Nuninu

I'm not much of a risk taker, but somehow, i think the time has come for me to start looking at other possibilities. They say that opportunity only knocks once, and I've every intention of welcoming this one with arms open widest. =D

People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.

Labels: life, nuninus, philosophies

It's been a while since my last post. So many things have happened since then, and there are so many things to do. Most of my free time is taken up by work and that's not healthy anymore.

Just recently, I find myself making an easy decision about staffing at work. To a certain extent, I felt uneasy about the decision I had to make. I know that someone won't be happy about it, but then I thought, this person will understand. And then I get the cold shoulder treatment...

One of the things I have to put up with lately... making a decision that I know would sacrifice the friendship I've built.

Being in the position that I am in right now doesn't mean that I have the power to grant everybody's wishes. I just wish people would understand that.

Labels: frustrations, nuninus, ranting

You seek the company of that one person you most miss but there is absolutely nothing you can do to make that happen.

And so you seek the company of friends and grab that chance to spend time with them when an invite is given.

You simply feel that you must be with other people to take yourself away from a state of loneliness.

I miss my baby...

I thought we'll get to see each other again in exactly 10 days. But when I talked to him early this evening, he said that he was asked to stay on for a couple more weeks.

It sucks to be me...

Labels: frustrations, life, nuninus, ranting

Got this from Moja and TinaPIE and Kim P.

Kev also gave me the link to this before...

This makes me think... is this really me??? Hehehe...

Labels: fun, life, nuninus

And off to HK Disneyland Resort we go. We were advised not to go there in the morning as we will be bored to death by 5pm and might not have the energy to stay until the fireworks show at 9pm.

Zarah gave us advice on which attractions are must sees and which rides we shouldn't bother with. We also took a copy of the Magical Tips brochure to make sure that we won't miss out on the main attractions of the park.

Main Street USA

Shops, restaurants, museums and more shops are located along Main Street USA. This is also the best spot to watch parades. Sad to say we missed Disney on Parade. We only got to see the last car where Mickey and his friends were at.

Kev and I secured a great viewing spot though for Mickey's Waterworks Parade. We got wet, of course, but with the heat and being the hottest day ever in HK, we welcomed the water with open arms.

Come 8:45pm, Kev and I headed to Main Street USA, and tried to secure viewing spots for the Disney in the Stars Fireworks show. The fireworks display was not as spectacular as others I've witnessed. However, what set it apart is how the fireworks, the animation shown on Sleeping Beauty's castle walls and the music are synchronized. It was a nice show, but it wasn't that much.


Fantasyland

We didn't ride the carousel, or the Mad Hatter's Tea Cup, or the other rides offered. Instead, we took time to watch Mickey's PhilharMagic and The Golden Mickeys shows.

Mickey's PhilharMagic is a 3-D show that features memorable moments in various Disney animated movies. You'll get to smell the dessert, or be forced to duck to avoid that object being thrown at you, or experience that magic carpet ride.

The Golden Mickeys is an awards show turned musical. Favorite Disney characters performed live. However, once the show started, dismay replaced my excitement as the host started speaking Chinese, with the screen at the right side of the stage flashing English translations. So instead of watching the stage, non-Chinese speaking audience had to crane their necks to view the translation. Good thing though that all the songs are in English...

Tomorrowland

A la Planetarium - this is how a former colleague described the interiors of the Space Mountain. What's cool about this is that it houses a roller coaster ride that doesn't give a clue which way the track goes. One just had to brace oneself for sudden dips or unexpected sharp turns; and when one looks around, only the galaxy could be seen. When the ride slows down, a flash will go off which means a picture was taken. When you step out into the light, pictures are displayed. I am happy to say that Kev and I look great in our picture! ;)

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - a fun and slow ride where riders are equipped with "laser guns" and get to shoot space aliens. With 2 people in 1 car, you'll get into a friendly competition, both striving to get the higher score and level. I beat Kev by more than 20,000 points!!! :)


Adventureland turned Pirateland

To quote Magical Tips brochure, "A humorous tour guide will take you along this 8-minute journey (Jungle River Cruise), taking you to see many wild animals. Be careful though - there could be some danger ahead!" Hmmm... 8-minute journey around the river - check; wild animals - check; some sort of danger - check; humorous tour guide - erm... I didn't understand a word he said because he was speaking Cantonese. Although maybe its safe to say that he is funny, because all Chinese-speaking passengers were laughing at whatever the guide was saying.

Compared to The Golden Mickeys, I liked the Festival of the Lion King show better. The language spoken throughout was English, and it showcased really great talents.

That's it for Day 2. Day 3 was uneventful. It was hot. We went to Central, to check-in our luggage, then back to Causeway Bay to shop a little. My feet hurt from all the walking. I bought a pair of uber comfy flip flops, then we both decided to head to the airport so that we can just make tambay while waiting to fly back home.

Labels: fun, HK Disneyland, nuninus, vacation

Kev and I finally had the chance to go on that much awaited vacation. In our 6 years together, we never had been fortunate enough to go on a holiday by ourselves. And so we were super duper excited about our HK trip, especially our visit to HK Disneyland - the child in us wanted to see this resort so bad and we finally had that wish come true last weekend. More on this later...


A lot of time wasted upon arrival at HKIA last Friday...

I was a bit absent-minded upon my arrival at HKIA. As soon as the plane stopped moving, I turned my ipod on. I was happily mouthing the words to a song, while making my way towards the immigration counter. The line to the counter was long, but then again, it was the busiest time of the day.

I was already the 3rd person from the front when I suddenly realized that I didn't fill out an arrival card. And so I had to go all the way back to fill that out and had to fall in line again - which, by the way, is a very long line - at a different counter this time to save face... =P

If you want comfort, don't go stringent on your budget

To cut costs, Kev and I decided to reserve a room at a hostel. You see, we only need a room to sleep in, as we expect to be spending most of our time outdoors. So the hostel we chose did not require us to pay deposit - just the confirmation number should've sufficed.

I went to the hostel's admin office, and was expecting to be greeted by a pleasant lady, whom I've spoken on the phone with. So I was a bit surprised to be greeted in halting English by one of the Chinese staff. I explained that I was not able to print out my confirmation email but I have my reference number. But it appeared they didn't understand a word I said. This Chinese guy talked to me in Cantonese and using a calculator quoted a room rate, which is a bit more expensive than the rate confirmed to me. I had to explain several times that the rate confirmed to me was lower, but they could not seem to understand.

I pointed my finger to the computer monitor, gestured typing motions with my fingers, as I said, "I'll show you email."

I opened my inbox, showed them the confirmation email I received from them, before they finally agreed to the rate I was insisting and the room type that I booked. I checked the facilities as soon as I was showed the room, and the flush to the toilet is not working!!! No biggie, I'll insist with Kev that we spend the night at his hotel room instead, where he is confirmed for check-out on Saturday. But how are we supposed to survive on Saturday and Sunday with a toilet that won't flush? We ended up using the common facilities at the hostel, which is right across the hallway from our room.


I got lost in Causeway Bay

It has been a while since my last HK trip. I know my way around Central very much, but the only time I ventured Causeway Bay on my own, I got lost. And then last Friday, I got lost again...


I never had a problem reading maps before, but for some reason, I couldn't navigate my way around Causeway Bay that day. I was on my mobile talking to Kev as I was supposed to be going to his hotel. He ended up telling me to stay put and to identify the nearest landmarks and he'll go to me instead. Hahaha... talk about bloopers in HK man!!!

We planned to go shopping before meeting up with old colleagues for dinner - but it was not meant to be. Kev and I finally met at around 7pm, and we only had 30 minutes left before we had to meet up with them. And so, we quickly made our way back to his hotel to meet with the group.


Dinner was so expensive!!!

Erm...okay...

So we met with former colleagues, and not everyone had that much money to spare. We didn't have a say as to what food should be ordered, none of us even had a look at the menu, ergo, none of us had any idea how much the food cost at that resto.

But food was great, so who am I to complain?

So finally it was time to pay the bill, and we all had to pay HK$ 170 each!!! Converted to Peso, that would be about PHP1020!!! And I didn't even get to eat that much!!!


My slight adventure with HK street food

The last time I saw Zarah was in Greenbelt early this year... and so I was very much looking forward to seeing her in HK again. Since she was also a former colleague, she was invited to join us for dinner. But when she finally arrived, all the food are gone. So we decided to walk around the city and go shopping while some of the shops are still open.

But in the midst of our shopping, this girl made me eat HK isaw!!! HK fish balls, that is way better than pinas fish balls, and HK ox tripes, smothered with mustard a la wasabi... weird combination, but it was very good!

Labels: bloopers, fun, HK Disneyland, nuninus, vacation

No spoilers here... I promise!!! ;-)

Kev and I watched The Transformers last Friday. I wasn't expecting to enjoy the movie. I thought it was going to be 2 hours and 10 minutes of continuous action that only boys would enjoy.

I wasn't a follower of the Transformers when I was a kid. Occasionally, I would catch an episode on tv, just because kuya is watching, and he wouldn't allow me to switch channels. The only character I recognize is Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, both protagonists in the story. The only lines in the theme song I can recall is "The transformers, more than meets the eye." That was about the extent of my Transformers knowledge, of course in addition to the fact that they transform from robots to jets, choppers, guns, trucks, cars, etc. and vice versa.

The minute I saw the galaxy on the screen, I was hooked. Halfway through the movie, I wanted to visit the lady's room, but I couldn't get off my seat. Hehehe... Uhm... I wanted to share what scenes in the movie I like best, but I know that some of you haven't seen the movie yet. I don't want to post anything that would spoil anyone's fun.

So there... I just wanted to say TRANSFORMERS IS KEWL!!! I want to watch it again! For those of you who haven't seen it, go to the nearest movie house and watch it - NOW!!! Hehehe... I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Labels: fun, nuninus, transformers

Last Friday, I hit the big 3-0. Just a few minutes before 12 midnight, my mom came barging in my room, singing happy birthday at the top of her lungs - that was so cute! Hehehe... Kuya started arguing that it wasn't even 12 yet so it wasn't my birthday yet. My sister soon joined in, saying that my birthday is several minutes yet to come and that the clock in my mom's room is advanced, so she better hold her horses. Nonetheless, my mom gave me a kiss and a big hug. Soon after, text messages from friends and loved ones started coming in.

Just like any ordinary day, I planned to come to work extra early this day. As usual, I hit the snooze button as soon as my alarm clock went off. Its a good thing that a couple of my colleagues, who are on the same trip together with their loved ones decided to ring me at 7:30am. Otherwise, I would have been late coming to work that day.

Just like any ordinary day, my sister was running late, and so she was singing her favorite tune, "Hurry up ate and let's share a cab to work. I'm running late." Ever the giving ate as I always am, I hurried dressing up and finished preparing in record time. When we were about to leave, we teasingly asked kuya to bring us to work, since its my birthday and all. He agreed! So we got a free ride to work that day! I wish everyday is natal day...

Just like any ordinary day, I was on budget mode. I wasn't planning to treat anyone for lunch or merienda for that matter, because I didn't want to leave anyone out. To save the day, Leigh arrived with a big birthday cake that was meant to be shared by all my friends in the office. Instant birthday party! Instant celebration! So thanks Zimmies for sharing it with me. Thanks to my portfolio team for printing out a personalized birthday card, and having people sign it. I was touched by the message - "wag ka na sad ha!" I assure you dear teammates, I am not sad anymore. That was just a real bad case of birthday blues.

Just like any other birthday celebration, I was on my way home to have dinner with my family. However, my sister asked if we could celebrate both our birthdays this weekend instead. So unlike other birthdays I celebrated, Kev and I had a nice dinner somewhere and watched a kewl movie after. The movie was great!

All in all, I'd say my day has been perfect - ordinary somewhat, and yet not so much! :)

Labels: fun, life, nuninus

Kev took the time to revamp my blog template. Doesn't it look kewl?

Thanks By! With a template like this, I'd be more inclined to post new entries. I just wish I'll have the time though...

You're probably asking, what's with the logo? Bakit dahon? Erm... actually, i don't know. Hehehe... Kev doesn't know either. Let's try to make a story out of it. Shall we?
One is staring blindly into space - the mind completely devoid of thoughts; the eyes wandering around aimlessly. Suddenly, the attention is caught by a leaf falling off a tree. Then the mind gets to start thinking. It goes into a Nuninu mode. Then, the idea of posting a blog entry comes to mind.

How's that for justification? =P

Labels: fun, nuninus

You know how it could get uncomfortable when your embarrassing moments are told by other people? I sure had my share, that's why I thought it would be better that these stories come from me. So here I am, about to blurt out my experiences to the rest of the world.

Summer of '91

At the site of Our Lady of Manaoag, there used to be a big tree surrounded by sinks. While washing my hands, my cousin took the sink to my right and said she wished she could brush her teeth. I reacted quite violently and told her NO WAY! Why would she want to brush her teeth outdoors? Why not wait until we could find a decent public toilet where she could brush her teeth in "private"? Imagine brushing your teeth and gargling in front of strangers! No decent lady would do that. It is simply not done!

She started acting really funny and was discreetly motioning towards my left. My eyes widened in surprise as I turned and saw the woman on my left brushing her teeth, giving me a look that made me quickly run back to our van and hide.

4th Year High School

We didn't have CAT then, but we were required to learn how to march and to issue & follow commands. We were given practical exams to see whether we all learned it by heart. During one of our practice sessions, our platoon leader picked out students to give them a chance to command the group. I was one of the luckier few and I had the chance to go first. The very first command I issued had the entire group bursting into laughter - and without permission.

The command - "humanda na"

But it was issued the same way a platoon leader would command "pasuloooooong-KAD!"

"humandaaaaaa NA!"

Christmas Season '98

Greenhills Shopping Center, tiangge area, Christmas season. I just got out of an illness so I was really weak. After 3 hours of shopping for presents, I've had enough. I was tired and I was hungry. At the first opportunity, I asked my mom if we could eat. "Mommy, gutom na ko." She said it won't be long and they'll be done soon. So we continued walking.

While walking, my vision started to get blurry, but I didn't want to close my eyes because I knew that the minute I do, I was going to pass out. So I was trying my best to keep my eyes open. In the meantime, I had that conversation with my mom again. "Mommy, gutom na ko."

"Sandali na lang 'to anak. Matatapos na tayo," was her reply.

So on to the next stall we went. At the third stall, I had to grab her shoulders. I was really hungry and I couldn't go on without food anymore. I didn't even finish what I had to say. "Mommy, mommy..." was all I ever said while slowly sliding down her side towards the floor. The last thing I heard was my mom telling me, "ano ba yan? ayoko ng ganyan."

Next thing I knew, I was sitting on a low chair, my mom was fanning me and there was a lot of strangers looking on. I heard someone said, "ayan na sya, ayan na sya." At that time, all I wanted to do was run.

I moved my eyes a bit to the left and saw my brother and sister looking at each other, helpless with mirth. As they helped me off the chair, my brother said, "nakakatawa itsura mo. Hinimatay ka ng dilat."

Greenbelt 3, May '07

My officemates and I were at the Time Zone, waiting in vain for one of the karaoke booths to free up so that my colleague could sing his heart out. Unfortunately, we weren't destined to sing that night. So we slowly made our way to Cold Rock.

I wasn't thinking, I wasn't aware of my surroundings. All I know is that someone entered through the sliding glass door, and I had to get through it before it slides shut.

With my head held high, I made my way towards the door. When I was just a step away, it started to slide shut. I gestured with my hands for the sliding doors to open in true Jedi fashion, but it didn't work!!! I quickly looked 'round for my friends and noticed them passing through the other door, which was clearly marked "EXIT"!!! None of them even thought of calling my attention. They just watched me make a complete fool of myself, let other people witness my embarrassment, and laughed their butts off on the other side of the door.

Thanks though to one of my colleagues who went back to get me and led me to the "right path!" Hmph! Some friends you guys are!!!

Big Brother, Salcedo, June '07

My colleagues and I headed off to Big Brother to have lunch. Our table was by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, and I was seated next to it. As we were paying our bill, my 1 peso coin fell to the floor. I told my colleagues I got it, and slid my chair a bit to the right. I was being careful. Given the number of times I've embarrassed myself lately, I HAD TO BE CAREFUL. So I slowly bent to the left to pick up the coin when I bumped my head on the glass - HARD! Man, it really hurt! I felt the glass shook. And I couldn't look my colleagues in the eye. Hehehe...

Everyone has their share of embarrassing moments - It could be slipping on the stairs, tripping over a banana peeling in front of your crush or being caught acting funny without you being aware that you're actually acting funny. At the time when it all happened, all we wanted to do was vanish from the face of the earth forever. But we never did, and we had to face endless teasing remarks from everyone who witnessed your every move. It could be embarrassing for a while, but when you look back on those times, all you could do is laugh silently to yourself, grin into space maybe, or just smile.

Labels: bloopers, frustrations, life, nuninus