New Home

Finally at last, I could say that I am settled with our newly rented house. Mommy has done lots of improvement - much to my chagrin by the way - such the living room chandelier, new refrigerator, assembled bed, and many more.

Beyond the wow factor of our new abode, I had this strange feeling of anxiety and restlessness. I could not explain why I felt such way. Perhaps, I thought, I am just not used to beautiful house. Lately, this have been the cause of friction with my wife.

Tonight, we had a Eucharistic mass at the house together with Father Matthew and the FFL community. Father blessed our house as well.


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Submitted

After weeks of agonizing effort to get a viable plan for our trip to Europe, I finally made an itinerary and submitted it to Embassy of Italy. Actually, I was here yesterday but has to come back to rectify the our lenght of stay in Italy. The consul advised us to increase more days in Rome or any place in Italy. I honestly didn't like the change because it would meant going to Disneyland much later than planned. It would also meant cancelling a non refundable booking at Disneyland hotel. Grrr... this cost me $535.

I submitted the Schengen visa application anyway. This is our best shot since French embassy would take 10 days and we don't have that luxury. I just hope, the Embassy of Italy would release our visa early.







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Jasmine is sick

My beloved daughter had been vomiting for the past three days and she was unusually weak. We long want to see doctor since yesterday but my wife argued that my daughter still has final exams to finish. With reservations, I agreed to see a doctor only today.

We went to Olaya Medical Clinic to see a pedia. We were fortunate that we got a good doctor who easily diagnose my daughter's sickness. "It's minor sickness", the Syrian lady doctor said. "She has throath infection but she should be fine". The doctor wrote three medicines in the prescription and assure us that there is nothing serious with our girl.

On our way home, we pass by at a drive-thru at McDonald. That was the only time when I saw my girl smile.



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A trip to Jinadriyah Festival

Even with a hectic scheduled and truly tired body, I made sure that I have enough time and energy for my family.  Tonight, I asked my wife to prepare the kids because we are going to the Jinadriyah Festival to watch the display of Saudi Cultures and Tradition.   I really made sure that my would agree because today is the last day of the exhibit.

We arrived at the venue at around 8:30pm.  I immediately tour my family inside the cultural tent and showed them the live display of "what is the old Saudi life" before the industrialization.   My daughter Jasmine was very curious and asked a lot of question.  She even asked why there are live people in the display.  To my amusement, I simply replied "they are actors my baby".   Jasmine's curiosity didn't stop there.  She asked me to take their pictures with the actors on the background, which I willingly obliged.   Mommy joined in the pictorials to assist my son Joshua.   After several shots, we moved to another display area.

We also went to an old Saudi community.  When Jasmine saw the structure of the wall, she asked if it was a castle.  I replied that this building represents how Saudi castles and cities looks like in the olden times.   Inquisitive in nature perhaps, Jasmine further asked if there are King, Queen and princess in the castle.   I just smiled and allow mommy to answer the question.  Together with Joshua we moved away, while mommy explained to Jasmine why there are no princess in the castle.

We loiter around and check other exhibits as well.   The last area where we spend time is the Armed Forces display area.  My little boy Joshua was jubilant when he saw the Abram M2 tank.  I took them on top of the tank and took pictures.  They also pose at the nearby Bradley tank and on the piles of missiles and ammunition.  Joshua was smiling from ear to ear when he made it to the Huey helicopter.  I really want him to get inside the Apache helicopter but we were not allowed.   Moving further, we got a chance to take pictures on some planes such as the vintage WWII planes and F4 mirage.

After three hours, I felt so tired I looked for a bench to relax.  Mommy just smiled and told me that we will have bigger problems when we go to Disneyland.

We went home at around 11:15 and arrived at home 55 minutes later.

Simply Christmas celebration

I am very happy. Celebrating simply Christmas with my family and a handful of friends was the best Christmas I had in years. 

Why do I consider this as my best Christmas ever?  First, my family is complete.  Second, it is spiritually centered celebration.  Third, we have a little feast that was intended for no one but for Jesus. Fourth, my kids are extremely happy and delighted with the simple gifts of dolls and toy cars.  Fifth, my wife never ceases to love me.  Sixth, I regain ground on the good side of life.  Seventh, the love in the family returned back. And my more reasons I could not put words. 

I am happy.  We only had a handful of visitors.  I invited Guiller Del Mar - my colleague in Toastmasters who resides just besides our house.  James Taruc didn't come because of transpo issue.  Johnis Hernando - my cousin arrived late and brought along five other friends.  And yes, our regular visitors... the friends of Jasmine & Joshua - our neighbor kids.

Simple yet meaningful Christmas.

Thanks God for the new found life.

I was actually hurt

I opened up with mom last night that I was hurt with the decision of leaving the Comsofil Board of Directors.  Mom smiled and tried to cheer me up by saying "it's their loss, not your!". 

I told mom about what transpire these few days and what were the feedback from the members of the Trustees.  She was glad that they - Trustees - saw my leadership skills and had acknowledge my potentials.  She warn though, that these same qualities could intimidate them because I am very assertive and outspoken.  She explained that this is my character and these nothing that I can do to change it.  It's either I live and use it for good or spend my life fighting these characteristics and fail to see the beauty it may bring to me.

Hmm... mommy was right.  I should not dwell on the was already decided.  I should be happy that I have served Comsofil as BOD from Jan to Jun even when at that time, I already breach the provision.  I actually thought of disclosing to the Trustees that I had served as BOD, Asst Area Gov for Educ - Area 1, Asst Area Gov for Marketing - Area 5, and Speakers Bureau Chair all at the same time.  I held back because doing so would appear that I was deceiving them and was showing off my arrogance!

Well... it's true, isn't?

Nevertheless, I was hurt with my departure from Comsofil BOD.

Fun Time at Baher

Noises of laughter and shrills awaken me early in the morning. When I take a peek at the window, I saw my colleagues having fun at the swimming pool.  The others were taking a plunge at the nearby beach, and a handful were taking pictures of the rising sun.  The water was inviting but the bed is far more tempting hence I went back to bed and sleep.

It was past 11am when I wake up, when outside and then immediately headed to the beach to take a quick 10-minute swim.   Lunch followed.    Minutes later Mommy and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis joined me at the table.  


By 3pm, as the sun and temperature went down everyone went for swimming.   Jestrel and Johnis brought my daughter to the shallow waters of the beach and took a plunge.  My little boy Joshua stayed with mom at the beach side.  I guess, he was too afraid of the water. 

We had fun for sure.  I had precious bonding moments with my wife and two kids and also enjoyed watching my colleagues in Shutters Guild who were having a good time taking photos of Jestrel.   I know that for most of these photographers, this would be their first time to shoot a model in bikini.

I had a good day.

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11:59pm

My family and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis left Baher ahead of the pack.  Bong, Jong and Bernard who were on the other car followed us towards Riyadh.

We arrived safely early morning.

Trip to Al Baher - departure

I left the office early today to make sure I have enough time to do my pending tasks.   First thing I did after leaving NIC compound at 2:30pm was to get my Police Certificate at the Olaya Police Station at Exit 5.  When I arrived at the place, I was initially glad that I will be talking to the same officer who entertained us last Wednesday night.  But my smiles immediately flew away because I found him unhelpful.  He made me wait for over an hour for some reason I could not comprehend.  If only this certificate in not important, I would never humiliate myself and would leave immediately.  But gee... I need this because we will be traveling to Khobar tonight and Mom and the two kids has no iqama. Two hours later, I decided to ask help from Beejay.   I ask him to talk and try to persuade the desk officer to expedite my request, in the language they understand - Arabic.  Finally, after some hesitation the officer prepared a memo and handed it to me.

I run short of time because of the delay at the Police Station so I decided to skip the check up on my car's battery.   I decided to do it before leaving Riyadh at 8pm.   I proceed to my house at around 5pm.  After taking a quick dinner, I took a short nap hoping I can gain enough strength and stamina for our 5 hours drive tonight. 

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7pm, everything was set to go.  Mom and the kids were all fully dressed up and our things were loaded at the car.  We then proceed to pick up Jestrel and Johnis at their accommodation.  I saw Bong and Bernard near the gate and learned from them that they were waiting for the other members of SG and plans to leave at 8pm.  Since our departure time is just close, I decided to go in convoy with the rest of the team.  Anyway, I still have to have my car's battery checkup.


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When the Indian mechanic checked my car, he declared that the battery was defective.  He showed me from the battery meter that my battery only registers 13 instead of the required 14.  I didn't understand what he was talking about but believe in him anyway.  He further suggest that the alternator was defective.   Hearing that, I started to panic.  Certainly, this news will make our Khobar trip impossible.   I asked he can recommend a mechanic who can fix the alternator.  A Filipino guy approached and take a look at the engine.  He made some phone calls and declare that there was no available parts.

Deeply worried, I rushed to the nearest Hyundai Service Center to see if they can fix my car in time.  My friend Leo guarantee that he can work on it in an hour provided there are parts - which turns out to be available only the following day.  In desperation, I called friend Rey to seek some advise.  In less than 10 minutes, Rey arrived and checked the car.  He explained to me that the battery is not defective but only only performing less than its 100% capacity. Meaning, the battery can still provide electricity to the car but at a diminished performance.  He also explained that the alternator was fine.  Had it been otherwise, my car should be stalled because the battery would be dead by now.

Donnie and the rest of the team arrived just in time when Rey declared that my car was fit for Khobar travel.  The rest of the team assured me that they can tow my car if ever it breaks down.   After thanking Rey, we left and rendezvous with the rest of the gang at Max center at Nassim.   Seven cars left Max center at around 9:10pm.   One car called up and promised to catch up.   Rudy took the lead car and cruise us at 110 kph, enough for the last car to catch in an hour.

The convoy of 8 cars cruise 5 long hours before arriving at Al Baher in Khobar.

HH in Khobar

I only took two hours of sleep today.  At 2am, I was awaken by the phone call from Tito Wilson advising us that T2 Jun Saporsantos is already waiting for us.   We immediately prepare the kids, our things and we started driving towards Madarem at near Exit 8.  And because the road was near empty, it didn't take us more than 10 minutes to arrive in the place.  T2 Arnel and T2 Rick - aside from T2 Jun - were already there.  They were just waiting for me and T2 Willy to start our convoy to Khobar.

T2 Rick took the lead car. Hehhee.. they all agreed to set me in the middle of the convoy knowing that I am fast driver.  And true to what we previously agreed, we cruise at 80 - 100 kph.   Gee... we were very slow and it made me very very sleepy.  I was so sleepy that was a moment that I swivel three lanes on my left.  Good thing, there were no other cars on the road.  I made a recovery just in time before I would fall on the road shoulders.  T2 Arnel notice that swivel and he immediately called on my phone and asking if I need an alternative driver.  I assured him that I was okay.


After a grueling four and half hours of drive, we finally arrived at Khobar. 

I love the place where we stay. It is a large apartelle suite with two big rooms, a huge sala, three comfort rooms and one nice kitchen.  The place is also clean and the room service was good.   My family took the masters room while T2 Arnel and T2 Jun shared the other big room.  T2 Willy and T2 Ric opted to share the very huge sala.  T2 Wilson will be on the other suite and will share with T2 Chris Miranda - who will arrive later.

We actually arrived very very early.  Our household will start at 7pm and the Lay Communion Service (LCS) will start at 10pm.  Meaning, we have the entire day to relax, move around and go shopping.   T2 Wilson and T2 Arnel went out to buy seafood at Khatif while the rest of the ladies prepared the house.







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Me on the other hand left the apartelle because I have a Toastmasters District 79 meeting to attend.  I was actually arrive late but not later than the Jeddah delegates.  I was just in time for the critical agenda of the meeting - the educational plan for the district - the part that matters on my Area.   I stayed until lunch and then went back to the apartelle.

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Tita Vicky was surprised to see me in formal clothes.  I just smiled and told her that I attended a Toastmasters meeting.  I proceed to our room and took a much needed rest.

Mommy woke me up at around 3pm.  Every body gathered in the kitchen to partake the sumptuous buffet of adobo, fish, and blue crabs.   We had a good time and did enjoy the food.  Me and Tita Mabel was particularly happy with the delicious blue crabs.  I guess, I eat 3 dozens of large blue crabs.  Whew!  After lunch, I went back to sleep.

We started our household at around 7:30pm.   As usual, we had some good time bonding together and sharing each others' joy and sorrows.  We made fun with each other - kulitan - and we always encourage each other.  I guess, we have matured as a household that we are no longer restricted by our inhibitions.  Tita Marian, who was the most timid among us, started to be assertive and open.  She even shared to use some personal secrets about T2 Arnel.  T2 Arnel gave us a revelation that he is now ready to accept responsibility in the community.   Tito Wilson, our household leader, gave us an inspiring message that made everyone smiling.  We enjoy our household meeting so much, we didn't notice that it was already past 11pm.   We close the meeting and started preparing for the LCS.

Minutes later, the FFL servants who were based here in Khobar start arriving.  I was nice knowing that there were three servants who are from Cagayan de Oro.


More picture in mommy's FB account

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.234241249927292.67694.100000242572580

Good bye PR

I got lots of items in my itinerary and I wanted to finish them all so I have extra time to watch movie.  The first thing I did was to check out from Hotel 81 Boon Keen and transferred to Hotel 81 Baliester.  I find the new place closer to my destinations and nearer to my "friends".  Hhehehe...

First order of the day: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.   I arrived at ICA at around 11am and took me 10 minutes to wait before an immigration officer came to see me.  She polite, accommodating and prompt.  She easily understand my case and readily explained to me the rules of Singapore immigration.   She said that my absence is Singapore is not a ground for rejection for renewal of Permanent Residence.  As long as I have an active contribution to Central Provident Fund, then I can be renewed.  In my case, because my employer is not based in Singapore then I don't have contribution to CPF.  When I inquire if an individual can contribute directly to CPF, she answered no.  Only registered Singapore companies can.  She summarize my case as follows:

• I had been away in Singapore for so long - not a ground for disqualification
• I don't have contribution to CPF - a ground for disqualification
• I have an option to apply for temporary extension of 6 months to give time for me to find an employer in Singapore.  I must be employed by a Singapore company during my application for renewal
• I have the option to withdraw or leave my CPF.  It will earn interest if left untouched
• If I go back to Singapore, I can apply for PR again.  If I am qualified, then I can get a PR.  Losing my PR may not be a ground against my application for another PR.

Now it is clear to me that after August 10, 2011 my Permanent Residence will expire and ... goodby Singapore.

I left ICA office with heavy hearts.

Marion's Angst

Of all my siblings, there is only one that I know could beat me cold in any avenue of endeavor.  Be it in academics, extra curricular, athletics (yes, I was athletic before), adventures, meeting people, writing and even public speaking, Marion Jill would make me look amateur standing beside a pro.  I admire very much for she has grown so much and I do silently celebrate because she followed the path less taken among our kind.

This afternoon, I saw one hair-raising essay/speech she publish in her Facebook message:  (italic are mine)


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Marion Jill Amores                                                                              24 minutes ago, sent from a phone

Veritas Liberabit Vos The truth shall set you free

I have been searching for the truth and trying to understand the logo of my school. I can never call myself a real Atenean if I have not fully grasped what that Latin phrase meant.

For the Jesuits it must be completely personal and I am in the same page. I believe mostly in individualistic approach the moment I studied psychotherapy back in my university years. I did excel in my academic and exageratingly countless organizations at the university and yes working 8 hours a day to pay my ridiculous yet worthy expensive school... I would have graduated cum laude or higher if I was rich not worrying about where to live the next fuckin day and what to eat for the coming hours.

Imagine a regular business man who would worry about food for next month, but I am speaking about hours here. Back to my truth.

My heart is not close to my cousins and grandparents. That is the bomb right there, heart devastated. My heart and plans belong to the immediate so called 'dysfunctional family' only. For some reasons like uncles and aunties would feast the moment my eyes open in the morning during clan gatherings and then talk about how my mom as a failure and my dad being ugly just for being him.

I never knew about Lola or lolo because they never showed me the meaning of what grandparents should be. All I can remember is that Lola would abuse me emotionally and I would run away whenever I see her. Even if we put up the 'utang na loob' idiocracy still it wont patch up the pain they have injected on that 10 years old girl's heart. Running for help the moment my father was shot 2am in the morning... asking the so called grandparents. they said nothing but "finally he is gone" not even a hug. I was terrorized like a motherfucker! So i continued running for help dragging my little brother barefooted. Everything is still so vivid in my heart and soul.

If you talk about love? That is A big BS. I think how the big clan defined love as filling up their expectations. That is not love, that is slavery.

So this is the bomb. What are yours?

I don't even want to apologize coz there is nothing to apologize about. I am not afraid possessing this in my heart because I know what love is and these bomb will not come back to me because my future children will know what love, encouragement, real help, truth and being a grandmother or a mother is. The saying,"ang gaba dili magsaba" that only applies for the mischief of the idiots who until at their old age forgot to be conscious of what is truth and life. Life is full of stimulants for instance experiences... to wake you up, I believe.

I found the heart of gold from my parents out of their own hands to represent as a parent and I am glad they were not those kind that television or books thought... nothing but the natural beauty of being human raring 6children. The old folks should not take credit because they did nothing but shouting to us how to live, when you can never teach that. Joan was a teenager, If was the auntie and grandma right at that point of her life? I wouldn't criticize nor talk about it. so much for ignorance! To bad we can't even make it as an excuse!


I found gold in the heart of different people from around the world who suffered to be accepted, I found friends... the richest and the poorest, drug addicts who would shot heroin on our road trips and too religious individuals... but they understood and conscious what it is to live.

This is not rebellion! This is a proposal to stop trying too hard and pretend that we know what a community unit is like. In the first place there never was. Let us be aware and try to reach that level of consciousness. it's not about all the physical and materialistic bs. not even religion! don't argue... this is what I think. just saying. So this will be the very first letter written for long generated silence!

Wrecking.. err... cleaning the house

I didn't realize cleaning the house would be this complicated?  I really thought, it would be a walk in the park and easy.  But it is not!

Last March, I told mommy that I will re-arrange the house during their long vacation in the Philippines.  With no babies in the house, I explained, I have all the freedom to move things without worrying about the kid's safety.  Indeed, I did what I planned.  After coming back from the Philippines last 1st week of April, I started my long planned "renovation" of the house.

I first started at the very dusty balcony.   One inch of thick dusk proves too much to handle: I got sick and that forced me to stop working.  Two weeks later, I get back and close the entire area to preclude the dust from getting in.  Next was the living room.  The job of putting in my trophy rack was easy.  The difficult part was to arrange my stuff without worrying that mom would scream once she discover I moved her things.  Darn, this took up three weeks of my time (oh, this was the contest weeks of Toastmasters).  Then last week, I started working on our sleeping room.  I fixed broken cabinets, made some racks for storage, and then repacked all our old stuff into black plastic bags.   The task was so huge, I'm not yet half through - as of yesterday.

Gee... I felt tired and my body is aching!

I got an iPhone 4 white

After long 5 years... I finally got a new phone and it's not just an ordinary phone. It's an iPhone 4 white!  Hah!

Last night, I went to Saudi Telephone Company (STC) office at Thalia-Fahad Road to apply for a post-paid line.  You may wonder why only now?  You see, I've been waiting for the past six months for my new iqama which was delayed to to issues on my sponsorship transfer.  When Khalid Moussa gave me my new iqama last Sunday, I actually wanted to go directly to STC and apply.  But conflict with the scheduled Shutter's Guild retaining session made me decide to do it last night.  When I arrived there - yes, last night - the customer service representative ask me to come back early morning - today!

And yes, I did come back and I was early.  I was second in line and after 30 minutes, I got my new iPhone 4 32 GB RAM and it comes in white color.  I choose the 32GB model on the ground that I may use more memory for my photos and video.  This cost me SR2399 which is  SR400 more expensive than the 16GB model.  Besides, there's no available white color in 16GB. 

Hehehe... just imagine how happy I was when I got out of the STC office?  I am smiling from ears to ear!

  
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Few minutes later, I called up my wife and told her that I got a new iPhone.  She was happy for me that finally, I bought a new phone for myself.  I promised to her that I will also get her an iPhone when she comes back here in Riyadh.

Eighteen Months Later

How fast time flies.

Eighteen months ago, I complained that my life became boring and predictable. When family joined with me here in Saudi Arabia last Sep 2009, I was forced to change my daily routine. With heavy heart I dropped all my outdoor activities, taking photos halted almost to nada, and I literally stopped using my laptop computer. I didn't even have the chance to watch movies anymore - my kids owns my TV and use them all the time.

To fill up the void left by photography, I choose to get more active with Toastmasters. I have done a lot both in the club level and in the Area Level. Well, I help setup four new clubs under my sleeve, I recruited 15 new members, was appointed chairman of the Speaker's Bureau of Division A, and was appointed Assistant Governor both in Area 5 and in Area 1, and this is not to mention my personal achievements in my Leadership and Communication Awards.

On the first count, I was dead wrong that my life was boring and predictable. Certainly, my family added spice to my outside activities. My daughter Jasmine was famous among Indian Toastmasters and my adorable wife Pinky, gee... she became a sensation of her own as she became a sought after Masters of Ceremony and Guest Speaker.

On the second count I was wrong because even if stopped my photography, Comsofil gave me something else better. They allowed me to handle photography classes. And the sweet thing is... my students founded a group called "Shutters Guild" which is now the home of the rising photographers of the city.

On the third count I was wrong because when I dropped my outside activities - involving mostly of parties and booze - I found something else better. I found the CFC-FFL community which greatly help us improve our spiritual life and made us better person.

More than everything else, changing my priority set my life to good path and the right direction. I gained the trust and win back the love of my wife, my children are far more closer to me than anytime back then, and more importantly... we are all happy.

Eighteen months later, I reflect back and say to my self: "this was the best days of my life so far, and yes! I thank thee Lord"

Dinner Date with our HH

Last Friday, our household leader Tito Wilson secretly convinced all the boys to bring our respective spouse to Tony Roma's for a dinner date. That would also serve as our Valentine's celebration aside from our typical bonding moment with each other. Well, all the boys agreed and they all planned for a good alibi so that the spouses would not suspect.

My alibi was "the BoC will meet us to discuss the issue on camera". Hehehe... this alibi actually sent some shivers on mommy's spine. Who would not be. Anyone would surely tremble on the thought of "one-on-one" with the church community overall leaders. I learned that Tito Arnel's alibi was "to meet and old classmate at Tony Romas", while Tito Willy's alibi was "to check if the venue is good".


Well, we actually surprised our spouses and certainly made them happy. We had sumptuous feast of beef steak, grilled chicken and lots of bread and french fries. Overall, we had one memorable Valentine's celebration.

Palm Crest JS Prom speech

Few days ago, tito Noel hinted the Palm Crest may invite me as judge and mommy Pinky as the guest speaker for their annual JS Promenade. He asked my permission if he can give my number to Tito Russell Malveda, which I readily agreed. Indeed a day later, Tito Russell formally invited me and mommy to their JS prom as judge and guest speaker, respectively.

You could guess happened next: mommy was frantic. She was angry with me why I accepted the invitation... and she started thinking of alibi on how to retract and decline the invitation. I was not affected though. This is just the typical mommy who always doubtful of her beauty and skill. She started to calm down when I promised to help her write the JS Prom speech. I know mommy trust my ability to create a good speech that is appropriate for the occasion.

Well, here I am now writing mommy's speech. The choice of words were mine, the structure and the transition. But the overall tone and content? It was all mommy's idea.

Here's the first draft of the speech:

Salutation

Palm Crest Board of Directors Mr & Ms Danny Lopez, Mr & Ms Russell Malveda, School Administrator Dr. Dominador Mangusad, School Principal Dr. Araceli Cabral, Academic Chairman Jacquiline Dela Cruz, School officials, our beloved teachers, and most especially to you the Junior and Senior students of Palm Crest International school… good evening!

Class Reminiscing

Twenty five years ago, I can still vividly remember my own JS Prom. Like any girl in our class, we all dream of wearing beautiful gown, walk with poise during the presentation, and to make that evening a night to remember. Indeed, it was a very memorable night for me, but not the way I wished it would be… only better!

What you see right now is the anti-thesis of my high school self. Before, I love to wear loose shirt and jeans, put on my favorite black sneakers, and carry with me my denim backpack. Safe to say, I was more of a boyish type than your typical cutie girl next door. Imagine how my classmates went into euphoria, when for the first time they saw me wearing a ladies’ gown. It was transformation beyond imagination, they say. And I believe it was!

Before the prom started, I intensely prayed that my partner would be my childhood crush - the school varsity and the hunk of the class. But lady luck did not smile at me. When I saw my escort, I almost fainted because it was not a dashing prince charming but a skinny and lanky lizard. Gee… my partner looks like he just woke up from a coffin.

But as the night goes by, I was surprise to found out that my lizard escort was a gentleman, he was funny and talented – he gave us an awe full version of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and more importantly he delivered an inspirational speech that was full of wisdom. Needless to say, I was totally bewitched by the lanky lizard.

My JS prom story was simple but the lessons I gathered from it had a profound effect to my life and to my circle of friends. And that is what I wanted to share to you tonight.

{{ take a long pause while looking and smiling to the audience}}

Challenge for the Juniors

To all Juniors… (let me see the hands of the Juniors?)... please allow me to greet you “congratulations and welcome to the teenage and young adult life”. Tonight is your right of passage! You shall no longer be called girls but ladies, likewise to the male, you should no longer be called boys but instead gentlemen. You will soon take the first steps of how to manage yourself, on how to be a leader among your peers, and how to become inspirations to the younger generation in your school.

Collectively as a class, ahead of you is the responsibility to maintain, if not surpass, the level of achievements that the Seniors had achieved in the past years. In your own unique way, find your specialty and strength, and then make your school proud. Be competitive, be excellent, but keep your feet in the ground – be humble all the time. Next year, you have to take the shoes of the Seniors. You need to stand as the big brothers and big sisters of the Palm Crest International Schools. Be the model of discipline and be the face of what it is to be a real PCISian so that the young boys and girls of the school will wholeheartedly emulate you.

On a personal level, Juniors, this is your time to shine and be seen. Get out from the closet of insecurities; break free from the cocoon of doubts; take the bold step of knowing who you really are, and then explore of your own uniqueness.

I took my challenge twenty five years ago, and found myself as the Lady Pinky and not the boyish Pinky.

Once again, Juniors, welcome to the world of teenagers and young adults.

The marching Seniors

To the graduating class, our Seniors (let me see your hands please), congratulations and welcome to the real world. In just few weeks, you will be leaving the comfort and warm embrace of your alma mater – the Palm Crest International School. As you turn-over the helm of leadership to the Juniors, be proud of what you have achieved. I am sure that this year, you made your school proud.

You will soon walk the path that all of us – adults – had taken. A path that may defined your our own destinies and may shaped your our fates. Some of you may already know what course to take: Engineering, Medicine, Teaching, or you may choose to stay and help the family. Perhaps some of you are still doubtful. That is alright. Take your time, consider all your options and be certain of what path to take. Remember, there is no reset button in life: there are no exams and no grades … your decision will define who you will be in the future.

Tonight, I want you to look around and remember your teachers and peers. These are the people who help mold who you are today. Remember your teachers: they made sure that you have the right skills and knowledge to prepare for the next chapter of your life. Remember your peers: these are your buddies, your friends, and your partner in crime (just kidding). They are the memories of your high school life.

Pick a choice, make a decision and excel on that field.

Closing

Twenty five years ago, I made my choice. And I am happy to say that now, I am a successful educator… just like the way I wanted to be. My journey, by the way, was not easy. I have more downs than up, but it didn’t matter. What was more important was the learning experience every time I get up from a fall.

Oh by the way, you may ask: what happened to my skinny lizard escort? I can see you are giggling… you are curious, aren’t you?

I still get in touch with him. He became a successful family man and the last time I checked, he is no longer skinny but has big tummy. He is still a reptilian though, not a lizard but a big crocodile. This crocodile is no other than my beloved husband and partner in life.

Good luck to all of you. Be a successful PCISian.

They are still worried

Tito Wilson called up twice this morning, and then Tita Vicky called up around lunch time. They were very much worried that Tito Noel Zaragoza failed to return the camera to us. According to Tita Vicky's words, the guy is not to be trusted because of the string of issues that is lining up against the person. Tita confided that Noel allegedly "misuse" over SR 200,000 starting from the separation of Tito Allan Carodan, the wedding planning for Tito Jim, cash debts and obligation to fellow member in the CFC-FFL Board of Council. Tita said that I should be worried that my camera would not returned to me.

In fairness, Noel had been good to us and he has not shown any signs of misdeed. We cannot judge simple because of our limited knowledge about the person. Mommy pointed out though, that Noel borrowed the 1st camera since June of last year and the 2nd camera since last month. It is not fair that he is using my gear for any personal profit-oriented activity.

Hmm... oo nga naman, mommy is right!

Later in the afternoon, I called up tito Noel and ask if he can join tomorrow at the Comsofil Induction. I also him to bring the cameras... which he readily agreed.

busy friday

Officially, this would be my first busy Friday of the year.

We woke up early this morning to prepare for the annual Foundation of Palm Crest School. My daughter Jasmine has a part in the the field demonstration hence we were obliged to really to early. I bought my camera with me hoping I can get some good pictures. Well, I didn't. I left the venue an hour before the program started because of a speaking engagement. I left my camera with Tito Noel hoping he would take some pictures of my daughter.

* * * *

I was thirty minutes late for my speaking appointment with the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers. They were already in the middle of the program when I arrived and they wasted no time, they immediately revert to the original schedule. The seminar was formal and it was a pleasant surprise to see many familiar faces and some good friends from the Philippine embassy.

My task was to conduct a lecture on Parliamentary Procedure and at the same time facilitate a workshop on how to conduct a proper meeting. Upon seeing the participants, I was sure that there were a handful attendees who were familiar with the topic because they had attended my previous seminars. The rest were newbies and totally not familiar with the topic. That's why, there were sparkle in their eyes when they discover the hidden and unspoken rules of meeting. The discussion was made much livelier when I directed them to comment on the current affairs in the Philippines such as the Senate Investigation with the AFP Fund.

They enjoyed the lecture so much, we didn't realized we extended for over an hour. I immediately left after receiving a token of appreciation.

* * * *

I went back to the venue of Palm Crest foundation day celebration. I watch for few minutes then decided to take my family home. It was simply too hot and we were too hungry.

PRTC Induction - 2nd Term PY 2010-2011

Gee how time fly. It seem like yesterday when PRTC held it's bi-annual induction of officer during my term as president. This is now the third term that I am just a regular member of the club. Obviously, I am still savoring the joy of being on top of things with PRTC - once. Hehhehee...

We held the induction at Al Waha compound near Exit 1. Due to some strict restriction on security, we limit the attendance to just 50 participants. Both me and Pinky confirned our attendance and brought along with us two official photographers and 5 guest - the friends of Johnis.

The induction was conducted flawlessly - I was the program director (bow), and we have a jolly and wild party after. It could had been perfect, except that we finish early. Bummer!

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

Last year, when our church community announced that they will conduct a marriage enrichment retreat (MER), I readily volunteer to join. I had always adhere to the idea of rekindling that lost spark between husband and wife even if their marriage is A-OK. Way back when I was still single, I heard of these program when I was still with the Bread of Life church and was seriously interested about it. When I was with the Every Nation Church in Singapore, Donita Rose announced that there will be a MER on Sep 2006. Gee... I was excited to join but could not. Pinky, my wife, was in the Philippines at that time.

Today, I got the chance to fulfill my long awaited dream.

How was it?, you may ask. Well, it was okay. It was like a regular church seminar except that the topic was more about the responsibility of the couple as a christian husband and a christian wife, respectively. The book of Ephesians was extensively used - which for me was just a review. I stumbled upon this material years before when I was still active with the Living Water Church. Nevertheless, I am glad that this topic was presented to us. For mommy, it was the first time that she heard about it. And I believe, the message sank in well with her.

Overall, the one-night and one-day affair was fruitful. It was like a honeymoon for all the couple. Imagine, we all have individual tent to spend the night with each other.

Hah! That was simply romantic.