It seems to me that the year that's been just whirled past me without me accomplishing something big for myself. My year just simply filled with work stuff, I just was not able to put the big things in my life at the center.
I have always been the type to pore over every nitty gritty detail of anything that occupies my thoughts for the moment. I would busily labor over things that others would find to be small stuff. Though small for others, these stuff for me are the things that really matter.
January 30, 2007
January 29, 2007
My Mom's HK Trip
As promised, follows my mom's account of her HK trip- uhm, the first part at least. She didn't get to finish it, methinks. But I am just so proud of her. She was really very excited about it as this was her first trip abroad. I just wanna share her thoughts here in my blogspace. Here goes...
HONGKONG, a visitor’s impression
by Jean Greta
Being within your comfort zone does not necessarily mean restricting yourself within the walls of confined places, it also means you can extend your vantage point like visiting other places and seeing beautiful views within your limited resources.
For quite some time I did think of expanding the scope of my own comfort zone. I successfully did that when I went to see Hongkong for the first time. I went there with my grandnephew from the Philippines to meet my niece, Leslie, who came all the way from Dubai. It was truly a very exciting and enjoyable experience and surely indeed still within my comfort zone
My Hongkong thrilla started with a short glimpse of the biggest airport , they say, at exactly 12: 15 in the morning of January 6, 2007. The airport’s runway was lit up to serve as pilot’s beacon so I started counting planes but stopped at twenty as I saw some more on the other side, while the others are still coming in. We were whisked out of the airport terminal on a very cold night, the local TV station reported an 11 degree Celsius temperature. My first impression of Hongkong that very night or shall we say that very early morning is a quiet city, with high-rising buildings surrounded by hills and mountains.
Day 1 still includes my waking up at 5:00 in the early cold morning. An over-all view of Hongkong skyline that morning seemed to change my previous impression. I saw many high-rising buildings, a combination of the old and new constructions. From my hotel’s window I saw some people started brisk walking while others were running, perhaps to catch up with their work transport or whatever. We stayed at Metropark Hotel in Kowloon. My niece chose that area because it is near the market.
Mom feeling cold
Our City tour started with a visit to the Man Mo Temple. “ Man” is said to mean Literature and “ Mo” means Martial Arts. How it came to be called such, it was briefly explained. But I was totally engrossed in the rituals of some Chinese folks visiting the temple and I was careful not to disturb the solemnity so I made sure I followed every step they made until we reached the exit door. We were told by the Tourist guide named Ryan that your prayers will be heard if you lit a scented stick as it shall travel faster to the heavens with the smoke of the scented sticks stuck on a well-polished brass, the spiral candles and pewter incense burners.
Hongkong really and in fact is a breathtaking beauty, I confirmed that in our climb to the famous Victoria Peak. I almost made a squeak on a tram ride, it was frightening. There, our TRAM was practically climbing at about 45 degree angle to the top of the peak but the spectacular view from the hillside overlooking the islands overwhelmed me, I forgot the scary climb.
I missed the experience of riding on a Sampan in our third stop at Aberdeen Fishing Village. My grandnephew got very sick on our walk down the Peak. We had to stay inside the Tour Bus to keep him warm. But I got some nice shots of the fishing village though from my phone camera. The tourist guide jokingly suggested a swim in the very cold channel, where the temperature is almost at freezing point. We then proceeded to the Industrial community and observed the making of jewelry. Several beautiful and intricately mounted stones on gold chains and rings were shown to us in an array of sparkling display. I bought one necklace with a blue topaz representing my birthstone. I had a good bargain. Chinese is known for introducing these method of marketing.
Our last stop on that first day was in Stanley market. We were told to come back after two hours or may opt to stay for shopping to our heart’s content minus the tour bus. Stanley market is truly a shopper’s delight. There, you can find various souvenirs from garments to sportswear. We chose to go back with the tourist bus that delivered us to our hotel after about an hour’s drive around the City of Hongkong and Kowloon.
in wonderful Disneyland
HONGKONG, a visitor’s impression
by Jean Greta
Being within your comfort zone does not necessarily mean restricting yourself within the walls of confined places, it also means you can extend your vantage point like visiting other places and seeing beautiful views within your limited resources.
For quite some time I did think of expanding the scope of my own comfort zone. I successfully did that when I went to see Hongkong for the first time. I went there with my grandnephew from the Philippines to meet my niece, Leslie, who came all the way from Dubai. It was truly a very exciting and enjoyable experience and surely indeed still within my comfort zone
My Hongkong thrilla started with a short glimpse of the biggest airport , they say, at exactly 12: 15 in the morning of January 6, 2007. The airport’s runway was lit up to serve as pilot’s beacon so I started counting planes but stopped at twenty as I saw some more on the other side, while the others are still coming in. We were whisked out of the airport terminal on a very cold night, the local TV station reported an 11 degree Celsius temperature. My first impression of Hongkong that very night or shall we say that very early morning is a quiet city, with high-rising buildings surrounded by hills and mountains.
Day 1 still includes my waking up at 5:00 in the early cold morning. An over-all view of Hongkong skyline that morning seemed to change my previous impression. I saw many high-rising buildings, a combination of the old and new constructions. From my hotel’s window I saw some people started brisk walking while others were running, perhaps to catch up with their work transport or whatever. We stayed at Metropark Hotel in Kowloon. My niece chose that area because it is near the market.
Mom feeling cold
Our City tour started with a visit to the Man Mo Temple. “ Man” is said to mean Literature and “ Mo” means Martial Arts. How it came to be called such, it was briefly explained. But I was totally engrossed in the rituals of some Chinese folks visiting the temple and I was careful not to disturb the solemnity so I made sure I followed every step they made until we reached the exit door. We were told by the Tourist guide named Ryan that your prayers will be heard if you lit a scented stick as it shall travel faster to the heavens with the smoke of the scented sticks stuck on a well-polished brass, the spiral candles and pewter incense burners.
Hongkong really and in fact is a breathtaking beauty, I confirmed that in our climb to the famous Victoria Peak. I almost made a squeak on a tram ride, it was frightening. There, our TRAM was practically climbing at about 45 degree angle to the top of the peak but the spectacular view from the hillside overlooking the islands overwhelmed me, I forgot the scary climb.
I missed the experience of riding on a Sampan in our third stop at Aberdeen Fishing Village. My grandnephew got very sick on our walk down the Peak. We had to stay inside the Tour Bus to keep him warm. But I got some nice shots of the fishing village though from my phone camera. The tourist guide jokingly suggested a swim in the very cold channel, where the temperature is almost at freezing point. We then proceeded to the Industrial community and observed the making of jewelry. Several beautiful and intricately mounted stones on gold chains and rings were shown to us in an array of sparkling display. I bought one necklace with a blue topaz representing my birthstone. I had a good bargain. Chinese is known for introducing these method of marketing.
Our last stop on that first day was in Stanley market. We were told to come back after two hours or may opt to stay for shopping to our heart’s content minus the tour bus. Stanley market is truly a shopper’s delight. There, you can find various souvenirs from garments to sportswear. We chose to go back with the tourist bus that delivered us to our hotel after about an hour’s drive around the City of Hongkong and Kowloon.
in wonderful Disneyland
January 25, 2007
Am Still Here
Finally, I have time for blogging. The past weeks have been much too hectic with a lot of planning to do (Christmas shopping, going home for the holidays, and of course, my birthday getaway—I know, it’s much too soon, but that’s me.. I want to get organized early). Add to that, juggling my time between my own work and sub-ing for a colleague. And last month, there was a party to go to every night since the 16th. I barely had enough time to sleep because I was on an erratic shifting sched. Honestly, I was a walking zombie when I arrived home last Christmas! Christmas passed by in a blur because I lacked sleep.
And coming back after new year meant getting those seemingly never-ending year-end reports completed. But here I am now, ready to dive into blogging once again.
I haven’t had the time to post about my trips before the previous year ended, so there’s gonna be an installment of some sort on that one in the coming weeks. Plus, I’ll be featuring my mom’s account of her lakbay on my site this week. Some guest blogger, huh?
And coming back after new year meant getting those seemingly never-ending year-end reports completed. But here I am now, ready to dive into blogging once again.
I haven’t had the time to post about my trips before the previous year ended, so there’s gonna be an installment of some sort on that one in the coming weeks. Plus, I’ll be featuring my mom’s account of her lakbay on my site this week. Some guest blogger, huh?
January 20, 2007
A New Year
Another year has passed. The year of the fire pig is here. And I'll soon be adding another to my year in a few weeks time, as well. Strangely though, I do not feel so sad about it. I mean, there was a time when I just stopped counting my age. Plenty were the birthday cakes and birthday candles and birthday wishes that have gone by. And as the years passed, I have started to feel a certain semblance of calm in just being. Something that I can only describe as a feeling of peaceable joy. And not without gratitude, mind you. Now, I value more the faces around me when I blow that candle and whisper that wish, then silently send up a prayer to Him above.
I do thank the Lord for another year - another year to learn more, another year to laugh more, another year to love more, another year to just be.
Thank You.
December 12, 2006
Early Call
whew! got awoken by the constant beep of my phone this morning. It was from a friend who just got in from the States, couldn't sleep right away so had to keep busy with what else- the phone. ",)
am awfully glad you see. i really do look forward to seeing old friends back again, and especially during the holidays.
it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
am awfully glad you see. i really do look forward to seeing old friends back again, and especially during the holidays.
it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
December 02, 2006
Malapit na ang Pasko
Well, it's that time of year.....
Really, my cellphone hasn't stopped ringing for 2 weeks now. Either my mom is calling me, or my dad, or my sis-in-law, or my bro - all asking about our going home for the holidays. Oh yeah, still three and a half weeks to go, you say, but to us Filipinos, the days pass by in a blur as everyone gets busy with umm-important things. So tickets have to be bought ahead of time else we'll be sure to land on the wait-list of every airline there is available.
Getting in the office a day after a 5-day mini-vacation off to the northern tip of the Philippine map, I was a bit hesitant to approach my boss about my leave for the holidays. But what the heck! It's Christmas after all. My family will miss me a lot if I don't go home. And I'll be missing a lot, too, actually. Christmas time is mainly family time. I have to go home and be with my family. Can't help but sigh wistfully at the sight of any nativity scene that's just all around us now.
Really, my cellphone hasn't stopped ringing for 2 weeks now. Either my mom is calling me, or my dad, or my sis-in-law, or my bro - all asking about our going home for the holidays. Oh yeah, still three and a half weeks to go, you say, but to us Filipinos, the days pass by in a blur as everyone gets busy with umm-important things. So tickets have to be bought ahead of time else we'll be sure to land on the wait-list of every airline there is available.
Getting in the office a day after a 5-day mini-vacation off to the northern tip of the Philippine map, I was a bit hesitant to approach my boss about my leave for the holidays. But what the heck! It's Christmas after all. My family will miss me a lot if I don't go home. And I'll be missing a lot, too, actually. Christmas time is mainly family time. I have to go home and be with my family. Can't help but sigh wistfully at the sight of any nativity scene that's just all around us now.
So there, after letting my boss know I'm going home this Christmas break, I frantically searched the net for any available flight home. Whew! That wiped out my credit limit for the month for now... again!
November 15, 2006
Memories of Palawan
Shucks!!! It's been more than a month since my last post. Haven't had the time lately. I think my posts'll be coming in trickles in the next couple of months. I've been assigned to sub for my colleague who handles in-process QA. She'll soon be taking off for a maternity leave in December but has already started being in absentia for the last three weeks. So, this beauty has been doing the rounds of Biscuit production for the meantime. Anyway, I'll try to squeeze in some blog time. I know I will.
My friend Queen just got in yesterday from a weekender in Palawan. Suddenly, I miss Gigi, my double sis, ex-housemate and friend from way back in College. She now lives in Puerto Princesa and is a chemist analyzing for levels of contaminants in export fishes and marine products. Wow, heavy... heavy metals ang handle niya ngayon. Hehe, tama ba, GG? Will you be home for Christmas? I heard Bogs will be coming with you. You should take him to LB. You should. Everyone's pretty excited to meet him.
Palawan has lots of tour-worthy spots.. went there last March with my colleagues at work. Hailed as "the last frontier", it boasts of verdant rainforests and teems with abundant natural resources. See our pics!
inter-island hopping on Honda Bay and Underground River tour ... and at Wildlife Conservation Center
In the whole 3 days that we were there, I couldn't stop myself from marvelling at its unspoiled beauty. Well, save for the mini-patches on some mountains that have been ravaged by kaingeros. "Kaingin" is a Filipino term referring to the slash and burn practice by upland farmers. It is a shifting cultivation system of farming wherein forests are cleared of trees then planted with a particular crop like maize, which will then be burned and replaced with another crop like cassava, then burned again and replaced by still another. And on and on the cycle of shifting cultivation continues. Kaingeros are what we call this type of farmers. And the cleared forests, denuded for a time prior to the next planting, somehow look so barren from afar.
Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of total land area. Mainland Palawan is a long stretch of island and there are several more little island paradise scattered around. If you want to get from the heart of Puerto Princesa to the different tour sites, you’ll have to schedule separate days for the northern and southern tips. And with plenty other smaller islands to go to, another day for island-hopping will add more fun to your trip. When we went there, we were just able to make the tour of Underground River, Honda Bay islands and city sites. I plan to go back there separately for Coron island and also El Nido plus Calauit island. And maybe someday, too, the World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef for its ecodiversity— i wish I’d have learned to dive by then.
Palawan sure is a premier tourist destination in the country. It is blessed with rich flora and fauna and virgin forests that would just make you fall in love with it. And what I loved most about the place is its moderately priced foodfare. Oh yeah, foodie lover that I am. Compared to the other places I’ve been to so far, my Palawan trip was the cheapest in terms of food. Well, I mean, I’m talking seafood here- fresh, sumptuous, delectable seafood. My Sagada trip was pretty cheap too, but dining didn’t include seafood so I can’t equally compare it with my other nature jaunts to the south, in the likes of Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Samar-Leyte and Davao. Sagada I can more liken to a Baguio or a Marawi trip.
Thinking of visiting Palawan?! I'd give you a thumbs-up. I want to go back! Come to think of it, now's a good time for planning trips for next year.
My friend Queen just got in yesterday from a weekender in Palawan. Suddenly, I miss Gigi, my double sis, ex-housemate and friend from way back in College. She now lives in Puerto Princesa and is a chemist analyzing for levels of contaminants in export fishes and marine products. Wow, heavy... heavy metals ang handle niya ngayon. Hehe, tama ba, GG? Will you be home for Christmas? I heard Bogs will be coming with you. You should take him to LB. You should. Everyone's pretty excited to meet him.
with Gg and Bogs
Palawan has lots of tour-worthy spots.. went there last March with my colleagues at work. Hailed as "the last frontier", it boasts of verdant rainforests and teems with abundant natural resources. See our pics!
inter-island hopping on Honda Bay and Underground River tour ... and at Wildlife Conservation Center
In the whole 3 days that we were there, I couldn't stop myself from marvelling at its unspoiled beauty. Well, save for the mini-patches on some mountains that have been ravaged by kaingeros. "Kaingin" is a Filipino term referring to the slash and burn practice by upland farmers. It is a shifting cultivation system of farming wherein forests are cleared of trees then planted with a particular crop like maize, which will then be burned and replaced with another crop like cassava, then burned again and replaced by still another. And on and on the cycle of shifting cultivation continues. Kaingeros are what we call this type of farmers. And the cleared forests, denuded for a time prior to the next planting, somehow look so barren from afar.
Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of total land area. Mainland Palawan is a long stretch of island and there are several more little island paradise scattered around. If you want to get from the heart of Puerto Princesa to the different tour sites, you’ll have to schedule separate days for the northern and southern tips. And with plenty other smaller islands to go to, another day for island-hopping will add more fun to your trip. When we went there, we were just able to make the tour of Underground River, Honda Bay islands and city sites. I plan to go back there separately for Coron island and also El Nido plus Calauit island. And maybe someday, too, the World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef for its ecodiversity— i wish I’d have learned to dive by then.
scenic view of the beach at Sabang
just enjoying ourselves
just enjoying ourselves
Palawan sure is a premier tourist destination in the country. It is blessed with rich flora and fauna and virgin forests that would just make you fall in love with it. And what I loved most about the place is its moderately priced foodfare. Oh yeah, foodie lover that I am. Compared to the other places I’ve been to so far, my Palawan trip was the cheapest in terms of food. Well, I mean, I’m talking seafood here- fresh, sumptuous, delectable seafood. My Sagada trip was pretty cheap too, but dining didn’t include seafood so I can’t equally compare it with my other nature jaunts to the south, in the likes of Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Samar-Leyte and Davao. Sagada I can more liken to a Baguio or a Marawi trip.
Thinking of visiting Palawan?! I'd give you a thumbs-up. I want to go back! Come to think of it, now's a good time for planning trips for next year.
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