lists and maps

no more complaining. gotta start doing! it's never too late! so i start off with this:

1. taking the trip to the world cup in KL as a volunteer
2. acquiring the money to make the trip to KL in November
3. spending time with my KL sisters and brothers
4. having more than enough to pay the rent, bills, weekend adventures and a yearly out-of-the-country trip plus have some stash for a rainy day.
5. being able to pay everything on my card
6. finding a career that is a match with my personality, values and way of life
7. always having fun wherever and whenever!
8. being able to live in europe for a year; ohhh the weekend escapade and cultural learning...yum!
9. taking my parents on a vacation

i'll be making a collage of my 2010 -2011 vision. i'll post that up soon! welcome back sunshine!!!

A Touch of Swiss Please

so much chatter about this secret or hidden restaurant in antipolo with great food and a nice view. since I had to take out this client friend anyway, i decide to hit two birds with one stone.

Vieux Chalet was indeed hidden somewhere towards hinulugang tatak because the address read taktak road. i loved the area even from the driveway. the chalet was a vintage style house turned into a restaurant. i liked looking at all the little trinkets and the paintings were so personal and colorful. it was like one big sala that had windows that framed a beautiful am-out-of-the-city view add in the smell of fresh air with an it-just-rained ambience.

i did my homework before heading out to this place. and all of the blogs or sites say that you can't go wrong with your food order. i would have to agree. anything on the menu is good and organic using available ingredients from their garden. it can be a bit pricey though and i would confess I didn't bring enough that day which made me skip a glass of wine. Good thing though is that most of the dishes can be shared so roughly if you go there just bring about Php 1000. This will get you a solo dish plus an order of something you need to split and share and a must have glass of wine to go with the food and ambience. you need to try the carabao's milk icecream it was just rich and full of flavor.

my client friend, my paduan and my indian IT collegue enjoyed the vieux chalet experience.

i on the other hand...wanted to live there.

Weekends Are to Reboot

i've always believed that weekends were made for personal time. For J, K and myself we wanted to spend it just loitering, eating whatever strikes our fancy and of course what I do best - documenting our lives spontaneously.

Only Php 3800 6996 Roundtrip to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on Cebu Pacific

its summer and vacation time very soon!
what better way to celebrate it than go on trip to sabah, malaysia.

i just checked online, and currently cebu pacific's MLA-KOTA KINABALU-MLA ticket
for the month of may to 1st week of july is ONLY 3800PESOS Php 6996 (as of March 13) round trip with tax.
since its a promo limited slots as per the airline.

i can help with the accommodation and booking your activities in kota kinabalu,
through trusted tour operators and backpacker lodges.
we also have options for hotels if you would like.

you may be interested...

· to see mt. kinabalu, which is southeast asia’s highest peak
· experience the thrill of white water rafting in either kiulu or padas river
· see the probosis monkey and firelflies on our garama rivercruise
· you can also explore the culture of the kadazan-dusun, badjao, murut and other sabahan tribes through their handicrafts, food and wine
· you can even get away for a nature safari in the Kinabatangan River
· a new secluded beach and diving resort has also recently been opened in mantanani kecil island

this will be your malaysian escapade, your memories!
and sabah being gifted with its beaches, mountains, forests and rivers
will definitely have something in store for you, your friends and even your family!

let me help you make your summer route of fun.
travelling is my passion. i’d be happy to share my own experiences and pictures.
you reach me at +639172085317
or email me at mhayrondael@yahoo.com

i would also appreciate if you can also refer me to friends that might be interested.
thanks!! happy travelling!

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
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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.

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.