I'm having a hard time collecting my thoughts. Thoughts have been running continually around my mind, seeping into the corners of my brain even during sleep. I haven't had time, or I've been too disoriented, to just sit down and write about what's happened recently. So here goes a random jotting down of past events.
There's the Holy Week trip to El Nido, Palawan. It was absolutely lovely - white sand beaches, clear aquamarine waters, and thousands of brightly colored tropical fish (I even saw Dory! =D). I miss the sun, the ocean, the sand, and the friendly staff. Without Kuya Chito and Kuya Elo, I might've lost my way in that great big 30 feet deep ocean. Hehe. I hope I can go back someday. People have been saying that Coron is beautiful though, so that might be a good beach destination as well. Photos are on my multiply site =)
Then, there's the Fontana trip, this time with my mother side relatives. We had lots of fun wading around in the Lazy River, while my cousins and sister pretended to be mermaids. In fairness to them, they had the movement down pat, their torsos moving up and down. The most memorable part of this trip was that I got to bond with my mom, my aunt, and my grandmother. I love listening to stories from the past. I can't help but admire my grandmother for the incredible strength, courage, and patience she showed during her trials as a young wife and bride. Although I'm happy to be ethnically Chinese, I can't say I'm too proud of some of the traditions and practices we adhere to. Sometimes, women can be prejudiced and treated so unfairly.
My body's been on this routine clockwork these past few weeks - it's been all about work. I'm so tired that I just want to plop down in bed when I get home. I haven't eaten dinner together with my family in weeks, and I'm starting to feel the strain. Work piles up as customers become more demanding, and to be honest, I don't really see an end to this in the near future. Although, this could just be a negative phase I'm going through.
On the flip side, I'm pushing through with my application for Monbusho. Have to submit them before end of May. I've picked out two schools. I'm just having a hard time choosing a field I want to specialize in and coming up with a research study. But I'll have to email prospective project advisors in the coming week if I want to submit the application forms on time.
Then, there are the interviews to companies I'm applying to. Looks promising but I haven't really made up my mind yet. The next two weeks should be busy though as I have another set of interviews coming up.
Oh yeah, watch The Forbidden Kingdom, if you have free time. It's a great way to unwind, plus you get to see Jackie Chan and Jet Li in one film =)
Since there was no French class this week, I was able to catch up on my reading. Loved the latest Sarah Dessen book, "Lock and Key." I liked how she explained the delicate nature of needing, how we have a hard time balancing our need for someone to be there for us and alternatly, our need to be needed by someone. It's a fragile tug-of-war, because sometimes we're good at being there for people but we guard ourselves from opening up too much, keeping a part of ourselves elusive and hidden. "My Best Friend's Girl" by Dorothy Koomson also touches on the same theme, and I found this novel about how a woman finds herself adopting her best friend's daughter despite having had a falling out with her best friend two years ago. It's essentially a book about family and friendship - family is much more than having the sharing the same blood, it's involves sacrifice, trust, and duty.
Have to go pick up Nini from photography class later. My dad went to China with Sape and Uncle Johnson today. Driving is still pretty new to me. Haven't really driven a lot since there's always a driver. But I guess I need to be more self-dependent.
Here's wishing I can handle the stress and load of the coming work week =) Got to keep thinking positive.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
kodak moment
Highlights of the past weekend include going out of town with my cousins and meeting kc concepcion! =D
Went to canyon woods last saturday with a-ie etc. the trip to batangas was uneventful. had my iPod to keep me company (currently listening to maroon 5 and a fine frenzy). Batangas was a welcome escape from the metropolis. Nothing but fresh pine-scented air. Swam (or rather frolicked in the pool) for around 2 hours. Nielle and Zel were practicing their swimming strokes while Matt and Sherisse bobbed here and there in their colorful floaters. Of course, no swimming outing is complete without a splash fight =P Then, lounged around in the jacuzzi area with a-ie and mom.
Had a hearty meal afterwards - kare-kare, bangus, pinakbet, gising gising (i love how they prepare it at seafood island), bihon - of course, i only ate the veggies =) but it was a really filling meal. Swimming makes me hungry.
We were supposed to go bowling afterwards but there were no free lanes so we headed back to our cottage. The kids played Monopoly and Taboo while I started on Paulo Coelho's The Witch of Portobello.
Sunday, we went home early, around 9, had breakfast at Pancake House, then just rested at home. A-ie treated us to dinner at Choi's Garden in Annapolis. The place was packed. After a yummy shabu-shabu dinner, we headed of to UCC Connecticut for some coffee and conversation. In the midst of sipping our blended coffees, we saw KC =) Lyx, nielle, and zel asked her for her autograph. Then, we took some photos. She was really nice and accomodating. And she's really pretty. It was quite an experience. I still feel a bit starstruck. Hehe
Well, it's another work week but Thurs, we're heading off to El Nido, Palawan!
Went to canyon woods last saturday with a-ie etc. the trip to batangas was uneventful. had my iPod to keep me company (currently listening to maroon 5 and a fine frenzy). Batangas was a welcome escape from the metropolis. Nothing but fresh pine-scented air. Swam (or rather frolicked in the pool) for around 2 hours. Nielle and Zel were practicing their swimming strokes while Matt and Sherisse bobbed here and there in their colorful floaters. Of course, no swimming outing is complete without a splash fight =P Then, lounged around in the jacuzzi area with a-ie and mom.
Had a hearty meal afterwards - kare-kare, bangus, pinakbet, gising gising (i love how they prepare it at seafood island), bihon - of course, i only ate the veggies =) but it was a really filling meal. Swimming makes me hungry.
We were supposed to go bowling afterwards but there were no free lanes so we headed back to our cottage. The kids played Monopoly and Taboo while I started on Paulo Coelho's The Witch of Portobello.
Sunday, we went home early, around 9, had breakfast at Pancake House, then just rested at home. A-ie treated us to dinner at Choi's Garden in Annapolis. The place was packed. After a yummy shabu-shabu dinner, we headed of to UCC Connecticut for some coffee and conversation. In the midst of sipping our blended coffees, we saw KC =) Lyx, nielle, and zel asked her for her autograph. Then, we took some photos. She was really nice and accomodating. And she's really pretty. It was quite an experience. I still feel a bit starstruck. Hehe
Well, it's another work week but Thurs, we're heading off to El Nido, Palawan!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
across the universe
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind
...
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
That call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way
...
Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing
Through my open views inviting and inciting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like amillion suns, it calls me on and on
...
Across the Universe is a story of Jude (Jim Sturgess), a dockworker, who ventures to America to look for his father. There, he crosses paths with Max (Joe Anderson), a fun-loving, carefree Ivy-league college student who feels trapped by his privileged life. It is also there where he meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), Max's younger sister. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the film is essentially a story of romantic love, infused with side stories of emotional struggles and personal awakenings.
If i could describe the film in one word, i'd say psychedelic. the film is bursting with music and colors and dance sequences. it was just an amazing visual treat. although some scenes (dr. k's circus and dr. roberts) left me a bit confused, i still loved the pure creativity of the movie, taken as a whole.
Before i watched this movie, i wasn't familiar with the beatles' songs, except for "Let it Be "and "All You Need is Love." So in a way, this musical was my introductory course to their songs. My favorites are Dear Prudence, Hey Jude, Blackbird, I Want to Hold Your Hand, and Across the Universe.
One of the most captivating movies I've seen.
Monday, February 25, 2008
of movies, books, and MBAs
A myriad of things have been going on in my head - some reflective, most inconsequential. i'll just try to enumerate what i've done these past few days/weeks.
1. Movies - I love movies. It's my way of unwinding =) So i watch a movie a week if i can, two if time and budget permit. I've watched 27 Dresses (which i found cute and endearing), Bucket List (which i found heartwarming), Vantage Point (although the storyline wasn't unique, i loved how it was presented. The ending was very Hollywood though =P), and last night, watched the Spiderwick Chronicles (which was a tad too scary for children. I found the ending - how the ogre was dealt with - kind of anti-climatic). Next week, Kite Runner is showing, and the week after it's Across the Universe.
2. Books - I've started to go through the piles of books i bought over the past year. Hehe. Started with The Kite Runner, which is a beautifully-crafted story of loyalty, friendship, betrayal, courage, and forgiveness. I couldn't help but be swept into the tale. A thing that struck me in the book is when a character mentions that Ali has been a tourist in Kabul all his years, he just didn't realize it. It struck a chord. I've lived in the philippines for around 12 years now, and although i'm filipino, i can't really say that i relate to the majority of the population. It's because I've never experienced their challenges firsthand - almost 70% of the population suffers from poverty. There are health problems, food shortage problems, housing problems. Sometimes, most of the time, I go on with my life without taking a second look at the street children selling sampaguita garlands, knocking on the car windows with their dirty hands. Sometimes, we have to take the time to look beyond ourselves and see - really see - the people on the other side of the car window.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, the second novel by the author, is also a lovely book. The story is about three generations of women, each born to and brought up under different circumstances - social and political. Yet, the one thing they have in common is that they possess the courage to overcome challenges, pain, and despair for the sake of their families and loved ones, for their own sakes, and for the promise of hope.
3. Get-togethers. It was Angkong (Fookien word for grandfather) Robert's birthday last feb 16. Had dinner with the Ocampo-Tan clan at Summer Palace in Edsa Shangri-la. Next week, we're having lunch (i think) with the Aquilino clan at Heat, also at Edsa Shangri-la, and also for Angkong's birthday. Last Saturday, Feb 22, attended Jannelyn's debut at the Dusit Hotel. Jannelyn's my aunt - she and my mom are cousins. And i think there will be family dinners for the next two weeks or so. I'm going to gain so many pounds =( Oh well, at least it's bonding time with the extended family =)
4. Post-grad studies. Thinking of applying for a Monbusho scholarship. Also attended the European Higher Education Fair in Makati this past weekend, and found a good school in Angers, France (ESSCA - I think there are campuses in Paris and Shanghai as well). Of course, the question now is what do i really want to specialize in. I always thought I'd stick with Psych, seeing as I took it as a major and i enjoyed studying about behavior and personality. But my work experience is in the corporate world, although HR can technically be considered part of the psychology spectrum.
I used to want to go into International relations or human development but after reading the brochures of the different universities, i realized that it's not really practical in the philippine setting. I mean, Europe has a comprehensive program for public management, international cooperation, and political science. The thing is, I'm not European so I don't think I could really practice what I learned if I really did take the course. Compared the structured government of Europe and other developed countries, the Philippine government is constantly plagued by corruption scandals, under-the-table deals, and all sorts of useless gimmickry. In a way, people have just accepted the fact that the government is always going to be that way.
So, I decided to take an MBA. I think it's more practical and like psych, it's theories are also applicable in all sorts of settings. So, i'm searching for programs. I like this program in France but it's kind of pricey XD so for now, I'm brushing up on my french since i'll need to take the tage-mage (the french equivalent of GMAT) and possibly the delf (level B2).
5. Work - is okay. Moving to a new building next Friday. Also won a Bravo award =) Happy about that. Hehe. I think i'm pretty much settled in, after a few months i'll probably be complaining that work's boring but for now, things are okay. I like that i have time to read a book when i come home. Before, it'd be turn on the laptop as soon as i come home coz i still had tons of pending emails. Now, the workload's eased off a bit and i'm grateful for that.
1. Movies - I love movies. It's my way of unwinding =) So i watch a movie a week if i can, two if time and budget permit. I've watched 27 Dresses (which i found cute and endearing), Bucket List (which i found heartwarming), Vantage Point (although the storyline wasn't unique, i loved how it was presented. The ending was very Hollywood though =P), and last night, watched the Spiderwick Chronicles (which was a tad too scary for children. I found the ending - how the ogre was dealt with - kind of anti-climatic). Next week, Kite Runner is showing, and the week after it's Across the Universe.
2. Books - I've started to go through the piles of books i bought over the past year. Hehe. Started with The Kite Runner, which is a beautifully-crafted story of loyalty, friendship, betrayal, courage, and forgiveness. I couldn't help but be swept into the tale. A thing that struck me in the book is when a character mentions that Ali has been a tourist in Kabul all his years, he just didn't realize it. It struck a chord. I've lived in the philippines for around 12 years now, and although i'm filipino, i can't really say that i relate to the majority of the population. It's because I've never experienced their challenges firsthand - almost 70% of the population suffers from poverty. There are health problems, food shortage problems, housing problems. Sometimes, most of the time, I go on with my life without taking a second look at the street children selling sampaguita garlands, knocking on the car windows with their dirty hands. Sometimes, we have to take the time to look beyond ourselves and see - really see - the people on the other side of the car window.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, the second novel by the author, is also a lovely book. The story is about three generations of women, each born to and brought up under different circumstances - social and political. Yet, the one thing they have in common is that they possess the courage to overcome challenges, pain, and despair for the sake of their families and loved ones, for their own sakes, and for the promise of hope.
3. Get-togethers. It was Angkong (Fookien word for grandfather) Robert's birthday last feb 16. Had dinner with the Ocampo-Tan clan at Summer Palace in Edsa Shangri-la. Next week, we're having lunch (i think) with the Aquilino clan at Heat, also at Edsa Shangri-la, and also for Angkong's birthday. Last Saturday, Feb 22, attended Jannelyn's debut at the Dusit Hotel. Jannelyn's my aunt - she and my mom are cousins. And i think there will be family dinners for the next two weeks or so. I'm going to gain so many pounds =( Oh well, at least it's bonding time with the extended family =)
4. Post-grad studies. Thinking of applying for a Monbusho scholarship. Also attended the European Higher Education Fair in Makati this past weekend, and found a good school in Angers, France (ESSCA - I think there are campuses in Paris and Shanghai as well). Of course, the question now is what do i really want to specialize in. I always thought I'd stick with Psych, seeing as I took it as a major and i enjoyed studying about behavior and personality. But my work experience is in the corporate world, although HR can technically be considered part of the psychology spectrum.
I used to want to go into International relations or human development but after reading the brochures of the different universities, i realized that it's not really practical in the philippine setting. I mean, Europe has a comprehensive program for public management, international cooperation, and political science. The thing is, I'm not European so I don't think I could really practice what I learned if I really did take the course. Compared the structured government of Europe and other developed countries, the Philippine government is constantly plagued by corruption scandals, under-the-table deals, and all sorts of useless gimmickry. In a way, people have just accepted the fact that the government is always going to be that way.
So, I decided to take an MBA. I think it's more practical and like psych, it's theories are also applicable in all sorts of settings. So, i'm searching for programs. I like this program in France but it's kind of pricey XD so for now, I'm brushing up on my french since i'll need to take the tage-mage (the french equivalent of GMAT) and possibly the delf (level B2).
5. Work - is okay. Moving to a new building next Friday. Also won a Bravo award =) Happy about that. Hehe. I think i'm pretty much settled in, after a few months i'll probably be complaining that work's boring but for now, things are okay. I like that i have time to read a book when i come home. Before, it'd be turn on the laptop as soon as i come home coz i still had tons of pending emails. Now, the workload's eased off a bit and i'm grateful for that.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
my weekend 5
a bit of blogging before i start plowing my way through my pile of emails.
1. Saturday. I started French class again. I'm in the Superior Level now, although trust me, the name "Superior" can be deceiving. I'm still not as fluent as I'd wish to be, and my vocabulary and grammar could use some brushing up, but I think I'm able to get my opinions and thoughts across better. The class is mostly just free-flowing conversation about a certain topic (which the professor chooses). This week, it was about the death of Benazir Bhutto. Hopefully, we'll tackle lighter topics like art or culture in some classes =)
2. Watched the Repertory theatre play, Tuesdays with Morrie, with Ernest. The set was quite simple, with all the props laid out on the stage already. The actors were really talented. There were only two actors - for the parts of Mitch and Morrie respectively - but the actors did a splendid job. They gave a heartfelt performance. Watching the play reminded of the importance and essence of "living." It's a thought to keep and ponder on~
3. Afterwards, Ernest dropped me off at Galleria where I met up with my mom and eunice. We watched Sweeney Todd. Suffice to say, I kept my eyes closed most of the latter half. There was just too much blood and throat-slashing >.< todd =")" color="#cc33cc">PS I Love You. I have a soft spot for sentimental and cheesy movies =) expectedly, i liked it better than sweeney todd. It's about a widow (Holly) who learns how to deal with her husband's death through the letters that her husband wrote before he died. The letters get delivered to her on separate occasions, and each contains guidance, instructions, and pieces of advice. It is through those letters that Holly learns how to move on and embrace life again. I cried and laughed and just relaxed throughout the entire movie. I love movies that leave you feeling warm and happy inside =)
5. Parts of the movie were shot in ireland so i thought, i want to go to ireland. And that's what I'm going to save up for, which I think is going to take some time, but I'll get there =)
Movies to look forward to:
Jumper
Mamma Mia
27 Dresses (which is showing next week)
Atonement
Horton Hears a Who
Wanted
*just wanted to note down that i had dinner with char, lin, and cha at fish out of water last week =) dinner with them is always filled with banter, laughter, sharing, and warmth. plus, we were able to walk around greenbelt 4 that week, doing a bit of window shopping at louis vuitton, prada, gucci, and todds ^o^
1. Saturday. I started French class again. I'm in the Superior Level now, although trust me, the name "Superior" can be deceiving. I'm still not as fluent as I'd wish to be, and my vocabulary and grammar could use some brushing up, but I think I'm able to get my opinions and thoughts across better. The class is mostly just free-flowing conversation about a certain topic (which the professor chooses). This week, it was about the death of Benazir Bhutto. Hopefully, we'll tackle lighter topics like art or culture in some classes =)
2. Watched the Repertory theatre play, Tuesdays with Morrie, with Ernest. The set was quite simple, with all the props laid out on the stage already. The actors were really talented. There were only two actors - for the parts of Mitch and Morrie respectively - but the actors did a splendid job. They gave a heartfelt performance. Watching the play reminded of the importance and essence of "living." It's a thought to keep and ponder on~
3. Afterwards, Ernest dropped me off at Galleria where I met up with my mom and eunice. We watched Sweeney Todd. Suffice to say, I kept my eyes closed most of the latter half. There was just too much blood and throat-slashing >.< todd =")" color="#cc33cc">PS I Love You. I have a soft spot for sentimental and cheesy movies =) expectedly, i liked it better than sweeney todd. It's about a widow (Holly) who learns how to deal with her husband's death through the letters that her husband wrote before he died. The letters get delivered to her on separate occasions, and each contains guidance, instructions, and pieces of advice. It is through those letters that Holly learns how to move on and embrace life again. I cried and laughed and just relaxed throughout the entire movie. I love movies that leave you feeling warm and happy inside =)
5. Parts of the movie were shot in ireland so i thought, i want to go to ireland. And that's what I'm going to save up for, which I think is going to take some time, but I'll get there =)
Movies to look forward to:
Jumper
Mamma Mia
27 Dresses (which is showing next week)
Atonement
Horton Hears a Who
Wanted
*just wanted to note down that i had dinner with char, lin, and cha at fish out of water last week =) dinner with them is always filled with banter, laughter, sharing, and warmth. plus, we were able to walk around greenbelt 4 that week, doing a bit of window shopping at louis vuitton, prada, gucci, and todds ^o^
Sunday, January 13, 2008
finding an enemy in silence
had my hair cut yesterday - layered with side bangs. i like it =D
late afternoon, went to trinoma to catch a movie. the line was unbelievably long. i think most of the people were there to watch national treasure. we (with my mom and two sisters) watched bee movie. it was a fun, sweet movie. one thing i recall now is its being so colorful. i loved how the colors splashed and blended on the big screen.
had an early dinner at five cows and indulged in their ice cream cakes. we had the blueberry cheescake and peter piper varieties. it was yummy, although it was a tad too much vanilla ice cream hehe.
after the movie, we walked around the mall and spent the next hour and a half or so at Promod =) The four of us tried on tops, skirts, and dresses while my dad strolled around the store, picking more clothes for us to try on haha. in the end, we (except for zel) went home with around two pieces each.
later today, we're having lunch at my grandmother's because she hasn't been feeling very well so my cousin che thought of having a small get-together to cheer her up. should be fun =)
next week, french class starts today. one of my goals today is to take the delf b2. i'd better stock up on review materials hehe.
=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0*=
how do you know when you're supposed to butt in, and when you're supposed to keep quiet?
how do you know when you're supposed to knock some sense into a person, and when you're supposed to let the person realize things in his own timing?
how do you know when to give up, and when to know there's still hope and thus keep trying?
sometimes, no matter how hard you try to understand a person, you just can't see their perspective, understand where they're coming from...and so you just let them be. do we promote their self-destruction by letting them just be? The thing is, by pushing yourself into their life, you just might make the defense mechanisms go on high alert.
so i just pray and hope. i pray that i realize when the timing is right. i hope that realizations and discoveries are made, and that an understanding is reached.
on the surface, things may seem peaceful enough. beneath the deceptive calm, there are certain things unraveling - slowly, uncertainly, painfully. i pray that there be a way to slowly release it all, so that it doesn't explode and smother us all. Sometimes silence, which masks all the unspoken hurt and bottled-up anger, can be the least peaceful thing.
late afternoon, went to trinoma to catch a movie. the line was unbelievably long. i think most of the people were there to watch national treasure. we (with my mom and two sisters) watched bee movie. it was a fun, sweet movie. one thing i recall now is its being so colorful. i loved how the colors splashed and blended on the big screen.
had an early dinner at five cows and indulged in their ice cream cakes. we had the blueberry cheescake and peter piper varieties. it was yummy, although it was a tad too much vanilla ice cream hehe.
after the movie, we walked around the mall and spent the next hour and a half or so at Promod =) The four of us tried on tops, skirts, and dresses while my dad strolled around the store, picking more clothes for us to try on haha. in the end, we (except for zel) went home with around two pieces each.
later today, we're having lunch at my grandmother's because she hasn't been feeling very well so my cousin che thought of having a small get-together to cheer her up. should be fun =)
next week, french class starts today. one of my goals today is to take the delf b2. i'd better stock up on review materials hehe.
=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0=*~0*=
how do you know when you're supposed to butt in, and when you're supposed to keep quiet?
how do you know when you're supposed to knock some sense into a person, and when you're supposed to let the person realize things in his own timing?
how do you know when to give up, and when to know there's still hope and thus keep trying?
sometimes, no matter how hard you try to understand a person, you just can't see their perspective, understand where they're coming from...and so you just let them be. do we promote their self-destruction by letting them just be? The thing is, by pushing yourself into their life, you just might make the defense mechanisms go on high alert.
so i just pray and hope. i pray that i realize when the timing is right. i hope that realizations and discoveries are made, and that an understanding is reached.
on the surface, things may seem peaceful enough. beneath the deceptive calm, there are certain things unraveling - slowly, uncertainly, painfully. i pray that there be a way to slowly release it all, so that it doesn't explode and smother us all. Sometimes silence, which masks all the unspoken hurt and bottled-up anger, can be the least peaceful thing.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
rendered speechless ^_^
Happy New Year! 謹賀新年！
News flash of the year: My friend Nancy's getting married later this year! Waah! I'm really happy for her. The marriage ceremony will be in Taiwan but she'll settle down in Nagasaki. Wow. I'm shocked but in a good way \(^0^)/ Shucks.
News flash of the year: My friend Nancy's getting married later this year! Waah! I'm really happy for her. The marriage ceremony will be in Taiwan but she'll settle down in Nagasaki. Wow. I'm shocked but in a good way \(^0^)/ Shucks.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
back to reality
happy holidays everyone!
it's back to work for me. i thoroughly enjoyed my leave =) spent 2 days in macau and around 3 days in hongkong. i loved every minute of not looking at my laptop =D
traveled with a-ku and a-ie and my little cousins, who made the trip more fun and interesting. stayed at the venetian hotel & resort in macau. loved the hotel! the rooms were super big, and the beds were just heavenly. one could just sink into them and sleep like sleeping beauty.
the hotel comes fully equipped with a shopping area on the 3rd floor, a casino, tons of restos and fast food choices, plus gondola rides. There are lots of filipinos working there. the person who rowed (?) our gondola was a filipino. Gondola rowers are required to sing 2 italian songs per trip, and filipinos do have lovely voices. Our rower had a rich baritone voice (i liked his rendition of Sta Lucia).
Spent the next day touring the city. Went to the Macau Tower (it's scary to be so high up @@ ), the Senado de Largo plaza, St. Francis Church, and others. It's a pretty small city, quite similar to hongkong except that macau is made more charming and quaint by its european architecture (portuguese-inspired, perhaps).
Highlights in the hongkong trip include meeting up with emma and eric!, the disneyland trip (matt matt's reaction on the boat ride when the volcanoes sputtered ^^ ), and getting to ride public transportation again. I missed walking and taking the subway. Being in hongkong reminded me of japan.
It was a pity I didn't get to spend a lot of time with emma and eric, but it was really nice seeing them again. It was kind of surreal, seeing them in hongkong. It was just sort of different, as if I got to see them in their "natural habitat".
the 5-day trip was fun and relaxing. so much so that i haven't been really up and about at work. i guess i've settled in today, which is why i'm still up. i have to answer the emails that have piled up in my inbox. sigh, back to the real world.
have a wonderful new year!
it's back to work for me. i thoroughly enjoyed my leave =) spent 2 days in macau and around 3 days in hongkong. i loved every minute of not looking at my laptop =D
traveled with a-ku and a-ie and my little cousins, who made the trip more fun and interesting. stayed at the venetian hotel & resort in macau. loved the hotel! the rooms were super big, and the beds were just heavenly. one could just sink into them and sleep like sleeping beauty.
the hotel comes fully equipped with a shopping area on the 3rd floor, a casino, tons of restos and fast food choices, plus gondola rides. There are lots of filipinos working there. the person who rowed (?) our gondola was a filipino. Gondola rowers are required to sing 2 italian songs per trip, and filipinos do have lovely voices. Our rower had a rich baritone voice (i liked his rendition of Sta Lucia).
Spent the next day touring the city. Went to the Macau Tower (it's scary to be so high up @@ ), the Senado de Largo plaza, St. Francis Church, and others. It's a pretty small city, quite similar to hongkong except that macau is made more charming and quaint by its european architecture (portuguese-inspired, perhaps).
Highlights in the hongkong trip include meeting up with emma and eric!, the disneyland trip (matt matt's reaction on the boat ride when the volcanoes sputtered ^^ ), and getting to ride public transportation again. I missed walking and taking the subway. Being in hongkong reminded me of japan.
It was a pity I didn't get to spend a lot of time with emma and eric, but it was really nice seeing them again. It was kind of surreal, seeing them in hongkong. It was just sort of different, as if I got to see them in their "natural habitat".
the 5-day trip was fun and relaxing. so much so that i haven't been really up and about at work. i guess i've settled in today, which is why i'm still up. i have to answer the emails that have piled up in my inbox. sigh, back to the real world.
have a wonderful new year!
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