Pareng Ondoy

Strong rain woke me up at 3 am. First impulse told my sleepy head to close my window so I won't get soaked and leave it ajar enough to welcome a little cold wind in. Probably a few minutes later, it stopped and I was fully conscious. I opened the window and looked out.

(photo from MSNBCmedia)
It has been 3 days since Ondoy brought chaos in Manila, the entire Metro and some vicinity provinces. Seeing all the photos and videos posted in Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Tumblr, and emails forwarded to my office account, all these were silently working in my head. It felt like I seem unaffected at first. I was just a mere observer from afar as the typhoon devastates the country I come home to. Ondoy left a homeless child, a dead woman buried in mud, an electricuted dog, a displaced family, a piece of junked car - and a whole lot of them.

So this is how it feels - to be safe while thousands of Filipinos battle the strong winds, the cold rain and the perilous currents it could carry one away and get drowned in the dirty waters that went up as high as head-level. I'm thankful my family in Pangasinan aren't affected. Consider us lucky to have been spared.

It was only now that my subconscious thoughts appeared in the surface. The visual inputs of Ondoy and its destruction in my head had been processed. I was more than sad for its victims and for my country as a whole. Apart from the little financial assistance I could extend, I have this yearning to personally lend a hand through volunteerism. Have I been in Manila, I will volunteer.

As I looked at my neighborhood here, how lucky Singapore is to have not experienced typhoons and other major catastrophes due to its strategic location. Add to that how the government does not fail to give what's rightful to its residents - an everyday life of comfort, convenience and safety. I do pray with all earnest that the Philippines will someday experience the same thing.

Yet for now, here's what we can do to help Ondoy's victims.

ondoy.tumblr.com

Like what an old classmate said, "Ondoy reminded us that even at this point of our history, man is still no match against nature..."

Disasters are an opportunity for progress and development. I myself feel optimistic despite this tragedy. May the Filipino government and every citizen of our country, including me, do its part plumply, with all discipline and genuine duty, to make our country rise again.

To the nations who felt with and for us in times of these calamities, who have extended their help for search, rescue and relief operations, financial aid and prayers, in behalf of the Filipino people, here's a grateful heart from a Filipina. Thank you very much.

Here is an dditional information for those from Singapore who wish to help and give donations.

The Filipino Association in Singapore (FAS) also announced that it is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Donations may be dropped off at:

A-Freight Cargo
304 Orchard Road
#03-19 Lucky Plaza
Singapore 238863

i-Remit Singapore announced that it will waive remittance charges for donations to the Philippine National Red Cross. Remittances to the Philippine National Red Cross may be sent through:

i-Remit Singapore
304 Orchard Road
#03-69 Lucky Plaza
Singapore 238863

LBC announced that it will waive remittance charges for donations made to the following organizations: ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Foundation, Philippine National Red Cross, and the National Disaster Coordinating Center. Remittances to these organizations may be sent through:

LBC Singapore
304 Orchard Road
#04-77 Lucky Plaza
Singapore 238863

Irony

There's this tendency for me to sing Alanis M's Ironic whenever I feel like wanting to rant without end.

It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife.
Well isn't it ironic? A little too ironic. Don't you think?

I dislike ranting about life and the mishaps that's happening day by day. I find it not fair and useless keeping the grudges over these and those. So everytime I hum that tune inside my head, I get back to myself. Instead of barking (silently), why not sell the thousand spoons so you can buy the knife you need or want, Anne?

Pulau Ubin

So after the die-die 1-hour-non-stop Badminton game with Anna yesterday where we sweat a drum, here I am again, just got back from an island-wide cycling. I have always heard about the popularity of Pulau Ubin for nature trippers since I arrived here in Singapore. For 2.50sgd, you've got your one way ticket to PU.

We initially planned to walk a.k.a trek until we realized the need for a bike. Pulau Ubin is a mass of an island, it won't give mercy to your pair of walkers, trust me. Half the price of a S$10-new-pink-lady-bike for rent, we settled for the S$5-worth instead. What to expect - one is trouble maneuvering the gears. Goodluck! It felt like the bike will disassemble into pieces! Good thing I can manage riding bikes with ease.

I got a bit suntanned as seven of us explored the island amidst the noontime heat. Coconut juice, 2 cans of tonic drink and 1.5 litres of bottled water quenched my thirst and replenished me with the liquid my body needed as I peddalled. The going up was a serious task for a non-biker such as me. Well, for all us four girls actually! But the going down the steepy slope was love! With the naturally cold wind, thanks to the shade of the trees and sea breeze, being forced against my face and my entire skin, it felt liberation!

I was surprised to realize, my phobia for biking was... gone. I can push the pedals rolling the wheels fast again. There were times that I almost lost control, almost plunging myself to the ground but I managed to avoid future fugly scars. Whew!

After the physical challenge, we can't ignore hunger, can we? Served seafood was sumptuous. Calories burned from cycling were instantly replaced with the late lunch we had. Hah. How useless! Well, at least it was still a tough work out. Dormant muscles were moved. And that's something that's good for the body.

We ended the day happy, feeling lighter and contented. This place is highly recommended to friends who wish to do something else from the usual. A great bonding time.

Shall Hit Balls Haaarrrrrd Latuurrr

I like physical activity. It probably started with my desire with dirt and running when I first tried Airsoft. Tennis falls in that category too. I've always wanted to play but with the lack of self-motivation and comrades with the same interest, it never happened. Until two and a half years later, I received an "heirloom" from an ex-colleague on her last day in the office - a new racket and a dozen of balls.

I hit the internet with haste in search for a formal training on the sport. I've been watching players, amateurs and pros, everytime I pass YCK MRT overlooking Yio Chu Kang Sports Complex. They offer 3 months of training, about 10 sessions, for S$300. With planning, maybe, just maybe, I'd buy the formal training idea. However, for the meantime, since my officemates noticed the racket littered under my desk, they had invited me to play with them one time. Who was I to refuse such an invitation?

So Friday after-office, we headed to Rivervale Crest Condominum Tennis court. My colleague was so kind to make himself my first Tennis trainer. For an hour, he let me hit the balls simultaneously, taught me a few hitting styles, the normal, the backhand and the slice. I was like playing volleyball with the high angle projectile of the ball everytime I make a hit. Worse, missed hits and balls flying over the fence. Please excuse this noob here!

Officemate's friend came after the "training". It would be shameful if I'd own the entire time hitting balls so I let them take the floor. Another hour passed and finally officemate's sweat come running down his face. Even so, he still asked me to practise hitting. I wasn't sure if he was kidding me but he told me I improved fast. I can hit balls properly and make a rally with my playmate. Hmmm, not bad for a first time eh?

Next week, a game is scheduled. Practice! Practice!

The Kota Kinabalu JetSaver Light Challenge

With my love for verbalization, I thought why not give this a try?

(1) Start off by telling us how your team plans to explore the exciting sights and food in Kota Kinabalu for a day.
(2) 10 outstanding teams will be selected to travel for FREE between 29 September and 1 October for a 3D/2nights trip!
(3) The 10 teams will need to capture their Kota Kinabalu moments on photos and post it on their blog!

What more could entice busy office buddies like Rose and Lailah than a day of fun, excitement and new experiences in a paradise of nature where "dreams come true"? Apart from visiting Kuala Lumpur , Lailah and I once tried a one-day backpack trip to roam around Melaka together. With JetSaver Light Challenge giving us this opportunity, who knows? This might be our second time together for a new exploration, this time around, the beautiful Kota Kinabalu.

Five things in a day you say? Both of us appreciate structures and landmarks. So our first stop - the (1) Sabah State Mosque which is one of the manifestations of the great heritage and rich culture of the Malay people. A pose with the (2)Atkinson Clock Tower amidst a lush of green scenery would be fun to do next!

A visit to KK will not be a real visit to KK if there is no (3) Mount Kinabalu in the itinerary. We may not have the luxury time to climb the mighty mountain but having a feel of it in our very own feet would be awesome enough!

Kota Kinabalu is a known haven for nature lovers featuring the highest peaks to the deepest of the oceans. With the white-sand shores, blue crystal-clear waters and beautiful burst of sunset colors, we definitely would love to chase the breeze and swim with the waves of the (4) beaches offered by the Gaya Island . And if it’s within the budget, we want to dive into the underwater world wonder of Sapi Island . Otherwise, there's the flora and fauna for exploration after swimming.

Finally at sundown, after an adventurous day, we could try (5) sumptuous seafood meals or try some hawkers that offer various Malaysian delicacies. Before we bid goodbye to KK, we could go to street fairs or flea markets to buy affordable souvenirs and handicrafts as tokens of our wonderful KK adventure.

Crossing fingers! Hopeful for a win! :D

Webby

Transcribing thoughts into words is probably the best way for me to keep myself sane. I like conversations running from the eek... mushy, sweet nothings to the serious stuff. I can baby talk an annoyingly inquisitive yet amusing child or get amazed by the wisdom of an old man.. and be forced to act my age. ^^,

Staying in a foreign land with limited peers whose brainwaves are in-phased with mine has pushed me to get inclined with blogging which probably started around 2007. My first world wide webby attempts though, dates back to 2000 where I designed my first HTML-based website saved in, woot!, diskettes. I lost those files, needless to say, thanks to virus. To date, there are about 4 blogsites I tried to create and keep. Some are still under construction, some are never updated... and most likely, will stay that way til forever. Some entries were full of crap, some sparked negative emotions, some inspired the readers, etc etc. I FEEL like doing a post tonight, something that would have me unclothed. Then again, this is probably the best time to just jail these thoughts running crazily inside my head.

Anyhoots, maitulog n nga lng to. :)

Her Name Means Light

Luc, to me, is an epitome of courage. She dresses fashionably and carries herself with a smile and I admire her for that certain kind of aggression you would appreciate for a straight-forward person like her. Her struggle with kidney failure has long been a combat. I may not fathom the pain she's been going through, but in my imagination I know how tough it is. The negative response of her body during these series of surgeries and attempts of dialysis worries us more. I wanted to visit her and give her flowers and see her smile again. I have considered her as an older sister since the day we went out for lunch where she gave me a chance to have a peek at her life and her struggles. It takes a lot of guts and trust to impart such very personal information to one who does not fall into the category of a closest friend. How I pray that we'd be sharing many more hearty and happy lunches again soon. :)

Bangkok, Thailand

Kuala Lumpur: Getting There

A suicide trip I must say. I had missed my supposed morning sked to Kuala Lumpur so I had to book the night trip. Yay. I arrived around 10pm at KL Airport after the 40-minute air ride from Singapore. I had to travel another hour via bus bound for KL Central to meet up with JK and JLo. The fare was just 9 ringgit. ^^,

The bus ride was la-la-la-love. From my window seat, I was able to gaze upon the starry evening sky. There weren't HDBs, only a looong line  up of trees which I'd never experience to see in Singapore. Malaysia is quite a mass of land like Philippines. How I missed traveling for long hours in land like that!

At the terminal, cabbies went with their crazy persuasion for a taxi ride. Much like Pinas eh? There I saw from the escalator heading down were the two girls to fetch me. We hunted for coffee at a certain Old Town? Is it? Was it? Hah, I forgot. I had Starbucks in KL. ^^, I should have taken a picture!

We arrived at the penthouse somewhere in Asia Jaya? Yes, it should be Asia Jaya. I guess I was too tired to have an accurate record of the places I've been to. So off to bed these three kiddos for the next day was another plane ride to the Land of Thais!

JK, by the way, who slept the latest must wake up early for her blow dry session with the hair. :D

The Thai Land

Time check, Thailand is one hour late as compared to Singapore/Malaysia/Philippine time. No wonder JK, JLo and I got confused with how long the flight should be from KL to Bangkok. About two hours away from Malaysia, a few hundred feet above the ground, welcome to Thailand.

With first glimpses, I could hint that agriculture is part of the Thai's economic sources. Off Topic: Photo from the right reminded me of Dragon Ball Z with the scattered lumps of fluffy clouds.

Along with the uninhibited desire for exploration, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi which is the second busiest airport in the country with the H1N1 paranoia. Lookie at the gas masks! But apparently not even H1N1 can stop us from photo shoots. Adik!


After discussion with tourist guides, we closed the deal for city tour for 500 Baht. And another 150(?)/pax for the taxi ride from the airport to our first temporary Thai home, Baiyoke Hotel. I've read that Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest building not only in the city but the entire country. How amusing to know is that?

It was quite a long trip to the hotel giving me the chance to see shapes and sizes. People, buildings, houses big and small, establishments and street vendors! It's almost like I was home. "Very-Philippines", I must say.




Interestingly, who could beat MMDA's motif than the fun neon-colored cabs hovering around the busy streets? Pink! Taxi! And there were sky blue, green and purple too!

Since I was with the shopaholic JK, how should we spend the first few hours in Bangkok? Chatuchak! Probably Thailand's version of Divisoria.

Day Two

Buffet for breakfast was good. Situated at the summit of the hotel building, we can see the entire city in the morning. The ambiance felt refreshing as sunrise illuminated faces unknown to me in yet another foreign land! This city is a hodgepodge of races - Westerners, Europeans and Asians. Plus it felt warm to see that we weren't the only Filipinos in the dining room.

The food was 6.9 out of 10. Juice tasted with so much goodness of freshness and the larger croissant! It was so soft I loved it with the strawberry jam and butter. They got fresh fruit slices too. The pineapple was such a love.

What else and where else? Off we went to shopping part II. Let's try the infamous Thai local public utility to get there - the tuktok. How kind of manong tuktok to charge us with only 10 Baht for the ride! Well, it actually came along with the ulterior motive of we, in return, to sponsor him for free 5 litres of gasoline. For every tourist stop we'd hop on, he gets a stamp entitling him for the free fuel. He took us to a certain gem factory where we saw the raw stones - jade, amethyst, citrine, sapphire, etc - how the workers polish them and place each gem on their rightful spot. Thailand is also known for high quality gems as claimed by the receptionists we had talked to.

I so wanted to take a photo of the girl in metallic pink for the Thai attire but oh well, we ended up posing with manong tuktok and his tuktok for souvenir instead. ^^, Second stop was at a travel agency which features Thailand's best tourists' must-visit. The free fuel was apparently a strategy to promote tourism. Well, somehow I did have fun with manong tuktok anyway. Communication was a bit of a problem but it was a great opportunity to have actually dealt with a local.

Finally, MBK! It's a typical mall yes, yet another popular shopping stop. The craze didn't end there. Down the hotel building were bargain shops where we got cheap prices on wholesale.

The Dish of the Night

If there is one thing I had been looking forward to, it was the cruise that stretched along the main river of Thailand, the Chao Phraya River. I used to only hear it in stories from a friend who made it sound so interesting. Luckily, JK made a reservation. It was my chance to prove my friend's claims. It was, indeed, wonderful. We had seen the Grand Palace, Rama VIII Bridge and other temples with all its majestic silhouette amidst the lovely dusk. It was so romantic. And to describe it this way probably would not do it any justice.

To The Temples!

It's the last day - the city tour day. To the temples, we were actually required of proper attire - properly clothed that is. JK couldn't wear her tube. Karen must be wary with her neckline not to plunge deeper and JLo not to wear shorts. Else the gods will disapprove of them. ;)











Wat Pho Temple where Buddha reclines gave me a feel of sanctity. Paintings on the walls and symbols on his feet depicted the Thai life. Too bad, the tour guide was not with me all the time to explain to me this and that.

The intricate designs of the temples in ceramic and porcelain were an interesting sight. They may be a manifestation of the people's religious life and beliefs but I might say as well, it's Thai art.

More To Thai

Have you seen the largest photo album? Bangkok City is! It's a huuuge portrait collection of the royal family. Along and amidst the streets, were gigantic photos of the King, the baby Prince/Princess and most were portraits of the Queen as a couple of weeks ago, the people celebrated her birthday to honor her.


I thought the Tamarind was Thailand's national tree as I noticed that they abound the Thai parks and streets. Sweet tamarind candies, anyone? Perfect for pasalubong!

Fooood! Because to me nice mangoes are only found in the Philippines and next probably in Thailand, the first thing I did was hunt for mangoes on our way to Siam Paragon Mall. Alongwith a mixture of sugar, salt and chili, the fruit slices were truly delightful!

When hunger striked us during shopping and internet cafe-hunting, we came across mamang vendor of steamed meats wrapped like sio mai (photo below). We took pictures of it and I could tell from the face of a passerby, "These girls must be lunatic." Haha! Since it was pork, only JK and JLo were privileged to have a treat of this Thai street food.

So off I went and got this fish-meat-and-fish-ball-slices-on-top-of-shredded-cabbage-with sweet/sour/salty chili sauce (photo above). It was more than edible. It was yummy! That is, of course, if you can tolerate spicy.



Here's to our last glimpse of the Thai "land". Above is the tallest control tower in Asia.
Bye for now, Bangkok! :)







We Wanted More!

Because of time constraint and change of plans, those are the only landmarks we were able to go to. Probably on my next trip to this place, I'd be able to check out also these must-see and must-do Thai things:

The Grand Palace Tour
Elephant Ride
and
the Patpong which frustrated Bruno a.k.a JK. ;)