New Camera

Thanks to the generosity of Super F, I was able to get myself a Fujifilm S6500FD for a fraction of the price. It isn't a full-fledged DSLR but so far after using it over the weekend, I can see a big improvement in the photos I took in terms of colors, depth and sharpness. It takes pretty good night photos too, I haven't been too reliant on the flash and have been able to depict "real" colors rather than too-bright faces at night.

I also found an free online photo-editing tool called, Picnik. If you have the time and patience to wait for the upload and download from your PC, its cool to create effects like changing your photos into Vignette, Cinemascope, Lomo, Holga-ish or spot color. I did discover though that its faster to get photos for editing from a photo site like Flickr or Facebook rather than uploading from the PC.

Check out my newfound artistry:

Sultan Abdul Samad building near Merdeka Square


Cooling off at the KLCC park pool


Petronas Towers view from Menara KL

Travel Planning - Europe edition

As the take-off date for my short European jaunt gets closer, I can't help but get excited. I thought so hard and long about this (and for such a short trip -- 3 weeks) that now, just 16 days away, I feel I'm already prepared. For someone who usually packs for a trip the night before its pretty unbelievable!

I've mentioned it before, I just love travel planning. Its convenient to hand everything over to a travel agent especially if you can afford the best. But I can't so its lucky for me that I find it more fun to see what other options are out there and put together my travel package on my own terms.

The internet also makes things so easy! Here are the sites I pore over to help me out:

• Air Ninja - lets you find a discount airline for your destination or comparison check between regular airlines as it also links to Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity.
• Octopus Travel, Venere.com, Trav.com and Hotels.com all help book the best deals on hotels.
  
• Trip Advisor - Lets you check location and hotel reviews and sometimes links you to rates. Its invaluable because it lets you filter hotels based on your travel style (singles, honeymooners, seniors) and also your budget.
• Lonely Planet and Contiki also helped me choose my getaway places, like Italy for my detour between Norway and Greece, and Santorini for my Greek Island escapade because it lists the interesting sights and activities.

Anyway I was able to use Trip Advisor to help me decide on my free-day-in-Rome hotel, the Della Torre Argentina for only Euro 60 a night (a bargain for a hotel in the city center) , as well as my little Santorini hideaway, Hotel Antonia in the heart of Fira for only 33 euros a night!

With my new pseudo-DSLR camera courtesy of Super F arriving this week and my Schengen visa freshly approved as of today, I'm really all set to go!

Mmmmm...Chocolate

Reposted from Klue. This is an interesting try for Anton's visit next weekend. I love chocolate!

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Today I skipped lunch to visit Theobroma Chocolate Lounge in Pavilion, after hearing a positive comment from reader puppylee at our earlier article. Yep I was super gung-ho about it as I'm a huge chocolate fan.

The store is located at Pavilion's Connection wing, below GSC Cinema and next to Dome Cafe. There weren't many people when I was there, but I liked how the store looked with its wood finishes and high-backed leather (or is it pleather?) chairs. Also like the lights and the display counters. Everything looks bright, clean and comfortable.

There's loads of choco drinks on the menu, from hot to iced to ice-blended. Also available are pancakes, fondue, waffles and stuff of that sort. If you want something more substantial, there are pies, quiches and salads to pick from.

Oh and besides drinks, you can get the most yummy looking chocolates there. All imported from Australia, apparently.

Picture above is but a small sample of what's available. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out the ones that you want.

After staring at the menu for quite a bit, I finally decided on the Ms Coco Frappe which is made with dark Belgian chocolate. Too hard to resist.

Looks good, don't it? One sip and I was in choco heaven! Because it was dark chocolate, the drink wasn't overwhelmingly sweet or nauseating. I thought the dark swirls that you see in the picture was merely chocolate syrup but it turns out they were chunks of rich Belgian chocolate. After slurping down the drink, I spent a good 20 mins scraping off the chocolate with the straw. Damn greedy but you don't waste chocolate, right?!

If you're wondering about the prices, it's competitive with cafes like Starbucks, Coffee Bean and the likes. If you're thinking about visiting Theobroma, particularly the Pavilion branch (I know 1 U's branch is open but I haven't been there yet - any comments?), maybe you'll like to go on Thurs as the Pussycat Dolls will be making an appearance, as I gathered from the banner.

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge (Pavilion) is located at C4.05.02, Connection Level 5, Pavilion KL.

Climbing Down (Part 2 of 2)

Still smiling!! I must look good in photos!

I thought gravity would be my greatest ally just propelling me forward. Yes, I would have to take the same 6 km trail going down, but “down” was my operative word. How hard could it be? Again my overestimation of my skills got the better of me and I refused a porter for my bag. Butgoing down 3,300 meters of mountain is TOUGH. Especially if you just climbed it the day before. Thankfully during the descent it did not rain. After less than 2 km I gave up on my bag and handed it over to another generous colleague. It took less time to go down but midway I started dragging my feet at the back along with the 2 other trip-mates who were having a difficult time. It was even more embarrassing because I was a 30(ish)-year old single girl and they were both older, 2-time moms. My knees shook and threatened to give way with every step and by the time we reached the last 500 meters I was attempting short, crablike movements to alternate the weight on my feet. The last 100 meters consisted of steps going up, the worst torture of all after climbing down so long. Two guys I was with picked up one of my arms each and half-dragged me up the steps.

All of us had difficulty taking steps up or down immediately after that so it was difficult to get up and down the bus, up the hotel steps and so on. But what a relief to get into a hot and strong shower! We capped off the evening with a big buffet dinner at the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru, handing out the official certificates for those who made it to Laban Rata, and those who made it to the top which were about 5 from our group. I proudly help up my own certificate which counted my 3,300 meter ascent to Laban Rata and mentally added the 400 meters more that I climbed to the Sayat-Sayat check point (they should have certificates for that too!). Everyone ached and groaned for days after that but it was all we could talk about for a while, so in terms of a team-building experience, it was drastic but it worked.

My precioussss...evidence

I just wanted to share with some tips that I wish someone (like our more knowledgeable guides!) could have told me for it to be a better experience:

1. Wear waterproof everything! Jacket, pants, shoes and especially gloves. Buy one of those flimsy disposable raincoats which can also help shelter your bag. I wish I could have worn waterproof gloves rather than those lousy knit ones which weren’t much help against the rain and cold.
2. Hire a porter especially if you haven’t really trained for the climb. It will be the best RM 70 you’ve ever spent.
3. Kota Kinabalu bring to mind beautiful beaches and tropical breezes which is why I didn’t believe it could get that cold on the mountain. It does. Invest in warm clothing.
4. Wear good hiking shoes. My rubber soles ripped off before the climb down…your trusty Nikes wont hold up no matter what those guides say that its ok to wear them.
5. You don’t need moisturizer.
6. Check for the best time of year to go. We didn’t even bother about the weather but apparent when we went (June) is right at the start of the rainy season. Earlier in the year might be less chance of rain.
7. Train, train, train with cardio and strength exercises 3x/week for a few months before you go. Otherwise, do a more leisurely climb by staying 2 nights at Laban Rata. Book early because rooms run out fast.

Good luck on your climb!

Travel Bug on Overdrive

In the 1st quarter of the year, I stuck pretty much to home territory (a.k.a KL) wondering where I would end up next. Then suddenly a series of trips kept me busy and away for the second quarter, starting with a vacation Siem Reap, then Phuket, Bangkok (one trip for work and another for play), business in Islamabad, a company trip to Kota Kinabalu (specifically Mount Kinabalu), a conference and party weekend in Hongkong (perfectly timed with my birthday), plus a couple of trips to the Philippines which included a Boracay getaway.

Right before I left for my Manila vacation in late June, I got a hold of some good news. I was being sent to the company HQ in Oslo to deliver a presentation there. Ok, the thought of giving a presentation has me quaking in my shoes and Norway is a sub-arctic region, but I'd never been there. It was also a gateway to Europe and I considered taking a few extra days for a little trip down west since I had always wanted to explore other places since my last visit in 2002.

While on vacation in Manila, I kept on checking my email (and having my friends check it!) for the other bit of news I was waiting for. And finally got. An academic paper I wrote was accepted to a conference in Athens. Get this...the conference was only 2 weeks from my Oslo trip. I was able to apply for a week's leave from the office and picked my European detour between Norway and Greece: Italy!

I've booked a Contiki tour through a local travel agent and though she was the most tactless one I've ever encountered ("Are you aware that Contiki is a tour for youngsters?"), her attitude hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for my upcoming trip through the cities of Rome, Venice and Florence. I also have a little time to pass through Santorini island right before heading off to the Athens conference.

During the trips I will get to meet up with my high school best friend who now lives in Gothenburg, Sweden, because its 4 hours away from Oslo by bus; as well as my mom's ex's youngest son (my ex-stepbrother?) who lives in Athens. Throughout it all, I will be armed with a new pseudo-DSLR camera generously sold to me by a friend for a token fee.

You can just imagine how excited I am--- and I'm totally grateful about how everything is falling into place. Its been one wonderful surprise after the other and I'm breathless with anticipation as to what's next . The Europe countdown begins!

Climbing Up (Part 1 of 2)

Before the torture

When the office told us that our next company outing would be a climb to the Mount Kinabalu Summit, I envisioned an energetic trek through wild rainforest and dazzling views, taking pretty pictures along the way. I did not expect the extreme conditions that only a mountain climbing neophyte and non-athletic person such as me could truly feel. Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 meters above sea level. Climbing it is like clambering up the steps of 9 Petronas Towers stacked on top of each other.

Climbing through East Malaysian rainforest

The climb to the peak started at the base at 11:00 am, and we were told we would have to climb 6 kilometers to the Laban Rata rest house at 3,300 meters asl. I thought, 6 km is nothing, I can run that in less than 1 hour. Apparently climbing 6 km is not the same! I huffed and panted my way though the 1st 45 minutes, feeling every cigarette I’d ever smoked in the past years. I ambitiously thought I could carry my backpack up the mountain because it was effortless on level land, but after a kilometer, I gave up and handed it to the nearest generous person who offered to carry it for me. Embarrassingly enough, it was my Norwegian boss.

Soundtrack: "Getting Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5

The 6 km stretch upwards has about 5 stops where you can stop for water and to eat a snack. Snacks are all you’ll have the energy for, surprisingly, I was even too tired to eat lunch though I was stark raving hungry. I dumped my moisturizer-in-a-ceramic-jar as well as my full bottle of sunscreen by the 3rd stop, wondering where I thought I was going when I packed them…the beach??

No time to eat but still time to smile

To top it off, rain started pouring down throughout the 8 hour climb. I had invested in a very expensive climbing jacket, but scoffed at the garbage bag looking raincoats some fellow-climbers bought the day before and as a result my pants got soaked through to my underwear. Add to that, the mountain temperatures of about 12 degrees celcius. But at a certain point, there was no turning back. The only way to go was up.

I sighted the welcoming lights of Laban Rata in the fading dusk by 7:30pm and half crawled to building steps. I was just so glad to get there before it got totally dark. The rest-house was littered with tired climbers of all nationalities. I was so easily pleased to the point of giddiness by the chance to sit down, rest my wobbly legs, and eat a proper meal! Then I went into the room I was sharing with another colleague, and disappointedly found that the heater would only kick at 8pm. My lips were already blue, and that was the first time I'd ever seen them that way ever!

I couldn’t shower and sleep because it was too cold. They got us out of bed at 2:00am to complete the last 2.7 kilometers to the top by sunrise. With my freshly heated shoes and jacket, I though the remaining distance didn’t sound so bad. After all I had already gotten that far. Again I was mistaken! The climb is even steeper, with sheer rock face where the only way to climb is by clinging to ropes. The only light on the path came from headlamps and torches of the climbers.

Yep, thats the rest of the way up.

At below 10 degrees celcius, drizzling rain and with wet knit gloves, I had to give up at km 7, 3,600 m asl past the Sayat Sayat check point which is the last rest stop. I stayed near the Sayat Sayat peak to watch the sun rise over the expansive views across Kota Kinabalu. That's when I saw the distance we had climbed to get to where we were and I was just amazed.

Grand views from Sayat Sayat.

To be continued...

Rockin' Hongkong

Guess who I ran into at the Music Matters 2008 conference in Hongkong? MiG Ayesa and the We Will Rock You band performed a few songs at the Day 1 conference party. And now I have a photo with him! Weeee!

Rewind to Angkor

My traveling of late has been devoted to beaches, big cities and Buddhist temples which is why stepping into ancient Khmer courtesy of the Angkor temples in Siem Reap was an entirely different turn for me. It was true what they said. At the sight of the Angkor Wat temple which I first saw in the late afternoon before sunset, I juct couldn't comprehend how something so intricate, big and beautiful could have been built centuries ago.

I arrived in Siem Reap with my travel buddies mid-morning, and instead if braving the burning sun, we decided to first tour the Old Market in town, enjoy at US$6 massage, and then check into our lovely and conveniently-located hotel, the Bopha Angkor.

As we were there on Friday and planned to leave on Monday, a US$40 pass (all you can temple watch for 3 days) seemed appropriate for our needs. Then finally, took to the Angkor Wat temple, which is the main temple to visit, the biggest and just overwhelming on sight.

We ended the day with dinner at Amok restuarant on Pub Alley, a restaurant that claims "The Best Amok in Town!". I disagree, there were other equally good if not better Amok (a coconut curry dish) in more affordable places. Then we went to bed early because we planned to get up in time for sunrise at the Angkor Wat.

I didn't think I could do it but I did...wake up at 4:30 am (or maybe 4:45?) to get ready in time for sunrise at the Angkor Wat. There was quite a crowd along with us, and you could really feel the group spirit as everyone waited for the sun to break the horizon.

Of course my newly bought camera's battery died before the sun rose in the sky, but seeing it was good enough. Nak, our guide for the day told us that the sun rises over the middle tower during summer solstice (last March 21-23 in 2008) and I imagine that's a sight to behold.

After sunrise we trooped to the Bayon Temple at the center of the Angkor Thom. I thought this was the most beautiful temple even if it's not the biggest, for its intricate carvings and the large stone faces which look peaceful and smiling at the same time.

Thankfully, the camera on my phone was surprisingly good so i wasn't left out of the frenetic picture taking.A long siesta back at the hotel recharged me and my camera battery and we headed for the Ta Prohn, where parts of Tomb Raider was shot. Of course we could not help but attempt Lara Croft poses, but its ok as I'm sure all the other tourists were doing the same.

The last site we visited was the Terrace of the Elephants, where ancient kings addressed their military troops and royalty lounged in their super duper sized swimming pools.

Our last full day in Siem Reap was VERY full...we started the day at 7am with a 45 minute drive to Bantay Srey or the Temple of Women. They say its small so it was probably built by women, and the sandstone is colored pink/orange. Even back in those days, there was gender stereotyping!

On the drive back the photographer boys took photos of the roadside villages and kalabaws while we checked out the local fare, palm fruit, which tastes like a young, juicy coconut (probably because they are related).

Finally suffering from temple fatigue, we took a break by taking a ride down Tonle Sap to the Floating Village. Its amazing how people are able to live their day-to-day lives on the river! Possibly, a river with crocodiles because we saw a lot caged at the river stop-over.

After returning from Tonle Sap, we went straight to the Angkor Thom area for another round of photos by the afternoon light, and a much-anticipated sunset view over the summit of Phnom Bakeng and an elephant ride (my first ever!) down to the bottom of the hill.

As with all the other nights, we ended with dinner in the Old Market area and drinks at Pub Street.

For more photos of my Angkor adventure, check out my flickr set. Even with my non-professional photography skills, you can see why Siem Reap established itself as my not-to-be missed vacation to take.

Rock & Roll Musical

"We Will Rock You" at the Esplanade Theater was definitely worth the weekend trek to Singapore and almost worth losing my camera over. The first musical I've watched (and I've seen many) where I felt like, and could, sing along, clap my hands and stomp my feet to the music of Queen sung with loads of energy and talent by the cast. Most notably by Filipino-Australian Migs Ayesa who plays the lead role of Galileo Figaro, the stellar Bohemian couple who play Vic and Oz (won't reveal the full character names because they are so hilarious), and of course the super-hammed up and striking performance of lead villain Killer Queen.

I loved the humor which was so contemporized, because in Planet Mall which is the futuristic setting of this story, Rock and Roll may have been killed by American Idol. Galileo Figaro can't possibly bring back rock music because, alas, he didn't even win Rockstar INXS. I also almost forgot that Queen did the soundtrack of Flash Gordon and they were even able to work that in. The only vocals which I thought were not strong enough were those of the female lead, Scaramouche, and the guy who plays the head of the Ga Ga cops (and is dressed like the Merovingian from The Matrix), but, they weren't bad.

My only regret, besides losing the aforementioned camera in the Aeroline bus going home, was that I should have gotten closer seats. However, the production team did make a show that could be seen to the top of the Esplanade rafters, and the stage was filled with visuals top-to-bottom, as well as the entire theater with music, which just goes to show you how professional this production was. Its extended til April 27, after which the show tours to Hongkong in May. Catch it if you can.

In My Kikay Kit

Row 1: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish powder, Laura Mercier Undercover concealer, The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Bronzer

Row 2: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand, Dior Addict Lipstick, The Face Shop Greatist Macara Curling + Lash

Row 3: Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder, MAC Lipglass, MAC Cremeblush

Row 4: Dior Addict Plastic Gloss, Nars Eyeshadow, Hard Candy Eyeshadow palette

Low Key Dining

Yes the place may have formica chairs, plastic table tops, no air-conditioning and the clientele dressed mostly in their best housewear and slippers, but add in fabulous food and you get a dining experience that will keep you coming back again and again in your favorite flipflops.

Here are my top 10 picks for low-key dining, and not only has the food been great, but the memories of bonding sessions at these places are even better. Actually I wrote this because I started getting homesick (or food sick?) and I suddenly realized I had forgotten some of the names....I actually had to ask friends! It was quite a trip to remember these..but now I'm craving for the food (and the company), especially those that aren't here in KL...

(I know the list is kind of random, but if ever you find yourself in any of the cities/countries I mentioned, its worth a stop especially if you’re looking to get the most bang out if your buck!)

Newton Hawker Centre, Singapore – sate, stingray and cereal prawns mmmmm

Paubaji stand, the Strand (beside the Ganga River), Kolkata – open air, yellow lighting, and a sin-free spicy vegetable sandwich. You can also try hot sweet tea from the friendly tea vendor…after which you unceremoniously dispose the ceramic cup onto the river shore.


Midway Grill, San Juan, La Union – comfort food at its finest – liempo, baby back ribs and sweet spaghetti, perfect after hours of surfing.

Victor’s Lechon Manok, Tarlac – for what else but they’re yummy lechon manok!


Procy’s Bulalo, Mahogany Market, Tagaytay – steaming hot bulalo, and the best thing is…you can ask for extra marrow!

Sri Ananda, behind the Bangsar train station, Kuala Lumpur – the best ever chicken tandoori I’ve ever had. Goes best with their garlic or cheese nan.

Dencios anywhere in the Philippines – sisig, crispy pata, pork BBQ, laing and San Miguel Beer, my mouth is watering just thinking of it.

Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice Restaurant, Novena, Singapore – in a place where Chicken Rice is famous, this is the best of the bunch, so good that even the Prime Minister of Malaysia, (and myself!), have gone for a meal.

Dampa, Libis, Ortigas City, Philippines – buy the crab fresh and have them cook it buttered, and then add an order of halabos na hipon, its out of this world

Gurney Hawker Center, Gurney Drive, Penang, Malaysia – tons and tons of stalls with fried oysters, all manner of “mee” (noodle) dishes, Rojak, and laksa – though I have to mention that my best ever laksa experience was is Khatulistiwa café in Kuching, Sarawak.

Balancing Act

Having worked for about 8 years in jobs that included long and tedious working hours, I’m blessed with a job right now that allows for a balanced life. And as with all former workaholics, I wondered, what the hell do I do with a balanced life that allows me to go home at a reasonable time and have full weekends? Yes I was bitching for quite a while. Not being used to “balanced living” I was at a loss. But I think I’ve adjusted better --- I’ve learned that there are other things to work on and it’s not necessarily your job. Some of my hobbies may seem geeky, but then when you’re living independently, you do learn to embrace your geeky hobbies! Here’s what I’ve found out about myself so far.

1. I love travel planning, for me its half the fun of taking trips! It’s about imagining where to travel, coming up with imaginary travel plans, and then booking a real one. So far I’ve investigated Spain, Beijing, Bali, Hanoi the Maldives and finally booked me and my friends on a Phuket vacation.
2. I like going to the grocery and figuring out what new things to cook up besides tortang talong, beef steak and stir fried chicken. I have come up with my own invented recipes that I have feeling only I can eat.
3. I’m addicted to the internet. I admit it—I’m a chatting and social networking junkie. Working in an online company for almost 5 years just ingrained in me that bad habit of being online most of the time, even at home.
4. I like to hang out at home watching DVDs and reading books…a luxury I didn’t have much time for when I started working. It’s nice to remember what it was like to be the book and TV addict of my teenage years.
5. I’m happy to have the time to go to the gym, capoeira class or swimming/tanning at the pool…admittedly I’ve only been slightly athletic in the last 3 years of my life, after I started surfing. I may possibly be in the best shape of my life. Still, having the time to work out doesn't mean it’s easy to kick myself to go and actually do it.
6. I am an excel nerd because I’m into calculating and re-calculating my monthly budget…and figure out ways to make up for all that extra-shopping I never plan on doing.
7. I love spending time with friends and that’s always been true even as a “workaholic”. But now its about expanded possibilities and different opportunities. Its one of the best things in life in a new setting!
8. I’m into finding new hobbies and revisiting old ones: I bought myself a set of artists color pencils, watercolors and sketch pads. Yes I would like to try painting and sketching again. I’d like to go through my photos, print and frame or put the best ones in an album. I’d like to try white water rafting in Kuala Selangor, kite boarding in Kuantan. Actually a lot of the new things I’d like to try and places I’d like to go I look up on the internet. (Ok, I’m trying to defend the geeky internet habit!)

So I’m no longer a workaholic but am I busy? Yes! Busy finding other things to do in life besides work. It's a fulfilling and full time occupation in itself.

Cool Disney Ads

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Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella

David Beckham as the Prince of Sleeping Beauty

You can view the rest of the ads here.

One Wedding and a Family

Surprisingly, I only attended one wedding in 2007 and it was a very important one because it was my sister’s. The wedding was beautiful: the mass held in Chapel on the Hill, Tagaytay officiated by Fr Ben Nebres SJ, with the full accompaniment of the Ateneo Chamber Singers. The reception was at the Filipino-Spanish style bed and breakfast at Balai Indang, Cavite. The wedding itself was wonderful enough, full of touches thought of by the couple themselves, and you could see many heartfelt contributions of their friends. But what struck me the most was seeing how much family was a part of it.

And it isn’t even family in the strictest sense. Our family is unusual, all women, not many close relatives but several close friends who are considered to be family. This wedding showed how this family is bonded: from my grandmother who is bedridden and can hardly see or hear but wished so much that she could go…to my aunt who has nothing to give but knitted a set of glass holders for the newlyweds home…to the ninang who had trouble walking but journeyed all the way to Tagaytay in extreme traffic…to the other ninang from overseas who brought a piece of English luck and her full support…to an uncle who lent his car for the wedding even if his father died the day before…to my mom who was giving it her all each and every minute. Finally of course, the groom and the newest member of the family who was totally dedicated to the ceremony and of course, hi new life together with my sister.

Weddings are really much more than just the frills. I’m glad to have been a first hand witness to a wonderful one in all ways.

You can check out some of the official photos here (they are fabulous!), and details of the wedding preps here.

Year-End, Year Begins

Quite a late retrospective on the previous year but still worth posting. After all, last year’s self-help phenomenon The Secret extols the power that gratitude has to bring even greater things into your life. Not only do I have much to be grateful for, but the things that happened were just amazing.

I like to think about it this way: going back to an old me, maybe sometime in late 2006, chatting with a friend over coffee (or most likely beer) with the question: “Where do you think we’ll be a year from now?” The answer to that question when it happened in reality was wilder than anything I could have imagined at that time! And the impact was on major areas of my life, not to say I didn’t appreciate even the small changes.

1. Home – the place I’ve called home for the past 8 months is my pad in Kuala Lumpur. Considering I had never been to Malaysia before, it was a huge move for me to decide to relocate here. After a few months here, I started feeling that the best place to rest my head after a long night partying, a day at the office, or weeks of traveling, was my king-size bed in KL. Even vacationing in Manila over Christmas truly felt like a “vacation”. I learned to drive right-hand. I can navigate the streets of this huge state (or read the signs to get a general sense of my direction). I can eat spicy food. I know where to get the widest selection of fresh vegetables (Bangsar Pasar Malam), the best bikini wax (Ruby at Ozmosis Spa in Telawi 2), and a good selection of bargain designer clothes (Wondermomo). I learned to live independently --- how to cook, clean, shop for myself. I learned that I like to have fresh lilies in my apartment (thanks for the tip Mom!) and that I love my own company.

2. Career – As opposed to my years of back-breaking work, my job now allows me to learn new things, have a very balanced life, travel around the region and live independently. It also gives me an entry into the global career market. On top of that, seems like I’m still very much remembered and wanted for what I did back home. I think this is a dream point in anyone’s career, to be happy and still have even more opportunities opening for you.

3. To Do List– ok, I don’t know how to categorize this. I have a mental list of things I want to accomplish--- not exactly major life goals but important to me anyway. Most times what gets added to this list comes on impulse. The great thing about the list is that I have total freedom to put what I want on it…and to get it done! And I got a lot done last year….the big move to KL, a nude photo session, a modeling try-out, watching my favorite hiphop group the Black Eyed Peas, trips to Langkawi, Bali, Kolkata on top of official trips to Dhaka, Pulau Redang, Bangkok, Koh Samui.

Can’t wait for what’s coming up in 2008! Looking at the future from this point alone, I already foresee a trip to Cambodia, more family trips and a tour of Spain…and according to famous Philippine fortuneteller Stargazer whom I visited in December…I’m going to get what I REALLY want in life very soon.

I guess this post perfectly timed after all. It’s the end of January and the Chinese New Year is coming up next week. I’m celebrating the New Year twice in a row!

Continuing Lessons

I started doing some interesting things starting this January. Actually “started” is not the correct term…perhaps its better to say “revisited”. I’m taking a 10-session beginner Spanish class at HELP University in Damansara Heights (their program is affiliated with Instituto Cervantes), and I also started capoeira classes at Academia Bantus in SS24, Petaling Jaya.

Now why do I say “revisited”? It’s because I tried doing these before…in fact I’ve taken up 6 units of Spanish in college, and I’ve attended a total of maybe, 2, capoeira sessions in Manila. Sadly, I never got to continue or use them in any way. Now, since my time is quite manageable, I think its just right that I return to my interests…and actually make some progress! I’m thinking of going to Spain within the year to practice my new language, and I hope that my flexibility and strength improves with the capoeira.

They say it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I say an old dog appreciates new tricks better!

Travel Highlights '07

After a long absence from this space, I’m back with the excuse that I spent so much time traveling in the last 2 months of 2007 that I hardly had time to go online. Not having much time to detail each adventure, I’d like instead to share the major highlights of each trip.

Bali, Indonesia

We stayed at The Legian in Seminyak, (+62 361730622) worth going to especially for a romantic holiday. The rooms have a balcony facing the ocean with a daybed and sitting area, a bath area for 2, a canopy covered bed, dining & living area, sound system for the room as well as BOSE iPod speakers you can take out to the beach. The service is superb, the grounds have an eternity pool, gym and spa, and the hotel is walking distance from popular chill out bar Ku De Ta which is a perfect place to unwind at sunset or late at night.

For surfing beginners, a trip down to Kuta Beach is a must. The beach area is lined up with friendly locals willing to instruct and a surplus of surfboards to rent. Don’t bother to sign up for the “formal” US$40 lessons at the Hard Rock Hotel because the local instructors can go as low as US$20. Just bargain bargain bargain…and don’t buy anything on your first day from the insistent henna tattoo artists, masseuses, manicurists and bead jewelry sellers. The prices they give you will go down as the days go by. Kuta is also a shopping haven of surfing brands (Roxy, Billabong, Quicksilver every few stores), local souvenirs (I love Bali décor!) and beach wear.

It’s a shame we spent so much time surfing that we never did make it to Ubud, but other good stops is for the beach-side seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay (slightly overpriced though), Babi Guling (roast baby pig) at Denpasar, clubbing at Skylounge in Legian and Déjà Vu at Seminyak, and a massage at the Prana Spa.

Renting a scooter or jeep is very cheap and a great way to get around…so go for it!

Penang and Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia

On my second trip to Penang, most of the time was spent at the Police Station due to an idiot driver ramming into my car from behind (even if I was at a full stop in broad daylight), and buying pirated DVDs in Batu Ferringhi. Good thing I drive a long-term lease car which means the rental company was able to replace it within a few hours with a Proton Wira. Now I’ve truly had the full Malaysian driving experience--- the Wira is not as bad as everyone claims it is, kind of clunky on the road and heavy on the steering but it can move pretty fast. Of course since we were with some first timers, we went up to the Kek Lok Si temple again and had some excellent hawker food at the Air Itam market and Gurney Drive.

One of the big surprises on the way back was our detour into Kuala Kangsar which features 4 “palaces” (a mosque, museum, the Sultan’s palace and…I can’t remember the last one). Hardly any tourists at all but the signs are well posted and each landmark has a description of the place’s origin and use.

Koh Samui, Thailand

It was a work trip that took me to party island Koh Samui (a contradiction in terms). The airport itself already looks like a classy hotel lobby and that goes to show you how seriously they take tourism in the island. We stayed at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort which was gorgeous and quite peaceful although next time I go back I would choose a resort with younger residents. Partying at Soi Green Mango is the nightly fare although after 2 nights of going back it got a bit old…which is why I would just recommend a short stay in Koh Samui unless you plan to hop over to Koh Pangan for the Full Moon parties. Other notables --- Thai massages by the beach for 300 Baht and interesting beach wear shopping along the main road.

Kolkata, India

An 18-year absence from my father’s native country led me to eagerly anticipate my trip to visit my family. I didn’t know what to expect…I remember my last trip when I was young to be a visit to a hot country with bad toilets, dusty streets and beggars on every corner. Lo and behold, Kolkata has come far in the last 2 decades! Better roads, better plumbing and I arrived during the start of winter where the temperature drops down to 15 degrees celcius at night so it was a refereshing (and even chilly) experience.

Truly, a visit to a foreign and exotic land can be better appreciated through more mature eyes. The small winding roads, the amazing guts of Indian drivers (all that honking and no side mirrors!), the cobblestone streets, the sepia sunsets, the leisurely walks at The Strand by the Ganga River with hot tea and Pavbaji bread, the Sandesh sweets after every meal, the slow rickshaw rides and busy train rides made me appreciate the unwavering spirit of India. But the best part of it all were the relatives I met, who so eagerly welcomed me into their homes, showed me how highly educated they are, told me about my father with great warmth and related stories from their past set against the rich Indian history. Those stories certainly deserve another entry….and India deserves another trip.

Hope for the Filipino Migrant Workers

Last Sunday, on Pauline’s invitation, I attended the graduation rights of the Filipino Workers' Resource Center - Skills Training Program (FWRC-STP) in Kuala Lumpur. This is a program that helps assist Filipino migrant workers learn new skills in the hopes that they will not be “cheap labor” forever. There are classes on everything from entrepreneurship, business communication, accountancy, nursing, even dressmaking, reflexology and cosmetology. The Filipino workers (mostly domestic helpers) spend 5-6 days a week hard at work, and one day (Sunday) for their further education. The teachers, like Pauline, are all volunteers.

I was supposed to help out onstage, and though I felt I was there the whole day and did not get to help much, it was worth it to feel that indelible Filipino spirit in the air, see the happy faces of the graduates and the volunteers, and listen to a compelling valedictory address written and delivered by one of our domestic helpers. I hope you can take the time to read it below. It’s worth your time.

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS
by: Ophelia A. Belo

Excellencies, Ambassadors Lecaros and Brillantes, Mrs. Lecaros, Labatt JBJ and Mrs. Jimenez, Faculty Advisers, Embassy Officials, Filcom Leaders, Malaysian Nationals, Princess Becky, Datu Lim Sun Hoe and Datu Sunny Lim, Honorees, Guests, Fellow Students and Graduates, Friends Countrymen and Visitors, Good Afternoon,

I thank God for this honor and I express gratitude to my country and government for this opportunity. I accept this distinction with both joy and sadness. There is joy in my heart right now because once again I have proven that there is a reward for hardwork, dedication, and excellence. But I am sad right at these moment, I am sad for our country and for our people. I am sad for you fellow graduates. And I am sad for myself.

I am sad that the Philippines, the homeland of brilliant, highly skilled and very articulate people, is now becoming the number one supplier of cheap labor including domestic helper into the booming world of global markets. We can kid ourselves by saying there’s nothing wrong in being a domestic helper. Oh come on……… I am a domestic helper myself and I’m not ashamed to be so. But then, what?

I am looking at the big picture and I am looking at our country and I am disappointed that there is not much hope if we remain there. I am regretful that every single day, no less than 3,200 Filipinos are leaving the Philippines, many of them for good, in the hope of finding jobs that can send our children to school, buy medicines for our sick, repair our dilapidated shanties or pay for all our indebtedness.

What happened to the Philippines?
Our country is supposed to be the Pearl of the Orient Seas. In 1961, many Malaysians used to envy the Filipinos. They dreamt to study in UP, La Salle or Ateneo. Today, Malaysians are the employers of Filipino domestic helpers. They have sent an astronaut into space, while the Filipinos are still quarrelling about government contracts and alleged rigging of elections.

We, the OFWs’ must begin the process of the renewal for our country. The FWRC is our center of excellence to be able to compete globally and turn around our country.

The global labor markets are unforgiving. The avalanche of rising demands for quality comes rushing every single moment and the standards of excellence keep on rising without pause. Only those who never stop learning will survive in this crazy and mind-boggling competition for skills.

Filipino engineers and technicians in IT who surf the cyberspaces for emerging opportunities find themselves competing with highly competent Indian computer wizards. Indians are also emerging as our OFWs’ top competitors in the global labor markets.

Our oil and gas engineers are still preferred by Malaysian employers because the local chemical and mechanical engineers prefer to work in UK and in the Middle East. This is the result of globalization of human capital.

Our domestic helpers from the Philippines are still the preferred ones by Malaysian royalty, high government officials and top businessmen. But the Filipino domestics represent only a miniscule 2% of the entire DH market in Malaysia, Indonesia commands more than 90% of the 500,000 household service providers in this country. But the Philippine government is aiming for QUALITY employment. We frown upon QUANTITY or high volume of 5D’s: the jobs that are DIRTY, DIFFICULT, DANGEROUS, DEMEANING and DECEPTIVE.

Even the Filipina DH’s are only few, they enjoy superior benefits. They enjoy Sunday day-offs every week or at least every another week with the two Sundays paid for when they are not allowed to go. They have much higher pay and better terms and conditions of employment. They are allowed to study in the FWRC Skills Training Program.

The Filipino household service workers, along with other OFW’s do study in FWRC. They learn word processing, spreadsheet, internet, illustrator, photoshop, autocad and multiple computer applications. They study Commercial Baking, Advanced Cake Decorating, Western Food Cooking, Basic Nursing, Reflexology and Arts and Crafts. They even learn the Art of Communication, Composition and Correspondences, Business and Social Correspondences, Financial Management, Business Development and Entrepreneurship.

The Labor Attache and top Embassy Officials teach BLAWSFIL (Basic Labor Laws for Filipino, a subject created by Labat JBJ as a means for empowerment, to arm the OFWs with fundamental knowledge of the labor and family laws, immigration and even contract laws and criminal statutes. The migrant workers from the Philippines are aware of their rights as well as obligations to employers and host government. They have less chances of being arrested and detained and they are more confident when confronted with legal issues.

OFWs from Malaysia who are now venturing to UK like Lyn dela Rama and Gene Sarmiento, both outstanding FWRC alumnae, have better chances of survival and even excellence in more challenging work environments. Former FWRC resource persons like Dang Penarubia who migrated to Canada have better probability of success than others who went withoug FWRC KASH (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits)

Today, the 21st of October, here in the Grand Ballroom of Crown Princess Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, few shall graduate those among the 490 who enrolled in January, survived the grueling holistic training in FWRC. Today, the word GRADUATION should be understood as a process, not an end, a process of enhancing elevating, improving and developing the KASH positions of the OFW who made the correct decision to study in FWRC.

Today, also is a COMMENCEMENT, a starting point, a beginning, a point of embarkation to a higher level of consciousness, to a better perspective in life, a much improved point of view and a stronger, higher quality of qualification, a better state of readiness, an empowered new beginning of the rest of our lifetime journey.

The quest for excellence, the drive to win the global labor markets, the hunger for bigger challenges, the thirst for learning – an insatiable yearning to learn more – these are the hallmarks of men and women who are geared and programmed for success in life.

The next motto of FWRC is “ON TO THE MARCH FOR EXCELLENCE” Excellence, both in skills and in Character. Both committed and competent. Thus, today is indeed a day for celebration. But after the celebration, we need to do something for our country.

And so today, ladies and gentlemen, what are we going to do to create a meaningful difference in the future of our country? Evil triumphs because good men do nothing. Let us all do something, no matter how small.

FIRST, let us not remit everything that we earn here. Let us save at least 50% through the Samahang Impok Bayan and keep it until we go home for good.

SECOND, let us all take courses in the FWRC that will help us in our reintegration like Business Management, Entrepreneurship Accounting, Basic Laws and other relevant courses. Indeed it is only bring EXCELLENCE THAT WE CAN TO THE GLOBAL WORLD.

THIRD, let us all write to our congressmen, let us write to our newspaper, let us e-mail jour opinions and let us be active in denouncing the abuses of our political leaders.

FOURTH, let us rally behind honest and hardworking officials and staff in government but let us denounce and expose and charge all those who violate their oaths as public servants.

FIFTH, let us help in the FWRC. Whatever honor we receive today should provide us an inspiration to share our knowledge to other OFW’s.

SIXTH, let us discipline our families at home. They should learn to value our remittances and not squander them in luxuries. Let us let them learn that we worked hard for the money and we should not tolerate extravagances.

SEVENTH, let us all be aware of all the economic, social and political developments in our country. Let us monitor what are the trends and programs of our country’s future. And let us share our thoughts with those who spend our remittances.

AND lastly number EIGHT, let us all be aware that all that were, all that are and all that will be in the Philippines are driven by economic realities, high population growth, labor excess economy, cheap labor, globalization without safety nets, insufficient social services. All these are exacerbating the pains and sufferings of our people.

These are the reasons why the joy of my success today is eclipsed by the sadness in our situation as a nation and as a people.

We’ve got to feel the pain so that we will do something about it. We can not continue deluding ourselves. We have to face realities and bite the bullet.

According to a great social scientist: THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE DISCONTENTED. The Filipinos should start to be discontented with our situation and tell our leaders of our discontentment.

According to a Chinese Philosopher: IT IS CRAZY TO EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS IF WE CONTINUE TO REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES. The Filipinos should accept that there are for too many mistakes and we have to correct them.

And according to Dr. Jose Rizal in his NOLI ME TANGERE, recorded in the history of human sufferings is a cancer of so malignant a character that the least touch irritates it.

Since the time of Rizal until now more than a century after, the cancer is still here – a SOCIAL CANCER, AN ECONOMIC MALADY.

The only difference is that we can do something about it. Yes we can. And we should. No matter how strait the gate and how charged with punishment the scroll, we are the masters of our fate. We are the captain of our souls, to borrow from Invictus.

Kaya mga kababayan, dapat umpisahan na ang pagbabago, umpisahan sa ating sarili. Kung hindi ngayon, kaylan pa? Kung hindi tayo and mag umpisa, sino pa? Bahala tayo sa ating kinabukasan at bahala tayo sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa Pakaisipin ninyo ito. Huwag kayong masyadong magsaya. Dapat magkaroon din kayo ng lungkot, upang magsikap kayong magbago. Dahil ang mga problema ay hindi nakakatuwa.

Marami pong salamat.

Always an Honor

This December I’ll be headed back home for Christmas (a truly OFW experience) and also to attend my younger sister’s wedding in Tagaytay as her Maid of Horror, er, Honor. It’s only the second time I’ve been a Maid of Honor, the first at my best friend’s wedding in New York. The “honor” part is so apt...I feel truly privileged to be asked to perform this role while the most important women in my life pledge their own lives to another. I cried when I gave my best friend the reception toast. And I was especially touched when my sister asked me. I said, “Sigurado ka? Eh ang tanda ko na!” and her reply? “Sino pa ba?”

Of course I’m also excited about the wedding and reception which is conceptualized by a truly creative couple, and of course, my Maid of Honor dress which is so unique and usable! None of that flower and ruffle crap. My sister blogged about it in her wedding site, and I’m reposting it here.

(Unrelated to the topic, the dress I’m wearing in the photo she used is the Shanghai Tang one I bought in Wondermomo for only US$34, and I visited the Shanghai Tang shop in Bangkok and saw the current collections retail for triple that. Someone keep me away from the store whilst I’m in money-saving mode!)

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All hail the Maid of Honor

and for my zexy zeester, something that totally does not look like any of the other entourage gowns!

the lady:
and her dress:

Am I Noisy?

Situation #1 - I live alone in a 2-bedroom condo and when I arrived from my Bangkok trip 2 weeks ago, I got a note from my neighbor directly below me claiming that I keep him awake watching TV in my bedroom. He cites an instance where I watched TV until 2:30am and it interfered with him "performing (my) regular duties" in his hectic 12-14 hour workday. Having been traveling mostly over the past 3 weeks, I could only remember one night where I stayed up watching Die Hard 4. This neighbor then requested that I cease watching TV in my bedroom since the walls were so thin that he could even hear me "walking about, taking a bath, and flushing the toilet".

Situation #2 - A week ago I had 4 friends come over to hang out til midnight, and since I don't have a cool sound system I was just playing my iTunes at half-volume over my IBM Thinkpad speakers (which everyone knows are quite crappy). The next day the guard stopped me at the gate to say that the same neighbor complained of me playing loud music...and he could hear the scraping of the chairs on the floor.

Now I've tried to listen to my neighbors to check how much I can hear but all I can make out is the hum of the airconditioning, and sometimes the sound of light switches being turned off/on so I figure the walls must not be that thin! I just bought Altec Lansing speakers for my iPod which I feel I can't play and now I can't even watch my pirated DVDs til I fall asleep. So am I noisy or is the neighbor just a freak?