Welcome 2009

Goodbye 2008...

I became wiser

Forgave 

and let go...

Loved

Cheers 2009!

New Year! More blessings to everyone!

Forgive...

Learn

Most important... give love 

Love is everything!

Year Ender

Year of the Rat --- known as 2008 is not the best year for me. Read Chinese Horoscope 2008 and Chinese Horoscope 2009

I had a lot of struggles this 2008. I was cheated, deceived, our life savings gone and some investment. I cried a thousand river to tell you frankly and I am not whining about it... I'd like to tell the whole world how lucky I am to have Yuan, who arrived January 8 this 2008 even there are a lot of hindrance that came in the end of 2007 and until 2008.  I am thankful to God that he is one happy and healthy baby despite of our distance. Being away from my daughter Paula and my son Yuan, I have proven myself stronger than ever. It sounds crazy leaving my kids, but its for their future I am thinking about. I am used that Jae, my husband is far from me because he's been overseas for 8 years. This made our relationship stronger and hold on with God's promises. I would say that we are both mature now and realized that whatever comes in between, we know how to resolve issues by talking things over and forgiving each other, and be with each other while mending whatever that is broken.

Sad to say that I was deceived by my old company here in Singapore before, false promises (I wouldn't go with the details), but I survive Singapore by Gods love. God gave me a better job and its what I love to do. Know who are my friends are. Meet new friends that I wouldn't forget. This are better than money that I've been chasing outside Philippines. I know I became greedy, because we (me and my husband) would like to give the best for my kids and my siblings.

My cousins came to SG to visit. My daughter Paula and my mom visited me twice. My husband also came to SG together with our son. This made me proud. Them coming here is something.

I have broken the barriers and became open minded with people with different colors --- I mean the Indians and Bangladeshis or whatever race you are. When I have to leave for Malaysia, Aunt Guna -- an Indian took care of me. This let me learned that its more that skin deep and don't even judge them because they are smelly or something... I've worked with HSBC where they promote diversity and SG is where I have learned more about it and put it to practice.

Being away, overseas... Reminds me my values that was taught way back with my family and the school I studied in (all girls catholic school) keeps me going. Keeping in mind about morality and being conscious of what is right and wrong. Pag asa abroad ka ang daming tukso... its up to you on how you'll handle it, on what values that you have for you not be in trouble. I'm not righteous, but I practice it.

Besides from the struggles that I had, I'm thankful that God continues to guide us. Shower us still with His blessings and His unconditional love keeps me and my family going.

I know things will be better, as what HE promise. Not what Chinese Horoscope does...

Cheers to 2009! God Bless Us All!

Chillin' Weekend

I've never been more relaxed. I was suppose to go to CitiSpa for a massage but I booked the wrong branch. Instead of North Point which is 10 minutes away from our place, I booked Causeway Point instead, wherein I need to take a train about 30 minutes. So I cancelled and will have it next week. So what I did when I cam home from the office, I work 5.5 days, I put all my laundry in the machine and cleaned up my room -- change the bed linings and wipe the tables. I was thinking of rearranging it... but got lazy conceptualizing on what to do.

Afterwards, I installed a torrent and go to this site. I downloaded Tuesday's with Morrie, Pursuit of Happyness, Transformers, Monsters Inc., Riding Cars with Boys and 7 Pounds. I watched Tuesdays with Morrie right away... and believe me I cried (I'm such a cry baby). But it feel so good. Sometimes you just need a good cry to release stress...

I didn't finished them all because I'm also watching Ally Mc Beal. Oh well, I'll just watch them during New Year, I really need an external drive for Macky. I love downloading... maybe next salary I'll buy the tera drive....

I want to go home. Getting homesick everyday.

Chinese New Year is coming Jan 26-27. It'll be a long weekend. Since I have work on a Saturday, I'm planning to get a ticket Jan 24 evening and be back Singapore Feb 1 afternoon. Tickets are so expensive with PAL, so I'm checking out SIA. Less than $100. I might consider Cebu Pacific Less than $200 from PAL, but the flight is Jan 25... So little time...

We don't know yet where to celebrate Yuan's, Paula and Jae's birthday... I was thinking of Dad's buffet meryenda or Mc Donalds ATC. I opted out Jollibee because last Paula's birthday party we celebrated it at Jollibee... Naiinis ako kase yung boss ko kase paiba-iba ng isip with regads to holiday leave. Sana, I'm home on Yuan's birthday. But... sadly I can't. Hayy... I feel mushy this early Monday morning... but I feel so excited. Sana Jan 24 na...

HappY Holidays

Merry Christmas everyone! 

I appreciate all the greetings, emails and the messages that you all sent.

I am glad that you remembered me even most of you are busy during this festive season. Don't worry I'm fine and coping. 

Happy Holidays.

I miss queso de bola and delicious fiesta hams this season.

Just Got Lucky

December 22, we had our Christmas party. Not as fabulous as what we have in the Philippines because not all are catholic. It was lunch until 3:30... Kung sa Pinas to dinner to sawa... Kakamiss parties sa Pinas...

My coupon #1003

We came from the west yard since we are conducting training in one of the containers... So, we came in not so late and we queued up and drop my 1003 and hoping to have the first prize the IPOD Touch... I wanted it so much, because my Nano is dying... can only play 5 songs and dead batt afterwards... I have my Samsung F480 but sad to say I lost the headset and I bought a new one and after 3 months... its not working. I just don't have the time yet to go to the city and buy... I hope after the holidays... So I said I wanted something from this Christmas party... because my husband is teasing me badly that I never ever won anything form any raffle... I said to him that this time I might have something...

It was started with opening remarks from our Senior General Manager -Information Systems Group... Michael Lee... Commending our ISRP project...Ahem... Hahaha.

Before we have lunch, they had a Lucky Draw and Mary Ann, my close friend and lunch buddy won something... a thumb drive

Mary Ann won a thumb drive with manager Nicolas

After the first batch of Lucky draw... we had lunch....

We even have Christmas Turkey

We had games, Im singing Christmas carol... and belting Jingle Bells (hahaha). We didn't win this game...

Another lucky draw and Shalini, my co trainer got a bottle opener --- uber sosyal bottle opener

We had another game, blow the christmas candles. In each team must blow as many candles as fast as he could.

Unfortunately... our team didn't won... LOSER... hahaha

I was loitering on another table, where some of my Pinoy close friends are... From Left to Right --- Shalini, Chris, me, Cecile and Joar. Another game, dress up your christmas tree....

Krystel won from team 1. Projection is the key. She said that she's the Vegas Christmas tree but our GM joke around and told everyone she's the Strip Teaser Tree... After this game, we had the last 10 draws... gift certificates and portable dvd players where given away. Then the last 3 includes, Ipod Video (grand prize), External HD and Microwave oven...I was praying "Lord, give me something... please" Then #1003 was called, and I was happy clapping my hands... and look at my smile... no eyes for me. Uber happy

With GM Martin Lee, receiving the ever first Lucky draw prize!

I've realized that I should have prayed, "Lord please give me the Ipod Video..." I should specifically specified that I want the Ipod video... Anyways, since we dont have microwave in our flat... its a blessing. Now we can heat our food without opening the stove!

Long distance Mom

Yesterday, I was chatting with my sister and she said that my daughter don't want his brother around. My sisters together with my kids are planning to go malling Sunday. My kids are currently in BF because Mama miss them and so my siblings. My sister says that Paula dont want to be around Yuan... so they didn't bring Yuan along with them... So sad. I don't know what to do... I dont want them to grow apart. Sakit sa dibdib, sa totoo lang. Kakalungkot. I told myself I don't want to blog loneliness anymore, kase pati readers ko nag woworry...

I love both of my kids. Yuan's still a baby and he needs more attention.. Pero I always think of Paula and Paula and Paula... I love my daughter so much, I just don't know how to channel it to her anymore. We often talk and chat and I always say how Iove her, but its not enough... I feel its not enough at all.

Kaka sad...

Malungkot na naman ako... Lunes na Lunes...

for your information

I am posting this due to public demand... I hope this helps

I have a lot of friends, colleagues, online buddies, trainees and relatives asking me if they have opportunity here in Singapore... I am gladly to say that there is a lot of opportunities here in SG, Filipino talents are much needed in this country. But the downside of it... as of the moment it's recession... SG is more on banks, investments, insurance and IT business. They look for college graduates with two to more years of experience in skills that you specialized in. IT skills are very much needed in this country, not just ordinary technical support, we are talking about hardcore IT infrastructure support, mainly system analyst, programmers, SAP peeps are the few others.

You may hear from the others come and be a tourist in SG then look for a job. Yes, you can do this. A lot of people had done it and some people left SG and just went back. You may hear good stories... there are but you haven't heard anything bad, right? Example na lang si Flor Contemplation? I know she DH (which is totally different from you) but don't you remember her story? She's OFW, still.

It's a big risk in coming here. I've met a lot of my own kind (Filipinos) crying in MRT or bus stops. And if you ask, why this people crying... her social visit pass is about to expire and she haven't gotten a job at all. Her friends told her that its easy to get a job in SG, but in reality... its not the case. She exited Malaysia twice and her life savings is gone... Or they were decieved by locals...Or layed off...

If your background is customer service in a call center setting alone, I'll discourage you for now to come here. It's not that I am selfish stubborn bitch mainly because they feel intimidated with American Accent. They have what they call Singlish and Chinese language... Singlish is similar to English but in a different tune... When the say "Go Back?" that means going home... labo no? But there are a lot of this funny Singlish thingy. I know in this country they really need good customer service (see this survey) however they don't pick Foreign Workers to do that. Companies woudn't pay $1800 for customer service noneunless the company is MNC, which are S Pass Holders, they can hire their locals and pay them for $600-$800. As of now that there are alot of Filipinos flocking Singapore and looking for admin jobs and customer service jobs... it would be tough for you... believe me. But if you have other specialization, and have atleast 3 years experience then there is probability to get a job in SG, but not that fast. In here job applications are done online which you can do in PH... It would take approximately 1 month before your resume be noticed by some company. Because in a company, for every 4 locals (Singaporean)/ Permamnent resident thats the only time they can hire 1 foreign worker like Filipino. But we are not the only foreigner applying. There are Indians, Chinese, Indonesians, Malaysians, etc.

You can also apply for EPEC. This would let you stay in SG for 1 year even you don't have any work... this is can let you stay in SG without exiting neighboring countries. But this doesn't give you guarantee job, because my housemate who's EPEC holder is staying here for 9 months now and still havn't get a job...

For more of employment pass --- click here

Job search starts in the Philippines. If you are eager to come in SG, you must create a catchy CV, pointing your specialization and achievements. If you have relatives in SG, then you can use their address in SG because most of employers wouldn't really entertain PH address... write on your cover letter when can you possibly come in SG for interview.Or sign up for Free SG numbers or have a friend bring you SIM card from Singapore. Then apply thru SG job bank websites like Jobstreet or Monster

Place to stay in SG is quite expensive. A room would cost $500 and above... If you'll be sharing a bedspace is from $250-above. If your renting an HDB flat then that will cost $1600-above (2 bedroom flat) or $1900-above for (3-4 bedroom flat) and for those who would like to have a pool, gym facilities, etc condo cost around $3000 and above. Utilities (PUB)not yet included -- internet (broadband), electricity, water and gas which is approximately around $200- above.

Hawker area is usual in SG. Its like carienderia in Philippines, but cleaner and approved by the government health inspector. You can get the most famous chicken rice for only $2.50. Mc Dee, Burger King, Carls Jr, KFC are few fast foods in SG and they are expensive for a burger or chicken... minimum $6.00 for a meal, because everything in SG is imported. They dont have farm lands like in the Philippines. They import all their goods... from dairy to meat products... from soaps to shampoo and all.

Transportation in SG is mainly bus and trains and if you have extra money there is cab... see my post regarding SG tranportation. Cab accept Visa, MasterCard or Nets.

It's still for you to decide. Because if you really want to go out of the country and explore SG then its really you who'll buy the ticket, right? :-)

Be emotionally and financially ready. And a lot of prayers and prayers.... and more prayers

See more

Filipino Community

Keppel is one big company and its not just a bank as everyone thinks. But where I work its a shipyard. In the Philippines they have 3 yards. Subic, Batangas and Cebu. They also have alot of yards all over the world. Singapore, Australia, Japan, Australia, Brazil, US, and Qatar is on progress and be up very soon.

I am so amazed when I get near the ships... It is so big and all I can think of is the movie Titanic, and you bet I'll sing the most famous Celine Dion's "My heart will go on" whenever I get near the ships and my officemate Shalini will laugh at me. Never in my life I thought of working in a shipyard, believe me it is so unfabulous. I can't wear dresses anymore because male workers dominate this area. In every 10% employee there is 0.2% female. So, if you wear a dress or skirt, guys will be looking at you as if they are ripping your clothes off. So, I'd rather wear a descent slacks and good top. But I still wear dresses and skirt if I have corporate meeting and training with the bosses.

Last Saturday, we have a Keppel Filipino Community Christmas Party. It was fun and the food were all sooo delicious. Kare kare, sisig, paella, paksiw na lechon, chicken adobo, pancit bihon, pichi pichi, palitaw, maja, leche paln, buko pandan, etc. So many food. Yummy! The guest includes the Filipino family members who are working in Keppel. Sad... sniff...sniff because my family is in the Philippines.

Chairman of Keppel Filipino Community - Ricky Velez talks about not being alone during this season. And looking for each other this recession periond. Gosh, OFW feeling... nakakaiyak... promise

I joined the game, hawakan ng talong (touch the eggplant) but I feel so uneasy touching others talong :P Hahaha. So the first round I elliminated myself purposely. Hahaha...

Touch my talong...

Look at how Cecile touches the talong!

Is she still touching the eggplant? Em looks disgusted!

Cecil won the game and she have some great prizes! I think this include one year supply of eggplant or something...

There is also the couples game. The mechanics is for them to have the same answer... and the young couple won... Ivy and John (huh! our crush!)

Wedding date will be this Dec. 26, 2008 at St. James, Alabang

The IT guys and girls -- nice view.

With Keppel Filipino Community Chairman Ricky Velez

Yay! So happy

smile -- ang pinoy inde madamot sa ngiti

And dancing Low?

It was fun. I feel so OFW, medyo bakya ang dating. I can be happy pala kahit sobrang babaw lang... Besides from Gossip Girl and House that I'm watching. I love watching pinoy channels over the internet. All soaps and telenovela...

I was teary with chairmans opening remarks. What more on Christmas day...

Meet my College Friends

Rhia, Raymond, Ana Jane, Mark Chamen, Rea, Jae and Jay

Arlene, Liezel, RJ, Raymond, Rhia, Rea and Jae

Dave, RJ, Mark, Raymond, Rea, Jackie and his X- Raymund

Arlene, Rea, Ana Jane, Jackie -- my last birthday that were together.

Here's the story...

We are one group in college, blockmates that became so close that until now we still go out whenever we can. SMS and PM each other. John Paul Dimaano, Rea Santos, Raymond Samonte, Arlene Repato, Ana Jane Pimentel, Elmer Keng, Elmer Drequito, RJ Lovendino, Jackie Viray, Mark Adrian Chamen, Arlene Repato, Dave Francisco and Mike Pasit (deceased). We are from Block EE in college.

Raymond and Rhia

rea and jae @ bora

Jane and Mike

Michael Santos and Jackie Viray

Rea Santos married John Paul whom I call Jae. Raymond Samonte married Rhia Dizon they met after college. Jackie dated a guy named Raymund Sotto but married one of our college classmate named Michael (Mike) Santos. Ana Jane's fiance is Michael Pagaduan but dated a guy named Mark (dont remember his last name --- jane, do you remember?). Dave Francisco dated a girl named Jane, whom he met somewhere thru friendster. Mark Chamen dated Arlene Repato but Arlene Repato is currently dating a seaman who I don't know the name. Michael (Mike) Pasit married a girl name Arlene also.. (but don't remember her last name as well --- she disappeared when Mike died). Elmer Drequito married a girl name Jane, and he likes our Ana Jane before. And Elmer Keng and Elmer Drequito have the same first name. Keng wanted to date Arlene Repato but doesn't have enough courage to do so... RJ Lovendino also called as Jay is dating Liezel, as of now.

Weird.

But funny.

What I know there are thousands of names... pero how come iilan lang ang umiikot sa tropa? :-)

*** most the pictures were grabbed thru friendster. All the pictures that we have is in the my HD back in the PH....

PS

Congrats to Raymond and Rhia. They are now pregnant! I so happy for you guys! Eto na pinakahihintay na playmate ni Yuan and Paula! Love you both and Keep safe!

random facts

The rules:
1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and also to read your blog.

10 Random facts/habits about me.

1. I love the beach and being a bitch

2. I'm stubborn.

3. I love to teach --- it is so fulfilling. Believe me I'm patient! :)

4. I think out of the box.

5. What Rae wants, Rae gets it --- I'm a goal getter... by hook or by crook

6. I love to play the guitar and missing it so much

7. I enjoy dancing

8. I'm so inlove with sunrise and sunset

9. I married my first boyfriend

10. I'm no longer virgin! :))

Thanks Rhia for this tag.

I'm tagging Mafie, Jane, Loren, JD, Dijie, Abbie, Mommy Alice, Mhy, Ruby, and Rocio Xandra

The love story - Macky and Rae Version

Besides from tons of reports that I've been doing and manual update I am so busy with my new room mate...

So love the Classic White Macbook

He arrived. Finally. I always wanted this book. From the time I got my Nano Ipod way back Summer 2006, because I'm so getting ready for galera trip that time. I got a black one.

When I arrived SG I was planning to get DELL because it is affordable but reviews says it is just OK. Eventhough I worked as a tech support for DELL im not so into it. Me and my bff Loren was up to Sony VAIO because of the wonderful design and colors(especially the red and blue), but the OS is Vista and I'm not a fan of it, so slow...

Lorem and Rae along the City Hall Link. Sony displays our puppy love Sony Vaio

When I went to Malaysia, my housemate Ate Michelle lend me her Macbook just top make sure I keep intouch to the world and still do my applications online.. And I knew it.. One perfect match...

With so many sleepovers with Janeys and watching wonderful movies together --- all chick flicks and those so crying movies that they offer me to watch with their MacBook Pro (si Mike gusto akong paiyakin palagi) I became more eager with it. My love for Macbook just went back... as in. It was serendipity. I said to myself... I must have it! When Singnet have the promotion Greys, Nots and I hurried up to the nearest shop and we have it for FREE! yeay! Told you, its one true love... Money can't buy love, right?

The notebook of my dreams are now with me... and I know we will live happily ever after. The best part of it is this one... Viewing my family thru my Jae's laptop back home

Long Distance Relationship

Everyone might think that I am crazy to have a long distance relationship and so unusual situation. My husband is based in Japan, my kids are in Philippines and I am here in Singapore. Most of people that I know would ask question like: "Why don't you guys stay in one part of the world?", And I am left blank... because I'm so exhausted in explaining. Minsan nga may nagtanong sa akin, ang reply ko medyo rude na... "Pakialam mo?" or "We are all in Asia anyway, we're in one part of the world" stubborn noh? Nakakapagod kaseng mag explain, that he have a good paying job in Japan and I have my career in Singapore and the kids have to stay in Philippines because Paula is studying and can't quit in the middle of school year and Yuan is so clueless about it...

I'm so happy with the technology nowadays. Twenty years ago, when my father left for US it was all snail mail and greeting cards and phone calls are pretty expensive and literally we don't have landline until my dad's 10th year abroad, because getting a phone number in our area is quite hard and if you don't have a friend in PLDT then it will be hard for you to get a phone number and a phone. Now, we have cellphone, landphone is not hard to acquire and also internet is here... I wish we have this kind of technology when I was small... I mean, we really do miss our Papa when we're growing up and I wish we have this facility back then. It feel so good in my part as a parent to see my kids playing. Even they don't talk to me or type anything on the keyboard it means a lot to me. And my daughter said that it seems that I'm always around... I just turn on the laptop and invite them to view my webcam and they can even see me while I'm sleeping... and wake up and so nice. That feeling that they are around and you are around for them.

My daughter's forehead while we're chatting

When my Papa and I talk over the phone, he always blurt out that if we have the internet and all before me and your mom wouldn't feel so far away... They have this issue that they dont know each other anymore after 20 years living in US and my Mama is in the Philippines... and this I don't wanna feel with my family. I don't want that certain feeling of mine with my dad when he was far away and I bet with this technology it will atleast help us not to feeling that certain farness... and being alone.

Happy Birthday Princess Jackie

Jao, Livin a Vida Loca in Dubai

Jacquelyn Viray-Santos... Some may know her as Jackie or Jack, but most of her closest friends will call her Jao. No dull moment with Jao. I miss her so much. She is now based in Dubai and got married to one of our college classmates back in AMA, Makati. No quite moment with Jao at all. The funniest and the craziest person I've ever known. Radical indeed. And every family loves her. My family loves her, same as AJ, Arlene, JP, Raymond, RJ and the list goes on. 

Wala kaming ginawa nila AJ, Arlene, Frances and Me kundi tumawa ng tumawa. My college life wouldn't be that fun if wasn't with Jao. One of my best girl friends and  I wouldn't trade for anything else. She didn't leave me behind and she's there thru thick and thin. She have seen me and been with me with my worst and been so supportive. She's the first one who found out that I am pregnant with Paula and she throw up, with what I don't know the reason... Haha... I miss you my dear friend. I hope to see you soon... Di ka man lang nagstopover sa SG when you're in Malaysia! Sama mo kami sa Europe trip mo! Happy Birthday Jackie! I love you!

Nega Star

I'm kinda pissed off. Napaka Nega star nitong kasama ko... lagi na lang negative vibes ang dala sa office. Complaint dito, complaint dyan. Kakainis. Nanahimik ka at gumagawa ng mga dapat mong gawin, e inde mo magawa dahil she's consuming all my time. Sobrang simple ng mga bagay, ginagawang complicated.

Ngayon, imbis na focused ako sa ginagawa kong report, nag bloblog na lang ako...

Imagination

I was in the shuttle this morning and I can't sleep at all.It takes 45mins ride from Yishun to the shipyard and usually I sleep during this time but I can't. A lot of things in my mind and it keeps on going and going. Happy thoughts of my family back home... On how Paula is studying, Yuan playing and Jae, watching tv. It was so early to day dream... or imagination it is...

I've talk to Jae's auntie, Tita Em and we've been talking for 30 minutes last night and its all about the kids. It was a wonderful conversation wherein she never mentioned anything regarding how they missed me and any problems but she filled it with hope. I'm so delighted talking to her. I understand my husband, that he is impulsive and can never contain himself whenever there is something that is bothering him, and he admits that he really can't live without me... and sometimes it irritates me because we are apart. As I said before that this are spaces in between I can't fill in.... and I feel sad when this happens. Tita Em was talking on how amazing Yuan and Paula. How the laughter of Yuan makes Tito Maning happy. Tito Maning had a stroke last October after Tita's masectomy. It was sad, but atleast we still have him. Yuan and Paula may not be around me, but atleast they are around our relatives and make them happy. There are something with kids that brings joy, and that makes me happy.

Paula, Tito Maning and Yuan. Tita said this is the very first time Tito smiled after the stroke. See how happy he is. I'm so glad he is.

I was planning go to home for my son's birthday on 8th of January, it is his first however I can't. I've talk to my boss and she said my collegue is also leaving for India. We can't be at the same time to take our holiday leave. I've talked to my husband and he agreed that I can come on the 16, and I was checking Philippine Airlines and roundtrip ticket is SGD 268 thru econolight. They are introducing the budget fares so that OFW can easily come home for a holiday. I'm also checking Cebu Pacific Air but the fare is 400++, I'd rather take the PAL one. But crossing my fingers together with my legs that my boss would allow it and won't change her mind...

To my dearest JD

It was so sudden. I feel for you my girlfriend. I cried when I heard the news, I wasn't able to contain myself, because I never thought that the happiness and the excitement you have last week will bring you such sorrow and sadness.

I may not be around to give you my warmest hug and comfort that I am around but my prayers will be with you from miles away.

Give yourself a good cry girl. Let it out. Everyone will miss Charles, the way he smile, his laughter and the way he ask money out of you. The sweetness... and his love. For everything there is a reason and God will definitely give you strenght for each time you feel alone.

I love you JD. Charles just need to go...

Lets Pray for the perpetual soul of Charles N. Retuya

Christmas Countdown

I bought some Christmas card from Marks and Spencer last week and today I took a deep breath and started writing them so I can send them thru post and hopefully, friends and family will receive them before Christmas Day. I'll be sending them all over the world, Dubai, US, UK, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia and Italy. I never thought that I do have so many friends and family all over the world and they might be missing the holiday action back home... Philippines. I was chatting with one of my friends back in Manila and she said there's one big rush in the malls and tiangge. Decorated with lights and fabolous ribbons and the famous parol. I remember when I was a kid, my father brings us to COD in Araneta to watch the doll show and now they transferred it to Greenhills.

I bet traffic jam is crazy in Manila right now, and in Singapore its kinda busy and fully decorated with lights but in quite different. Back home you'll feel the love and care the excitement. In here, I just wanted that day to pass me by... I might drink alcohol, smoke and just sleep the whole night for sure I'll be crying like crazy, I've come to realized how important family is. I might have friends here in Singapore, but there's nothing like family and being a parent during the holiday season. I have kids and just thinking that I will be away for Yuan's first Christmas and Paula's first time to experience the family of 4, I feel so sad. I have to detach myself to loneliness, this might make my headcrack...

The male and female side of a computer

Top ten reasons why computers are male

10. They have a lot of data but are still clueless.

9. A better model is always just around the corner.

8. They look nice and shiny until you bring them home.

7. It is always necessary to have a backup.

6. They’ll do whatever you say if you push the right buttons.

5. The best part of having either one is the games you can play.

4. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on.

3. The lights are on but nobody’s home.

2. Big power surges knock them out for the night.

1. Size does matter.

Top ten reasons why computers are female

10. The instruction manual is mostly wishful thinking.

9. Even after you’ve turned them on, they just sit there waiting for you to make the next move.

8. Incorrectly worded commands are completely ignored, or worse, taken literally.

7. They reveal all your secrets to anyone who wants to know.

6. Upgrades react badly to things left behind by previous versions.

5. Rules are absolute and there is no possibility of compromise.

4. Whatever you buy for them, there will always be a newer version that they want.

3. Nothing is ever “really” deleted… obsolete files will be brought up out of nowhere just to annoy you.

2. Error messages always translate to: “Well if you don’t know I’m not going to tell you.”

1. Despite your best efforts to prevent it, they continue to permit unauthorized entry.

( Found in Internet )

On dying

I woke up late today... I should wake up at 4:30AM and I woke up 5:30AM with my chacha shuttle alarm. I didn't hear my 4 Minutes by Madonna alarm at all. Im dead to the world, sad to say. I have two alarms in the morning. First at 4:30AM for me to prepare to work and the second was leave the house at 5:30AM because I have to walk at the bus stop and transfer to the bus interchange to get the Keppel Shipyard shuttle. So, because I have a terrible headache from last night and I drank two tablets of Paracetamol, I doze off like a baby. I rushed to the bathroom then dress up fast. So I took a bus, then MRT to Jurong, transferred to Boon Lay MRT and take a cab to work. If I take the bus, I'll be late. And I don't want to be late. Thank God! Janey lend me her book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Goodness I have it in my bag, and I was amazed reading it in the MRT. Most of the lines almost made me cry. I haven't finished it. Halfway reading it, and it feel so good. There was a part when Morrie was telling Mitch about "once you learn to die, you learn how to live". I believe in this one...

I had my second major operation. Apendectomy last April 2005. I have severe pain on my lower right abdomen. I was so painful that I was crying and crying and can't stop.Then, we went to a nearby hospital in Laguna and they said we have to prepare 60K for operation and the room will be in ward? My God! We'd rather head to Asian Hospital because its accrediated hospital of PLDT, but my manager wasn't answering if its accredited or not. So, what we did is we headed to Las Piñas Doctors because its near my parents house in BF Parañaque, plus we have a family friend who is a surgeon who's practicing in that hospital. She found out we have to really remove my apendix, so we are scheduled 7AM. I was crying. I already have one scar due to ceasarian operation for Paula, then my tummy will look like my elementary embrodery project! It was all set. I had my anesthesia, and doze off. It was all white and then there was Mommy Paz, my hubby's dead mother. Looking at me and smiling. I just utter, they need me. And there was chest pain, because the doctors was reviving me. They have used a somekind of a thing on my chest, and let me live. I never knew that I was clinically dead for 5 minutes... Thats why my doctor, Dr. General hugged me with teary eyes when she saw me first time after my operation, and whispered " I thought I will loose you" . I just found it out on the tech operating report that I need to pass it to PLDT, my company that time for the benefits to claim. I was speechless and from there I started to love my life more and more.

Thanking God each day for the time he still lends me. To fulfill my dreams and the dreams that I have for my kids. Me and my husband's goals. I know there is also a line there that its not all work and I'm so guilty with this one. I feel sad that I'm working so far away with my kids. Miles away from the family that I love. I'm doing my very best and soon I know God will help me be with my family again.