Area 22 Contest

Beautiful contest, I could say.

It was one of the best Area contests that I have seen in Riyadh.  With Syed Asfaq at the helm, the flow of the activity was smooth and there was never any major disruption.  I admit I do not agree with Syed's dictatorial style on running the show particularly on seating arrangements, but I would certainly give him credit for enforcing discipline among the audience.  Except for lengthy and unnecessary introductions, everything was perfect.

Myself, TM James, TM Delfin, TM Romwald, TM Buddy, TM Shaun, and TM Roi were among the judges who served during the contest.  During the distribution of awards and certificates, I made fun with TM Roi that he is only known in the Indian community as the TM who is infected with HIV (Hair is Vanishing) and the speaker who climb the ladder.  I gloated that most Indian Toastmasters introduced me as "the best active Filipino  Toastmaster in Riyadh, a champion speaker, an excellent leader, an educational master, a superb mentor, the one and only... "   TM Joem simply smiled when Roi grunt in disbelief.  hehehhehe


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PW

Mommy had been bothering me since yesterday. She wants me to prepare my spiels because I was assigned to lead the praise and worship in todays Taming The Tongue seminar for our community. She even woke me up early and ask me to practice. Yes, I woke up early but I didn't practice. Instead, I just watch the morning news and waited for breakfast. Mom was of course angry but could not force me. Heheheeh.

We left the house at around 9:30am. We were relatively early. There were barely a handful of people at Tito Rey Mantua's house and most of them comes from the Service Team.  Nevertheless, I used the extra time we had to practice the worship songs.   By 11pm, all participants has arrived and Tito Wilson signal that we have to start.

Indeed, I lead the the Praise and Worship.  I was a bit nervous and when my wife saw it, she smiled and give me an encouragement that I could do it.  With hesitation, I started the praising and worship.  In few minutes, fire started to lit inside of me and I just allowed the spirit to guide me.   Honestly, I was enjoying what I did.  It seems so easy and it could really feel the PW.

After the PW, mommy gave me a kiss and whispered I did good.

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The topic of the lecture was Taming The Tongue.   Tita Vicky delivered the talk with such gusto that we enjoyed it very much.  I didn't feel sleepy and I was alert during the entire session.   I was even more excited during the discussion because the topic was about what Tito Noel Zaragoza has done to the community.  Though his name was never mentioned during the discussion, those who are familiar with the case can surely relate.   I opened up my hurt feelings that Leon was hitting me in Facebook.   The advise of the elders was to "Unfriend" him.  I just smiled because I have a better solution - "Unsubscribe" him in my news feed.

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After lunch, the households of Tito Arnel and Tito Wilson gathered together to honor Tito Bong and Tita Jane.  Tita Jane and their daughter Faith is leaving tomorrow for final exit.


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Emerson called

When I started unsubscribing to newsfeed from Emerson, Beejay, Noel, and Cathy my life simply went back to bliss. Bernard likewise, preclude himself from fanning fire on the issues lighted by Emerson's team. That is why we have peaceful status in the Shutters Guild group.

This morning, Emerson gave me a call. I was very much surprise because I thought he was frustrated and angry with me. Nevertheless, I didn't show any resentment or bad feelings. I readily greeted him and wish him best.

During our conversation, we talk about the new iPad. He suggested of waiting until next week because there is a strong chance that the price of old iPad will fall. He called to follow up the second session on studio lighting and portraiture. Thought i told him that I am amenable with the plan, I didn't give him any assurance on the schedule. I emphasized that the oficers will still be the decsion maker. He didn't argue but I could sense that he didn't like my answer.

I immediately called Donnie and told about Emerson's call. He agree with me that Emerson's team is running low of activity and they are looking at SG as a source of income. I have a feeling that they regret leaving SG, they just ashamed to admit.




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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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I was late by an hour

Around 11am this morning, I browse at Expatriates to check if there are good cars for sale.  After 10 minutes of browsing, I saw a listing of Tucson for sale at SR28,000.  I immediately called the number posted and was excited to hear that the person on the other line was a Filipino.   I told him my intention to buy the car.  He was polite and informed me that the car was just sold at around 10am this morning.  

Darn, I hate my self.   I was late by an hour.  If only I check the net early this morning, I could have taken the sale.   Hah!  I blame myself why I spend too much time trying to sold an issue with Arwin this morning.   Darn!  I still could not get over with the miss.

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.

Offended

I really feel bad that some members of the Shutters Guild are so immature they would be so careless with what they are saying.   Emerson is now lording it over and wants attention.   B-Jay Gonzales is like a child who wants praise and commendation but would never listen to suggestions.   Noel is a cry baby who always find wrong in anything that we do.

I simple hate these people

Waiting during salah

i lost everything i wrote while waiting for salah to finsh, grrr.

Well, just in time for me to encash my salary check.

I took some photos though... and here are some samples.  Taken at the 18th street along Olaya Road. 




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Location:Al Waqidi,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Snap shot

On my way out to the gate, I saw my colleague Cameroon McDonald walking from the Computer Bldg. I immediately took my phone and took a picture. It suppose to be for fun but to my surprise, the hold me and reprimanded me that photography is prohibited. Good thing, one of the guards is my friend and he let go of me.

Lesson learned



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Settlement

After more than a month of denial and avoidance, I finally took a step to face my problem with my car insurance.  I went to Tawuniah insurance agent named Ahmad, and discuss with him the details of settlement.  here's the breakdown:

Car original value:     SR61,000
Purchase Date:         Feb 2008
Settlement Date:       October 2008         
Care Age:                 3 year & 8 months or 44 months
Mileage:                   61,+++  kilometers
Depreciation rate:    1.5% per month vs original value
Depreciation cost:    SR40,+++
Book Value:             SR20,+++
Remaining Installment Payment:  8,+++
 
Settlement Value = SR12,075

Ahmad asked me to come back 10 days later to collect the check for settlement.

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If you ask me why it took me too long to settle with the insurance.  The reason?  I was hoping I could still salvage my beloved Tekla, my 2008 Hyundai Tucson Silver Gray. I tried asking around how much would it cost me to repair the car.  Some would estimate between 5k to 10k while other would give much higher price.  Seasoned mechanics argues that even if I can save the car, there is no assurance that it would function 100%.  I also have to be ready of unforeseen problem that may arise in the future.  Close friends strongly discourage me to go for repair on safety issue.  They argue, life is more important than a handful of savings. 

Ball park calculation, say the market value of the car is SR35k and the repair cost is around SR15k then it would just be reasonable to receive the clean SR20k book value settlement.   That's the reason, I finally agreed for settlement.

On the hindsight, I simply could not let go of Tekla because of so many good memories I had with her.  With my car, I was able to navigate all areas of Riyadh city.    I reached hidden places of Saudi Arabia such as Wadi Pitik, Edge of the World in Huraymilla, Wadi Laban, Wadi Hanifa, desert places, and many many more.  I also reached Bahrain and Jubail safely with my reliable Tekla.

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.

Christmas at Wadi Hanifa Farm

I was never convinced that it was a good idea to celebrate advance Christmas at a farm in Wadi Hanifa.  Firstly, I do not like the idea of asking favor from our HH members to give us a ride for the simple reason that we will be carrying tons of gears for the overnight stay.  Secondly, I don't like to take the role as game master during the entire outing, and lastly I was tired and I want to relax in the house.   Yet there was nothing we could do.  We simply cannot say no because doing so would make us indifferent in the community.  Hence, I just grumbled within myself and silently complain why did I join this trip.

Tito Wilson pass at around 4pm, pick us up and took us to Panda Aziziah where we waited for the other members to arrived.  We started moving towards our destination at around 6pm.   We moved in a convoy of four vehicles carrying at least seven couple, six single male, two single ladies, and almost a dozen children.   I could say, we were relatively a big crowd.

We arrived at the place at around 7pm.  I actually expected the place to be a farm complete with plants and animals. But to my surprise it was not - the place was just a large flat with two room, large living room and a backyard for bonfire.  The farm - according to the caretaker - is still several meters away and would only be accessible on day time.  Upon hearing the news, I admit I was a bit dismayed because my expectation was never met.  I tried to hide it though, even from my wife.  I don't want to solicit comments from my elders that would just offend me.  I think, keeping silent would be much safer.

I tried to find ways to enjoy myself... and taking pictures was my best bet.  With Tito Bong Sanupe, we had some good time taking pictures of the food, the children and with our ladies.

I took one good pictures of the ladies which made them smile.

Later in the evening, the couples and single men played games.  As expected, me and my wife were the event masters.  I actually didn't do much.  It was my wife who made the games much enjoyable and more fun to play.  I particularly like the "itlog me game" - passing a boiled egg from one side of the pant towards the other.  This game elicit so much laughter among the participants.


The other game, that made everyone roll over the carpet, was the Zipper to Jerusalem.  It is a modified version of Trip to Jerusalem where participants would hold the boy's zipper in lieu of sitting on a chairs to stay in the game.

After the games the kids went to sleep, the single men went outside, while most couples stayed for a Karaoke session.


Most couple spend the night in individual pitched tents. 

Accident

We we all excited on our way to venue. The kids were talking about swimming and they could not wait until we stop. Just few meters from the gate, I slowed down and put the gear to neutral. Then out of the blue, I saw a car zooming exactly opposite us and ... hit our car head on.

The first I did was, chech mommy and Joshua. Blood was oozing on my boy's nose which made mommy panic. I was relieved when i saw that there was no sign of cuts. Then, Jasmine cried very loud. When I check the back, I saw big bruise on my daughter's face. I immediately took her out of the car. Few minutes later, Shutters Guild members started to get out of the estiraha. They immediately took my family inside and made sure that the driver from the other car won't go away. Doods and Bernard called the police. I also called Tito Wilson and ask for help. Thirty minutes later, Tito Willy arrived. Tito Wilson followed and so as Tito Arnel. They help in ensuring that my family will get medical treatment immediately.

Doods and Bernard help in explaining to the police - in Arabic - what happened.

Eventually, the police took me and the other driver. I was worried because I don't know where will he being us. Beejay assured that it's alright. The towing services gave the number where I can follow up my car.

I thought it will be quick. I was mistaken. The police brought us to King Fahad stadium where they transferred the driver to another police car. I was ask to stay. Then the patrol took another round and pick up another guy whom I believe had also been involved in a car accident. We moved to another place where was a traffic jam. Then they let us wait in the car for 1 hour.

It no joke being stocked in a very hot police car. My sweat was running like river in my cheek. But there nothing I can do. So, I took my iPhone and wrote this blog entry.


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Location:Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Gavel Demo meeting

I was late.

I actually got caught in the traffic jam along Dabab street, but that's not an excuse. I was late and that's not an ideal thing to do if your an adviser for a Gavel Club. Nevertheless, I tried to make up by giving them a good evaluation. Something they could treasure even after the meeting.

I honestly enjoyed the meeting. The speakers are fluent with the English language and they are quick thinkers. Table topics seems peanuts for them. They don't bat an eyelash in expressing their ideas, their biases, and principles. And they are not afraid to speak. Hah! Hands down, they will beat any Toastmaster in our club.

Memorable speakers like Sarah during the Table Topics and Fiona during the Prepared Speech session left good impression on all of us. No doubt, these are the future Gavaliers who will beat the Indian Gavaliers of Riyadh.





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TM meeting and kids

It's been quite a long time since my wife Pinky attended a Toastmasters meeting and tonight is her first after six months of hiatus. I'm sure she would not attend had I not convince her that she won't be joining the actual meeting. She will instead just baby sit the kids at the adjoining park.

We arrive at the Oasis compound just before they started. Pinky got the chance to exchange pleasantries with fellow TMs before proceeding towards the park.

The meeting was successful, relatively. We have good attendance, two speakers, and active participation of members. But aside from that, there no spark. It was boring and bland.

Gee... I miss the old school PRTC.





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