Monday, December 31, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New year time again.. time to think bout the blessings, the misadventures, and most of all the hapiness the passing year brings. Time also for the endless list of New Years resolutions which you have since high school.. hehe! joking! For me the year 2007 for me is such a blast. This year my dream of working abroad just came true.. it's such a blessings. I met new friends along the way, also working in a top company here in kuwait is such a priviledge... Life is Great!

Me and my flatmate Anthony went yesterday for our grocery, Due to work.. I almost forgot it's New Year.. when I was in the fruit section I saw lots of kabayan buying different types of fruits.. then I remember it is really new year. Im quite sad because this is my first time away from my family during the new year..I remember I'm the one responsible buying the fruits on the market and also the fireworks.. Oh my God! I really missed it! I got a message from my Mom this morning and she told me that she did'nt cook that much because its just the four of them.. I almost in the brink of crying.. good thing I was able to manage.. I'm tough guy! hehe! Joking aside! I really miss our routines during the new year.. So I bought 13 diferent fruits just to satisfy my sadness. For those readers who's wondering what the heck about the fruits.. Its a custom for Filipinos to buy 13 fruits every New Year for good luck. We got it from our chinese ancestors.

13 Fruits for Good Luck






I just miss the smell of paputok hehe! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!



Sunday, December 30, 2007

BOOK AFFAIRS-PART 2

One time at Powerbooks in Glorietta, I saw this very interesting book titled- THE ART OF SEDUCTION. I was soo curious so I browsed it. I thought it was a self help step by step on how to seduce a person.. naughty hehe! But I was hooked because its much deeper and have much sense than I though.


Everyday we interact with different types of people, maybe in school, work or in the community and yes, even at home. Sometimes we wonder why Mrs. Sanches- your high school teacher was always mad in her class (what's her problem by the way) or you wonder why your BIG Boss does'nt like you at all, or you think how you can get closer to Jenny- your ultimate crush. Well, be thankful, because all the answer are in this book. I got soo hook on this book-Super!



Below are the 18 types of seducer

1-THE SIREN
A man is often secretly oppressed by the role he has to play-by always having to be responsible, in control, and rational. The Siren is the ultimate male fantasy figure because she offers a total release from the limitations of his life. In her presence, which is always heightened and sexually charged, the male feels transported to a world of pure pleasure. She is dangerous, and in pursuing her energetically the man can lose control over himself, something he yearns to do. The Siren is a mirage; she lures men by cultivating a particular appearance and manner. In a world where women are often too timid to project such an image, learn to take control of the male libido by embodying his fantasy.

2-THE RAKE
A woman never quite feels desired and appreciated enough. She wants attention, but a man is too often distracted and unresponsive. The Rake is a great female fantasy-figure-when he desires a woman, brief though that moment may be, he will go to the ends of the earth for her. He may be disloyal, dishonest, and amoral, but that only adds to his appeal. Unlike the normal, cautious male, the Rake is delightfully unrestrained, a slave to his love of women. There is the added lure of his reputation: so many women have succumbed to him, there has to be a reason. Words are a woman's weakness, and the Rake is a master of seductive language. Stir a woman's repressed longings by adapting the Rake's mix of danger and pleasure.

3-THE IDEAL LOVER
Most people have dreams in their youth that get shattered or worn down with age. They find themselves disappointed by people, events, reality, which cannot match their youthful ideals. Ideal Lovers thrive on people's broken dreams, which become lifelong fantasies. You long for romance? Adventure? Lofty spiritual communion? The Ideal Lover reflects your fantasy. He or she is an artist in creating the illusion you require, idealizing your portrait. In a world of disenchantment and baseness, there is limitless seductive power in following the path of the Ideal Lover.

4-THE DANDY
Most of us feel trapped within the limited roles that the world expects us to play. We are instantly attracted to those who are more fluid, more ambiguous, than we are-those who create their own persona. Dandies excite us because they cannot be categorized, and hint at a freedom we want for ourselves. They play with masculinity and femininity; they create their own physical image, which is always startling; they are mysterious and elusive. They also appeal to the narcissism of each sex: to a woman they are psychologically female, to a man they are male. Dandies fascinate and seduce in large numbers. Use the power of the Dandy to create an ambiguous, alluring presence that stirs repressed desires.

5-THE NATURAL
Childhood is the golden paradise we are always consciously or unconsciously trying to re-create. The Natural embodies the longed-for qualities of childhood-spontaneity, sincerity, unpretentiousness. In the presence of Naturals, we feel at ease, caught up in their playful spirit, transported back to that golden age. Naturals also make a virtue out of weakness, eliciting our sympathy for their trials, making us want to protect them and help them. As with a child, much of this is natural, but some of it is exaggerated, a conscious seductive maneuver. Adopt the pose of the Natural to neutralize people's natural defensiveness and infect them with helpless delight.

6-THE COQUETTE
The ability to delay satisfaction is the ultimate art of seduction-while waiting, the victim is held in thrall. Coquettes are the grand masters of this game, orchestrating a back-and-forth movement between hope and frustration. They bait with the promise of reward-the hope of physical pleasure, happiness, fame by association, power-which, however, proves elusive; yet this only makes their targets pursue them the more. Coquettes seem totally self-sufficient: they do not need you, they seem to say, and their narcissism proves devilishly attractive. You want to conquer them but they hold the cards. The strategy of the Coquette is never to offer total satisfaction. Imitate the alternating heat and coolness of the Coquette and you will keep the seduced at your heels.

7-THE CHARMER
Charm is seduction without sex. Charmers are consummate manipulators, masking their cleverness by creating a mood of pleasure and comfort. Their method is simple: they deflect attention from themselves and focus it on their target. They understand your spirit, feel your pain, adapt to your moods. In the presence of a Charmer you feel better about yourself. Charmers do not argue or fight, complain or pester-what could be more seductive? By drawing you in with their indulgence they make you dependent on them, and their power grows. Learn to cast the Charmer's spell by aiming at people's primary weaknesses: vanity and self-esteem.

8-THE CHARISMATIC
Charisma is a presence that excites us. It comes from an inner quality-self-confidence, sexual energy, sense of purpose, contentment-that most people lack and want. This quality radiates outward, permeating the gestures of Charismatics, making them seem extraordinary and superior, and making us imagine there is more to them than meets the eye: they are gods, saints, stars. Charismatics can learn to heighten their charisma with a piercing gaze, fiery oratory, an air of mystery. They can seduce on a grand scale. Learn to create the charismatic illusion by radiating intensity while remaining detached.

9-THE STAR

Daily life is harsh, and most of us constantly seek escape from it in fantasies and dreams. Stars feed on this weakness; standing out from others through a distinctive and appealing style, they make us want to watch them. At the same time, they are vague and ethereal, keeping their distance, and letting us imagine more than is there. Their dreamlike quality works on our unconscious; we are not even aware how much we imitate them. Learn to become an object of fascination by projecting the glittering but elusive presence of the Star.

10-THE ANTI-SEDUCER
Seducers draw you in by the focused, individualized attention they pay to you. Anti-Seducers are the opposite: insecure, self-absorbed, and unable to grasp the psychology of another person, they literally repel. Anti-Seducers have no self-awareness, and never realize when they are pestering, imposing, talking too much. They lack the subtlety to create the promise of pleasure that seduction requires. Root out anti-seductive qualities in yourself, and recognize them in others-there is no pleasure or profit in dealing with the Anti-Seducer.

In the book, there's also the 18 types of victims(the person whom you're seducing) their character profiles and what to do best in every character and situation.

Probably now thinking if you are a Dandy or a Charmer.. Kinda exciting right? Well I guess I'm a bit Couquettish with a bit of a Dandy. What's yours? Leave a comment

I also love the book POWER THE 48 LAWS from the same author


Friday, December 28, 2007

BOOK AFFAIRS- PART 1

I'm halfway reading Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I borrowed it from a friend a month ago but wasn't able to finish it.. its a nice book but work, blogging and cable programs always interferes. It's a true story about a young idealistic sports journalist who accidentally meet again his favorite college professor- Morrie Schwartz. The story evolved around this two interesting individual whom forge a special friendship. Morrie Schwartz was dying from a rare disease called Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig disease, he was a retired college professor at Brandeis University in Massachussets, Mitch Albom was his student in the 70's.

Morrie's story- his fight with his sickness and his fight with death was featured in Ted Koppels program in ABC, accidentally Mitch was watching. Mitch decided to meet his old college professor, that decision will change his life forever. Mitch flew from Detroit to Morries house in Massachussets.. almost 700miles every tuesday. They talk about life, the world, family, emotions and anything under the sun and finally death. This book is wonderful.. full of lessons about everything.. specially about life. Im not yet finish with it but I highly recommend this book.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

MALIGAYANG PASKO ( Merry Christmas)

December 24

Its my first year celebrating christmas without my family and away from them. Its hard but i guess its much better to be here earning more.. compared to being with them but just with meager earnings. I miss the hamon, the suman, keso de bola, bibingka, etc during the noche buena, I miss the colorful parol which come in all shapes and sizes, I miss the kids doing carolings and asking for some coins, I miss the joyful crowd during simbang gabi, I miss the familiar faces in our neighborhood, I just miss christmas in my hometown.. actually I do prefer to celebrate christmas in our province than in manila. I cant pinpoint it but I keep coming back.

Here in Kuwait.. Christmas day is just like any ordinary day.. we have work. We talk about what to do on christmas day several weeks before but it didnt materialized. Bespiras day comes yet still we dont have any plans. Anthony suggest we just eat somewhere.. he got duty until 10pm and I'm off at 8pm. We decided to celebrate it at FRIDAYS.


We meet around 10:30, it was tuesday but still the resto was jammedpacked. Julius arrived late because he went to another party prior to that. Janel for some unknown reason didnt come. We didnt orderedn that much because were not that hungry.







December 25-Christmas Day
I woke up early coz I have 9am duty, there's to many customers and I'd try not to frown because its christmas..hehe! I arrived home at around 9pm because we finished all our pending transactions. I almost forgot to call at home.. I hurriedly walk to the nearest bakala (store) to buy a call card. I bought 2 cards, 1 for the Philippines and 1 for my sister in dubai.
I had hard time to connect but thank God I did, Its already 3am in Manila and my mother answered, I also talk with my father. I told them I'll call again soon. Then I called Maita, she is in Dubai also working there. Nice talking with her. We talk for almost 15minutes much longer than I talk with my mom and dad coz dubai is just near.
Anthony invited me to a dinner at a nearby chinese resto, we didnt stayed longer because he still got duty at the airport at 6am so we say it a night....
Christmas finished...

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

RANDOM SNAPSHOTS

BACLARAN CHURCH- I took this with my new Nokia 5300 last May when me and my friend visit this famous church. Actually of all my photos this one is my favorite.




KUWAIT AIRPORT




BUILDING

I captured this outside my balcony using my Sony Ericson P1i


Last summer my friend from Canada visited the Philippines he then stayed at the Malayan Plaza for a few days. When I visited him, I was amazed by the place. I also took some shots, Below are few of those shots.



PUERTO GALERA in Mindoro


BUYABOD PIER in my hometown province- Marinduque


I took this shot with my first ever camphone Nokia 3660



THE ORCHARD in Cavite- Koi in the pond


Tuesday, December 18, 2007

KIDS CARNIVAL

Last week our manager told us that there will be a kids carnival at the Marina Mall in Salmiya. He assigned joyce and me to take part of it, our company was one of the sponsor so we had a booth. Joyce was assigned to man the booth in the morning... and me in the evening. Oh my God! that was cold! The mall is just beside the sea (cool!) that's why its soo cold during the evening.


The 1st day was fun because there's lot of mascots around clowning with childrens and childrens alike.. including me hehe!

Here you can see scooby doo, clowns and other disney characters. It's so cold and windy outside and yet the kids were all merry and out to have fun.


KIDS CARNIVAL
I took this pic at around 4pm but it looks like around 5pm because its soo cloudy that day. I bought the Sony Ericson P1i because it has 3.2 megapixels camera compared to the regular 2megapixels of most camphone.. but sometimes photos taken by my Nokia 6630 with only 2MP are much better.. I dont know, probably it just from the lighting.



Sea side, lots of speedboats at the dock


The MARINA CRESCENT

WATANIYA TELECOM BOOTH


My second night manning the booth, there's few customers that day because it was soo cold.




Big colorful baloon

I thought that banderitas are only in the Philippines.


I took this on the second floor, Julius came and visit the booth and we agree to have some dinner.


We ate at GBK.. I love thier burgers.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Now, Im here in Kuwait. I miss the holiday season back home, the cold december morn, merry kids singing carols on the streets, the festive mood around the air, the colorful decoration on the streets and at the malls, the Xmas party at the office, exchange gifts with friends, and most of all being with my family during the Holiday season.

When me and my siblings were still young, just like any children on earth, we were really excited when ber months arrive. It only means, the holiday is just around the corner.
We reside in the province and when holiday arrives, some of our relatives residing in Manila celebrate with us, which makes us more happy because they gave us lots of money and gifts hehe! My mother seldom cook, but during holiday season she really cooks a lot for us and for our visitors.



As early as the last week of November, we already build the Christmas tree and put decoration all around the house. Its really fun to do it with my sister and brother. Then we put all our gifts at the feet of the giant tree, we then brag who got the plentiest of gifts. My parents put a rule not to open the gifts before Christmas day itself.. but mischievous me, I woke up in the middle of the night and I woke up my brother, we then sneek from our rooms to the living room and we checked the gifts... specially the largest one! We again sneek back to our room then we goes back to sleep. When mom asked us about the gifts which are obviously been moved.. we'll just look at each other and we'll giggle..really funny!

Christmas day comes, we attend the mass at 4am (1st mass) which I admittedly hate because that's too early. My parents are both religious persons and actually my father is a Lay Minister and it's a must for us to complete the 9 mornings. After the mass we ate breakfast and after that it's really hectic day. My mom starts to cook at 9 and me and my sister helped her. We have lots of coins to give to the children which start to arrive around 9am and will ends till lunch time. Relatives from the nearby towns will also drop by and eat with us, they always bring some delicacies for us chomp. We kids love's the spaghetti, there's pancit, menudo, lechon, lots of sweets like leche flan(Mama Gee, my aunt really do the best) Im assigned to do the punch which I love doing. After lunch, everything was clean, we will go to our room together with our gifts.. excited to check our gifts. Oh God knows how I missed it..

Christmas passed, and we kids now look forward to the New Year. In our family, we seldom woke up for Noche Buena. But for New Year our celebration is much elaborate and my parents spend more money for this event. Lots of foods than christmas, we bought 13 different types of fruits and put it on the center of the table, then for me, I begged to my father to give us money to buy firecrackers.. of course he often gives in (he knows that I will not leave him until he give the money hehe) And if he did not? well I collects money from my sister and brother from our money we received last christmas.. then we have lots of firecrackers.

We have lots of foods during Media Noche, they believed in chinese customs that every new year there should be plenty of everything so that the coming year would be prosperous. Mom always have the salabat or ginger tea, the bola-bola which I love, suman, bibingka, maja etc.
Spaghetti was a staple every occasions, there's the ubiquitos pancit, lechon, menudo, puto and the sweets, there's the fruit salad, leche flan, lechetin and at the center of the table are the colorful 13 fruits. When its already 12 we start to lit the firecrackers.. we kids loves the fountain, lusis, we are not allowed to buy the pla-pla, bawang and something that can amputate our fingers.. that's for our older cousins hehe! O god I love the smell of paputok.. hehe! After few minutes of really loud noise across the town, we then eat that foods. It's so plentiful that I dont know what to get.. I usually get a little bit of everything and I love the sweets. Everything that left would be our breakfast and lunch.

Writing this post is such a bittersweet thing for me, I'm happy to reminisce the old times but yet sad because I'm not there with them. I know that this year would be the saddest, because my sister and me are already working abroad. We are a small family and I know its not complete.. the whole thing without us, last year it was still okay because im still there but now, it'll be much different for them.

I miss everything about the holidays.. But I guess its the prize of being here and earning some nice bucks abroad. But I guess sometimes, we need to experience this for us to appreciate what we have now.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Friday, December 14, 2007

WINTER MUST HAVE

Back in the Phil. I did'nt know that there's a winter season in the gulf region. Everytime I heard about the middle east.. for me it only means.. dry and hot desert nothing more, nothing less.

Last year when my sister got a job in dubai, she told us that there's a winter just sans the snow.. I just laugh at her and ask if she's joking. Now that Im also here in kuwait, I can say that its true.It can really get cold during the evening and early morning. From november up to december its quite bearable, but they say that january and february sometimes hit zero or below... just thinking about it makes me.... errrr... freeezzzzze!

My good friend mitch from Canada upon learning that I got a job in kuwait, gave me three jackets. I also bought one from Bench one week before I leave. Here is the best part.. SHOPPING.. SHOPPING and More SHOPPING!!!!

Yes shopping! As early as june when we arrived here, many pips told us to buy winter clothings even stil its summer coz its still cheaper. All in all I have 7 formal jackets and 3 hoodies, Im planning to buy 2 more hoodies because it looks really nice and cool. Thank God! we dont have uniforms, actually we can go to work as casual as possible.. tees and jeans. But when I was transfered at the Flagship branch.. things change. I need to look more formal that's why i have more formal jackets than hoodies.

Next time i go to the mall, i'll buy bonnets.


FORMALS

Gray Jacket by JOHN ROCHA ESSENTIALS from Debenhams
Tshirt from Gas

Jacket 22KD
Tshirt 14kd



Denim jacket from BOSSINI- I love this!
11KD



Olive green jacket from GAP- a friend in canada gave this to me


Black jacket from ZARA Man- I love this
26KD...Well this is Zara



Brown jacket from H&M-This one is really comfy.
Cheap at 14 Kd





HOODIES
Blue hoodie from Gap- From Mitch




Green hoodie from BENCH
900 Php




White, black and gray stripes from RIVER ISLAND
My fave!
14KD





Jeans! Jeans! Jeans! Jeans! Jeans!



Thursday, December 13, 2007

Being at the flagship

Two weeks ago.. or probably three, I was waken up when my phone rang. It was Joyce on the other line. She told me that I need to go to the newly open branch at Salmiya, at Shaha branch. I screamed.............. Whattttttttt???? Yah! exage hehe!

I feel stupid because nobody told me about me being transfered. I dont know if it's something to celebrate or what. Shaha branch is the flagship branch of Wataniya Telecom... meaning its the best or something like that.

I have really mixed up feeling about this, I'm kinda happy because I'm nowhere in sight of my inxxxpetent ex-manager that's one, no night duties, less crazy customers,
I dont need to wake up at 4am to prepare to my 6am duty.

However, I still miss airport, I'll miss my colleauges, I'll miss my group.. oh! they're really nice to me. I'll miss my chitchat with Ate at Al Fouz, or my early morning coffee at Cup n Chino.
And most of all... I'll miss my 40kd Hehehe!



Welcome to Shaha Branch!

It's much bigger than average Wataniya branch, with both customer service and helpdesk, it boast almost 50 plasma tv, with three teaboys to assist us and a guard.


My workstation.




During my stay there for almost 2 or 3 weeks, Im kinda adjusted already with my new schedule. But I still miss the 2 day off at the airport. At Shaha, we have 2 half days, its either we will work from 9-1 or from 5-8. I prefer to work at night because I dont like waking up early in the morning.. and secondly there more customers during night time.

Its my day off today and tomorrow i'll go to work at 5.. great!