Dubai

Dubai has been my new Manila right now. I just feel like I'm home whenever  I go to this place. I just don't feel like I'm in the middle east, not to mention that the culture and the weather is still far from home. But at least, I could rarely see people covered in black and foreigners are all over.

And what I love most in this place is that I can shop all the things I want. And it seems like, everything is designed according to what I really need and want. And so for my weekend routine, which I am trying to minimize because I could spend at a minimum of 500 dirhams for a day only in this place, I try not to splurge too much but at least unwind once in a while.

Since I got used to be a budget traveller, we have availed some promos from (groupon) on some package deals.

On out first day, we checked in at Pearl Residence Hotel.

It looks cozy right? But it wasn't actually. Honestly, we were disappointed about the hotel because it was not even so tidy enough. But what would we expect for a low price hotel right? Like we were looking for a 5 star hotel but we wouldn't want to pay the price. Well, just for a night anyway. But at this night, we were even wishing we were sleeping at our flat, which was more comfortable.

Well, charge to experience. Next time, we should not settle for less.

As I was preparing for my homecoming again, I wanted to go to Dubai Souq to shop for some pasalubong. And so I insisted to go there first before our other itineraries.

Even if it was not my first time to ride this boat, I was still feeling excited, with the fact that it was only 1 dirham to sail away. I don't know why, but I always feel like a tourist every time I go to this place. I just like the culture in a liberated place like this. A little bit conservative but classic.

 So let the shopping begin! I like it when I could see all the stuffs that are so unique that I can't help taking pictures all over.

 And though I am not fond of spices, I was so curious that I wanted to have a picture with them. Hmmmm... the smell was so strong that now I know the reason why people like here smell like it too. haha

And so we tried to haggle as much as possible that we made it to 12 dirhams each T-shirt from 25 dirhams of its original price. Hmmm... my shopping list is almost done.

We walked to the Gold souq then.

WOW!!! yeah, I was wowed by all these shining shimmering splendids! I just never thought that this place is truly the land of the golds. And mind you, they're just displaying the golds in the walkways like a "tyangge". Gawd, I know I am not even fond and attracted to gold jewelries ever since but, I was really amazed. That made me realize that true enough, this country is "uber" rich. My friend then try to find herself some earrings. and napaisip ako. hmmm why wouldn't I try to buy myself for once? And so we both buy the same pair of earrings... Ok, solved!

So much about the souq (which means market). We went next to our real itinerary. The IFLY Dubai. It's an indoor flying experience that I just used to watch on tv once upon a time. And I didn't even imagine myself that I would be trying it in real life. And so let's go fast forward to that thing.

There goes! I'm flying! wuhooo... It looks fun, right?! but honestly, I was terribly scared. It was my first time to feel that anxiety but I just have no choice but to go on. The air pressure was so strong that I don't even know how to maintain my balance. I feel like I would be blown away at any time. But look at my trainer. He's so pogi. He's a kabayan, and go well, He's cute! hahahaha...Ang landi lang eh..
Sigh, It was a 1 minute flying experience, but I feel like it lasted forever. Wahh.. I told myself that I would rather ride a roller coaster over and over again than to try this again. Once is enough, and I had enough! Wushu, bye2x, trainer! haha

Next stop was the Dhow Cruise. Oh I hate that feeling that I will be having a romantic dinner, without even having a partner. It sucks! Oh well, that's life. Where are you, boyfriend kasi? hahaha

So let the cruise begin, with or without a date!

And so again, we were not so enlightened by the place because we were so expecting beyond what we saw. Mga exagge kasi kami mag imagine eh. Kaya ayan, they did not meet our standards. toinks! Plus the fact that we were already dead tired from all the shopping, flying and walking the whole day. These two were having an argument already.

And Me? I was damn hungry!!! The food, oh the food smells like they just poured all the spices on it! My gosh, kaya ko ba to? why oh why?

After few minutes, I got bored. super bored. They told us that the cruise will take about 2 hours to finish. Oh noes! I felt like I wanna jump out there.. This place was suppose to be romantic, and I was not even feeling kilig. Oh how would I???

After few minutes, I saw a guy wearing a very colorful dress. I felt excited. I told them, "hey, maybe there will be a show? maybe he will be dancing?" And yeah I was right! They announced that we would be all standing and go on the second floor of the boat because there will be a show. Hmmm that sounds better!

 The dancer kept on swirling and I started to get amazed. I was so amazed. After his dance number, I was at the last corner of the boat that I did not expect that he would take my hand and bring me to the dance floor.. Oh my God!

 I was covering my face because I was so shy and it was so embarrassing! He told me to dance like him but I just can't. But just because I don't wanna spoil the night, I tried to be cooperative as much as possible.

He put on this lighted skirt on me and I started to turn around til I got nauseous! Oh my, what am I doing in this dance floor???

After few more cheers, he still wouldn't want me to stop dancing and so I did not notice that I was even dancing already. Whatta shame! Pinagpawisan ako ng husto.. Wuhooo..

Whatta night after all..
1 moment I was telling everyone that it was so boring. Oh, boring pala ha! hahaha

Life is full of surprises indeed. I wonder what would my next adventure be.

A Taste of Life

Sometimes, I still wonder why  I ended up being a nurse, when in fact, it was far from I wanted doing in real life. I remember imagining myself when I was a kid as being an architect, designer or maybe a lawyer? Then later on, it has changed on something else coz I wanna explore and travel the world, I even dreamed of being a flight attendant. (Oh, come on, that's why I call it "just-a-dream".)

However, I just realized that no matter what you have become, no one could ever stop you from doing things you want in life. So never stop dreaming and living with it.

Maybe I just caught up here in my bed stranded today and I just want to lay down all day, give myself a break and make my neurons do the working for me. So here goes my journey for these past few weeks or maybe months that I long to write a story about but I just did not have a chance because of a so-so busy life.

Well, it has been 8 months that I have been living in a brand new world. That was fast! It seems like yesterday when I was so fascinated how my life has been changed drastically into a life I have never even thought of having.

This world is indeed a material place. I never thought that as much as people try to defy that money can't buy happiness, still there are a lot of people who are dying just to be rich. And on the other hand, there are some people who have fortunately have all the money in the world, but are dying to get some dose of freedom and happiness from within. And this is it! This is exactly where I am right now. I don't know why I ended up being here, but I know there must be a reason...So let's start finding out why.

Of course, at once I was also so amazed... With all the richness of "Oil and Gold" this country have, no wonder they can afford to have a luxurious place and remain the richest amidst the drifting and crawling economy of the other countries.

As most tourists and first timers in this country, I bet you will be also amazed how luxurious their cars are, which are seem just so ordinary for  them. Like, you can see Ferrari Cars, Lamburghini, Range Rovers, Beemers, Maybachs roaring on the roads and simply parked all over....na para bang galit na galit sila sa pera! All females walks on very tall heels with all the LV, Chanel, and other branded bags all over, like how much that one costs? Oh I can't even touch it, "nakakapaso ang presyo".  But no kidding, that's how money is simply nothing for them, na para bang may plantation sila ng pera na d nauubos. So I could hear bitter Pinoys in here saying, "mauubos din yang mga OIL nila, sa ugali nilang ganyan, mauubos din yan!" hahaha Oh well, I just wish even katiting na yaman eh mashare nmn sa napakaraming nagugutom na bata sa Pinas..

Still....I feel like a tourist every time I visit places in the emirates. I still could not stop the Ohhhhsss and Ahhhhsss because I am so much mesmerized on how their richness has transformed a desert into a very fancy and futuristic place. So I just cold not stop taking pictures... (for future references that I might as well share to people or even my children one day)

True enough, their place is far more than beautiful that I could describe, but of course, there are so many things they are deprived of. Kung ang mga Pinoy eh deprived sa money, I think there are so things that money can't buy that they don't have too. Like, freedom and true love. I was just shocked to know that they don't believe in it. (i mean, love) Well, with all due respect, we all do have different cultures and as they say, "when you are in Rome, act like a Roman." So as stiff as there life may be, we just have to deal with that. That's how they live and believe.

And so, after 7months, out of the blue, I finally felt a pinch in my heart. Homesickness filled within me, like I wanna go home right there and then and I don't know why. Maybe it happens to all. And maybe I did not lose my insanity yet yet all the impulse, I booked myself home the moment I felt the longingness to be home at one time. Kaboom!

Welcome back to the Philippines!

All of a sudden, I just felt like doomed in a time machine, and was back to the yesteryears! Sa taxi palang, I felt bad about some people on streets namamalimos, the heavy traffic, the noise and all.. Yeah, I so love the Philippines, and that is why, I just suddenly thought, "why can't life be fair? sana kahit konteng yaman, mashare man lng dito, habang yung ibang tao nagtatapon ng pera".

So there it goes! I decided to go home in the hometown, far south in Mindanao where my childhood days happened. Para maiba lang...

I only had 2 weeks vacation. So as much as possible, I wanted to spend it to the maximum level, nang masulit man lang... We did things that I used to do when I was a kid. We attended the "prusisyon" on a holy friday and went to the places we used to hang out.

This is the beach resort of my "late lolo" that we used to go playing sand fights and patintero before. I just felt sad that it was not as clean and nice as before. It has changed a  lot.

And whether you believe it or not, this is what I used to do when I was a little kid. Hindi nmnang tumalon ng patiwarik, but to simply jump in here. Oh ha, bata palang, I know that I have always been brave and risky. Kung kinaya ko ang fastest roller coaster in the world ng UAE sa Ferarri world, kinaya ko din to! And seriously, I did it again. No pictures nlng kasi nakakahiya. hehe

And that's me and my cousins, waiting for our courage to build up, bago makatalon sa pier...

Finally, I decided to go to the extremity of this vacation. I joined the "Love Drive Outreach Program". It's like reaching out the poor people in remote places and trying to share little gifts of happiness to them. At first I just thought of giving my share and not to go there nalang. But, sumama na din ako...

They call this "habal-habal" and this was actually the most exciting thing I had in this trip.

Look how we mountain trecked just to reach those children waiting for us... Egggsayyyting dba? hahaha

Right there, I saw a bunch of children who were so much overjoyed with just some snacks and clothes that was given to them. Their smiles and laughters were priceless. And this is the place where I have found LOVE where none in the other part of this world. They joys they had has made me realize that money is not what life is all about.

UAE has indeed been a great eye opener to me. It has made me peek what is life in the future and life in the past. It has made me changed my perceptions that middle east is such a scary place, coz it's not all the time. You just have to follow the rules, and you not get wrong. It is indeed a wonderful creation in this world. And it has made me realize that back home, there's a lot of people who are striving to survive, and my problems are nothing compared to them...

And according to Patty Laurel,

"We don't need to be the richest country in the world, we don't need gold plated toilet bowls. People just need to be fed and children just need to be schooled. When you travel, there are always lessons you can pick up from other cultures and it's always good to somehow apply these things back home. :) So every time you take a trip abroad, get to know their history, their cultural traditions, and the systems of government..see how a country works and try to learn as much as you can. Travel is more than taking a few nice photos, buying a couple of souvenirs, it's about educating yourself and seeing the world in a whole new perspective."

A Simple Life

It has been 7 months since I left the Philippines. It was not long yet, but seriously, I was teary eyed when I first took step at the airport and saw the signage, "Welcome to the Philippines!"

My heart jumped for joy and and until this day, I could not still believe that I am home again. I was and still am, overjoyed.

Well I know that it was quite impulsive to go decide to go home without any plans to do so. But I believe that there was no other cure of homesickness than to go home. I was not even thinking how would I be able to do it. I just prayed to God that He will make me happy and one day, I woke up and Im in this place. Yes, I am home. And there's place like this.

Whenever I look around every corner of the Philippines, I could not help myself comparing... I could see a big difference on how laidback life in here is. Everything is so simple. The way people live, and how they survive. I am quite thankful that indeed, I have experienced both sides of the world.

However, if I could choose where my heart wants to be, it would always be in a place where my loved ones are. No amount of money could ever replace the happiness love can bring. I know it was quite expensive to dream, but I realized that when you really want something and love to have it, there will always be a way.

My 6 year Old Secret Admirer- Revealed!

Of all the guys I've met before, this is my first time to encounter such one of a kind story of someone who according to him, has "fallen in love" with me at the age of SIX. homaygadd!

This is Glockheimer, His short name is "Glock" which according to his mom, his name means, "a Gun". He's a son of my friend who was a doctor in my workplace. He's a very smart, witty kid who talks as if he is already a 20 year old man. The first lines he uttered that cracked me up was when he told me that, "Ako na talaga ang pinaka maswerteng bata sa buong mundo. Kasi ang yaman yaman ng mommy ko." I could not forget those lines that he kept on telling me just because he have all the toys and stuffs he wants from his mom. Okay fine, Ikaw na!

I know the fact that I have a heart for the small kids. I love to play with them and I really love kids, but I never thought that it would come to a point that a kid would love me to the next level. Grabe na to!

So ok, let's go fastforward to the bottomline of this story. Well, after all these times when I was with this little kid whenever we go out with his mom, I never thought that may kilig factor na palang nalalaman itong batang ito. It was only when we went to the top of the mountain when I felt like, I was smelling something fishy in him.

I was so shocked when he told me that, "Tita, may 1 dirham po ako. Sakay po tayo jan." My forehead wrinkled. Why would I? It's not for me. I reminded him that hey, I am not a kid to ride a kid's ride like that.. But at least not to break a kid's heart, okay I did...

So after those things we did, we went home and he told me, "Alam mo, ang saya2 ko talaga ngayong araw na to. Saka dahan2 ka lagi baka masira ang kagandahan mo" Oh well, I just felt goosebumps and disbelief but then again I was trying to pretend and make myself stoodstill while reminding myself na, "bata to, wag mo ng patulan. Sakyan mo nlng!" hahaha

After few days, he kept on calling me through video calls and chats. I was not trying to be mean, but I was just so busy that I had not answered back his calls and besides, my pc was not working properly that time. Then finally, we met again at the church...

This time, with all his yaya, lola mom and another friend of ours. They told me that they will be going somewhere else and that they would drive me home nalang afterwards. At the car, I started to tease him to a little girl we met at the church. I was so shocked of his reply. "Ayoko dun, kasi para sa akin isa lang talaga ang maganda, sabay hawak sa dibdib at sabing, kumakabog ang puso ko" Napalunok ako at pretending I don't know, I asked him, eh sino nmn yun? Everyone in the car started to tease him like crazy. Andito lang daw sa tabi tabi and her name starts with letter "J". So pretending still that it was not obvious and still I didn't know, I started to tease him and ignore the fact that it was me... For several times, he kept on telling everyone that "Na iinlab na ako!" Oh my gosh talaga!!! Di ko alam kung matatawa ako or what! Whatta heck is going on with this kid? Toinks!

So all through out the ride, I learned so many things from his yaya.. She revealed to me the craziness Glock has been doing in his house. She said, Alam mo ba, pag nasa upuan yan, napapatalon nalang yan sabay, sabi, "Shet, online na ang crush ko!" She even added that, "lagi nyan tinititigan ang pictures mo! Whoah, I could not say more!!!!

Had I imagined that he was not a kid, gusto ko na batukan at sabihin, hey yow! wake up! You could even like my son already little kiddo, umayos ka nga! Pero syempre, he's a kid. And I'm a grown up, why would I even get to his level...

yeah true enough, it is very funny indeed. Nakakamatay ang mga banat nya like, "Sana nauna nalang ako pinanganak sayo tita." Saka he opened the door car for me and even kissed me goodnight. Shet! nakakakilabot to the highest level! me ganun???

But anyway, I just came to realize that no matter how hilarious this kid is, in general, no one could ever outstand the truthfulness of a kid's heart. Buti pa ang bata, alam nila kung paano magmahal without even thinking whether it was not right. As long as they know they are loving, they express it. Wala ng paligoy ligoy pa. Wala ng patorpe torpe pa. They just get real! And kids don't lie!

But Nah, Glock not me!!!! No not me!!! hahaha

My 2012 :)

Literally and Figuratively, it has been a brand new year for me. 2012 I should say could be a start for something new. I know that I have been living for 4 months in United Arabs Emirates, but up to this moment, I am still learning new things.

The good thing is, my vague perceptions and fears of the unknown are little by little deteriorating. I could still remember how timid I was when I first took step in this place. I could not walk nor talk to people in here with the notions that they might be harmful. Those typical thoughts of me made me realized today that people indeed are skeptic in nature. We do sensationalize things when we ought not to. Like, "Filipinos are entitled to be poor, domestic helpers, kurakot, magnanakaw". How bad is that? When in fact, not all filipinos are. There are so much to be proud of to be Pinoy. Well same is true to them. People all over the world are so scared of their "different" culture. The way they dress and they act. But when you come to understand them, you will realize that they are just like us. Same creatures we are, in varied races. So let's not be racist, that's the bottomline.

Well going back to my new year's day story, I started it fearlessly by riding the fastest roller coaster in the world in Ferrari world.

For the past few years, I was trying to test myself how brave I am in terms of extremes of life. I don't know why, but whenever I have conquered my fears, I feel like it's a sense of fulfillment for me. I feel so brave and proud of myself afterwards. I know that in a way, I could feel the fear before trying such but it feels so great to get over it once I've done it. I know that this is not the most extreme ride I ever had in my life, but I tell you, this is indeed the fastest which took my breath away for 45 seconds. Hamdullah, I am alive!

 Another new thing that I have tried on this day was when we entered in the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Well, it was awesome. Feeling ko ako si Jasmine and Alladin is waiting for me inside. haha We saw the biggest prayer mat in the whole world.

Well, the only catch in this tour is that you will not be allowed to enter the mosque without wearing their traditional dress, the black Abaya. So goodluck to me. It was my first time to wear it and I don't even know how to wear it.

Seriously, there were a lot of blooper shots we had. We just could not help ourselves laughing at each other. I was trying to control myself not to laugh coz people around us might get offended, but I just could not stop. Finally, we just enjoyed the beauty inside that we'd rather take pictures of than ourselves.

Christmas 2011

I thought of writing something I ought to remember someday. yes. So today is my first Christmas away from home. Not actually my first Christmas away from my family but this is something different.

This is my first time to have only pizza for Noche Buena. First time not to talk to my family. My celphone got drained, plus th video call is not so clear. The voice is stuttering. I almost wanna cry. I just felt so sad.

But then again, I don't wanna cling to that doomed feeling so I just have to think of the happy thoughts instead. I saw my dog on skype. OMG! He's so big na! I wonder if he could still remember me. I just miss him so much. My closest friend stayed in our house and celebrated Christmas eve with my family.

So that's just my sister and my friend out there.

Sigh, tonight, I feel like I'm only living in a virtual world. My family, my friends, everyone is so out of reach. I don't know if I ever have to be seeing them for real. =(

 Wooohoo..I just can't help it. I was trying to hide my tears..But maybe, just once, I just wanna say that I miss them so much! Nevertheless, I just wanna thank God for all the blessings. For making it til the end of Simbang Gabi, and for my job, new people I've met, and new place where I am right now.

I am suppose to wait until midnight like I used to do. But, I just realized that maybe today is just another day to be thankful and be blessed. Anyway, Happy Birthday Jesus!

I know this is not much an interesting post. I just want to remember this day. Merry Christmas!!!

A letter to the one God prepared for me

I am wondering at this very minute if you are thinking of me, if like me, you are wondering what is taking us so long to find each other. Many times I thought I finally found you only to be disillusioned by the fact that my wait has not yet ended. I get up each morning hoping, dreaming, longing to meet you.

I am thinking of how we will meet, would it be as romantic as the ones I have seen in movies? Or is it possible that I have known you all my life but we have yet to realize that we are meant for each other? Oh how I wish you were here right now because you are the only one who has the answers to all my questions. Sometimes I ask myself if I have ever really known "love". I do not have the answer to that question either but I believe that, more often than not, we will never really know what love is until we find that right person.... and since I have not found you yet, then maybe I do not really know what love is! You just don't know how often I dream of finally knowing what it feels like to be in your arms. Even at this very moment I am imagining how you will simply sweep me off my feet! Perhaps your smile, or your eyes would draw me to you, or maybe even how you manage to make me laugh by your silly little ways! I don't really know for sure but I am praying that God will help me recognize you when the right time comes. I think of all the pain that I have gone through in the past and of how much I have cried since the day I began my search. I just wanted you to know that I find my strength in clinging onto my vision of the beautiful life ahead of me --- the life I shall spend with you. In my mind and in my heart I know that you are worth all that pain and sacrifice.

After all, the tears have become a part of my life and I believe that they are slowly washing away my flaws so that I would become perfect, not perfect in its truest sense, but perfect --- for YOU! I wonder if you've gone through so much pain as well. I wonder if you've been hurt so many times along the journey. But my dearest one, please don't ever give up because I am right here... patiently waiting for you! I assure you that when we finally find each other I would slowly heal those wounds by my love.

At night, I would look out my window and stare at the beautiful sky, hoping that somehow you are also looking up and wondering about me. I utter a silent prayer and send all my cries to the heavens above thinking that in time they would reach you. And when I feel impatient, I just close my eyes and believe that you are on your way and that you are longing to see me as well. It is funny but when I finally fall asleep, it is still you that I think of, for you are always in my dreams. It seems that, for now, that is the only place where I can hold on to you, long enough to tell you how much I love you. In my dreams you would kiss away my fears and wrap me with your arms of love. And this, all the more, makes me want to wake up and face the new day ahead with the hope that soon enough, you will no longer be a dream but a reality and once again I am assured that you are worth the wait. And when that time comes, everything will fall into its place, just as I had imagined, just as I had thought and dreamed, just as I had believed it would be! By then, I would simply look back and smile at all that I have gone through, in spite of the pain and amidst the simple joys of life --- and I would be very thankful because they all led me to you!

In the meantime, take care of yourself for me. Hold on to our dream and don't even think of letting go. Believe in your heart that we will find each other no matter what happens. God has planned the course and it is up to us to follow the directions. Don't worry, don't be afraid about getting lost, God saw to it that all the roads, no matter which one you choose to follow, lead to me.

PS. I once told myself that if time comes that we will meet each other, I'm gonna punch or slap u and rant at you, and tell you, "How dare you make me wait for so long? What took you so long to find me? Then I'll hug you coz finally I found you. So if ever my heart says and love you back, please don't ask why, I don't know neither. Just do love me too. Will you?