you're weird. i like it.

It was the end of the school year and as usual, I was the most tired person in school and I wanted to think that I was. Staying late till one in the morning to finish a presentation for the very next day, it was something I will not do again in the future.  I was exhausted. Though the presentation went well, I was a walking zombie at noon. 

Anyway, the usual end of the year has its ups and downs.  The children leaving for another school, or going back home to their own countries is a common sight as well as teachers and colleagues leaving.  One of my colleagues gave me a card that says, you're weird. i like it. 

Dear Jonathan,

You're just the right kind of weird, mister!  I will miss your quirky and     

  sometimes irreverent sense of humour, and watching you shower the children with your affection and care - even the most challenging ones!

I have enjoyed collaborating with you this yer, in particular, and celebrating the children's learning journey with you.  Being in your classroom very nearly twice a week has made me miss having my own far less.  In your classroom, I have truly felt like a part of a community- one that you have nurtured with your beautiful spirit and kind heart.

I don't say things that I don't mean, so whatever you need next year, you just let me know! I'll always be your colleague and friend...project related, school related or life related... and don't forget you'll always have a place to stay in England!

I will keep on teaching as I get to meet superb people in their field.  I will miss two special people (Mia and Julie) in school this August.  They will both be in England, meeting their partners and living-in together for good.  I wish them all the best. 

Waterloo

I received some heartwarming messages from five individuals I didn't expect to send me messages. One is a high school buddy whom I got to know only during my mum's wake. Another is a former colleague of mine in school whom I don't see often.  Next is a high school classmate living in Canada whom I considered as my best friend but we parted ways.  The fourth is a mum of a former student who is based in Australia.  The last being a co-teacher of mine during my first six years working as a preschool teacher in Manila.  These five are most unlikely to send me a private message but they did.

I wasn't expecting anything when I posted my 'ongoing battle'.  Ongoing as I had this dilemma in class since December.  As much as I try to help or support, the problem though solved on a daily basis, changes everyday.  There would always be a new behaviour for a corrected one the day before.  It is a constant struggle not for just one child, but for the entire class as well.  Hopefully, things will get better. 

Thank you for the hugs and short messages from friends around - Denmark, Norway, USA, Poland, Philippines, Thailand, England, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Italy and Belgium.  Your love and words of encouragement are helping me in my battle.

Flowers For Me?

It was a dreaded day as gazillion of lovers all the world celebrated and showed the world their love.  I hope that they do it everyday and not just one in a 365 days cycle.  And to think that this year, we get to have one extra day for love. Enough sweetness!

why am I keeping these?

As I teach in a school, it was just normal to receive small tokens from students of different grade levels.  And as a pack rat, I had accumulated some as shown in the photograph above.  They do not mean anything as they were only symbols of love, but the true feeling of being loved by students can be felt a hundredfold.  

This forgettable day became an unforgettable experience.  As I was watering the garden early in the morning, my routine every Sunday, I noticed something that moved from atop some greens.  Lo and behold, an unexpected visitor was slithering.  I was frozen, Elsa style, and realized that a photo shoot was the next thing to do.  Running towards the house, I got hold of my phone and quietly but quickly snapped a pic of this lovely green reptile.  I felt I was Eve, looking at the snake telling me to take a bite at the apple. I answered by saying I already ate one, it's stuck on my throat! 

Hello! Adam's apple!

who wants one for Christmas?

The rest of the day was spent indoor, blogging and writing more posts to last the year.  Yeah, that's how my mind wanted to forget about this special day, Valentine's, not the snake.   After some good old chatting with a friend that I professed my love to (it's Valentine's you know so only one day), I was hungry so I left to take a bite.  I sent all my friends a heart's day greetings and waited patiently who will return my love.  Yipee!, got three and one from someone who broke my heart some years ago (though that person doesn't even know, ha,ha,ha). 

While I was eating at a nearby restaurant rice porridge and all, I felt alone and unwanted.  If tears could drown, the whole road was now inundated with water. Just kidding, what the heck, I am no longer a drama king, CDR King maybe, plugging!

I went back home and upon reaching the house, something caught my eyes. Not the snake as it was gone but a plastic bag with a bouquet of flowers inside it.  It was for me!  I took it and threw it in the bin.  Not really, I took it inside and smiled, not a big smile but a smile that meant, things end well when we least expect it. 

though not real roses, the essence was there
essence of chicken, ha,ha,ha!

What's your story?

Friend's Day

Facebook made a video for Friends' Day and I am grateful as it reminds me of my family and friends.  High five to FB!

And Valentine's Day is also a celebration of friendship and family so if you are celebrating, have a great Valentine's Day wherever you are. 

Birthday Post

In one of the Christmas themed books I read in class, I asked the children this question, "What could be the gift of Santa for the stick children?"  One of the boys in class answered, "Santa gave them seeds so that they can grow the seeds and there will be more sticks to be their friends." 

photo courtesy of Ms. P

I recently went back home for a few days to attend to some important matters. Matters that my high school friends arranged, planned and supported to help me out. We had some small group meetings as we are planning something ahead, a reunion sort of thing to celebrate four people who had and will have their 
birthdays, a day filled with business in mind, and an overnight stay to 

revitalize our senses and redefined friendship.

Santa gave us seeds many, many years ago. Those seeds were then planted, watered, taken cared of, and nourished through our lifetimes. The seed of goodness, to see within our hearts and others.  The seed of appreciation, of what we have and what we have become.  The seed of empathy, for those who are in need. The seed of honesty, to further understand each other's hearts and thoughts.  The seed of patience, to go beyond idiosyncrasies and skip dramatic flairs.  The seed of wisdom, to think beyond our age and foresee the future. And, the seed of love, to cherish each other till old age.

We took time to go together as one being silly, crazy, funny, serious, calm and proper. The hundreds of photos taken within those days will then become indelible marks of how friendship should be: tight with a dash of give and take. 

The view from Punta Fuego will not be as spectacular without some company.

Trees that give opulence to the scenery are always breathtaking.

The rest of the afternoon was spent chasing sunset while sipping some drinks.

Our morning stroll at Canyon Cove was an abundance of selfies and groupies. 

Our marvellous brunch at Bag of Beans was a treat.

So on my birthday, I am sending all my love to my bright and lovely friends

 and to those reading this post, I love you as well and have a great day!

The Swing

The neglected part of my garden is the swing where a lot of precious memories are stored.  It is neglected because it had rusted from the rain and the wind. But, it is where I got to know and loved a dear friend.  Though we had parted ways for unknown reasons, I kept him in my heart.

We are two different individuals and our ways are opposites.  While I am a homebody, he is the one who wanted to be away all the time.  Any holidays are meant for traveling.  He was the one who brought me to Khao Yai where we met other foreigners for a jungle trek. It was that time when one of my runners opened up and I was literally limping dragging that opened sole until I found a store and bought a new pair of sneakers. And then to Samut Songkram where we rode a boat silently gliding into the waters to see the spectacular fireflies nestled among trees and where it was my first time to experience home stay with a local family.

I had the chance to visit him in his university where one day, he prepared a bountiful feast for a picnic near the river.  That was probably one of the sweetest thing a friend had done to me.  There was also the once a month movie watching as he is a film buff.  After the movie, I see myself sitting at the pavement opposite the theatre watching people passed by.  Whiling away time, the conversations were of depth and humorous, ending only because it was already past two in the morning.

Our initial meet was when a common friend organized a dinner as he just arrived from Canada.  I was seated beside him and during the course of conversation found out that he was also stationed in Thailand.  Lo and behold, our trip back to Bangkok was on the same day so we met at the airport and chatted inside the plane for more than three hours non-stop.  I bet the people behind and beside us were annoyed with our chuckles, laughter, and noise.  It was one happy ride, knowing I am the over dramatic passenger where throwing up in the lavatory or a sickness bag is a normality.

When we initially parted ways for some reasons, we didn't see each other until one coincidence.  I was walking along a mall in Makati in one of my visits to the Philippines when all of a sudden, a familiar face was walking towards my direction.  We stopped, looked at each other, laughed and hugged for some minutes.  It was tight, dismissing the fact that we were in an overcrowded mall. We were probably being looked with envy or derision. 

Then in another fateful day, we met for my birthday and unknowingly, will be our last meet.  It was a very heartwarming and honest conversation.  To quote him, " I decided to let go of people that are of no use to me anymore this coming year, closing my doors to them and cutting off ties as it is time consuming." To which I reply with, "I guess you already made a choice."

After that ominous night of revelation, it was time to walk away and never look back.

Remembering Them

Though the colour of the leaf changed,
the shape was still intact. Heart forever!

During these few days when I was bored to death, I happened to stumble on a programme through YouTube which is called Undercover Boss. Watching each episode brought tears to my eyes because of the generosity of the employers toward the most loyal workers and hardworking ones.  I was wishing that my employer will also do the same, if not of any monetary help, but of a personal encouragement and gratitude for every great year of teaching.

Anyway, I am then writing a handful of great things that happened to me since I was much younger so as to celebrate the generosity and support of the many people around me, still present or long gone but always remembered.

The generosity of friends - When my mum passed away, my friends were there not only as a support but also to help carry the burden of the expenses.  Then, when my dad passed away two years after, the financial help I got from all of my friends was exceedingly generous.

The magnanimity of others - When I got hospitalized and then recuperated at home, there was a daily supply of food from breakfast to dinner for a week until I was able to go back to work.  The doorbell rang everyday and there was something hanging on the gate of the house.  There was also a mum who came in with a large pot of soup for me to eat. They were exceedingly helpful.

The compassion of people - And there were also emotional support from friends such as my conversation with an Italian friend inside her car; when I opened my soul to a Singaporean buddy; when I stayed over in the house of a Malaysian pal while I was in Kuala Lumpur; when I spoke about my school's dilemma with a French teacher; when I am constantly being guided by a high school buddy in Manila, and when I cried on the phone talking with my good friend in Australia.

The absence of individuals - I will never forget my best friend from the US whose death gave me sorrow.  She was the penultimate in giving support both emotionally and socially.  Also, I will never forget how my beloved friend invited me over for their church service and later becoming my closest. His presence at the wake of my dad was priceless.

I couldn't thank them enough because no words are best fitted for their help. However, I am still writing them here not only to remember them but also to celebrate their friendships and memories.

With a Heavy Heart

     

           Dear Teacher Jonathan,

           Many thanks from the deep of our heart for being such a                   

           wonderful teacher, tutor, coach and friend.

           We will never forget all the support that you gave to us, especially               

           to Isi and Diego in these four and a half years of teaching from     
           Beginning English but later and more importantly, values and helping     
           both to be better kids.

           We trust milion percent and you never fail. You always gave more and    
           more with patience, care and love.  You are dear Teacher Jonathan   
           and one of our best memories of Thailand.

           You are so special for us and your "Chilean" friends will always be with    
           you in anything you need.

           Many thanks again for all and God bless you!

                                                                         With love,

                                                                         Isi, Diego and Marcela

This year, there were a lot of families who left for good as they needed to go back to their home countries or that they were assigned somewhere else.  The Barria-Esquivel family had been a tremendous support to my career as a teacher.  I will love them and cherish them in my heart. 

A Beach Post

If there is one place I enjoy visiting, it is the beach. I am not fond of swimming in its salty water but the sound of the waves caresses my ears. It is the coming and going of the current that brings bubbles at the end that mystifies me. It is the soft push of the wind to gently sway the ripples to the shore that I always wait for. It is pure magic. 

The beach had been my refuge. It was where I do my homework when I was still a student. It was where I memorized my lines for the stage plays I had been part of. It was where I wrote my school reports and it was where I sat down and reflected on life. It was also where I just indulge in eating and sleeping during school breaks. 

This summer, I went to Coron. I renewed friendship with two of the best people I've met in the world of blogging. I have met Asiong two years ago when I visited him in Baguio and it was also that summer where I met Cher Yccos in her school.  Asiong is now a tour guide in Coron while Yccos returned to the corporate world. These two people had been instrumental in my continuos streak of writing and postings.  Their presence warms my heart.

The beach is where we gathered to exchange further stories about life, struggles, and hopes. The beach is where we renewed our camaraderie.  The beach became a stellar witness to how friendships go beyond backgrounds, likes, eccentricities, and beliefs.  I am fortunate to have them and those who read my blog. 

Coming up will be photos of our wonderful journey together. 

Older Friendships

While I was seated on a beach chair waiting for the sunset, I noticed a few teens waiting in excitement as they strapped themselves with life jackets. They were to go on a banana boat ride. I stood up and took a photo of them and although their faces were blurred by the sun and the water, I knew that they were very ecstatic to ride and bump along the waves of the sea. I have never done this.

A joyous group on a banana boat ride.

When I saw a movie recently about a team of volleyball players who grouped themselves to compete in a national volleyball contest, I was studying the characters in every angle. I wanted to find out which character am I going to play. The friendship built in the story was so strong that I reflected to myself as to what kind of friend I am. I long for great and reliable friendships.

When I was in high school or even in the university, I had a responsibility to open and manage our video store so I was home right after classes. When my friends would gather together for drinks or spend some more time to chit chat at the university's garden, I was needed home. I learned management skills and a lot more by doing the family business but I was shunned of invitations as my friends knew I was always busy. I still am but I can find the time. 

There are certainly a hundred of other things that I missed when I was younger and a lot more that I wanted to do some time ago. So when I sit down at the cafe right now thinking why I am not doing more, the answer is simple, I wanted to do things with friends. 

Seen at a beach, captured a lot of memories way back.

I have done a lot of traveling by myself and learned to fend myself throughout my life away from home. It was always a one man show, a one man effort, and a solitary journey. If only a choice can be presented, I will choose to be with friends rather than earning more. I miss my old friends a lot and how I wish I can be there when they also celebrate their lives. 

People Focus Two: Vlad

If there is an epitome of friendship, then my friend Vlad's friendship is one of them. We met at a church function and became part of a group of Filipino scholars studying in Thailand. 

He spoke in a gentle manner whilst all-knowing about the affairs of the world. He was into politics and until now, he is. 

He is my complete opposite. While I am shy and introverted, he is the sociable and all friendly kind of person. While I allow myself to disappear in a crowd, he is the one that stands out.

I remember spending birthdays together since we were born on the same month. We would visit our doctor friends and have simple get togethers at their university's laboratory. Our weekly eating spree by the sidewalks were always fun and germ-filled. We even embarked on trips to Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai spending the little money we had to buy matching vests. We even visited a zoo dressed in our office garments. It wasn't  the expenses or the tight budget, it was the growing friendship that was most invaluable.

Vlad and I had petty arguments regarding friendships and there had been bouts of jealousy since we were all immature at that time. But with all these differing opinions, our friendship was made stronger. 

Vlad molded me in many ways. He is God loving and God fearing and his devotion to the Lord is overpowering. He guided me in my daily devotion. He showed me how to be a good friend. He exposed me to diligence as he is very scholarly. Knowing some years ago that he was finishing his graduate studies in Taiwan and later on learning that he was at Harvard University, what a feat!  

Vlad taught me valuable lessons about friendship. His admirable traits are deeply missed. And for almost sixteen years of not seeing him, I miss him big time. 

Happy birthday buddy!

As I Read, I Learn, I Treasure

Since it was a very quiet evening sitting at the terrace where only the lights of a few houses can be seen, I made some reflections that of my blog and of the people who visited, stayed, and left.

I had been writing for more than seven years now, with an extensive range of topics from personal experiences to teachings, as well as my hobbies of gardening and painting. It also includes my travels around Thailand and to other parts of the world. I started with no readers at all and had for a number of years three people I exchanged comments with: Poi, Jasper, and Lucas.  Of the three, only Poi became a friend of mine where I also witnessed how he evolved as a writer and how he stopped because of personal reasons.

It was only last year when I pique my curiosity and visited other blogs and become braver in cyberspace. I learned how to surf other blogs and ended making comments to some chosen few. It was in the summer of July when I decided to meet the people behind those blogs. I went out of my way to meet six incredible people: Senyor, Ms. Balut, Ambot, Asiong, Jessica, and Cher Kat. It was one of the highlights for myself as a blogger. Meeting six people in ten days from five different places completed my summer holiday in the Philippines. 

From thereon, I came upon other blogs through theirs and stumbled upon more interesting individuals: Fiel, Rix, Josh, Sep, Mark, Jeison, Jay,  Arvin, Kristine, Joy, Mar, MeCoy, Pao, Tripster, Ric, Lili, Simon, Winzton, Jep, Ron, Rajiv, Oliver, Anne, Jobo, Ishmael, Mots, Aian, and others.  And of these list of people, only a handful continued to write their stories. I witnessed as they left their passion for other pursuits and made their blog homes unattended. I did miss some of them because of their spontaneity and all I can do is to wait for their return. 

After 654 entries and 3443 comments, my life as a blogger had changed for the better. I learned how to be open minded, how to be more creative, how to read between the lines, how to effectively communicate, how to listen by reading, and mostly, how to appreciate the visitors' efforts giving some minutes of their lives to read my postings.

I made friends and acquaintances. Though a handful stayed and most left, I remain humble because of their presence and their visits. I continue to write for my expressions, my narratives, my experiences, my stories, and my passions.

I am thankful to those who visited, read, and left words in my postings. May you continue to give sunshine as I learn from all your writings. 

The names in bold print are those I had met personally. All different individuals with equal talents in writing. I miss most of them and I do miss their postings. 

The Older Me

During my high school and then going on to university days, friendship for me had been a constant battle. Recognizing myself as a nerdy person, I am a home-school-home kind of person. I wasn't a social creature and wasn't invited in any social gatherings. Mind you, I even cry when my parents asked me to go with them to see my aunts and cousins. 

So for me, receiving small notes and cards from people I care for had been a big thing. It means that I have some friends who remembers me. Proofs are three filed and hand made folders showcasing cards from my family members, classmates, and friends. They are all in a box stored somewhere. They are my life long memories.

I remembered fondly when my high school buddies asked to see my compilations and they were all teasing each other and trying to see if there had been a card sent to me from each one of them. They were constantly intriguing each other if we 'are' friends or not. 

The Troll's Hat is part of Oxford Reading Series for older aged children. It is an easy read and nothing sort of spectacular when it comes to plot or illustrations. However, it is a good exercise for intermediate readers. And while my student was reading the pages, I ended up in tears when I read the next page.

I know the feeling because it came some points in my life when I was needing friendship but I do not have any. I heard that I wasn't invited to a friend's gathering because I was told to be boring. I wasn't invited to a school's trip because they thought I will spy on them. I wasn't invited to a bowling game when everyone in the room were personally asked. Recently, my colleagues in school had lunch somewhere without inviting me to join them.

I felt bad but I went ahead and gave myself a much needed rest. A rest from being with people that deserves none of my friendship. The older me is sensitive but I am becoming callous and this is what I am striving for. I shouldn't be affected by these blatant negativities because I can enjoy my own company.

So you won't be able to see grand number of people in my postings as to show the activities I indulged into. No group photos, no eat outs and picnics, no large scale celebrations. I basks in solitude, in traveling to many places alone, and in finding my spot as a person. But I am still in gratitude to those who stood by me and to those who gives me shout outs once in a while. 

Jonathan looked happier than the Troll.

"I do not need cards and presents when I know 

I have a few people close to mine and their hearts," he said.

The Dinner Cruise (Sequel to Tour Guide, Not!)

Chao Phaya River at Night

Though expensive especially for students, going on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phaya River is a rich experience as one gets to see the city at night with its illuminated temples and landmarks, as well as the towering hotels and restaurants abound. This time, I took the whole group for a dinner cruise along Chao Phaya Princess IV. 

The church members of New Life were appreciative of the efforts I put forth in making the night a memorable one. They enjoyed the sceneries as well as the food while chatting with each other. Mostly vegetarians, they had a sumptuous meal of fried rice, curry, samosa, tomato soup, vegetables with cashew nuts and others. They are also from different countries such as the USA, England, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Honduras, Caribbean, and others. It was fun!

Moon Beckoning

I retreated to one side of the boat to look at the buildings and boats passing by. I snapped some photos along the way and they were worth the time. One of the church member was gracious enough to chat with me and she related her experiences being able to travel with her children and helping the children of the orphanage. She was very excited as she recalled the many activities they did together. I was thrilled to be a part of her experiences through her stories.

A smaller boat transporting passengers.

When we listen to the stories of others with their exuberance, one cannot help but admire their enthusiasm and desire to share their personal narratives. Her dedication to spend her time helping others was immeasurable. It was very admirable.

Dried gourd for Feng Shui as a token of appreciation.

The dinner cruise was a celebration of the church members' volunteer work for a week. The dinner cruise was my bridge to further know more people. The stories shared were learning moments for me and their stories will be passed on as they continue with their missions to spread love and care to others.

A thank you card from the group.

Words of thanks!

It's not about the money, money, money

I don't need your money, money, money

                          I just want to make the world dance

                                                                Forget about the price tag...

 

Tour Guide, Not!

When I went to Palawan two years ago, I never thought I will act as a translator when I ended up with a group of Taiwanese people. It was an emergency and the guide couldn't explain to them what to do. He looked at me and said, "Your last name is Chinese, isn't it?" "Yes and so?" And there you go.

Last week, I had the chance to meet friends of my cousin and she gave my name to help her friend find things for her in Thailand. I did, not because I owe my cousin something, but because I am a good- hearted person. (insert lightning and thunderstorm) What I didn't know was that I am going to tour not one, or two, or three people around, but 19. 

NINETEEN! I screamed at my cousin when I was chatting to her through the phone. There goes my kind hearted persona down the drain. Their biggest concern was transportation and they do not like to be separated from one another. The only solution to that was a bus but where do I find a bus, a free one to help them out?

Anyway, highway, to cut the story short. We needed three vans to pick them up at the airport to the hotel. Done! I scouted the hotel before they came here to see whether there was a market, food stalls, convenience stores, and the like. All set! So when I met them at the hotel to bring them to the Night Market, I was the boy scout guide with arms flailing around, pointing here, pointing there!

My student was kind enough to lend me her van so I was able to subtract six people from the group. There were 14 of us left and the only transportation aside from a cab was the Subaru pickup that can only ride 10 people, ten skinny people. I asked the driver if all of us can get in and surely we pushed each other, sat on top of each other, and left the terminal at a turtle pace. 

The Subaru pickup is similar to this but the door is at the side.

Slow, slower, slowest, and I do feel the Subaru truck was saying, "What did I do wrong?" While inside, it was a fiesta of photo flashes, selfies, groupies and the like. It was the funniest ride ever! And when they started to introduce themselves to me in those awkward positions, it was hilarious and I didn't remember any of their names.

These nineteen people are part of a church mission and along with the generosity of the members based in Taiwan, they collected numerous material and monetary donations to give to Bamboo School in Kanchanaburi. They went there to do a week of service and will be back this weekend. 

While I am having a difficult time dealing with people around me at this time, these young people who volunteered their time and effort to be with children gave me something to look forward to. They were nice, well-mannered and filled with positivities. So I said to myself, "God is good. ."

The Two Trees

"You can do it!"

"I can't. I am so tired and weary."

"Then take my hand, my friend. We can do this!"

Being single is probably a blessing for many because of the simplicity of living. One earns just for himself and one can party all night long without the worrying of someone waiting for your call or for you to get home. 

Being in a relationship is another thing. While you can still spend your own money and party all night long, there is a certain limitation that you can allow yourself to do. It takes more of a conscious effort to think that there's someone waiting for you. Besides, you wanted to be with that special someone all the time.

Being married is another ball game. This time, your earnings are earmarked for your family. If you are the breadwinner, you try to work doubly hard to make your lives better.  It is a life of responsibility and commitment, not just to nurture each other but to grow together as one. 

So when I saw these trees during one of my hikes, I took a photograph and decided to make them a story. I thought of making a sad narration of life but I decided to make it different. It then became a dialogue between the two, only if they could talk. 

Singlehood

In a Relationship

Happily Married

And all I want in my life is someone to say what I wrote at the very beginning. Have a blessed day, my dear friends.

Where the Road Leads

When we are given things in life, we do not know how to proceed. We either stop and stare, make small steps, or jump into the bandwagon. Whatever we do, it is still our own decision whether we will move on, go forward, or step back.

Some people are happy being alone while others cannot make do without someone around them. Some people struggle with their decisions whether work related or personal issues. Some give up easily for small things while others pushes themselves to their limits.

I am in many ways push myself so I can actually survive. When not so good things come, I try to study the situation with a clear mind though admittedly I am clouded by negative thoughts. Rather than carrying the burden, I try to focus on the now and let what is happening at that moment to momentarily freeze. Then I go back with my intention of solving my problems rather than dumping my issues to others or to myself. I seek but solutions. I thrive in freedom rather than breaks.

The road to success is not always a smooth ride. The driver in me knows that as a fact. So when things go crazy in my personal and professional lives, I slow down and sometimes, I stop and rest. I start driving again when my sanity is back, when the fog drifted, and when the sun dries up the rain.

(Dedicating this short piece to a blogger friend)

Food Trips and Friends

It was very hectic as I was selling things, running to different government places to apply for papers and needed documents during my short stay in Manila. Since one of my closest friends was also visiting, we took time off our schedules to meet.

The Raffles Residence was the venue of our first meeting. The Raffles is described as endlessly enchanting, with understated elegance, refined and contemporary luxury and there was no doubt that I had to agree. The security from the main gate to the front desk was well-guarded and filled with welcome smiles and warm reception. I wanted it to be my home.

My friends and I enjoyed the camaraderie and the stories we all shared regarding families, friends and vacations. With plenty of hors d'ouevre, incredible delicious French Pate, raw meat, and cheeses, I couldn't ask for more. Top them up with tea of all kinds and coffee, a perfect afternoon tea party.

 from - www.smartparenting.com.ph

Second to the list was Cafe Mary Grace at Serendra. The place is very homey and it reminded me of old houses and even of Papelmerotti what with their small notes tucked inside tables. The place is small but cozy and even early that morning it was filled with people thus service wasn't spectacular. The food is exquisite though and with its famous hot chocolate drink, simply divine.


The conversation with my two friends was all about retirement. The dream of having a place for vacation locally was on top of the list. We didn't stay long and later transferred to a tea house afterwards. 

The day before I left, we really have to spend one more time even if it means we need to squeeze or skip some appointments. This time it was at Oasis Hotel opposite Paco Park in a restaurant called My Kitchen by Chef Chris. 

Since I am no food blogger and my memory of names regarding food is limited, all I can say is that the food were good and that the last meet with my high school buddies was the cherry on top. 

I wish I could be with my friends all the time but with our choices and different lives, it is not possible. However, we make sure we get to see each other when opportunities arise. Eating out was just an excuse. The meetings made capped our years of friendship. It was worth the stories, stored for others to hear and share. It was friendship without borders. 

(A late post since these happened in January, 2014.)

Birthday 2014

A week of celebration and a lifetime of friendships and great memories.

Five in Half a Day

Chinese Checkers is one of my favourite games of all times. It can played by two persons or a maximum of six. It has a very simple rule. The aim is to race all the same coloured pieces to the opposite side before your opponent does. Once you reach your 'home', you win. 

During my short stay in Manila, I had the opportunity to meet fellow bloggers who are of different educational backgrounds with different life experiences. When the six of us met, I felt that we were in a skilled based game of Chinese Checkers. Each was represented by a colour and I will be assigning them one and will speak of them giving short descriptions.

Fiel's elusive personality came to life with this meet of ours. Bubbly and always with an infectious chuckle, he has a charisma of his own. In his blog writings, he is always the one with positive vibes. I finally met the one eyed profile picture of fiel-kun and it was a fitting honour. Devoid of frivolities and false pretenses, he is going to be white.

When I dropped by Geosef's blog, I felt I was in a world of lust. The stories were naughty and filled with life. It was like "Damn, how come he got all the good stuff?" But it was his words that made me stay. I thought that he was a literature graduate but he wasn't. He is just good with it, a person to look up to. That's why he is red. 

Mine is black because it is the absence of colour. I was a mere bystander to their blogs early of last year till I started making my presence known. I am more of an observer, studying the underlying meanings of their posts and trying to learn how to write better. I am learning a lot from these five people. 

Rix's blog is filled with humour and life. He is known for his mosquito coil lines at the end of each post. What you read is what you get, this saying sums up the personality of Rix. He is not only a great person to speak with but also a man of wisdom. With all those laugh trips and jokes, he exudes a commanding stance when he starts to speak about life and friendship. He is going to be blue. 

I visited Arvin's blog since early of last year but his postings were very minimal. In a way, his blog has been like a mirror of how I am in Thailand since both of us are working out of the country. I assigned him green based of his latest postings but joking aside, green means growth and he has been instrumental in bringing growth to PBO.

And to complete the board, Kat is going to be yellow. Although the only rose amongst the thorns, she was the glue to this meet up. I don't know where she gets her powers waking up early in the morning and staying late at night. I started calling her the "Queen of EB" since I see her everywhere. her jovial personality and rich stories will surely make you in awe. I bet the boys are hooked to her because she is witty, sensible and animated.

The pegs of the board are the stories and experiences we shared with each other. Turning, jumping, avoiding traps and giving way were all part of that wonderful day. We took turns, we paused, we listened and learned. We became silent, we shutdown, they made glances (to their phones) and smiled. We were shy, we were bold, we laughed but we didn't cry. 

While each peg of the board continuously move towards their "home" during that day, we finally bade farewell. We have possibly moved towards winning the game we call friendship or losing it. Whatever came out of that meet, I emerged a winner because I got five to hold on to. 

I send you love and gratitude for one, fine, wonderful day.