Raising funds for Bago City

It has been quite a while since I did something big scale for the children in Bago City.

In 2006, I managed to secure sponsorships for the shipping of 4 boxes to the Philippines, and an enormous amount of stationery. We had 2 fabulous Christmas parties for the children, and these donations came as a pleasant surprise to them.

I guessed I was just being lucky.

People were touched by the video of that trip. It never fails to make me laugh and cry, leaving a beautiful memory.

I continued to help the children whenever I was back in Bago City, however in much smaller ways.

This time round, I'm planning something big. I've secured a sponsorship of 100 kites, and I'm going to do a kite-flying activity. It was also ambitious of me to set a target, to raise $500 for stationery sets to be given to the children.

I'm very thankful to have friends who have been supporting me in my efforts to help the children. Within a week of my announcement, the target was achieved. Some even donated toys and clothes. I can't thank them enough.

I'm just lucky to have you guys as my friends.

P.S. I hope I'm not being too ambitious to raise the target to $800. :)

Help the Filipino kids

Everytime when I visit Bago City, I would always try to help the children there, in the little ways that I could.

This time round, you guys can do your bit. :)

$1 can get a Filipino kid a basic stationery set. If you wish to contribute, do drop me a message or email me at "puyuhui at starhub dot net dot sg" (or SMS me, if you are my friends).

My target is to help 500 kids, but of course, the more the merrier. :)

Principles

I had a lengthy phone 'conversation' with a parent this afternoon. It wasn't the first time I had to swallow my tears while enduring the unpleasant words coming from the other end of the line.

Over the years, I've learnt to understand that such nasty problems are part and parcel of work, and I'm still learning to deal with them effectively. Sometimes I could take them in my stride, sometimes I couldn't let them lie down.

Today's 'conversation' stemmed from some misunderstanding and miscommunication issues. Things got heated up, and I just kept silent, absorbing all the angry words being lashed out. It took quite some time for us to really settle the problems calmly. In the end, 'all is well'. But I wished I could have the wits to deal with the problems faster.

The parent insisted that he had his principles, and he was setting as an example to his children, that principles should be followed once set.

Yes, I agree, but to a certain extent. I do have my own set of principles too, be it personal or for work. But sometimes, I have to set them aside for certain circumstances. And that doesn't mean that I'm not assertive enough. Sometimes one has to be flexible, sometimes we are left with no other choices.

It's just a fine line between sticking to principles and being stubborn.

Shifting of office

There have been too much movement within these few months. Having to deal with a new working space and project venue was a challenge. Hell, on some days, I would say. But at least the office wasn't on that serious tone (especially when there are people shouting 'bloody nonsense' here and there), just that I had to make do with the small space I had.

And 2 months after, we had to repack our things and move back to our old office. But it was a messy shifting of things. Dust was everywhere, files and materials were more than before. I dreaded the trouble of unpacking, given that I am quite a neat-freak. And today was only the first day. Shucks.

Once all the cleaning and clearing up are done, it's time to plan my homecoming to paradise.

Gone with 2010

In 2010, I had..

- gone back to the Philippines 3 times! :)
- snorkelled for 3 consecutive days in Coron, Palawan. But no thanks to the coral scratches, I had many bouts of rashes attacks after that.
- watched Aiza Seguerra and Juris sing live! and photos with them after the concert!
- a greeting from Richard Poon!

- been a tour guide to my friends from the Philippines on many occasions. I could work sideline on that already.

- many gatherings with my friends from primary school and high school, reminiscing the good 'old' days.
- taken many photos on quite a number of special occasions. Satisfaction doesn't come everytime.
- given my hair a new look.
- watched Voyage de la Vie, seated at the 2nd row, centre. For free. Haha. Fulfilled my childhood wish of watching a live circus show.

Of course, there were disappointments, unhappiness and frustrations that I would rather not mention them. No point anyway, let bygones be bygones.

Just hope that 2011 would be a better year. Happy new year, everyone!