Long time no see. Haha.
As usual, I've been busy with work since I came back from the Philippines in April. The new project is making me not able to multi-task as efficiently as I would like myself to be. And I'm not even halfway through completing it. Sigh.
It was good to meet up with old friends, gossipping and reminiscing of the good old times. Been hearing wedding bells ringing, and they will keep on ringing for the coming years. It's 'the' phase of life. My Facebook wall will then be flooded with wedding photos, and then soon, baby photos. Haha.
Not quite sure how often would I write on this blog again, I still love penning down my thoughts, but sometimes I'm either too tired, but most of the time, too lazy. Ha. TV is still my best friend. But I'll still try to write, perhaps at least whenever I return from my travels.
And till then. :)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
17 days in paradise
17 days in a place I call home.
It was supposed to be a much deserved break, but I left for the Philippines with a heavy heart. Things happened at work, which made me felt that despite the fact that nothing is fair in this world, I deserve something better.
Things wasn't going smooth either for the children's workshops in the schools in the mountain areas. It took everybody by surprise when I had an emotional outburst one night. I have never cried so hard for the past 8 years in Bago City, and even if I had encountered problems, they would only hear occassional rantings from me. I guess it was an accummulation of all problems and the stress I was going through, that resulted in the outburst.
I never like sharing my problems with the whole world, but I am thankful that I have friends there who are always ready to lend me their ears. A hug, a pat on the shoulders, it's comforting.
After this experience, I'm giving second (or maybe more) thoughts on working with groups again.
I had 1 week to unwind from all the stress and problems, I gave enough quiet moments to myself, and spent time with friends. I went out to the sea, swam with the fish and corals, and watched the sunsets. We even spotted a blue dot stingray while snorkelling in Carbin Reef in Sagay. A few of the many reasons why I'm loving it there in the Philippines.
It was supposed to be a much deserved break, but I left for the Philippines with a heavy heart. Things happened at work, which made me felt that despite the fact that nothing is fair in this world, I deserve something better.
Things wasn't going smooth either for the children's workshops in the schools in the mountain areas. It took everybody by surprise when I had an emotional outburst one night. I have never cried so hard for the past 8 years in Bago City, and even if I had encountered problems, they would only hear occassional rantings from me. I guess it was an accummulation of all problems and the stress I was going through, that resulted in the outburst.
I never like sharing my problems with the whole world, but I am thankful that I have friends there who are always ready to lend me their ears. A hug, a pat on the shoulders, it's comforting.
After this experience, I'm giving second (or maybe more) thoughts on working with groups again.
I had 1 week to unwind from all the stress and problems, I gave enough quiet moments to myself, and spent time with friends. I went out to the sea, swam with the fish and corals, and watched the sunsets. We even spotted a blue dot stingray while snorkelling in Carbin Reef in Sagay. A few of the many reasons why I'm loving it there in the Philippines.
Thank you my friends, for the friendships. And thank you Philippines, for the beautiful moments. Yes, I'll still be back again.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
哭了
好久没有这样，哭到累了睡着。。
也不太记得上一次是什么时候。。是因为在工作上被一大堆乐谱压得喘不过气来吗？那好像是好几年前的事了。3年前阿公去世时，我也没有这样，因为人老了终究会离开，都坦然地面对。
这几个星期都没有好好地休息过，也把一些不好的情绪压抑着。我知道最近我的压力指数在升高，有太多的东西要兼顾。但是绝不是因为工作，因为我相信我已看得很开，而且老板也知道他给我的任务也不简单，他也看到我也正在努力着。
导火线就在昨晚把所有的情绪給爆发出来。
有些事情，让我很费解。如果想做事，但却有很多怨言，出发点到底是什么？大家不就是也在努力着吗？第一次想到回“家乡”，却觉得是累的，有点心灰意冷。
我也不想多说什么。了解的人，看到的人，自然会明白。
我曾经对友人说过，我表面上坚强，是不想让别人看到我脆弱的一面。我就继续忍着，反正事情过去了，大家就回到各自的生活里，互不干涉。
只要对得起自己就好。
放心，哭完了，平静了。
也不太记得上一次是什么时候。。是因为在工作上被一大堆乐谱压得喘不过气来吗？那好像是好几年前的事了。3年前阿公去世时，我也没有这样，因为人老了终究会离开，都坦然地面对。
这几个星期都没有好好地休息过，也把一些不好的情绪压抑着。我知道最近我的压力指数在升高，有太多的东西要兼顾。但是绝不是因为工作，因为我相信我已看得很开，而且老板也知道他给我的任务也不简单，他也看到我也正在努力着。
导火线就在昨晚把所有的情绪給爆发出来。
有些事情，让我很费解。如果想做事，但却有很多怨言，出发点到底是什么？大家不就是也在努力着吗？第一次想到回“家乡”，却觉得是累的，有点心灰意冷。
我也不想多说什么。了解的人，看到的人，自然会明白。
我曾经对友人说过，我表面上坚强，是不想让别人看到我脆弱的一面。我就继续忍着，反正事情过去了，大家就回到各自的生活里，互不干涉。
只要对得起自己就好。
放心，哭完了，平静了。
Friday, February 24, 2012
It's almost end of February??
I'm once again overwhelmed with work, the volunteer project in Bago City, and whatever not. It's back to the days of burying myself in piles of music scores, but this time round, it's together with the dictionary and all the Italian terms.
I felt I was mugging like a student once again. Ha.
The stress level must be on its way to hit the sky, unfortunately. I've been drowning myself with more coffee (I wish for free Starbucks everyday, including on weekends), sighing and ranting more often. I lose my temper much more easily, and I yearn to reach out to my inner peace at the end of the day, late at night. And after that I get insomnia, and couldn't wake up in the morning. A very bad vicious cycle.
If only there were 48 hours in a day.
One thing to keep me sane though, it's Korean pop songs. Ah, I know you are going to say that I'm intoxicated again with K-pop. Haa. I just went on a K-drama soundtracks and CDs shopping spree online a few weeks back. Oops. Haha. And recently I've been high on the songs by FT Island and CN Blue. I'm amazed by Lee Hongki of FT Island, he always sings with so much emotions, even if he has to sing them every few days when they go around promoting the songs on the various K-pop music charts.
These 2 songs by FT Island have been on constant replays on my player. Good songs linger in my mind. And I'm sharing the good songs. :)
That Person in Shinsadong
Severely
I felt I was mugging like a student once again. Ha.
The stress level must be on its way to hit the sky, unfortunately. I've been drowning myself with more coffee (I wish for free Starbucks everyday, including on weekends), sighing and ranting more often. I lose my temper much more easily, and I yearn to reach out to my inner peace at the end of the day, late at night. And after that I get insomnia, and couldn't wake up in the morning. A very bad vicious cycle.
If only there were 48 hours in a day.
One thing to keep me sane though, it's Korean pop songs. Ah, I know you are going to say that I'm intoxicated again with K-pop. Haa. I just went on a K-drama soundtracks and CDs shopping spree online a few weeks back. Oops. Haha. And recently I've been high on the songs by FT Island and CN Blue. I'm amazed by Lee Hongki of FT Island, he always sings with so much emotions, even if he has to sing them every few days when they go around promoting the songs on the various K-pop music charts.
These 2 songs by FT Island have been on constant replays on my player. Good songs linger in my mind. And I'm sharing the good songs. :)
That Person in Shinsadong
Severely
Thursday, February 02, 2012
龙年到！
这个新年，来得特别快。十二月圣诞节才刚过不久，农历新年一堆红彤彤、咚咚锵的东西到处都是。
我不是特别喜欢过年，因为我本来就不太喜欢热闹。我没有应酬的本能，就算是久未碰面的亲戚也聊不上几句。当然，大家都在“嘘寒问暖”地问一些客套话。工作了四年还有人以为我还在念书，应该要感谢我这张“童颜”般的脸孔。
大家也对我的感情生活特别有兴趣。而我的对策是以静为答。感谢大家的关心了。哈。
不过今年的新年过得还算平静，年初一睡到下午12点才起床，只到外婆家拜年，都住在同一座，
不必盛装打扮穿新衣。我甚至能把一部偶像剧看完（之后又中了偶像剧的毒），这样的新年，我喜欢。哈哈。
接下来的几个月，会忙着工作上的新任务和出国义工的事。希望能有一些喘气的空间，就算只是坐下来静静地喝杯咖啡也好。
突然想起，今年有好多华乐曲子特别适合演奏，如，《龙腾虎跃》、《龙的传奇》。哈哈。新的一年，新的展望。祝大家事事顺心、如意！
我不是特别喜欢过年，因为我本来就不太喜欢热闹。我没有应酬的本能，就算是久未碰面的亲戚也聊不上几句。当然，大家都在“嘘寒问暖”地问一些客套话。工作了四年还有人以为我还在念书，应该要感谢我这张“童颜”般的脸孔。
大家也对我的感情生活特别有兴趣。而我的对策是以静为答。感谢大家的关心了。哈。
不过今年的新年过得还算平静，年初一睡到下午12点才起床，只到外婆家拜年，都住在同一座，
不必盛装打扮穿新衣。我甚至能把一部偶像剧看完（之后又中了偶像剧的毒），这样的新年，我喜欢。哈哈。
接下来的几个月，会忙着工作上的新任务和出国义工的事。希望能有一些喘气的空间，就算只是坐下来静静地喝杯咖啡也好。
突然想起，今年有好多华乐曲子特别适合演奏，如，《龙腾虎跃》、《龙的传奇》。哈哈。新的一年，新的展望。祝大家事事顺心、如意！
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Entering 2012
2012 has crept in, much to my reluctance. The past 365 days had gone too soon, and honestly speaking, I really can't recall any significant events that took place for the past year. Except for the fact that I flew back to the Philippines 4 times in a year. Ha.
And the date with Piolo. :D
The trip back to Malaysia for the Qing Ming Festival was worth cherishing, it has been quite a long while since I met my relatives there, and I never knew that I have step-aunts, not to mention seeing them and hearing the exciting stories of their days in the jungles during the communist war.
Interestingly, the intoxication from Korean dramas has its unexpectedly lasting effect on me. Haha.
Of course, as time passes, people come and go. I enjoyed all the get-togethers with old classmates, and I am thankful for the company of friends dearest to me. I will miss the ones who left for a better place, and will try to look on the bright side, for people who chose to walk out of my life.
With the new year already trickling in and away, I just wish for peace and happiness, with lots of good company with friends. :) No new year resolutions for me, because I don't want to stress myself, and most probably I won't be able to keep to them. Haha.
Hope 2012 will be an awesome year for all of us!
And the date with Piolo. :D
The trip back to Malaysia for the Qing Ming Festival was worth cherishing, it has been quite a long while since I met my relatives there, and I never knew that I have step-aunts, not to mention seeing them and hearing the exciting stories of their days in the jungles during the communist war.
Interestingly, the intoxication from Korean dramas has its unexpectedly lasting effect on me. Haha.
Of course, as time passes, people come and go. I enjoyed all the get-togethers with old classmates, and I am thankful for the company of friends dearest to me. I will miss the ones who left for a better place, and will try to look on the bright side, for people who chose to walk out of my life.
With the new year already trickling in and away, I just wish for peace and happiness, with lots of good company with friends. :) No new year resolutions for me, because I don't want to stress myself, and most probably I won't be able to keep to them. Haha.
Hope 2012 will be an awesome year for all of us!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Back from Manila
It was as though I was dreaming. After 2 weeks of mad rush over work, I flew to Manila immediately right after I completed all my missions (for now), and back again to reality 4 days after.
I guess I was really exhausted over the past 2 weeks, I slept like a dead log over there in Manila. I did not bother to take any pictures too, I should have left my camera here.
But it was great seeing my friends there, both from Manila and Bago City. :) It was more like an early Christmas get-together with my friends, which I enjoyed it that way. Haha. Not to mention it was also a meaningful meet-up, to discuss the upcoming volunteering project in April. I'm very excited about that. :)
As usual, I love the shopping. Glorietta, Greenbelt and SM Mall of Asia are my playgrounds. :) Watched a pinoy movie too!
And oh! I took the MRT in Manila, ALONE. Haha. It can't be compared to the train system here in Singapore, but of course it was a kind of an experience for me. And I survived that. Haha.
I would still love to spend the Christmas in the Philippines, but air tickets are super expensive during the festive season, and work doesn't permit either. Maybe there would be a miracle, since my horoscope reading says that I would be travelling on Dec 3 - 4 and Dec 23. HAHA.
Yes I can never get enough of the Philippines. I'm already a pinoy at heart. :)
I guess I was really exhausted over the past 2 weeks, I slept like a dead log over there in Manila. I did not bother to take any pictures too, I should have left my camera here.
But it was great seeing my friends there, both from Manila and Bago City. :) It was more like an early Christmas get-together with my friends, which I enjoyed it that way. Haha. Not to mention it was also a meaningful meet-up, to discuss the upcoming volunteering project in April. I'm very excited about that. :)
As usual, I love the shopping. Glorietta, Greenbelt and SM Mall of Asia are my playgrounds. :) Watched a pinoy movie too!
And oh! I took the MRT in Manila, ALONE. Haha. It can't be compared to the train system here in Singapore, but of course it was a kind of an experience for me. And I survived that. Haha.
I would still love to spend the Christmas in the Philippines, but air tickets are super expensive during the festive season, and work doesn't permit either. Maybe there would be a miracle, since my horoscope reading says that I would be travelling on Dec 3 - 4 and Dec 23. HAHA.
Yes I can never get enough of the Philippines. I'm already a pinoy at heart. :)
Friday, November 04, 2011
The Youth Choir
I've been following the Korean variety show 'Qualifications of Men' lately, intrigued by the latest mission on the show.
The mission was to form a 'Youth Choir', with members aged 52 and above, and to take part in the national choir competition. Auditions were held, and 40 senior citizens, with the oldest being 84, were selected.
Their journey in the past 3 months was a testimony to the growth of the choir. With an average age of 62, it was not easy for them to develop into a mature choir from scratch, let alone tackle the challenges of competing in a competition. I admire their courage and preseverence. Each of them has their own story to tell, and everybody has become well-loved by the viewers. Even the conductor Kim Tae-won, who is a band player, had to humbly learn conducting from another master in order to take up this challenge. He single-handedly did the composition and the arrangement for the 2 competition pieces.
I love the concept of the 'Youth Choir', it's never too old to sing on stage again, and to show to the young ones, that the seniors citizens can do it too. Totally love the idea of the K-pop idol medley, which they sang for the final round of the competition.
我也算是在舞台上成长。在小学时，曾是口笛队的队长，有好几次在台上领奏、弹钢琴。进了中学后，就和华乐结缘，一直到大学时期，甚至到毕业后，上了无数次的台演出和比赛。也因为参加华乐团，让我有机会出国表演，除了二胡也接触到板胡及竖琴，更让我结交了一群志同道合的好朋友。就和这支合唱团一样，乐团注重的是团队精神，而不是个人表现。这样的成长过程，比较扎实。
虽然现在并不活跃于乐团活动，却有想念排练、上台演出的时候。看着这支‘青年合唱团’，因为喜欢唱歌而聚在一起，因为不想再错过上台表演的机会而勇敢接受挑战，让我想象，50年后，我会不会有像他们一样的机遇，一群喜欢音乐的陌生人聚在一起，一同表演呢？我会有那股勇气吗？
‘青年合唱团’的努力不负众望，在比赛中得了银奖。他们的歌声，打动了许多听众的心，多得了观众如雷般的掌声。我也因为他们的演出感动得落泪。比赛结束后，他们解散了，但是天下无不散之筵席，我相信，他们就算不是为了比赛，也会为了共同爱好，还会继续聚在一起。
And with that, I'll leave you to enjoy their performance for the competition. :)
The mission was to form a 'Youth Choir', with members aged 52 and above, and to take part in the national choir competition. Auditions were held, and 40 senior citizens, with the oldest being 84, were selected.
Their journey in the past 3 months was a testimony to the growth of the choir. With an average age of 62, it was not easy for them to develop into a mature choir from scratch, let alone tackle the challenges of competing in a competition. I admire their courage and preseverence. Each of them has their own story to tell, and everybody has become well-loved by the viewers. Even the conductor Kim Tae-won, who is a band player, had to humbly learn conducting from another master in order to take up this challenge. He single-handedly did the composition and the arrangement for the 2 competition pieces.
I love the concept of the 'Youth Choir', it's never too old to sing on stage again, and to show to the young ones, that the seniors citizens can do it too. Totally love the idea of the K-pop idol medley, which they sang for the final round of the competition.
我也算是在舞台上成长。在小学时，曾是口笛队的队长，有好几次在台上领奏、弹钢琴。进了中学后，就和华乐结缘，一直到大学时期，甚至到毕业后，上了无数次的台演出和比赛。也因为参加华乐团，让我有机会出国表演，除了二胡也接触到板胡及竖琴，更让我结交了一群志同道合的好朋友。就和这支合唱团一样，乐团注重的是团队精神，而不是个人表现。这样的成长过程，比较扎实。
虽然现在并不活跃于乐团活动，却有想念排练、上台演出的时候。看着这支‘青年合唱团’，因为喜欢唱歌而聚在一起，因为不想再错过上台表演的机会而勇敢接受挑战，让我想象，50年后，我会不会有像他们一样的机遇，一群喜欢音乐的陌生人聚在一起，一同表演呢？我会有那股勇气吗？
‘青年合唱团’的努力不负众望，在比赛中得了银奖。他们的歌声，打动了许多听众的心，多得了观众如雷般的掌声。我也因为他们的演出感动得落泪。比赛结束后，他们解散了，但是天下无不散之筵席，我相信，他们就算不是为了比赛，也会为了共同爱好，还会继续聚在一起。
And with that, I'll leave you to enjoy their performance for the competition. :)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Went to Manila, and back again!
Before I knew it, I was in Manila, and back again. :(
Time flew too fast, 4 days in the Philippines is definitely not enough. There are just so many things I want to do, I could do. Very tempted to fly back there again, immediately. Ha.
But anyway, this time round, it was a different kind of fun, because I was like a Singaporean working as a tour guide in the Philippines. :)
Right after we landed in Manila at 5am, we went to the hotel, had breakfast at the nearby MacDonalds and to tap on the free wifi, to plan our itinerary.
We were glad that we went to the Legazpi Sunday Market nearby. It was so colourful and there were so many interesting stuff there.
From accessories..
To handphone covers..
To toys..
To interesting stuff like paperweight..
To food..
Love how the photos turn out. :)
We had lunch at Dampa, and they were amazed by the cheap and good seafood there. You buy your seafood from the market, and bring it to the restaurant nearby and ask them to cook it the way you want it to. I hardly get disappointed whenever I get to eat there. :)
Thanks to Imee, we had a free tour around Fort Santiago, a defense fortress in the old city of Intramuros. The guide was an interesting fella, though there were quite a few times I couldn't catch what he was saying. Too deep. Ha. At least now I know more about the Philippines' history, and gained some insight while going around the Prison House of the Philippine hero Jose Rizal.
But I think we were more concerned about our wet feet after walking through the tour in the rain.
Our itinerary for the second day was to trek up the Taal Volcano Island. My Ate (sister) Shelyn was very nice, she accompanied us there and hired a driver for the journey. It was about 1.5hr drive from Manila to Tagaytay, where we took the bangka across the lake to the Taal Volcano Island.
When we reached there, overly-friendly guides and horses were waiting for us, hoping we would pay them for the horses to bring us up to the top of the volcano. We decided from the start that we would trek up, since we were already in proper shoes. But they still followed us, trying to convince us to take the horses because we looked like 'we couldn't make it'. Of course, they gave up when we were halfway up the volcano. Haha.
Even if it was physically exhausting to trek up under the hot sun, I am glad we chose to walk, to enjoy the beautiful scenery that greeted us along the way.
Other tourists must be thinking, these people must be mad, not to take the horses. Haha.
It took us around 1 hour to reach the top, and the view was gorgeous. A crater lake in a volcano within a lake. :)
We stayed up there for around 15 minutes, and it took us just 20 minutes to get back to the foot of the volcano. The power of gravity. Haha.
Lunch was exceptionally satisfying after the climb. The pinoy food wasn't bad, anyway. :)
We went on to Sonja's Garden, everything's pretty with the plants and whatever.
We even had a competition among the smartphones, to see which is smarter in taking photos. The result? iPhone won. :)
While traveling back to Manila, they went crazy over the outlet shops at Greenfields.
Dinner was at Via Mare in Greenbelt. Love the bangus (stuff milkfish) and the eggplant with eggs.
I realised I had lots of coffee in Manila, not just because it's cheaper, there are more cafes, more choices. :)
The next 2 days were mainly about shopping. We became the shopping queens and king at SM Mall of Asia, and I've instantly brushed up on my Tagalog while bargaining at the Divisoria 168 Mall.
Ate Shel treated us to dinner at Barbara's, which came with a cultural performance too. Dancers performed various traditional Filipino dances to the tunes of the rondalla.
Yup, before we could say 'hello', it was time to say 'goodbye'. I didn't even get to shop in my favourite Glorietta and Greenbelt! I guess I still miss the moments of travelling alone, but I don't mind having the company too. :) At least there were more fun and laughter, when they were not performing their SOP, i.e. sleeping in the car. Haha.
I really, really can't wait to be back in the Philippines again. Shucks, my compulsive air-ticket-purchasing disorder is acting up again.
Time flew too fast, 4 days in the Philippines is definitely not enough. There are just so many things I want to do, I could do. Very tempted to fly back there again, immediately. Ha.
But anyway, this time round, it was a different kind of fun, because I was like a Singaporean working as a tour guide in the Philippines. :)
Right after we landed in Manila at 5am, we went to the hotel, had breakfast at the nearby MacDonalds and to tap on the free wifi, to plan our itinerary.
We were glad that we went to the Legazpi Sunday Market nearby. It was so colourful and there were so many interesting stuff there.
From accessories..
To handphone covers..
To toys..
To interesting stuff like paperweight..
To food..
Love how the photos turn out. :)
We had lunch at Dampa, and they were amazed by the cheap and good seafood there. You buy your seafood from the market, and bring it to the restaurant nearby and ask them to cook it the way you want it to. I hardly get disappointed whenever I get to eat there. :)
Thanks to Imee, we had a free tour around Fort Santiago, a defense fortress in the old city of Intramuros. The guide was an interesting fella, though there were quite a few times I couldn't catch what he was saying. Too deep. Ha. At least now I know more about the Philippines' history, and gained some insight while going around the Prison House of the Philippine hero Jose Rizal.
But I think we were more concerned about our wet feet after walking through the tour in the rain.
Our itinerary for the second day was to trek up the Taal Volcano Island. My Ate (sister) Shelyn was very nice, she accompanied us there and hired a driver for the journey. It was about 1.5hr drive from Manila to Tagaytay, where we took the bangka across the lake to the Taal Volcano Island.
When we reached there, overly-friendly guides and horses were waiting for us, hoping we would pay them for the horses to bring us up to the top of the volcano. We decided from the start that we would trek up, since we were already in proper shoes. But they still followed us, trying to convince us to take the horses because we looked like 'we couldn't make it'. Of course, they gave up when we were halfway up the volcano. Haha.
Even if it was physically exhausting to trek up under the hot sun, I am glad we chose to walk, to enjoy the beautiful scenery that greeted us along the way.
Other tourists must be thinking, these people must be mad, not to take the horses. Haha.
It took us around 1 hour to reach the top, and the view was gorgeous. A crater lake in a volcano within a lake. :)
We stayed up there for around 15 minutes, and it took us just 20 minutes to get back to the foot of the volcano. The power of gravity. Haha.
Lunch was exceptionally satisfying after the climb. The pinoy food wasn't bad, anyway. :)
We went on to Sonja's Garden, everything's pretty with the plants and whatever.
We even had a competition among the smartphones, to see which is smarter in taking photos. The result? iPhone won. :)
While traveling back to Manila, they went crazy over the outlet shops at Greenfields.
Dinner was at Via Mare in Greenbelt. Love the bangus (stuff milkfish) and the eggplant with eggs.
I realised I had lots of coffee in Manila, not just because it's cheaper, there are more cafes, more choices. :)
The next 2 days were mainly about shopping. We became the shopping queens and king at SM Mall of Asia, and I've instantly brushed up on my Tagalog while bargaining at the Divisoria 168 Mall.
Ate Shel treated us to dinner at Barbara's, which came with a cultural performance too. Dancers performed various traditional Filipino dances to the tunes of the rondalla.
Yup, before we could say 'hello', it was time to say 'goodbye'. I didn't even get to shop in my favourite Glorietta and Greenbelt! I guess I still miss the moments of travelling alone, but I don't mind having the company too. :) At least there were more fun and laughter, when they were not performing their SOP, i.e. sleeping in the car. Haha.
I really, really can't wait to be back in the Philippines again. Shucks, my compulsive air-ticket-purchasing disorder is acting up again.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A date with Papa Piolo
Many of my Filipino friends would be happy for me. No, I'm not getting married to a Filipino (still contented with my freedom), neither am I migrating to the Philippines. Haha.
But I finally got to meet my idol, the Philippines' ultimate heartthrob, Piolo Pascual!! :D
Yes most of my Filipino friends know that I'm a fan of Piolo, and they like to make fun of me for that. Haha. Come to think of it, I started learning Tagalog after watching my first Tagalog movie, 'Don't Give Up On Us'. The main leads are none other than Piolo himself, and Judy Ann Santos. So I should thank him that I can now understand and speak simple Tagalog. :)
He was in Singapore last Sunday for his Asian tour album's launch, and I knew about it some time in August. I was actually procrastinating about it, because I didn't want to go alone, and my Filipino friends here in Singapore are working on weekends as well. But I was glad I got to go to his concert afterall.
The opening act was by a Filipino band, and once again they proved that Filipinos are indeed talented in music.
Then comes the guest performer, the rockstar princess Yeng Constantino. True to her name, I've never seen any other female singers who could carry off and sing rock songs as good as her. She writes her own songs too. 'Hawak Kamay' and 'Salamat' are the hits that you will hear, and you must hear in any of her concerts or performances.
And with much ado, Piolo finally came out to the delight of many screaming (or perhaps shrieking) fans. That includes me. Haha. With that good-looking face and well-toned body (oh.. drools at that chest!), who won't go crazy over him? Hahaha.
Belting out songs like 'Babe', 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' and 'Be My Lady', he melted my heart many times. Haha.
Sadly, he only sang for about 30 minutes, and that was the end of his concert. Would love to hear him sing more songs. He didn't even sing some of his major hits like 'Kailangan Kita'. Then again, this was for his 'Songs of the Decades' album launch.
After the concert, there was a meet-and-greet session. It was in chaos. Ha. We had to purchase the merchandise, which included the album and a poster, in order to get into the meet-and-greet session. And disappointingly, personal cameras were not allowed and we could only take photos with Piolo in groups of five.
And I couldn't share any photos of the meet-and-greet session, because the organiser screwed up and had not uploaded all the photos. Very disappointed and annoyed.
Oh well, at least, after 5 years of waiting, I finally got to come up close with my Papa P, and got his autographs too. :) Despite so, I shall continue to plead with the mayor and Tricia to get Piolo to perform during Bago City's fiesta. Haha. I will fly to Bago City at all costs. Wahaha.
Love you, Papa P!! :D
But I finally got to meet my idol, the Philippines' ultimate heartthrob, Piolo Pascual!! :D
Yes most of my Filipino friends know that I'm a fan of Piolo, and they like to make fun of me for that. Haha. Come to think of it, I started learning Tagalog after watching my first Tagalog movie, 'Don't Give Up On Us'. The main leads are none other than Piolo himself, and Judy Ann Santos. So I should thank him that I can now understand and speak simple Tagalog. :)
He was in Singapore last Sunday for his Asian tour album's launch, and I knew about it some time in August. I was actually procrastinating about it, because I didn't want to go alone, and my Filipino friends here in Singapore are working on weekends as well. But I was glad I got to go to his concert afterall.
The opening act was by a Filipino band, and once again they proved that Filipinos are indeed talented in music.
Then comes the guest performer, the rockstar princess Yeng Constantino. True to her name, I've never seen any other female singers who could carry off and sing rock songs as good as her. She writes her own songs too. 'Hawak Kamay' and 'Salamat' are the hits that you will hear, and you must hear in any of her concerts or performances.
And with much ado, Piolo finally came out to the delight of many screaming (or perhaps shrieking) fans. That includes me. Haha. With that good-looking face and well-toned body (oh.. drools at that chest!), who won't go crazy over him? Hahaha.
Belting out songs like 'Babe', 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' and 'Be My Lady', he melted my heart many times. Haha.
Sadly, he only sang for about 30 minutes, and that was the end of his concert. Would love to hear him sing more songs. He didn't even sing some of his major hits like 'Kailangan Kita'. Then again, this was for his 'Songs of the Decades' album launch.
After the concert, there was a meet-and-greet session. It was in chaos. Ha. We had to purchase the merchandise, which included the album and a poster, in order to get into the meet-and-greet session. And disappointingly, personal cameras were not allowed and we could only take photos with Piolo in groups of five.
And I couldn't share any photos of the meet-and-greet session, because the organiser screwed up and had not uploaded all the photos. Very disappointed and annoyed.
Oh well, at least, after 5 years of waiting, I finally got to come up close with my Papa P, and got his autographs too. :) Despite so, I shall continue to plead with the mayor and Tricia to get Piolo to perform during Bago City's fiesta. Haha. I will fly to Bago City at all costs. Wahaha.
Love you, Papa P!! :D
Saturday, September 17, 2011
写给阿公的信
阿公，
三年了，你还好吗？你应该不时在喝茶、做墨画、弹琴，偶尔抽几根烟吧。
自从你离开后，这三年，大家还是以你为中心，特别日子或佳节大家依旧在你家聚在一起。一切应该和往常一样吧，也许小孩子们都渐渐长大，他们的改变应该很大吧。
我很惭愧地说，我也得承认，我和这个家的距离，已经疏远了。你应该正在骂我，家庭是最重要的，为什么我一点也不关心这个家庭。阿公，你没有错，可是很多时候，很多事情，我选择自己一个人解决。有很多时候，我真的觉得凡事都要向他们报告，是一种负担，是一种拖累。甚至会换来不必要的唠叨，这并不能解决问题，不是吗？
我很想自己搬出来住，可是我又有什么能耐？在你的孙子当中，我是失败的。更因为大家对我的期望高，我看起来更狼狈。
阿公，我不是在向你诉苦，我只是把憋在心里的话说出来罢了。我希望你不要为我担心，就让我用我自己的方法过生活。这样我会好过一些。你应该知道，你这个孙女，虽然固执，但是还有坚强的一面。
阿公，我还是很想念你。我们应该要再等上五、六十年才能在见面。放心，我也不想那么快再见到你。但是，光阴会在我们不知不觉中从身旁飞逝。那么，我们到时候见吧。
三年了，你还好吗？你应该不时在喝茶、做墨画、弹琴，偶尔抽几根烟吧。
自从你离开后，这三年，大家还是以你为中心，特别日子或佳节大家依旧在你家聚在一起。一切应该和往常一样吧，也许小孩子们都渐渐长大，他们的改变应该很大吧。
我很惭愧地说，我也得承认，我和这个家的距离，已经疏远了。你应该正在骂我，家庭是最重要的，为什么我一点也不关心这个家庭。阿公，你没有错，可是很多时候，很多事情，我选择自己一个人解决。有很多时候，我真的觉得凡事都要向他们报告，是一种负担，是一种拖累。甚至会换来不必要的唠叨，这并不能解决问题，不是吗？
我很想自己搬出来住，可是我又有什么能耐？在你的孙子当中，我是失败的。更因为大家对我的期望高，我看起来更狼狈。
阿公，我不是在向你诉苦，我只是把憋在心里的话说出来罢了。我希望你不要为我担心，就让我用我自己的方法过生活。这样我会好过一些。你应该知道，你这个孙女，虽然固执，但是还有坚强的一面。
阿公，我还是很想念你。我们应该要再等上五、六十年才能在见面。放心，我也不想那么快再见到你。但是，光阴会在我们不知不觉中从身旁飞逝。那么，我们到时候见吧。
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Our 7th President
We have just elected our 7th President. To be honest, I was a little disappointed at how the results turned out. I had hoped that a familiar face in my younger days would have been elected instead. With a mere 0.34% margin difference, he had been a strong contender, and I believed a strong message has been sent out, that the Singapore politics is entering a new phase, and the people in white are no longer standing on strong grounds.
Updates on my Facebook were telling me that many of the younger generation (a.k.a us) would have wanted the outcome to turn out otherwise too. At least, I felt relieved we all think the same way, and perhaps 10 years down the road, the Singapore politics would be shaped differently.
And I wonder, how would that 1.8% of spolit votes have changed the outcome, if these people could be less apathetic? And would having less candidates reduce the dilution effect on the votes? This reminded me of the presidential election in Philippines last year. Having 9 candidates running for the presidential post, to me, is a joke. Getting celebrities as endorsers, and having an ex-President once ousted because of corruption running again, is a mockery.
Oh well, the newly-elected President has 6 years to prove himself.
On a lighter note, yes, the blog has been neglected again. Was busy with work itself, and some work-related photoshoots (editing has always been a tedious process). Saturday afternoons would be the only time to unwind intellectually by reading up on my new language skills, and Sundays are reserved for being a couch potato. :) Of course, quite frequently the days aren't always peaceful. Ha.
And soon, there would be a wedding marathon coming up for the next few months. Time to shop for dresses, shoes and bags.
Updates on my Facebook were telling me that many of the younger generation (a.k.a us) would have wanted the outcome to turn out otherwise too. At least, I felt relieved we all think the same way, and perhaps 10 years down the road, the Singapore politics would be shaped differently.
And I wonder, how would that 1.8% of spolit votes have changed the outcome, if these people could be less apathetic? And would having less candidates reduce the dilution effect on the votes? This reminded me of the presidential election in Philippines last year. Having 9 candidates running for the presidential post, to me, is a joke. Getting celebrities as endorsers, and having an ex-President once ousted because of corruption running again, is a mockery.
Oh well, the newly-elected President has 6 years to prove himself.
On a lighter note, yes, the blog has been neglected again. Was busy with work itself, and some work-related photoshoots (editing has always been a tedious process). Saturday afternoons would be the only time to unwind intellectually by reading up on my new language skills, and Sundays are reserved for being a couch potato. :) Of course, quite frequently the days aren't always peaceful. Ha.
And soon, there would be a wedding marathon coming up for the next few months. Time to shop for dresses, shoes and bags.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
In a heartbeat
Having been to quite a number of countries, there were times I wished I was living in somewhere else. But there are still things here that we should be thankful for.
Happy 46th birthday, Singapore!
Happy 46th birthday, Singapore!
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Richard Poon - Beautiful As You
It's scary how fast time flies. And now, it's already August. My gosh.
Anyway, just wanna share the latest song of Richard Poon - Beautiful as You.
A song that will melt your hearts (as least for me, it did). :)
Anyway, just wanna share the latest song of Richard Poon - Beautiful as You.
A song that will melt your hearts (as least for me, it did). :)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Goodbye, Tito Dad
Tito Dad passed away this afternoon, losing his battle with a stroke that left him in a coma for 3 days.
My heart just sank upon hearing the news.
Papa was admitted into the hospital last Wednesday, and before I left for Manila last Friday, I went to visit him at the hospital and Tito Dad was there. Having a flight to catch, I bid everybody goodbye, and kissed them on the cheeks, including his.
On Sunday, I was asking how was Papa recovering, but got the bad news instead. Tito Dad looked perfectly fine that day, having lunch and reading the newspaper in the ward. His stroke came so sudden, that I think everybody in the family couldn't believe it as well.
I was worried about Tita Vic as well. She just had a heart surgery in February, I was so afraid she might not be able to cope.
Perhaps, it was time for him to go, but I never like seeing people go, so suddenly, just like that.
I don't know if this is a mere coincidence, Lolo Samuel passed away last year, the day after I saw him in the Mondia's house and after I left Bago City. Is it a consolation that I was able to see them before their passing, or should I wish that I was never there?
Maybe I shouldn't even be thinking about that.
Tito Dad and Tita Vic live just across the Matti's house. If I wake up early enough to sit with Papa outside the house, or if I return early before dinner, Tito Dad would always be around, chatting with Papa. He was always so welcoming, and just like Papa, he would ask if I have eaten, where have I been to, where would I be going.
Now, I won't get to ask him back the same questions, but I know the answer, because he is already in a place with no sufferings and no agony.
My condolences to the Yulo and Matti family.
Goodbye Tito Dad.
My heart just sank upon hearing the news.
Papa was admitted into the hospital last Wednesday, and before I left for Manila last Friday, I went to visit him at the hospital and Tito Dad was there. Having a flight to catch, I bid everybody goodbye, and kissed them on the cheeks, including his.
On Sunday, I was asking how was Papa recovering, but got the bad news instead. Tito Dad looked perfectly fine that day, having lunch and reading the newspaper in the ward. His stroke came so sudden, that I think everybody in the family couldn't believe it as well.
I was worried about Tita Vic as well. She just had a heart surgery in February, I was so afraid she might not be able to cope.
Perhaps, it was time for him to go, but I never like seeing people go, so suddenly, just like that.
I don't know if this is a mere coincidence, Lolo Samuel passed away last year, the day after I saw him in the Mondia's house and after I left Bago City. Is it a consolation that I was able to see them before their passing, or should I wish that I was never there?
Maybe I shouldn't even be thinking about that.
Tito Dad and Tita Vic live just across the Matti's house. If I wake up early enough to sit with Papa outside the house, or if I return early before dinner, Tito Dad would always be around, chatting with Papa. He was always so welcoming, and just like Papa, he would ask if I have eaten, where have I been to, where would I be going.
Now, I won't get to ask him back the same questions, but I know the answer, because he is already in a place with no sufferings and no agony.
My condolences to the Yulo and Matti family.
Goodbye Tito Dad.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Greetings from Bago City
Life here has been good, in my own words, a good way to detox from all evils. Haha. It might have been a short stay, but nothing falls short from feeling right at home here in Bago City.
I have not yet gotten to meet up with everyone (too many people I've known here), but of those people whom I've seen, they are doing fine. Except for Papa, he has just been admitted into a hospital due to his high blood sugar level. But I'm sure he will recover and get well soon.
This trip would just be a rest-and-relax trip, a time for me to get together with my friends, and some time for myself too. I did not plan for any activities or gift-giving for the children, I hope they won't be disappointed.
And so far so good, I have been sleeping and waking up early (so different from my usual body clock back in Singapore), and eating well too. :) Of course, I've satisfied my craving of chicken inasal, and lots of Starbucks because it is cheaper here in the Philippines. :)
But things have changed too. As the years passed, all of us have matured, and for various reasons, we might have grown closer, or become further apart. For whatever that may mean, I'm learning to accept that.
Alas, time is never enough. I have always wished I have had more time with my friends here. I wish them well, as always.
Till next time. :)
I have not yet gotten to meet up with everyone (too many people I've known here), but of those people whom I've seen, they are doing fine. Except for Papa, he has just been admitted into a hospital due to his high blood sugar level. But I'm sure he will recover and get well soon.
This trip would just be a rest-and-relax trip, a time for me to get together with my friends, and some time for myself too. I did not plan for any activities or gift-giving for the children, I hope they won't be disappointed.
And so far so good, I have been sleeping and waking up early (so different from my usual body clock back in Singapore), and eating well too. :) Of course, I've satisfied my craving of chicken inasal, and lots of Starbucks because it is cheaper here in the Philippines. :)
But things have changed too. As the years passed, all of us have matured, and for various reasons, we might have grown closer, or become further apart. For whatever that may mean, I'm learning to accept that.
Alas, time is never enough. I have always wished I have had more time with my friends here. I wish them well, as always.
Till next time. :)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Hello Philippines :)
Yup, it has been a while. It has been 5 months. And now...
Hello Philippines! :)
Hello Philippines! :)
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Time for a change
A change is not a bad thing. We ought to try to be different at times, otherwise life would be boring. :)
Don't worry, I'm not quitting my job. I'm still here. Haha. And apologies for the lack of posts (again). There has been an intense lack of inspiration due to my recent over-intoxication with korean dramas and my preeettyboy. ;D
Don't worry, I'm not quitting my job. I'm still here. Haha. And apologies for the lack of posts (again). There has been an intense lack of inspiration due to my recent over-intoxication with korean dramas and my preeettyboy. ;D
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Home?
I have not been on good terms with my parents for quite some time. I would not like to talk about it because it is not a good thing to share, but it has been taking a toll on me. I avoid going home before they sleep. Even if I do, I would keep quiet, and retreat to my personal space in my room.
I wish I am staying on my own. No conflicts. Peace.
I wish I am staying on my own. No conflicts. Peace.
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