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. :)
Thursday, December 08, 2011
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.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
What am I
It is rather interesting to know how differently people view you, from how you look at yourself.
I was given a task during a training, to make a clay model to represent myself. I usually don't like such questions, because sometimes I'm really unsure of myself, what exactly I am.
I started asking some of my friends, what could I make with the clay. I got answers like 'a musical note', 'a musical instrument', because I love music and I could play the organ and the erhu. But I thought it was too generic and common, because many of the colleagues in the training session would have similar passions too.
Then I got more interesting answers:
A camera - because I like photography, and I always record the things I see
A doormat - because I'm always welcoming my friends from overseas
A walking dictionary - although I don't think I'm one
Philippines - no prizes for getting it right
A sun - because I'm a sun-loving person
An ox - because I am determined (in another word, stubborn)
A 'nuah' shape - because I like to 'nuah' HAHA
Something to represent my horrible laughter - how am I going to show it with a clay model??
Then I decided on something else - an alien. A weird person, with extreme personalities and unusual habits. HAHA.
And during this 2 day - 1 night training, I realised I couldn't be deprived of even a little bit of me-and-myself-time everyday. I actually felt relieved sitting alone at the cafe, drinking coffee, doing nothing and watching people go by. Go ahead and say I'm anti-social. :)
In the end, the activity was scraped, we didn't need to make any clay models. What a relief. But it was very nice to have a colleague who made something for me. Thanks! :)
So, if you know what could well represent me, share with me! :)
I was given a task during a training, to make a clay model to represent myself. I usually don't like such questions, because sometimes I'm really unsure of myself, what exactly I am.
I started asking some of my friends, what could I make with the clay. I got answers like 'a musical note', 'a musical instrument', because I love music and I could play the organ and the erhu. But I thought it was too generic and common, because many of the colleagues in the training session would have similar passions too.
Then I got more interesting answers:
A camera - because I like photography, and I always record the things I see
A doormat - because I'm always welcoming my friends from overseas
A walking dictionary - although I don't think I'm one
Philippines - no prizes for getting it right
A sun - because I'm a sun-loving person
An ox - because I am determined (in another word, stubborn)
A 'nuah' shape - because I like to 'nuah' HAHA
Something to represent my horrible laughter - how am I going to show it with a clay model??
Then I decided on something else - an alien. A weird person, with extreme personalities and unusual habits. HAHA.
And during this 2 day - 1 night training, I realised I couldn't be deprived of even a little bit of me-and-myself-time everyday. I actually felt relieved sitting alone at the cafe, drinking coffee, doing nothing and watching people go by. Go ahead and say I'm anti-social. :)
In the end, the activity was scraped, we didn't need to make any clay models. What a relief. But it was very nice to have a colleague who made something for me. Thanks! :)
So, if you know what could well represent me, share with me! :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
中毒了
最近又开始追起偶像剧来了。
为了追看偶像剧，我不只把一些睡眠时间给牺牲了，连平时收看的菲律宾戏也暂停不看了。很难想象吧，我竟然不看我的“家乡戏”！
所以我说，我中毒了。哈哈。
不切实际的爱情故事，也许是偶像剧的吸引力。当然，也要有帅哥美女的衬托。虽然这样的情节不太可能出现在平常生活里，有时候却会不经意地在幻想，自己是剧中的女主角。
我的感情生活是一份白卷，我可能不懂什么是爱情。也许是这样，有点渴望想经历一次像偶像剧般那不切实际的恋情。当然，我知道感情不是闹着玩的，我也不是18岁的少女（也就是说，我不年轻了），所以只能把渴望当成奢望，当作是自己异想天开吧。自己也清楚，一段稳定的爱情，比谈一场轰轰烈烈的恋爱来得现实一些。
至于我的感情生活什么时候会有转机，就听天由命。我相信时机到了，自然会来。就耐心等待。:)
为了追看偶像剧，我不只把一些睡眠时间给牺牲了，连平时收看的菲律宾戏也暂停不看了。很难想象吧，我竟然不看我的“家乡戏”！
所以我说，我中毒了。哈哈。
不切实际的爱情故事，也许是偶像剧的吸引力。当然，也要有帅哥美女的衬托。虽然这样的情节不太可能出现在平常生活里，有时候却会不经意地在幻想，自己是剧中的女主角。
我的感情生活是一份白卷，我可能不懂什么是爱情。也许是这样，有点渴望想经历一次像偶像剧般那不切实际的恋情。当然，我知道感情不是闹着玩的，我也不是18岁的少女（也就是说，我不年轻了），所以只能把渴望当成奢望，当作是自己异想天开吧。自己也清楚，一段稳定的爱情，比谈一场轰轰烈烈的恋爱来得现实一些。
至于我的感情生活什么时候会有转机，就听天由命。我相信时机到了，自然会来。就耐心等待。:)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Life is short
Life is too short to give way to regrets.
A young Filipino actor passed away in a vehicular accident while on his way back home from a provincial show last weekend. AJ Perez was only 18 years old, gone too soon. I admit I was a little affected by his death, not just because he was cut down at such a young age, and he was so well-loved by many people in the industry and his fans. His passing reminded me of my cousin who passed away when she was only 14 years old.
Then I got to hear about Fatima Soriano, a blind girl in the Philippines who could 'see' Mother Mary and has 'healing powers'. The parents of AJ decided to donate his corneas to Fatima after watching her interview with Boy Abunda, but it was then reported that a cornea transplant was not suitable for Fatima because her blindness is a retinal problem.
Out of curiosity, I watched the same interview of Fatima. I watched it with skepticism. I know there are certain things that can't be explained, but I would rather believe in facts than in beliefs and religions.
Fatima is a very pleasant girl, and speaks with amiability yet with affirmation. She is just a 18-year old teenager.
When asked about her 'healing powers', she was very humble and said, she was just happy to be the instrument of God. She was very certain that if you trust in Him, He will work it out for you.
I still remain skeptical about it. I have questions, and they are debatable. And I've said this before, I would not believe in any religion without having any true understanding of it.
The main objective of the interview is not to leave us in debates. I'm amazed by her humility, and the wise words that came from her during the interview.
"Let's not postpone love."
"Why waste time getting angry?"
"I 'see' Mother Mary, not with my eyes, but with my heart. What is essential, is invisible to the eyes."
Indeed, life is too short, life can be unpredictable. Probably we should be embarrassed about how we take time for granted, for an 18-year old to remind us of that.
Perhaps we can start first, with not postponing the sharing of love with the ones you care.
A young Filipino actor passed away in a vehicular accident while on his way back home from a provincial show last weekend. AJ Perez was only 18 years old, gone too soon. I admit I was a little affected by his death, not just because he was cut down at such a young age, and he was so well-loved by many people in the industry and his fans. His passing reminded me of my cousin who passed away when she was only 14 years old.
Then I got to hear about Fatima Soriano, a blind girl in the Philippines who could 'see' Mother Mary and has 'healing powers'. The parents of AJ decided to donate his corneas to Fatima after watching her interview with Boy Abunda, but it was then reported that a cornea transplant was not suitable for Fatima because her blindness is a retinal problem.
Out of curiosity, I watched the same interview of Fatima. I watched it with skepticism. I know there are certain things that can't be explained, but I would rather believe in facts than in beliefs and religions.
Fatima is a very pleasant girl, and speaks with amiability yet with affirmation. She is just a 18-year old teenager.
When asked about her 'healing powers', she was very humble and said, she was just happy to be the instrument of God. She was very certain that if you trust in Him, He will work it out for you.
I still remain skeptical about it. I have questions, and they are debatable. And I've said this before, I would not believe in any religion without having any true understanding of it.
The main objective of the interview is not to leave us in debates. I'm amazed by her humility, and the wise words that came from her during the interview.
"Let's not postpone love."
"Why waste time getting angry?"
"I 'see' Mother Mary, not with my eyes, but with my heart. What is essential, is invisible to the eyes."
Indeed, life is too short, life can be unpredictable. Probably we should be embarrassed about how we take time for granted, for an 18-year old to remind us of that.
Perhaps we can start first, with not postponing the sharing of love with the ones you care.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A learning excursion on the Pu family history
Ahh.. procrasination has once again took control.
Anyway, I went to Malaysia and Betong (Thailand) with my family not too long ago, for the Qing Ming Festival. It has been an annual affair for my parents, because that would be the only occasion (unless somebody gets married) the Pou family gets together and pay their respects to my grandparents. And this year, all of us managed to get away from our usual responsibilities somehow, and went back as a family.
Sunrise at my grandparents' final resting place
The Pou family has a history of its own. My grandparents were born in Guangxi, China, and came down to Betong, Thailand, to eke out a living. Before that, they had separate families of their own. Probably during wartimes, families got separated and my grandparents got together and formed another family of their own. My father has 10 siblings, and 4 step-siblings.
My father was born in Betong. He was the last of the siblings born there, before the entire family moved to Penang, then to Padang Serai. Some of his siblings came down to Singapore to work, but only my father stayed here, and thus my existence. :)
His step-siblings from my grandfather still live in Guangxi, while the step-siblings from my grandmother live in Betong.
Betong town
This gathering was a huge one, because my step-aunt from Guangxi came too, and all of us went to visit my step-aunts in Betong. This was my first time meeting all of my step-aunts.
But the most amazing thing was, I got to learn that one of my step-aunts joined the communists when she was only 20 years old, fighting against the then-Malaya government. She shared with us many stories, and I'm so privileged to hear these rare experiences of living in the jungles, from the woman herself. And she still lives near the jungles. :)
Probably the most valuable moment in this trip was that the Pou family got to spend time together, even if it was only a fraction of us who went to Betong for that 2 days. It was also then my father told us of his family stories.
The largest mailbox in the world
I remembered I've been to Betong once, when I was a young kid. I remembered seeing the red mailbox, visiting the temple and playing with chicks with my other cousins. Time to dig out all the old photos again.
Wat Phutthathiwat
But I guess this time round, it was much more fulfilling to know about the legacy that my grandparents had left us.
Langkawi morning
We did side-trips to Langkawi and Penang too. We rented a car and drove around the little island of Langkawi. There was not much to explore, only the Sky Bridge and the Telaga Tujuh falls were worth going.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
Telaga Tujuh falls
My father spent some of his childhood years in Penang, so this trip was also for him to reminisce his past. He loves to walk, even with so many different kinds of the local delicacies we have eaten, I don't think we have gained any weight. My father would simply explore the entire Georgetown on our reliable feet.
Cheong Tze Fatt Mansion
Inside a Chinese temple
This trip wasn't as bad as I imagined. I am so used to travelling independently, and I don't have the tolerance for my parents' constant naggings. Surprisingly, it was still endurable, not that they have been yakking non-stop. Ha. And it was all expenses paid for. :)
A little part of me wishes for another family vacation like this, to learn more about my own family. Perhaps we could start working on 'The Chronicles of the Pou Family - Part 1'. Haha.
Anyway, I went to Malaysia and Betong (Thailand) with my family not too long ago, for the Qing Ming Festival. It has been an annual affair for my parents, because that would be the only occasion (unless somebody gets married) the Pou family gets together and pay their respects to my grandparents. And this year, all of us managed to get away from our usual responsibilities somehow, and went back as a family.
Sunrise at my grandparents' final resting place
The Pou family has a history of its own. My grandparents were born in Guangxi, China, and came down to Betong, Thailand, to eke out a living. Before that, they had separate families of their own. Probably during wartimes, families got separated and my grandparents got together and formed another family of their own. My father has 10 siblings, and 4 step-siblings.
My father was born in Betong. He was the last of the siblings born there, before the entire family moved to Penang, then to Padang Serai. Some of his siblings came down to Singapore to work, but only my father stayed here, and thus my existence. :)
His step-siblings from my grandfather still live in Guangxi, while the step-siblings from my grandmother live in Betong.
Betong town
This gathering was a huge one, because my step-aunt from Guangxi came too, and all of us went to visit my step-aunts in Betong. This was my first time meeting all of my step-aunts.
But the most amazing thing was, I got to learn that one of my step-aunts joined the communists when she was only 20 years old, fighting against the then-Malaya government. She shared with us many stories, and I'm so privileged to hear these rare experiences of living in the jungles, from the woman herself. And she still lives near the jungles. :)
Probably the most valuable moment in this trip was that the Pou family got to spend time together, even if it was only a fraction of us who went to Betong for that 2 days. It was also then my father told us of his family stories.
The largest mailbox in the world
I remembered I've been to Betong once, when I was a young kid. I remembered seeing the red mailbox, visiting the temple and playing with chicks with my other cousins. Time to dig out all the old photos again.
Wat Phutthathiwat
But I guess this time round, it was much more fulfilling to know about the legacy that my grandparents had left us.
Langkawi morning
We did side-trips to Langkawi and Penang too. We rented a car and drove around the little island of Langkawi. There was not much to explore, only the Sky Bridge and the Telaga Tujuh falls were worth going.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
Telaga Tujuh falls
My father spent some of his childhood years in Penang, so this trip was also for him to reminisce his past. He loves to walk, even with so many different kinds of the local delicacies we have eaten, I don't think we have gained any weight. My father would simply explore the entire Georgetown on our reliable feet.
Cheong Tze Fatt Mansion
Inside a Chinese temple
This trip wasn't as bad as I imagined. I am so used to travelling independently, and I don't have the tolerance for my parents' constant naggings. Surprisingly, it was still endurable, not that they have been yakking non-stop. Ha. And it was all expenses paid for. :)
A little part of me wishes for another family vacation like this, to learn more about my own family. Perhaps we could start working on 'The Chronicles of the Pou Family - Part 1'. Haha.
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