "island bars" imagine my delight when I saw Singapore's "island bars" (refer to the picture at the right).

The bougainvillea flowers they used are just "ordinary" here in the Philippines but they used it to beautify the most part of their city! Wow. Can we not do that in our country as well? Hay. Hay. Lovely lovely. And the trees? Grabe. Salute to the people who landscaped their country. I heard Pinoys did the landscaping? Is it true? Ha? Ha?

We slept right away when we arrived. (Of course we need to recharge after the hectic non-stop travel in Malaysia).


If in Malaysia it's Genting Highlands you must visit, in Singapore it's Sentosa Island. So, by 6pm we decided to visit and watch the highlight show in Sentosa Island which is the "Songs of the Sea". It's an amazing show! They used a musical fountain and interacted it with lasers against the water particles to create 3D images. It was purely MA-GEE-CAL! I wished my sister and brother was with us that time.


We did not get to tour around the Island that much since it's already dark. But they have a nightlife in the island, I guess. Judging from the outfits of the young-uns. Hehe. There's a cable car in the island as well and it's quite different from the one in Malaysia because underneath the cable car would be minus the forest but the sea. But, I will surely try out the cable car when me and my family would visit Singapore for a vacation.

There are different ways to get in and out of the island. Renting a taxi ($35), ride a train, ride the Sentosa Bus, Cable Car, or your own private car.

We spent most of our time in Orchard Road. If you are the type of person who loves to shop, Orchard Road is the place for you. The whole of Orchard Road is filled with shopping malls. I can't name most of them, but all I remember is getting inside. Hehe. There is no trouble if you just use your feet in Singapore since everything is prolly "just-a-walk-away". Unless you are a person who can't stand walking! But, if you are a person who resides in Davao "walk-a-thon" is not a foreign word. In fact everything would be near for you. :) *walang problema pag networker ka!*



I got to visit their National Museum but not the whole of it. The building looks nice noh? :) Very attractive.







If we have the Malacañang Palace and U.S the White House, in Singapore they have the Istana Singapore. If you are on the way to visit the shopping malls in Orchard Road you can pass by the Istana. The home of their Prime Minister.




We took the last flight out of Singapore to Manila so we can fully enjoy our stay at the Singapore Changi Airport. It's like a big shopping mall. They have a wide array of duty free shops and eating outlets. They also have "free internet" which explains my "Greetings from Singapore post". Hehe. They have free massages located everywhere as well.

Changi Airport is the 22nd busiest airport & one of the busiest cargo airports in the world and the 6th busiest in Asia. They have six open air garden areas and during our stay I got to visit the two. I don't know where the other four are located. I only visited their Orchid and Fern garden.

I just have to salute and say thank you to the "smiling customs" in Malaysia and Singapore. They were friendly and not at all imposing compared to the ones in Philippines, sad to say. They would smile and encourage us to come back and even have the decency to ask us if we enjoyed our stay. If we forgot to fill something up in the customs form they would just smile and consult us.

I don't know if you travelers notice this but our customs here in the Philippines always have a serious face. No smiles and everything. Nada. I guess it's different if you are foreign or what? I'll keep this in mind when I go out this November I will look over the customs attending to foreign nationals. They could at least smile a bit and be forgiving to others when they forgot to fill something up. *my mom witnessed a scenario where the custom personnel would scold at a Balikbayan*. Hello! Philippines is our country, we should be welcomed with smiles! They could say "Hi Maam, Sir kumusta ang travel niyo?" or "Hi Sir welcome back to the Philippines!".

There's still a lot to improve in the Philippines. I do hope one day it would improve for the better. Seeing other countries excel inspires me and the desire to see Philippines improving is soooo strong. But, I shan't ask the government to do the improving. It is not a good question to ask because number one I don't think they can answer it and number two the government has matters and "personal agendas" to attend to. The future is not in their hands anyway. The future mga kababayan is WITH US.

So let's stop asking what our country/government can do for us instead let's ask OURSELVES "WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OUR COUNTRY". I think that's better di ba? :)

It doesn't matter if we can't do GREAT THINGS we can do SMALL THINGS in a GREAT WAY! Go go PINOY! Wag antayin ang gobyerno. Hehe. Let's do it ourselves!

Visit Malaysia 2007

Malaysia is actually celebrating their 5oth year of independence. They are having a huge promotion to attract tourists and this year they sure did attract A LOT. Cable T.V. stations have a series of advertisements about "VMY 2007". It is quite fitting to Visit Malaysia this year... and I just love their "One Golden Celebration" song. Super! I wish we could have one as grand in Philippines!

Malaysia

There’s a place not far away
Different faces yet all the same
With a million dreams
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

It’s the place for us to be
It’s the time to feel so free
With a million smiles
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

Come and spread your wings
There’s so much to see
There’s a million colours
Right before your eyes
It’s one golden celebration

*cant find the whole song.. sorry*

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We landed in Penang Island on our first day. It's where the ship "Star Cruise" docks when visiting Malaysia. Very nice place.

Anyway, our main point of visiting Malaysia was because of the farm of a company we are building our future with. We got to visit the DXN farm on our 2nd day(we traveled 2 hours from Penang to Alor Star) .






Right picture: with my parents and the pioneer of Philippines (Tatay Jimmy Quedding) and the pioneer of Mexico.










They say you haven't been to Malaysia if you did not visit "Genting Highlands" and so this was the second highlight of our trip. Fortunately, we got to ride the "world's fastest and Southeast Asia's longest cable car" called the Genting Skyway.




They say it is called the Las Vegas of Malaysia. Their resort features many hotels owned by Genting subsidiaries. We stayed at the Hotel Resort(refer to the picture on the left).

There are also different facilities in the resort like golf courses, shopping malls, concert hall, sky diving simulator and theme parks. Basically, we did not tour the whole place since we were only there for a night from (Sept.19)5pm-8am(Sept. 20). We watched their featured presentation called "FLY". The presentation was not that bad... I enjoyed the introduction where they sang "One Golden Celebration".



On our fourth day we headed to Kuala Lumpur from Genting Highlands. Along the way we visited the batik factory and the place where they sell "genuine leather". Leathers made from cows to stingrays. We also headed to KLCC and visited Aquaria.



We checked in at Berjaya Times Square, a 5 star hotel. It was a good hotel since the shopping mall is just part of the Square. Very convenient and it's one of the things I like. I did not get to tour the mall during our 2-day stay there because there was no time. Only the first 3 floors. Someone told me that there's a big roller coaster in the 5th floor. Too bad, I did not get to visit it.

Of course by this time I also met Dwinny. A good friend of mine. We forgot to take pictures. Tsk. Tsk.

We had our one day seminar in the hotel and also our Gala Night at our last night. Of course, finally I got to meet the "hot shot" / "dragon" of our company of course the one and only owner of our family business, Dr. Lim Siow Jin.


All in all I like their promotion of the "VMY 2007". It's super grand. You see their flag everywhere even on high-rises. I like the lyrics of the song and the tune.

They have big highways and nice "island bars" on highways. Although the weather tends to be a bit more like General Santos City or Cagayan de Oro they have nice paved sidewalks and clean and so that would come as a consolation. Their forests remains untouched and preserved.

Disaster

I've been somewhat a bad blogger nowadays since I don't update much as often as I want to. Wait? Did I just say that in my previous entries? T_T

Anyhow, me and my parents flew to Manila last September 15 and then by September 17 me, my parents and the rest of the group in the Travel Seminar Incentive flew to Malaysia. We then flew to Singapore (September 22) and stayed there for two(2) days and went back to Manila(September 24).

I just got back in Davao(September 27) yesterday.

My parents and I were supposed to be back by September 26 but due to "unforeseen circumstances" we were delayed. Here's the sitch:

We were scheduled for the 5:54pm flight and we checked out from the hotel by 10:30am arrived at the airport by 11:00am hoping to catch the two remaining flights scheduled 1:00pm and 4:00pm as chance passengers. We were then informed that the two remaining flights are fully booked and we have to wait by the side, a very uncomfortable place for one and the chance of getting three seats is 50/50. So, we decided to check-in early for the 5:54pm flight and wait at the business class lounge (fortunately the company booked us in the Mabuhay Class hehe).

The airline did not inform us about the change of aircraft due to "maintenance" and so they subjected to "double seating". It was basically the fault of the maintenance team because when they changed the system into the smaller aircraft they did not check whether someone was checked in to the said flight (and it's protocol to check before they change). Basically, we were not included in the system.

We were given the DB (Denied Boarding) and since it was their fault they said they would take care of our hotel accommodation, transport in and out of the hotel, meals, the choice of any flight the next day and three(3) round trip business class tickets that is valid for a year. Wow. For a simple inconvenience we were given those.

We took the first flight out of Manila to Davao which was scheduled to leave by 4:30 am and was once again delayed because one passenger had an accident when a heavy cabin luggage fell on the passenger's head.

Oh well, so much for hurrying to get home. We really wanted to be home as soon as possible because we missed everybody in Davao. Boohoo.

The incident might have been annoying if we choose to react on the situation but then we were reminded about the quote "all things work together for good" and in between those scenarios I presented above a "major scene" happened in Davao particularly in our office that kinda enraged me.

I don't think I can mention anything from that scene because that certain exaggerated "station" might once again "harass" us. Poof. I mean we admit we did something "wrong" there. We take FULL RESPONSIBILITY and we are SORRY about our NEGLIGENCE. There is truth in what they say about the technicality we did but not in WHAT THEY DO and HOW THEY DID IT. Couldn't they at least have the decency to "talk it out in a PROFESSIONAL WAY" and not the childish manner that everyone witnessed?

We are not criminals and it was not right to treat us that way. I mean a grade school student would notice something "fishy" over what they did. I lost respect of that certain "station" and those kind of media people (not everyone ok?) who lacked ethics and is all about "the story and the money they would prolly get from that scoop" and not caring for the people who is working hard for their future. But then, what comes around goes around. Maybe, that's why that station was never a success because their principles and how they get their "scoop" are not good.

I'm not bitter or angered by the people behind it. I am angered by HOW THEY DID IT. They practically embarrassed everyone and the moral damage? My gulay. TSK. Very mean. But, thanks to you "certain station" we learned a lot from it....

lesson: "Why do we need disasters? The only time most of us ever learn anything is when we get hit over the back of the head. Why? Because it is easier NOT TO CHANGE. So we keep doing what we're doing until we hit a brick wall. The universe is always nudging us with gentle signals. When we ignore the signals it nudges us with a sledgehammer. Growth is more painful when we resist it." - from the book Follow your Heart.

What a nice lifelong lesson you left us with. Good thing we were taught not to react but just to RESPOND in these kind of situations. Your station made our bond stronger that we are always there for each other not just through GOOD TIMES but BAD TIMES and with DIFFICULT PEOPLE like you.

We owe it to you. We will be more careful this time. Watching our every move. But then, dear station you lost a lot of "viewers" and their respect as well. I guess that's part of the consequence you will receive. I do hope you learned something from it too and use the sitch as your advantage. This is not a lesson from a TEXTBOOK. THIS IS REAL.

Much thanks to our kickass lawyer.

Sorry dear readers if you couldn't get my drift but this is the best I can do without divulging the whole matter. Baka ano na naman ang sabihin nila... may pagkakamali ang grupo pero mali rin ang pag handle nila sa situation. Pero part yun sa process. All is well now. The case is closed.

For the pictures.... it will be on the next post. Hehe. Have a great weekend ahead! :)

Singapura

Greetings from Singapore! :) Be back Soon...... See you!

SRA 2007

Mother's knows BEST!

It never occurred to me that I would enjoy the whole production number! I mean the presentation and the applause was great and all but what's best is that I get to bond with the whole team! Now, that's one of the things money can't buy.



We presented at CDO's Party Venue Kauswagan National Highway last September 9, 2007. We arrived a day earlier setting out 5 in the morning and arriving in Cagayan quarter to 12. What a long trip... and what with 25 of us in the bus? It sure was fun!


Choosing to join the whole production thingy was a bit of a struggle for me. I don't dance, I'm just too stiff but I have two choreographers/friends/business partners to thank for.... who helped me loosen up. And of course to my "dancemates" na mga business partners ko rin.. thanks for the encouragement! Mama... thank you! Love you! Thank you Thank you! There's still more room for improvement though....

I wanted to share so many things.... but... it seems like when there's something so exciting happening and every thing's so busy you can't put everything into words.

City of Smiles

I got back from Bacolod, the "city of smiles" yesterday(August 11). We stayed at Grand Regal Hotel conveniently located in front of Gaisano Mall, hosted by Mrs. Talas a very generous woman and a very great host at that.

Mom and I attended a special business event(August 8, 2007) that was coordinated by Bacolod's Charity Prince Joery Llanera. It was a good show. I had fun.

The next two days (August 9 and 10), mom trained 30 leaders and I had a great time seeing how the training changed their outlook in life. We received a lot of good responses from them and mom said she had a lot of fun with the network leaders. :)

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I never got the chance to tour around the place but at least I got the chance to eat out at two of their best "eating places".

FOOD.

PALA - PALA / HYSKOS


There is an eating place they call "pala-pala" or "tulahan". You get to buy fresh seafood at the back (wet market) and have it cooked at the eateries in front. Just take your pick. The place is near the seashore, that's why seafood comes cheap. The facade of the eateries may look like an ordinary karinderya but oh boy.... their food is great.



TIP: if you want good food, just have it cooked at an eatery where numerous people eat because I'm sure they serve YUMMMYYY food. We ate at an eatery called "Hyskos" twice.

IMAY'S

This restaurant also serves great food. It's cheap (compared to restaurants here in Davao that serves the same food), and very yummy. The interior of the place is good and it has a great service. (Wow! Writing about food made me hungry tonight. *growls*).




I ordered their cheese sticks... and by gum you wouldn't say "bitin" because it's very CHEESY (unlike other cheese sticks I know served in other restaurants here in Davao).





One dish perked my interest was the "porbidang kangkong", because of it's name. It's probably "porbida" because it's hot and spicy. Very Very yummmmyyyyyy..... !!!



I did not get to taste Bacolod's Chicken Inasal which is pretty much popular and Bacolod's known for that... but at least I got to be in two places that serves great food with a low price.

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Till here! Have a great week ahead!!