Happy Birthday!

Happy first birthday blog! :)

Happy Birthday to ME

I turned 26 today.

Twenty six years of joys, pains, success, love and all about life. I was really blessed - from my parents, siblings, friends, and career. I can't asked for more. My sister and I was blessed that finally, we were able to acquire a new house here in Metro Manila - a life long dream.

I pray to HIM that He will always bless me, that as I turned a year older, I'll be a year smarter, more mature, more comfortable with myself and to other people and continued blessings as I go on with my life.

Also, I realize that I am not alone. A lot of people remembers me, loves me. A lot of people even with their busy schedules, finds time to send me e-mail, short text message or to call me just to greet me in this significant occasion. Family and friends - these are the people who gives me strength and inspiration everyday.

As I venture for another year of my life, let me say "thank you, Jesus" - for everything.

Hybernate turned off

It's been almost two months since the last time I post. I'm definitely here in Manila again. Yes, I'm feeling it - reality strikes me already.

For the past months, so much thing happened. But the details? Later. :)

Aside from that, I'm also looking forward for the many birthday celebrations specially mine & my sister, as well an special event that will take place within this month.

So much changes - hard but fun.

So much decisions had been made and to make - difficult but challenging.

I then leave on that note. And yes, I shall return. :)

Mixed Emotions

Romance or not, now I can undestand the words "it's hard to say goodbye".

Two weeks before my departure tommorrow, back to the Philippines, I was excited to go home. Now, the taught of leaving is starting to sink in. I am lonely. I am scared. Im hypocrite if I won't admit that I am still hoping that I could stay here a little much longer.

I don't know why. Maybe I am lonely that I will not be able to see those people I usually see in the office for two years. Funny thing is I don't know their names but sure am I that I will remember them. Maybe I have this feeling of regret of not be able to befriend most of them. Maybe because I don't know what's instore for me when I go back to the Philippines. I've already deviced some plans while waiting for my departure tomorrow but it starting to fall and don't know where I start.

Oh, I hate this. Why do I have to suffer like this. i am aware that sooner or later I will leave this country, but hell I am not prepared for it.

I guess I'll take in a positive way, as one said to me last night. I guess I could. But I let myself to be sad until whatever that 'positive way" will come.

Back for Good

I was caught off-guard when I received the news that my trip from the Philippines to Taipei will be my last. Somehow, I was saddened by the news but I guess, there are other things instore for me. I always pray to him to help me find what will makes me truly happy and maybe His answered was for me to go back to the Philippines to get it.

This will be my last post as I might redesign this blog since no "Taipei Life" anymore, only Manila and probably Ilocos Norte life. Or maybe, "any country" life, let's see.

All in all, my stay here was great. It's been two long years and I guess, it's about time.

Goodbye, Taiwan. You will remain in my hearth.

Off to the Philippines

It's my 30th day tomorrow. And it only means one thing - I have to fly back to the Philippines again. I have no plans as of this moment but I will definitely go straight to my province.

This post will be my last update for this week.

Next week, I have friends/ex-officemates who will come to Taipei. They still work in my previous company who also have a client here in Taipei. They will come here on Sunday up to Friday for work purposes. Unfortunately, I will be in the Philippines on that time. But never fret, we can still meet-up by next week because I will fly back to Taipei on Tuesday.

I will surely invite them to "my" apartment and probably cook for them. I'll post some pictures maybe later on.

Till next week!

First Taiwan Typhoon

Yes, we don't have work today because of the typhoon Haitang currently striking the whole country. It's Taiwan's first. All public transportation were cancelled even all flights. Clearly, even e more progressive country than the Philippines still experiences difficulty like flood, et al - which made me realize that mother nature once it strike, it does and we have to beware.

Some random pictures I took last night. The picture does not give justice on how strong the wind and the rain though.



Here's some TV-captured images on what's going on around the country.

Taipei - little Japan?

Stupid me, I closed my browser without saving my first draft, so I end up rewriting everything.


Last Saturday, we went to Guangwa Sangsan (sp). But before we proceed, I asked my companion to accompany me and have my SIM card be registered because my network provider asked me to do so. Actually, it's quite odd because I've been using this number for almost two year, not only that, my sister bought this SIM card like 4 years ago. So I asked myself, why only now? Well, since it says my number will be temporarily cancelled if I will not register, I complied no questions asked.

After that, we decided to just have our lunch in that area. It's a good thing because it's been a while since I roamed around in that area since Taipei 101 opened.

What striked me most are the buildings within the sorroundings. I haven't been to Japan but from the pictures I saw from the internet, Japanese architecture are very evident in these buildings.

If my history knowledge serves me right, Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, was colonized by Japan for many years. Maybe that is why Japanese culture is well-embraced in this place. An example would be the donut chain, "Mister Donut" tagged as Japan's Number 1 Donut. Thus, the marketing strategy draw a lot of people queuing up just to buy donuts everyday. I actually thought it's funny because back in the Philippines, we usually don't mind these food chain. Maybe because of the number of stores within Metro Manila and it's been in existence in the Philippines for many years now.

Going back to the Japanese architures, look at the pictures below.


L - random bldgs from the view fr the walkay connecting Taipei 101 and New York, New York
R - New York, New York mall


L - Chanel Store
R - Warner Village


L & R - Mitsokoshi buildings

What I like about these buildings is that, they are good to look at. But what's important is, they don't block the sceneray at the background - which I think is a good idea, combining green scenery with modernized architectures.

Kung Pao Chicken

Okay. It's Friday and I don't have any idea what's to post. Then, we had lunch at this favorite restaurant of ours. They serve delicious authentic chinese food or Taiwanese food for our own delight. Pictures below are out favorite dishes.


Kung Pao Chicken - they call it kung pao chiting (chiting = chicken). It's sweety soury little spicy dish. Eversince we lived here, we always order this superb dish. Try here for the recipe. Of course, every restaurant has it's own recipe and secret ingredients. So the link was only to give you a picture of how it's like.


Bittermelon beef - I don't know it's Chinese name but the english name probably give you an idea what's the main ingredient. It's beef and bittermelon. You can compare it to a Filipino dish called "Ampalaya con carne" although the only difference I think is the latter is a bit spicy.


Egg Tofu - Eating in that restaurant will not be complete without this dish. The might have an egg when it was made because we can't see any egg in the dish. It was cut into smaller pieces. I think the tofu was fried first before saute-ing into a thick sauce. It's just lovely.

We christened the restaurnat to a name easier for us to remember. And when I say "us", we Filipinos who were assigned here in Taipei during rigorous developement of our project. The real name is "her-ki-way". It sounds like that but it's just too hard for us to pronounce so we call it "Labuhek". Why "Labuhek"? Hmn. Let's see. There is this chinese restaurant called Lavec where we also eat before we found labuhek. Since they offer basically the same food, we preferred labuhek because of the cheaper price and the tastier of the food. So that's where we get the "La". "Buhek" - change the 'e' to 'o' and it become "buhok", which means hair. Nope. We were not engrossed with the beauty of the cashier's hair. We were amazed of how long the armpit's hair of the cashier. The cashier is a she. It's gross you may say, but maybe it has something to do with our cultural differences. Isn't that European women doesn't shave their armpits as well? So, there you go - LABUHEK.

Another funny story about the restaurant was, they don't speak English. So, most of the time, we should have someone who can translate the menu to us. Since, we always eat there and of course, we don't always have that someone who can help get the order, the cashier gave us the whole menu and ask somebody from our client who can translate everything. That way, it would be easier for us to give our orders. What a clever idea, wasn't it? Now if they have future customers who can't read/speak Chinese, just whip out the menu and walla! They can now order. And by the way, the translation job was free of charge. At least they could have hand us out a kung pao chicken in return. :)

Reminisce

It's another day where I am sure I will just be wasting browsing the web and doing non-related work.

I have this hobby of keeping all the sent e-mails in my "Sent" folder in my company's e-amil account. Since I am not busy, I checked it out and found the email shown above.

It was my last e-mail to my dear friend Jicky before he passed away. It was his last birthday and I was here inTaipei so I wasn't able to greet him personally.

Actually, I still often reminisce about the good old times.And just by thinking about it, makes me really sad.

Lazy Wednesday

Here it is again. Sitting infront of my computer desk - acting like I'm busy with work. But na-ah. Nope. I've been reading blog since this morning. Yes, I've nothing to do. It's been weeks/months since I fixed all the problems given to me. I recently finished all the documents necessary before I can promote all the changes done in all the program(s) affected into the production.

I am really bored. I already followed-up the current status of my user's own testing but he said he is doing other IR (incident reports aka production problem). Darn!

Oh well, being paid a US$50 a day to browse websites is not bad at all.

Random Picture - I

This is where we live. Located at the heart of downtown Taipei. It's a walking distance to Taipei 101 building. My pad is located at the 6th floor.

Taishin Bank International - Taipei, Taiwan

This is Taishin Bank International. This is our client here in Tapei. It's in Neihu district. We are at the 8th floor. This building is quite famous as it is being used by many TV commercials and Music videos by local artists.

TGIF on Tuesdays

It's 10:40 PM (Taipei Time) now. I'm still full. We had a heavy meal at my aparment's nearby TGIF. Two people from Manila office is here in Taipei for a demonstration to a propective bank client. One of them is a key person in Manila office so, he paid the bill. Yehey!

Actually, I feel so guilty right now. Earlier, we had a heavy lunch - we had Teppanyaki in RT-Mart 1. Now, I don't know how to burn all the carbo intakes I had today. While writing this entry, I have cup of hot green tea at my table.

I am not complaining. I'm thankful that I eat decent meals everyday. It's just that, I'm really trying to cut my carbo intake. Or should I say, I'm really trying to cut my food intake.

Topic over dinner? Work-related. Although it's not really work-related per se. We talked on the current, new and possible projects that Manila office will handle. Our boss is teasing us that our client just signed another year contract so that means that we still have to stay here for another year. I don't know if he is just toying us but let's see.

Korean Soju

My Korean officemate just got back here in Taipei from a week vacation in her native land.

Well, I am very vocal about my fascination with Korean culture given the fact that I'm addicted with K-movies and K-dramas and been started learning their language. Mind you, I can translate a whole song in romanized form already. Although I still can't translate each word to a language known to me.

Actually, I'm excited because at long last, she already brought this authentic korean drink - SOJU - straight from where it was originated. She brought not only one but three. Yahoo!

It's a strong drink actually. That's what she said. But let's see. Although I think it is, from what I read and from the facial expressions of the actors in those movies I've watched (while drinking, that is). And yes, my curiosity of the taste started because of watching.

Anyway, kum-map-ta! ( less formal "thank you" in hangul (korean)).

Ironic

Isn't funny when in search for answers to our questions, it only leads us to more questions?

Extra Challenge

Nope. It's not the ever-popular show in GMA-7's Kapuso channel.

It's just that, I've been challenging myself once again. When I was still younger, I always crave for informations. I am very eager to learn. My brain is knowledge-hungry freak. I've always wanted to be an adult so that I can watch or read or experience what adult people enjoys.

The challenge? Learning a new language. Yes, Korean language. Not the Japanese or Chinese or Norsk I wrote in one of my post. Why Korean? I was fascinated with their language. Maybe too much watching Koream movies and series influence me much. :-P

I started my self-study last Monday. And so far, I can write and read simple and not-so-simple korean language already. Nevertheless, I have still troubles translating what it means. Or the proper pronunciation of the words I am reading.

Reason? I don't know. My friend said, "kina-career ko na" (getting at it). Maybe I am. It's quite funny because I am here in Taiwan for such a long time but I wasn't able to learn chinese language so much. Sorry, but I really find chinese character and words hard to learn. Whereas for Korean, In just a couple of hours, I can read, write, and translate some words in romanized form. That's a feat.

It's also strange because I only know like one Korean person comparaed to more than one chinese friend. Odd? Hmn. Maybe yes. But let's see. I have all the time in the world. I have still a long way to go and who knows, I might have the courage to learn chinese in the near future.

Then, in parting, let me just say, "Aja"!

Stamina

I have colds. It started late afternoon yesterday. I have a running nose as well. I am questioning myself as to why I've got colds. I always drink orange juice and pineapple juice. I eat fruits, not a lot though but still, I assume my C supplements are enough. Or isn't it?

Maybe its beginning to get really hot here in Taiwan. And damn, the weather keeps on changing. I learned that there is really no rainy season here though it was raining hard for the past few months after the spring season.

It was really hot yesterday. I ate lunch alone so I had to look for a place where I could eat a nice food and fast. I thought of a place but later decided to have it in one of my favorite place which by the way, at that time, it was far from my location. I weathered the heat and I was sweating all over. After eating, I went straight to the office and was relieved that the airconditiong was good.

Last May, I got really sick. I had a fever actually. That't the day I went straight to the office from my trip from Manila to Taipei. At that time, Manila was so damn hot. Taipei wasn't that hot that day and I am sure that the sudden weather change greatly affected my stamina.

Nevertheless, I know that this simple change of temparature never bothers me before considering I am accustomed to it. Try living in a tropical country like the Philippines. Everyday I battled with outside heat and enjoys the comfort of my company office's air conditioning. But, I never get sick.

Then consider the fact that I am "living" in Taipei where pollution is far less compared to Manila's air status, and I still get sick. I even started doing small daily excercise routines and jog for an hour or more every weekends but it seems like my body is not accustomed to all of these.

Does it mean that I am getting old and my body is giving up on me? Oh no!

Weekend Madness ?

It's Monday once again. I didn't blog for the past two days because it's weekend. It's a personal decision not to. I thought I have to take a rest just like taking a rest from a whole week work.

Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better now compared last Monday. I am still a little sleepy though because I watched TV again until past midnight. I don't know but since I been "living" here in Taipei, I've been accustomed to past midnight bed time. Maybe because there is really nothing to do physically to get me exhausted so that I can go to bed early. But I've noticed that everytime I'm in Manila by 10PM I'm already off to dreamland.

Saturday. Have you tried staying for 24 Hours in just one place? I did. That's what I've been up to last Saturday - inside the comfort of "my" apartment. I had a lot of food, a lot DVD to watch, what a man should do? :D I planned of going to "Daan Park" to jog but it was raining so I cancelled and decided to sweat out inside. I did sweat a lot. Jog in place. Some push up. Some pumps with the jumping rope. I felt good later. Good thing was, I already finish this Korea Drama called "Sad Sonata" aka "Sad Love Song" aka "Sad Love Story". It is indeed SAD. But I already expected it and been predicting which one of the protagonist will die (knowing Korea drama) and I my prediction was true. I really don't like watching heavy dramas where every scene is a tear-jerking one. I really prefer comedy or light romance or romantic comedy. But I have no choice. These are the only avialable shows the last time I was in Manila. Nevertheless, I really love all the songs in it especially those songs performed by Song Seung Heon. I can't believe this guy. He got the looks, the height, all the girls, fame, money, a model, an actor, now, his secret talent was uncovered - singing. This dude can sing. I like his voice considering I am very picky when it comes to singers. Anyway.

Sunday was mostly the same. I only left the apartment at around 6PM to jog in Daan Park. My laziness hit me again so I did not went to the church. You see, the church where we attend mass is kind-a far. I did planned to attend the early mass but I woke up past 11 AM so there is no way I will be able to catch the 12 noon mass. It's not an excuse, I know. Then I said I'll just take the 6PM mass. Unfortunately, I chose jogging over church. Maybe that is why I have a little sprain in my right foot - punishment :) .

Nothing to rant, bitch about so far. That's good. But let's see.

The Day I Became a Speaker

This is a long overdue post actually. I delivered a speech to the graduates of my High School alma mater last April 15, 2005. It was my first. Astonishingly, I was not nervous. I was very confident. Maybe because I have to be self-assured as I could be. Maybe because that's the image I wanted to portray infront of my audience.

Well, this post is not about my experience. I'd like to post the speech I delivered.

Here it is.

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Cadaratan National High School
Commencement Exercises
April 15, 2005

Guests, parents, members of the faculty and especially the graduates, good day to one and all.

Before I proceed, I would like to extend my congratulations to all the graduates for a job well done, as well as to the members of the faculty for their never ending commitment of shaping the young minds and to all the parents who are here today whose support for their children never ceases. Can we please give ourselves a round of applause.

Moving along, to tell you honestly, the task to be your guest speaker is a huge pressure on my part. I know that being a guest speaker is a huge responsibility. It is not a contest nor to let everyone know that you can speak well in front of an audience. It is a major task to reach out to the minds of the people whom you are addressing your thoughts and insights on certain matters, which would help them be motivated as a by-product.

To my fellow alumnae, let me ask you a simple question. What’s next after this?

When all the feasts and celebrations are over and you are back in reality, what now?

“It’s too early to ask” you may say, but I believe that things are never too early or too late. We manage our own time and it is up to us how and when to use it.

To the dear parents of the graduates, I hope you won’t mind me asking, what’s in store for your children?

Mind you, the question is straightforward, but I know that the answer is complicated. Do you know why I would say that the answer could be complex? It is because it’s every graduate’s future that we are discussing here. Our every decision will shape their life and their future. Quite scary, isn’t it? But life is never easy. These are the things that make our life interesting.

On that note, I will leave that thought for you to ponder on.

Have you ever wondered why successful people keep on thriving? Have you ever wondered what keeps them going? Have you ever wonder why a person is happy even for small things?

Frankly, I wonder.

These questions allowed me to dwell in deep thoughts. Is it a mystery? What are their secrets? Or are there any secrets for success?

Success. Such a sweet word, isn’t it? Everybody is rooting for it. Some captures it but it’s a question why is it elusive to some.

A simple click on the computer tells you that being successful is having obtained something desired or intended.

So as the description implies, do you think it is easy to be one?

Be aware that success is something that we can not attain overnight nor can be achieve in a bed of roses. There are so many obstacles along the way. But do you think that because of these hindrances, successful people abandoned and gave up their goals, for them to reach what they are now? I don’t think so! You should never fret and give up. Pick up from where you stumble and continue striving for your goals.

You should remember that successful people treat wrong directions as valuable experiences while those who are not regard wrong directions as failure.

Goals and success are like twins. Do you agree? And like twins, one comes first before the other. There will never be an instance where twins are born at exactly the same time.

And in this case, GOALS come first before success.

How can you be successful if you don’t have goals in the first place?

By now, I know that most of you graduates already have goals or plans for your future. If you don’t have it now, I believe you better start thinking for one.

Everyone has a goal in life. Agree? I for one have still a lot of goals.

My parents worked so hard for them to achieve their objectives. That is why I am here today standing and talking in front of you.

You have to understand that it is not important how huge or small our goals are. What’s important is for us to have one because of the main reason that goals keep us moving, goals keep us going.

Our everyday life always consists of goals. Going to the market is a goal. Getting a high score in an exam is a goal. Even trying to look handsome and beautiful for our crushes is a goal. Every little thing that we do are bits and pieces of achieving these objectives.

You have to know your goals. To start with, if you have many, write it down. Making a list always work. Don’t we list down all the things we need when doing a project or say when going to the market or when organizing a party? It does work all the time and It will in achieving your goals. Looking at the list will motivate us in accomplishing these goals. You may not be able to achieve it at the same time; at least you will have something to keep holding on to.

More importantly, lists give us a method and structure of achieving what we want out of life.

But life is a joker sometimes. At times, in fulfilling our goals, the end results vary, the end results differ.

But it is normal to be sad when we don’t get what we’ve planned. What matters is we tried.

Let me share to you what my favorite author, Andrew Matthews, said in his book.

“Goals are the vehicles whereby we can become someone more than we already are. We need goals, not for what they get for us but for what they do for us.”

If for example I aimed to be in higher position in my company and somehow, I got hard time achieving it, I should not say, “It’s just a waste of time and energy.” I have to understand that what important are the things I learned while taking that journey. I may not be a manager but I should be thankful for the people I met, for acquiring other knowledge while going through the process, for the opportunities to travel and meeting other races and learning new cultures.

As Mr. Matthews said, “What you get in pursuit of your goals is of lesser importance. The real question is, “What will you become?”

In ending, I dare you to have goals. It is normal and it is a human nature to have one. You might fall once or twice, but I say not to be afraid to stand up when you fall. Keep you heads up. You have to understand that things happen for a reason.

Again, congratulations and God bless.
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Did I made sense? Only my listeners can answer me with that question. After the speech, I was relieved that it was over. I heard a loud applause and I could do is smile.

Oh My Shanghai!

When you think you had it all, you're mistaken.

Now, wait. This is not some sort of a threat. It doesn't even connotes seriousness.

I was just talking about - FOOD! Chinese food that is. You see, we had our team dinner last night. We were given the location beforehand but we don't know which restaurant yet.

While on the taxi heading to Shingkong Mitsukoshi our Taiwanese team member called me up and told me the name of the restaurant. The name was in chinese she said but the menu will include shanghai dishes. "Okay", I said. So we thought, right, yet another Chinese food.

You see, this dinner thing is monthly basis. Thus, we always thought of something nice. We've been craving and wanting to go back to this shrimp house/restaurant where they offer mouth-watering dishes. But we had no luck this time.

I was actually expecting some traditional and "same old" dishes infront of the dining table but when the orders came, I was like OMG, this dishes should come with rice - lots of rice that is.

That made me confirm the fact that chinese food is so diversed. It is a great nation that offers different cuisine to our stomach's delight.

Shanghai dishes I can say has a bit of Filipino taste (or it's the other way around). "The taste is stronger", one of the team member said. You can always find soy sauce and sugar in their dishes which made me drool because I like soy sauce very much.

Anyway, I have to burn what I ate last night this coming weekend. Jogging for two hours perhaps? Goodluck!

P.S. I forgot to take pictures of the things we ate because I was busy eating. LOL.

Be human. Be loved.

Everytime I'm travelling, be it a long journey or just a trip to supermarket or a walk down to the nearby convinient store, I always observe other people. I glued my eyes to outside happenings. Actually, It's a habit of mine that somehow, would annoy others if they found out that I'm reading their ways as if they are tiny organisms subject for analysis in the microscope.

So last night, I was riding in a public coaster bound to Juangjing Road where my apartment is located. The traffic light was red at that time so I have a clearer,longer view of what was happening on the street.

There was a man who is holding flyers trying to distribute to strangers who are coming from the other side of the road. He was quite excited to hand out the flyers maybe because he has been standing there for quite a while (or for hours) and maybe, the only thing in his mind was to have the flyers run out and head home to his family or friends.

Nevertheless, from the five or so who walked past through where the man was located, No one did not even looked at the man. One was busy talking on his cellphone. There were two women whom he actually go after because he didn't caught their presence before but sad to say, the women refused to take the flyers. To cut story short, the man was not able to hand out a damn flyer - not even one.

To you, this situation is normal. Honestly, I think it is only natural for this type of things happen. It his job we might say and we can't force other people to take those flyers just for the sake of.

Actually, I feel annoyed everytime people tries to hand me out some flyers. Who doesn't? From the thousands or millions of flyers being hand out in the street, consider yourself lucky if you have at least one from these that you could be interested in. From these flyers, how many are for real and how many which are not?

But my emotions are toying with me every now and then. Maybe it is one of my soft side. At that time, I pity the man.

I imagined myself handing out those flyers. Standing still in one area, with hundreds of flyers in one hand and a piece on the other, and a smile ready to share, excited because there are crowds coming in, thinking and hoping that I hand out all the flyers soon and just head back home - It felt sad.

Once again, we point out that it is his job. Point considered. But, can we at least "be human" enough to refuse by giving a slight smile or a little gesture of refusal and NOT JUST WALK PAST THROUGH THE MAN AND ACT AS IF HE DOESN'T EXIST!

We should consider ourself lucky because at least we have jobs which are, shall we say decent enough compared to the "just his job" of the poor man. Try to be in his shoes. All he did was trying to finish his job and it is just correct to give him a little consideration.

Being ignored is one of the worst feeling a person can experience. A little attention would make a person smile. A little attention could mean a little compassion and little love altogether.

So it's Tuesday

Would I be blogging everyday now? Would it be my daily routine to blog about my feelings? Let's see.

So, in contrast with my drowned self yesterday, I'm feeling okay now. I got up a little late as opposed to the 7AM set on the alarm clock. I woke up a quarter before 8AM. Still catching those lost sleep, huh? LOL.

Anyway, I really wanted to wake up earlier these days. I started doing some small exercises. I bought a jumping rope the day before I flew to Manila and been using it since, a couple of munites after waking up. A hundred or so jumps will do. But I hope I will progress as time goes by.

I really want to cut my weight. Not for anything else, but it's for my health. I even believe that my parents are still at par with regards to their health compares to mine. Who doesn't have to worry when you sit 8 hours a day, "mingle" with stress all the time. I tell you, this job is killing me.

I even started jogging - which I hope will be a weekly routine which I pray, will turn into daily routine. As I mentioned in one of my post, I was able to succesfully cut weight when I will be attending my secondary education. I was so fat then that I don't want to be bullied. My daily routine before were the following.

1. Get up 5:30 AM
2. Jog and play hoops around the basketball court for around 30 munites
3. Extra careful of rice intake. A cup will do.

Now, can I get up that early? - I am trying. I do jog now, not everyday though but I use the jumping rope as a substitute. For the rice intake, God, but I'm really trying to cut my rice intake. That is why I have huge cans of oatmeals at home.

What else is new? Ah yes, new template for my blog and good thing Adsense from Google accept my application. So to those who will came accross with my blog, click those cute links at the link to help me, okay?

So much for now. Gotta go back to work.

What's up with Monday?

Gone are the days when I'm so eager to go to school on the first day of the week. When I wake up early every monday morning to ready myself to go to school. That was like decades ago. I don't know what happened but now, I hate Monday. Okay, "hate" is a strong word, so I'd like to rephrase my statement - "I don't like Monday".

Since I became an adult especially when I started working, this day of the week has never been my favorite. Maybe because two days off are never enough to recharge from the 5 horrible, tiring and stressful days of work. It is the day when you have to wake up early in the morning which you never did for the past two weekend mornings that makes you all grumpy on the first hours of the day. It is the day when you have to see most people you never really like. It is the day when you have to wear uncomfortable clothes. It is the day when you have to act being an adult - a mature adult that is. It is the day when you really don't like working and trying to act like a busy employee.

Thus, it makes me wonder how it feels like being excited again.

Thus, it makes me think what can my attitude towards Monday change.

On a second thought, maybe the reasons I mentioned above are not the main motivation that explains my indifference towards this day. Maybe, I hate my work. Maybe I need to have a career change. Maybe it is not my passion to be infront of a computer all day fixing programs, developing systems for institutions who hires us for it. Maybe because I'm getting older and I still don't know what my life is heading to. Maybe because I haven't got all the love I can have yet. Maybe because nobody excites me anymore. Maybe it's just my whole attitute that has a problem and instead of hating myself, I'm bitching other things.

Stop! Breath. SIGH.

Missing our Home

Before I proceed to Manila last Tuesday, I took our living room a snapshot last Sunday. Well, It was because of the new lamp shade I bought. :D I just wanted to see how it look. Actually, I like taking picture inside and outside of our house. I just miss it.

Flying back to Taipei

June 22, 2005



This photo was taken at NAIA Terminal 1 Gate 10 while waiting for boarding.

Post from the Airport

As the song goes, "all my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..", yes I am leaving again today. This post is actually being written at gate B7 of Chang Kai Shiek International Airport, Taiwan. I am waiting for my boarding time which is 9:30 AM. My flight to Manila is 10:00AM.


C.K.S. Airports Terminal 1 Gate B7

I'll have an almost 1 week vacation in the Philippines which will be mostly spent in my province.

The lady driver whose servicing us from and to the airport asked me something a while ago. She is confirming wether we will be leaving Taiwan for good- soon. I can't really find an aswer because our company hasn't given us any information yet. It actually started when my officemate Joena told me that she already asked her superior to go home for good and that she actually might go home next month.

I don't know but the thought of going home makes me a little bit sad. Or disappointed? I don't know. The "going home" schedule was originally slated on February of next year and I already set my self on that schedule. It started when they had lunch together with some of our client's employees and this topic was brought up. They even asked about my own schedule and they said that I might be staying a little bit longer.

Now, I got mixed emotions. Was I sad because they will probably leave me alone here or because I was sadden by the idea of going back to hard-Manila life?

Actually, one night, while we are riding in a taxi back to our apartment, they asked me a "what-if" quick question. What if our client will offer me a permanent position? It's a simple question but actually, it made me think hard. It would be a huge decision. There are many things to consider. Given the fact that I still have many plans in the future.

Things are a bit shaky this days. I hope when I come back I will have clearer views on things.

See you next week!

101 Things You Don't Know 'bout ME

I've tried to list a hundred facts about myself and I did it, Whew! I thought I won't be able to finish it considering I made the list for 8days. But, as I was about to reach the 100th spot, facts started to sink in. That's why I decided to make it 101. From this list, you will find things about me which could make you conclude how pathetic and loser I am. Har har har!

So without much further ado..Here it is!

1. I'm a snub but I always like to make friends.

2. I am from the province of Ilocos Norte.

3. I have three siblings. Two older sisters and 1 older brother.

4. I am the youngest.

5. I like travelling.

6. I have been to these places.
- Hongkong
- Macau
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Shenzen, China
- Taiwan

- Beijing, China

- Oslo, Norway

- Amsterdam, Netherlands

- Stockholm, Sweden

- Copenhagen, Denmark

- Paris, France

- Cannes, France

- Nice, France

- Monte Carlo, Monaco

- San Remo Italy

- Sydney, Australia

- Mongolia

7. The only singer whom I collect all albums, watch concerts, member of the e-group is Regine Velasquez.

8. I love to sing.

9. I can sing any song but I don't know how to rap.

10. When I was still in Grade school, I was a recording artist. I've recorded two songs; one solo and the other one as a group. I've been engrossed with the easy money and touring radio stations that I told my parents that I don't want to go to school anymore. My singing career stopped right there and then.

11. I've changed cellphone models every year since 1999.

12. I have fewer male friends than female friends.

13. I like change.

14. I like to be different from others.

15. The company where I currently work for is just my second since I started working professionally since 2000.

16. I'm sensitive. I don't participate nor comment on certain topic which I'm sensitive to talk about. I just smile and listen to conversation if that happens.

17. I hate insensitive people.

18. My drawing was published in national comic magazine called Funny Comics when I was still in grade school.

19. I love music. There was this one time when we took a day trip bus from Manila to Ilocos Norte. It took us more than 10 hours without hearing any song. It's one of the worst day of my life.

20. My birthday is every October of the year which make me Libra.

21. My older sister celebrates her birthday the day right after mine.

22. My other older sister and older brother celebrate their birthdays on the same month.

23. In connection to #19, I also like listening to artists from other country. It doesn't matter if I can't understand their language as long as I know the gist's song and I love the song's melody.

24. My real name "Jessie" is a girl's name - well, more on the spelling though. They thought I will come out as a baby girl but end up being a boy. Actually, the girl's name was suppose to be "Josephine" in accordance to the customary "J-O" first two letters of my sibling's names.

25. I have a Cantonese(read: from Hong Kong) friend.

26. I don't have any credit cards. ( Now I have: 6-2010)

27. I maintain 3 bank accounts in two banks; two Peso accounts and 1 US Dollar account.

28. I can dance.

29. I like watching TV. I have watched all the seasons of "Friends" and currently finishing up "Smallvile". ( 6-10: This is so old school)

30. I like watching Korean/Japanese series.

31. My favorite colors are black, white, any shades of blue, and gray. Though for my office attires, I like to mix-match.

32. I love electronic gadgets.

33. I'm shy but oftentimes mistaken to be a snub.

34. I'm a home-buddy person who likes to travel.

35. I buy pirated DVDs. (Whay can I say.. It's super cheap!)

36. I believe in "love at first sight".

37. I love Fossil watches.

38. I've watched porn. (Tell me a guy who doesn't anyway???)

39. I love Apple products.

40. My favorite sports would be table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis, and volleyball, swimming and bowling.

41. I graduated Salutatorian in my High School batch.

42. I've never been to any part of Visayas and Mindanao. (6-10: Been to Bora)

43. I could be thoughtful. :)

43. My crushes are Kristin Kreuk and Song Hye Ko.

44. I wish I am taller.

45. I dream of getting a franchise from Jolibee or Mc Donald's.

46. I don't talk too much.

47. I easily get jealous but fades in no time.

48. I won a first place award for an inter-high school YMCA singing competition. I was suppose to represent Region 1 for inter-region competition but I backed out.

49. I was the high school's CAT highest ranked official.

50. I was a brat while growing up. Well, I think I still am! :P

51. I still rent an apartment with my cousin and some friends.

52. I am not contented with just one hair style.

53. I wish to migrate in the US or Europe but still retire in my province.

54. I once helped in harvesting rice but end up hurting my self. I've never worked in the farm field ever since.

55. The GPA of our batch's valedictorian is only .02 higher than mine.

56. I don't know how to play any major instrument. I played the lyre in grade school though.

57. I've been living here in Taipei, Taiwan since August 2003.

58. I will be going back to the Philippines by February 2006 (hopefully).

59. In grade school, the day of the inter-school choir competition was the day my voice started to change into puberty's voice.

60. I can cook.

61. I can drive a motorcycle and a car.

62. My favorite aunt already passed away.

63. My favorite beverage would be Iced tea, pineapple juice, orange juice and hot green tea.

64. I don't descriminate openly. I keep it within myself.

65. I've been a guest speaker in my high school's commencement exercise.

66. I'm still have indifferent feelings toward my Grade-6 adviser who always hates me before, and one college proffessor who failed me in one of subject.

67. The same college professor whose the reason that my 50% tuition fee scholarship was revoked.

68. My first choice for a degree was Business Management.

69. I end up taking BS in Computer and Information Science.

70. I am intimidated to girls taller than me.

71. I have a tendency to be insecure.

72. I have a small business.

73. I don't like loud people.

74. When I was learning to ride a bicycle, I lose maneuvered it and end up in a cliff. Good thing I was trapped in tree branches.

75. I only had my circumcision on the summer before my first year in high school.

76. I don't like to be involve in any fight.

77. I started working professionally months before I graduated in College.

78. My first company that hired me is the same company where I spent 8 months as an intern.

79. I've only cheated once in an exam in College. It was the proctor who gave us the consent.

80. I like competition when I was still in high school.

81. When I was younger, I would swim in nearby irrigation with carabaos.

82. When I was about to enter secondary schooling, I had a rigorous dieting and physical activies to lose weight because I don't want to be name-called "pig" or "fat".

83. I don't easily trust strangers.

84. I usually don't know how to start conversation with strangers.

85. I like reading other people's blog.

86. I like surfing the wired world.

87. I still address my seniors in my previous company "Ate" or "Sis".

88. I don't address my sisters "Ate" or "Kuya" to my brother. We call each other in first name basis.

89. I always think myself as ordinary.

90. My passport number is J*02*260 which expires December, 2006.

91. I have two insurances - Life insurance and a pension plan.

92. I have a childhood sweetheart whose name is Michelle.

93. My driver's license will expire this year.

94. My employment status is direct contractual.

95. I always think that my older siblings should get married first before I am.

96. I always think the Philippines could've been better under the US government.

97. I still have 20-20 eye vision (thank GOD!).

98. 30 is the age for marriage.

99. I still have the same mobile phone number since 1999.

100. I always think I am better than the rest.

101. I was the one who decide which paint color will be used in our house. I've copied most of it from a magazine.

Farewell Dinner to Berve

We had our farewell dinner for Berve at the Wasabi restaurant at the 4th level of Taipei 101 mall. He will be based in Manila again. That leaves the three Pinoys here in Taipei - me, donald and jona.






(L-R) Joyce, Young Nam, Jona, Donald, Berve & Jeremy



(L-R) Joyce, Young Nam, Jona, Donald, Berve & Me

Impressions

It is a fact that the first thing people notice in a person is their physical appearance. That is why it made me wonder: What impressions I made when they first saw me?

I always ask myself how people reacts the first time they laid their eyes on me.

Do they see me attractive? Ugly?

Do girls think of me in romantic way?

Do they think I have a bad fashion taste?

Do they see me as a kind person? Trustworthy?

Do they think I'm a snub? Friendly?

For me, it's the impression that decides the future relationship between two people (not necessarily in romantic way). We always say that first impressions lasts and for me, that is true.

But come to think of it, is it socially and politically correct to rely on our impressions? Maybe it is not but its important in the social arena. It's the impression that guides us in making decisions. It's these impressions that decides our social fate or failure. It's these impressions that guides us in dealing people of any kind.

Homily

I attended the 6:00PM mass yesterday at St. Christopher's church here in Taipei. Eversince I was assigned here in 2003, we've been attending the mass in that church.

I don't know if it's just me but, there is this priest who I don't like that much. I know it's bad but everytime that it's his mass that I catch, I end up not finishing the whole mass.

I don't know if its descriminating but, it is suppose to be an english mass but he keeps on talking in Filipino - which is undertandble in some point because it is a Filipino congregation after all. Nevertheless, you have to consider the other foreigners who might have been delighted to learn that there is a church holding english masses in this chinese-speaking country.

Again, I don't know it it's just me but, there are many from his thoughts that contradict to what I believe, differ from my stand point. And if that happens, I end up losing my interest in listening.

I respect everyone's opinion especially a priest like him but it is my character that firmly hold on my view points.

In his homily yesterday, he was saddened with the fact the mass attendees become thiner and thiner in numbers. He then compared attending mass with going to the hospital or going to the doctor. I agreed with the first two points he gave, but I strongly differ with the third one. He says that people doesn't go the hospital because it is very expensive to get sick these days, in which, he relates to attending mass and told everyone that (in gist) we say we love Jesus, we love God, but we don't like to spend. He cited examples such as the offertory collections. I mean, from what I believe, money offertories should be voluntary given, of how much should be the based on our own free will. It is one's prerogative how much one should offer, right? I don't so much about the bible but I know that there is written article that says a certain percentage of your wealth should be donated or given to the church.

But that is not what I am after for. The quantity of how much you love God does not equate to how much you give during offertory. Its how much we believe in Him, of entrusting our whole life to him, of doing the right things in accordance to what he says.

We always say money is the root of all evil. If it is, then in fact, the priest should not say those words.

Although, I am aware that in this modernly materialistic-driven world, we need money - even the church. But please, I hope the priest could have been cautious of what he says, of what he imparts to the people.

My two cents.

Trackback

Its been almost two long months since the last time i blogged.

What happen since then?

1. I've visited the Philippines twice already.

2. I had a new hair cut - skin head style.

3. I just recently got sick.

4. Had Ilocos Norte tour with my visiting friends in one of my trips to the Philippines.

5. I started a new business.

6. I had a speaking engagement in my high school alma mater during their commencement exercises.

8. I had an eyeglass protector made.



9. I bought a sunglass worth more than $100 bucks.


10. Have watched a lot of movies in DVD in my new DVD player.

11. I learned that my brother has a new girlfriend - a lawyer.

12. I got a pension plan from one of my boss.

13. Work is still the same. Nothing much to do.

14. No new interesting people met.

15. Saw my nephews after years of staying in the states. They've grown bigger and taller than I am!

16. No potential girlfriend in sight.

17. Heard that my cousin did not pass her exam which is a ticket for her to go to the US.

18. I saw a cousin of mine whom I haven't seen for such a long time at the airport. We eventually took the same flight back to Taipei

19. My sister moved to her newly bought house in Oslo, Norway

I have no tittle for this

We have no work today. Taiwanese are celebrating their own "all saint's day". Its weird for me for chinese people to have their own especial dates for especial occassions.

Anyway, I stayed home and what else could I be doing? Glued my eyes in TV screen watching. For the nth time, I watched a Korean mini-TV series called "Full House". I don't know but I always have a lighter feeling everytime I watch the show. The girl protagonist is so damn pretty!

Yes, I admit, like my fellowmen who are currently addicted to watching Korean series, I am too is hooked on this. I even look for the theme song of these series because I really like it a lot.

I don't know if this is just a fad. I had it before. I once hooked on Japanese TV series. I even bought some of it even it has no english subtittle.

Actually, the thing is, I wonder how much have Koreans soaps affected Filipino culture.

Filipinos for ages has been greatly acknowledge the American culture for a reason that we were colonized before. So it rather keeps me thinking if we are slowly trying to accept other cultures much more - influences.

Say for example, look at the hair styles and clothing styles we have right now. Aren't they based or worse to say, copied from what we saw from these shows?

And how about the our cellphones? We always liked Nokia. But after these shows invaded our home, we look at flip phones to be cool gadgets, right?

And how about the ladies? Has their dream boy changed from tall, white skin, blue eyed men to yellow complexion, long dyed hair and black almond shaped eyes?

Or is it just another fad which will eventually fade in time being?

Positively, I think it is great for us Filipinos to be influenced by other Asian cultures but importantly, I hope its a two-way street.

Don't look at me.

Isn't weird when you were busy working, eyes glued on your monitor screen, relax for a while, look at some direction unintentionally, only to catch a guy sitting there has been staring at you for while?

Have You Ever

Have you ever wondered what your life is for?
Have you ever ask yourself "until when do i have to endure?"
Thinking the loneliness keeps going strong
Knowing that the emptyness inside you keeps moving on..

Have you ever wondered that no one even loves you?
Not even someone whom you can say hello to?
Have you ever wondered no one is thinking about you?
Not even one, not even you?

Have you ever thought that you don't have someone
Not even one whom you can call "a friend of mine?"
Have you ever thought that you will live alone
No one by your side, stucked on your own.

Have you ever felt that you don't belong?
Have you ever believed no one is concerned?
Have you ever considered being ashamed of yourself?
Have you ever asked God "why do i have to suffer?"

As the D'Sound song goes .." I am the one trying to be good, wanting to be bad and so on", have you ever get tired of being always the nice guy? When you know people around you see you as someone who is but, aware that there are evilness in you wanting to explode?

I am so tired of being nice.

I've always wanted to try things which are beyond the whole "being good" concept I made and adapted from etiquette-hungry socio-homosapiens. That way, maybe this life of mine could be less monotonous.

Hah! How sick could i get?

Kiss My A**

Damn!

Don't you just hate when you have a strong feeling that people are talking against you behind your back(literally and not) and you can't do something about it because you cannot undestand their language?

Much more, your colleague whose race is the same as those shitheads seems enjoying and doesn't even defend you?

It is not my fault that their dumbass employee cannot do anything without our supervision. He was given the responsibility so he should make sure that he knows what he is doing.

It is not my fault that you see me as someone who is not.

To hell with them!!

I was currently debugging a program and suddenly, a thought came to mind...

I am attracted to girls who are petite with fair skin complexion , almond shape eyes and red pouty lips.

Darn! That's why I can't solve this bug. My mind's anywhere.

I am back here in Taipei. Back to work. I arrived yesterday via EVA airways. As expected, seems like I never really had a vacation.

I'll narrate what transpired on my vakay.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

On the day of my arrival, I met with some of my previous officemates. Not all of the people invited was able to make it though. Some had something came up, others really never bother at all and other personal reasons which I don't care in the first place. We are about 10 I think. The gathering did not went through as I expected. Same old people. Same old drama. From the group, there were only 4 of us who are still single although the two are already attached. I was again asked if I had a girlfriend already (for the nth time). As embarrassed as I am, I just smile and said "None". Come on, I want to have one but I can't fall in love with someone who I haven't met yet. I am pressured with myself already and additional outside anxiety will not help me.

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Stayed home. Watched DVD. Missed sunday mass.

Monday, March 14, 2005

This day is a busy day for me. I had number of tasks saved on my PDA cum cellphone. Good thing is that I was able to accomplish all of them except for applying for international roaming which I forgot to list for the nth time. Bummer!

I went to the office. I saw her. She is quite happy. I still feel jittery though not that much. Of course she doesn't know. As the song goes " I am just a friend, that's all I ever been, 'cause you don't know me". She is in fact the first girl I ever liked.

I was surprise to learn that I had an increase contrary to the previous post I made. I learned that since there are many employee looking for a new job outside and that there are many who have resigned, they decided to have a portioning of the salary of the those who have left the company. I had more than 10% increase. Not bad at all. As of this writing, my salary and all of the retroactive pays has been credited to my payroll account. And I need to decide what to do with all the money on that account. Hehe.

One of the boss offered me an insurance. I am planning to get a pension plan. But let's see.

Looks like one of my officemate who just left Taiwan for good is coming back by the end of this month. His lady friend gave him a round trip ticket to Taiwan for him to attend the house blessing of his taiwanese lady friend. What a lucky guy, right?

Oh, and I had a new haircut and a new hair color. I was quite sad because it took me months to grow my hair that long. But more often I think of cutting it short and I suffice it last monday. I just hoped the hairdresser left my hair a bit longer. But hey, I think my hair now is not bad at
all. Good thing my hair grows very fast.

March 15, 2005

Travel back to Taipei. Arrived in my apartment at around 5PM, watched DVDs and sleep.

Today, March 16, 2005

I had a long chat with a friend who is in Las Vegas. We talked anything under the sun. She is really intelligent and I need those kind of conversations. Its just so nice that after how many years of not seeing each other we still remained friends and I hope it will always will.

I will be flying (again) this coming saturday, March 12 . I will have a very short vacation (?) in the Philippines. I will be back here in Taipei on March 15.

My resident visa already expired and my current visa is a 30 days-multiple entry. Meaning, I am only allowed to stay in Taiwan soil for 30 days and have to exit after that. Though I can always go back with no questions ask.

Anyway, So I have the whole Sunday and Monday to spend - though I don't know how will I use it. Maybe I will call my former officemates/friends and hang out. Its been a while since we saw each other.

I just learned from a friend of mine that my cousin Joey will graduate from college (at long last!) this coming March 14, so I am looking forward to that. (03-11-05: Learned from my mother that it will on April 14)

I will not be able to visit my parents in Ilocos since I only have a very limited period of stay. The travel hours will just eat most of my time.

Regine will be having a concert the night of my arrival in Manila but I am not sure if I will be able to catch it. If someone will ask me to go, then probabaly I'll accept it. Maybe I will limit myself watching concerts alone to avoid self-pitying. Not a bad idea, eh?

The answer to "what measures you?" ?

After I finished writing my post entittled "What measures you", I fixated my thoughts (and belief for that matter) that money is not the answer to our happiness.

A couple of days after that, as I was channel surfing (read: almost all channels here are in chinese) and then I stopped in CNN. The current programme is Talk Asia. They were interviewing this guy whose name is japanese but can converse very well in english. They were talking how he became rich and the things his poor dad and rich dad thought him. I already heard about this book and I was surprise that this guy is the autor of the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".

They continue with the conversation and in one instance the author said that there are people who are claiming that money cannot make them happy..Ouch! As he continue, he said that such people whose claiming such are the one who might be the unhappiest people in the world. He said, if money cannot make you happy, then why saving your money in the bank and keep on saving to make it grow? - because in reality, it makes us happy.

(Sigh). Point consider.

But then again, I was like what the heck?! Am I such a lonely person by merely thinking that money cannot make me happy? I said, it will not make me a hundred percent happy and I believe that is still the truth.

What does gift means to you?

How do you feel when one day, you saw a gift you gave to someone abandoned mercilessly in one corner? It is as if trying to tell me "Please rescue me!"

I was disappointed and angry at the same time when I saw the gift I gave to someone left in an empty cubicle when the person I gave it to left for a new job in a new company.

Gift means a lot.

Though it may not be given by someone you really love romantically or not, these things are one way to remember people who, once in your life became a part of it. Never mind if these people don't find you as someone to care about but at least, give respect to gifts given to you because when they found out what you did, you will hurt them even more. You can be less evil by taking it with you and leave it somewhere else where the giver will not be able to find out.

Gifts though not extravagant or expensive, these are things which was invested not only money but one's precious time, worse the thoughts one spend while picking a perfect (or not) gift for you.

Appreciation is an act of being grateful. More often I receive gifts which beyond my taste or things I can't use but at least I keep them because just the mere fact that someone thought of you is something you can be proud for yourself; something you can be thankful for.

What measures you?

Just this afternoon, I was chatting with a friend of mine through YM. She was asking me how was my vacation in the Philippines. Of course, I said what I did and then, her statement struck me.

Friend: " saya naman ng life mo" (How happy your life is)
Me: "hindi naman.." (Well, not that much)
Me: "money doesn't define true happiness for me"

Then she said.

Friend: "syempre luxurious ang life mo na.." (But of course, you're enjoying a luxurious life)

But I disagree.

Me: "ay hindi po. madaling maubos ang pera.. alam mo un di ba" ( No, money runs out in no time, you know that)

She continues.

Friend: " Yep I know but half of our happiness is money.. kaya yung (then the) next half would be your personal stuff na".

But I disagree. I said the proper way to describe one's life with money is COMFORTABLE. True happiness cannot be equated to how much money you have in your pocket, how big your savings account is. Comfortness is the one and only thing that money can give to us.

Everyone defines true happiness based on their criteria. But for me, my happiness evolves on simple things, on all that involves emotion, friends, the joy of singing, of doing what I love to do . Sure, I have money but I can't say I am 100% happy. Luck. Yes, I am lucky I was blessed with these things but happiness and money are not one and the same.

Taiwan Tidbits

In my more than a year (almost 2 years) of stay in Taiwan, here are some of the things I observed and discovered.

1. The usual English language problem in any Chinese descent country is very obvious.

2. They are very polite. They always say "xie xie" or thank you in everything that they do and always replied by "bu-ke-chi" or your welcome.

3. When you are talking with them, even in the heat of conversation, once their cellular phone rang, they will answer it and never mind whether your conversation will cut short. I don't know if they find it offensive but it is for me.

4. Everyone has a cellular phone. Others have even more than 2.

5. Their skin is color is yellowish/whitish but they are very obsess in skin whitening products especially the women.

6. They are not the most hygienic species on earth. You have to experience it and smell it for yourself!

7. Taxi fare is expensive.

8. Another thing with taxi, they use the top of the line car brands may it be Lexus, BMW or Mercedes Benz. Unlike the Philippines where you can't use the new released car or even the Honda cards as taxis, they don't give a damn on the brands.

9. Its very obvious that the country is rich so you may see porsche and other luxury cars just parked outside into any place.

10. Just like the Philippines and other poorer countries, some of the people still want to migrate to other countries like Japan.

11. Married couple doesn’t want to have more than 1 child. Their government is urging them but they are not compulsive with the idea.

12. It is normal for people here whether not to marry or indulge into such state when they're a bit older.

13. They are helpful even with the language barrier.

14. God, how they love to talk!

15. Like Filipinos, they also love to watch drama TV series either made locally especially made from Korea and Japan.

16. Though they welcome the idea of migrating to other countries, they come back without hesitation if they can't find a decent job. Unlike Filipinos who accepts any odd job as long as they are abroad, they don't buy the idea of being just a second class citizens.

17. The people from the city especially Taipei are not discriminating. From what I learn, those who lives in the provinces are.

18. Some men are sometimes to be mistaken gay because of they're fashion statements and mannerism.

19. Women are pretty, but always have many exceptions.

20. They are WORKAHOLIC!

21. Surely, this is a place where the standard of living is high.

22. They can be very tight on money matters.

23. They love to sing as well.

24. They love to shop and buy branded materials but night markets are everywhere and still a lot and I say a LOT of people still flocking in these areas.

25. Gadget freak.

Money Talk

After I graduated in college, I see to it that I will not ask for any monetary help from my parents.

I started working a couple of months before I even graduated from college. As an entry level employee, I have no choice but to accept low-paying jobs just for the experience. I know this is just temporary and its my stepping ground. Once I learned many things, then I will decide to spread my laurels to other companies who can provide me a better salary.

I am in that point now where I earn more than I do. But you have to work for it. More often we want to start in the top coupled with a huge pay check. That is not always the case. Everyone has to start from below.

I experienced how to be broke. I am now experiencing the joys of what money can buy, but I have to tell you, having just merely 10,000 in your bank account compare to a million DOES NOT make you a different person. It doesn’t make other people with thinner pay checks lesser people than you are. We are still one and the same.

For some reasons, I know that many people will disagree. Sure, more of this means better food, nicer house, faster cars et al, but as I enumerate, these are all material things. And just like money, it doesn’t make you better specie than others who don't have these things.

I always thought that I could be happier when I reached the first million mark in my bank account. Did I felt any better? No. Did it make me a better person? No. Why? Because I can’t help thinking about it always. I can’t help thinking about what to buy. But since I know that this kind of amount is very hard to look for especially if you are just working class as I do, I starve my self with these material things. Worse, I can be boastful sometimes, though not through words but it drawn me too much worse emotions and attitude.

I am not saying you don’t have to look for it. In this materialistic world where people have to have it in order to survive, we have to work for it.

But money can’t always buy anything we want much more, what we need. It’s a cliché but it’s the truth - and it hurts.

Blogger's Dilemma

I always think that I can write.

But I am neither a great nor a good writer. I just know that I can at least write.

Back in college, my professor congratulated me in one of my essays before.

But why is it that I can't and really don't find my writings in this journal interesting to read?

Was it because I am fond of blog hopping and jealous enough that they have followers who give comments and participate in the blogger's life? Was that what I really wanted?

Sometimes, I am thinking of deleting this site. “Why bother, nobody is reading it anyway”, I quip. Why? Am I sure that I want others to read what I wrote? This is supposed to be a diary. Then, why do I have to let everyone else to read it? But that's the fun side, am I right?

More often, I come across with blogsites with numerous followers. Sometimes I wonder, do they really have that kind of life? Was it really that adventurous or dramatic? Or do they just fake it? Really, I know that, how you present what you write is one key, right?

Then, do I consider myself a blogger? Well, I'm still new having just started one last November, 2004. But I blog so I think I am.

But why is it that I have no such interesting stories/entries? I watched a Hong Kong movie (for the nth time) released a couple of years back and it was about a writer and a VJ who was once nemesis in air and print but eventually end up together. I've watched this movie a numerous times and in the last time, there was this one scene where the writer cannot write and deliver an interesting story. Her boyfriend tell her, it is because she doesn't go out and don't socialize that is why she had a hard time sewing a great story.

Then I thought... I don't really go out and hell! It’s been years since the last time I met someone interesting. Then it came to mind, "is socializing a key to great stories"?

I really rarely socialize and I don't usually have stories to blog about.

Was that the point I am looking for?

Then I thought, maybe the problem is not whether I am a good writer or not and to me, it really doesn't matter, more so, if nobody is reading it, but maybe it has something to do with my stagnant social life.

Home is where the heart is

I am back here in Taipei. I arrived yesterday at around 7pm via Philippine Airlines. It’s my first time to take PAL again after more than a couple of years because I usually take Taiwan's flag carrier ever since I've been flying back and forth Manila and Taipei since '03.

I have a long vacation in our family home in Ilocos Norte. In fact it was such a lazy week. All I did was to eat, sleep, watch TV, watch movies and watch more. In fact, sometimes, sadly, I miss sitting in my office table. After a couple of days of not doing anything, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something. Hence, I watered the garden plants, I took the responsibility of washing the dishes, attend to customers in our sari-sari store, any physical activity just to keep me busy.

Any changes? Well, not so much. Considering I was home not more than a month ago for my New Year's celebration.

I said in my previous post that I am not really expecting so much activity in this trip, and it was what I've expected.

I saw the garden fences which to my surprise costs my sister a whooping PHP 150,000.00 which includes the dirty kitchen built outside the house.



My mother was happy when I surprise her by buying a cake for her birthday (our family is not accustomed of having birthday cakes). It was fun. It was her first ever birthday cake after 55 years. She turned 56 this year.



One realization though. Being the youngest, my mother still treats me as if I am a high school student. She still scolds me if I’m being lazy. Geez! I am 25 years old and I am still getting these treatments from my family. In fact, they should consider that I was there for a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, for crying out loud. Though, it was fun. It was just like the good old days.

It’s harvesting time once again. The smells of newly uprooted garlic are all over the place. Usually, as probably unknown to most of us, garlic goes through a number of processes before it can be sold to the market and use it to what it is best to use with - cooking. After harvest, people have to remove the roots which is usually still attached to the garilc when you harvest. (I helped out but got tired) Then, it should be dried out from the sun. Drying would take days. When it's done, you have to remove the dried skin layer to show the smoother whiter layers. Lastly, you have to group it into sizes for bundling. And then of course, you have to wait for prospective buyers which usually take time because my father always wanted to sell it with the highest possible price. Once a garlic buyer and seller as he was, he knows when is the proper time although it irritates me even before because of the space in the house garage these garlic has to consume (I’ve been bragging them to build another storage outside the house because the one near the house is already full, and I don’t know what’s keeping them).



Home really makes me less worry. They say home is where the heart is. I always love my province - the fresh air and the comfort I get when I'm there. Really, nothing compares.

This boredom is killing me

I just finished the documentation I provided for the quasi-training I conducted yesterday. I have nothing else to do. I am bored as hell! It's still 5:15pm on my wristwatch. I still have at least two hours more because I arrived at the office half past 9 this morning. I still have other things to simulate though, but I feel tired. I already scheduled it when I return from my trip back home. Yes, I will be flying back to Manila again. Flying is a bit boring for me already. I've been flying in and out of the country since 2001.

I am not excited with this trip. I am not looking forward for something else. The only thing that excites me is to see the new look of the newly-built garden in our family house in Ilocos and the dirty kitchen my sister financed to built during her last vacation and of course, the birthday of my dearest mother.

I am planning to see a concert but I am tired of watching a concert by myself. I remember, I once watched a concert on valentines day. Imagine sitting there by myself while others are with their friends or significant others. I want this time to be with someone else. I'd like to share it withsomebody else.

I don't want to get hurt again just like the last time I planned of seeing a concert with someone but end up not going with her - only to find out she is with someone else already.
This vacation will be longer one (the longest vacation ever since) since Taiwanese will be celebrating their Chinese New Year and it lasts for a week. I will be leaving ahead tomorrow because all bookings are full this week.

Yes, this monotony is giving me headache. Worst, I will bear it for another year. I still have to stay here for another year. Not that I don't want though, but I am hoping my stay here will be worth it. I hope new projects will come in as days pass by. Without nothing to do, my brain seems to comprehend abnormally. Sometimes, I don't remember my vocabulary. I feel dumb already. "Nabobobo na ata ako".

Yes! Its 5:30pm already. I still have another hour to bear - because I have no choice.

Pissed off. Am not!

More often than not, why do we feel such hate towards other people even though they did not say nor do anything against us?

It is so amazing when other people have so many things to say towards other people even though we do not know them personally.

In the neighborhood, in schools, in the office and hell, even in church, we find these things circulating around.

Why is it then? For some personal experiences, it is very often that this feelings boils up from certain hearsay or intrigue thrown by someone who, one way or another experience such unpleasant instances with one particular person. I for one don’t understand why by merely hearing such terrible information about this person plays one’s emotion. We began hating this person as well – which is socially incorrect.

More often we try to avoid them, and more often than not, we add up with the thread gossiping this person.

We got pissed off for unknown reason when hearing awful news about them which in the first place, does not concern us.

An idea comes to mind while thinking about this and I came up with these three major reasons.

1. Jealousy
In any instances, this feeling of jealousy plays our emotions. It always ends up into something bad. One cliché is when we see that one of our officemate is getting so much attention from our superiors because of a job well done; we start gossiping them then end up hating them. Why? We are jealous, that’s why.

2. Trying to fit in
Who doesn’t want to be among the “it” crowd?. I think it is human’s nature to be like that. We always wanted to fit in to what is new, worse, more often ending up with more terrible situations. Peer-pressure is one thing. Again, in the office scenario, those people who felt #1 try to fit all together. It’s a chain and it’s bad.

3. Competition
We can’t beat them in sports or academic challenges – we beat them in other ways – through hate threads. One word and does all the wonders.

I am a victim of this. We believe every story we hear and get mad.

Borrowing the words from the movie “American History X”, Life is too short to get pissed off everyday. And I believed it and I will try to remember. It speaks truth in its truest sense. It is hate that makes this world a mess that it is today.

Life's Theme Song

Recently, I came across with this new band called KEANE. Their songs has been playing since last year but since I never really had so much time to research for them, I only able to hear their songs 2 days ago. Their album I am currently listening right now is called "Hopes and Fears". Guess what? Their songs seems like it was taken out from my own life. I felt weird specially with the tittle of their album. HOPES and FEARS. Sure all of us has it but my current life right now has so much of these. Then I was thankful since I have something to cling on when time gets rough.

Remember this post? This song best describe what I feel here.

Everybody's Changing
Keane

You say you wander your own land
But when I think about it
I don't see how you can
You're aching, you're breaking
And I can see the pain in your eyes
Says everybody's changing
And I don't know why

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

You're gone from here
And soon you will disappear
And fading into beautiful light
Cause everybody's changing
And I don't feel right

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

Oh everybody’s changing and I don’t feel the same

Mga Pasaway

My first post for the year 2005. I was not busy yesterday and reflecting what are the things that annoys me. I came up with 16 lists. Actually, madami pa yan. Pero ito muna ang mga una.

1. Bakit kailangang ka pang mag-online sa YM or any chat applications kung
ang ilalagay mong status e "BUSY". E di ka na lang sana nag-online para di
ka naiistorbo or baka ka-chatmate mo ang boss mo at masabing me ginagawa ka
kahit wala?

2. Bakit pagnageexplain ang Pinoy, kadalasan tinatagalog na nga ung salita,
ini-english pa. Kailangan pa bang itranslate or wala ka lang matinong point
para dun sa ineexplain mo?

3. Say you are just vacationing after a long hiatus, isn't it annoying when people asks you
when will you leaving again when in fact you just arrive?

4. Di ba nakakaasar yung nagtanong ka lang dun sa tao say for a little
information for confirmation tapos bigla na lang nagexplain ng pagkahaba-
haba. Ang siste, alam mo naman ung ineexplain nya. Yung parang feeling nya
sya lang ang nakaalam nun?

5. E yung, sabi mo.. " do you remember my last question before...?", tapos
sagot nya "uhmn.." ( in agreeing tone).. tapos sympre, tatanong mo , "So?",
sabay banat, "what question?"

6. Sa YM ulit, ung status na mga "quotes" lalo na kung pinatatamaan mo ung
kaaway mo sa opisina. E, putcha, status nga e. Hindi ka naman si Jose Rizal
or si Confucious kaya para mangaral.

7. Mga banat ng banat sa opisina na kala mo e andaming alam. Tikom na lang
ng bibig para di napapahiya. Mga pasaway kasi!

8. Mga tao sa chat or sa group na ayaw respetuhin yung opinion mo. Tapos
makikipag-away pa. Opinyon nga e. Di nila kailangang tanggapin yun.

9. E yung sa airport, yung ini-english ka na akala nya e iba ung
nationality mo (dahil sa itsura mo o dahil me lahi ka) pero hawak nya yung
passport mo na me malaking PASAPORTE na nakalagay.

10. E yung pinipilit mo tapos paayaaw-ayaw, tapos pasecret pa na gusto rin
pala.

11. E yung plans e all set na, meeting place, lahat. Tapos biglang magba-
backout.

12. E yung sya na nga yung late tapos nagrereklamo dahil malaki yung
babayaran sa taxi compared kung nag-commute na lang? E kung maaga ka kaya,
ano?

13. E yung halimbawa me kakilala kang pastor dati kase nung high school ka
e nagturo sa school nyo tungkol sa Christianity, tapos nagkita kayo after
say 10 years tapos di mo sya makilala pero nakilala ka nya...tapos bigla ka
na lang sinermunan tungkol sa bible na di mo na matandaan o di mo
maintindihan?

14. Yung mga moralistang tsismosa.

15. Yung say, matagal kang wala sa inyo tapos in different circumstances,
nameet mo yung mga dati mong kakilala, tapos, kung ano ung tinanong sa yo
kahapon nung ibang nameet mo, yun din ang itatanong sa yo. Paulit-ulit?
Sana, nagpapresscon ka na lang!

16. E yung nagtatanong ka, sympre di mo alam, dahil di ka naman ganun
kaexpertise sa isang bagay, tapos bigla kang sesermunan. Di mo na nga alam
e, pagagalitan ka pa. Ano ba ung i-explain mo ng maayos. Sus!

Anyway, balated Happy New Year na lang!