Carpe diem, daredevils and go-getters love to say. Opportunity knocks but once. And yet, for many a decision to be made, every exhortation to seize the day has an answering reminder to look before you leap. How do you determine which one to heed?
Sometimes, a moment’s hesitation is all it takes for the choice to be taken away from you. A split second of indecision can determine the course of the rest of your life, heedless of your entire being raging impotently at the sheer injustice of it all: What sort of evil usury demands a lifetime in exchange for a moment of consideration? What kind of cruel judicial system metes out a life sentence for a momentary lapse of judgement? Not even Faust got so unfair a trade; not even the Code of Hammurabi was so rigidly exacting.
But the wisdom of the universe is unhindered by the shortsightedness of human emotion, and time heals all wounds. I think I can say with reasonable honesty that I have lived my life thus far without regret. But every so often, I idly wonder at what my life would have been like had I not hesitated on what now appear to be turning points in the story of my life. What if I had chosen passion over prudence? Would I have been a happier me, more fulfilled, living the life I thought I wanted?
Fortunately, everything is clearer in hindsight. From where I stand now, the choice almost seems too easy. Maybe during that briefest of instants God was whispering to me a promise of something better, and without even realizing it, I had chosen to stop and listen. Now I just sit back, happy and unhurried, and wait for my destiny to come find me.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Oops. Now what?
Funny how some things about yourself dawn on you only when it’s too late to do something about it: you realize you’re walking on air only after half the world has already seen the kooky grin on your face, you realize you’re in love only after you have already hopelessly fallen, and you realize you’re not quite so pulled together only after you find yourself completely undone by the tiniest of nudges.
Why is this so? I wondered. Is there a point to a belated realization? And then it occurred to me: maybe it’s a chance for us to practice making the most of what we’re dealt. When what is done is done, there’s no way to go but forward. The inflexibility of limited options forces us to see how well we can bend and mold ourselves around, or even just barrel through, the road blocks to our happy ending. Some things you just can’t help, but what you do about them is entirely up to you.
I never realized how precariously perched my composure was until the slightest breath sent me tumbling over the edge. Now I know better. So this is me, dusting myself off and moving forward with as much grace as I could muster. Hello, world.
Why is this so? I wondered. Is there a point to a belated realization? And then it occurred to me: maybe it’s a chance for us to practice making the most of what we’re dealt. When what is done is done, there’s no way to go but forward. The inflexibility of limited options forces us to see how well we can bend and mold ourselves around, or even just barrel through, the road blocks to our happy ending. Some things you just can’t help, but what you do about them is entirely up to you.
I never realized how precariously perched my composure was until the slightest breath sent me tumbling over the edge. Now I know better. So this is me, dusting myself off and moving forward with as much grace as I could muster. Hello, world.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Cheap thrills and simple joys
Weekends were originally intended for rest, but today’s career-centric lifestyle has long since defeated the spirit of the weekend and forced us to cram the rest of our non-career lives into two lightning-fast days: family, friends, housekeeping, even personal grooming all have to wait till the weekend, and carving out more time just for rest and relaxation from what little that’s left is no mean feat. Rejuvenating body and spirit has become a precious commodity, which usually comes with the price tag of a swanky spa weekend getaway.
But it doesn’t always have to be so. Some things work better on your spirit than aromatherapy candles and exotic piped-in music (this coming from someone who, at one point, had a massage almost every week and had to go cold turkey):
Holding the hand of a child who wouldn’t let go of yours for an entire afternoon. With a child, you never have to worry about subtext and sincerity. What you see is what you get. So when your niece insists on holding your hand while she goes to see every single featured creature at the ocean park and then refuses to let you go when it’s time to say goodbye, you know it’s really for the pleasure of your company. If that isn’t refreshing, I don’t know what is.
Watching true talent at work. Spending 4 hours of your Saturday night at the salon doing nothing but wait for your mother to have her hair cut and colored doesn’t sound much like a good time, especially if you’ve just spent the entire afternoon being jostled every which way by busloads of grade-schoolers and their parents while at the ocean park with all 20-plus members of your family. But watching the stylist and colorist work on my mom’s hair with such care and precision, and then seeing the results when they were done, was simply amazing. It was like watching art unfold before my eyes. Just beautiful.
A good night’s sleep on fresh sheets after a long warm shower. One of my all-time favorites. The warm water relaxes tired muscles, and the feel of the cool sheets against warm skin is pure bliss. When coupled with the scent of freshly laundered and pressed linen, it’s a magic carpet ride to dreamland. Mmmm… sigh…
Waking up to a day with absolutely nothing on the calendar. A rare treat that must be savored to its very last drop. Carpe diem!
Truly, there are some things that money can’t buy. A refreshing weekend amidst the craziness of the pre-Christmas rush without ever once having to whip out a MasterCard is possible. Life is good.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The gift of receiving
Christmas is just around the corner (to many Filipinos, at least, 55 days til Christmas is "just around the corner"), and many have begun shopping for gifts in this season of giving. And while this blessed season has largely become impossibly commercialized and trivialized, some still stay true to the spirit of the season and immerse themselves in the joy of giving.
Growing up, we have always been taught that it is better to give than to receive. Later on some of us found out for ourselves that giving is its own reward: you get so much more than what you give with the pure natural high that you get on seeing that something that came from you can make someone smile, can make someone feel better about himself, can make a difference.
Still we live in a self-centered world. And yet, for all the apparent dearth of people who truly live to give, rarer still are those who can take a gift with the perfect happiness and appreciation of the ideal recipient. Though seemingly diametric opposites, pride and feelings of unworthiness can both keep a person from receiving a good gift well: the instinct to resist being beholden to anyone is just too strong.
But just consider this: If giving is all about making someone happy, and seeing your gift so well-received brings such pure happiness, then doesn't it follow that one of the best gifts you can give someone is to receive his gift well? To not begrudge someone the joy of seeing that his gift truly means something? To look at receiving as something other-centered rather than self-centered might be a radical idea, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve some merit. If the mere act of taking something already means giving something back, just as long as you do it right, then how bad can it be, right?
Growing up, we have always been taught that it is better to give than to receive. Later on some of us found out for ourselves that giving is its own reward: you get so much more than what you give with the pure natural high that you get on seeing that something that came from you can make someone smile, can make someone feel better about himself, can make a difference.
Still we live in a self-centered world. And yet, for all the apparent dearth of people who truly live to give, rarer still are those who can take a gift with the perfect happiness and appreciation of the ideal recipient. Though seemingly diametric opposites, pride and feelings of unworthiness can both keep a person from receiving a good gift well: the instinct to resist being beholden to anyone is just too strong.
But just consider this: If giving is all about making someone happy, and seeing your gift so well-received brings such pure happiness, then doesn't it follow that one of the best gifts you can give someone is to receive his gift well? To not begrudge someone the joy of seeing that his gift truly means something? To look at receiving as something other-centered rather than self-centered might be a radical idea, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve some merit. If the mere act of taking something already means giving something back, just as long as you do it right, then how bad can it be, right?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Of chickens, eggs, and interesting déjà vu's
“A magnet for impossible relationships,” a friend used to call me. She is referring to the curious phenomenon of me still unattached at 30 years old despite the fact that you would be hard-pressed to find any point in my life from high school onwards where I am not in a close relationship with someone from the opposite sex. I had laughed it off then, like I always did – there are very few things we cannot laugh at, and this definitely isn’t one of them. But when history seems to keep repeating itself, a recurring déjà vu, if you will, it gets harder not to at least wonder why.
I’m something of what one might call “one of the boys,” and I’ve gotten along with them better than most girls for the most part. But for some reason, certain men are drawn to me stronger than usual, almost from the moment we first meet. Curiously, the one thing they seem to have in common is that there is always some reason or another why a romantic relationship with them is just not meant to prosper. Some reasons are glaringly obvious, others more subtle, but the bottom line is the same: every single one is a deal-breaker.
That is not to say, however, that these reasons necessarily preclude friendship, so that I have at least been able to form very dear friendships with some of these sons of Adam. (I love the way that sounds, “sons of Adam”. So regal. CS Lewis sure can write! But I digress...)
In any case, I’m beginning to wonder if this is some sort of a chicken-or-egg thing. Am I still single because I attract unavailable men, or do I attract unavailable men because I subconsciously choose to stay single? Hmm. I don’t know what good it would do me to ponder it, but it’s an interesting conundrum just the same. And I’m all about interesting conundrums. ;)
I’m something of what one might call “one of the boys,” and I’ve gotten along with them better than most girls for the most part. But for some reason, certain men are drawn to me stronger than usual, almost from the moment we first meet. Curiously, the one thing they seem to have in common is that there is always some reason or another why a romantic relationship with them is just not meant to prosper. Some reasons are glaringly obvious, others more subtle, but the bottom line is the same: every single one is a deal-breaker.
That is not to say, however, that these reasons necessarily preclude friendship, so that I have at least been able to form very dear friendships with some of these sons of Adam. (I love the way that sounds, “sons of Adam”. So regal. CS Lewis sure can write! But I digress...)
In any case, I’m beginning to wonder if this is some sort of a chicken-or-egg thing. Am I still single because I attract unavailable men, or do I attract unavailable men because I subconsciously choose to stay single? Hmm. I don’t know what good it would do me to ponder it, but it’s an interesting conundrum just the same. And I’m all about interesting conundrums. ;)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The great HK adventure part 3: Highlights
The entire trip was a blast, but these were the stars of the show:
1. The Octopus Card
I love, love, love this card - it's like a magic wand, haha! Load it with credit and it virtually replaces your wallet. It can be used on almost all forms of public transport (you can't use it on taxis, though, or on the Ngong Ping cable car either, I think), fast food stores (I bought breakfast at McDonald's with it!), convenience stores, telephone kiosks, vending machines... the list goes on. It can even be used in some stores in Macau and Shenzhen! Just hold it in front of the terminal - you don't even need to take it out of your bag or wallet if it's thin enough.
And this little wonder is smart, too. Because it works through a sensor, it automatically disables (for about 10 minutes, i think) after each transaction to protect against duplication of charging, in case it gets too near the terminal again. And, senior citizen cards automatically implement all applicable senior citizen discounts! The owner's age is programmed in the card and emits a different sound when it's used, so you can verify if the user is really a senior citizen. Awesome, isn't it?
Best of all, the cards are returnable, and the unused credits are refundable. They deduct 7 HK dollars from the refund if you return the card within 3 months of purchase, but since MTR fares are discounted anyway when you use the Octopus Card, it's really not such a big deal. I'd happily fork it over for all this convenience.
2. The public transport system
Amazingly reliable and efficient. You could set your watches on their schedule! If first-time visitors like me can find their way around enough to get to all the places I was able to go to entirely on public transport (and we only took a cab once, just because it was late and we were trying to make it to the cable cars), then I really don't know why anyone would bother to drive at all, hahaha!!!
3. Hong Kong milk tea
The first drink I ever bought upon arriving was a Black Tea Latte (I love Starbucks HK for still serving this!) and had milk tea every single time I could. I'm really gonna miss this...
4. Disneyland's AutoMagic entrance ticket dispenser
A wonder of convenience. Just insert the credit card you used to pay for the tickets you purchased online in the machine, and out come your tickets, just like an ATM! No lines, no stern-looking park officer asking for all sorts of verification documents -- just you, your credit card and the machine. I wanna go back to Disneyland just so I could do this again, hahaha!!!
5. Delifrance's Iced Apple Citron Tea
I first had citron tea in Korea while working on a project, where a client from Hong Kong introduced it to me. I immediately fell in love with it and brought two jars back home -- that was 2 years ago. I was planning on getting some while in HK but I just haven't had the chance to go hunting for it. Good thing Delifrance came up with this cocktail - at least I was able to have a taste of it before I went home. It was just heaven after all that walking and haggling at the Ladies' Market.
There you have it: the top 5 things I love about HK. Of course, not all of my experiences were as rosy, but that's for another blog. :)
1. The Octopus Card
I love, love, love this card - it's like a magic wand, haha! Load it with credit and it virtually replaces your wallet. It can be used on almost all forms of public transport (you can't use it on taxis, though, or on the Ngong Ping cable car either, I think), fast food stores (I bought breakfast at McDonald's with it!), convenience stores, telephone kiosks, vending machines... the list goes on. It can even be used in some stores in Macau and Shenzhen! Just hold it in front of the terminal - you don't even need to take it out of your bag or wallet if it's thin enough.
And this little wonder is smart, too. Because it works through a sensor, it automatically disables (for about 10 minutes, i think) after each transaction to protect against duplication of charging, in case it gets too near the terminal again. And, senior citizen cards automatically implement all applicable senior citizen discounts! The owner's age is programmed in the card and emits a different sound when it's used, so you can verify if the user is really a senior citizen. Awesome, isn't it?
Best of all, the cards are returnable, and the unused credits are refundable. They deduct 7 HK dollars from the refund if you return the card within 3 months of purchase, but since MTR fares are discounted anyway when you use the Octopus Card, it's really not such a big deal. I'd happily fork it over for all this convenience.
2. The public transport system
Amazingly reliable and efficient. You could set your watches on their schedule! If first-time visitors like me can find their way around enough to get to all the places I was able to go to entirely on public transport (and we only took a cab once, just because it was late and we were trying to make it to the cable cars), then I really don't know why anyone would bother to drive at all, hahaha!!!
3. Hong Kong milk tea
The first drink I ever bought upon arriving was a Black Tea Latte (I love Starbucks HK for still serving this!) and had milk tea every single time I could. I'm really gonna miss this...
4. Disneyland's AutoMagic entrance ticket dispenser
A wonder of convenience. Just insert the credit card you used to pay for the tickets you purchased online in the machine, and out come your tickets, just like an ATM! No lines, no stern-looking park officer asking for all sorts of verification documents -- just you, your credit card and the machine. I wanna go back to Disneyland just so I could do this again, hahaha!!!
5. Delifrance's Iced Apple Citron Tea
I first had citron tea in Korea while working on a project, where a client from Hong Kong introduced it to me. I immediately fell in love with it and brought two jars back home -- that was 2 years ago. I was planning on getting some while in HK but I just haven't had the chance to go hunting for it. Good thing Delifrance came up with this cocktail - at least I was able to have a taste of it before I went home. It was just heaven after all that walking and haggling at the Ladies' Market.
There you have it: the top 5 things I love about HK. Of course, not all of my experiences were as rosy, but that's for another blog. :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The great HK adventure part 2: Island-hopping without boats
Day 1. Lantau Island - Hong Kong Island
From the airport in Lantau island, we took the Airport Express to Hong Kong Island Station, where a shuttle bus picked us up and dropped us off right at the doorstep of the Excelsior Hotel in Causeway Bay. After settling in and freshening up, we took the train to Central Station and walked down Chater Road through Chater Garden to the Peak Tram station. We then took the historic Peak Tram to Victoria Peak to enjoy the twinkling lights of bustling Hong Kong below us. Dinner was at Tien Yi restaurant - everything was yummy! And the waiter kept saying "Salamat" even when we were the ones who were supposed to be thanking him, haha! Then we went up to Sky Terrace and had souvenir photos taken with nighttime HK in the background. It was too late for Madame Tussaud's, though, which was a pity.
Dinner at Tien Yi: No table with a view for these walk-ins. Food was excellent though.Day 2. Hong Kong - Lantau - Hong Kong
Wednesday was reserved for Disneyland, which is in Lantau Island. Again, we took the train to Central Station, then changed trains and took the Tung Chung line to Sunny Bay station. From there, it was a couple of minutes' ride on the Disneyland Express to Hong Kong Disneyland!
Mickey fever on the Disneyland ExpressDay 3. Hong Kong - Kowloon - Hong Kong - Lantau
Our last day was pretty packed. We took the train to Admiralty station where we changed trains and took the red line to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. After walking a few blocks we decided to proceed to the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok, also in Kowloon, just a few stops away from Tsim Sha Tsui. After a bit of shopping, it was back to the hotel where we picked up our luggage and proceeded to the Hong Kong Airport Express station. We checked in our luggage and took the Airport Express to the Airport station back in Lantau and literally ran from the cab to the Ngong Ping cable car station ticket booth, beating the closing time by 5 minutes. We took the cable car to Ngong Ping village and took the last bus back to town, making it back to the airport with less than 2 hours til boarding time. Whew! Good thing we checked in our luggage earlier so we already had our boarding passes. That still gave me barely enough time to have our Octopus Cards refunded before we left for home (that was an adventure all by itself, haha!). By the time I got to our boarding gate, it was the final boarding call for our flight and my poor mother was worrying herself crazy.
Buy money to spend money
It's a Ladies' Market all right
Savoring the last few minutes of our getawayFinally, it was back to reality in Manila. We got home around 1 am, where we gratefully took our forty winks before getting back to the salt mines in the morning. By sunrise, our planes-trains-and-other-land-transportation 3-day island-hopping HK adventure has faded into a dream.
Oh, well. What good is a dream anyway if you don't wake up every so often, right?
Monday, October 13, 2008
The great HK adventure part 1: Getting there
It was a day of firsts: it was my mom's first trip abroad, it was my first trip abroad with my mom, and it was our first time to go to Hong Kong. My headmistress of a mother is outwardly cool as a cucumber, but I know better -- the little things always give her away. These, however, will have to remain our little secret: after all, she does have a reputation to protect. ;)
Flying high with mah momma
The flight from Manila was pretty smooth. We landed at Hong Kong International Airport shortly before noon. Upon arrival, we bought Airport Express tickets to Hong Kong Island, where our hotel is (the airport is in Lantau Island).
Waiting for the Airport Express
The Airport Express was very impressive: comfortable, fast and efficient, it had ample space for luggage and, with a train departing every 12 minutes, had more than enough free seats for passengers. (I suppose it had better be, at 100 HK dollars per passenger for a 24-minute ride, heh heh!) The terminal was spacious and well-maintained. Plus, Airport Express has free shuttle services from the terminal to some of the hotels in the area, so getting to our hotel was no problem at all! (I'm starting to sound like an Airport Express ad, hahaha!!!)
All aboard the Airport Express!
Finally, at around 3 pm, we make it to our hotel. As mom and Ate Jenette napped while waiting for my brother to get back from his conference, I went downstairs and got us some ammo for our 3-day stay. I looked for the train station, got us Octopus Cards, scoped the area for places to eat, searched for directions to Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram station, looked for wifi hotspots, etc.
My reward: I found out that they still served Black Tea Latte at Starbucks! Gad I missed this drink. I got myself a cup and went back to the hotel, ready to lead our little band of 4. Not bad for the baby of the family, huh?
Flying high with mah momma
Waiting for the Airport Express
All aboard the Airport Express!My reward: I found out that they still served Black Tea Latte at Starbucks! Gad I missed this drink. I got myself a cup and went back to the hotel, ready to lead our little band of 4. Not bad for the baby of the family, huh?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Week-long amazing race
They say we have to walk at least 10,000 steps a day to keep our bones strong. I must have walked a million steps this week – if only my bones would take a time deposit, I’d be a super grandma when the time comes, hee hee!
Monday, I was breaking in a new pair of shoes, 4-inch high (I think) almost-stilettos, so I took a cab to work. I also took the added precaution of wearing stockings to minimize friction burns, but as my shoes were peep-toes, my stockings have to be as well. Not even the promise of a billion blisters can make me wear full stockings with open-toed shoes (oh, vanity, you bane of fragile feet!) Sure enough, all it took was a walk to the mall for lunch and back for eight blisters to bloom on my sorry little toes. Thus began my week-long walkathon.
I had a million errands to do Monday night before my 3-day absence from Manila, so I brought slippers to wear for after work. I was all over, paying bills, picking up stuff and whatnot. I got home around 9, tired and hungry, and I haven’t even started packing.
Tuesday, we were up bright and early for our 10 am flight to Hong Kong. Airports always mean lots and lots of walking. And because I was traveling with my mom (a six-year senior citizen on her first trip abroad), that meant extra walking for the daughter-cum-mommysitter that is yours truly. We finally arrived at the hotel at around 3 pm. As my mother and my sister-in-law settled in and took a nap, I went downstairs and walked around Causeway Bay on a reconnaissance mission and basically armed myself for our 3-day stay. In an hour and a half, I was back at the hotel with Octopus Cards for everyone and information on where the train station is, where the places to eat are, what places offer wifi internet access, what the best way to Victoria Peak is, what time it opens and closes, what else we can do there, et cetera. Voila! Instant tour guide.
Wednesday was Hong Kong Disneyland day. We left the hotel at 9 am and got back around 930. That’s pretty much 12 hours’ worth of walking and riding. ‘Nuff said.
Thursday, we went to Tsim Sha Tsui, hoping to do some outlet shopping on Granville Road. After a few blocks we realized it isn’t what we expected, so back to the train and off to Mong Kok we went for the Ladies’ Market. We spent a couple of hours walking along the stalls and picking up interesting stuff. I must say that even after haggling to less than half the original price, Hong Kong flea market prices have nothing on Philippine bargains. But then again, that kind of thinking takes all the fun out of shopping. And shop we did. After a late lunch, we went back to the hotel to stuff our latest acquisitions into our luggage then hurried to the Airport Express station to take advantage of the in-town check-in facilities. With our luggage out of the way, we literally ran to the Ngong Ping cable car station. We made it with 5 minutes to closing time and had to settle for a one-way trip. From Ngong Ping Village, we were back at the airport after two bus rides with one hour til boarding time. After checking our boarding gate, I spent the next hour running around the humongous complex trying to find out where I can refund our Octopus Cards (it still amounted to around 300 dollars’ worth of credit for all of our cards together). Every person I asked gave me a different set of directions (and I must have asked 5 or so different people), so that by the time I reached our gate it was boarding time and my mother was frantic.
Friday was a little easier, with just a trip to the mall for lunch and office-supplies shopping then a return trip to the mall after work for personal errands. I was home by 830.
Saturday morning was spent in Intramuros, wandering the San Agustin Church museum and Casa Manila after a quick stop at the Manila Cathedral. After a big chicken barbecue lunch at the Aristocrat, we went back to Makati to spend the afternoon at the Ayala Museum. After saying goodbye to my travel companions for the day, I went on a side trip to Powerbooks to see if they already had The Host, which I’ve been wanting to read. Then I went to Greenbelt Cinema, hoping to catch the rest of the Spanish film festival, but the tickets were sold out for the 730 pm screening so I decided to call it a day.
Sunday was spent on a trip to Pampanga for my grandpa’s death anniversary. After the 1030 am Mass, we drove to Pampanga for a semi-late lunch and spent the afternoon with cousins and other relatives. Finally, at 8 pm, I was home sweet home.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Ngong Ping, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Ayala Museum, San Fernando Pampanga... Whew! Next time I think I’ll join the Amazing Race instead. All those places to go... and it’s expense paid, hahaha!!!
Monday, I was breaking in a new pair of shoes, 4-inch high (I think) almost-stilettos, so I took a cab to work. I also took the added precaution of wearing stockings to minimize friction burns, but as my shoes were peep-toes, my stockings have to be as well. Not even the promise of a billion blisters can make me wear full stockings with open-toed shoes (oh, vanity, you bane of fragile feet!) Sure enough, all it took was a walk to the mall for lunch and back for eight blisters to bloom on my sorry little toes. Thus began my week-long walkathon.
I had a million errands to do Monday night before my 3-day absence from Manila, so I brought slippers to wear for after work. I was all over, paying bills, picking up stuff and whatnot. I got home around 9, tired and hungry, and I haven’t even started packing.
Tuesday, we were up bright and early for our 10 am flight to Hong Kong. Airports always mean lots and lots of walking. And because I was traveling with my mom (a six-year senior citizen on her first trip abroad), that meant extra walking for the daughter-cum-mommysitter that is yours truly. We finally arrived at the hotel at around 3 pm. As my mother and my sister-in-law settled in and took a nap, I went downstairs and walked around Causeway Bay on a reconnaissance mission and basically armed myself for our 3-day stay. In an hour and a half, I was back at the hotel with Octopus Cards for everyone and information on where the train station is, where the places to eat are, what places offer wifi internet access, what the best way to Victoria Peak is, what time it opens and closes, what else we can do there, et cetera. Voila! Instant tour guide.
Wednesday was Hong Kong Disneyland day. We left the hotel at 9 am and got back around 930. That’s pretty much 12 hours’ worth of walking and riding. ‘Nuff said.
Thursday, we went to Tsim Sha Tsui, hoping to do some outlet shopping on Granville Road. After a few blocks we realized it isn’t what we expected, so back to the train and off to Mong Kok we went for the Ladies’ Market. We spent a couple of hours walking along the stalls and picking up interesting stuff. I must say that even after haggling to less than half the original price, Hong Kong flea market prices have nothing on Philippine bargains. But then again, that kind of thinking takes all the fun out of shopping. And shop we did. After a late lunch, we went back to the hotel to stuff our latest acquisitions into our luggage then hurried to the Airport Express station to take advantage of the in-town check-in facilities. With our luggage out of the way, we literally ran to the Ngong Ping cable car station. We made it with 5 minutes to closing time and had to settle for a one-way trip. From Ngong Ping Village, we were back at the airport after two bus rides with one hour til boarding time. After checking our boarding gate, I spent the next hour running around the humongous complex trying to find out where I can refund our Octopus Cards (it still amounted to around 300 dollars’ worth of credit for all of our cards together). Every person I asked gave me a different set of directions (and I must have asked 5 or so different people), so that by the time I reached our gate it was boarding time and my mother was frantic.
Friday was a little easier, with just a trip to the mall for lunch and office-supplies shopping then a return trip to the mall after work for personal errands. I was home by 830.
Saturday morning was spent in Intramuros, wandering the San Agustin Church museum and Casa Manila after a quick stop at the Manila Cathedral. After a big chicken barbecue lunch at the Aristocrat, we went back to Makati to spend the afternoon at the Ayala Museum. After saying goodbye to my travel companions for the day, I went on a side trip to Powerbooks to see if they already had The Host, which I’ve been wanting to read. Then I went to Greenbelt Cinema, hoping to catch the rest of the Spanish film festival, but the tickets were sold out for the 730 pm screening so I decided to call it a day.
Sunday was spent on a trip to Pampanga for my grandpa’s death anniversary. After the 1030 am Mass, we drove to Pampanga for a semi-late lunch and spent the afternoon with cousins and other relatives. Finally, at 8 pm, I was home sweet home.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Ngong Ping, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Ayala Museum, San Fernando Pampanga... Whew! Next time I think I’ll join the Amazing Race instead. All those places to go... and it’s expense paid, hahaha!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Discoveries and more
Every year, Diwa Asia Publishing Group hosts a Tribute to Teachers, meant as a gesture of appreciation for teachers all over the country. The program comprises of several talks from notable names in inspiration and education, and special performances by select guests from the entertainment industry. The highlight of the event is the recognition of exceptional teachers in the country.
I have had a chance to see many of these annual events because my eldest brother works for Diwa and is very much involved in the planning of these events, even emceeing most of them himself. Plus, my mom's been a school principal forever so she gets invites to these events anyway (regardless of my brother's involvement), and who else would she ask to go with her but her only remaining unmarried child?
It's always fun watching thousands upon thousands of usually stern, ramrod-straight teachers letting their hair down (where else would you see a nun grooving to Earth Wind and Fire's September?), but this year's event was extra special because of two things:
One, I had a chance to see Gian Karlo Dapul live in action: another Filipino to win this year's International Public Speaking Competition of the English Speaking Union who bested 57 (i think) other contestants from all over the globe, some of which are college level (he's 16 and a high school senior). I went to the same high school he's attending (he called it "an exclusive public school", ha, ha!), and was even classmates with his older brother Omar (my best friend actually saw this kid baptized because she's really good friends with Omar -- dang, we're old!) so I'm extra proud. Anyway, Diwa invited him over to speak at the program. Yay!
Two, I discovered The Angelos, a local classical pop-tenor group inspired by Il Divo. They were guest performers at the program and I was simply blown away. All I have to say right now is that I'm off to get a CD first chance I get, and I hope to get someone to go see their first anniversary concert at the Music Museum with me. Can't wait!
All in all, it's been a good weekend. I got to lend a friend an ear, comfort the bereaved, spend quality time with family, even catch up on sleep a bit, in addition to seeing Gian and discovering The Angelos! How's that for productive? :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Serenity
Things happen. No matter how hard you try to look and plan ahead, some things you just don't see coming. Planning will not save you from the folly of other people's choices, even as these choices wreak more havoc on your carefully cultivated life than theirs, nor can foresight be of any real use to you on those times when your heart suddenly decides to run off on its own with absolute disregard for all your best interests.
When things don't go your way, do you stay and fight your way through all the obstacles or do you look for another way to go? When is it time to be brave and when is it time to be smart? Fight or flight -- who can tell? It is not always clear. And so I turn to my all-time favorite prayer, when things get to be just a little too much:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Amen.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mt Pinatubo rocks
... literally. Big rocks, little rocks, stones, pebbles... a whole mountain of them, leading right up to the crater. Check out our Mt Pinatubo adventure last September 22, 2oo8, Sunday:
6 am. Bastie, Dianne, Charlie and I meet up at the Mandarin and drive to Shell NLEX.
7 am. We arrive at Shell NLEX where Nonoy and Eric are waiting. Our group is complete. I make a beeline for Starbucks and pick up coffee and a couple of sandwiches for lunch, then grab a bottle of Gatorade at the convenience store.
730 am. We arrive at the Dau rendezvous point where we meet our 4x4 for the day and its driver, Edwin.
9 am. Capas, Tarlac. Base for Mt Pinatubo trekkers. We leave our cars and board the 4x4 for the 1-hour drive to the jump-off point.
10 am. This is it! We won't be seeing these tires for another 7 hours.
Nothing but feet from here on in. Here we go...
Stream crossing: Shoes off, Charlie!
1015 am. This is fun! Whee!!!
1045 am. That's a lot of rocks...
1115 am. Ok, I'm starting to drag...
1200 nn. This is where we were supposed to have started the trek???
1215 pm. You can do this, Pia: Right foot in front of left, in front of right... Good girl.
1230 pm. Can I just wait for you guys here?
1240 pm. Will this ever end???
1245 pm. Somebody kill me now, please.
1250 pm. Okay, I've died and gone to heaven.
Nothing but this can be worth the 7 hours it took to get here. But worthy it is, even of the three grueling hours of trekking on loose pebbles and slippery boulders, of stubbed toes and blister-peppered feet and screaming joints and burning muscles in places you never even knew existed.
Of course, there were the bonuses: able guide, good weather, great company. Bragging rights don't hurt either. But best of all is the knowledge that we can do it, and boy did we prove it. Yeah!
Team Philippines: Charlie, me, Eric, Nonoy, Dianne and Bastie
Charlie (yep, that's him, that tiny dot in the water) - our offering to the fire gods of Mt Pinatubo, heh, heh.
One more look at the crater (the photos just don't do it justice...)
Thanks Charlie, Eric and Dianne for sharing your photos!
6 am. Bastie, Dianne, Charlie and I meet up at the Mandarin and drive to Shell NLEX.
7 am. We arrive at Shell NLEX where Nonoy and Eric are waiting. Our group is complete. I make a beeline for Starbucks and pick up coffee and a couple of sandwiches for lunch, then grab a bottle of Gatorade at the convenience store.
730 am. We arrive at the Dau rendezvous point where we meet our 4x4 for the day and its driver, Edwin.
9 am. Capas, Tarlac. Base for Mt Pinatubo trekkers. We leave our cars and board the 4x4 for the 1-hour drive to the jump-off point.
10 am. This is it! We won't be seeing these tires for another 7 hours.
Nothing but feet from here on in. Here we go...
Stream crossing: Shoes off, Charlie!
1015 am. This is fun! Whee!!!
1045 am. That's a lot of rocks...
1115 am. Ok, I'm starting to drag...
1200 nn. This is where we were supposed to have started the trek???
1215 pm. You can do this, Pia: Right foot in front of left, in front of right... Good girl.
1230 pm. Can I just wait for you guys here?
1240 pm. Will this ever end???
1245 pm. Somebody kill me now, please.
1250 pm. Okay, I've died and gone to heaven.
Nothing but this can be worth the 7 hours it took to get here. But worthy it is, even of the three grueling hours of trekking on loose pebbles and slippery boulders, of stubbed toes and blister-peppered feet and screaming joints and burning muscles in places you never even knew existed.
Of course, there were the bonuses: able guide, good weather, great company. Bragging rights don't hurt either. But best of all is the knowledge that we can do it, and boy did we prove it. Yeah!
Team Philippines: Charlie, me, Eric, Nonoy, Dianne and Bastie
Charlie (yep, that's him, that tiny dot in the water) - our offering to the fire gods of Mt Pinatubo, heh, heh.
One more look at the crater (the photos just don't do it justice...)
Thanks Charlie, Eric and Dianne for sharing your photos!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Getting to know your friends: 2008 edition
I got this in the mail today, and I thought it would be a good idea to post this and see how my friends are doing. Would be great it they could email me their answers...
The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!
| 1. What time did you get up this morning? | 6:30 am (what time i went to bed last night is another question entirely) |
| 2. Diamonds or pearls? | Diamonds, always |
| 3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? | Don't Mess With The Zohan |
| 4. What is your favorite TV show? | Barefoot Contessa |
| 5. What do you usually have for breakfast? | Whatever's on the table
|
| 6. What is your middle name? | Tumang |
| 7. What food do you dislike? | Slimy stuff and bitter stuff
|
| 8. What is your favorite CD at moment? | In Between Dreams (Jack Johnson) |
| 9. What kind of car do you drive? | I don't drive |
| 10. Favorite sandwich? | Ham, cheese and egg |
| 11. What characteristics do you despise? | Hypocrisy |
| 12. Favorite item of clothing? | Wraps/shrugs of any kind |
| 13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? | Venice |
| 14. Favorite brand of clothing? | None in particular |
| 15. Where would you retire to? | Somewhere with clean air |
| 16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? | My 29th |
| 17. Favorite sport to watch? | Next question, please
|
| 18. Furthest place you are sending this? | The furthest anyone can get: half a world away |
| 19. Person you expect to send this back to u first? | I'll be waiting to find out |
| 20. When is your birthday? | May 19th |
| 21. Are you a morning person or a night person? | Lately, night |
| 22. What is your shoe size? | 6 to 6 1/2 |
| 23. Pets? | My affection is more for people than animals |
| 24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? | I'm back in the workforce!!! |
| 25. What did you want to be when you were little? | No idea. I just know I didn't want to be a doctor. (Huh.) |
| 26. How are you today? | Tired and crampy |
| 27. What is your favorite candy? | Snickers |
| 28. What is your favorite flower? | Stargazer lilies |
| 29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? | September 30, 2008
|
| 30. What is your full name? | Pia Marie Tumang Policarpio |
| 31. What are you listening to right now? | Forget About Me (Lil Bit), I'm Yours (Jason Mraz), Worlds Collide (Plumb), Love Song (Sara Bareilles) |
| 32. What was the last thing you ate? | Bacon strips and egg sandwich |
| 33. Do you wish on stars? | Yep. |
| 34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? | Aubergine |
| 35. How is the weather right now? | Drizzling |
| 36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? | Some call center agent |
| 37. Favorite soft drink? | Diet Sarsi |
| 38. Favorite restaurant? | This is impossible to answer. |
| 39. Real hair color? | Black |
| 40. What was your favorite toy as a child? | Books of any kind |
| 41. Summer or winter? | Summer |
| 42. Hugs or kisses? | Hugs! Hugs! |
| 43. Chocolate or Vanilla? | Chocolate |
| 44. Coffee or tea? | Coffee, but only if I really have to choose |
| 45. Do you want your friends to email you back? | Duh. |
| 46. When was the last time you cried? | Not for a while |
| 47. What is under your bed? | Dust, mostly |
| 48. What did you do last night? | Was on the computer |
| 49. What are you afraid of? | I don't know. Things work themselves out somehow. |
| 50. Salty or sweet? | Salty |
| 51. How many keys on your key ring? | Three |
| 52. How many years at your current job? | One week |
| 53. Favorite day of the week? | Saturday |
| 54. How many towns have you lived in? | Three |
| 55. Do you make friends easily? | Yes, if they manage to approach me first |
| 56. How many people will you send this to? | I dunno yet |
| 57. How many will respond? | I'll be waiting to find out as well |
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