Life...and something like IT

Where I'm From, Everyone's a HERO

2009-10-08T20:32:00.007+01:00

Much have been said and written about the great calamities that were Ondoy and Pepeng. They claimed homes, hard-earned possessions and sadly, loved ones. Indeed it was a harrowing experience that will forever be etched in the lives not only of those affected but of the Filipino people as a whole.

But despite of it all, what ultimately marked in our lives are the spirit of resiliency and "bayanihan" that Filipinos showed in midst of calamity. All of a sudden "bayanihan" showed up in people selflessly reaching out a helping hand, rescuing others even if their own lives were put into danger, welcoming the homeless in their homes, sharing precious time for reliefs operation, pitching in some cash even if it were the last in their pockets. The list could go on and on. In our own little way we provided comfort for those people who have lost so much.

Filipinos are people with strength. We've been through countless calamities and adversities but we always have this fire inside us to courageously rise and rebuild our lives and homes and definitely it is always a massive task if we have nothing left to rebuild in the first place. But our faith and hope have never failed us. We know and believe that we can victoriously rise with a big smile in our face.

Each one of us is a natural hero. Indeed it is true and I proudly say from this nook of the earth where I am now, "Where I am from, everyone is a hero".

Summer Bustles

2009-08-25T16:04:00.018+01:00

After our much-anticipated French holiday in Spring, we were back to normal. The normal work-home cycle, that is.

I don't know about you but for me it seems that the days passed by so fast that summer is almost over. Just what exactly I've been doing these past three months?

Dusseldorf, Germany

At the start of the season, I was sent to Dusseldorf in Germany for a 5-day training course. It was a welcome break especially for me who has been in the same project for over a year.

I did my "mandatory" city tour in the afternoons every after the training sessions and hunt for some interesting restaurants for dinner while taking random photos along the way.

Historical Townhall

Little Dog: "Now, who's the boss?"

long stretch of pubs and restaurants

Iconic Rheinturm Düsseldorf - view from Altstadt

Konigsallee

Revisiting Paris

Immediately the following week, I flew to Paris for another course. That was a course worthy of note as the French instructor was more enthusiastic about driving us around the city than teaching in the classroom. Ssshhhh!!!

That trip was altogether different from my first visit as I managed to see the city from the point of view of a joyrider with a French driver along. Gone are the METRO rides wherein you end up missing some wonderful Parisian panorama not usually written in the guidebooks. This time, he pointed out and explained the remarkable distinction of each arrondissements with some tidbits of trivia in between.

Grand Palais

North facade of Les Invalides

Arch de La Defense - Built for the 200th anniversary of the French revolution in 1789

"Le Pouce" (The Thumb) in La Defense

Having missed the opportunity to go inside the Louvre Museum on the first visit, I dragged my Russian colleague/classmate to go inside and started my quest for a shot of the Mona Lisa. Luckily, the museum was open until 10 in the evening that day. We managed to spend 4 hours wandering around the Richelieu wing of the magnificent palace where the grand gallery and Napoleon III's apartment are located.

The Pyramid from within

La Gioconda by Leonardo da Vinci

Napoleon III Apartments

England - Back to Base

In August, my aunt’s family from Amsterdam came over and spent a week with us. I took three days off from work to join them in visiting the usual famed tourist spot nearby. We spent a day in Windsor and did some shopping in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth Harbour.

Windsor Castle

The Crooked House in Windsor

Visiting family at Gunwharf Quays

Finally...PARIS!

2009-05-15T17:36:00.003+01:00

I think it is everyone's dream to go to Paris.

For me, it is the most popular destination in Europe. A European trip is never complete without catching a glimpse of the famed City of Lights. Even films and novels would usually choose Paris when they require a romantic and sophisticated setting.

So, after a series of hassles and frustrations brought about by Zach's visa application (UK being out of Schengen Territories), we finally got to see Paris last April.

We took the Eurostar from London and if not for our Brussels side trip, we could have been in the Paris city centre in a matter of two hours. The train offers comfort and convenience by avoiding the endless hassles of airports and aircrafts SOP. Passport and visa checks are done before boarding the train and passengers can literally jump off of the train upon arriving in Paris Nord Station and head on to their destinations.

As for us, we had enough time to find our hotel, rest a bit, freshen up and set off to our sightseeing. Without a doubt, Eiffel Tower was first on our list. Having bought a guidebook and studied the Paris Metro map weeks before our trip, getting around the romantic city was a breeze.

Eiffel Tower

I was in awe the moment I saw the massive Eiffel Tower. After admiring the metal structure from underneath, we proceeded to queue for the ticket booth and then head on for another queue for the elevator. We were at the top of the tower after a mere 10-minute wait. It was on another visit two days later that we realized we were absolutely right on going there that early evening as most tourists tend to go there on mornings. The zigzagging queue of people wanting to go up that day was just unbelievable.

Eiffel Tower - The French Icon

The view of the city from the tower was fantastic and I considered myself truly blessed at that time seeing it. We stayed and waited for the illumination of the tower which starts at sunset. The illumination started with a 10-minute glimmering light show and the said show is done on the first 5 minutes of every hour until 1 AM.

view of Paris taken from the Eiffel Tower

View of Place de Varsovie. The cluster of skycrapers is in Paris' Business District - La Défense

Parisian Sunset

Eiffel Tower at night

Instead of taking the Metro back to our hotel, we took the bus so we can see much of the city at night. Lucky enough, the bus line going towards our hotel's direction is passing along the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Montmartre

Mother Nature was so kind to us that she gave us a warm and sunny day the following day despite the rainy forecast. We headed to Montmartre, a hilly district north of Paris. It is known for the Sacre Coeur Basilica located at the peak of the hill. Montmartre also offers a magnificent view of the city. We had a short tour of the cathedral and stayed a bit to say our prayers.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Just a few steps from the cathedral is the Place du Tertre (a tip from Elanie). It was previously the main square of the Montmartre village and has been and still is an open-air studio for many artists. It was once a hub to great artists like Renoir, Picasso, Cezanne, Manet and Toulouse-Lautrec (all these names I just used to hear in Humanities class) as they had kept studios and homes in the adjacent streets. You can find landscape and portrait artists and caricaturists who are more than willing to draw your likeness on the spot.

After walking around and looking over the shoulders of artists doing their craft, Zach and I headed for the restaurants and indulge ourselves to a variety of crepes before hitting the roads again for our next destination.

Louvre

Next on our must-see list was the Louvre Palace located at the centre of Paris. It used to be a royal palace and presently, it houses the Louvre Museum and a number of government offices. The Pyramid is simply marvelous and it served as an entrance for the museum. The pyramid and the fountains in the courtyard provide a welcoming break for tired tourists to stop, rest for a while and admire the great architecture that is the Louvre.

Zach and the Louvre Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei
The solid is for the dead, but the transparent is for the living - I.M. Pei

Us, the Louvre Palace, the Grand Pyramid and one of the three Mini Pei Pyramids

at the Cour Carree in Louvre

Being on a tight itinerary and due to long queues to the museum, we decided not to go inside and continued to walk to the adjoining Jardin des Tuileries stopping for an ice cream and some snapshots from time to time.

one of the many interesting sculptures in Jardin de Tuileries

Place de la Concorde and La Madeleine

The west of the garden leads to Place de la Concorde. It is the largest square in Paris and once served as guillotine site during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were guillotined there in front of cheering crowds.

Hittorf's Fountain in Place de la Concorde

(I clearly remembered that this is where Anne Hathaway throws her phone in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada")

From there, despite aching feet, we continued walking along Rue Royal where La Madeleine stands at the end of the road. It is now used as a Catholic Church and the architecture of which was inspired by Roman Temples.

Église de la Madeleine

Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité is a natural island in the Seine River and is considered to be the heart of Paris and it was where the medieval city was established. The medieval structures that still exist in Île de la Cité are the Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris, La Conciergerie and the Sainte Chapelle.

Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris is a Gothic cathedral and is the cathedral of the Catholic archdiocese of Paris. Notre Dame de Paris is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.

To avoid monotony as in standard Gothic practice, assymetrical elements are introduced. Thus, the slightly different shapes of the three main portals.

La Conciergerie is a former palace and prison. One famous prisoner is Marie Antoinette. It was in La Conciergerie where she awaited execution in 1793.

Pont Neuf which means New Bridge is actually the oldest bridge in Paris. Zach and I spend some minutes resting in one of the bridge's bastion due to my aching feet (which definitely requires another post. hehe!) observing tourists passing by and later identifying the buildings surrounding the area. We decided to have a coffee break in one of the cafes nearby before heading to our final destination for the day.

Arc de Triomphe

One of the famous monuments in Paris is Arc de Triomphe. This triumphal arc honours those who fought for France. It stands at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, a big roundabout with 12 avenues, one of which is the Champs-Élysées. Underneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldiers who died from during the World War I.

taking a quick snapshot of Arc de Triomphe amidst the busy motor traffic

Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

Pinoy Accent ???

2009-05-14T11:53:00.003+01:00

I was on the phone moments ago speaking to a vehicle dealer and out of nowhere he told me that he recognized my accent. He straightaway asked me if I am from the Philippines!!!

It turned out his wife is a Filipina from Cavite. Then, we exchanged pleasantries about the Philippines and how he loves the islands and that he was already on the process of buying a house there. As soon as we hung up, it made me think about Filipino accent.

I have nothing against our kababayan who sort of tried really hard in adapting the British accent. I know that most of the time we get the hang of it without realizing it. But for me, I have never tried to copy the accent as I know it would sound funny to native speakers here.

I remember the time when I was stranded in Munich due to a cancelled flight and I happen to share a meal and interesting conversation in the hotel bar with a British gentleman. After a couple of hours into the conversation, he asked me where I got my American accent and if it was because I was educated in the US or because of watching American films. I was surprised and told him that as far as I know I am speaking with my own Filipino accent.

But how does the Filipino accent sound? It really intrigued me.

A New Obsession?

2009-04-06T14:19:00.003+01:00

These past weeks, I realized that my life seem to revolved around baking that I would turn down out-of-town trips invitation and preferred to stay home and bake. It all started when I had a good purchase of a set of silicone baking pans in Costco. Excited to try it all, I rummaged around for my mother's all-time cake recipes and tried new ones found in the internet. I got so obsessed that I was even thinking of starting a baking blog. Haha!

Baking is not something new for me as I grew up seeing my mother bake. All the time! I even took Culinary Arts classes for two years as part of our high school curriculum but those were not enough to stir up the interest in me.

Until, recently.

Each week I make it a point to bake something. I started out making cookies and brownies since I only had to mix everything and beat as much as I like and they are not that prone to flatness and failure. Then, I moved on to chocolate and butter cakes and eventually angel cake, sponge cake and pies. Well, not all of them turned out pretty but at least they were edible and most importantly, Zach enjoyed them.

Apple Pie - ready for the upper crust and then straight to the oven

My own version of the Australian dessert Pavlova

After weeks and weeks of sweet treats, my ever health-conscious hubby, all of a sudden, got conscious about his high sugar and carbo intakes and have been spending extra time in the gym to burn them off. It might be his way of letting me know to slow down on my baking as he was always the one finishing them off to make way for my next treat. Haha!

I don't know if this new obsession of mine is here to stay (especially now that I have my mind set on our upoming holiday) or it may be just like my "make-up mania" last year that caused me to splurge on make-up, mascara and brushes that ended up stored in my drawers - now unused.

Two Years of Domestic Life

2009-03-23T17:11:00.004Z

Today marks the second year of my domestic life.

I can say that it started not immediately after marriage but figuratively 3 months after our wedding in December 2006. That was when Zach finally migrated to the UK in 23rd of March 2007.

In the past 7 years of my life prior to marriage, I have lived independently and was used to looking after myself alone and added to that was the luxury of having a household help that took care of the chores at home. However, when Zach joined me here in England, we found ourselves having to do almost everything on our own. This, for me, was something to get used to as I have a husband to think about and not just myself.

However, in that department, I am so blessed to have a "new generation" husband who perfectly understands my position as a working wife and shares the household chores with me. He knew very well that ironing was quite a "heavy" task for me thus he volunteered to take over that responsibility while I do the laundry, that is, loading the clothes in the washer. Haha! (But hey! Loading clothes in the washer entails proper planning and sorting. haha!) Zach and I alternate in cooking as he can manage well enough. We have an unspoken rule at home that when one cooks, the other should do the washing up later.

Cleaning is another thing though. Maybe it is natural for us women to be "OC" and men to have high tolerance to clutter, cleaning has always been a struggle. With both of us working, we only have weekends to do the cleaning with him doing the vacuum cleaning and dusting all over the flat and me changing the beddings, sheets and pillow cases and doing the scrubbing of toilet/bath and kitchen. I don't think I can let him or anybody clean the toilet/bath as I would eventually clean it all over again. Haha! I think I am just super-OC when it comes to the toilet, though I cannot really say that I can clean it 100%. Haha! And mind you, I always turn into a nagging thing when I realised that I am the only one working. I know...it's not nice but I just can't help it. (If I am at home, my grandma will surely say "Ka-isip gid sa imo, ubra lang bala kung ubra. Pabay-i ang iban!". Haha!)

I feel I am blessed that I cannot relate to this comic strip. Haha!

The first two years of my domestic life is not that bad at all and thanks to Zach for being so patient with me especially during the times when I am such a pain. I know that these routine will definitely change when time comes when we will be blessed with kids. When it it will come? Only God knows. ;-)

Reunion of the Stars

2009-03-19T13:26:00.014Z

The STARS* are at it again!

After almost 14 years since high school graduation, we sort of gathered again for the second time (the first one held in Mambucal Mountain Resort in 1997). Though I must say that the "usual" people never fail to get together every December of each year, this time was something major and quite special as the organizers led by Dahneeleine prepared for it early on and invited parents and teachers as well.

The reunion was held in Palmas Del Mar last 29th of December. There was a retro theme and all the while I did not prepare as I thought nobody will bother dressing up. But I was wrong! Almost everyone came in their best retro outfit (well, everyone in the steering committee, that is. Haha!). Classmates that I have not seen since after graduation came and others attended with their partners and kids in tow. Of course, not everybody was able to make it as most of us have been based in Manila and abroad.

The Attendees with Teachers and Parents

Starpipol**

It was so much fun as it seems we were the same giggly teenagers as if we never matured and the same camera-loving individuals who did not overcome the love of flashes. There were parlor games, songs and dances and everybody participated just like in high school. A slideshow was shown showing old and recent photographs of each of us. It definitely brought back NOHS memories.

One of the games facilitated by Robin

A Singing Rostell

Towards the end of the program, the teachers were made to choose the awardees for the night - Mr. & Ms Retro, Youngest Looking Star and The Most Transformed Star (this award had caused a lot chuckles and cheers as it has lots of meaning. Haha!)

The Awardees - (L-R) Abigail, Youngest Looking Star; Tsarevich, Most Transformed Star;
Robin and Rizza, Mr & Ms Retro

Chow time with Janice and Abigail - my high school and college buddies

High School Bestfriends

Definitely, I can say that high school years were the best years of my life. It has contributed a lot into what I am today and it was in high school that I found true-est of friends that are worth keeping and I am actually keeping until now.

Thanks to Dahn and the committee, to the sponsors and everybody else for making it an unforgettable event.

Here's to a lifetime of FRIENDSHIP that transcends time and distance.

More photos here.

Notes:
* Star - our class section was referred to as "Star 1" or "Star 2" to indicate that we were the pilot section of our batch under the Special Science Class curiculum of the Department of Science and Technology. We were actually the first batch of the Special Science Class in NOHS.

**Starpipol - that is how we refer to ourselves.

On Cooking and Baking

2009-02-23T18:45:00.002Z

As it has been cold and wet after the snow, Zach and I did not really like to be out in the roads. For the next weekends following the snow storm, we stayed home and it was an opportunity for me to do some cooking and baking.

When I came home for the holidays, my sister, Joy, made some really delicious lasagna with signature Pinoy taste. She made her bechamel sauce from scratch with a hint of mushroom flavor making it really tasty and made the well-loved family recipe pasta tomato sauce (not like me who buys ready-made and bottled ones, haha!) I promised Zach that I will "try" and make one for him when I get back here in England.

And here's my first attempt of lasagna using home-cooked sauces.

layered in the tray topped with 4-Cheese Melting Mix - Grated mozzarella, mature coloured Cheddar, tasty Lancashire and Dutch Edam cheeses

At first, I thought that we would have lasagna for the rest of the week but it did not even last for more than 24 hours. Not bad for a first try...hehe!

Having influenced Zach with my penchant for sweets, I have now noticed that our weekly grocery will never be complete without cookies and anything chocolate. That led me to search cookie recipes in the net and here's what caught my fancy.

Chocolate Crinkles

Again, I thought that our cookie jar will never go empty in the next few days. But then, I was lucky enough to see three cookies left when I returned from work the next day.

V-Day...My Way!

2009-02-16T17:07:00.003Z

Maybe, we were past that stage of having the need to go somewhere and celebrate the big red day - Valentine's Day. With the not-so-good weather and packed restaurants and busy roads, staying home and celebrating at home was the best idea.

So when I was left at home while Zach was still busy at work, I thought of turning our plain Saturday dinner into something romantic just by making the presentation somewhat special.

our heavy Saturday dinner - rump steak with mash and steamed veggies
made somewhat valentine-y with candles, red roses and wine

my surprised Valentine date

Let it Snow!

2009-02-08T20:20:00.010Z

Even a week before, people were already informed about the snow storm, seen to be the heaviest to fall after 18 years, that was about to hit England and western part of Wales by Sunday. As early as Friday, I was already checking out weather forecast from time to time making sure that the expected snow will not divert somewhere else. Haha! As much as others hate it and the inconvenience it will cause, I was looking forward to it.

You see this part of England where I am rarely get to have snow. In the three years that I have lived here, I was only able to experience snow about three of four times and they were not that much. But well, I admit that one of the reasons why I was eager about it was that in all those snowy days, I was not able to get a “proper” photo of myself and the snow. Haha! Except when it snowed last spring, Zach was able to take a few snapshots before they melted in the afternoon.

So when Sunday evening came, I could not count the times I sneaked a quick look at the window to see if the snow has started. Finally it came and it has not stopped until the morning, or better yet, until the work week ended. It literally snowed for five days.

By 12 midnight this was how it looked like outside:

Like wide-eyed kids, Zach and I stayed at the window and looking at the thick snowflakes and as if that was not enough, we suddenly decided to go outside. Haha! Yes, at 1:00 in the morning!!!

Early the next day, this greeted us the moment we looked outside.

all-white!!!

Christmas Card-like

that's the lake behind me...all frozen

Zach - in the snowy woods

the real English Winter Wonderland

snowfall!

The next day, as the snow did not show any signs of stopping and considering the danger of driving on snow-laden streets and highways, it was widely advised not to go out and drive unless necessary. Almost everybody stayed at home and continued putting up snowmen and playing with snowballs. As for us, it was another day of picture-taking and playing in the snow.

As the lake frozen, snow built up on the surface giving a really nice effect.

one of my "manul" moments

another "manul" moment - gintiklud ko be...haha!

Sure the snow it caused millions of money lost because of the halted business operations brought about by disruptions on all forms of transportations. However, it cannot be denied that almost everybody enjoyed the break from work and the quality time spent with family.

So Now What?

2009-02-06T18:21:00.004Z

I am not really the type of a person who makes New Year's resolution but when this year started I sort of made a promise to myself to at least make an effort in maintaining this blog. I hope I could keep up with it. Oh well, I could try.

Lately, I noticed that after a full year of writing technical design documents, it was very hard for me to come up with free flowing blog entries without sounding too "technical". Maybe that was the main reason why even if I had so many stories to write and countless thoughts to share, they all ended up in the rubbish bin. It is as if the most infinitesimal, or if there are any, creative juices that I have were drained out of me. haha!

Now, I will try as much as I can to squeeze out a little time to blog about something and anything just so I can get back to writing comfortably again.

So bear with me if I will be tattling nonsense in here once in a while.

The Year That Was

2009-01-31T20:50:00.003Z

2008 passed by so fast that I felt as though 2007 was still fresh for me and here comes another year. Maybe I got very busy last year and added to that was the excitement of my much anticipated year-end homecoming.

As the year started, I was involved in this big project based in Germany and for a while I had been commuting Bonn-London on a weekly basis. This has been eating up most of my time as the project schedule was hectic with few people working on a tremendous amount of work with tight deadlines. It was an enjoyable working experience though and I got to meet interesting people as well.

In past year, work has given me opportunities to travel. Actually, an overload of business travels that I almost gave up. I came to a point where I only spent a couple of days at home with Zach and head off to the next destination. But I am thankful just the same. I got to discover those places without taking its toll from my own pocket.

We entertained guests last year and sharpened our tour-guiding skills. My cousin Cathy dropped by at England on the first week of June and spent a weekend with us after she completed her seminar in Aberdeen, Scotland. Months later, Rey and Elanie came over and we had a fantastic time catching up and wandering around London, Windsor and the countryside. Read Rey and Elanie's story here.

The most popular tourist destination in London-Buckingham Palace

Cathy at the Picadilly Circus

At the Stonehenge with Rey and Elanie

2008 has seen me driving with British Driver's License. haha! Finally, I was able to overcome the fear of practical driving exam and booked myself an exam date. Even before the exam I was already expecting a retake but I just could not believe it when the examiner handed me the verdict - PASSED with 1 out of 16 allowable minor errors. It was not that frightening after all.

Of course, the year ended with me in the cradle of dear old Bacolod and this has been the highlight for me. Nothing beats the comfort of being in the company of family and friends. Heaven!!!

Thank God for a generous and fun-filled 2008! Most of all, THANK YOU for helping me and my sisters fulfill a dream gift to our parents.

Two Souls, One Heart

2009-01-25T18:34:00.007Z

"Two Souls with but a single thought, Two hearts beat as one" - Friedrich Halm

Allan Paul and Joy
16 December 2008
St. Isidore Parish

My homecoming became more meaningful because of my dear little sister's wedding. Indeed, she's no baby anymore.

Little Sister

After years into the relationship and going through the ups and downs together, I could not be more happier to see them tie the knot and live life as one.

It has been a grand reunion as well since relatives from both sides of our parents' families gathered for the memorable event. Aunts, uncles and cousins from abroad came home and it was so much fun that I barely had time to think about jetlag.

The bride's BIG clan

Nanay, Mama and Mommy with Aunts and friends

The Santillanosa's

Mama with the boys - who have all grown up so fast.
My nephew Kyle, bother Eugene and cousin Jade

Excitement!

2008-12-07T17:56:00.005Z

As soon as 2008 started, I have been looking forward to nothing but WINTER! definitely not because of the gloomy and cold weather but because of the warm and homey feeling Pinas has to offer. Yes! it's now a matter of days (as in days!!!!) before my much-deserved and long waited homecoming. It's been exactly 2 years since I went home. I just could not wait!!!

I have packed up my luggage since last week (I am not that excited, am I?) and had done some last minute shopping. I am raring to go but I need to keep my focus on my project tasks and deliverables for this week or shall I say 3-day work period before I head off to my 5-week sojourn.

Oh! Excitement of all excitements!

It's Christmas Time in the City

2008-12-06T20:33:00.002Z

Unfortunately, due to some reason, Zach cancelled his holiday in Pinas and for another reason I could never back out and decide not to go home (or else my not-so-little sis will not speak to me ever again..hehe!). It simply means that we will be celebrating our second anniversary, Christmas and New Year apart. Too bad!

In order to make up for it, we decided to have an early Christmas treat. We went to the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park in London on the evening of the 3rd of December despite the harsh cold of winter. The fair showcases an outdoor ice rink, observation wheel (or ferris wheel or whatever one wants to call it) and a variety of rides and family entertainment. But for Zach and I, we indulge ourselves to freshly grilled German sausages, mulled wine and some crepes available in the authentic German Christmas Market. And of course, would BEER be ever absent in any German or English event? Not!

Here are some photos taken using our mobile phone cameras. Somebody has forgotten to bring the P&S camera (uhm..me?). Apologies for the photo quality.

Zach enjoying his gluhwein

try ice skating...should I or shouldn't I

observatory wheel for them - ferris wheel for me

an earlier trip to Selfridges in Oxford Street for some gift-buying
and see their Christmas lights displays

The Roman Forum

2008-11-12T16:43:00.006Z

What was one of the most interesting about my trip to Rome last April was having a first hand glimpse of the Roman Forum. It helped a lot that we had some Filipino priests with us who have been living and studying in Rome for a while now and they have been perfect tour guides.

The Roman Forum is located between the hills of Palatine and the Capitoline where the ancient Roman civilization developed. Thousands of years ago, the area used to be a marshland and by unbelievable engineering (during the ancient times, that is), which was commissioned by the last two Etruscan kings, a canal that is still functioning up to this day, allowed for the drainage of the land. It was later expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts and its ancient royal residence known as the Regia and the surrounding buildings for the Vestal Virgins. The area further developed and became the hub of commerce, socials and politics.

When the Roman Empire fell, the part of the Forum was abandoned and later on gradually covered with soil and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. It was only in the 18th century that the Forum was rediscovered and excavated and the long process of the recovery of the ancient ruins was made.

The Arch of Septimus Severus - a triumphal arch erected in 203 AD to celebrate the victories of Emperor Septimus Severus and his sons. Located in the northeast end of the forum.

One of the four panels placed above the lateral arches on each side. This one shows the attack of the city of Seleucia on the River Tigris in the lower part and the upper part surrender of the Parthians to the emperor and his entry into the conquered town.

Intricate design of the inner part of the arch. Simply exquisite!!!
And they don't have the luxury of power tools at that time.

Temple of Saturn - oldest surviving structure in that area, having been established between 501 and 498 BC

An open square in the center of the forum is the hub of political activities of the Roman Republic.
This was the location of many public meetings. It is surrounded by many important buidlings and monuments.

Looking back to thousands of years ago...

Requisite group shot at the Roman Forum

A Roman Holiday

2008-09-20T13:56:00.004+01:00

As I was meeting my cousin on a Saturday and the conference ending Thursday, I had intended to do my own Roman adventure the whole Friday. Definitely, it was an adventure on my part since for a change, I did not have the comforts of a five-star hotel and the convenience of a taxi I usually have during business trips. Thus, from the time I checked out from the Hilton Rome Airport on Friday morning, I was totally on my own (read: paying everything from my own pocket) and there was no expense reimbursement applicable. So that meant modest pension house and train travelling for me. Hehe!

Actually, it was my cousin who booked a room for me in Pontificio Collegio Filippino – a college for Filipino diocesan priests studying at pontifical universities in Rome as she and her friends will be staying there as arranged by their friend who would be ordained that weekend. It was a smooth trip going to the collegio, except for the taxi driver who duped me into paying him double (swiftly dropped one of the Euro bills I handed him and asked for another one, hmp!). Well, just to pacify myself, I just considered it added payment for the entertainment - he was singing along a Michael Jackson collection (Thriller, Billie Jean, etc) that he was playing, he would have danced if he could (think of performance level) and the roller-coaster ride (Oh! Italian drivers!!!)

After exchanging pleasantries with Monsignor Willie and setting down my luggage in my room, I proceeded to my great Roman adventure armed with my map, three-day train ticket and camera.

And the adventure began in Colosseo…

The moment I saw the queues leading to the Colosseo entrance, I was quite let down. I felt as though I had so many places in my list with so little time. I found a spot with a good view of the Colosseo façade and sat down in the railing admiring the historical arena. Minutes later, I was approached by a young Italian lady offering a guided tour inside for 18 Euros. At first I hesitated for a lot of reasons, but when I heard that availing of the guided tour would mean avoiding the long queues, hesitations were put aside. I can always leave the tour group once inside.

The Colosseo ( or Colosseum) is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Its common name was derived from a giant statue or colossus of Nero which stood close to the arena. Originally, up to 50,000 spectators (in which seating arrangements are based on social status) enjoyed the immense gladiatorial shows of violence and death.

A closer look at the Colosseo with long queues of people waiting to get inside

Julius Ceasar and his Roman guards?

The amphitheatre has a hypogeum, a series of underground tunnel used to house wild animals and even slaves. It is said that a total of 500,000 people and more than a million wild animals died in the games.

Standing right next to the Colosseo is the Triumphal Arch or the Arch of Constantine dedicated to the victory of Constantine over his co-emperor, Maxentius. Constantine claimed he owed the said victory to a vision of Jesus Christ.

a shot of the Arch of Constantine taken from the Colosseo

From Colosseo, I took the Metro to Spagna where I was greeted by hundreds of tourists in Piazza di Spagna from where you will find the Spanish Steps or the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti named after the church that stands in the square above. The stairs is considered to be the longest and widest staircase in Europe. Since it was the peak of Spring when I was there, the Spanish steps was adorned with azalea blooms.

The Lady and the Azaleas at the Spanish Steps

At the base of the Spanish steps is the famous Fontana della Barcaccia, The fountain is in the shape of a half-sunken ship with water overflowing its bows thus the name “Fountain of the Old Boat”.

One other reason that the Piazza di Spagna is always full of people is Via Condotti. It is the center of fashion shopping in Rome. Famous designers such as Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, D&G and Salvatore Ferragamo all have shops in that street.

A mix of tourists and shoppers

Following the signs and equipped with my trusted map, I walked over the cobbled stones and from afar I had already heard its presence and as I got nearer, the sound of the gushing waters intensified. As I squeezed my way at the corner, the work of art that is Fontana di Trevi appeared in front of my eyes. It was just fantastic!!! I just had to get closer despite the crowd. I just had to throw a coin so I can return to the Eternal City. I just had to have my photo taken. ;-)

The backdrop of the fountain is Palazzo Poli, which becomes a part of the monument. The fountain features a central sculpture of Neptune, with Health and Abundance alongside and he is attended by tritons and marine horses.

Neptune -at close

The Magnificent Trevi Fountain - Photo taken from Wikipedia

With a cone of gelato that I bought from the gelateria that surrounded the fountain, I continued my way towards significant must-see spots that were situated within walking distance (or just for me) from each other.

The Pantheon, built between 27 AD and 25 AD, is the best preserved structure of its age and the architecture with the biggest brick dome. According to legend, it is the place where Romulus, the founder of Rome was seized by an eagle at his death and taken to the skies with the gods. It was later on converted into a Catholic Church in the 7th century.

The great Renaissance artist, Raphael was buried in the Pantheon.

Piazza Navona displays the works of Bernini and Borromini and is considered the one of the Baroque Masterpieces in Rome. At the center of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers or Fontana Dei Quatro Fiumi and an Egyptian Obelisk. Unluckily, the fountain was under construction thus it was covered and not shown to the public.

Fontana Dei Quatro Fiumi by Bernini - Taken from Wikipedia

Piazza Navona is one of the few places where you can pick out some artwork whilst eating your dinner.

Before taking the Metro towards Piazza del Popolo, I managed to take a quick shot of Bernini’s Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini.

Triton Fountain

Piazza del Popolo features two symmetrical churches, an Egyptian obelisk and is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia. It also has two fountains on opposite sides.

The Twin Churches and the Obelisk - Piazza del Popolo

Steps lead from the Piazza del Popolo to the Pincio to the east

Tired but satisfied of my day tour, I headed back to the collegio but was not able to resist the urge to drop by the St. Peter's Basilica which,as stated in my previous entry, turned out to be a very good decision.

Travelling and exploring Rome alone was not bad at all...in fact it will be one of my memorable trips that I will never forget. Ever!

A Visit to the Vatican

2008-09-13T22:17:00.007+01:00

Work has brought me again to new destination....Rome, Italy.

The annual technical seminar was held in Rome last April and like most of my colleagues, I stayed over for the weekend. Everybody seemed to be excited about visiting famed tourist locations with the Colosseum topping the list. But for me, it was the Vatican visit that weighed the most. I considered the trip as a celebration of my faith. And indeed it was!

I met up with my cousin, who is based in Milan, as she was also in Rome on the same weekend that I was there. We attended the ordination of a Filipino seminarian (who is a friend of my cousin) in Parrochia San Gabriel Arcangelo in the outskirts of Rome. It was truly a new and meaningful experience for me as it was the first time for me to witness the Sacrament of Ordination. I never thought it could be that solemn and emotional event. After the ceremony, there was a small reception in the garden and I was pleased to have met a lot of Filipinos – nuns, priests, parishioners and visitors – who are based in Rome for quite a while.

After the ceremony, we went straight to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. With us were Filipino priests and nuns who we were eager enough to be our tour guides. Since it was a Saturday, the queues leading to the Basilica, the museum, the crypt and the dome were just unbelievable. It seemed we spent the whole afternoon and when inside, there were just so many people that you can hardly have enough time to appreciate the solemnity and beauty of the basilica. The main alter was closed and you can only view it from afar. I think it was for the preparation for the Sunday Mass the following day.

In front of St. Peter's Basilica with kababayan from all over Italy

But I didn’t mind at all. God is so good that He gave me an early treat the day before. I just could not contain my excitement that I got out of the Metro on San Pietro Station on my way back home to the Pontifico Collegio Filippino where I was staying, despite my cousin’s instruction that we will all go together for the Vatican tour when they arrive the next day. I just need to take peek and see what to expect. Hehe! It was around 5:30 PM when I got there and was not able to close my gaping mouth the moment I saw the square and the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was majestic!!! I was literally shaking and could not stop myself crying. It was a different feeling that enveloped me. I just stood there for like 30 minutes and it took me a lot of convincing that I was actually there and I was not just dreaming.

St. Peter's Square
late in the afternoon is an ideal time to visit here as almost everybody seems to queue up in the morning

Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano -
the Greatest of all churches of Christendom

The Papal Swiss Guard

What more?!!! There was a short queue leading to the basilica and I was inside in a matter of three minutes. There were not much people inside and I indulged myself to the holiness and sacredness of the place going from one chapel to the other that line up in parallel to the aisle. I took all my time in admiring the priceless works of arts and the exquisite architecture making the basilica the greatest building of its age. It was definitely worth the side trip and I was thankful I acted on impulse and got off the train.

St. Peter's Basilica - The Altar and Chair of St. Peter's
Straight below the alter and the baldachin is the tomb of St. Peter

one of the many grandious pieces of art

The Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo
just to the right of the entrance, between the Holy Door and the altar of Saint Sebastian and is now protected by a bullet-proof glass panel.

As I was flying back to England on Sunday evening, I went back to the St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Papal address and Angelus led by the Pope. I got their early and squeeze myself towards the center among hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims and tourists. I was able to attend the Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted on the wide screens and loudspeakers. I am not sure though if it was a live ceremony inside the Basilica or just a taped one. It was said in Italian and though I was not able to follow a word, it was meaningful experience as well.

After the mass, the people were alert more than ever and started cheering when the famous “second to the last” window opened and the papal flag was put out. We welcomed Pope Benedict XVI with cheers. I was not even aware that I myself was cheering and waving as well. Then the Pope started the Angelus and his address in different languages. People cheered every time their language was spoken. The whole thing reminded me of Jesus and his flock. The Lord’s people of different races and languages gathered together to hear His words. It was very touching.

Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted in St. Peter's Square

The flag is out and the Pope is here!!!
Pope Benedict XVI waving to the pilgrims

Pilgrims crowded in St. Peter's Square to hear the Angelus and Papal Address

It was a trip that I will never forget and will cherish forever. It was indeed a celebration of my faith! I am proud of my faith and appreciated it even more. Praise God!

The Joys of Travelling (Alone?!!!)

2008-04-21T21:22:00.005+01:00

I’ve always had this desire to travel. As a kid, I had my own share of travelling (out-of-town trips and travels that entailed plane or ship-ride) during summer vacations and came high school years, when I sort of travelled independently (sans family) during school and scouting activities. Years later, my sister landed this hip job as a tour coordinator bringing students to educational trips and I would usually tag along when school schedule permitted.

It somehow slowed down a bit when I started working with limited leave entitlement and I would usually reserve them for my homecomings. Definitely, I would put emphasis on FUNDS being the main reason especially when I started to earn and plan my own finances. Hehe!

And where are all this talk heading to? It’s just that I realized that I haven’t really travelled alone until recently when I am actually in foreign countries. My previous travels were always with colleagues or if not, there would always be somebody I know who would meet up with me and bring me to all these interesting spots or restaurants. Until I get to Munich.

Munich

I went to Munich in Germany just as the month of March was about to end to attend a 3-day training. It is a vibrant and happy city and for me, Munich is a rival to Berlin in terms of being the most popular destination in Germany. It is a city of all sorts of culture with an array of museums and vibrant art scenes and who would forget the infamous Oktoberfest.

This time, I opted to stay in a hotel which is located right in the city center even it entailed 15 minute-train travel for me going to the academy just so I can have the opportunity to walk around the city every after training session. The city has so much to offer and unquestionably a 3-day stay was not enough to see and try it all. Much more if that 3-day stay is on a business purpose. Thus for me, the highlight is the Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour that I took on my own which covers the historic locations and structures in Munich and commenced in Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) which is the heart of the city of Munich.

Marienplatz is the focal point of the city and was named so as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from a cholera epidemic.

At the center of Marienplatz is Mariensäule, a large column and atop is a statue of Virgin Mary. It was erected in 1638 to mark the end of Swedish invasion.

Mariensäule

The center is also dominated by Neues Rathaus or New Town Hall- the impressive Gothic town hall with six courtyards and 85m-high Rathausturm with the Glockenspiel or carillon as its main attraction which plays every 11:00 in the morning , 12 noon and 5:00 in the afternoon each day.

Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

taken in the courtyard of the new town hall

Glockenspiel
a re-enactment of the 1568 wedding of Duke William V and Renate of Lorraine, complete with a jousting match; or a rendition of a dance called the Schläfflertanz

Just a few meters away is the Altes Rathaus or the Old Town Hall. It now houses a Toy Museum or Spielzeugmuseum which traces the history of toys from the early 19th century up to the modern ones of today.

Altes Rathaus

Continuing my walk led me to infamous Hofbräuhaus where its Oktoberfest all year round. It is one of the oldest brewery in Munich and its a must for tourists to drop by here for a true Munich experience. They provide lots and lots of beer (where you can smell its strong scent upon entering), traditional Bavarian food, music and dance combined with a cosy atmosphere and waitresses dressed in traditional costumes.

Hofbräuhaus

*picture taken from wikipedia

Inside Hofbräuhaus

Alter Hof – served as royals’ residence until 1474

Alter Hof

Maximilianstrasse – Munich’s ultrachic shopping street

a not so busy Maximilianstrasse

Max-Joseph-Platz with the big black statue of Maximilian I

At Max Joseph Platz with Maximilian I and the Resideztheater behind.

Residenz was the official home of Bavaria’s monarchs from 1385 to 1918 and it serves as a museum today. Residenz Museum occupies the southwestern portion of the palace and consists of about 120 rooms full of art, furnishings, and other treasures. The Antiquarium boasts dozens of 16th and 17th century frescoes.

The Residenz was under construction at the time of my visit and had a tarpauline-like facade.

* Picture taken from Wikipedia

posh side entrance to the Residenz

Antiquarium in Residenz

Felderrnhalle or Field Marshall's Hall. Built as a tribute to the Bavarian army that fought in the Franco-Prussian War, the structure features bronze statues of some of the most revered generals of Bavaria, including von Tilly (1559-1632) and Wrede (1767-1838). The spot is also popular as the site of a pre-World War II historic clash between the Bavarian police and the Nazi and where Adolf Hitler was eventually arrested and was made to serve a short prison term.

Felderrnhalle

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady) is the landmark which is usually featured in many of Munich's postcards. It is the largest church in Munich.

The two towers of Frauenkirche

Travelling alone is quite new to me but it offers something good as well. It made me discover a sense of independence and adventure within me in roaming around unfamiliar streets with people speaking an unfamiliar language. I only have myself to look after to and have nobody's comfort to think of. I found it amusing to get lost and walked around and finding my way back. One drawback though, for a person who loves to have her pictures taken, is the lack of a photographer companion at hand. haha! I guess I would have to settle to take landmark photos and master the craft of asking favors from other tourists to take a souvenir shot of myself or better yet, carry a dependable tripod with me.

Afterall, it was an enjoyable long and lonesome (but definitely not lonely) walking tour. It was worth the achy feet and all.

Until my next adventure....alone!

Berlin – A Mix of Old and New

2008-03-21T20:23:00.012Z

“This is indeed the capital!”

That was my first impression the moment I saw Berlin. I can’t help but compare it to Bonn, the old German capital, where I have been staying for almost 3 months now. Berlin, being a very busy city, is the center of politics, culture, media, science and economy. It has modern buildings, museums which stands right next to each other, shopping centers and restaurants.

Since I was only staying for three days to attend a workshop, I saw to it that I got a glimpse of the historical and famed landmarks around the city. Right after every session, my Taiwanese colleague and I would call a taxi and with our limited Deutsch words asked to be brought to the interesting tourist spots.

Gendarmenmarkt is known as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It was created on the 17^th century as a market place. It is now a quiet place surrounded by three landmark buildings, the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Konzerthaus. In the center of the square is a statue of Friedrich Schiller, a famous German poet.

German Cathedral in Gendarmenmarkt

Konzerthaus

The French Cathedral behind me with the statue of Friedrich Schiller

Charlottenburg Palace is the largest existing palace in Berlin and now functions as a museum. It stands in a sprawling land complete with park and garden which is used mainly for recreation. Inside the palace used to be what was described as "the eighth wonder of the world" — the Bernsteinzimmer, a room with its walls surfaced in decorative amber.

Unfortunately, as our sightseeing time was outside the office hours, we were not able to visit the museum.

Charlottenburg Palace

The Bradenburg Gate is an iconic landmark of Berlin and Germany which has been a witness and played different political roles in German history. Located atop the Bradenburg gate is the Quadriga of Victory . The quadriga was looted by Napoleon of France in 1806 and was only returned to Berlin in 1814.

East side of Bradenburg Gate

The Gate with the Quadriga of Victory on top.
Victory used to carry an olive wreath but was subsequently replaced by an Iron Cross.
The cross was once removed by the Communist government of East Germany but was restored back after the German reunification in 1990.

The magnificent and historical Bradenburg Gate

Of course, a visit to Berlin is not complete without having a glimpse of the Berlin Wall. Though I never had the time to see the actual remaining stretch of the wall, I was able to stumble upon this block while shopping for souvenirs near the gate.

Once was part of The Wall

Three Decades

2008-02-19T15:43:00.007Z

Certainly! It has been three decades of life full of love and blessings. I cannot thank the Lord enough. He truly loves me – unconditionally.

“Youth had been a habit of hers for so long that she could not part with it.”

– Rudyard Kipling

Who says I’m 3-Oh?!!!

Holiday Sightseeings

2008-02-02T18:32:00.003Z

Going through my blog, I thought it might not be too late to share photos taken during our trip to The Netherlands last December 2007. Since we were not able to go back home to Pinas, Zach and I decided to reward ourselves for our hard work for 2007 with this trip and to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

We braved the busy pre-Christmas days and flew to Brussels last 22^nd December. We took a side trip and spent the night in the Belgian capital where we met up with college friends, couple Rey and Elanie.

Grand Place, Brussels

light and sound display show where they illuminated the Town Hall with hundreds of colourful lights which changes along with the classical music.

Brussels Christmas Market: Elanie and I trying out the must-try German mulled wine Glühwein

and Belgian waffle

parade of restaurants near Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

The following day, we took a 2-hour train ride and got off at Rotterdam Central in Holland where my Auntie Darling and her Dutch husband Uncle Dirk picked us up and drove us around the modern city for sightseeing.

Rotterdam is a city with modern architecture (as compared to Amsterdam) since it was greatly damaged by World War II bombings. Rotterdam port is the biggest in Europe and one of the world’s busiest.

Rotterdam's cube houses

My uncle brought us to see this weird structure in Rotterdam -

A building literally on top of another one.

Erasmusbrug ("Erasmus Bridge") across Nieuwe Mass River linking the

southern and northern part of the city

a quick shot in front of Auntie Darling and Uncle Dirk's house

Amsterdam welcomed us the following day. We drove to the country capital early in the morning and took a side trip to the city center before going to my Auntie Nenet’s place where we will be spending Christmas Eve.

Royal Palace, Amsterdam

The canals and bicycles of Amsterdam

Amsterdam at night

Taken while on a canal boat tour - typical boat houses along the canal and

Dutch structures at the bank of the canal.

Just after Christmas, the days were spent resting at home, visiting friends, partying with Filipino organizations, sightseeing and shopping. As for me and Zach, we did not let our holidays pass without visiting Elanie and Rey's town down South of Holland - s'Hertogenbosch or Den Bosch. As we did not have enough time to chat-to-the-max while in Brussels, we stayed for a night at their place and chat and drink the night away.

Photo-op immediately after stepping out of Den Bosch train station. hehe!

College buddies Elanie and I - reunited after 7 years

Zach, I and St. John's Basilica in s'Hertogenbosch

Little Women ( as in small gid ya...) conquered Europe. hehe!

The next day, Rey and Elanie brought us to Madurodam in The Hague. It is a miniature city showcasing a model of Dutch typical structures and landmarks.

Head office of Nationale-Nederlanden in miniature

Amsterdam Royal Palace

Zach enjoyed watching the mini cars driving along the mini street.

ECE5A in Madurodam - Rey, Elanie and me.

And since we are in The Hague, we dropped by the Peace Palace before calling it a day.

The Peace Palace is home to a number of international judicial institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the renowned Peace Palace Library, as well as the Hague Academy of International Law, which attracts law students from all over the world every summer.

The Peace Palace - a quick shot just before it got dark

A Commuter’s Life

2008-01-31T10:03:00.003Z

It feels good to be back! I’ve been missing in action for the last 4 months, that is, in the blogging world. Work have been hectic and demanding that I hardly had time to maintain this blog. I’ve been meaning to share my adventures but I always found myself struggling with work and home chores realizing later that my planned blog updates were actually out-of-date. Hehe!

For the past months, I’ve been living a life of a commuter. Work requires me to be based in Bonn, Germany and all these months I’ve been travelling every Monday and goes back home in England on Fridays. The hour and a half flight is easy to deal with. It’s the flight delays in Heathrow Airport - being one of the busiest airport in the world that seem to be sucking the strength (and patience?!!!) out of me. Hotel rooms have been my home for 4 nights every week. For the first few weeks, it felt quite posh staying in these 5-star hotels and enjoying the comfort they offer but after a while I started missing my modest room in our England home. Indeed, there’s no place like home.

It’s actually starting to wear me out but I actually have no choice – for now. Definitely, I need to go back home and spend my weekends with Zach and try to fulfil my wifely duties. Hehe! My Saturdays are spent resting and catching up with laundry and other home chores. On Sundays, we attend mass in the morning and spend quality time dining out, shopping or visiting friends and end the day preparing for my trip the next Monday morning. On how long I can endure this routine, I am not sure. Hehe!

All I know is that I have a lot to be thankful for and there’s no room for me to complain. I have the most understanding husband whom I have not heard complaining about having an absentee wife. I have the opportunity to travel without costing me anything. I get to experience the German way of life and culture and meet all the friendly people here. Career-wise, I have this opportunity to work and learn with different people.

But I will always remain hopeful that somehow there will be a possibility for me to work remotely in UK for this project. After all, more than anything else, my life is in England.

Pinoys in Fleet

2007-09-24T16:21:00.002+01:00

When I first came here and was looking around for a flat, I had absolutely no idea if there were any Filipino communities in the area and the neighboring towns. I tried to ask my relocation agent at that time but she told me she’d ask around and come back to me with the information (which she never did). After 7 properties in 3 different towns, I settled with the one in Fleet which is the closest to public transport as I did not have a car back then and it was only about 6 minute-drive away from my workplace in Southwood, Farnborough. It was only later that I learned from a Filipino colleague that there are considerable number of Filipino families in neighboring towns of Farnborough and Frimley (which has a big hospital with majority of its nurses coming from the Philippines).

Walking around in Fleet’s town center, I would get excited whenever I see Pinoy-looking people and realizing later that they were actually Thai or Napalese. Hehe! Until I finally met a Filipina from the church and it was there I learned that there weren’t much Filipinos in Fleet. Over the months, my circle of Filipino friends widens and all of them are living in Farnborough, Frimley and Camberley.

Not until a few months ago when my hubby bumped into a Pinay in one of his train rides. From then on, we have been frequenting their house for a barbecue and it was through those gathering that I got to meet the other kababayan living around the town. In a span of a month, two more guys arrived from Pinas and we all agreed that our community in Fleet has somehow grown not into a really big community but just enough that everyone knows everyone. It’s exciting that the “Ate’s” are actually talking about having a Pinoy Christmas Party!!

fraction of the whole Pinoy gang

The Carnival

2007-09-23T16:20:00.002+01:00

Autumn is officially here. Time passed by so fast that it seemed like last week when we still planned a lot of activities for the summer.

The supposedly summer of this year was way a lot different from the one I had in this country last year. Who would ever think that the wettest month on record in Britain occurred last June? And it was in this summer when widespread flooding occurred across the country in June and July affecting Northern Ireland, North Yorkshire, The Midlands, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and South Wales. Summer is supposed to be sunny and warm, right? In all fairness to Mother Nature, we had a glimpse of beaming sunshine every now and then which would last a week or two and will then be followed by rainy and cold days.

And the last week of August was one of those sunny periods in which the annual Notting Hill Carnival is held. Actually, coming over to London for that event was a spur of a moment decision. We just caught its invitation ad in TV while we were at a friend’s house for a barbecue and having a new Filipino with us (who just came here in England a couple of weeks ago); we all agreed to travel early the next day.

Notting Hill Carnival, a Caribbean population-led event, as mentioned, is an annual event held every August covering Sunday and the next day Bank Holiday Monday. It has been celebrated since 1965 as a response to the deteriorating racial relations. All through the years, it has been viewed as a celebration of London’s multi-cultural diversity. However, it cannot be denied that it is always marred by riots and conflicts with the police (which is mainly the reason I first hesitated in going especially that Zach has a planned tennis game thus he wouldn’t be able to join us.)

On that sunny day, we first had lunch buffet at Chinatown before hitting the cramped underground and headed to Notting Hill where we will be waiting for the parade to start. The festival was not actually new to me as I felt it was more of like our Masskara Festival in Bacolod or the Pasalamat Festival in La Carlota City. It was all complete with street dancing, colorful costumes, residents participating in the festivities even from the windows of their elegant Victorian terrace houses, food kiosks and people peddling booze and grass (yes! grass as in marijuana) as if they were as ordinary as softdrinks and stork candies. Hehe!!! Walking down along Portobello Road, you can find makeshift stages and blasting sound systems just a few meters from each other and with people (wasted or high) dancing their hearts out. It was well-attended with an estimated 1 million people gathering to witness the event.

Dropping by London's Chinatown for buffet lunch and some dimsum

Black and colorful

Festive Beat

A souvenir shot with the performers - with Ate Winnie

They're not all black after all ;)

What were these Orientals doing in a Jamaican festival???

Whew!

2007-09-10T13:45:00.002+01:00

Thank God, it’s finally over. And I think… I’ve done well.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been really preoccupied preparing for that presentation. I was not that confident since I will be presenting a workshop on a certain topic I have absolutely no idea and it has something to do with IP and networking which is really not my cup of tea. That knowledge-sharing has something to do with our quarterly Convergence forum. What more? I will be talking about it in front of my colleagues that are far more senior than me in terms of experience. Nevertheless, the moderator kept on boosting my confidence that somehow most of them haven’t really taken time to know more about it if at all.

So after a couple of postponement, it actually happened today. I was looking forward for that day when I can finally get on and get over with it and at the same time dread the day. Answering questions outside the scope of my presentation really worried me. I just can’t bear the thought of me being dumbfounded and not knowing what to say and knowing these people, their questions could really take a toll on the presenter.

But after all, I managed to do it kind of…well even if for the first time our manager decided to attend the forum and he was actually sitting right in front me.

Nice Pink Badge

2007-08-10T16:17:00.002+01:00

Wow! I’ve been selected by Maping as one of Rockin’ Girl Bloggers. It is really inspiring that there are people who spare a minute of their time to read whatever babblings I write and get to know some stories from this side of the world. Thanks…

Now, it’s my turn to give out this nice pink badge to more Rockin’ Girl Bloggers.

1. Though Abigail is not updating her blog often as most of us do, rest assured that the rare entries will give you lessons and inspirations in life. This lady’s superb faith is mirrored in her blog. Even we are miles away from each other, reading her stories makes me feel as though we are having our dose of insightful chats that we used to have.

2. Elanie’s blog is very interesting and informative. You’ll learn something new in every story that she writes and pictures that she posts especially when it comes to her travels. While reading them, it makes you feel as though you are travelling with her.

3. Definitely, Maping’s blog is among my daily reads. She writes sincerely and reading her stories makes you feel her emotions. I enjoy and learn a lot reading her views on marriage, motherhood and family. I truly admire this woman for her dedication in shuffling motherhood, married life and nursing education altogether.

4. I’ve just discovered Sheila’s blog recently. Her’s is a well-rounded blog. It’s full of fascinating bits and pieces that make you always come back for more. She shares her colourful life and adventures and gives stimulating reminders about life now and then.

HP Weekend

2007-07-23T13:52:00.002+01:00

After seeing the making of the movie on BBC a week ago and nights of dreaming about it, I finally got to watch the full length movie!!!

The past weekend was a Harry Potter treat for me. Zach and I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last Saturday evening. I remembered being excited the whole day while trying to scan the pages of the book I had at home just to make sure I remember the high points of the story. When we got to the mall, almost all people were carrying copies of the HP and the Deathly Hallows. But what’s most funny was the teenager who sat beside me at the cinema. She was actually reading the latest and final installment of the story inside the cinema while the adverts and trailers were shown!!! She obviously did not want to waste time.

Expectedly, the movie did not cover the whole book and some scenes were portrayed differently. But nevertheless, I truly enjoyed the movie and was amazed how the characters have grown so much. They were far from the cute kids that they were on the first three movies. Zach and I agreed later after the movie that we felt goosebumps when it came to the scene where Harry and his friends flew to London riding the thestrals. It showed London, River Thames and the tourist spots at night. We just cannot believe that we have actually been in those places. Now, Zach is looking forward to a Scotland trip to see the famed castle that was used in the film as Hogwarts.

The following day, we went to the town center after hearing mass. And we passed by a bookstore, I just was not able fight the urge to buy a copy of my own. I desperately can’t wait to find out how the whole Harry Potter saga will come to an end. And this book completes my set of Harry Potter and his adventures.

Well, that’s all for now and I’ll be hitting the book again.

Here and There...

2007-07-18T14:02:00.002+01:00

With the British summer going weird and unpredictable as ever, I've been lucky to capture the few sunny and cheerful summer days that we had so far.

Images below were taken at The Grove in Hertfordshire which is just 35 minutes from London. It is a magnificent 18th century house set in a 300-acre of parkland. It has an 18-hole golf course which hosted the 2006 World Golf Championships.

What makes the place more interesting is that they actually have a beach...yeah! a beach nestled inside the estate!!! It is located inside the walled garden and it offers a wide area of golden sand complete with a volleyball court, spa treatment, beach bar and beach huts.

--o0o--

Days after the "The Grove" trip, Zach and I joined the company's annual summer party held at Chessington World of Adventure where we tried and enjoyed the rides, games and zoo animals.

A Long Story

2007-07-15T11:05:00.002+01:00

Let me tell you a story of a man I can’t really claim to know so well. I have not been with him throughout the 29 years of my life and technically, I did not grow up with him around. But, I’ll be telling stuffs about him as I know him and as I see him.

As a young girl, I found him really handsome. Skinny but handsome! He dressed casually but coolly and as far as I can recall, he seemed to be smelling good and fresh all the time with his signature perfume. I used to resent having him around since I wouldn’t be able to sleep with Nanay and he always has this daunting and reprimanding look everytime I start an argument and childish squabbles with my sister. But the thought that it will just be a matter of months before he leaves again gave me comfort.

It was when I entered school that I realized the he should have been with us at home. He should have been the one bringing and fetching me and my sister from school and not just trusted drivers. He should be attending family council meetings with Nanay so she wouldn’t have run between my homeroom and my sister’s. When it comes to kiddy bragging, the only things I showed around are Christmas and Birthday cards telling them how neat and cool his handwriting was. But I have no memories to share.

Until there was an opportunity for him to stayed longer with us. Though, not really an opportunity as he was out of work and was looking around for a good employment contract that will be worth being away from his family for. It was there that I got to know him a little. How I hated it when he would make us memorize the whole multiplication table and solve Math worded problems on our free time. He made it a point that we understand mathematical concepts and not just be contented with answering homework provided by teachers. He would not let me go until I master the lesson even if I was drenched in tears already. But above all, I was able to have memories of him around that I shall keep forever – bringing me to school on the first day of the school year and stayed with me even if I was already in the queue for the flag ceremony, following me around on a sportsfest parade and untiringly took pictures of me, and attending our speech presentation that I was conscious all of a sudden because I saw him from the crowd. They were simply priceless!!!

When the time came for him to leave again, for the first time, I cried. Maybe because I was an intermediate grader already and matured a little but thinking again, it was definitely because I was able to established a relationship with him. Through technology, we were able to maintain the relationship and communication. He called long distance once in a while and talked to the whole family and never failed to write letters. I fondly looked forward to his homecoming and be sad again when it was time for him to leave again. He inspired me do well in school and gave me credit for the good grades and class standing. It continued until I was in high school and the calls became frequent with the advances of telecom. He made it a point that he was updated with our academic and extra-curricular activities. Though, he was unable to attend any of my graduation and recognition day, every medal gained was dedicated to him.

When I was about to enter college, I was lucky to have him around. He was there during my confusion on what course to take and it helped a lot. He was there during my scholarship presentation ceremony and his grinning and proud face will forever be etched in my mind. He was there when I was struggling with Engineering Math subjects in my freshman year. He saw to it that I have all the materials and tools needed for my drafting class, electronics laboratory, and computer class. I was really thankful for all his support. I would have given up Engineering if not for him. The thought of him made me to strive more.

Too bad though that when he decided to retire from work and stay home for good, I already left home to pursue a promising career. Having a job and in managing my life and finances, he has a great impact. All of us, his daughters, didn’t grow up having what we want anytime we want. There is a clear distinction between “needs” and “wants”. The “needs” are readily provided and we have to save and work for our “wants”. Even if he was working abroad, it was not customary for us to demand pasalubong. We were contented with what he has to give. No matter how he asked what we want when he goes home, we just leave it all to him.

The moments that I’ll forever cherish are the ones we spent here in England when we had the whole 4 months with each other and Nanay. I came to know him more and realized that even if he spent most of the years away from us, he was a cool FATHER and a best friend to me. I will never forget how we kid around and laugh on things and people we find funny (no wonder where I get that attitude!!!), how we enjoyed the same food, our similar opinions on things and issues, and same outlook in life and how I am very like him.

my favorite photo - taken before his flight

enjoying time with my Nanay after his early retirement

London sightseeing

Tay!!! sa likod mo...

Tatay riding the Detonator ride in Thorpe Park

happy!

I’m so proud of my Tatay!!! The first man in my life…

Happy birthday and I’m missing you a lot!

6 Weird Things About Me

2007-07-06T13:00:00.002+01:00

This post is long overdue. I was tagged by Maping to list 6 weird things about myself and I came up with so many things. Haha! Anyway, here are 6 random weird things about me:

1. I used to have this small childhood pillow that I just cannot sleep without it. I had it with me for more than 20 years and just let go of it when I moved to Manila. My mother and sisters thought it was already ragged, thin and stinky but I thought otherwise. I would get into fights with my sisters if they tried to touch it, made fun of it or keep it from me. When I was sharing a flat with college classmates in Manila, I missed my pillow so much that it gave me sleepless nights. Then one of them had this old and extremely thin pillow that reminded me of my old one. She agreed immediately when I told her I’ll buy a new pillow and swapped it with her old one. Then I had that pillow for five years until I moved here in England. I would have brought it with me but my father firmly disagreed. Hehe! Now, there are nights that I truly missed my pillows. Good thing though, I brought a new one with which was a Christmas gift from one of our managers in Globe.

2. I am very afraid of thunders. I cower and curl down everytime I hear their loud blast and I am having the fastest palpitation ever. I feel like the earth will tear apart and swallow me whole. I slightly recover from that fear when I was living alone in Manila and I would just pull the blankets over me and hug my pillow (see how much it gave me comfort...hehe!)

3. I have a sensitive nose. I seem to smell things even before anybody else do.

4. I love okra! I know most people hate it but for me it’s my favorite vegetable. As a child, I don’t eat any veggies except okra. Even if it’s just plainly boiled or steamed, it’s a treat for me eating them dipped in vinegar and soy sauce.

5. Studying and memorizing for me is easier when I write down my thoughts. During quizzes and exams, I would remember how I wrote them down while studying. At work, even with the existence of laptops, I still keep a notebook handy and write down all things learned along the way. It’s more effective for me in remembering them.

6. Once in a while, I will have dreams that suggest events or information that is bound to happen. Or, out of nowhere, a name or some thought will popped in my mind and learn later about their relevance. One perfect example was when I was in high school. My sister’s senior class was involved in a legal issue. That night, I dreamed of opening my notebook and found out the name ‘Delfin’ written all over the pages. I brushed aside that dream but was taken aback the following night during dinner when my sister announced that they found a lawyer to handle their case: Atty. Delfin!!! Weird!

I’m tagging my friends listed in my blog list and any readers who want to do so. Go ahead, help yourself. :-)

Lost…

2007-06-25T11:17:00.002+01:00

I lost my wedding and engagement rings last Friday. :-(

No, they were not just simply misplaced at home. It was a big-time foolishness on my part because it was only on Saturday afternoon that I realized they were missing. Hubby and I were about to leave for the mall and I ran to grab my rings that I normally keep on top of the drawers. But they were not there and it occurred to me that I went home last Friday evening without them on my finger. I really panicked and don’t know what to do. I want to go and look for them but I don’t where to start. The last I recalled was that I removed them Friday morning while washing my mug at the pantry and put them in the shallow pocket of my jeans. Then, they slipped off my mind and didn’t remember them until that Saturday afternoon.

I know I’m not really fond of jewelleries but those where among the few that I have that meant so much for me. It was the sentimental value that I was after. No other rings can replace them. I was so down no matter how much Hubby comforted me not to think about them and we’ll just order the same rings from the jewellers in the Philippines. Even attending two parties that Sunday and eating Filipino fiesta dishes did not took my mind off them. I kept on hoping I dropped them in the office so I can asked the cleaners if they noticed it and not in the supermarket where we it will be impossible to find them again.

And Found!!!

This morning, I came in the office a few minutes earlier than usual. I crawled under my table hoping I just dropped them there and I traced my usual route going in and out of the building. Then the Workplace Resources staff replied to my email telling me that found items are usually turned over to the Security Office. I didn’t waste time and dialled the Security Office’s number and inquired if, for some chance, my rings were found and turned over to their office. And the reply is, “Yeah, a couple of rings were found in the ladies toilet. Have a look if they’re yours.”

Despite the rain and cold, I ran to the other building while praying that hopefully those rings were mine. Indeed, THEY WERE MINE!

Thank God!

I was so inspired with the honesty of the people here. They would not dare get things that do not belong to them. God bless their hearts!

It's Good to Be Back!!! - Part 2

2007-06-19T21:22:00.002+01:00

Geneva, Switzerland

After spending the weekend resting and waking up late in the morning, I packed my bags again and head back to the airport on the 11^th of June. The next destination was Geneva where the bi-annual 2-day CSI Technical Seminar was held.

Geneva is a resort city with calm lake and surrounding green hills and vineyard and with a fantastic view of the peaks of French Alps. It is known for being the base of many international organizations and headquarters to most of United Nations’ agencies.

Jet d'Eau - Symbol of Geneva

View from my hotel window

having a break

This time the trip was exciting since I was travelling with colleagues and met a lot more from other countries in the seminar. It was a venue to share work experiences especially with new colleagues coming from the other partner company (whom my parent company merged with). It was more like blending together Finnish and German work culture and learn from it.

Interestingly, I met a Filipina (who works for United Nations, Cool!) through an Indonesian colleague who has lived in the city before while working for ITU. It appears that there are a lot of Filipinos working for the United Nations in Geneva Headquarters.

Unfortunately, the seminar was held in Moevenpick Hotel which is a few meters away from Geneva International Airport and I was scheduled to fly back to London on the night after the closing of the seminar thus I was not able to explore the whole city except for the Tuesday night dinner held in the city center. Nevertheless, it was really great that I get to visit the country and hopefully I can go back soon and this time for more sightseeing around Geneva and Lausanne.

It's Good to Be Back!!! - Part 1

2007-06-19T20:29:00.002+01:00

Finally! After weeks of going from here to there…I’m back in my base office and in a new desk location! This is sort of a fresh start for me after a very busy month.

Anyway, here’s where I’ve been and what I’ve been up and about the last few weeks:

Budapest, Hungary

I was in this beautiful city for 10 days supporting a project for one of our big customers. At first, I thought that I will just be doing remote planning support from England ( as what I have been doing the past year) but it turned out that the project manager wanted me to be in Budapest for the whole duration of the project. So after availing myself of a business visa, even before I can prime myself to the idea of travelling, I was off to Budapest on the 29^th of May.

It was not really a smooth travel for me as I was only accommodated in the late evening flight and as expected, it was delayed by another hour which meant that I will be arriving in this unfamiliar city way past midnight. While in the plane, I was worried that I might not be able to find a taxi going to the hotel and indeed I was right! There was not a single taxi in the airport and there were about 15 people ahead of me in the queue. Worse, I had no idea which part of the city my hotel was located and I had not a single clue about Hungarian language. Good thing though that I decided to try my luck getting out of the queue and wandered around the arrival entrance and found out that they have this airport minibus which brings passengers to downtown Budapest at a cheaper price. I just told the driver that I need to be dropped by my hotel and that’s the only place I knew. So off we go and I shared the ride with 5 other people all talking Hungarian and myself not having a single idea where we were heading to. I just can’t explain the relief that I felt when I saw the Ramada neon lights from afar.

The rest of days were spent at the Budapest office finishing my planning document for the said project. I was seated next to the PS Core Planner and he was very helpful in all my logistic needs and most importantly, in my technical queries regarding the project. Since it was getting dark quite late in the evening, I’ve been walking around every after office hours and trying out different restos each day. Food was great and heavy and the city ambiance was definitely striking as they have preserved pre-war structures and architecture but sometimes it’s quite frustrating to be walking around without having any idea what the people around me are talking about.

Traditionally Budapest:

Towards the weekend, I got a little homesick and missed hubby so much that I even thought of going back to England and just come back by Monday. But after his convincing me not to cause anymore hassles to our secretary who is doing all the plane and hotel bookings, I decided to stay and discover more of the city. So, when Saturday came, after a light breakfast, equipped with the city map, I decided to roam around the city. Luckily, it was a sunny and warm day despite hearing some rain forecast the previous day. Walking around, you can see that the city is both peaceful and bustling. It is a big metropolis but people are laid back and friendly and the historic structures blend with the modern ones. For me, the highlight of this city is the river Danube which flows through the city with hills on one side harmonizing with it. Towards the afternoon, I just found myself walking along Vaci Utca. It is one of the famous streets in Budapest where upscale and fancy shops, cafe and restaurants lined up with very interesting façade and stunning architecture.

The following day, a Filipino colleague based in the city, invited me over to his superb place for a barbecue. He lives on the quiet and hilly Buda side of the city. It was a fun afternoon spending time with his friendly wife and kids. It was very uplifting talking about their life and experiences in Hungary, England and Philippines. On the way back to the hotel, we decided to drop by Citadella. It is located in Gellert Hill which rises high and offers a great view of the whole city, the Buda side and some parts of the Pest side, the banks of the Danube and the majestic Royal Palace and the Parliament. From there, we went to Heroes’ Square for a few picture-taking as it is one of Hungary’s famed spots. It was only during the drive to his place and back that I discovered the other parts of the city which was simply impressive.

among the Hungarians. :)

overlooking Budapest and The Danube

Elisabeth Bridge

Szabadság Szobor (Liberty Statue) with Roselyn and Alex

Budapest at night

Heroes' Square

Museum of Fine Arts

It was indeed a beautiful city and I was thankful that I was given the chance to explore that part of Europe. At the end of my stay and the completion of my planning task, I can say that I enjoyed my short stay in the Budapest office and city as a whole and can’t wait to go back to England that has been home for me for quite a while and of course looking forward to see my dear husband whom I terribly missed.

Hanging Out by the Sea

2007-05-09T14:23:00.001+01:00

Yeah! I am in the office right now sitting in this same old desk and staring blankly in the laptop in front of me. Physically here, that is! As far as I know my mind is somewhere else, back in Portsmouth where we spent the long weekend by the sea (having May 7 as May Day bank Holiday) and the loads of shopping items we were able to avail at great, great prices at Gunwharf Quays!!!

We headed off to Portsmouth at the southern coast of England early last Sunday. It was truly a marvellous weekend as it was a mix of travelling, sightseeing and SHOPPING! What more can be so fun? Despite the wrong-timing onset of clouds, showers and wind, our energy level soared and hubby and I tremendously enjoyed our two-day holiday which we have planned two weeks ago.

The moment I spotted the Spinnaker Tower on our approach to the harbour, I got overly excited and started giggling uncontrollably. The thrill of having to shop at Gunwharf Quays’ designer outlet shops totally got over me and maybe due to adrenalin rush or whatever, I became energetic despite waking up quite early and missing breakfast that morning. Gunwharf Quays, home to a large shopping center, is located in a historic setting with the Historic Dockyard and Old Portsmouth just a few walks away. It is basically an interesting contrast and integration of old and new architecture. It is where one can experience shopping in the pedestrian avenues, relaxing in the wide open spaces, see spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It has over 85 designer outlets, 20 cosmopolitan bars and restos, health and fitness centers, 14-screen VUE cinemas, bowling, pubs, discos, comedy bars and hotel.

After grabbing something to eat and a location map, we started off our shopping galore. Initially, hubby and I can’t seem to agree on what shops to check out first as both of us have particular ones in mind. We even considered splitting and meeting up after we have done our own shopping but I immediately decided against it since I really can’t buy well and wisely without Zach. You see, shopping for me is never complete and enjoyable without my dear hubby. Then realizing that we will be staying until the next day, as we have booked a room in the nearby Holiday Inn, we planned out our itinerary and check out the shops one by one. Indeed, it was heavenly especially discovering huge discounts on top of outlet prices shop after shop. The day was literally spent going in and out of shops and fitting rooms.

When it started to get dark, we decided to take a short rest and freshen up in the hotel room to get ready for dinner. All week I’ve been looking forward to eat in La Tasca. It is a Spanish restaurant with warm and colourful Hispanic decors, friendly and hospitable environment, great entertainment and of course, their authentic cuisine of tapas, paellas, sangria and wide range of Spanish wines and beers. Somehow, this restaurant made me feel closer to home. Zach decided against having paella as he is on diet (so he claims…heheh!) so we decided to settle to start on some salad and hit the tapas. While waiting for the food, they served their house sangria which was just perfect. Minutes later, our food came and saw pairs of eyes widen around us as we have ordered far too much for two people. hehe! We had the salad: ensalada de tomate y queso de cabra (salad of tomatoes and goat’s cheese); patatas bravas, champinones al ajillo (mushroom sauted in garlic and olive oil); seleccion de embutidos; chorizo frito al vino; gambas gabardina; calamares andaluza; and pan de ajo y queso. We truly enjoyed our meals and it was gone before we knew it.

With heavy stomachs, we decided to stroll along the harbour and took photos. The Spinnaker Tower looked fabulous at night. The whole setting was amazing and even the strong wind did not ruin the romantic backdrop of the sea and skies. A few people had been strolling around as most of them were inside the pubs, cinema, comedy bars and discos. After grabbing a drink from one of the pubs, we retired to our hotel room and rest the night away.

The weather kind of turned more gloomy and windy the next day and we got up quite late. Luckily, we were able to avail the hotel breakfast just when they were about to close. We spent the whole morning shopping around and the headed off to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards before heading back home. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to the world famous historic ships that have shaped British history – HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860.

A Weekend Affair

2007-04-14T19:24:00.000+01:00

One of the reasons that I braved going to this country which is a thousand miles away from home was the thought that I have aunts and cousins who live nearby. Nearby means in another country which is The Netherlands. True! With the efficient transportation system in Europe, travelling is very convenient. For a year that I’ve been here, my Auntie Darling and her Dutch husband have visited me twice. They travelled by car from Rotterdam and driving to Calais, France where their car will board a ship crossing the Strait of Dover and get off in a port in Dover, England. From there, it will take a 3-hour drive to my place.

For the third time, last weekend, they spent the holidays in England and this time, they brought along Auntie Nenet and her daughters, Rhys and Dayday since they were all off from work and school. They arrived in our flat at the wee hours of the morning and after charging up after their long drive, we went to Oxford after enjoying a ‘pure Filipino lunch’.

Our stop at Beale Park in Berkshire

We spent most of the day walking around the university which is located in the city. University of Oxford is said to be the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has been in existence for nine centuries. It has 39 self-governing colleges related to the University in a type of federal system. As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of their students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000.

Oxford High Street

The following day, we travelled to London by train to check out the changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace and the usual tourist spots for the benefit of those who were on their first visit to London. We then proceeded to the Natural History Museum and British Museum. Each can take a day to explore but you will still be inspired even if you only have a couple of hours to spare. Interestingly, in the “Power Within” section (showcasing the causes and effects of violent and destructive events like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes) in the Red Zone of the Natural History Museum, there’s a corner solely depicting the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption and a video of the news reports was continuously played. I even told my hubby that he should stand by the exhibit area and discuss his first-hand experience of the whole calamity. Hehe!

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

The whole gang at Hyde Park

With the dinosuars at Natural History Museum

Pinatubo sa UK: Mt. Pinatubo eruption and lahar flow made it big even in UK and had an exhibition corner in the Natural History Museum

British Museum

Ruins of The Parthenon

The giant among the dwarfs..hehe!

Definitely, a 3-day visit to London and the neighboring towns is not enough to see them all especially if my cousins were looking forward for more Oxford Street shopping. And of course, three days will never be enough for a marathon of chikahan that has left us all awake til midnight.

Looking forward for their next visit to England or it might be fun if we will be the ones going over to see Amsterdam this time.

Let’s see…

Look Who's Here...

2007-04-02T20:45:00.000+01:00

Strolling, sightseeing and shopping around London are real fun and romantic if you are with the apple of your eye...

Yeah! Hubby is finally here. Now, I noticed myself smiling genuine ones three months after I've been back here. Indeed, life is so sweet if spent in the company of loved ones.

I'm so happy! Praise God!

Happy Birthday, Nay!

2007-03-31T10:13:00.000+01:00

Today is a special day of the person who has the most influence in my life. Her love and strength guide me and ang gave me wings to help me soar.

She’s definitely a person for others. Her kindness and caring ways are simply remarkable and made her well-loved by family, friends and relatives.

As a teacher, she has played a big role in molding the future of her students especially in being outstanding parents and homemakers.

As you celebrate your birthday, I am wishing you all the happiness and contentment in life. God has truly blessed you with a benevolent heart. I’m proud to be your daughter.

Winter Again?

2007-03-22T21:13:00.000Z

I’m just not in the best of comfort these past few days. I’ve been nursing a very bad headache and slight sore throat. It might be due to the abrupt change of weather. Oh well, UK and its erratic weather conditions.

As in my previous entry, the past two weeks have been really clear and sunny with a very mild temperature. I actually got to wear my shorts and tank tops while at home (with all the windows opened) last Saturday. But then towards the evening, it got windy. It was a bright Sunday and foolish me, I rushed to church donned in my spring jacket and it was then I realized that it was so cold despite the beaming sun.

Since then, the following days were so chilly with occasional sleet during the day and frost at night. But what more could be worse? This morning, I woke up with body pains, slight fever, heavy head and cough and when I opened my curtains, there’s snow all over!!! Snow! When all the while, I thought spring has come a little early. Surely, nature made a big joke and gave us a foretaste of the spring. Hehe!

Winter in Spring?

But then, a sick body and unexpected return of winter will never put my spirit down. I am a sleep away to my most anticipated day. I’m just so excited and had been unconsciously grinning the whole day. It may be spring soon or winter might stay for a while, I don’t care! Life is beautiful and God is good.

A Day for Zach

2007-03-19T21:01:00.000Z

A dutiful son...

A caring brother…

A loyal friend…

As for me, he is a gift from heaven. He is the one who personifies selflessness and unconditional love. Surely, I’m one lucky lady to have found the best.

As others are waiting for that ONE who will watch every sunrise with them until the sunset of their lives, I have found mine. Thank God for Zach.

Happy Birthday and you make my life worth living!!!

Come The Spring

2007-03-17T20:09:00.000Z

Spring came a little early this year. As I far as I can remember, this time around last year, it was still cold, damp and gloomy and I even had my winter rashes on. Hehe!!! But it’s a whole different now. The sun is high and proudly gleams every morning, the daffodils are now in full bloom and are lining up in the side streets and are adorning the roundabouts (the sight of them is really refreshing!!!), and the swans are now making their appearance in the pond. People can now be seen coming out of their houses and enjoying the sunny day.

It feels great that I get to wear light but warm enough clothes now in contrast to thick apparels that I’ve been donning the past months. I’ve been looking forward to wear the flats that I bought in the Phils on my last vacation and my worn-out boots can now take their rest. When at home, I can now open the windows and air the whole apartment to get rid of the wintery feeling. It just feels so good to have such a welcoming season.

After experiencing the changing of the season, I can say that I really love spring!!! It gives my spirit a different kind of lift and provided a stream of optimism. Indeed, tomorrow may be uncertain but it will be full of promises and hopes.

On Waiting

2007-03-09T21:26:00.000Z

It’s a good thing that I’ve been busy and occupied with work these past few weeks. It somehow diverted my thoughts from something that has been a great anticipation for me since the start of this year.

Waiting. This is exactly what I and my hubby are doing right now. I learned that to wait for something you genuinely wish for is not easy. It entails faith, optimism and a grand deal of prayers.

We’ve done our part and it is now beyond our control. It’s up to God to decide what’s best for us. All we can do is pray harder and remain hopeful more than ever. God knows the desire of our hearts.

I once read this somewhere and it sure made a mark on me, “Waiting is a difficult task. How well we wait reveals whether we have faith in God”.

A Day of Thanksgiving

2007-02-19T20:58:00.000Z

God has blessed me another year in my life.

But today is nothing like my usual birthdays spent in the company of people dear to me – Zach, my family and friends – where we had overflowing food, drinks, talks and laughters. Nor is it the same as last year when I celebrated not with the familiar people in my life but with new-found friends and acquaintances from all over the world. Today is different. Today is a day of reflection and thanksgiving. Today is the day to thank GOD for all the blessings that have been abundantly poured to me and my family.

Thank you, Lord, for my life. For all the 29 years of miracles and guidance. I have my fair share of downs and trials, but You are always there to lift me up and give me an encouraging push when I need one. You have blessed me with people to make this life worth living.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of love - Love that I shared with others and the love that was shared to me. All these years, You showered your unconditional love upon me through my family and Zach who nurtured me and accepted me as the person that I am. Thank you for making me feel how it is to love and be loved.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of friends. I take great pride for the friendship that we are sharing that transcends time and distance. As each of us are working hard in reaching for that gleaming star of our dreams, it gives us solace that we can just look back and the comfort of our friendship will see us through.

Thank you, Lord, for making my dreams come true and for making the impossible possible. It seemed so surreal that I am exactly where I dreamt to be.

Thank you for the opportunities that come one after the other – opportunities that extend to my loved ones. Thank you for making me feel Your Divine Presence and Intervention. I know that this is all because of You.

Thank you, Lord, for my capacity to share. You have blessed me with material things that make it likely for me to extend a helping hand and inch by inch I am realizing a life-long dream.

Thank you, Lord, for the bliss, peace of mind, strength of heart, and faith in YOU. I know that that there will be bumpy roads ahead but I am very sure that as long as I have YOU with me, I’ll never go wrong. YOU have manifested Your great love for me in so many ways.

Thank you, Lord, for the bright and promising future. Thank you for the inspiration to do better and bring back all the glory and honor to You.

Life is beautiful; God is good all the time!

Love Month Celebrants

2007-02-11T20:54:00.000Z

It's that time of the year again!!!

Naturally, I will always remember the natal days of these friends who, at one time or more, shared with me in throwing a birthday blow-out.

Here's to more blessings and bliss in life and in love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Cool Slideshows

A Wedding to Remember

2007-01-27T13:44:00.000Z

I can’t particularly recall the time I woke up that morning, the 17th day of December, the day that Zach and I had been anxiously waiting. I was not even sure if I had a good sleep that night. All I know was that everybody was up and full of energy even if we all slept at about two in the morning after completing the DIY wedding favors, a small chitchat by my family and Zach’s who came over to our villa that night, waited for my friends who travelled from Manila, and settling all minute details and stuffs.

The day was more than perfect for us. Everybody came on time – the make-up artists, gown designer, florist, the coordinators, photographers/videographers, and my wedding entourage and guests. I was made-up and ready at three o’clock in the afternoon and had plenty of time for our outdoor pictorial before the 4:30 wedding. However, my excitement turned down a bit when my personal assistant informed me that we need to give our go-signal for our outdoor reception venue to be transferred to the convention center as gray and thick clouds were hovering over us. At first, I can’t decide as I’ve always wanted a garden wedding reception but then we really can’t risk it. So, in our effort to make everything smooth, we decided to go ahead with the transfer. But God is truly good, miracles of miracles, as if someone blew away those gray clouds, the sky cleared up and the sun shone brightly as ever. I saw my PA hurrying towards me and informed me that they will continue with the reception set-up in the Lake and Lagoon. Thank God!!!

times three?!

Finally ready

All smiles!

I had this unexplainable feeling when my wedding car approached the chapel much more when I got off and walked a few steps towards the chapel entrance. I was so happy, excited and nervous at the same time. Behind the closed doors I heard my wedding march…then slowly the doors opened and amidst the bubbles and fog, I emerged with my simple yet elegant gown and my long and glistening veil and waited for my flower girl for my bouquet of pink tulips. It was more of dreamlike for me and I felt short of breath as I approached my parents and together walked towards Zach with his parents behind him. Zach was himself was full of excitement and he looked extra-handsome in his barong.

picture of serenity

The whole ceremony was very solemn all through the end. The kids in the entourage were in their best moods and didn’t have any tantrums save for one of the bearers who chose to sit with the flower girls. Hehe!!! The priest, my cousin, Fr. Jonathan Tianero (who came all the way from Bukidnon) gave a very inspiring homily about love and marriage. The choir, The Sentimental Groove, didn’t disappoint us with their heartfelt rendition of our choice of songs. It was a blissful feeling seeing all those significant people in our lives present and witnessing our union…our families, relatives and friends who took time out of their busy schedules to share that moment with us.

We said our impromptu vows since Zach wanted it that way as he said it should come directly from the heart and saying something natural shouldn’t be memorized. Thank God I was able to gather my wits and find the right choice of words. Hehe! As much as I wanted to write down something days before and organize my thought, I wasn’t able to, because of so much things to do. So, I just convinced myself that Zach’s right, something coming from the heart does not need any preparation. We were so much into the whole ceremony that we just found ourselves being applauded by everybody…the wedding is finished and we are officially MARRIED!!!! Though, we finished late than scheduled (because the wedding before ours started late), the chapel administrator was kind enough to allow us to finish our church pictorial. We were not pressured to leave the chapel, like the weddings I witnessed before, even if there was a night mass immediately after.

Finally! Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Joseph Halili

Both Zach and I were in total amazement the moment we saw out reception venue. It was exactly how we wanted it to be. The lights were vivid and our color motif blends perfectly with it. The gazebo looked marvellous. I think the most wonderful sight of all is seeing all those people dear to us with joy in their eyes as they share that moment with us. It was priceless!!!

Dance with my father

Almost all the guests agreed with me that our programme host – Cecil Carreon (who is also our wedding coordinator) was the absolutely the best!!! His hosting style was one-of-a-kind - professional, entertaining and informative. Our band, The Sentimental Groove (yes! they were the church choir who transformed into a show band for the reception) entertained our guests with their boss nova and jazz repertoire. We shared our early years by showing a presentation slide of our captured moments and some photos taken earlier during my preparation and church ceremony as guests feasted on the dinner prepared by Fontana. After the traditional games, the father-daughter dance and the couple’s first dance, our friends and relatives danced the night away.

What makes our wedding different and meaningful was our tribute to our dear parents. Zach and I wanted that day not just a day for us, the celebration of our love, but also a day to give thanks to the people who made everything possible for us. We wouldn’t be the person we are today if not for them.

Definitely, it was a wedding to remember as everybody talked about it for weeks. It was flattering to know that everybody enjoyed and found the whole affair remarkable.

Personally, I am giving all the credits to ZACH. He had done a superb job in organizing everything whilst I was away. He has established a rapport with all the suppliers thus gaining their respect and support. He went through all the coordination, pressure, sleepless nights, and my kakulitan. He just made everything PERFECT for me thus I was a relaxed bride. He gave me the wedding of my dreams. Thanks for all the love and in our lifetime together, let me make it up to you. :-)

I'm Back and I'm Married

2007-01-11T20:00:00.000Z

Obviously, I’ve been in a blog hiatus. From the moment I stepped on Philippine soil, I’ve been busy. But happily and excitedly busy preparing for my BIG DAY: My Dream Wedding.

Now, I’m back to my reality – back to work, back to cold England and back to being alone ( well, for the time-being until my dear husband can join me here). Before going home, I thought I’ll have all the time I want with my 5-week holiday but now, looking back, it seemed so short as I would have wanted to spend more time with my family, my in-laws, my friends and previous colleagues and of course my then-boyfriend and now-husband – Zach.

The first week was spent attending to all wedding-related issues such as marriage license application, family planning seminar, pre-nuptial pictorial, make-up trial, gown-fitting and meeting with suppliers and coordinator. It was really amazing that my gown fits me perfectly and didn’t even require any alterations. I was so proud of my mom who did the body measurement while she was here last August; of our designer, Glen Canlas for doing a very excellent princess-like gown; and of course of myself for maintaining my figure for 4 months. Hehe!!! Zach did a great job of choosing our wedding suppliers and coordinator as they are very friendly and professional people. They went an extra mile in extending help to us especially to Zach who was solely doing all the plans and coordination as I was abroad all the time.

After a year...back in each other's arms.:)

In between appointments, Zach and I bonded and pampered ourselves together by going to facial, body scrub, body massage, foot spa, manicure and pedicure, and hot oil treatment for my hair. Towards, the end of the week, we met up with my highschool friends and shared an all-seafood dinner and chatted over coffee afterwards.

At Marina with all-time friends

Catching up over coffee

Kantahan na!!! (Fritz, would you like to share the other mic with us?)

On the second week, we juggled between Manila and Angeles as relatives and family members from abroad started to arrive. After a busy first week, this was kind of breather for us as we have finalized almost everything with our suppliers and we were only dealing with minor things. We even had time to go to the chapel and reception venue for an ocular check and witnessed an ongoing wedding ceremony just so to get a feel of what it will be like on our wedding the following week. We were fortunate that Typhoon Seniang came a week early and did not bother to wait for our big day (unlucky for the couple who married on that day though!).

Working together on our DIY wedding favors. L-R: Auntie Baby, my mom's cousin and the Tres Marias - Auntie Nenet, Nanay and Auntie Darling. They went back home in the Phils just for my wedding. ;-)

The week after, I spent most of the days with my father and my younger sister, Joy, who came home from Qatar. I also took time out to visit my previous colleagues. The rest of our family members and relatives from Bacolod arrived just two days before the wedding and didn’t even waste time to roam almost all the malls in Metro Manila before travelling to Clark on the 16th of December where our wedding will be officiated.

Our BIG DAY started out smoothly (which I will be discussing in detail in the next post) with our make up artist, florist, coordinators and photographers coming in earlier than expected. Friends and relatives started arriving early in our rented Holiday Inn Villa in Mimosa Leisure Park.

It was not a complete rest for us the week after the wedding though. We attended dinners hosted by cousins for our balikbayan relatives, meet up with friends, and frequented the airport to send-off those that flew in for the wedding. Due to the limited time as I was scheduled to go back to London in two weeks time, we cancelled our planned honeymoon and didn’t really have a formal one. Huhu! Guess, we’ll just have to postpone it later when Zach will, hopefully, be coming over here in England.

Christmas Eve was spent with Zach’s family. We went to Midnight Mass and went home for Noche Buena. We hardly slept after as we had an early morning flight to Bacolod to have Christmas Day with my family in the beach.

The following days were spent pigging out with Bacolod’s authentic fresh seafood recipes, La Paz batchoy, cansi, inasal, KBL and others (Oh my! It’ll be a long time before I could taste them again. Huhu!!!), shopping, family gatherings, and meeting friends. On the 30th, my parents prepared a post-wedding lunch buffet at home where neighbors, friends and relatives who were not able to make it to our wedding attended and shared our joys.

Moments of Relaxation:

We welcomed the New Year in Bacolod and it was more of poignant for all of us as we were all missing my dear sisters who were not able to spend the holidays with us. Nevertheless, we still had a merry new year with my little brother, Eugene and nephew, Kyle, enjoying the fireworks and firecrackers and of course having an official new member in the family, Zach!

It was indeed a busy, fun-filled and merry holidays cut short because of me having to return back here. As always, vacation days spent with people close to our hearts are never enough. I guess, I have no other choice but to look forward to my next homecoming to my dear Pinas.

Oh My!!!

2006-11-23T15:37:00.000Z

Just when i thought I'll have an idle day tomorrow as I have completed my task for this week, I received a mail from our teamleader that I need to complete the databuilds for three network elements based on my reviewed design.

Oh my!!! It should supposedly be a whole week task but he is asking if I can finish it before leaving tomorrow.

Well, I guess it's fine with me. At least, I have something to do than count the minutes of every hour and feel the tickling excitement that is starting to encompass me now.

All Set!!!

2006-11-23T12:00:00.000Z

Finally, I am done with my packing. It was a bit gruelling for me since there are just so many stuffs to bring with only 23 kilos allowable check-in baggage and only a single hand-carry luggage with dimensions no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Whew!!! It took so long before I finally relented to leave some of my clothes and shoes. Definitely, I can’t leave the pasalubong for the people back home and some items for my BIG DAY!!!

My taxi booking has been confirmed and it will be picking me up tomorrow from my flat at 5:30 in the afternoon for the 45-minute drive to London Heathrow Airport. Hopefully, motorway traffic will not be that bad so I may have enough time to relax before boarding and check out the duty-free shops.

Too bad, I wasn’t able to do my laundry before leaving as planned. It’s not that much anyway and they should wait until the new year before they will be washed. Hehe!!! The kitchen, lounge and my room has been dusted and cleaned except the other room where I am doing my packing. I should remember to do the cleaning tonight as well as dispose whatever is left in the fridge and bring out little rubbish collected in the bin. Most importantly, I need to secure the window and door locks of my flat and car. Not that burglary is rampant in my place but it’s more of peace of mind that I still have my belongings to return back to. Hehe!!! All along, I was thinking of shutting down the main electric switch so as to leave the property safe and conserve energy, but I was informed by my estate agent that I need to keep the heater on its lowest possible temperature just so to air the whole flat and avoid dampness especially at the onset of winter. Well, she should know better than me. Hehe!!!

As for work, I already finished my deliverable for this week and my review is scheduled this afternoon. My boss will be driving down here from Huntingdon in the course of the afternoon solely for my second-half evaluation (you see, he is based in a different office location). So, that leaves me with an unruffled Friday and I would just be counting the hours to keep me occupied.

Just a few more hours….and I’m all set for my departure.

Warszawa!

2006-11-13T20:45:00.000Z

Warsaw Pact, Warsaw Convention and the Treaty of Warsaw - I just came to know this Polish city from what I used to study during my High School World History Class.

But, I finally came to see and know the city first-hand. I flew in to Warsaw last Tuesday afternoon with some colleagues for the bi-annual technical seminar for our Consulting and Integrating Team. As expected, the flight was delayed and we landed in Poland at 10:30 in the evening. After about 10 minutes of waiting for the blanked-faced Immigration Officer to encode whatever information he found in my passport in his computer and finally approved my entry, we were off to Westin Warsaw , the venue of the seminar.

Palace of Culture and Science - previously known as Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science but was changed at the wake of destalinization.

The foggy view of Warsaw from my hotel window

Jana Pawla II - one of the prime avenues in the heart of Warsaw's business district

The seminar was very informative and an ideal means for knowledge cycle to enable engineers to share and re-use experiences on respective projects thus developing our knowledge. There were three streams with simultaneous sessions and one can choose subjects or topics he/she wants to attend. More interestingly, I got to meet colleagues that I’ve been working with in previous projects and met new ones as well. The whole attendance came from all over Western Europe.

On Wednesday evening, we were brought to a traditional Polish dinner and dance. The restaurant was about 45-minute coach ride from the hotel and located at the outskirts of the city. It was a totally new experience for me as the venue has a barn-like theme with traditional Polish band playing wearing their national costume. It was more like a visit to the past and I truly enjoyed it. Food was delicious and mouth-watering and vodka was overflowing. I just fell in love with their warm wine with a fruity flavour and served in an old-fashioned mug. After dinner, I, together with 20 others, had an attempt of their traditional barn dance with a folk music played by the live band and it involved a caller who instructed the dancers in their dancing. It was pure fun but exhausting with all the jumping and kicking. It seemed that I burned up all my dinner with just a 10-minute dancing. Then the old Polish games went in full swing with lots of cool prizes.

The main entrance of the "barn" where the buffet of authentic Polish dishes and overflowing vodka greeted the guests.

Parlor Game: old-fashioned Polish ski race? It's not as easy as it seems.

Colleagues enjoying the Polish music and dance

With the seminar taking the whole day the next day and the sun setting down quite early, I didn’t have enough time to look around the tourist spots and the shopping centers. But immediately after the closing of the sessions, I grabbed my jacket and ask for the assistance of the hotel attendant to hail a taxi for me and I was off to Warsaw’s Old Town or Stare Miasto. The Old Town was established in the 13th Century and is impressive with its quaint cobblestone streets and unique old architecture. The center of the area is the Old Town Market Square with all the traditional Polish restaurants, cafes and shops. Walking alone around the town gave me a poignant impression of the place on how the Poles survived the German Nazi and Soviet Union invasion. I would have loved to walk further if not for the biting cold. So, after buying some souvenirs and managed to conversed with the limited English of the taxi driver, I was on my way to a modern shopping mall close to the hotel.

Here are some "night" images:

The Royal Castle or Zamek Królewski - the official residence of the Polish Monarchs located at the entrance of the Old Town.

Supposedly, that's the Zygmunt's Column. But the kind gentleman whom i asked the favor of taking my photo just didn't bother taking a shot of the whole monument....just a whole body shot of the pretty lady. hehe!!!

Indeed three days is too short to spend in Warsaw. Given another opportunity, I would gladly go back and get to know more about Poland and its friendly people.

Counting the Days

2006-11-01T21:07:00.000Z

I’ve been on my tamad mode lately. Maybe, it has something to with the weather that I just want to do nothing and lie down on my bed all day. The days had been rapidly getting shorter and the nights longer and cooler. Things in the office had somehow slowed down a bit that I still can afford to do my latest thing: literally counting the days towards my homecoming.

It’s just less than a month to go and I will board the plane and fly off to Manila. Thinking about it sends shivering feeling in my spine. That’s how excited I am!!! I just can’t wait when I can finally get my hands on even the last parts of organizing our BIG DAY.

Good thing that one heavy burden was eased off my shoulder just before going home. I took my Driving Theory Test last week and thank God, I passed it. I really prepared hard for that exam since I heard from Filipino friends out here that one should really study as it won’t come easy if you are not familiar or doesn’t know what to expect. I just can’t imagine having my holidays back home and still think and study for that exam. At least, it’ll just be practical exam that I’ll take care when I come back in January.

Surely, I am having my bouts with loneliness now that my parents have gone back home. But God is good; He is keeping me occupied for the whole month that I’ll be on my own again. I have a scheduled trip somewhere (and alas! colder!!!) next week and will be away for a number of days. And this, too, is something that is adding to my excitement.

I am just overly excited. I hope things will turn out perfectly and by the way…I just looked up my calendar and it’s just 23 days before I go home. Hehe!!!

Shops & etc.

2006-10-26T16:43:00.000+01:00

Recently, despite the sluggish weather, we’ve been up and about going from place to place looking out for big discount sales as my mother did her pasalubong shopping. They are flying back home at the end of this month and that means I’ll be left on my own again. Sigh!

For that particular weekend, first on the list was the famed shopping center of London and Europe’s largest High Street – the Oxford Street. We managed to buy a few items for my dear sisters and some autumn and winter clothes for me despite the elbow-to-elbow crowd. People from all sorts of races seemed to gather out there to shop and you’ll experience assortment of races, colors, sizes, languages and well…odors. Haha!

As I was scouting around for some favors and souvenirs for my BIG DAY, we went to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill which is popular for its antique shops. Finding nothing that suits our theme, we checked out the Covent Garden which is in the heart of London’s West End. It is famous for its fashionable shops and boutiques, street performers, bars, restaurants, theatres and the Royal Opera House. The whole setting reminded me of Greenhills tiangge. They have stalls that sell a whole variety of products which was most like the ones you can find back home. Luckily, Crabtree and Evelyn has a boutique inside and it was there I perfectly found the things I was looking for all these time.

Here are some images taken along the way:

Autumn in London

Nanay and Tatay with London's Red Telephone Box and Red Double-Decker Bus

Evita...shown in one of London's West End theatres...and traffic jam - London style

Same old me in a whole new world...

Covent Garden Market with people watching....

....Street Performers

Ancestor? hehe! a British Liberal Statesman. I'm more interested in the name than in the figure. hehe!

The Wrath of Milenyo

2006-10-04T21:53:00.000+01:00

I saw the pictures of the damages Milenyo has brought and I felt a different kind of gloominess. Gone are the familiar sights that had been home for me for the past five years. Shattered houses, establishments and billboards; uprooted trees and light posts, upturned vans and other vehicles; the many lost lives – God help us!

I pray for the restoration of our electric and water supplies, homes, lives and faith to bounce back after a great calamity.

“Through the storm, through the night, lead us into the light. Take our hands, precious Lord, lead us home”

Here Comes Autumn

2006-10-03T22:32:00.000+01:00

Lately, the weather is making it extra hard for me to wake up in the morning. It has started to get cold especially at the start of the day and towards the evening. It has also started to get dark as early as half past six in the evening. And of course, there are the frequent rains, fog and strong winds that remind me of the suspended school days back when I was still in school (read: bagyo. hehe!). There’s a certain crisp smell in the air brought about by the fallen dried leaves. A combination of greens, oranges, yellows and sometimes burgundies entertains my sight.

Yeah! Indeed, autumn is here. My very first autumn and I can’t wait to fully enjoy its splendour when all the leaves have fallen and I can walk over them and hear their crushing sound. That’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing eversince. Just about a week ago, I kept my summer beddings and linens and put out my duvet. It’s just so comforting to curl inside it and let my body enjoy the warmth.

But then behind the excitement and anticipation for the coming of a new season, I am also beginning to feel a little homesick. Weird! Just when it will be over a month before my homecoming, I am feeling these pangs of missing dear Pinas. Maybe, it has something to do with my parents going home at the end of this month and I’ll be left all alone here again. Maybe, it’s because of the onset of the Christmas Season for us Pinoys and I just can’t feel it from here. Maybe, I’m just overly excited. There’s a lot for me to look forward to and I can’t wait to spend time with my family back in Bacolod, spending time with Zach and our friends and of course…the BIG event!!!

Oh! Autumn is here…and I’ll be coming home before it will end.

Out for a While

2006-09-15T21:29:00.000+01:00

At first, I hesitated joining for a number of reasons: (1) I might not know the people going anyway (but I realized that was the main reason of the event - to meet and know new people) (2) my father refused to drive 60 miles for me since he said he is not familiar with the place and he’s not that confident in driving in UK motorway yet – so how much more for a new driver? (3) I have dimensioning deliverables due for the end of the week. But, I have signed up for this months ago and it’s a shame if I cancel at the last minute and our team leader gave me the go-signal. Most importantly, it will be held in an old historical castle right in the heart of the forest. Just my kind of thing hence I decided to join after all!!!

So last Monday, 4th of September, I found myself sharing a ride with our lady project manager and off to Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire for a two-day teambuilding for UK and Ireland Consulting and Integrating Group. It was facilitated by Ashridge – a management school offering executive education and held at Ashridge House – a castle set in a 150-acre country estate and in a course of a history spanning for 700 years, it has been the home of a religious order, then briefly a royal residence of Henry VIII and eventually her daughter Elizabeth I. Later, it became a mansion for dukes and earls including the Duke of Bridgewater. And this is mainly the reason why I decided to join. The moment I stepped in, my small eyes widen in amazement - the place is truly posh and historical.

Ashridge House

Main Entrance leading to the Grand Hall

The other side of the castle

One of the many beautiful gardens - just my kind of hues

Such a neat and well-trimmed garden

Going back to the teambuilding, it was fun and instructive. We had a balance of room discussion and idea sharing, which aided the getting-to-know you stage, and physical and outdoor activities where we went to the woods and had the usual games and challenges (like tight-rope walking, spiderweb challenge, and all those usual teambuilding stuffs) that facilitated the whole idea of cooperation and working as a team. The fun part is getting to know people and associating names read in emails with rightful faces.

Later in the evening, we all went to change for evening clothes and gathered in the main hall for cocktail and a 4-course sit-down dinner. It was just so majestic that I literally felt that I was some kind of a royalty. The food and the setting were just the best combination. It was a dream-come-true. Though as the evening deepen, some of my colleagues, just can’t get enough of the overflowing wine, made a mess of themselves that somehow ruined the regal scene (Brits and their obsession for liquor). But it was still a good laugh, anyhow. (As much as I wanted to take pictures of the great hall and dinner that evening, I was not able to because of a funny and embarrassing reason. huhu!!!)

After some glasses of wine and slight intoxication, I retired to my suite and thank the Lord for a wonderful experience and looking forward to more fantastic days such as this.

Life and Stress

2006-09-08T14:45:00.000+01:00

I’ve been rambling about stress lately and just in time I got this forwarded mail that made me realized a lot of things and brought me back on the track. Here it is…

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and then began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee.

See?!!! Indeed, it is very true. We tend to focus our attention, time and efforts on our career and work performance, on earning more money and being ahead of everyone else that we don’t know we are missing the most essential of all…living a LIFE, enjoying it and sharing it with everybody. We should relish every moment of our life because surely when we are old and gray and looking back to our years behind, what will matter most is how we lived our life and enjoyed God’s creations.

Stop…and smell the flowers!!!

They Are Here!!!

2006-09-02T17:33:00.000+01:00

It was a good thing that the past weekend was a long one having Monday as Bank Holiday (has something to do with end of the summer). Whatever! It was just great that it was in time for meeting friends visiting the country and treating my parents out for sight-seeing and some (mis)adventures. Hehe!!!

Dodie, the ex-colleague/friend I was talking about in my previous posts, finally arrived just after the foiled bombing hullabaloo in UK airports seemed to subdue a little. I was really looking forward to seeing her since I really miss her and all the guys and gals back in Globe. Talking to her definitely eased up my longing for some fresh-hand chismis. Indeed, we spent the whole time talking. Non-stop!!!! Actually, I have planned up the itinerary for the day like visiting the National Gallery, a number of museums around and going to the Docklands and Greenwich. But the moment we saw each other…we talked, chuckled, talked again and giggled a little. Hehe!!! In between, we expressed our disbelief that we are actually meeting up and seeing each other in London. Who would’ve ever thought that we can reached this far? Maybe, for her it’s quite plausible since she has sisters living and working here. But for me, well, it’s purely due to Divine intervention.

While waiting for Dodie at Trafalgar Square - Can't fight the urge to pose with the pigeons.

It’s funny because we forgot about the planned itinerary and ended up riding a bus, while talking of course, and off to where the bus brought us. We finally got down on Kensington Gardens and walked our way to Diana Memorial, Serpentine, the Peter Pan Statue and of course the Kensington Palace (which is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home of Princess Diana). All the time, we were talking and forgetting where we were actually heading to. Haha!!! It was one of the things I missed about Dodie most. We can talk about almost everything and she can tell you things that other people in the office have not known about. It was really fun spending time and catching up with her.

In the upper deck of the London bus where we yak our way to nowhere

The 'Ilongga Beauties' posing in the Diana Memorial

The Marvelous Albert Memorial

With the swans in the Round Pond across the Kensington Palace

Me and my current obsession: flower gardens!!! Wish this garden is mine....

Dodie infront of the exhibit entrance of 'Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino' - an exhibit showcasing the most beautiful images from this last portrait sitting, displaying Diana in a state of relaxation and intimacy unlike any other.

The Kensington Palace - birthplace of Queen Victoria and residence of Princess Diana

Later, while walking in the palace grounds, I received a call from a college classmate and we agreed to meet at Harrods. He was here in the country for a final job interview. I was so happy for him and I really wish he will receive positive words soon though I am really sure that he’ll get the job. I'll tell more about him and post pictures as soon as he has announced it to the world. For now, I'll just keep the whole thing in a hush-hush!!!

Of Losing and Gaining

2006-08-24T22:05:00.000+01:00

I catched up with a dear old friend in YM recently and I was caught in disbelief when she broke the news that she and her boyfriend of two years had called it quits. I thought everything was doing well for them especially that they’ve been really remarkable in handling their long-distance relationship and has been mulling over marriage for quite some time. After she spilled the whole story, I can’t help but feel bad too. I know everthing happens for a reason. I am very sure God has far more wonderful plans for her. Just hang on, dear. Free yourself of all the negative vibes. Keep looking at the bright side of it all. I know the best awaits you. :-)

Speaking of the bright side, I am so excited for my FFL (Friend For Life, hehe!). In a matter of days, she will be seeing her sweet little angel for the first time after nine months of nurturing it inside her. Oh!!! I’m always getting a little emotional everytime I think about it. It seems like yesterday when we were babyish teeners. Now, we are embarking on a new ground with all the wisdom we have gained from past experiences. I’m so happy for you, friend. I know you are having something that you’ve always wanted. I am very sure you’ll be a great mom.

Life indeed is full of surprises. You’ll never know what is in store for you. But as long as you have faith, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Whether you lose some and gain some along the way, the important thing is that you have loved and touched other people’s lives. I guess that’s what living a life is all about.

Stressed Out?

2006-08-19T21:20:00.000+01:00

I’m feeling a little haggard and stressed lately. It seems I have turned into a worry-wart. :-( I know I shouldn’t be like this. I would like to believe that most of the time I feel that I am in control of all the comings and goings in my life. I usually just go with the flow and live life to the fullest.

Well, they say that the best way to surmount stress is to know what causes it and beat it. But I can’t figure out what caused this kind of dramatic stress. Let me think….

It might be caused by the high demand of work completion in the office. I’ve been assigned to a new project since this month started. I was given the dimensioning task and I will be working on my own since everybody’s hands seem to be full as well. After a week, I was again assigned a different task which was perfectly fine for me as I really don’t want to be stuck in the dimensioning thing. It’s not that work here is rubbing me off like in my previous company since the deadline here is very reasonable that you can still afford to take things slow just so you’ll get occupied for the rest of the week. Yeah! Work is challenging but its getting uncomplicated as I go along. And the most important thing is that I am enjoying it. So I suppose this has not contributed much to my so-called stress.

Then it got me thinking that things were a little busy these past weeks since almost every being in the office are out for their holidays! The only person who seems not to have any summer holiday planned is…ME! Poor me! Now I understand the weird look on my manager’s face when I told him that I’ll be taking my 5-week vacation at the end of the year. He even suggested that I take a couple of weeks off this summer and the remaining 3 weeks on December. Maybe he thought that I was too daft to miss the all-important summer heat. Hehe! Now I realized what he was pointing out. It’s just too stressful to think how the others are enjoying their work-free holidays while I toiled my self with office work. Hehe!

But I have a very good reason for taking all my holidays at the end of the year. I will be making a giant leap advancing to the next level of my life. I am super-duper excited that it usually wakes me up from my slumber and I am having this unexplainable feeling that makes me want to smile, laugh, giggle, cry or wail. Or even all at the same time. Hehe!!! I keep on looking forward to that glorious day, the 17th of December!!! On the contrary, thinking about the preparations and all the things that need to be settled, I sometimes wish that I’d still have the luxury of time. It’s true what they say that planning and preparing for that dream event are exciting and nerve-racking at the same time especially on my part that I am here on at the other side of the world. It’s just so stressful thinking about the what-ifs and what-nots. But everytime I think about how taxing all these planning and organizing for me, I realized how hard it is for Zach to be the one in charge of everything out there even when it comes to my frock. To think that he is a guy and knowing guys, they sometimes have very limited tolerance for details especially THOSE details. Thank God for him, it made me appreciate him more and made me think that indeed I will be making a good decision of spending my lifetime with him.

Having said all of these, I think stress is just all in the mind. I have a lot to look forward to and I don’t need stress to waste my time into. I think I’ll just go with the flow…enjoy every moment of it. As for the summer holiday that I never had…well, it’s not too late especially that my friend from my previous company is here for a vacation… I’ll be contented with a weekend getaway though.;-)

Thwarted Plot

2006-08-10T20:18:00.000+01:00

The moment I waked up and walked out of my room this morning, my parents came rushing and expressed their concern over an ex-colleague/friend who is scheduled to fly here in UK for a much-deserved holiday. It was then that I learned of a thwarted terrorist plot of blowing up several aircrafts travelling between UK and US using explosives smuggled in hand-carried luggages. Thank God that the British authorities were fast enough to discover the plan and impede such another “mass murder on an unimaginable scale.”

Security was raised to the highest level in the whole kingdom especially on airports banning hand-carried luggages on all flights. Passengers dealt with delays and crowds due to increased security and scrutiny of luggages. What’s worse is that Heathrow airport was closed for all incoming flights that are yet to be airborne. All flights going out of UK were grounded affecting a lot of travellers.

I just can’t understand why would people resort to such activities? I just can’t fathom such passion and belief where you put innocent people’s lives at stake? Why would such a worthless act affect people who simply wants to travel due to business reasons, people who just wanted to take a break from jobs for a rewarding holiday, or those who just want to see and spend time with friends and family living abroad? But I am faithful that God will always find ways to stop these inhuman acts.

The wicked will never triumph.

Summer in Hampshire

2006-08-04T21:33:00.000+01:00

I didn’t really expect the summer here in the south-western part of UK to be this hot. It was a big deal for the Britons to have this kind of weather. They said that it was after almost 20 years that the temperature reached 34 up to 36 degrees. It is during these months that the people are out in the on the coast, at the national parks, in London and popular towns like Oxford, Bath and York, and of course, are quite alert about heat wave. Also, it is during this time of the year when employees are taking a week or two break for their all-important summer holiday.

As for me who is used to this kind of weather, what I love about this season are the summer flowers that color the surroundings. Almost all houses are adorned with the delightful blooms. It somehow refreshes me from the scorching heat of summer. I never appreciated flowers before like I do now. There’s always an urge for me to stop, smell and grasp the floral splendour. Everyday, I am always wishing that I have my own garden or even a mini flower box which of course is quite impossible for me now as I am living in a second floor flat with no terrace at all.

Here are some pictures taken while I was walking around one afternoon:

flowers giving this house a welcoming touch

I just love those flower pots hanging by the wall

what else will attarct my attention? anything purple...

flowers...flowers...flowers!!!

Underage?

2006-07-27T20:56:00.000+01:00

I don’t really know if I’ll be offended or flattered. Recently, a friendly neighbour approached me and started to have a conversation. He introduced himself as the one living just across my flat and he said he has noticed me from his window for some time now. We exchanged some few pleasant words including his visit to the Philippines last year and how much he liked it there. Then, maybe he could not contain himself any longer, he asked if I am in some sort of a student exchange program or if I am completing my university studies here. Whoa!!! I can’t quite describe the shock that registered in his face when I told him that I am here for work and mentioned the company that hired me. He apologized for assuming since he thought I am still in my late teens. I volunteered to divulge my age and he said that I don’t look like it. Hehe!!! At that time, I was sure I was flattered.

Then days after, I decided to stop by a supermarket to buy a bottle of champagne for my father who was then celebrating his birthday. Confidently, I marched to the till and was rummaging my purse for some coins when I was asked for any ID card as I looked young according to the cashier. Luckily enough, I still have my SSS ID with me with my date of birth indicated. She took a long hard look at it and eventually entered the item in her register. I was a bit embarrassed at that time since there are a few people in the queue and they all craned their necks to check on me if indeed I am of legal age to purchase alcoholic drinks. Haay!!!

Maybe looking young has its own pros and cons. It can be flattering but can cause some embarrassment as well when people seem not to trust you thinking that you are just a mere kid. But I think it’s better than ladies of my age here in UK who seem to look beyond their years. I guess looking young and feeling young is a manifestation of how happy I am living my life. ;-)

Hooked

2006-07-13T22:54:00.000+01:00

Oh! I’ve been sleeping really late for the past couple of weeks. Thankfully, it’s not another bout with insomnia but because of a Korean drama well-recommended by my friend, Tune, The Princess Hours or popularly known as Goong in South Korea. It’s not that I am really a big fan of koreanovela but this one truly got me hooked.

The story suited my dreamy illusions about royalty as it is based on an interesting premise that Korea is still ruled by a royal family. It tells about two people of different social standings and backgrounds matched together and who will eventually fall in love with each other (or so I want to believe. Hehe!). It revolved around an ordinary high school girl who discovered that she was betrothed by her departed grandfather (who was a dear friend of the king) to marry the unemotional crown-prince. The free-spirited girl resisted at first but eventually marries the prince to help her debt-ridden family. As she struggles to adapt herself to the proper manners of a crown-princess and her royal duties in the palace (or goong) and her unpleasant husband, she found a friend in the prince’s cousin and second-in-line to the throne thus a love triangle in the making. Also, there’s a pretty ballerina who seems can’t get over her halted relationship with the prince brought about by the prince’s marriage. The actors are so cute especially the female lead. I always find myself laughing at her childishness and at the same time cry every time she misses her wacky family.

I heard that that ABS-CBN has acquired the rights to show this in the Philippines. It’s good that GMA wasn’t able to take hold of it as their dubbing talents are inferior. This is definitely something that’s worth looking forward to. As for me, I got to go home now and download the next episode and enjoy the fresh episode till the wee hours of the evening.:-)