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

The Beautiful Marina Bay

Marina Bay has transformed a million times better than it was three years ago.  

The entire flyover field has vanished. From the Esplanade viewpoint, it was now hidden behind the huge Marina Sands Casino Resort.   On my right, gone are the rusty boats at the old Clifford Pier. The pier itself was renovated and was transformed as the new Fullerton Bay Hotel - an extension of the iconic main Fullerton Hotel.   There were also several under construction high rise building between the old The Sail building and One Marina Boulevard building.  On my far left, the beautiful Singapore Flyer stood proudly illuminating the dark sky with its beautifully lighter observation tubes.  And there was a beautiful foot bridge that links the Marina Sand towards the Esplanade.  It was beautiful beyond description.

Oh, I miss Singapore so much... I want to come back and live here again!

Cancelled trip to Universal Studio

I have long wanted to take a glance to the famed Universal Studio of Singapore and this visit was my schedule.  To make sure I have the right information, I called Marie, my Pinoygrapher colleague who works with the studio.  She replied that today would not be a good time to visit the place because there is an ongoing renovations on major spots. To aggravate the problem, there was island wide brownout since morning.   Upon hearing the news, I decided not to pursue my visit to Universal.  I just proceed to Orchard hoping I can watch some good movies.

I arrived at Lido Cinema at around 5pm and tried looking for the Imax Theater.   I was surprised to see hundred of people loitering at the lobby.   I find the ticket booth and initially thought they just moved it to a new location.  After searching and failed to find it, I asked around.  A beautiful woman who was surrounded with chubby kids replied that the booth was relocated near the elevator and it is currently closed.  The showing right now,s he said, is a premier show for the movie X-men First Class.  There are not ticket because it is sponsored by Starhub.   She offered to give me her extra ticket... much to my delight.

Indeed, I was very glad to watch the opening show of X-men movie.

I left Orchard at around 9pm. I took an MRT train and proceed to City Hall.  I intend to take my dinner at the Soup Spoon at Raffles Place.

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.

Nice to be back

3pm

Now with fully charged body and ready to go, I immediately took a stroll towards Singapore Management University MRT Station.  I was curious because this station was not yet operational the last time I was here.  I was glad that this station can take me to Harbour Front just right to get me to my destination - movie house at Vivo City.

I watched a 3D movie Kung Fu Panda 2.


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It was still early when I went out of the movie house.  I tried strolling at Vivo city but didn't find it interesting.  Perhaps there's just too many people around and it was raining outside.  No choice, I opted to indulge myself with my favorite Prawn Mei at the famous Vivo Hawker Center. 

Later, I went to Cathay Cineplex along Orchard Road to check for the schedule of Pirates of Caribbean.   When I found that the movie schedules were not on my side, I decided to talk a walk towards the hotel.  

I need a rest

 

Rest muna

8:10am

I guess arrived too early at the Hotel, the receptionist requested me to stay at the receiving area and wait for a vacancy in their rooms.  After making I have a room reservation and kept my bag safe, I went out to find breakfast.  I readily found the nearby hawker and ordered my favorite chicken rice and fish soup.  I went back to the hotel at around 9am and was advised to wait further because there was not room available yet.

10:30am

I started calling my contacts in Singapore and inform them that I just arrived this morning.  I was sad that Pinoygraphers had no schedule today and Bong Odal is in the Philippines.   Tolits and Tonski were not reacheable and I assume they chanced their phone numbers.  I also called Inkyo who readily answered and promised to drop by at the hotel after lunch.

11:10am

Finally, I got a room and was able to take a much needed rest.
 
I slept... zzzzzzz

Hello Singapore

Singapore Airlines flight SG 941 touched down at the Changi International Airport at around 6:30 in the morning.  It has been so long since I went back to my home base - over a year, I guess, and the scent of the cozy terminal gave me a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness.  Excitement because I will be seeing my friends again and sadness as well because I have to face the fact the my PR will soon expire.   

I didn't exit at the immigration immediately.  I stayed for almost an hour at the terminal and assisted my seat mate to find her transit flight to Cebu.  I tried to convince her to come with me since her flight would still be the following day.  Rather than stay bored at the terminal for 26 hours, she could spend the day with me and tour Singapore.   She was actually receptive to the idea and even agrees to share the hotel with me.  However after showing her the ins and outs of the beautiful Changi terminal and also assuring her that it is safe inside, she begs off on going out with me.  I politely bid goodbye and then proceed to the immigration area to pickup my baggage.

After showing my PR ID, the immigration officer stamped my passport without any question.  In less than a minute, I was already inside a yellow cab on my way to Hotel 81 Boon Keen.

I got my Jordan visa

Finally after weeks of heart-stopping suspense whether our visa application would be approved, I received an email with the list of names of Toastmasters who are good to go.  I was number 2 and approved.

Yes! hello Jordan and I will be seeing you Petra.

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.

the second best

Yep, you are right.  I was the second best contestant in the Speech Evaluation competition during the 2011 Division A Toastmasters Annual Conference held at the Riyadh Palace Hotel.  The only person who beat me was TM Sankayan Aier of the Riyadh Toastmasters Club. This was the same person who beat me in the Table Topics contest during the Area 1 conference held last April.  And I also remember, he beat me last year in the International Speech contest also in Area 1 conference. Score: Sankayan- 3, Nathan - 0.

There were actually five contestants and these five were the finalist or winners among the 5 different Areas of the Division A.  TM Mohammed Al Hajeri represented Area 38, TM Sunila Chaku from Area 22, TM Federico Delfin who was the 3rd place winner comes from Area 4, TM Sankayan the champion comes from Area 1, and I represented Area 5.  Many Toastmasters said that it was tough contest and we had very close fight.  Considering TM Sunila was the division champion three years back, TM Al Hajeri was a champion 4 years back, TM Delfin was the champion in 2005 & 2004, and TM Sankayan was a 5 times champion; the fact that I beat three other former champion was already a feat by itself.

I was happy, of course.  Initially, I just thought of joining the contest and said "let's get through with this".  It never crossed my mind to join-to-win.  All I wanted was to participate and make a good performance.  Now that I have the 2nd price, well... that's a consolation.

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.