i wish...

i would be a happier dream catching wanderer
if i get the kuala lumpur
and kota kinabalu
version of this tumbler!!

can anyone di KL or KK let me know
kalau ini available pun
dekat local starbucks?
terima kasih.

Behind the Merrymaking

the essence of why i began this journal in 2002 was ME
to write about what i learned, what i felt, about what i wanted to do.
i am laps behind the seasoned writing runners
but like them i will aim to run the race to the finish
realizing the value of my own pace
i blog not to please others, but to unload.

i am reconnecting with my goal.

today when everyone was merry about christmas
i was questioning my capability to be a friend
was i selfish? inconsiderate? untrue?

and of all the people
that would make me feel this way
it had to be you...

you had to be the one to break the dam
the emotions I prayed would just evaporate in time
came crashing down to flood my suppressed and exhausted mind

you could have at least had the heart to understand
or at the very least...asked
for old times sake perhaps

thankfully i had my own rescue team
and now i just wait for the waters to subside
eyes sore and body tired...i feel numb...

Hello Nathan!

i am now officially an auntie!

my brother's wife gave birth last Decemeber 8, to a healthy baby boy and named him Mark Nathan. congratulations to my brother and tonette. i know i owe you guys bigtime!

first baby in our family after my youngest brother so i guess this kid will be spoiled in a way. i also bracing myself for the when-are-you-having-your-own-remarks. argh!

bah! soon lah! but not very soon!
still need to make sure the eyes
are either gray, blue or green
golden brwon would be my choice though
*giggles*

Happy Birthday Langga!

the sungai pirate "jack"
turns a year older today
continue spreading the magic
always paddle hard

It's a Girl!!

welcome to the world dear nerissa!

auntie mhay is excited to meet you.

i was so happy when i got a message from nawruz yesterday about the newest addition to the family! my sun phone has been out for a while. i havent been charging because i kinda lost the charger in kuala lumpur during one of my visits. back to story...we have a baby girl!

congratulations to my adopted brother nawruz and my sis-in-law cathy! what a perfect christmas gift a baby is!

i want to meet her!
bro, you have to send me photos please!

My Love Affair with Sabah

I am a Filipino by birth but a Sabahan by heart.

This relationship was started back in January of 2007 when a friend invited me to join a team that visited Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah.

Yes, it was love at first sight. but it didnt end at just seeing. I had to experience more, and in each visit peel away layer upon layer to uncover more of it's rich personality.

"He" is exquisite. With green treetops like curls on his head, clear watered beaches reflecting the blue in his eyes and the winding contours of it's river form his lips. The character of his face traced by the lines of the famous mountain and his bronzed skin reflecting the colors of the tribes that call him home. And in his soul, a culture that embraces unity in diversity with a heart for the simplicity of life. I have been enchanted by this land. And I want you to get to know my second home too...

I have written quite a few stories of my journeys and adventures. Tales of my love affair with Sabah. My way to share the giggles and escapades of a land not everyone knows about. May I encourage you to take the plunge as well, dive in and be mesmerized. Take a journey to a place they call Land Below the Wind.

And then maybe you too will fall in love...

I Will Write

ive been reading nyx's blog
and ive been inspired
to write..

that is to write more often.

Happy Birthday Boss!

it was my kk boss' birthday so kai, mary and myself got together and made him a video.

selamat harijadi boss. thank you for the oppotunities. i wish you good health, safety and more abundance to come so you can bless more people.

paintball on the news

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

for a paintball cheerleader, it's a big thing when she sees paintball in the news on philippine tv. this is a big step...i pray that things will grow from here...

paintball and heartbreaks

i know how you feel now
the disspointment and the grip on the heart
that you gave your trust and it was crumpled
thrown away like it didnt mean anything

you ask why you are still doing this
the idealism overthrown by the commercialism
everything is about power and money
and the rest is left for trash

maybe i have to step back
give it a thought
cause right now
i feel so displaced

From the Paintball Cheerleader

for a paintball cheerleader,
it's a huge thing
when she sees paintball in the news
on philippine tv.



For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV













this is a big contribution to the sport...
i pray that better things can happen from here...
i may not be able to make cartwheels and pyramids for this
but still i am cheering and raving for paintball
to be acknowledged all over the world...
and ill start from the philippines...

congratulations to team real pinoy for bagging the top prize at the recent Paintball World Cup 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

pinoy pride babybeh!

Baduy Natin!

we send kisses through other people
we receive them through other people
we spice up each other's lives through text
no expectations
we just surprise each other
that way we can take time to smile
a diversion from our realities

we have created our own lil word
temporary until we find another
in it i am learning to embrace my role
for I am an "o" woman
in this parallel universe we exist in
"we" are

baduy!

let me hug you.
let me hold your hand.
let me pray.
if you push me back
i will understand.

i will let you cope.
i will let you heal.
i will allow your silence.
if i had to handle this unknown
i too wouldnt know
i too will scream out questions.
so in your own little corner
allow me to whisper,
i love you and i will be here
once all the silent tears have flowed

dear che2,

there may be times you were reaching out and felt that no one was understanding. i know how that feels. i know what it is to feel isolated, alone and bearing the pain that literally feels like the heart is gripped.

sometimes i wished we were back to being young and free from all this. just the casual summer vacations in our street where children can be children. time when pain was about falling off a bike and scratching your knee. where happiness was equated to family dinners together with the anticiaption of scrabble after.

i can only pray you have the people physically there that can support you through this. i hope i know how else i can help.

let this be my way of saying i am here for you cousin.


manang m.

so where to now?

Happiness is only real when shared.
-Into the Wild

I’ve never lived beyond my middle class stature ,
I also work for shelter, food and some semblance of conveniences ,
I don’t have the safety net of savings or an inheritance.

should i remain and still create
or do i take on another journey
to inspire a dream elsewhere.

i may never be a millionaire
but i know i am rich
in my own way.

i create my dreams
and i will help ignite the fire for others
i am after all a catcher of dreams

so where to now??

This Journal Will Actually Change Your Life: A PLANNER REVIEW

Freespeech Publications did a brave thing, they sent a couple of people a copy of their 2009 planner for free and in exchange we must put it on a glass slide, mount it on microscope and make a comparative study of yet a similar specie known as the Starbucks planner.

Just to make things clear and easy i will refer to “this journal will actually change your life!!” As “change journal” since it does shout that out in direct and indirect ways.

On first glance.

I’d have to give it to the starbucks planner for its more professional-looking cover. I am in the consultancy business which means I go to a lot of client meetings. These meetings are my first encounters for possible clients; I need to be able to at least look the part of someone that you can entrust part of your business to. The change planner though funky, will look a bit extreme for people that formal.

I also give the starbucks planner another point for being expandable. My planner usually house everything I would need, from receipts, notes and even those journal entries you make on coffee napkins; these get inserted into the planner. The starbucks planner has a rubber thing to keep all my other inserts intact without the fear of them disappearing. The change planner looking like a book gives me the notion that i will loose a thing or two because it fell off.

On the material.

I love to color code my entries and use different kinds of pens. The change planner will get a point for this one. I find the paper they use thick enough to withstand any kind of ink. I find the starbucks planner’s paper too thin for sign pens.

On the layout

I have to give it to the change planner for thinking the way I do when it comes to layout. They were able to provide me with a monthly planner and then a weekly and daily space for my appointments. This necessary for me to be able to see my availability and from there zoom in on what I am supposed to do for the day. The amount of space they provide for the weekly is enough for me to be able to write down my schedule as well as write down a little bit of my day. The starbucks planner only gives me a monthly calendar but no space to even write birthdays at a month’s glance.

The weekly mood chart was a bonus to reflect on how the week went but I did appreciate the strategy notes at the end. I find the one page note page at the end of the month for the starbucks planner not enough for someone who attends multiple meetings a week.

Another thing that I will say is brilliant by the change planner is the yearly calendar found on the top of every page. It enables me to project schedules on a monthly and yearly system. I find with the starbucks planner I need to leaf back to the first part of the planner all the time which isn’t very convenient when you are in a middle of negotiations.

I will really have to with the change planner for its layout. I am enjoying the system it provides. The space for quarterly checkups is also a welcomed bonus since you are reminded of the quarters and you are encouraged to track expenses, strategize more and even check on your attitude with its soul inventory.

Overall

I chose a career that is very dynamic. There are times I have to live fast and some moments that I also need to take time to think and reflect. The change planner I feel was thinking with me on those terms.

Some things that can be better for me is again the chance for me to expand the planner and add pockets or extra pages. Another is since it claims to actually change a person’s life I find those pages between the months where they put something colourful or something to think about could be given more thought. Pictures could be added that can show topics like volunteerism, hobbies and travel to certain areas where they can make a change.

If freespeech Publications can also make the planner lighter (cover is sturdy but heavy) then it would be something that will be a mainstay in my bag.

When choosing planners, like choosing shoes, it has to be something your style and comfortable. For the price of P850 it’s definitely worth it!

This Journal Will Actually Change Your Life 2009 is available at all Powerbooks and Fullybooked branches. For more information you may check out http://freespeechpublications.com/

looking up

dear lelaki,

as you head back into the city everyday, i want u to take time to look up at the moon. things maybe chaotic or fall into routines but as you stare into this light you will remember that someone in another city is thinking of the same thing; or at least of u.


we are put here for a reason. we should never settle for convenience and what is merely within reach. take time to dream and aspire for a broader understanding of things. this way you can get the most out of life.


i want u to know that life isnt about absolutes but rather a daily unwrapping of surprises. so let the moon be my channel. my way of giving you the hugs that i cannot physically give. and my way of bringing in even just a drop of cheer to your otherwise tiring and monotonous day.


i know diving back into the current will be painful, nevertheless i will give and i am praying that it's worth it.


- a dream catcher

keep those postcards coming

on the cab ride home my eyes were just ready to say enough for the day. i said i would drop with a blag
when i get to my room. but as i opened my door
3 postcards fell. and it made my day!

so here I am. no blag on the bed. but rather i bring out my laptop to register them on postcrossing and writing a thank u note for those that sent them.

its nice getting postcards call it old fashioned but it makes me smile.

my turn now.

--- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- ----- ---
postcrossing

The goal of this project is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost free! The main idea is that: if you send a postcard, you'll receive at least one back, from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world.

Why? Because, like the author, there are lots of people who like to receive real mail. The element of surprise of receiving postcards from different places in the world (many of which you'd probably never have heard of) can turn your mailbox into a box of surprises - and who wouldn't like that?

Punta Fuego Occular

4 OCT 2008

took a loooong roadtrip with RC and Butch
to Peninsula de Punta Fuego
we needed to check out the place with a client
teambuilding by end of this week
it was the perfect setting to take tons of photos!

on the way back to manila
we looked into the other accomodation possibilities
around tagaytay for future training venues

looking forward to taking the trip back to these places!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PENINSULA DE PUNTA FUEGO
http://www.puntafuego.com/peninsula/

Punta Fuego, meaning "point of fire", is composed of high-end residential beach front properties located at the Batangas area only a couple of hours away from Manila. Peninsula de Punta Fuego, an 88-hectare world-class residential beach resort, was developed by Landco Pacific Corporation and Roxaco Land Corporation and was fully operational in 1999. The Punta Fuego community consists of Spanish-Mediterranean-inspired villas, a Beach Club, a Marina, a nine-hole golf course, a Country Club.

Location: Peninsula de Punta Fuego, Batangas

to a wife, from his friend

Dear Mrs. HisWife,

I met with your husband last night.

Please don’t think wicked of it. We only had a drink and it wasn't even alcoholic. Just a friendly catch up between friends was all it was. We animatedly talked about what has happened in a year. The sport , the people and trivial things. We also talked about where life has taken us.

And as I listened to him talk about his business heartaches and dreams I wanted to go up to you, stretch out my hand to show appreciation. This time he didn't leave you out of the conversation. He proudly told me about what you have been doing. The career change with a side note of how similar our jobs are now. Plus you wanting him home early every night, making sure he doesnt become a workaholic (he needs to be reminded every chance you get).

Thank you for slowly being part of his life. For being there during the moments that really matter to him. For taking the step to alter situations so that he can feel that someone supports him. Last night I felt that he finally feels that he has someone.

He is a great guy and I know that it is something that you also know. All he needs is for someone to tell him that every now and then. Things don't have to be serious all the time. Take time to act silly and let go of sophistication...you'll see how his eyes light up like that of a child.

His heart has been broken by business deals and some people he thought were friends. I dont want bitterness to be part of such a beautiful heart. I'm leaving soon and all he has is you.

Please continue being in the boat with him. He chose you to be his wife. I am only an emergency raft which exists in a parallel universe called friendship. I am aware that between our worlds are boundaries...I will respect that.



In good faith,


Your husband's # 1 friend

the other woman

but the other woman will always cry herself to sleep
the other woman will never have his love to keep
and as the years go by
the other woman
will spend her life alone

- jeff buckley

hearing the song

she told herself maybe she was the other woman
cause she did -without loosing her sense of self - what she could do to be near him
cause she rationalized his goodness beyond what it probably was
cause she wanted to show him how much bigger the world is

and then she sang the song again
and realized

she didn’t want to be alone
she wanted to take her own children to the beach
or have a kitchen that will let her make them almond-walnut pancakes
or have someone who she can talk to about her dreams
and who would, in turn tell her his

so she let him go

but what really stung her was
how through all this
he did make her feel like the other woman
because for the last time she thought
maybe he was fine where he was
maybe to him he needed someone who was nearer
maybe he had to settle into what was convenient
maybe he will be happy

cause that's all she wants for him --- to be happy

in a 10-year relationship

I have this guy in my life,

aside from my dad
we met for 10 minutes back in 1998
and has grown the relationship for 10 years to date
so far the longest of all the series of unfortunate men in my life,

pun intended

he’s has been part of all the significant dramas

in my life after highschool
and has accepted my quirks and screws loose, and i his
we can handle talks while we “tusok-tusok” the fishball
to sipping wine and discussing about art history or van gogh

they say that even the stars agree to our being together
i am Gemini, he is Sagittarius
complimentary in almost everyway
he holds the line at times while i breathe,

and i hold it up when my turn comes
we have our silly competitive contests

where the scores are never remembered
our daily highlights and lowlights

and a knack for being able

to laugh at one another’s “ngak” moments

anything, anywhere, anyone we can take on
though we can even by ourselves
but we can be better if we combine our powers

about a year and a half ago we made a decision
to take the next step in our lives and move into the same house
this time we take the practice of conjugal property to another level
there a days he buys the food and there are days that he gets lazy and i take over
there are days we are excited to talk about life, and days stretching out to weeks
that we just go our own separate ways for a breather

we talk about other relationships we have or have had, the escapades and charades
and though at times we do get jealous, i know he’ll never own up to it
so we just continue sharing our life and the journey towards what we call dreams
this has just been great for me all this time,
i can very well say, if relationships were this mature,
then maybe some companies will go out of business
and the world can be a much better place

so to those that know me you know who he is

he is my will and i am grace
together we are always on the lookout for the next gorgeous man
so we can stare, giggle and make our own kind of fun
and yes...
he is....*giggles*

and that’s what makes the friendship just divine!


__ ___ ___

postscript. I just learned that someone in his family believes that we are really are a we-will-be-married-soon-enough-kind of couple. I had a hearty laugh hearing about that. he said maybe we should get engagement rings too. I can’t blame them for thinking though, it’s the best relationship set-up i’ve had. I love u tag...to infinity and beyond...

My Kind of Decorating

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

When it comes to decorating and furnishing your home, no one would ever accuse you of purism and restraint. You're a real glamour puss, never happier than when an opportunity crops up to add another flourish of theatrical pizzazz to your home. We're not saying you're a drama queen, really...!

Living Room

You are drawn to all things that combine beauty with adventure. This is a high-octane, unabashed, sensual look that encompasses everything that's luxurious, voluptuous and curvaceous. Think rich fabrics, textured materials and glossy surfaces. While glamour makes a big, bold statement, it also smacks of total comfort and fun. Modern accessories will make a sleek counterpoint, allowing an outstanding sofa, for example, to take centre-stage. Fresh, bright colours at the 'cool' end of the spectrum are welcoming and airy, while modern floral prints add a smart, feminine touch. Make comfort the priority in your living room: it's where you naturally go to watch TV, relax and de-stress.

Bedroom

Your bedroom benefits from a lovely feminine touch. Sleep is fundamentally important to our well being. In busy towns and cities, noise can often hamper a good night's sleep. Soft furnishings really do absorb sound, and touch is such an important sense in the bedroom, from crisp, linen sheets to wool or even sheepskin underfoot. You like to surround yourself with pretty frills and flounces in your bedroom, using a palette of beautifully muted colours to create the perfect retreat from daily stresses and strains.

Dining Room

You're a maverick, blending a melting-pot style that's all your own. At home, the pleasure you take in your 'pick 'n' mix' approach to decorating gives the dining space a 'pot luck' sense of fun. The dining table is the perfect place for you to show off your kaleidoscopic approach to interior design and decoration: cups, saucers, plates and glasses of different colours, shapes and sizes can look vibrant and fun when executed with flair: just don't go overboard or try too hard. When it comes to entertaining, you're pretty casual and relaxed.

Home Office

You like things floral and feminine, even in the home office. These days, almost all of us have a home office: a desk and a chair in one corner of the living room with adjustable task lighting and adequate filing is all it takes (and might be all the space you can afford). Pretty finishing touches can transform even the most utilitarian desks: a potted plant, a vase of flowers or family photographs can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Your home's a shrine to all things glamorous.

am i a wild cat?

september adventure wish

i pray...

my boss can take me with him to the subang training
we get all the pending checks from the clients we have
that i can get to stay with my malaysian sister when i get to KL

then...

i can visit this beautiful place
of castles and french architechture
the closest to europe I can get for now
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Colmar Tropicale

Colmar Tropicale is the unique French-themed attraction at Berjaya Hills. It stands 2,600 feet above sea level on 80 acres of natural forestland. The first of its kind in Malaysia, it is modelled after the 16th Century Colmar Village in Alsace, France and has retained the authenticity and European feel of its counterpart. Submerge yourself in the French countryside ambience at Colmar Tropicale as its beautiful architecture and furnishings bring you back to times of yore.

The lifestyle at Colmar Tropicale is highlighted by many attractions whether you arrive singly or with a family. Kick back with a cigar at Le Vin Wine & Cigar Bar and marvel at the lively street entertainment and exciting stage performances from local and foreign artistes. For photo snappers, Colmar Tropicale is a haven with the castle drawbridge at the entrance being a favourite. Watch swans along the moat, sit around the square's fountain, wishing well and climb up the viewing tower for a grand spectacle of the resort and the picturesque cuckoo clock tower hich was designed after the Riquewihr Tower, France.

The true attraction of Colmar Tropicale is apparent. The spirit of hospitality and welcome is epitomised by warm and helpful personnel to ensure your holiday here is seamless, by providing all the necessity comforts and needs. Bask in a holiday here with comforts like your dream home away from the norm. Live up the atmosphere at the resort for a holiday experience beyond compare, only at Colmar Tropicale.

new found enjoyment

i am now in tagaytay for a job evaluation session with a land development company. and since the hotel has wifi then here i am taking time before the session starts to post this.
i am liking my new fun job.

after my 2-moth malaysia adventure, i joined a team that does organizational development consultancy and offers various training programs. we also offer teambuilding programs for companies that want to maximize the effectiveness of its teams. the past couple of weeks, I am being exposed so that I can eventually lead and facilitate some of the programs we offer. but for now I get to shadow my boss and handle just a module or two.

butch calls me his training associate. i am basically a slasher. i do anything and everything for now. i am marketing coordinator, training assistant, personal assistant, researcher, powerpoint designer and training participant all in one. being a kinesthetic learner, doing all these things maximizes the skils and knowledge I gain. and i am enjoying every minute of it.

to top it all, i get to work with my mentor. he's been a boss for the last 5 years with 2 of the call centers I had been connected with which means he had gotten to know how to handle all my socializer-artistic self. so yey!

so why am i liking my job? because like centrum it is complete. i get to train, to travel and learn alot from everything I do. plus it freelance so what more can you ask for?

Stranger Encounter

came home to trekkers lodge one night, the place I called home in kota kinabalu (kk), and saw kenny with his uncle. they got themselves a room there while his uncle was in town. naturally they invited joel and me for a few round of beers. i willingly said, "sure."

itay and kenny gave up on us early since they both had to be up early for work. so I was left drinking with a complete stranger which actually concerned me a bit. but after thinking that I was "at home" anyway then I refilled my glass and continued on the discussion.

as we emptied our tiger beers we found ourselves discussing about life. it spun off from the mere question of why I was in kk. hmmm...good question. something that people have asked and I cant really seem to find an answer. my staple response was "I just felt like I had to do this trip." which was true for me.

we compared our cultures, shared about our travels around the world (just south east asia for me though) and even discussed about love. in the middle of one of our conversations he suddenly just stopped. he took a gulp of his beer, then with all the english he could muster said, "i not know you very long, but i feel you come to kk to look for something...have you find it?"

i was frozen. here was a man that i just met and he asks me a loaded question. snapping out of the shaken state I told him, "yes I did, but for me its letting the experience reveal where I should be headed," to which he replied "i think you looking for love here." what did he just say?? I wanted to shout and say "OF COURSE NOT!" but that would be lie.

i may say that finding love wasn't the main concern for the trip. but it still was a reason. no sense defending myself to a guy that seems to be able to read me. but this is not why I am writing about this experience. after being quiet and him feeling the apprehension, he went on to say the statement the made rethink the days to come.

"you are like playing football, you kick and kick the ball. but to where you don't know. now you are tired. you look for love but you dont know what you want to find, because you dont have a goal," was what he said.

part of me wanted to scream at him and tell me my views on letting the universe open up the opportunities for me. but somehow that was just wow-i-couldnt-say-anything-cause-its-partly-true moment for me.

if that was a friend or a person from my family that said it I would been in red alert defensive mode. but coming from a mere stranger. that was just wow! a bitter sweet dose of reality. i wanted to hug him, but remembered I was in a country that could easily misinterpret that. so I just stuck out my hand and told him, "that was most candid assessment of my life and I thank you for verbalizing it for me."

i may never see him again but he will always be a man that slapped me back to a dream-reality-balance.

so am I kicking the ball towards a goal now? i can say yes. my field may be small and the goal make-shift, but definitely worth the baby steps.

have I found love? hmmm...next topic please....

Temporary Separation Night

Location:
Upperstar Cafe & Santana Karaoke Bar
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

4 July 2008

they organized something for me
to make sure i felt the love
cause we were going to be separated
for a couple of months

people from RB came
well except for the bosses
and most importantly those i call family
they were all there!

this why i love my kk family!!

-------------
these entries i first wrote back in 2008
in my multiply albums.
i wanted to have everything in one place
so I am reposting them in my blog.

Trading In their Pirate Sandals

Location:
bb cafe + cocoon + razz mah tazz
kota kinabalu, sabah, malaysia

11 June 2008

it was the last night of annelis and ann aka the holland girls
so i was able to get the 3 padas musketeers together plus snoop
first time i saw the sungai pirates wearing shoes and a matching party outfit
they even took time to spritz on some perfume!!
am popogi lang ha!
ehehehehe

and that made it a great formula for a going away night out!!!

______________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

What a Traveller Does After a Month

Location:
- Labuan, Malaysia
- BSB, Brunei
- BB Cafe, Cocoon and R&B Pub in Kota Kinabalu

10 June 2008

you are usually given a month to stay in sabah. but since i am having such a blast i decided to extend it for yet another month. so mary and myself went on a day trip to labuan and brunei and get our passports chopped and extended!

when we got to serasa (brunei), we found a man that was willing to drive us to BSB (capital city of brunei) so we can get some gambar-gambar (photos). that was such a risk since we only had an hour and a half till the return ferry to labuan. we almost missed the ferry. but naturally, mary and i just laughed it off!

it was supposed to be overnight in labuan but how can you turn down a chance to ride on a bot laju (speed boat) to get to yet another place calle menumbong and have an adventure on how to get back to kk.

thanks to kuys we had someone to pick us up in kk bus stop
so we got a little earlier than expected
i even got to party with lies, anna, mette and dani!

i had so fun with these 2 girls from holland
met them in cocoon last week
and while i was having dinner with kak mary
they called to go out dancing
i was in the mood so i went!

we covered 3 places in one night
plus kuya ikan was there so i felt pretty safe to party on
we trying to get the girls to believe
that kuya ikan was my brother
they wouldnt believe though because he was darker
it gave us a good laugh.

so much dancing for the night i was beat!











___________________
this post was written june 08
i had to transfer it from my other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

What Kept Me Busy in Sabah

Location: Sabah, Malaysia

- Gaya Island & Teluk Malohom

- Pukak Town and Kiulu River

- Salut Restaurant

- Nexus Karambunai Resort

JUNE 5 - 7, 2008
Entrepreneur's Organization Malaysia Chapter Retreat

42 people from Kuala Lumpur
came to Sabah for "an outing"
23 adults, 18 children and 1 baby

because of this i have learned to speak melayu a bit
gone to the island on a private speedboat
went from vacation mode
to a stressed life
but i totally loved the experience
it was definitely a dream come true

with this experience
i have also been blessed
to have people in my life
that without
would have made me jump off
the tallest building in Sabah

you know who you all are.
giving me "i am so proud of my anak" speech
each time i leave to go to the "office."
those that willing to drive me around to get supplies.
those that were willing to translate for me
when I can no longer faham.
or simply giving me an sms at the end of the day
to remind why I was doing this.
i love you more than you probably know.

and also to one man that took a risk
thank you "boss o" for this opportunity
to you i am forever grateful

___________________________

this post was written june 08

i had to transfer it from my other site.

must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

This Year I Blew Out My Candles in Sabah

Location: Trekkers Lodge and Hunters, Sabah, Malaysia

30 May 2008

The plan was to cook, get everyone together, wait for the guides to get back from the rivers, makan (eat) together and just drink the night away in a karaoke!

The result was a night of eating alot of food! Some arak (alak ba), beer and kahlua mixed with icecream. There was a silly attitude in the air that kept everyone on a laughing high all night. After the makan...we went down to Hunters to sing and dance the night away. There was even the lucky surprise of our table winning the grand prize of an airasia ticket for KK-Clark-KK!!! What a way to end the night!!

A big hug and kiss will go to the employee of the year...my kak (elder sister) MARY for putting everything together. From the shopping, to the cooking, the calls and the sms in between Padas and Kiulu reservations. She just made sure that this day would be superduperextrastrenghtandacheery on top fantabulous for me. What did I do to deserve such a thing I do not know.

But equal to that for my Itay Joel for opening up Trekkers Lodge (despite making him a bit uncomfortable) and the fried chicken wings. To Francine, my adopted niece, for being the official photographer of the night (she's only eight but she did a great job this album are mostly her photos). To the Riverbug Family for my bday cake. For Titz and Roger that made the best halal lumpia ever....yes nalang oi! To Kuya Alex for the shopping coupon, the kahlua and just keeping it alive at Hunters. To Mami Lydia for that delicious Javanese delicacy that I seem to always forget what it's called. To Boy & Jess for running to Milimewa, the icecream and cooking the grabe-sarap-kakaiba-tuna-spaghetti. To my Kuya Mors, for being lambing-ed to buy ice and drinks. To the Sungai Pirates for the minum (drinks) and just simply being there. To my new big bro Kuya Dennis for that really beautiful song you wrote, its not everyday that people write a song for me and despite the laughter it was something that really made my day. And to the rest of the people that took time to make it what it was, you presence was the best gift I could ask for!

There were people that couldnt make it because of work, some went to Mantanani and some I just forgot to sms (sorry snoop, kuya petty and K)!

To those that couldnt be there for any reason....this is for you...*grins*

__________________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

it's simply...magic!

stranded in a railroad station,
he glanced at me and asked…do you believe in magic?
seeing no need for second thoughts I gave a smile and firmly said...
yes langga, i believe!

because I do…

here i am far from the comforts of familiarity is where it unfolds almost everyday. from the decision to pack my bags, to the daily doses of laughter and the spontaneity of little things that seem to give out a thumbs up that indeed this is part of the journey. despite the detours and road blocks, I was meant to be on this particular track.

from laying down that one puzzle piece, the rest of the pieces just seem to fit in the grooves perfectly. everyday there will always a moment to celebrate and a reason to be thankful.

that is why i believe…that in anything there will always be an opportunity for one instance that catches you by surprise…and like being in a magic show, you scratch your head and you ask…now how did that happen? well…its magic!

Padas Rafting with a Dollop of Wine

Location:
Tenom, Sungai Padas and Beaufort
Sabah, Malaysia

24 May 2008

it was supposed to be a familiarization trip for other agents in KK but they backed out. since i might be a bit busy the next few days i decided to go on with the trip.
i did not regret that decision!

though this is my 3rd time to brave this raging river,
the experience was still different.
this time i was thrown off the raft
and was stuck under the boat.
i didnt panic and remembered the safety briefing
that i should trace my way to the outside.
but not seeing where I was,
worried my guide so he jumped in for me
thank you for looking out for me N.

also i was able to swim to the end point
with Razali shouting that I had to swim to the right
where a hand caught me followed by a voice
that said "careful langga, rocks"
sweet kan? he he he

after the ever yummy bbq lunch of kambing,
there was an extra mile of rafting to meet the speedboat
but the boat wasn't there...
so we were stranded in a Murut village with a storm brewing.
and when the rains did come,
just like those younger years
i went to dance and play in it.

leave it to the guides to think ahead,
they bought local rice wine to keep us warm
and when the wine kicked in...
we realized that Nrey can do magic
and that rubber bands can hurt real bad when you play with them.

when the boat came the rain was still pouring,
but more wine kept us warm
and after another bottle
the guides started singing any song they could remember
including I Will Survive - The Malay Version!
DVD wasnt able to make a video backup though
so no proof!!! dang it!

all it took was...
a lone raft with a mix of characters in them
1 late speedboat and rice wine
2 safety kayaks taking video and photos and
3 funny guides that made the best decision to buy rice wine

and it did not stop there...for the day's cherry on the top...

getting louis & achu at upperstar,
4 rounds of Tiger Beer and uniting the Padas Musketeers
which led to balls & sausage conversations
plus knowing the difference between macho & cute!!!
and finding out what it was like when everyone can just be themselves
as they say here in KK... sakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!!

__________________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

Experiencing a Cultural Woodstock

Location: KDCA, Penumpang, Sabah, Malaysia

PESTA KAAMATAN: Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society. It’s a celebration to honour the Rice Spirit – Bambaazon or Bambarayon and giving thanks for yet another bountiful year. The festival begins on the first of May at many district levels. The rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan is a tribal practice of Kadazandusun and also Murut peoples.

Excerpt from:Sabah, Culture
------------------------------------------------------------------
31 May 2008

Since May 31st was a holiday I decided to join Mami Lydia in checking out the Pesta Kaamatan Celebration in Penampang. I brought Francine along with me so she can also experience it. They was a drizzle that day. Rain being nourishment for farming made the celebration even more authentic.

It was like a cultural woodstock where the people can go from one type of tribal house to another and sample the local cuisine and best of all the local wine!! By the end of the day you indeed will have such a high spirit that you can just mix in with the crowd that has been drinking since the day before.

Another thing that I noticed was the similarity between the local Sabahan tribes and those from the Philippines. Having grandparents that always reminded me to be proud of my Minadanao roots no matter what, it was nice being with other people proud of theirs!

this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

Revisiting Los Banos

23 April 2008

University of the Philippine Los Banos & Intl Rice Research Institute

Went with my "new boss" to assist him in training a program
It was nice to see the familiar places
Remembering the bike routes I used to pass through
Meeting a enthusiastic soul named Pam
Getting to eat fresh yogurt from the UPLB dairy
Sadly didnt have enough time to pass by Maahas
and see my cousins...next time...

Location: Los Banos, Laguna

Where I Wear My Shoes

when you grow up an only girl and around lots of men, you tend have a need to develop relationships with other women to keep things balanced. throughout my life some of those relationships have been much deeper and you feel that despite not being born of the same parents you can call them sisters.

i have this "sister" that i don't see. it is always the ultimate question...where is michi now? but all i know is we pick out our own journeys and hopeful we can meet up and be in the same place sometime soon.
i want to share part of her journey though. she travels aroud the world taking photographs of peoples shoes. she believes that...

"I discovered that many shoes represent a person's own story book- life
experiences, exotic travels, the journey of one's soul from one place to the
next..."

so check out

http://weariwhere.blogspot.com/

then you can answer the same questions these people did. then i hope one day Michi can come home to the Philippines and she too can share tales of journeys of our shoes. for me my slippers...

Conspiracy

a couple of years ago I embraced the truth of Carpe Diem!
then I came across an author that said
"the universe conspires to those who dream!"
and it has been made true in my life over and over.

after more than 2 years, a decision had to be made to say farewell to the company that I had helped started. i went through all the emtions sliding the line from a sense of accomplishement to sadness of leaving behind certain people. but as they say when one door closes another one opens...or at a very least a window to look out too and see what lies ahead.

a week after closing the door, another has already opened and there's even a window beside it that opened up to a realling exciting view. and to those that know me, being able to spend even a month and live in my 2nd home country will be by far a dream come true.

other may see this move as flighty, an uncalculated risk or my way to escape. but to me its part of my vision. though it has taken me time to travel down the road, the journey has been rewarding.

to those that have been part of my adventures, to those I met along the way and those that are still walking (or cheering) by me...thank you.

i look back and see the rotunda of confusion and i wave a goodbye.
boldly i take my first few steps into yet another path.
scared and excited i take these emotions as fuel...
cause whatever comes my way,
I know the universe conspires to those who dream.

What's In a Name?

omg! so true! whachatink??

What Mhayness Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?