Whenever I pass by the car park behind Al Bhakit Building, I couldn’t help but get bemused at the sight of these Indian men in grubby faded green suits and nearly-retirement black foot wears, lounging on cardboards, probably from among their piles of used cardboards and shredded papers, spread on the desert sand. Amidst their jaded faces, they savor their dinner of only rice placed in thin plastic bags-- that also serve as their plates. Beside them is a 2-liter old cola bottle containing not cola but water, which, like the plastic bag, has dual purpose—water jug cum tumbler. After dinner, they laze on the same cardboard for sometime until they finally retire for the day, braving the scourging summer’s heat and shrugging off the stern looks of passersby. There is no electric fan, much more an A/C for a real good night sleep, except for this tiny FM radio that supplies them with classical Indian music, enough to keep homesickness at bay. At daybreak, they’re on their bikes, sometimes just on foot, roaming the thoroughfares, checking every garbage station of recyclable cardboards dumped the night before, hauling large trash bags of shredded papers from various offices. At the end of the day, they’re back in this place with a new set of cardboard mats to dine and lounge on, physically drained yet spiritually strong---optimistic that tomorrow’s going to be another wonderful day, at least in spirit,-- all for the love of their families back home. Encountering these men almost everyday makes me realize how I’m a thousand more blessed than I think. I complain a lot, sometimes even on small insignificant things because seemingly, I feel my personal convenience has been compromised. I whine when the A/C’s not working well to beat the screaming summer heat or whimper when I drench in sweat and gasp for breath under the sun. I admit that most often than not, I fail to recognize, and if I did, showed less appreciation on what God is blessing me with. Maybe because I get “stupidly smart” to differentiate a BLESSING and a PRIVILEGE. I failed to realize that having a soft bed at night is a blessing, having a roof on my head is a blessing, experiencing not just fan, but an old yet functioning A/C is a blessing, having the qualifications for a better job is a blessing, affording a complete meal is a blessing, having the means to communicate with my family regularly is a blessing—ALL of which are blessings, NEVER a privilege. See how we make life strange? We lose track of what is really important in our life only to realize them in the eyes of others who we perceive as less privileged. Indeed they are less privileged on earthly things or pleasures, but they are a thousand more blessed in spirit. These “men in green” are just a few of the less privileged people we encounter everyday. We, too, may be like them to others. The bottom line is, people need people to experience life, to teach life, to learn life, to appreciate life, to live life as God wants them to.=)
Barely 38 minutes and counting...it's time to pack my things and head home...another mental and heart-jerking day in the office comes to a close. Tiring yet not fulfilling--worst, spiritually degrading. It's been a year, but nothing really happened to me. Yeah sure, I was able to send something back home to pay school fees and settle some financial obligations from long time ago. But in exchange, I had to bear the wrath of doing routinary and mentally stagnating work. At least for the last two days, I've been busy as I took over some of the tasks of my colleague who went home for vacation. Or else I'll just be keeping my seat warm while being glued on the computer playing games, updating friendster, chatting and working on my blog (the best thing to do so far), and once in a while answer phone calls. See what I mean? I've been very vocal about my apprehensions over this position, which I never applied for in the first place. And I've been told quite sev'ral times that I'll be transferred--it's almost August, and am celebrating my anniversary being in the reception. Haler! Everyday is such a struggle, from waking up to bed time. If only transferring from one company to another is not a big hassle here.sigh! It's 5:11 pm now, and still counting. Tomorrow's tuesday. Next day is wednesday. Then comes thursday. That was quick---hello weekend! See how much I've traded for what they call money abroad? Sigh! Until next time. Blessings, Abel
Wow! It's my birthday tomorrow so am savoring (or am I?) the last hours of my 26th year...doing office stuff..nyahahahaha. Excited? I don't know but the feeling inside is--duh, what is there to be excited about? Getting a year older? Party? Gifts? I love birthday parties...I love it when my friends flock to our house to share my birthday food, play games--i particularly enjoyed trips to Jerusalem and paper dances--and of course, I love opening presents. But that was before, when I was younger, when I was a kid. Hmmm...looks like a lot of things change when you're getting younger, uh oh, I mean older. This time, my thoughts are pre-occupied with more serious issues--settling debts from time immemorial, paying school fees, dealing with office issues. It's almost 1 in the afternoon and counting...I haven't felt any changes in my feeling just yet...maybe later today when Gracie and I go out for a stroll. Sigh! Really, a lot has changed in my life. Well, let's just call it GROWING UP. See ya tomorrow! =)
I hate being told of something good coming right up with regard to my job only to be given the feeling that I am not being considered for the post. Duh! Puro na lang drawing. I'd rather they lay their plans on the table only when they REALLY do have a plan and not talk about it when it has not been hatched yet! Grrrrrgggh! Now I am not motivated to work. Who would be when all you get are vague open-ended plans. I don't wanna be a member of the chosen people of the HONORABLE company. I just want to work in a quite fair environment which sees the strong points of its workforce, taps their talents and skills and work out their weak points. And if they say TALK, respect the REAL essence of the word, not some goody-good conversation that turns out to be some stupid crap when you turn your back. Just letting off steam....sigh, snort, snicker! =(
How time flies? It was just a year ago when I could barely get enough sleep with countless thoughts niggling my mind—thoughts of living oceans away from my family for the first time, finding a job that would pay enough to fend myself and send home, surviving in a foreign country with a culture and environment far off different than what I’ve grown up with, and dealing with people of diverse nationalities. It was early morning of January 29, 2007, exactly a year past, I suddenly felt sick in the stomach when I saw my bags loaded into the car—this is it, the moment of truth—I am flying to Dubai with no clear picture of what lies ahead, only a pint of courage coupled with high hopes that I will survive. If this was how I felt, imagine the thousand others who had to leave their families, their children, in search for what they call greener pasture. A selfless definition of love, I believe. I hugged my brother and sisters goodbye, then pushed my trolley and queued along with other passengers inside NAIA. After going through the usual airport procedure and hurdling inconveniences in between, like having to ask a lady stranger to watch over my bags as I run to the arrival lounge to have my passport photocopied because the photocopy in-charge beside the departure lounge is out for break (at 9:00 in the morning). By the time I finished paying the terminal fee and entered the immigration area, I still had more than a couple of hours before my 12:45 departure. Finally, I got to the window of one of the Immigration Officers—a short plump officer wearing glasses, handed over my papers for inspection and stamping of my passport. He asked, “Who is your sponsor?” I told him it was my cousin. He made a very swift leaf through the papers and said, “Who did you say is your sponsor?” “My cousin,” I replied. He gave me back my papers and said, “Your papers are incomplete.” I felt my blood ran up my head. My heart began thumping like a drum as I got back my papers and asked how could it be when all my papers are there. “You need a letter from the UAE Government that your cousin is sponsoring you because in your visit visa, your cousin’s name is not indicated.” he said. I told the officer, of course it’s not my cousin’s name that would reflect there because she had an agency process my visa and attached her Affidavit of Support. What then should I do? He told me to call up my cousin to clear things, which I did. I went at the back of the lines and called up my cousin to tell her about the situation. While speaking to her, a tall guy holding a handheld radio approached me and asked what the problem was. I told him that there’s just an inquiry by the Immigration Officer. He asked for my boarding pass so I showed him. He took it and walked about half-meter away. As I followed him, I heard him say over the radio “offload, offload”. I was shocked and panicked and told my cousin who was still on the phone. When I asked the guy why he offloaded me, he turned his back and called someone to pull my hand carry bag out of the Immigration Area. I felt like the weight of the earth was on me. I didn’t know what to do. I followed this guy and asked again, but I got a “This is not my problem. This is the problem of the Immigration!” for an answer. “It was just a query. He didn’t say I can’t go…” left on deaf ears. I had no chance to argue further as the guy whom he called, pulled my bag, so I had no choice but go after it without any idea where he was taking it. Only to find out that I was being taken to the Airline’s check-in counter to retrieve my baggage. Had I not asked from the airline’s staff what I was doing there, I wouldn’t know. As I waited, one ground crew was questioning two chance passengers who missed their flight to Dubai, dampening further their already dampened spirit, asking why they’re going to Dubai. “Just for a visit,” they replied bluntly. “Visit? That’s what everybody says, but ends up looking for a job. Bawal yun, di ba ninyo alam? Saka akala ‘nyo lang maganda dun, hindi no. Heck! Is that a part of an airline crew’s role--thwarting their passengers? Aren’t they supposed to be the ones who should make you feel comfortable? Had he not have a good paying job in the Philippines, am sure he’ll be among us, tussling to try our luck abroad with only a visit visa, I thought. As I stood there, I realized that I was unable to get the name of the guy who offloaded me. So I pulled my bag and went back to the Immigration area. I got frustrated when I couldn’t find him. On my way out, I heard someone asked, “Anong problema ma’am?” T’was him. I walked close to him, read his name on his nameplate, aloud, and scampered away in fear of further harm and public humiliation. Though I haven’t really checked which agency or organization he belonged to, I just had this strong inkling that he works for the airlines as he was not in the same uniform as the Immigration Officer I spoke with nor the airport police that I saw. Hoping to get another booking, I went to the airline’s office located at the 2nd floor of NAIA. Nobody was at the reception to talk to except for the guard who gave me a number to call—the Ticketing Office in Makati. A lady on the other line asked what happened why I missed my flight. After hearing my story, she said,”Ma’am the earliest available booking we could give you is on the 26th of February and you have to pay 50 dollars for no show fee.” “What?! 50 dollars?! One of your staff offloaded me with no clear reasons and you’re asking me to pay 50 dollars?” I retorted. She asked me to give the line to any staff in the office. Good thing, a staff came out, she must have heard my already shrill voice. After they spoke, she handed me the phone back and was told that the no show fee will be deferred as I already got to the Immigration and will be placed on the wait list. Before I left, the lady in the office said, “Maybe the Immigration Officer told the ground crew to offload you because your papers are incomplete?” I showed her my papers. Again, she asked, “Maybe you’re late for your flight?” The incident happened at 10 and my supposed flight is at 12:45, I answered. She asked no more. Snort! When I finally got my baggage, it was almost 1 o’clock. As I sat on one of the benches, waiting for my sister and brother to pick me up, the feeling inside me was terribly poignant. My nape was aching, my body was still quivering--I got traumatized. I was holding in my pocket my inhaler just in case I have bouts of asthma. The following day, my former boss at the Valenzuela City Government, asked me to go to the office and speak to the Legal Officers of our big boss. Atty. Ard Binwag called up the airline regarding the matter, only to be told that they don’t have a staff with the name I told the Legal Officers. When asked whom they were speaking with, Atty. Binwag said, “This is Atty. Ard Binwag from the Office of Valenzuela Mayor Gatchalian. We are only referring this particular incident and requesting that the passenger be given an earlier booking or else you know that she has a lot of legal options.” At 5:00 in the afternoon, someone from the airline called me up to say that I am scheduled to fly at 6:00 in the morning of the next day, but if I can’t make it, another booking available for me is on Valentines Day. Hmmm…that was quick a response. I wondered why. Next day, my sister’s friend told me to speak to her sister’s father-in-law who works with the Immigration Office at the airport, which I did. I asked him to check whether the person who offloaded me was an Immigration Officer or an Airport Police or truly a ground crew of the airline. God really is good, a fellow crew of the airline confirmed it to me, but said her colleague is off that day. Finally on February 14, I left for Dubai. I was like a VIP with an Immigration Officer and an Airport Police (my eldest kuya’s childhood friend whom I didn’t know works at NAIA) as escorts. I got another shock of my life when they asked did they ask for money? Goodness, it really is happening. I said no, they did not. Or maybe it’s supposedly about reading between the lines huh. Going through the same procedure the second time was as easy as ABC. I even passed through the disabled lane. Wow! Had I known I had contacts from inside and used them the first time, I would have not gone through such ordeal. When I boarded the plane, I started crying. Crying due to mixed emotions. I was more sad than happy. Happy because I was leaving for real. Terribly sad and sorry with the thought of how bad things can be in my very own country. How worse could it be then outside? I felt sorry for my parents who had to sell our only carabao (which I didn’t even know we had) and travel mountains in search for money needed for my travel. I felt sorry for thousand other OFW-wannabes who had to sell their properties to try their luck abroad, only to be denied the chance for no clear reasons and left with no other choice but spend their supposedly pocket money for their fare back home and wait for the earliest booking. Poor Juan if he is from the province and has no place to stay or no relative to stay with in Manila. And what if the earliest booking would mean having to wait for a month or two? Sigh. Would Juan not fall a hapless victim of harassment from fellow kabayans who are in positions, if his ninong is First Gentleman Mike Arroyo? Hmmm, not even Luli, daughter of the President no less, was spared from harassment. How much more for Juan the landless farmer? Is this the policy of the Immigration Bureau to curtail Filipinos going abroad on visit visa, taking the chance to find a job, if unlucky end up in Kish or Queshm and get stuck in the island with nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep? How many visit visa holders are still coming over to the UAE everyday? How many roam around the emirates searching for job, taking every available odd job they never imagined doing in their life, to survive. How many are still exiting to Kish or Queshm or Oman? Thousands and thousands more. Looks like their policy is not effective. And, of those thousands, how much richer have any of those Immigration Officers became and their accomplices? Just wondering if I inserted a violet-blue colored paper bearing the famous rice terraces of my Ifugao forefathers or that yellow-orange picture of Ninoy Aquino in my passport, maybe I was able to get through. But I did not. My sister-in-law now working in Abu Dhabi told me she did when the officer she went to asked for it. “He even wanted it in dollar bills, but I said I had no more money left,” she grinned. Tsk! tsk! Poor Maria and Juan—all for the love of their family back home. Yes I was a visit visa holder. I used to roam the thoroughfares of Dubai with more than a dozen copies of my resume inserted in magazines or newspapers, fearing every bus ticket checking incidents, emailed and faxed my CV to hundreds of companies each day, befriended the Gulf News Classifieds for months, worked as waitress at the World Trade Centre, scrubbed toilets in houses of strangers, assembled cards and catalogues, prepared a data base---finally, hold a residence visa. In April, I’ll be going home for vacation. And each time I get excited about it, I cross my fingers, hoping things would be better. For until now, whenever I look back, my heart thumps so fast. I feel anxious even just by seeing the logo of the airline. But it is my wish to see that same guy and Immigration Officer when I go home. I wanna tell them I was able to pay my brothers tuition, bought gifts for them last Christmas, paid at least a part of my debts, and realized that aside from my supportive family, there are people who made me an important part of their lives that even if I am away, I am still treasured. To the thousand others who went through the same nightmare, my heart goes out for you. God is good all the time. Keep the faith! =)
It’s been a while since my last post. Actually, I wrote one right after the Christmas Holiday on how I felt so homesick having to spend Christmas away from my family FOR THE FIRST TIME in my 26 years of existence. But I guess writing that was just a way to pour my heart out and feel better and not for posting’s sake because the system failed when I was posting it on my blog. Phew! Ay inayan paysa! That was the second of two write-ups that didn’t get to my blog readers’ sight. Nyehehehehe. Well anyway, I hope this one will, and it’s all about the NEW YEAR! The year that was ended fine. Fine in the sense that even if almost everything sucked, I managed to keep my composure. Oh well, as that line from this poem posted on my bedroom wall says, it is your attitude toward a certain circumstance that determines how you feel, not the other way round. Meaning if you look at life positively even in its worst, you will still be fine. It’s like thanking God even in trials because He turns each of them to blessings---as they put it; it’s Faith-At-Work! =) The New Year dawned a bit quiet than what I’ve gotten used to. No noisy clangs of tin cans or fireworks along the streets and empty lots, neither church bell rings nor kids’ trumpets. Only a muffled view of the firework display in the nearby Maktoum Creek. Along with my cousins and friends, we scattered coins from the main door to the hallway just as the clock smacked twelve sharp, following feng shui experts’ advise to bring in financial luck in the New Year. Sometimes it’s not bad to be superstitious huh. Wink! Especially for us working abroad for the love of our families back home. Wow hanep sa kadramahan! Chos! Included in our feng shui activities is eating round-shaped fruits…for another good luck? I hope, or maybe to keep us going round the clock, the whole year through. Shoray neng! Nyehehehehe. But what made the turn of a new year more blessed was getting myself another Korean student to teach English with. I am happy because this would mean additional income for me. But what makes me feel more blessed is the thought that by so doing, I become a part of whatever success my students would reap in the future. I often tell my friend who recommended me to do tutorial classes, “nakakataba ng puso.” I admit having butterflies in my tummy whenever it’s tutorial day because I don’t have any teaching experience (well, yeah except when I was kid where I was fond of teaching kids younger than my age). But I try to be positive that even with just a Communications degree on my cap with a couple of journalism trainings conducted, I keep my fingers crossed that I could, in one way or the other, be an effective teacher to my students. The night before my first class, I was so fidgety, that I barely had enough sleep. Thank God, I survived the first session with so much ease. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. Phew! The following sessions weren’t as bad either. Each becoming more complex in the scope of lessons, but lighter environment as the teacher-student rapport is becoming increasingly comfortable. The best part there is, while they are learning, I am learning along with them as well. I know this is very far from over, but just seeing at least a little improvement in my students’ performance makes me feel happy and inspired to do better. Would I be an effective teacher? I hope, and am working. =)
I’d say that the telephone conversation I had with my mom and dad yesterday was the best-ever since I moved to Dubai in search for what they call “greener pasture” (charing!). We were talking about my job and my work environment. I told them how my daily office life goes and expressed dissatisfaction on how things go at work. My dad said, hija, wherever you go, you will always experience having people that you dislike working with. But, the challenge there is being able to work your best with them even if you don’t like their attitude on things or their personality. Just do your work and relax, keep your cool. Wink! He even reiterated the value of saving a part of my income here saying that would be my anchor for the future. Hmmm…I chided, then that means I’m spared from sending money for my 2 brothers’ school tuition? Nyehehehehe. We segued to the funniest part—their youngest daughter’s lovelife. I say funny because I kidded them hey mom and dad, when I come home with a chinito-eyed baby would that be okey with you? They laughed and said why not? We would be glad to baby-sit again for our 13th grandchild. We’re used to that. Hahahahaha. (My parents have a total of 11 grandchildren to date from my older siblings and would be turning 12 when my ate gives birth to a baby boy on the 27th of this month through ceasarian section—she has heart ailment that’s why). And I told them alright that would be good then, but incase I do come home with a new grandchild, please don’t ask who and where the father is alright? Nyehehehehehe. They both laughed and said, well okey that would be fine with us. As long as we have a grandchild and you are okey. I even asked which they wanna have--- a progeny of Kim Dai Jung or someone who looks like Jacky Chan? Hehehehehehe….haaayyy, abel talaga! They said whichever will be fine though. It is so heart-warming to hear such a positive reaction on such issue from my parents despite various relationship issues in the past not only with me (oh well I had issues too, nyehehehe), but with my siblings. I am so amazed with how positive they view life…dealing with every challenges head-on. I am pretty sure they are hurt when we are hurt, but they always front a smile…a reassuring smile…reminiscent of childhood days…that says Ei, mom and dad are here… it’s gonna be alright soon. Hayyyy, I miss my mom and dad. I love you mama and dad.Mwah!=)
How time flies by? Tic-tac-tic goes the clock...the sun rises then later sets...the stars twinkle, the moon peeps then shy-away...a new day dawns...the cycle goes on...ANOTHER DECADE HAVE COME TO PASS! Where was I 10 years ago? Journey with me as I look back to 15 of the most significant events of that 10 glorious years. 10 years ago (1997 to 2007)... 1. I was savoring the last days of high school life. 2. I became a certified alumna of the Immaculate Conception School, Batch of 1997, singing Dreams for our Graduation Song, along with 150+ fellow graduates. We were the last batch to have Mr. Bahatan as Physics teacher, Mama Rosa as Math teacher and Ma'am Phyllis as Class Adviser. 3. I became an Iskolar ng Bayan taking-up Mass Communication at (putting on Sir Dong's words in our TV News Script) the bastion of quality education of the North, and home to the Pasiklaban Tradition-- 'd University of the Philippines College Baguio. 4. I belonged to the winning block--BLOCK 1-C 1997. 5. I hurt my right knee badly during the final dance rehearsal, about 15 minutes before our presentation for the Freshmen Night Competition. I wasn't able to attend class for a week so I only learned that we bagged the first place after a week. phew! 6.I cried for a week for failing my MATH class FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME! I cried because Math was not really my bailiwick neither my Achilles' heel. Huhuhuhuhu! I was SO frustrated because I wouldn't be able to transfer to Dentistry. =( (I enrolled the following semester with the same professor..aarrggh!) 7. My first activist experience was SO funny! I joined the rally unaware of what the Anti-Chacha issue really was. I marched along with fellow students down Baguio City's main thoroughfare with our placards, crying out Ramos tuta ng mga kano! But when we got to the People's Park where we ended the rally with a short program, I asked myself..why are they against Chacha? All the while I thought they were referring to the Chacha dance...Phew! Too bad! The next time I joined, I was sure I understood the issue. Thanks to that Charter Change rally! wink! 8. COLLEGE LIFE...a mixture of emotions...a bit boring than high school...nevertheless, it has helped shape me to the person that I am now. 9. I worked as a young Correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer- Northern Luzon Bureau. Though it wasn't something I could truly be proud of as I didn't work full time, am still happy to have seen my name on the paper. 10. I spent a couple and a half years crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and hiking plains, talking to village people and eating with them, writing stories, project reports and researches-- in short jack of all trade, master of none while I worked with the Ifugao Provincial Government. 11. I witnessed how Valenzuela emerged from being an economic backwater to the vibrant City that it is now when I worked with the Local Government. Life there may not have always been the way I hoped it to be, nevertheless, it was a memorable one...very much a learning experience. And I'll always treasure those moments when I, along with my boss and workmates, had to go to work while the rest warm comfortably under the covers. The 6x6 truck and amphibian rides at the height of typhoons and seasonal heavy downpours are especially treasured. 12. I had my first-ever voice recital at the Pacita Complex in San Pedro, Laguna and second and last voice-recital at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Enrolling in a voice class was my older sister's idea to zap me back from lala-land. phew! 13. I went through the painful colonoscopy procedure...aaargghhh! 14. I was bumped-off by this Cathay Pacific ground crew during my first attempt to fly to Dubai. He'll forever be in mind. 15. Currently, I am a journalist on LOA in the land where the camels roam...working as one of thousands of OFW's across the globe...fighting homesickness for noble purposes (wow! charing! The end of the year is just around the corner. As I look forward to another glorious decade, I hope you are a part of it! Ciao! =)
FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD
1. Correspondent (kuno) for Philippine Daily Inquirer-Northern Luzon Bureau
2. Information Officer for IRTCHO, Ifugao Provincial Government
3. Information Officer II (Writer kuno ni STG) Valenzuela City Government
4. TEA GIRL, Musaed Bader Al Sayer Group (present)
FOUR MOVIES I HAVE WATCHED OVER AND OVER: (just like Nikki)
1. Sound of Music
2. Sound of Music
3. Sound of Music
4. Sound of Music
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED IN:
1. Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
2. Hungduan, Ifugao, Philippines
3. Baguio City, Philippines
4. Quezon City, Philippines
FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH:
1. Discovery Channel (Forensic portion..hehehe forgot the show’s title)
2. Seventh Heaven
3. The Charmed Ones 4. Jag
FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
2. Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
3. Tagaytay, Philippines
4. Kish Island, Iran (nyahahahahaha)
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Adobo (pork, chicken, squid, sayote! hehehehehehe)
2. Ginataang Hipon
3. My mom’s tinola
4. My dad’s laing
FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Home in Banaue (homesick ako!waaaaa!)
2. Palawan
3. Camiguin
4. Malaysia/Jordan (wishy wish!=))
FOUR PEOPLE WHO WILL ANSWER THIS MEME
1. Gracie
2. Dafy
3. Jean
4.
My being quiet today in the office must have been quite deafening that my office buddies as well as my two bosses have asked the same question--Are you alright Jesse? And that even if I said yes I am okey...and that I am feeling better...it seemed that my bosses weren't convinced that I am really alright. Phew! In came my big boss. He treaded to and fro the office, like a doctor doing his daily rounds. After passing through the reception area several times, he suddenly stopped and asked, "Jesse, are you alright? You can go home if you want to." I told him I am okey...that I am feeling better. Unconvinced, he asked again, "Are you sure you are feeling better? Or those are some of the things that you don't wanna talk about with me now?" Wow, feeling close kami!hehehehehe! Then came "Sir" Andrew..."Hi Jesse! How are you? You don't seem to be your happyself now. You know whenever I get to that stoplight at Trader's Hotel (take note--that's more than 500 meters away from the office huh), I can hear your voice! (PASAWAY!) Are you alright?" Phew! I AM OKEY must have sounded like a scripted line because it didn't mask how I truly felt inside. It was difficult to convince them with that line especially because they are used to that bubbly-talkative Jesse. (Sus, if I know my bosses only miss telling me JESSE YOU ARE NOISY! harharharhar!) Well yeah, I may be feeling physically better after two days of nape pains and migraine attacks, but a lot seems to be bothering me again lately that even if I try to put up a jollyface or laugh to high heavens, it doesn't seem to go away. sigh! I guess for the moment, I'll just let the feeling be. Been here several times over, and just like before, this too will pass. And soon am gonna be a jeddai! I mean the jolly-talkative jesse again!=) Gudnytienyt! =)
i got this one from a high school friend...it indeed says a lot. i hope this touches you one way or the other. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!=) Layad, Jesse ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE by Andy Rooney
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand
I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Alas, a subject worth writing about has presented itself. Something just happened today in the office and it reminded me of a similar incident that happened to me a month ago—interestingly, with the same person involved. Phew! Nah, it's not about "heart"-thingy..it's more of the "brainy"-tic-tac-talk. So what happened was my officemate was making the revisions on what looked like a "table-label". She asked, "Jesse, can you check if this is correct?" On the hard copy of the table-label are correction marks by a “boss”...the original line read TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION...it was slashed…and now reads TOPIC OF DISCUSSED. Hmmm… =) Funny? Well yeah it was kinda funny that one could just laugh at and then shrug off. But I’d rather think it's sad. sigh! =( I admit that I, too, a mass communication degree holder at that, squirm over my grammar and spellings sometimes. Hence, it was a very good learning experience for me to have worked in Valenzuela City for a couple of years and a half, as my immediate supervisor whom I fondly called “nay2goose”, was very strict with grammar. What made it more encouraging and heart-warming was the fact that she may be very keen about grammar and the content of write-ups presented to her, she lets me read and critique on her piece as well. =) And back in school, from pre-school to university days, we were trained to be critics of our own works and others’-- from simple coloring techniques when we were kids to thesis or script writing in college-- and welcome constructive criticisms and be open to the idea of unconstructive remarks if we want to improve our craft. I was used to it. Unfortunately, it is what makes me sad and frustrated every time grammar issues surface in this organization. Actually, it is not the error that frustrates me, rather the attitude of people who do not like to be corrected because they stuck their labels on their foreheads to wittingly signify that you are nothing but a lowly subordinate whose choice is either TO FOLLOW OR TO SIMPLY FOLLOW! =( Why do I say so? In several occasions, I came across grammatical as well as spelling errors not just in communications but also in other documents. However, following my friends’ advice of just letting things be, I tried not to make a big deal out of them. But I just could not stand them. I felt like the more I keep mum and be a part of the mainstream, my communication skills started to wane instead of improve. Personally, the worry of how poor am gonna end up soon when I go back to being a journalist has taken its toll on me. I panicked.=( So what I did was, I tried to make slight corrections whenever I spotted one. At first, it was okay. I wasn’t reprimanded. And so with the second. I only stopped doing so when I was told NOT TO! What happened was, one time, this “boss” told me to write down what he’s going to dictate over the phone. The bitchy girl that I am, I didn’t jot down what he was saying. Bwahahahaha! I just listened while he spoke. Gee! The “boss” said, “Urgently REQUIRED promo girls with experience. Call…Then he told me to read what I just wrote. Since I only listened, I told him, "I didn’t write it down." Too bad a subordinate huh? Hehehe. The “boss” got mad and said, “Why did you not write it down Jessebel? Okay you tell me then what I just said!” I said, “Urgently LOOKING FOR promo girls with experience”, but before I finished, the “boss” said, “No Jessebel! That is not what I said. Why do you keep on changing what I tell you to write! Next time write ONLY what I tell you to write!” Phew! Sigh! Snort! Uh okay, the “boss” said so…even when my mind was screaming NO, IT WAS WRONG TO JUST FOLLOW— Do you require promo girls or you are looking for promo girls having experience as a requirement??? Well maybe I was wrong. Since that incident, I just let the “boss” be. Was it better to have argued further and defended the corrections I made or it was just proper to have not? Be my critic. =) * FYI, whenever the “boss” tells me to write something now, I have to go to the “boss’s" office and write on the “boss’s” table…hmmm..maybe to make sure I don’t change anything huh! bah! SIGURISTA NA SIA!=) ** Oh BTW, the REAL boss said it's okay to do so! hmmm...I'll probably just concentrate on my blogging!=)
Please forward to friends and relatives! Dear Friends, The Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo) has embarked on an eco-cultural tourism project that incorporates the natural and man-made beauties of the province.
SITMO's Eco-cultural tours, including the rice terraces cycle tours, offer a different experience to tourists. They will not just see the majestic Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT) but actually experience working on them and observe the rich Ifugao culture that has nurtured the IRT for thousands of years. Through the tours, they will see the rich natural heritage as well. The tours also bring the benefits of tourism to the communities and the people who have worked to preserve this World Heritage. Join SITMo's Eco-Cultural Tours! Join SITMo's Rice Terraces Restoration and Land Preparation Tours Help save Ifugao Rice Terraces. . . $B!D(B and save a World Heritage! Very truly yours, Teddy B. Baguilat, Jr. Honorary Chairman, SITMo Governor, Ifugao Province Lodah/ Lamun Tour November 3-5, 2007 (3 days, 2 nights) Package cost: P 4,300 per person With discount for students Mamanong Tour November 30 to December 2, 2007 (3 days, 2 nights) Package cost: P 4,300 per person With discount for students Lodah/ Lamun Tour Package November 3-5, 2007 (3 days, 2 nights) Package cost: P4,300 per person with discounts for students Inclusions: Meals, transpo within the province, all applicable fees Exclusions: Bus fare, travel insurance, snacks and beverages Itinerary: Day 0, Nov. 2 Travel to Banaue (night trip) Day 1, Nov. 3 Arrival in Banaue Travel to Uhaj Lamun proper (rice terraces land preparation) Tree planting Cultural Night Stay overnight in Uhaj Day 2, Nov. 4 Travel to Kiangan Lodah (rice terrace restoration/ land preparation) Stay overnight in Kiangan Day 3, Nov. 5 Tour of Kiangan -Uttu Waterfalls -Kiangan War Memorial Shrine -Ifugao Museum -Yamashita Surrender Site - Departure Deadline of reservations and payments is on October 19, 2007 FOR RESERVATIONS AND INQUIRIES: Email: sitmo311@gmail.com Mobile: 09068093662 (Jonathan Martin) Mamanong Tour Package Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2007 (3days, 2 nights) Package cost: P4,300 per person with discounts for students. Inclusions: Meals, transpo within the province, all applicable fees. Exclusions: Bus fare, travel insurance, snacks and beverages. Itinerary: Day 0, November 29 Travel to Kiangan (night trip) Day 1, November 30 Arrival in Kiangan Tour Kiangan: -Uttu Waterfalls -Kiangan war memorial shrine -Ifugao Museum -Yamashita Surrender Site Stay overnight in Kiangan -Bonfire Day 2, December 1 Travel to Uhaj Mamanong (rice terraces land preparation) Cultural night in Uhaj Stay overnight in Uhaj Day 3, December 2 Tree planting in Uhaj Banaue Tour/Shopping Departure Deadline of reservations and payments is on November 16, 2007 FOR RESERVATIONS AND INQUIRIES: Email: sitmo311@gmail.com Mobile: 09068093662 (Jonathan Martin)
I MISS HOME! This is one feeling that not even in a split second has ditched off me, from every waking hour to my journey to dreamland. I MISS HOME! Just yesterday, I chatted with my ina and ama. Thanks to Kuya Nilo, who was so generous in making the conversation with my parents possible. Through the webcam I saw my doting parents—excited and amused with the thought that their youngest daughter who is on the part of the globe where the camels roam, is currently watching them. Tears began to cloud my eyes at the sight of them—white-haired, tired yet so happy and keyed-up—homesickness cropped deeper inside me. Yes I was happy seeing them, but it made me MISS HOME all the more! =( I MISS HOME! I miss waking up to the sound of flowing water from the mini-waterfalls at the back of our house…to the rustling leaves of paper trees and “alnus” trees…to the crowing chickens and quacking ducks…to the voice of dad or mom or manang Rhoda or manong Jessie or the kids calling me for breakfast of usually eggs, “tuyo”, rice, payless instant noodles and coffee. Yummy! I miss my mom’s cooking and my dad’s “pa-cham” soup which he always prepares when I am sick and playing sick, too. Wink! I miss the rice coffee we often have whenever we run out of instant coffee—the aroma of brewing roasted rice smells PERFECT! Suddenly I miss even the smell of old meat left hanging to dry on the side porch, which Manong Jessie or dad mixes with mung beans and or other legumes. I miss goofing around with my babies like we’re of the same age. They bring out the kid in me, and I love it. I miss their songs, their laughter, helping out with their school assignments and projects, even writing excuse letters to their School Principal for being late or for not having the proper haircut, their fights, and the headache they give me when they go naughty. I miss cooking for their birthday parties and providing for their birthday cakes courtesy of Kuya Val. I especially miss them calling me Auntie Abel! Phew! I miss playing with the pristine, cool flowing spring water—scrubbing my feet with the “best find” callous file—a stone I find from under the rocks. I remember hauling stones with my siblings when we were still kids, putting them one on top of the other, pulling grasses and stuffing them in between the stones to form a mini-pool where we take a dip after swimming in our dad’s fishpond. =) I miss playing patintero, “bow-wot” (wood top), sikking, shatong, touching-lata, “par-partuggan” (toy gun), Chinese garter, sipa, sungka, domino, “tal-tallakan” (toy car), “bal-balleyan” (sorry I lack a term in English.snort!), “horsie-horsie”, flying saucer, ping-pong, and badminton. =( I miss climbing on the guava trees, teeming with guava fruits, and on the “lukban” tree (pomelo tree), which was so juicy and sweet. I miss picking calamansi and lemon fruits, planting and harvesting beans, pechay, corn and ginger from mom and dad’s vegetable garden. And I miss my mini-flower garden too. I miss snuggling under the covers (four blankets) with my socks, scarf, pajamas and thick jacket/sweater on, especially during the cold, rainy, cloudy days. I miss the almost 24-hour journey to zzzz-land during weekends. Wihee! I miss watching movies with my brood in the living room—we bring out our bed mattresses and spread them on the red carpet—each takes his/her own spot--we snuggle our pillows and warm in our blankets while munching either popcorn or besuto, eat mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes with sugar and butter or enjoy a bowl of champorado. And when the movie is over, we play pillow-fight! Sigh! I MISS HOME! And I could go on and on, detailing what I miss about home, but I think these details would be enough to explain this feeling. I MISS HOME! Indeed, THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME! =)
When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a nurse. Aside from wanting to help the sick, it was my mom's unfulfilled dream.
Later, I thought I could make a good teacher as I always take on the teacher role of my younger playmates.
But that dream would be put to rest when broadcasting tickled my interest--I then wished to be a broadcaster someday-- covering events meant going places plus being on national TV--it just felt so amazing!
Before graduating from high school, i suddenly wanted to be a dentist. phew!
After shifting choices one after the other--I ended up with a Mass Communication degree on my cap! =)
For the last 5 years, my line of work has been related to journalism.
But, with my hold on newspaper stuff put to rest 7 months ago in exchange for what they call "greener pasture", I am currently a "non-practicing journalist". sigh!=(
Work here is not as challenging and fulfilling as it was back home. Be that as it may, I hope this would provide an avenue for me to achieve what I wanna be in the future-- a professional photojournalist. =)
For now, I just have to work in this foreign land. Things of course are a lot different especially with my family living oceans away.
Homesickness often makes me cry myself to sleep.=( With each day a struggle to keep homesickness at bay, I am thankful to have been blessed with a couple of close friends with whom I hang out with. Was coming here the best decision? Or otherwise? Maybe, maybe not. But things definitely happen for a reason--a good one, and I hope. =)
|
|
