MY RANDOM THOUGHTS

My Father's Gone...

2011-12-26T01:53:00.000-08:00

My Father has passed into the beyond...He was Born on January 7, 1927 and he passed away on December 26, 2011...I will truly miss him...but I have made my peace with Him. We have lived together with my father since 1998...up to 2011 and my family moved out of the house that we stayed together by August of 2011 more than 13 years...before I left for my job in Qatar in 2009 and saw him again this March 2011 after I came home for vacation ...Last time we spoke was when I left again for Qatar in May of 2011....now he can join my mother and they can be together again after 29 years since she passed away...I would always remember my father's devotion to my mother...he would always visit her in her resting place...anytime he can visit no matter what day...or month it was...He never misses an All Saints or All souls day without spending the day with my mother in her grave site...lighting those chinese candles...I never ask him why he does visit oh so often...it could have been survivor's guilt or true love...either way...I believe it was his true love that has left him...to go on this life without my mother...He only stop visiting when his health has started to fail him and his body has become frail...He tried to raise us all the best he could...with my mother...and he has raised us well...He lived a full life...at 84 years old...its just a matter of 2 weeks he could have chalked up his 85 birthday...but that was not meant to be...It must have been quite lonely when you start to lose all your friends to the grim reaper...one by one they have gone...and when its your birthday...the familiar faces of friends are dwindling down...I could not wish for a better life for him...May your soul and mother's soul may now rest in peace and be together once more...These are are last images taken of my parents before their passing...My father's picture taken with his youngest grand daughter almost two months prior to his passing...and my mother's picture taken before she pass away...and my mother's tombstone...

Hold Me Now

2011-11-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

D
I have a picture,
Bm
pinned to my wall.
G
An image of you and of me and we're laughing and
A
loving it all.
D
Look at our life now,
Bm
tattered and torn.
G
We fuss and we fight and delight in the tears that we
A
cry until dawn

D Bm
Hold me now, warm my heart
G A
stay with me, let loving start (let loving start)
D
You say I'm a dreamer,
Bm
we're two of a kind
G
Both of us searching for some perfect world we
A
will never find
D
So perhaps I should leave here,
Bm
yeah yeah go far away
G
But you know that there’s no where that I'd rather be than
A
with you here today
[Chorus]
D
You ask if I love you,
Bm
well what can I say?
G
You know that I do and if this is just one of those

A
games that we play
D
So I'll sing you a new song,
Bm
please don't cry anymore
G
I'll ask your forgiveness, though I don't know just what I'm
A
asking it for

1000 Miles

2011-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

intro: G9

G9 A

Making my way downtown

F#m

Walking fast

Faces passed

G9 A G9 A

And I'm home bound

G9 A

Staring blankly ahead

F#m

Just making my way

Making my way

G9 A G9 A

Through the crowd

G9 Bm A

And I need you

G9-Bm-A

And I miss you

G9 A G9 A

And now I wonder....

G9 A

If I could fall

F#m G

Into the sky

G9 A

Do you think time

F#m G

Would pass me by

G9 A

'Cause you know I'd walk

F#m G

A thousand miles

If I could

G9 A

Just see you

G9 A G9 A G9 A

Tonight

G9 A

It's always times like these

F#m

When I think of you

And I wonder

If you ever

G9 A G9 A

Think of me

G9 A

'Cause everything's so wrong

F#m

And I don't belong

Living in your

G9 A G9 A

Precious memories

G9 Bm A

'Cause I need you

G9 Bm A

And I miss you

G9 A G9 A

And now I wonder....

G9 A

If I could fall

F#m G

Into the sky

G9 A

Do you think time

F#m G

Would pass me by

G9 A

'Cause you know I'd walk

F#m G

A thousand miles

If I could

G9 A

Just see you

G9 A G9 A G9 A

Tonight

G9 A

And I, I

F#m G

Don't want to let you know

G9 A

I, I

F#m G

Drown in your memory

G9 A

I, I

F#m G

Don't want to let this go

G9 A

I, I

Don't....

What Can I Do

2011-09-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Intro: D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . . D . A2 . G/E . . .

Verse 1:

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

I haven't slept at all in days,

D . A2 . G/E . . .

It's been so long since we've talked

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

I have been here many times

D . A2 . G/E . . .

I just don't know what I'm doing wrong

Chorus:

D . A2 . Gsus2 . . . D . A2 . G/E . . .

What can I do to make you love me? What can I do to make you care?

D . A2 . Gsus2 . . . D . A2 . G/E . . .

What can I say to make you feel this? What can I do to get you there?

Verse 2:

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

There's only so much I can take

D . A2 . G/E . . .

And I've just got to let it go

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

And who knows I might feel better - yeah

D . A2 . G/E . . .

If I don't try then I don't hope (to chorus)

Bridge:

Bm . . . Bm7 . . . Gsus2 - A2 Gsus2 - A2

No more waiting, no more - ach - ing,

Bm . . . Bm7 . . . Gsus2 - A2 Gsus2 - A2

No more fighting, no more - try - ing

Verse 3:

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

Maybe there's nothing more to say,

D . A2 . G/E . . .

And in a funny way I'm calm

D . A2/C# . Gsus2 . . .

Because the power is not - mine

D . A2 . G/E . . .

I'm just gonna let it fly

Here comes the Rain Again

2011-08-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Bm G

Here comes the rain again, fallin' to my head like a memory,

Fallin' to my head like a new emotion

Bm G

I wanna walk in the open wind, i wanna talk like lovers do,

A Bm

I wanna dive into your ocean, is it rainin' with you?

Chorus:

G D

Talk to me, like lovers do.

G D

Walk with me, like lovers do.

G D

Talk to me, like lovers do.

G A

Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaahhhh....

Bm-G-A-Bm

(Same chords above)

Here comes the rain again, rainin' in my head like a tragedy,

And tearin' me apart like a new emotion.

I wanna breathe in the open wind, i wanna kiss like lovers do,

I wanna dive into your ocean, is it rainin' with you?

(Chorus)

Bm]

Here is comes again.

Here it comes again, no.

G#m] Bm

Here it comes again.

Bm G

Here it comes, here it comes again,

G#m Bm

Noooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooo...

Here comes the rain again, fallin! to my head like a memory,

Fallin' to my head like a new emotion,

Here it comes again, here it comes again.

I wanna walk in the open wind, i wanna talk like lovers do,

I wanna dive into your ocean, is it rainin' with you?

Here comes the rain again, rainin' in my head like a tragedy,

And tearin' me apart like a new emotion.

I wanna breathe in the open wind, i wanna kiss like lovers do,

I wanna dive into your ocean, is it rainin' with you....?

I HATE THIS SONG

2011-07-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

VERSE 1:

D5 D/F#

Speak with your tongue tied,

I know that you're tired

D/Bm7

But I just want to know,

Gsus2

Where you want to go

D5 D/F#

I may be sad, but I'm not weak,

This situation is bleak

D/Bm7

And your puffy eyes never lie,

Gsus2

Your tears come from inside.

CHORUS:

D D/F# Gsus2

Until Sunday I'll be waiting for an answer

D D/F# Gsus2

I guess that yesterday's not good enough for you,

D D/F# Gsus2

You know that I hate this song,

D D/F# Gsus2

You know that I hate this song

D/Bm7 A5 D5

Because it was written for you

Bm7 A5 D

This is becoming a problem I'm hurting it's unfair

Gsus2

But somehow your words,

A5 D/Bm7

The way that I heard are haunting me,

You're under my skin

You're breaking in,

D/Bm7

And the tasteless fights that filled our nights

Gsus2

Are starting to cave in,

You're under my skin

You're breaking in

D/B

And if Sundays what it takes to prove

Gsus2

I have nothing else to loose

VERSE 2:

D5 D/F#

Drown your fears with me

I'm feeling real sorry

D/Bm7

Your glossy eyes don't need

Gsus2

The sadness they have seen

D5 D/F#

But you're way too deep to swim

Back up again

D/Bm7

But somehow I can't find

Gsus2

The moment you said goodbye

CHORUS:

D D/F# Gsus2

Until Sunday I'll be waiting for an answer

D D/F# Gsus2

I guess that yesterday's not good enough for you,

D D/F# Gsus2

You know that I hate this song,

D D/F# Gsus2

You know that I hate this song

D/Bm7 A5 D5

Because it was written for you

I'LL NEVER GO

2011-06-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Intro: D (2x)

 Verse I:

You would always ask me

F#m

Those words i say

Bm

And telling me

G-G

What it means to me

Verse II:

Em            A

Every single day

     F#            Bm

You always act this way

Gm

For how many times i told you

    G                        D

I love you for this is all i know

Verse III:

Come to me and hold me

F#m

And you will see

Bm

The love i give

For you still hold the key

(Repeat II)

Chorus:

      D            G

I'll never go far away from you

Bm                 Gm

Even the sky will tell you

That i need you so

Bm

For this is all i know

       G       A            D

I'll never go far away from you

(Repeat III)

(Repeat II)

(Repeat chorus)

(adlib)

(Repeat chorus 2x)

Coda: D-

I'll never go far away from you

Never go away

I'll never go away

     I'll never go away

My New Amp...Roland 20X

2011-05-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

With great new features such as Power Squeezer for maximum sustain without maximum volume, a fully equipped guitar tuner, a mini-jack aux in for playing along to MP3 and CD players, and of course that incredible Cube sound, this amp is built to rock!

My Days are counted...

2011-03-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

What is it that I haven't done in preparation for my vacation?...My desk needs to be free and sanitized...My clothes must be washed before I go...I need to empty my refrigerator and not buy anymore food stuff...what about the pasalubongs?...I have sent my cartoon of goodies for the house by air cargo at 7.50 qr per KG that has...of all things...soaps...many bath soaps...tuna tin goods...lotion...lotso lotions...comforters...butter cookies...chocolates...perfumes...canned goods...new tees...beauty and health care goods...what else...

Take Me Home

2011-02-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

















Take that look of worry

I'm an ordinary man

They don't tell me nothing

So I find out what I can

There's a fire that's been burning

Right outside my door

I can't see but I feel it

And it helps to keep me warm

So I, I don't mind

No I, I don't mind


Seems so long I've been waiting

Still don't know what for

There's no point escaping

I don't worry anymore

I can't come out to find you

I don't like to go outside

They can't turn off my feelings

Like they're turning off a light

But I, I don't mind

No I, I don't mind

Oh I, I don't mind

No I, I don't mind



So take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home, oh lord

Cos I've been a prisoner all my life

And I can say to you



Take that look of worry, mine's an ordinary life

Working when it's daylight

And sleeping when it's night

I've got no far horizons

I don't wish upon a star

They don't think that I listen

Oh but I know who they are

And I, I don't mind

No I, I don't mind

Oh I, I don't mind

No I, I don't mind



So take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home

Cos I don't remember

Take, take me home, oh lord

Well I've been a prisoner all my life

And I can say to you



But I don't remember

Take, take me home...

Phil Collins....

Home

2011-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm staring out into the night, trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain

Well, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, well I'm going home

The miles are getting longer, it seems, the closer I get to you
I've not always been the best man or friend for you
But your love it makes true and I don't know why
You always seem to give me another try

So I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old

Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all and then some you don't want
Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all, yeah

Oh, well I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
I said these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, I'm going home

Daughtry, Christopher

A RICH AND DESOLATE PLACE

2010-12-30T05:49:00.000-08:00

Each passing day people are teasing me because I was up for my vacation time...my contract completion is up and coming and time seems to pass by that fast now that is getting nearer…During these years I feel like losing a segment of my life in a vortex because I had always been together with my family no matter what happens... and I have never wanted to an OFW…then suddenly I became one and a reluctant one if I may say so… I left my life and family for the rich and desolate deserts of the middle east …to work overseas…and I did so not in the prime stages of my life but at 50…my life was at a cross road…and the road up ahead was kind a unsettling…because I had to decide to go and work abroad…with the fervent hope that the better future of my family is at stake and the life I came to know before was no more and was on the line…that I am now the stranger in the strange land…

I left the parenting duties to my wife…to work as an OFW ...To get here I had to borrow money then for my placement…and some money I had to leave for my family’s first 2 months to sustain them while I start my job…I was able to scrounged some money from friends and a brother of mine and as I went through the many challenges a job seeker has to live out and had to go through the uncertainties of being recruited and finally arriving in a rich and desolate country in the middle east…I wanted my wife and daughter to have a happy life …and I have always wish that she raise our child in the righteous ways of life and to grow as responsible person…and I am quite sure she is capable of this…the guilt inside me is there…I am leaving my wife to a life without me in person…a lonely life for both of us…but we need to strive and work hard for our place in the sun…As for me I know that the most hardest part is I am an empty shelf inside…the loneliness that I have is like an unbearable burden but one has to seek joy and hope in spite of the difficulty…At times I think about my wife and how painful it must be for her because its hard to go through life without your partner specially when problems in the family arise, when there’s no one to talk to…no one to tell your stories…which is why I try my best not to burden my family back home with the problems that I meet each day in my life abroad…and when I have my own problems in my work place I just try my best to ignore it and not tell my wife and family about it…

During those times of desolate loneliness…I just try my best not to think of it and just put it at the back of my mind…and sometimes I try to seek comfort in the company of my friends here to lessen the homesickness…but when the evening sets in and alone in my bed I always pray that my wife takes care of our family, and she takes care of the income that I sent home, and she takes care of her love for me, because I will be back someday to somehow fix my own life, fix the dis-functionality that my absence from my duties as a father …and try to get a semblance of normalcy…to be with my love ones again even for such a short time that my vacation will allow me to do so…try to make the best of the times no matter how short they may be…before I go back to my rich and desolate place in the middle east…

This Is Me!!!

2010-12-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Music will always fill the heart!!!The BETAN HEART!

The Milk Run

2010-11-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

Every Month...Every Payday...Every Time or anytime...of the year We have to do the Milk Run...money drop...any way you call it...lots of people...families depend on it...its like a blood transfusion...every drip counts...literally all OFWs bleeds to death every time he or she sees that the dollar vs. peso is down again...babies all over the world cry or they don't get milk...5 days or even 1 week before the payday comes families will be calling and texting mobile phones...sending messages such as Kailan ka magpapadala? When will you send it? "May sweldo na ba?"...Have you receive your salary? "Bakit ganito lang kaliit? "Why is the amount small?

According to the banko sentral...Last year, the total amount of overseas Filipino remittances (OFW) was officially recorded at US$12.8 billion (Bt445 billion), just above 10 per cent of the GDP. The Philippines is now the world's third highest remittance-recipient country after India and Mexico, and the highest when remittances are measured as ratios to population, GDP and exports.

OFWs are proping up the economies of their home countries.not only my philippines.by the way..its .globally...happening yes this is a global phenomenon...anyway I don't want to politicize any of this stuff although I am tempted but I would rather speak...how the ordinary worker here in the middle east deals with this proverbial milk run...

When salary day comes...the worker goes through the motion of going to cue and line up among the many depository banks where their salaries have been dropped by the companies they are working for...or the lucky ones who get their in cash...and among the cue will be Pakistanis, Nepalese, Indians, Bengalis, of course the kabayans, and even Indonesians and Malaysians...

The atm rooms...and money exchanges will be filled with sweaty and smelly body odored people from all walks of like...the brunt of which will be the unsung heroes from far far away lands toiling to bring the bacon home...to their loved ones

Yes labor migration and money remittances go hand in hand and benefits lots of households, communities and their destination countries making larger economic impacts because these funds alleviate poverty, contribute directly to community their own development and gtrying to make a dent on global world debt...

But there are mitigating and unbearable costs because labor migration's social cost of separating families will eventually bear their toll on the worker's mind set and the families left behind. A few seasoned workers fully understand the circumstances but a number of them will fail to comprehend and will succumb to debt...homesickness...family problems...and culture shock...

While the government relaxes and tries to cash in from these remittances as a disguise that their economic policy are responsible for the empty shell that they are being prop up by OFW monies...and makes people think that the economy is doing fine when actually is not...but rather becoming reliant on these remittances...

In the money exchange shops...you will hear the banter and noise among the din...you can hear a lot of sighs when the dollar values are down...and i can hear the laughs and see the grin in the faces of the owners of the banks and the world bank who makes me wonder why is it that during the salary payroll period...the money exchanges are quite low and during the non salary days its all up to the brim...of the cup...food for thought...sending money is quite very easy...you have all these western unions and money exchanges controlled by big banks and big financial houses...getting the money to the OFW pocket is the hard part....sending and wiring it to their families is the part when one OFW knows he is doing what one must do best and provide for his family while the rest of the world...his country...and the big financial cartel...makes money out of this worker's meager earning...what a kind of a world have we made ourselves into...

Bread of Life

2010-10-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

OLD BU HAMOOR OFFICE DAYS

2010-09-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

My Birthday Wishes

2010-08-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

My mobile reminder started ringing and I took the phone and look into the reason why and I fell silent and bit my lip...it was the birthday of my mother...August 29, 2010...I place her details on my phone and simply forgot about the whole thing...and I was caught off-guard...which is why I felt silent...My mom is the kind of mom we always wish to have...kind, happy, loving, caring, sweet,full of life, a strict disciplinarian, a fabulous cook in our kitchen. She may have been uneducated with only primary school in her educational stint but I learned the best morals from her on generosity, kindness, forgiveness, on justice, on what is right or wrong, why not to cheat or be lying, on telling the truth, and on the many examples on hardships we experience with her and you never hear her complaining or her woes..our family was not dirt poor but My mom came from a really dirt poor family where they did not even have flip flops...and our economic status was not entirely middle class we were more on the lower...lowest middle class...we were always wanting for more and there was never enough for six growing brothers...In fact she even had to raise hogs to put us all through school because there wasn't enough money...I knew she suffered in silence...and I have many misgivings to her as a son...and I was not the most ideal "good" son at all...no matter how I try not to be "bad"...She is supposed to be 78 years old now...But we lost her in 1982...and I never had a chance to prove to her that I could be the person she has always wanted me to be...I love you dearly mom...and I miss you...

Eating Alone

2010-08-23T04:40:00.000-07:00

One of the experiences I have gone through as an overseas worker was the drudgery of having to take my solitary meals. In my country eating has always been a social activity and we are quite good at that. We often times look for ways to have an eating party whether it be birthdays or any event that would cause a celebrations that has eating as a major activity.

In my case, I always remember in the olden days when all my family gather together with my mother preparing the Sunday meal and as far as I can recall we usually don't eat alone because we’re taught not to because everybody is called to eat together so that the food prepared will be good for everyone and nobody gets left out notwithstanding the appetite of a brood of six boys. Before my mom died, I was always her kitchen assistant and in due time I was already cooking. My mom would also take me to the market when I was a young teen so that I would carry the basket for her while she bought meat, veggies, rice, and fish. At times I remember that she usually leaves me in the market stall of one of her favorite shops as I was struggling with the weight of the basket and she would go wander around the market and pick-up some more goods and come back for me later. In those days I would cook a meal good for a family of ten persons and even now when I do cook I seem to make the mistake of cooking one too many ingredients even when I was only cooking for myself….

Before I went to work abroad, I have always loved to cook for my family during Sundays and it reminds me so much of all the meals I have cooked for my family. We always have these conversations around the table with my wife telling me about her day and her friends and my daughter eager to have her say and we normally keep up with each other’s activities and events during the meals.

Working abroad and being far from your family is another matter as I was on my own for the first time in my life and there were so many things I had to learn to adjust to. I couldn’t get use to the deafening ten to twelve hours of silence being alone inside my room but of course unless I talked to myself I am the only company I have with me which I feel is unhealthy for me as I may turn looney too soon if uncontrolled. Sometimes I turned on some music just to drone out the silence sitting in the room trying to make reason of my solitary status and I found myself also sleeping alone now.

Whatever it was before I left for abroad that I had always done with my wife but for now I had to do many things alone. Eating alone is still is one of the more dreadful of my learning experiences as I was working abroad. I have worked on this peculiar situation for a very long time until I was finally comfortable with myself out and about or in my own room where I had no dining companion. There was the screaming silence of eating alone. I would sit down at the table gazing and looking at a blank wall facing empty chairs. It was so uncomfortable and I felt the feeling of being sorrier for me than I was for myself. I would finally just make myself sit at the table. I was learning in another way to celebrate myself and my loneliness.

At first, it was quite very hard, mostly what I did was try to be matter of fact-ly of my situation and in the moment I was rationalizing my aloneness. The only sounds I hear and listen to are clink of fork and spoon on my plate, savoring the taste of my crispy skinned chicken and treating myself to a fruit cocktail salad which I ended up making for a family of six. In time I learned that I could enjoy the experience of dinner without any conversation for food that prepared for my self. Learning to eat alone gave me more affection and compassion for myself and what sacrifices I have to do to honor the solitary life I have now. The silence just confirms my incompleteness and coupled with the longing for company, my family and my home….

Flop Flips

2010-08-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Moving In

2010-07-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

Really Beefy

2010-07-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

I decided to cook and pamper myself with some really beefy recipes namely a saucy Pinoy Bistek and a Beef Afritada with potatoes. Beef is readily available here you may buy fresh beef here though it would be quite costly for the budget around 40QR per kgbut its quite tasty while the ordinary beef meats that are available are more of the frozen types coming from India (900 grams at 10 QR)which is more cheaper because I think they are mostly buffalo meat or similar to cara beef in the Philippines.

A Father's Message

2010-06-20T02:18:00.000-07:00

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." ~Clarence Budington Kelland

It was a random quote that I found on the internet when I was looking for quotes about life. It seems so meaningful to me because that's how you brought me up. I've never been so much thankful because you treated me that way. I know that I can't express much but I wanted to wish you a happy father's day. And I love you so much and I miss you...

:) Christelle

Dear Christelle,

Your kind words for me have lifted up my spirits here in a far far away land a place where a father shouldn't be ...because a father should be with his family...but the sacrifices that a father does knows no bounds whatever it takes to seek a better life for his family...which is why I am far from you...but no doubt in spite of the distance that separates me from you...I will always have a bond forever with you...because of this fact: You can ask your mom....many years ago when I was working in Mactan...you came into our lives in 1994...of May...but by September of 1995 ...I had resigned from my job...and I was jobless and the only job left for me was to take care of a little toddler...that was you...who was just a little over a year old....I know you may not remember these times but we have pictures together of playing house made of blankets...goofing around...and setting up a small plastic swimming pool for you and your cousin Jaydee to play around...those times were one of the best times of my life...with you...I lost my job then but I got the best job in the world...To be a Daddy and to watch my baby grow...and now...you have truly grown into a fine young lady...not yet a full woman by itself...but rest assured I would still be there to watch you grow each breathing day of your mom and your dad's life...so please take good care of yourself...be kind to yourself...don't over smart or over think on matters that are not really important...you have to be more patient with yourself...a person does not just unfold and becomes his/her "person"...the person is a journey of becoming...of growing up in a world so full of many experiences that are both necessary and unnecessary life situations that contirbutes to your "becoming"...Its the same old narrative story of the Love Story between The moth and the light

A lonely moth towards the light made his flight
In his love for the candle faced his plight
Flying to the fire would bravely display
His love for the candle in his own way

Hovering around the flame in love's name
He played a risky game no one to blame
Noticing candle's tears he just had to ask
I am the one in love, why this tearful mask?
Don't you see I am the one burning his wings
Yet for love, to his life, no moth clings
You don't need to shed tears for my life
In this love, my only hope is my strife.

The candle steadily burnt with constant flame
Amazed at the ignorant moth's lack of shame
Since the day my sweetheart left my wax
Separated and apart, I can't relax
This flame that you see upon my head
Is the fire that my love's light may spread
To the whole world. My honey perhaps by chance
May see my longing, in a distant glance.

You may fly, hover, even singe your wing
I will stand on fire, bearing its sting
Love is not to frit and fret and display
Love is to quietly burn night and day
Love is not to burn a wing and then fall
Love is to be on fire standing tall.
You may burn your wing, yet you'll never know
What it means to burn from your head to toe
Fault me not if I shed a tear or two
It is for my sweetheart not the likes of you.

At this point the gathering stirred about
The hostess, with a blow, put the candle out
The smoke rose from the blackened wick
Spreading its odor throughout, quick
The candle with a quiet sigh simply said
Though my light is out, my love is not dead
This smoke that is coming from my head
Is aroma of my love that I spread
Then I just will sit here, patiently wait
For the next night's gathering, and my fate
This may give me a chance with the flame's dance
To shine my light for a glance, my dream romance
I'll continue this till the end of my time
Spread my love to every land and clime
Either with my beloved become one
Or spread so far and wide till I'm gone.

This was candle and moth's love story
A tale of bravery and quiet glory
True love is not for the strong and the brave
True love is lasting, testing to the grave
In your life if it is love that you must taste
Patiently, quietly burn, make no haste
If it's the ocean of love you must sail
Be willing to navigate and then fail
Because love has no size and no form
Be willing to lose your ship in the storm.

Inspired by a Poem from the great Persian Poet, Saadi, entitled "the dialogue of Candle and Moth", from Boostan-e Saadi, Chapter 3 (On Love and Intoxication and Joy)

Anyway...Here's the Old Moth and Young Moth Story as Told by Jose Rizal's mother to him when he was just a child...as narrated by Rizal

Upon hearing the word story I opened my eyes expecting a new and wonderful one. I looked at my mother who leafed through the book as if looking for it, and I got ready to listen with impatience and wonder. I didn’t suspect that in that old book that I read without understanding, there could be stories and pretty stories.

My mother began to read to me the fable of the young and the old moths, translating it to me piece by piece into Tagalog. At the first verses my attention redoubled in such a way that I looked towards the light and fixed my attention on the moths that fluttered around it.

The story could not have been more opportune. My mother emphasized and commented a great deal on the warnings of the old moth and directed them to me as if to tell me that these applied to me. I listened to her and what a rare phenomenon the light seemed to me more beautiful each time, the flame brighter, and I even envied instinctively the fate of those insects that played so cheerfully in its magical exhalation. Those that had succumbed were drowned in the oil; they didn’t frighten me.

My mother continued her reading, I listened anxiously, and the fate of the two insects interested me intensely. The light agitated its golden tongue on one side, a singed moth in one of these movements fell into the oil, clapped its wings for sometime and died. That assumed for me that the flame and the moths were moving far away, very far, and that my mother’s voice acquired a strange, sepulchral timbre.

My mother finished the fable. I was not listening; all my attention, all my mind and all my thoughts were concentrated on the fate of that moth, young, dead, full of illusions.

“You see?” my mother said to me taking me to bed. “Don’t imitate the young moth and don’t be disobedient; you’ll get burned like it.”
I don’t know if I replied, promised something, or cried. The only thing I remember is that it took me a long time before I could sleep. That story had revealed to m e tings unknown to me until then.

To me moths ceased to be insignificant insects; moths talked and knew how to warn and advise as well as my mother did. The light seemed to be more beautiful, dazzling, attractive. I understand why moths fluttered around lights. Advices and warnings resounded feebly in my ears. What preoccupied me most was the death of the imprudent, but at the bottom of my heart, I didn’t blame it. My mother’s solicitude didn’t have all the success that she hoped it would.

This story influenced me a lot...in spite of my mother's warnings to me about not to do bad things...I didn't listen to her and continued to do the things I thought that I should do (I was arrogant to the point that I should not listen to others)...I was stubborn...I didn't heed her advices...which is why I made a big fool of myself...cause a lot of hurt and broke my mother's heart...sometimes a person doesn't have to make mistakes to learn the lessons in life because he was forewarned already...but people do the opposite...they intentionally have to make mistakes to learn their lessons...its like the child who kept on running and running so fast and the father told the child please don't run around...walk slowly and be careful...but the child didn't listen until she stumbled and skinned her knees badly which were now bleeding...and that was the only time the child stop running...

This is my father's day message to you...please take care of yourself and your mom for me...I love you both...

Papa Eddie

My Al Kebra Sojourn - My Test Day

2010-06-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

Your instructor would evaluate your present driving skills and would recommend whether you should go or not go for the test...and you have to shell out QR50.00 which you need to pay at the cashier and give your class card and receipt to get your schedule for the test....

you need to give it to the training supervisor wherein he will put your name in the log book where the test schedules are organized and give you back your training card and receipt with your test day written on it...On the test day you have to rise up early and be at the school by 5:00 am as the test will start early....I was also so fired up, all ready to "GO" and eager to passed...I also had my ATM card ready...in case I pass ...I was quite over confident...I felt that the 'L" and "pocket" parking were chicken feed and that they are the easiest part of the test...The first part of the test will be the signal's test...or Traffic signs test...

You need to identify these sign that will be pointed out by the Police officer in the test window and you to be able to answer within a second or two...and no "Ahhs" please or the Police oficer will fail you...this is the easiest part of the test...you just need to study these signs and study them well...you will only be asked 5 or less road signs...but I have seen people still fail in this test specially those who are unprepared....and you can see people milling around cramming (studying their signal books) before the signal test begins...When the police will arrive you will line up in a queue wherein you have to give your training card to the test supervisor who will give you your complete dossier...with a test result sheet/checklist and when the signal test starts you will have to line up on the windows counters and take your signal test anyway...I passed mine in my first try...your names will be called if you passed the test and your papers will be given back to you...

This is the canteen where your instructors will be milling around and talking to their students before the practical 'L" parking and "Pocket parking Test" will begin...last minute tips and words of encouragement are shared between teacher and student before the practical test will begin...once your paper is given back to you you have to rush and get to the far end of the test course where there will be cars parked to be used for the test...keys are inside these cars and you have to choose accordingly if you are for a stick-shift or automatic car...once inside you have to turn the ignition key and check the vehicle...and not forget to put your right side mirror full down so that you can see your rear tires...another tip is that you shouldn't turn the ac on as your engine might conked out specially if you are manual when doing the manuevers

So I got all ready and I was so good to go...the first was the "L" parking...when my turn came I did all right and I was just fine...and as I was backing out from the "L"...and I was already ready to back out from where I came from when the Police officer for the test gave me a look in the eye a sign and wave me off from the track...(the hand signal was going from right to left) 'I was confused"...Did I passed already? Did I do anything wrong?...maybe I was already good cause i didn't hit anything...and was was I to go to the next test...so I moved forward....then suddenly my paper was taken from me and by that time I realize that I had failed..the test....because I did not reverse back to where I came from...and that was It... then it dawned on me...and I sat down a chair sulking...my enthusiasm fell like a house of cards...I failed on my first try...not for anything I had done wrong but rather the confusion that the Police instruction that were given to me was totally misunderstood by me...I went back to the canteen and my instructor asked me 'Why didn't you reverse completely as that was our training? I said I thought the Police was giving me signals to move forward...and in his words...he said "parang nabali agad and tari natin ni hindi ka nakapalo"...that's it I guess...what really happened

My Al Kebra Sojourn - Day 3 - Day 26

2010-06-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

It was a daily grind....of attending my driving schedule of 1 hour each day...basically there were three major activities that I was doing the whole week long daily classes...my first week was driving around the oval road track of the school...practicing using the roundabout...the indicators...turning left and turning right....after a week of driving inside the school with King Robert...I was taught by my D.I. the first challenge...or First obstacle test that one would have to pass which was "L" parking...

The "L" parking is like you have to approach a road that goes uphill wherein you have to stop in the middle of the hill and then continue to the top and then you have to reverse down the slope and go right back to your original position when you came in...for an expert driver...this is easy but for a novice driver...it is easier said than done...but King Robert taught me the techniques on how to go about this obstacle...there are target lines painted on the slopes to guide you through the obstacle

The Second Obstacle test is the "Pocket Parking"...its quite similar with the "L" parking test but without the slope and with a smaller width or area/space just enough for one car to squeeze in... wherein which you have to turn left and maneuver your vehicle inside the "Pocket" and position it after which you have to reverse and come out of the "Pocket" without touching or hitting the poles surrounding you...

The third and last test is the actual Road test - for my training on the road...me and my instructor would go out of the school and either go to Salwa Road, or fill up petrol in Teyser, or go to E-Ring Road or To Ramada Junction wherein you get the real taste of what its like being on the road...your teacher will always be talking to you and guiding you what to do and not to do on the road....but most of my time spent on the road is in the road test area...its a residential area nearby Al Kebra School...this is where you'll practice your driving skills...because 90% the test will be done here...except for a few chances that it will be done on major roads and roundabouts...
so from day to day until June 7, 2010 after doing this for some time it gets kinda boring if you do this continuously so my instructor mixes all the three activities up ...I did this until my first Test day...June 8, 2010

My Al Kebra Sojourn - Day 1

2010-05-08T00:56:00.000-07:00

During my first day in Driving school, I had my green class card record with me wherein the no of days are noted down. I went to the back of the canteen where I was looking for my instructor Car#69...His name is Robert...or King Robert(KR) should I say...or normally they call the teacher...master...but I'd prefer King Robert...and my instructor knows why...We got to introduce our selves and inside I go to car#69...It was a stick shift manual car...and I could just imagine how eons ago I drove one...and I could not even remember the last time I set hands on such a car...well...for the first lesson KR taught the basics...

1) Adjust your seat
2) adjust your mirror, left, center, side
3) seat belts
4) the gears
5) the clutch (ABC)
6) the brakes
7)accelerator

Then off we go driving around the school's opal shape roadway...and I was very ...very rusty...indeeed...I was having so much difficulty...the car conked out on me not once but 4 times on the road...I totally sucked...and after one hour of sucking very bad...I was really depressed...how could I passed this darn course when I really did very poorly...anyway my instructor (KR) was by my side...trying to encourage me...although the best I could do was 2nd gear...shucks...after seeing me do so bad...my instructor told me and suggested...why don't you change to automatic??? and I thought that it was not possible its only for women drivers because all I heard around was that for male drivers the test would be in manual stick shift cars only...but he told me that's not true...now the traffic department allows male drivers to go automatic...which means I don't have to get the hang of the "clutch thing" although I know I would eventually learn but I would take more time...and another thing most cars here in Qatar are automatic so why go hard on yourself when you can go automatic???yes...this is good for me...so after my class I went back to the office and inquired how to change my training papers from manual to automatic...phew...I was totally a mess with this stick shift thing....

My Al Kebra Sojourn - Prologue

2010-04-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have been in country in Qatar for 14 months now...and in my continuing experience of the country...again ...I have to go through the endeavor of taking a driver's license to add mobility to my job as an HR Manager...I really didn't welcome this development as I always had a driver with me if I needed to go somewhere in Cebu or Manila when I was working in country...but its different here...although there are times when I'd be given a driver to take me to places in Qatar like Our Camp office or Accommodation...or go shopping to Lulu or Velaggio...or at the nearby fish market.. but my boss wanted me to get my own license as the company will provide me with a Car so I could experience Qatar in a different light given this mobility...and maybe to enjoy my stay in country because I will have my own freedom to go places where I couldn't go before due to the lack of mobility...then again...a lot of decisions needed to be made...What driving school? Where? How much?

For the choice of the school I chose Al Kebra Driving School for reason#1 its location because I am staying in Bu Hamoor and its just a five (No Traffic) - ten minute (with traffic) drive from Our Office/accommodation...reason #2 Al Kebra has a number of Filipino D.I.'s (Driving Instructors, hindi po diving instructors or Dance Instructors for that matter)...more than 30 teachers are there both male and female...and our Kabayan instructors have a good reputation in that school such that word comes around thru the net or word of mouth that the Filipino Instructors if not the best there is here in Qatar or one of the best driving instructors that they have around.... reason#3 the schedule...here in Qatar if you want to enroll in driving school you have to wait the most is a couple of months or so to get a schedule because of the demand...there is really quite a demand for students and very few driving schools...a case in point...I enrolled on April 15, 2010...and I got my desired schedule of 7:30 - 8:30 am and I was informed that I would start on May 8, 2010 in less than a month I got my class schedule...I am in no way endorsing the school as there are many good schools also in Qatar...It's a personal choice for the student...

Anyway...I initially called their Office to inquire about the course and I got their contact details in the net...Al Kebra Driving School, Tel. No. 451-6353 or 451-6782 and their office hours is broken time of 7:30 am-12:00 and 3 - 7 pm which is the norm here in the Gulf...The person who would most probably answer you is Grace (Customer Service) or sometimes Me-an both are Pinays...I took the full course of 40 days @ 1 hour per day -- fees are QR2,210...for the full course you get 4 chances to take the test plus one (5th) direct test...again the number of chances depends on the no of days (course that you enrolled)...now before anything else...first you need to prepare the following documents before you go to their office to pay the enrollment fees:

1) NOC - No objection Letter - addressed to the Traffic department stating that you can take driving lessons for light vehicle (this was the vehicle I applied for). Your Qatar ID# must be mentioned in the letter and should be printed on the Company Letter Head

2) Submit with the CR copy of your company together with passport visa copy and phootocopy of your bataqua (Qatar national ID card - RP card)

3) Duly accomplised Application for for Driving License from Traffic Department with Vision test or Eye test (any license optician)

4) 4 pcs passport size photo...any background (white or blue)

Once you have all these documents ready...you can go to their office...approach Grace (Customer Service) and she will smilingly direct you to the counter where you need to present your documents and to the cashier to pay for your fees...

Note: Sometimes you can request for for D.I. if you know who they are but sometimes if they are not available they will give you an instructor that is of the same ethnicity (Filipino, Indian, Arabic, etc.) You can choose the driving lesson schedule in accordance to your liking or availability since you most probably are working...some schedules are quite difficult because many students are enrolling at such schedules...but they have schedule as early as 7:30 am and as late as 9:00 - 10:00 p.m. that's why before you enroll you must have a schedule in mind...but after paying the fees they will ask for your mobile number as they will inform you 2 days before the start of your driving lesson...and that's it you have just enrolled yourself to driving school....

Chicken Stew For Me!

2010-04-07T03:22:00.001-07:00

Every Fiday...I get a respite from the food preparations that I nornally make...and for Fridays its a Stew (Sabaw) because I don't have enough time to prepare stew on a daily basis except for noddles which are a 5 minute prep thing...but as usual food like noddles are easy to prepare but this gets pretty boring..so Stew are for Fridays for me...

This is a chicken stew recipe that I have, shreaded chicken meat, knorr cubes, spring onions, potatoes, onions and tomatoes...pechay...and cabbage...big green bell peppers...after I prepare the ingredients I initially place the chicken and bring it to boil to tenderized it with onions and tomatoes and I would also boil potatoes with it so that when the potatoes are broken down it gets the gravy stew taste which I really like...I take it with rice and I would add a zest of chili for a small bite to the tongue...but not too much...but sure taste good...I would season or salt to taste by using rufina patis (fish sauce)...then I am good to go!!! The only bad part is I get to eat alone...and this makes me wish I was with my family to share the meal...but not today...

My Ref!!!

2010-04-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

Ople

2010-03-17T04:07:00.000-07:00

The Bread of Life

2010-03-13T22:23:00.000-08:00

I am getting the hang of eating the bread of life...kung sa atin ay pan de sal dito naman ay Khubus, Khoubz or khobz ang pangalan. This is an Arabic flat bread just like a lumpia wrapper they use to wrap or make for shawarma. This is their staple food of the local diet in many arabic or middle east countries. khoubz generally means "bread" but in most cases it refers to a large type of flat bread baked in a special oven. The dough is rolled out like a pizza dough then it is positioned on a round pillow and slapped on to the inside wall of the large round stone oven. The impact of the slapping action causes the dough to stick to the wall of the traditional oven, where it remains until it is bubbling and brown and cooked through, then a long wire hook is used to remove the finished khoubz and throw it over to a tile counter where it is ready to be sold. The whole process is carried out by two or three men.

The Bus Ride

2010-03-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

The workers start their working day with a Bus ride to their job sites...Bus rides are not so uncommon to these workers whether they come from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal or the Philippines...they may have come from different parts of the world but they are sharing their daily bus ride experience with each other...In the early hours of the morning they will drag themselves to dress up in their safety wears and report for work in a Tata bus a very common sight on the roads of the Middle East where migrant workers are propping up their infrastructures, business and economy....I could only imagine their faces as in every bus ride we gaze across the bus windows to get a glimpse of the outside world...each person is engrossed in his own world with thoughts of work, home, love ones, food, and family and sometimes sex of if not thinking about women or girls...in more bizarre cases...thinking of men...maybe racing through their minds...its one the many experiences wherein we are alone with our thoughts imprisoned by our visions and dreams...bus rides are really hypnotic vehicles for day or night dreams...except for the rumblings and chit chat going on in many quarters of the bus but normally...at early dawn...the bus is silent...with some workers still catching up on ZZZZzs... These workers face the daily drudgery of their work in construction sites...the weather is cool for now early morning but in the middle east...the punishing heat and humidity of the working conditions is a challenge in itself...like worker bees many bus rides are going through their motions on the streets of the city...and one time we even saw another bus filled with ladies during a Friday as we went to church and we hollered and waved at them with shouts of glee and teasing smiles...During one of these days I tried to join a bus ride of our workers on an evening trip going back to our worker's camp...the bus itself was not cramp with people but I have much worst bus rides where it was filled to the brim with people...what you notice of course is the smell...the smell of dried sweat and different body odors is up on the air...these things the workers must endure from day to day...but it was already evening between 6:30 - 7:30 in the evening...the bus was silent but i guess most of the time due to exhaustion but more of the hunger that a body would feel after a long days work...but as the bus was going through the city streets...the street lights of the city draws my attention to the windows and I was again gazing at the skyline of the city...a city being built by the blood, sweat, and tears of migrant workers... and my thoughts were racing to the important things/experiences/people that I value in my life...and I wanted to forget about my work...why I had to be here...why the circumstances of my life has led me here...and I begin longing for the day that all these sacrifices will end and I could go home to the unwelcome arms of my country and to the loving arms of my people and my family...I was direly trying to be strong...trying to keep my tears from running across my face...my mouth was dry...and I shrugged it off with self statements that I will outlast all of these challenges...and I will be strong for myself...then I realized how much I miss them all...I was Homesick...I guess...I truly am...and its not shameful to be...you are only human...

The Reason

2010-02-07T01:57:00.000-08:00

An inherent job for me is to be the sound board for the problems of your workers whether they may be job related or most of the time they are just personal problems of your people. I have counseled lots and lots of workers who would submit to me their resignation letters telling me of their sad plight and as a person I would normally believe their stories because I believe in the paradigm that “All men are generally good.” (No intention to be sexist but that includes women) so I would generally believe that they are not lying…but I have also met a good number of people lying through their teeth…complete with crocodile tears telling me how urgent it was for them to be able to go home…(Showbiz...or bollywood time...I even had one who knelt and was tugging on my trousers o be allowed to go home...geezz)

It is always not easy to resign your job here overseas especially with an OFW who is heavily in debt and had to escape the inert economy of the country that is controlled by oligarchs and big business that could not provide him a decent job on the first place…shame on them...because they wanted the poor to be poorer and the rich richer...couldn't care less as long as they have their starbucks and all...but alas the under privilege class where many workers belong arrive as migrant workers...exploited by big recruitment businesses (again) and many loan sharks (lending business again)...and what may have you...everybody seems to have a cut in his earnings even before he has arrived to earn his earning???what Irony is that!!!

He may be with the company of many other OFWs but he is generally alone in his own world here overseas…his life centered on how to provide with his family…with text messages incoming specially when the money sending time is apparently approaching…and all the money exchange centers are flooded with migrant workers sending their earning home...I could see them holding on to their money for just a few hours or days before it is remitted to their love ones...and I would also see some workers holding a blank stare at the people sending money because maybe he could not send any money because he lost it in a card game...as I have been told by one gambler worker...who was trying to double his money in a card game because he needed too much money to pay for a debt...and he ended up loosing all his earning instead....

Sometimes the people you love most…or your family they do not know that an OFW is not a worry proof person, He is not that strong emotionally although He may want to feel and think that way… I believe that he has strength and courage but likewise vulnerable to so many things that could have been avoided in maintaining a certain mind set here working abroad …I have encountered an OFW who is constantly bombarded with text messages and being miscalled by his wife who tries her best to tell him all that is happening in country as if he the OFW is just beside her …every teeny weeny bit of gossips and all ...we had one worker who was penalized for texting during work hours because he almost fell of a crane…and the people back home don' have any idea he was standing on one...that's technology for us now...and much of his earning go to pay for these sms and voice calls…

There are those who are always reminded of debts to pay needing money, family that passed away needing money, school fees that needs payment needing money, lights and water, telephone bills, grocery, school supplies, etc…all needing money… no wonder he was bound to get crazy…this other poor guy we had to send home because he lost his wits and gone bonkers

What are the main reasons why an OFW would want to resign his job and go back to his country and not finishing his contract?

Family problems is one major factors that I have always encountered and most of the reasons are that his wife left him for another man and abandoned their children, there is no one to take care of his child/children because extended family care takers such as in laws, brother or sister have gone, he wife got sick or met an untimely death and died, death in the immediate family, Lingering illness of wife or children, Mother or father is sick and dying but most of the time the reason is the mother most probably to have a more sympathetic excuse to go home, Health problems for the worker – physical and mental, medically unfit

There are those who say that it’s the working environment they are in, and an OFW might not like the company that he is working for due to poor management, working conditions, food, accommodation, salary, and a great many reasons one could always think of which may be genuinely true…to the believer

In my country we have a saying that says “Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahilan.” In simplistic terms that would mean that if you want something there will always be a way or means to get what you want but if you don’t want or like to do something one could always a zillions reasons not to do it or want it.

There are also those who are genuinely afflicted by home sickness which is likewise psychologically incapacitating for workers who could not handle it…this is a debilitating situation that if unnoticed could lead to suicidal tendencies…If I notice a person with manic depressive behavior I would generally sound an alarm for them…

Generally it boils down to having a positive or negative attitude…When I am approached by workers I would generally sort them out between a positive person and a negative one… When I notice that he is a negative person I would immediately brush him aside and tell him direct I don’t want to speak to negative people…because nothing positive comes out of it…we will just be having a very unhealthy discussion that would most probably end in an argument…so I am sorry…I don’t deal with such kind of people….Only those people who have a positive outlook in life and in their jobs are worth talking to…I may be biased in this regard…but experience has told me I am right…and seldom wrong…

There was this person that I talked to and he was complaining about his salary, He old me my salary is very low compared to others, etc. and every where he went he was always bent making surveys by asking the salary of other people…and each time he finds one that has a salary higher than himself he would make a notch in his mind “See I am correct my salary is low” but he doesn’t count those people who have a much lower salary than himself which is quite more numerous…because he doesn’t SEE it!!! and he doesn’t want to see it…he only sees what he wants to see…same with a negative person, he will only see the negative things…and the positive things are not seen…

And praise goes to the OFW that I have met who is the embodiment of a dedicated worker and family man …I never heard him complain not because there is none to complain about but rather he has a different attitude…once I asked him any problems? And He told me…”Yung nasa cementeryo lang ang walang problema.” (Meaning only the dead people in the cemeteries have no problems)…How’s your job? “Ganoon pa rin mahirap pero kaya naman…Pinasukan ko eto eh dapat panindigan…Isang taon nalang uwi na ako…(Life is the same…its hard but I can manage…I wanted this so I have to stand tall and bear with it…one year to go and I’m going home)…I guess what’s keeping this guy’s spirit is He knows that someday soon he looks forward to the day that he will go home and be with his family again…rather than whine on the things that he cannot change…he chose to be positive and look towards the day I’ll be wishing him well as I take him to the airport on his way back to the Philippines… I believe I like this guy…and I know a winner when I saw one…

The Mystery of Udaipur

2010-01-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

I dreamt of Udaipur... a place that puts you in a trance ... I have never seen the place...nor have I ever been there...but it seems like I have been there before or why do I get the feeling that I have seen this place before...It feels like magical to see the place surrounded by beauty and tranquil water Lakes undisturbed, pristine and as haunting as the dawn itself.

How would I describe my sentiments for the place I have never known ....A place I would never be given the chance to explore...to understand...to feel...its natural and aesthetic beauty and richness quite preserved through the passage of time...the more the place has seemed to age...the more the beauty is preserved within ... time may have passed and the physical attributes may be seared by the children the place has borne... but the same as the surrounding lakes, serene and opulent hills makes it the place of beauty as it it...where space and time will have no meaning.

The Scenic beauty only I can envision from a far... a far ... far place... yet so near to me...a foggy and hazy place which seems near but beyond your grasp...The lush green vegetation and pleasant gardens I will never have the chance to make an adventure... The magical beauty of Udaipor swept me away...The place is alluring me again and again but a las...the place is not mine to keep....a visit will never take place...because this is the only way to keep that magical feeling alive...the mountains and lakes of the place...I could never touch or thread my feet upon...nor feel my hand over Udaipur... I can feel the sense of pride of the place and among its people. Udaipur may be a descendant and part of glorious Maharana Pratap of Mewar...I will never know...the heritage fabric of the place, the Streets and Squares, Street Facades, the Jharokhas, the balconies, the terraces, Pols of Udaipur, Fortifications, Palaces complex, Beautiful Havelis of Udaipur, Aravalli range of mountains, Gardens and large lush gardens...the place is very attractive...but is it still possible to experience the ethos of Udaipur in almost every part of it..that I know will never happen....alluring as the place may be...I may have to keep a small place inside my heart for Udaipor...as the sun sets in this place of mystery...

Taking your shoes off...etc...

2010-01-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

More than once or twice or instances that are more than my fingers could count...I have encountered in my office that I would meet employees from India entering my office and would go through the motion of removing their shoes/slippers and be on their bare feet while I would be telling them to stop as I really do mind and wish that they don't have to remove them...Although I know that In India it really is good manners to take your shoes off before entering someone's home and I do also know that it's a prerequisite before entering a temple or mosque o always remove your shoes which is customary. Once time I also went with a south asian friend to an internet calling station where everybody leaves their shoes on the door but when I looked inside that place it was really dirty to be on bare feet or socks either!!!

Somehow I got this thought that maybe removing your shoes is a sign of respect which is not uncommon. Anyway I know the Japanese remove their shoes when they enter their homes because its customary and hygienic because they sit around on the floor with Tatami mats.

But in my country in the Philippines the guess aren’t expected to take their your shoes off every time you enter someplace or their homes except in the rural areas because of the presence of animals and dirt all around...where its truly a sign of respect but in the urban places not having to remove your shoes is non-issue, I would normally tell my gues o enter my home and no need to remove their shoes. I know that its dirty but guest are exempted in his case. Even though it is house rules that one should take off their shoes and change to slippers upon arriving home such "rules" do not apply to guest. Anyway I just find it awkward and rude to ask people to remove their shoes after inviting them in if they are my guest...without any alternatives such as slippers to offer...ha is if they might be uncomfortable with feet smelling and socks with holes in them....and If I have to clean up after with their shoes on my home...its my reward for requesting their presence in my abode....and that I would gladly accept...

Alone with my thoughts at Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Falls on a Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, here in the middle east its falls on a weekend and Christmas Days falls on Friday...As an OFW... the link or reminder that I keep with my love ones and family in country is as a Filipino I always think of Thursdays here as Saturdays and Fridays as Sundays...these days are my weekend days here where I do my laundry, ironing, and other personal chores I need to do in the absence of anyone to do it for me...but...ME!!!! But before I get any further from what I intended to write about....Each Night as I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling or in the window of my cabin and with my thoughts on my family...I pray for strength for my weariness...I dearly miss them...but I don't let this sentimental notion get into my system...because it will only eat you up...I would normally brush this sentimentality aside with rationalize thoughts of why I have to be here...etc...all the reasons...I could think of...I would even blame the lame government and economy of my country that pushed so many workers like me to seek employment and better opportunities abroad and that my own country itself could not provide me with...specially for ageing people like me... it is painful to be parted with your family in such a way that cards dealt to you by fate is such loneliness in life...of living alone...and working your life away in such desolate places...anyway...I miss them...December 24 is my wedding anniversary...and my last year's celebrations were so bleak because I was out of the job then...and this year's celebration is spent all by myself...the thoughts and memories of my family accompanying me through a very terrible cold night in December 2009...but I could only savor and let this emptiness inside me for 5 minutes and really feel my loneliness...because I need to feel it to treasure them more....and after that I need to come back to my reality and face the drudgery of my work life alone...and look forward again to the next day...until the day that will come for me to go home to the loving arms of my family...this vision is what is keeping my spirit up....and that day will come sooner or later ...

Growing Old Graciously

2009-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Most everybody I imagine would fear the fact that one is growing old each day...this reality doesn't really seep in until you reach 40 ...or 50...20 years ago when I do conduct interviews for recruitment...I never really realize it then that I had a biased mindset for older people...I always ask how old are you? How many years do you want to spend with the company??? and I would always prefer younger people for the job.... until the time that the tables were turned against me...I was now being interviewed for the job and I was the Old person...and the person interviewing me was half my age...and I knew exactly what was going in her mind when she ask me...Do you see yourself working for this company after five years?...I hated the thought but what's new? experience and seniority...does it really count that much against young, aggressive, impulsive, or devil may care rookies...I came from a generation wherein maturity was valued...one doesn't even get near to become a supervisor at 30 years old...but now you have people fresh from the books and in less than six months on the job...has already become a supervisor...don't get me wrong...I don't have anythings against that...its just that times have really changed and old paradigms that used to be true are not necessarily true anymore...but this biased for old people is not true at all in some cultures...in some overseas countries...your age is not important for the job...Its even illegal in some countries to discriminate you from qualifying for a job because of your age...so much for that...the gist of my musing is that I have come to realize that time has really passed me by...10 or 20 years ago I didn't feel old...but at fifty..I feel old no matter how much I try to feel to be young at heart...and likewise I cannot be continuously trying to keep myself in a denial mode...I cannot do that anymore...better to accept the fact that the time has come for you to act your age...for some people growing old is difficult because our body, looks and mindset change and many times we are not in control of it...which is why I somehow decided to accept it and grow old under my own terms and I will let that process happen graciously to me and enjoy....growing old...It can be enjoyed and cherished... First I know I have to keep a sharp mind...to maintain my faculties by keeping my mind active by reading books and solving word puzzles or by just being creative, try to Study and learn something new every month. One of the first things that give way when you age is vision...Keep your eyes sharp by resting them accordingly to extend its life span....Keep your body and maintain your body in shape by exercising daily. I would gladly accept my wrinkles and eye bugs...because they are the signs of being a veteran in the daily struggles you have in life...I used to try all the creams to let them go away...but to no avail..maybe I just have to wear them like a badge of honor... My hair is greying...I can feel the itchyness no matter how much I dye...hah... I must Eat healthy and What you put in your body shows up at a later age in ways you may not like...Dress up and be classy if you feel like it no matter what age you are...I like wearing t-shirts just like younger people do...Sleep at least 8 hours daily because the body heals this way and Do not sacrifice your sleep for a stressful career keep a balance in your life and you should Love and treat others with respect but most of all have peace within you and let "que sera sera" take care of the rest ...don't be afraid to look old...become old...be old...this I learned from an Old Gentlemen himself...from my father who is pushing 90 and growing old graciously...

My "Unplugged" Dream

2009-10-20T02:03:00.000-07:00

I have always had this dream of mine...as we move forward in our careers and working life and At the back of my mind...all of this will always have an ending... and eventually just like a boxer...one would have to hang his gloves to rest when the time has come and be that as it may...I am quite sure that I would bring myself to that point in time...someday..it will come for sure...and I will retire...from work...and sure enough I am not getting any younger these days...my body does aches from the abuse of my younger years...and when I Do come to that point I want to realize my "Unplugged" Dream of having my own "College Cafe Acoustic Bar or Lounge" and I foresee a set-up where during the daytime it could operate as a Restaurant/food house and during the evenings as a resto-bar...where I can hang out and I could bring along friends to Jam with or perform acoustic gigs, have open mike nights, enjoy a beer or two but most of all play acoustic music for he crowd... I envision it with a small stage in the corner just like one in the picture...and I am going to need a good pa system...a place where a room that will have great acoustics...a high chair with guitars on the side...I will have to make a great investment on the musical instruments and sound stage system that would be required to make a great plae for jamming ...a good amp that I have my eyes on is his Roland AC-60

AC-60: Acoustic Chorus Guitar Amplifier

Features

Although there are many acoustic amps on the market today, few of them can compete with the rich, natural tone of the compact AC-60 Acoustic Chorus amplifier. This innovative stereo amp uses sophisticated digital signal processing to deliver a crisp sound with lush stereo/multi-band chorus—including a new “wide” mode—plus delay/reverb and impressive Auto Anti-Feedback control. And with its 2-channel Mic/Line design and stand-mountable configuration, the AC-60 is clearly heads above the competition.

Compact stereo acoustic amplifier with pure, natural tone and excellent projection
2-Channel design: Guitar input and Mic/Line input with Phantom Power
Stereo 30-watt/dual 6.5-inch speaker configuration loud enough for club gigs and small PA applications
Onboard DSP delivers lush stereo/multi-band chorus, newly developed “wide” chorus and delay/reverb with footswitch control
Built-in Auto Anti-Feedback controls allow for maximum volume without feedback
Convenient Mute switch for silent tuning on stage
Stereo Line Out for PA and recording applications; Subwoofer output
Built-in tilt stand offers better acoustic projection; can also be mounted on commercially available speaker stands

Acoustic guitars in guitar stands...along with an acoustic chorus amp...maybe put in a bass guitar and a beat box with it...amber lights...or stage lights...and a roomful of people enjoying good live acoustic music...

Another idea of mine is to acquire a fender passport for the PA system

Passport® Deluxe PD-250
The Passport PD-250 is the flagship model of the Passport product line. Featuring a 6 channel mixer, 250 Watt stereo power amp and specialized DSA speaker design, the PD-250 provides powerful and full sound in a portable and easy to use design. If it’s a coffee shop performance or for a company event, the PD-250 is great in any situation where quality sound is needed.

• Perfect for groups ranging from 300-500 people in size.
• Black luggage style molded case that protects the product during transportation from physical damage and the elements.
• 55 lbs.
• Six input mixer: Four mic/line Two mono/stereo
• Operates on AC or with Passport DC power accessories
• 250 watts (125 per channel) stereo
• Digital Reverb
• Proprietary DSA speaker design featuring two 5.5” woofers and dual arrayed 2.75” tweeters per cabinet.
• Two P-51 microphones (with mic clips, cables and individual carrying pouches)
• Two 20’ Speaker Cables
• Compatible with Passport wireless accessories

I would also like to have the Yamaha Stage Pas as an option to a Fender Passport........No matter where your music leads, Yamaha's new STAGEPAS™ 300 Portable PA system has the power and portability to go with you. It has all the power and high-quality sound you need to fill a small performance space, yet it is small and light enough to take wherever it is needed. Combining a built-in powered mixer and PA speakers, it's incredibly easy to use — you can be set up and playing in a matter of minutes! STAGEPAS™ 300 is the perfect road companion, providing powerful, reliable, convenient sound reinforcement for a wide variety of applications.

Great sound has never been so portable — and so easy to use. High quality, convenience, and power to go!

Or a Behringer PA system...

My GAS Attack!!! A Family Portrait

2009-10-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

G.A.S.
Guitar Acquisition Syndrome.

I think I am undoubtedly but only mildly afflicted by it...and I probably have it...denying it doesn't do any good... I think it's cool to a certain degree...but who knows what I will do If I have the money for it?...well anyway....here is a family portrait...My oldest guitar...not necessarily my first one...I acquired sometime in 1990... It's been almost 20 years with me...I had it when I was still a bachelor and I could remember lugging this guitar with me when I was crooning some lady, jamming with my band, or just out in the corner hanging out and drinking with friends....Its an O.G. (Opon Guitar - not Ovation Guitar)...Opon guitars are one of the best made guitars in Cebu where I come from...in the Philippines...its in the Island of Mactan...I had an office mate who belongs to the Pangatungan Clan who are makers of Opon guitars...hey do have a guitar factory and I had this axe made to order with my specs...its a cut-away, acoustic steel stringed guitar...with jet-black glaze finish...the neck and body is made out of "Kamagong" as describe by my local Luthier "Eddie Pangatungan" . Since then on I always buy my guitars from Opon Guitars...'til this day... I have already re-painted this Old Guitar three times since I have had it o maintain the glossy look...and its moving from my hands now into my daughter's hands...this guitar also has a twin...I have it made and gave it away to my brother as a gift of music..."Kamagong" or ebony is a tree found only in the Philippines, the wood of which is extremely dense and hard, and famous for its dark color. It belongs to the ebony family like many other very hard woods is sometimes called "Ironwood " so called because its wood is iron-like and nearly unbreakable.

The next guitar that I got from Opon Guitars is a classical nylon beauty...its got the NT (natural) look and finish and the soundboard is made from Palo Tsina or "Spruce" wood...the finger board is made of "Kamagong" its got its own built in electronics...with an under saddle mounted pick-up ...I thought of buying this because I wanted it as a gift for my daughter when I wanted her to take up guitar which is why I went for the nylon strings because it would be easier to the touch and gentle on the fingers and the wide fingerboard is good for hand stretches and finger exercise...I also had another one made for another brother in Hong Kong...last I heard it was damaged but still could be repaired....but the irony of it all is that my daughter loved instead to play my old acoustic steel stringed guitar more than this nylon beauty...then one day...my daughter broke my old guitar's head stock which made me obviously angry...of how careless she is with instruments...I had to bring my old guitar to my luthier to have it fixed and repainted but during this visit....I bought my daughter her own acoustic steel stringed guitar to keep her away from my old guitar...I saw this charvel copy in his shop...its got an ovation head stock...quite a unique guitar in itself...it sounded good but it had some fret buzz which I later had it fixed...because of the lighter guage of strings used by the guitar...its got the chocolate and shiny glaze finish...but alas...the last I heard is that my daughter busted this one...but could still be repaired...when I go back in country I would bring this baby to my luthier and have it fix in no time...I wanted to teach my daughter the value of taking care of your instruments...How many times I have told her...playing your instruments doesn't end there ...after using them you have to clean them and wipe them...with care...these instruments gives us pleasure when we make music with them...you need maintenance care...because they will sound better for you if you take care of them just like your own family...and I reminded her that since you don't have any brothers or sisters please treat your musical instruments as your sibings....and that they are not mere toys

The next guitar I acquired is an electric guitar I bought from a japanese used "Ukay-ukay" store...where I found this beauty...its a Fernandes Japanese MIJ (Made in Japan) TEJ -(Telecaster-Japan Model)...It was on a display window with other discarded electronics from Japan...in this used japan gear shop near my home... Black satin finish Tele style body (alder/basswood?) with ivory coloured binding, all hardware is silver plated, 22 frets, solid top, volume, tone, 3-way selector (LP style switch), bridge and neck single coil passive pickups (FGI), standard tele fixed tailpiece, Gotoh tuners, Fender-style neck with Rosewood fingerboard and angled Fernandes style headstock. This guitar is pretty much the twang-fender sound of a telecaster...after I bought it I immediately worked on it and cleaned it and checked the electronics....although...being second hand it has its scratches and dings but the sound of the guitar is still great...its no ordinary guitar by itself and made in Japan an speak for itself...always has the quality that you can find with an instrument that goes with he electronics...To make the gear a little more girl-friendly for my daughter...I had added the Hello kitty stuff stickers in them....

I was originally a bass player in my first band...and once my special girl friend gave me this as a gift ...someime in 1983 ...I had a Gibson EB3 That was borrowed by my eldest brother but was never returned...I was told that a nephew of mine was playing it...I have lost track of his one and when I asked my brother...He told me its not there anymore or whatever...its gone now...
....I also had a Gibson SG way back then...but I also gave it to a budding player...the son of a fraternity brod of mine who was always borrowing this SG of mine until it was never returned...and I did not bother to look for it anymore as I feel that It has found a new owner and a legacy of music goes with this gift... It is even equipped with a bigsby tremolo bridge similar to this pictured here

I bought another cheap (MIC) made in China Bass guitar....its not really much of a bass guitar but it does what it is suppose to do and functions quite well...playing bass was always my rue love...I've always felt that a bass player is the coolest guy in the band...its a four stringed bass guitar set in a PJ configuration of its pick-ups and is quite fender like as you might say...I plan to modify this baby with EMG active pick-ups when I could...that cost would be around $200 but I haven't gone to this point yet as these pick-ups are available only in the US...wala pa akong budget...but this bass guitar is good and I have already gigged with it...I normally would use my DOD 250 overdrive as an effect to give this bass guitar more punch...and this sounds quite good with it...I have had this DOD with me since 1983...and its still does what it does best...rocks...that really gives a tube like sound...that over driven sound....

The next guitar I bought is again another electric on the behest of my daughter who really wants to get a hold of a Les Paul Copy and I relented to her request...and bought this premier Les Paul designed copy...(MIC-Made in China)...Its quite hard to get your hand on a real Les Paul in Cebu not unless you buy it from abroad...such as UK or US...but this copy is also a beauty in itself...quite obviously some modification of the pick-ups will really make it sound more better...fatter...this guitar has a fuller sound because of its humbuckers...doesn't sound like the twangy fenders which gives it a different tonality...Dimarzio humbuckers would really make this guitar rock...but until that day comes...this stock model will have to do...its finish is also quite elegant...as clearly shown by is bright and candy like finish...I left all my guitars to my daughter's care as I ended up with my Job Here in Qatar...bu the G.A.S. attack has not ended for me here in DOHA...

I bought myself this beauty...a Yamaha FX370 acoustic-electric guitar at Modern Home....its sleek and black as most of my guitars are...and I have also gigged with this guitar here in Qatar with some of my friends....I normally keep this in standard tuning for most of the time and I have also tested its electronics and it also has done quite well...is under saddle pick-up system gives it an electric sound more than acoustic ....this guitar keeps me company in most of my solitary days inside my room...during my spare moments this guitar also gives me the pleasure of experiencing the music that I have grown to love and cherish...being a music man is also one of the great ways of honing your musical skills, composing music, trying o play covers, learning and breaking down songs into parts and learning how it was made and the many different ways a song can be played in the guitar...which led me to study and learn open tunings and if you are into these stuff you'll need more than one guitar as I have experienced...for that led me to acquire this Yamaha F370 acoustic guitar which I bought second hand from a foreigner (Peruvian owner)...and I ordered a sound hole magnetic pick-up from the Philippines and attached it to this guitar and I have also gigged with this one...this is my alternative tuning guitar which I normally tune to open D and DADGAD, ...I'm also learning new songs that are played in this type of tuning...expanding my knowledge and skills as well as a skilled guitar player and my most recent acquisition is this Guitar... its an Ibanez SA120EX-BK Electric Guitar - mahogany body, 3-piece maple SA neck, 22 medium frets, rosewood fretboard, dot inlays, SAT Pro II bridge, Cosmo black hardware, AH5 humbucker (neck) & AH6 humbucker (bridge) pickups, Colour: Black...Thats G.A.S. for me...the rocker's guitar ... these instruments never cease to amaze me all the time...and I love the pursuit of improving your musical skills and guitar playing when ever you have the chance of doing so...but to learn guitar of any instrument for that matter ...you need to buy one and not only that you need to take good care of it while it is in your possession...these guitars serves no purpose without any body playing them...its like a discarded toy who loses its existence or purpose in life once nobody plays with it...it has a life once you play it...it has purpose once you strum it...pick it...play chords....sing with it...only then will it have a life of its own and you must protect and take care of them...an instrument of joy... the gift of music for your heart of Gold...

MY NEW GUITAR AND MICRO CUBE

2009-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

The FX370C comes with a spruce top, and nato back and sides. The compact, cutaway design provides excellent handling comfort and high-position access. Powered punch is guaranteed with a piezo pickup mounted under the saddle.

Yamaha FX370C F SERIES Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Features:

Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Nato
Neck: Nato
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Scale: 634mm
Frets: 21
Tuners: Yamaha Chrome
Pickups: 1-Way Piezo

The Roland Micro Cube Battery Powered Amp with COSM and Effects gives guitarists a genuine Roland Cube amp in an ultracompact 7-pound package. And when you're doing live gigs, you'll love that it runs on batteries. Despite its tiny proportions, the MicroCube packs a big punch and comes with 6 DSP effects, 7 COSM amp models, and a new Digital Tuning Fork—giving guitarists everything they need for killer tone on the go.

Roland Micro Cube Combo Amp Features:

Ultracompact portable DSP guitar amp with 5" speaker
7 COSM guitar amp models including JC-120 and a special mic preamp model
6 DSP effects: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, and separate delay/reverb
New Digital Tuning Fork with support for flat tunings up to 2 semitones
Recording/headphones output and stereo auxiliary input for CD players, etc.
Runs on 6 AA batteries or AC power (adapter supplied) and includes carrying strap

DOHA MAPS

2009-08-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

WITH FRIENDS

2009-08-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

West Bay - Doha, Qatar

2009-08-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Corniche - Qatar

2009-08-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

CITICENTER - DOHA

2009-07-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

OUR LADY OF ROSARY - DOHA CHURCH

2009-07-24T02:32:00.000-07:00

DOHA CITY QATAR

2009-07-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

A HOMEWARD BOUND FRIEND

2009-07-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

It was a long day for my friend Boyet, We took a homeward bound friend to DOHA Airport (Armin and Me) and had our pictures taken at the terminal. Working abroad for my friend was a mixture of emotions, a life experience that I am sure much is to be learned. An end to a new start for a new beginning...to move on to hopefully bigger and better things in life. He's got a ticket to ride.

DOHA LANDMARKS

2009-07-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

Aspire Tower - Doha Qatar

2009-06-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

AT THE OLD QUARTER SOUQ WAQIF

2009-06-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

We Visited one of the must-visited place when one is in DOHA which is Souq Wakif. It is Located in the center of the town quite near the "Philipini Souq", this is an old Bedouin souq which was recently been renovated and transformed into a tourist attraction all with lush evening lights, plus the eatery and fancy dining places.

Parts of the souk is very nice decorated and filled with a lot of posh dining - from Thai, Turkish, arabic, Indian all types of exotic middle eastern restaurants. It would be nice and be very enjoyable to sit outside and make tambay during the cooler months while watching people passing by along the cobble stoned streets.

There is also a gallery with a lots of art on display with any old cinema posters and arts items whih are very unique to Qatar.

Further to inside you can also go to the old quarter, which was refurbished but maintaining the "Unique OLD LOOK" of the souq whih is modified to retain the antique souq and more local with some arabic food joints and antique shops. Inside this area there are different parts of the souk which sells pipes, brass ware, selling clothes, spices, old tourist souvenirs and even pets like canaries or birds!

Fanar Islamic Center - Qatar

2009-06-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

DOHA TOURIST SPOTS

2009-06-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Pera sa Qatar

2009-05-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

MY OFFICE

2009-05-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

DYARAN OUR OFFICE TEA BOY

2009-05-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

My Snackbar

2009-05-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

ME WASHING MACHINE NA KAMI!!!!

2009-05-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

ULAM! MENU! ISDA! PATATAS!PANCIT!

2009-04-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

KITCHEN POST

2009-04-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

VEGGIE MARKET IN QATAR

2009-04-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

LULULULU

2009-04-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

PARA SA LAHAT NA OFW

2009-04-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

This email was a forwarded email again to most OFWs coming from an anonymous OFW well below is the message:

Para sa lahat ng OFW...

Message:

Sa may asawa, kapatid, anak, kaibigan, at kamag-anak na OFW.

At lalo na sa mga gustong mangibang-bansa. ...

Maaaring makatulong ito upang lalong maintindihan ng bawa't isa ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang OFW. Tiyak na may mapupulot tayong aral dito.

Hindi mayaman ang OFW - We have this notion na 'pag OFW o nasa abroad ay mayaman na. Hindi totoo yun. A regular OFW might earn from P20K-P300K per month depende sa lokasyon. Yung mga taga-Saudi or US siguro ay mas malaki ang sweldo, but to say that they're rich is a fallacy (amen!).

Malaki ang pangangailangan kaya karamihan ay nag-a-abroad. Maraming bunganga ang kailangang pakainin kaya umaalis ang mga pipol sa Philippines. Madalas, 3/4 o kalahati ng sweldo ay napupunta sa tuition ng anak at gastusin ng pamilya.

Mahirap maging OFW - Kailangan magtipid hangga't kaya. Oo, masarap ang pagkain sa abroad pero madalas na paksiw o adobo at itlog lang tinitira para makaipon. Pagdating ng kinsenas o katapusan, ang unang tinitingnan eh ang conversion ng peso sa dollar o rial o euro. Mas okay na magtiis sa konti kaysa gutumin ang pamilya. Kapag umuuwi, kailangan may baon kahit konti kasi maraming kamag-anak ang sumusundo sa airport o naghihintay sa probinsya. Alam mo naman 'pag Pinoy, yung tsismis na OFW ka eh surely attracts a lot of kin.

Kapag hindi mo nabigyan ng pasalubong eh magtatampo na yun at sisiraan ka na. Well, hindi naman lahat pero I'm sure sa mga OFW dito eh may mga pangyayaring ganun. Magtatrabaho ka sa bansang iba ang tingin sa mga Pinoy. Malamang marami ang naka-experience ng gulang o discrimination to their various workplaces. Sige lang, tiis lang, iniiyak na lang kasi kawawa naman pamilya 'pag umuwi.

Besides, wala ka naman talagang maasahang trabaho sa Philippines ngayon.

Mahal ang bigas, ang gatas, ang sardinas, ang upa sa apartment. Tiis lang kahit maraming kupal sa trabaho, kahit may sakit at walang nag-aalaga, kahit hindi masarap ang tsibog, kahit pangit ang working conditions, kahit delikado, kahit mahirap. Kapag nakapadala ka na, okay na, tawag lang, "hello! kumusta na kayo?".

Hindi bato ang OFW - Tao rin ang OFW, hindi money o cash machine.

Napapagod rin, nalulungkot (madalas), nagkakasakit, nag-iisip at nagugutom. Kailangan din ang suporta, kundi man physically, emotionally spiritually man lang.

Tumatanda rin ang OFW - Sa mga nakausap at nakita ko, marami ang panot at kalbo na. Most of them have signs and symptoms of hypertension, coronary artery disease and arthritis. Yet, they continue to work thinking about the family they left behind. Marami ang nasa abroad, 20-30 years na, pero wala pa ring ipon. Kahit anong pakahirap, sablay pa rin. Masakit pa kung olats rin ang sinusuportahang pamilya - ang anak adik o nabuntis; ang asawa may kabit. Naalala ko tuloy ang sikat na kanta dati, "NAPAKASAKIT KUYA EDDIE!"

Bayani ang OFW - Totoo yun! Ngayon ko lang na na-realize na bayani ang OFW sa maraming bagay. Hindi bayani na tulad ni Nora Aunor o Flor Contemplacion. Bayani in the truest sense of the word. Hindi katulad ni Rizal o Bonifacio. Mas higit pa dun, mas maraming giyera at gulo ang pinapasok ng OFW para lang mabuhay. Mas maraming pulitika ang kailangang suungin para lang tumagal sa trabaho lalo na't kupal ang mga kasama sa trabaho. Mas mahaba ang pasensya kaysa sa mga ordinaryong kongresista o senador sa Philippines dahil sa takot na mawalan ng sweldo.

Matindi ang OFW - Matindi ang pinoy. Matindi pa sa daga, o cockroaches which survived the cataclysmic evolution. Maraming sakripisyo pero walang makitang tangible solutions or consequences.

Malas ng OFW, swerte ng pulitiko - Hindi umuupo ang OFW para magbigay ng autograph o interbyuhin ng media (unless nakidnap!). Madalas nasa sidelines lang ang OFW. Kapag umaalis, malungkot and on the verge of tears. Kapag dumadating, swerte 'pag may sundo( madalas meron). Kapag naubos na ang ipon, wala ng kamag-anak.

Sana sikat ang OFW para may boses sa Kamara. Ang swerte ng mga politico nakaupo sila at ginagastusan ng pera ng Filipino. Hindi nga sila naiinitan o napapaso ng langis, o napagagalitan ng amo, o kumakain ng paksiw para makatipid, o nakatira sa compound with conditions less than favorable, o nakikisama sa ibang lahi para mabuhay. Ang swerte, sobrang swerte nila.

Matatag ang OFW - Matatag ang OFW, mas matatag pa sa sundalo o kung ano pang grupo na alam nyo. Magaling sa reverse psychology, negotiations at counter-attacks. Tatagal ba ang OFW? Tatagal pa kasi hindi pa natin alam kailan magbabago ang Philippines , kailan nga kaya? o may tsansa pa ba?

Masarap isipin na kasama mo ang pamilya mo araw-araw. Nakikita mo mga anak mong lumalaki at naaalagaan ng maayos. Masarap kumain ng sitaw, ng bagoong, lechon, inihaw na isda, taba ng talangka. Masarap manood ng pelikulang Pinoy, luma man o bago. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kung kilala mo ang kapitbahay mo. Iba pa rin sa Philippines , iba pa rin kapag Pinoy ang kasama mo (except 'pag kupal at utak-talangka) , iba pa rin 'pag nagkukwento ka at naiintindihan ng iba ang sinasabi mo. Iba pa rin ang tunog ng "mahal kita!", "day, ginahigugma tika." "Mingaw na ko nimo ba, kalagot!", " Inday, diin ka na subong haw? ganahan guid ko simo ba". Iba pa rin talaga.

Sige lang, tiis lang, saan ba't darating din ang pag-asa.

Kung OFW ka at binabasa mo ito, mabuhay ka dahil ikaw ang tunay na BAYANI ng lahing PILIPINO!!!

WANDERINGS IN DOHA

2009-04-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

MGA KABAYAN AT KAIBIGAN

2009-04-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

MARKET! MARKET!

2009-04-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

THE IRON MAN

2009-04-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

ALL GOING TO CAMP

2009-04-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

1st Time In Vellagio

2009-03-29T03:05:00.000-07:00

I HATE WASH DAYS

2009-03-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

THE WORK PLACE FOR ME

2009-03-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

TRIP TO AL WAKRAH QATAR

2009-03-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

A GLANCE INTO MY PRIVATE WORLD

2009-03-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Our Company Compound - Picture Post

2009-03-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

A collage of pictures of our company's compound and the common accomodation facilities here of Porta Cabins in Qatar. The sun shines good in the State of Qatar.

Medical Check in Qatar

2009-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

This morning we went to the Hospital to have the mandatory medical check by the Qatar Medical Commission which is a requirement for an expatriate to be able to get a residence permit (RP) in Qatar. Your entry visa will be converted to the work visa after going through the process. There are 2 ways to go about the medical check...you can pass through the 1st entrance which is for VIPS such as managers, foreigners, etc...or in the other entrance which is for ordinary workers...dito pa lang may segregation na talaga...anyway...our filipino secretary who went together with me was able to enter through the 1st entrance while I was shooed away because my entry visa was as a machine operator kahit na manager ako because that position was used only for visa entry...so I was lump with the workers all coming from various parts of south asia and the world...and during that time I also went together with some of the indian workers our our company...our indian driver nasser did a little manuevering so that I could be exempted from the long queing in the worker's entrance....may paraan din pala dito pareho din sa atin...i'm sure some "padulas" was made so that i could enter without queing...so I had entered the large waiting area...there were many Qataris who acted like minders or line men...they guide the large number of people along the process and of course...in the middle east fashion the ladies were separated from the men...ang daming lahi doon, I was with indians, sri lankans, palestinians, lebanese, turks, jordanians, syrians, sudanese, africans, nepalis, bengalis, chinese, americans, europeans, pakistanis, pashtuns, afghans, and of course the Filipinos... and so many more I could not recall...it was quite a rowdy lot but i just went trough the process as nonchalantly as I could...I tried not to attract anything to myself...trying to be incognito...we were first ushered in the registration process wherein we have to pay 100 QAR for the medical check...there is a window counter that you have to line up to and a digicam that would take your picture upon the payment...you need to present your passport and a photocopy of your Qatari visa... I could see that the window booths were manned by Arab Women in Chadors wherein you could only see their eyes or their faces...I tried not to be rude by staring at them because they are truly an exotic beauty to a Filipino...so off I went to the blood capture reception wherein you will receive a vial with a sticker provided by the medical staff (arab) and dircted to the blood drawing med tech...who was again an arab lady...so in the process of queing my blood was taken...and off to the x-ray section I go but the whole process was really confusing...I observed that there were many people inserting in the ques...there were people who would at any given chance overtake you...ang ba bastos pa ng iba...hindi lang talaga sa Pinas and merong ganito sa lahat ng parte ng mundo meron siguro but as I have observed we are more civil than these people in a sense at lease ang palusot system sa atin hindi obvious ...while dito harap harapan...there are still good people though...the indians i met are quite good...may isa pa nga I told him that i will just go to the bathroom binantayan niya ang place ko sa line...pero may mga bastos talaga at agawan as if there are still places the they need to go or things to do...I could also see Qataris escorting other people in overtaking ques...obvious na tumatangap sigurado ng lagay just to be ahead of others...anyway...Natapos din ako sa x-ray and to my surprise the radiologist was a Pinoy...Sabi niya agad sa akin 'Kabayan Hinga ng malamin" click agad ang xray...Tapos na po? Tapos na Pare...and I said Salamat Kabayan"...pagkatapos noon..we all left the hospital pumunta sa isang medical polyclinic para magpa blood test...and lo and behold mga Pilipina!!! Kabayan...again...and the usual pleasanties...Galing talaga ng mga Pinoy...Hay! Naku!!!Na memiss ko natuloy ang Pinas....natapos din...pero may finger printing pa pala ...that will be another blog entry for me...

En Route to the Desert Sun

2009-02-28T03:01:00.000-08:00

OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKER

2009-02-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

The Wikipedia Definition

An Overseas Filipino is a person of Philippine origin who lives outside of the Philippines. This term applies both to people of Filipino ancestry who are citizens or residents of a different country and to those Filipino citizens abroad on a more temporary status.

The lack of well-paying jobs in the Philippines combined with a widespread knowledge of English (a result of having been a colony of the United States) have made Filipinos one of the most internationally mobile nationalities.

Many Filipinos go abroad to support their families back at home through remittances, and as a result, many countries have a substantial Filipino community. Often, these Filipinos are referred to as Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs.

The term Global Filipino is another term of more recent vintage but less widely used. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently coined the term Overseas Filipino Investor or OFI for Filipino expatriates who contribute to the economy through remittances, buying property and creating businesses.

There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, equivalent to about 11% of the total population of the Philippines. Each year, more than a million Filipinos leave to work abroad through overseas employment agencies and other programs, including government sponsored ones. Others emigrate and become permanent residents of other countries.

Overseas Filipinos often work as doctors, nurses, accountants, IT professionals, engineers, architects, entertainers, technicians, teachers, military servicemen, students, caregivers, domestic helpers and household maids.

The exodus includes an increasing number of skilled workers taking on unskilled work overseas, resulting in what has been referred to as brain drain, particularly in the health and education sectors.

Also, the exodus can result in underemployment, for example, in cases where doctors undergo retraining to become nurses. Economic Impact Money sent by OFWs back to the Philippines is a major factor in the country's economy, amounting to more than US$10 billion in 2005.

This makes the country the fourth largest recipient of foreign remittances behind India, China, and Mexico. The amount represents 13.5% of the Philippines' GDP, the largest in proportion to the domestic economy among the four countries mentioned.

Overseas Filipinos sent back $14.4 billion in remittances to the Philippines in 2007, up from the $13 billion in 2006. The Philippines has estimated an inflow of $15.9 billion worth of remittances in 2008.

Nations with large Filipino constituencies United States. Despite race relations problems of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the American Northwest, most Filipino Americans today find it easy to integrate into American society, with a majority belonging to the upper middle class. When compared to other East and Southeast Asian-American groups, Filipino Americans have the second highest median household income, exceeding that of the U.S. general population, surpassed only by Asian Indians.

United States Median Household Income: 2004. Ethnicity Household Income Asian Indians $68,771 Filipinos $65,700 Chinese $57,433 Japanese $53,763 Koreans $43,195 Total US Population $44,684 Filipinos are as the second-largest Asian American group in the country; Tagalog is the fifth most spoken language in the U.S.

Filipinas comprise a large portion of the roughly 4,000-6,000 women who annually come to the U.S. via international marriage agencies. The US State Department estimated that there are 4 million Filipinos in the US as of 2007. United Kingdom Nurses and caregivers have begun flocking to the United Kingdom in recent years. The island-nation has welcomed about 20,000 nurses and other Filipinos of various employment and lifestyle during the past 5 years. According to news reports, the United Kingdom is home to around 200,000 OFWs.

In spite of the Philippine government ban on OFWs working in Iraq, an estimated 1,000-3,000 Filipinos work there. Most work on US Military bases around the country as cooks and laundry service, sometimes as third-country national security guards. This is the only foreign nation in which Filipino men outnumber Filipino women. Canada. Only a small population of Filipinos resided in Canada until the late 20th century. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has estimated that as of 2006 there were over 400,000 Canadians of Filipino origin.

Due to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Western Canada and the Philippines; contracts in Atlantic Canada; consistent hiring of workers in Central Canada; and increased activity in Northern Canada, it is estimated that there will be some 500,000 Filipinos in Canada as of 2010. As of December 2008, Filipinos overtook China as Canada's leading source of immigrants.

In Spain. With around 50,000 citizens in 2008, the Filipinos form the second largest East Asian community in Spain behind the Chinese. Although many Filipinos did immigrate or ran away to Spain after the United States took over the islands in 1898, most of the Filipinos moved to the old metropolis during the 1960s and 1970s seeking jobs, which in many cases were related to housekeeping, health care or industrial activities.

There's also a significant group of Spaniards of Filipino origins (some of whom are from 3rd and 4th generations) including some famous people like Isabel Preysler, mother of famous singer Enrique Iglesias, which is estimated in at least up 250,000people.

In Ireland. As of 2008, the Philippine embassy in London reported that there are 11,500 Filipinos in Ireland. In Hong Kong. There are approximately 140,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong, of whom most are domestic helpers (30,000 of them being members of the Filipino Migrant Workers Union). Filipino maids are known by the locals as amahs, or more often feiyungs (less politely bun mui or bun bun). A Hong Kong work visa requires some amount of higher education; and in some cases Filipino women with college degrees and perfect command of English are willing to work as maids and nannies for a salary higher than they could make at home in professions.

In Singapore. Over 150,000 Overseas Filipinos work and reside in the nation-state of Singapore. Moreover, about 240,000 Filipinos visit the country annually, making them one of the biggest foreign tourists of Singapore. In Taiwan. According to the 2006 data of the government of Taiwan, there are 96,000 Filipinos currently living in Taiwan. Of these, 58,704 are in manufacturing industries and 34,602 are in social or personal services (e.g. maids). However, according to 2004 data by the Philippine Government, there are 2,037 Filipinos living in Taiwan permanently, 154,135 are in Taiwan for work contracts, and 4,500 go to Taiwan irregularly, which make a total of 160,672. It is not known why there is such a big difference between these two numbers (96,000 vs. 160,672).

Middle East. Many Filipinos work in the Middle East (mostly Saudi Arabia and UAE) as engineers, nurses or hospital workers, accountants, office workers, construction workers, restaurant workers and maids. It is estimated that more than 2 million Filipinos have made the Middle East their home.

In Japan Some 250,000 Filipinos are listed to be living within Japan's geographic confines. However, this number is speculated to be larger, surpassing the one million mark, in relation to many unlisted and illegal Filipino nationals in the Land of the Rising Sun.

South Korea According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, as of December 2006, some 70,000 Filipinos work and live in Korea. Of this number, some 6,000 are permanent residents, some 50,000 work legally, and some 14,000 are "irregular" or do not have the proper documents.

Lebanon As many as 30,000 OFWs are working in the nation of Lebanon. Due to the recent turmoil between Lebanon and Israel, however, many have been repatriated back to the Philippines, while others have been relocated to Cyprus, a part of the Philippine evacuation plan.

In 2000, Australia recorded about 127,000 Filipinos and/or Filipino Australians and in Greece The Philippine Embassy has reported an estimated of 40,000 Filipinos in Greece. Malaysia As Sabah is very close to the Philippines, there are many Filipino residents, as well as illegal immigrants there. Filipinos make up about 30% of the entire population of Sabah and they enumerate up to 900,000.

Many Filipinos in Malaysia residents come to work in construction industries, fisheries, and other labor intensive sectors in hopes of a better living. Most live in stilt slums scattered behind cities or on offshore islands. The Philippine government also has promised to establish a consulate provide any necessary help to its nationals. Historically, The Philippines has a dormant claim on the territory. Native Sabahans themselves are closely related to southern Filipinos.

In New Zealand There are about 17,000 Filipino residents and citizens in New Zealand called Kiwi-Pino's, Filipino-New Zealanders. New Zealand, as in the past, are currently recruiting Filipino qualified nurses. Filipinos in New Zealand, as well as prospective immigrants, often lean towards information technology, nursing and, more recently, telecommunications for careers.[citation needed] Norway People with Filipino background in Norway is estimated to about 9,000, most of them living in the Oslo urban area. Most of the Filipino immigrants to Norway are females, representing 76 % of the total of 9,000.
The Issues Overseas Filipino workers, both blue collar and white collar, can face significant obstacles, including illegal recruitment, mysterious death, racial profiling and discrimination, and kidnapping.

In some countries, such as in Hong Kong, China and Singapore, and in Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, and Saudi Arabia OFWs have reported that their pay was withheld, while others have had their documents confiscated or hidden. Furthermore, some, who are mostly domestic helpers, are physically and sexually abused, even murdered.

Action by the government on these cases have had mixed results with some OFWs returning to the country happy while others return either injured or dead. Other problems faced by OFWs include the risk of involvement in a conflict and the risk of being kidnapped, such as those in Lebanon, Iraq, and Nigeria.

Another issue is Filipino women becoming sex slaves in countries such as Japan or other countries. Thousands of women travel abroad for domestic work only to be tricked into sex work. Sex traffickers take their passports, withholds wages or physically abuse them.

MY OFW D-DAY

2009-02-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

The day of my leaving and sojourn to the middle east has come...I am leaving for DOHA, Qatar through ETIHAD Airways and my flight will be from manila to Abu Dhabi with a connecting flight to DOHA, Qatar...I went to the last briefing at the recruitment agency office wherein our contract was explained to us, the documents that we need to bring, the explanation we needed to explain to the visa reader because the position on our visas were different from those that were in our poea applications...it was explained to us that the position mentioned in the visa was for visa entry only and that the position in our labor contract was our real positions and that we should tell the visa reader about these...after the briefing I went home to paranaque to prepare my bags because we agreed as a group...there was 8 of us and that we will meet in the OFW Lounge...at the NAIA airport...although our flight was still at 1 am of Feb. 26, 2009 we rushed to the airport at around 8 pm...I met the liason officer at the entrance because all my papers was with him and after receiving it from Kuya Andy the first hurdle was at the entrance gate...where the guards looked busy as if trying to read my etickets, passport and other documents then we were waved in...to the first x-ray inspection...I had to take off my jacket, shoes and cell phone...after going through that...we headed to the visa reader line...these visa readers were moslems or Maranaws or tausogs...and...we had a short run-in with them because of our visa entries but was eventually a-okyed after we tried to looked for a xeroxed machine at the airport lounge and we eyed an OWWA extention office and when we asked 'Pwede bang magpa xeroxed? The OWWA guy said hindi po pwede dahil hindi po pang commercial eto po??? again as expected you have another gov't employee paid by our OWWA dues who refuse to help an OFW just to have a document xeroxed???(As expected pinahihirapan ka para medyo magbigay ka ng pera for them to help you??? a very dissapointing experience but expected from a government paid employee pretending to be a bureaucrat...hay OWWA...nanaman you are there to help OFWs like us not to make life difficult for us so that we just have to cough up a few hundred pesos for a photocopy..., after which we headed to the checkin counter...as I feared for my belonging to exceed their weight I was told that they had no weight restrictions for my baggage which was pegged at 30.33 kilos...I was saved....I took the boarding passess issues tro us and we were off to the terminal entrance...being ofws we just had to show our OECs and passports and were exempted to pay the 750 terminal fee this is more like it...then off to immigration na kami...we did not have any hitches in immigration ...so we trooped to the last passenger security and baggage inspection...so tangal nanaman ang sapatos, jacket, cellphone, barya, sinturon...and after that yehey off to duty free kami pero wala naman kaming pera.kendi meron pa at skyflakes...so what's an OFW to do in these trying times after the stressful queing and unqueing at NAIA?...maupo ka na lang sa tabi at mag text-text ka na sa loved once at ka berks mo dahil this is the last time na mag tetext ka ng piso...kasi pag abroad mo na...naka roaming kana... pag announce ng paging...announcing ETIHAD airways bound for ABU Dhabi...please proceed to gate no. 6 because you will be boarding soon...you get the feel na paalis kana talaga... pagpasok mo na sa tube...eto nas...eto na...wahhhhhhh dobidobido sa DOHA KO...wahhhhh!!!boarding na tol!!! THis is the start of a 5 hour flight to Abu Dhabi...ang daming pasahero...boeing 777-300 pa kamo...sus andaming OFWs ...you can just turn your head around and you can see the whole supply chain business of grinding out OFWS from the Philippines ever present bumper to bumper...this is the moment...after seating down the airplane seats and taxing to the runway...the deafening silence of everybody as you all prepare for the take off was immiment...and as I have been training time and time again...I did the sign of the cross and envoked a silent prayer as the rolls royce engines of the plane were shrieking and the thuds of the landing gears was making the plane bounce I said my Our Fathers, My Hail Marys, and my Glory Be's.."Lord watch over me and specially with my family...Give me the strength to face my challenges and fears...guide me through this life changing experience of becoming an OFW...a strager in a strange land but deep down inside I know that I am no stranger at all because I have more than 11 million filipino brothers and sisters spread throught the world...and may God Bless us All!!!!

Darating and ARAW Magbabayad Ka din...

2009-02-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

I went to my recruitment agency to pay for my placement fee...talagang this point has arrived...barely a day before I will leave...I have to settle this dreaded day that I had to part away from the cash that I have gathered and scrounded, accrue, accumulate, agglomerate, aggregate, amass, collect, cumulate, garner, hive, pile up, roll up...from all sources of my life...from close family friends, to brothers and sister-in laws, to sympathetic neighbors, to who ever I can make a loan...i will do anything to come up with the placement fee...All the while I had tried to postpone this day because of my doubts with these recruitment agencies...once binigay mo na ang pera mo mahirap na yan bawiin which is why you must ensure that you are properly processed with tickets and your working visa... I have carefully went over all the docs back and forth and finding no other reason not to give the placement...I dejectively relented and parted with the money...( as the cashier was counting the crisp 1,000 peso bills...I whispered in silence...sa lahat nang pinagkakautangan ko...babayaran ko din kayo Bullet day...(Balang araw)...pagdating ng panahon...sa lahat ng tumulong sa akin at pinautang ako ng pang placement...pagpalain kayo ng Diyos...at sa hirap ng global financial crisis...lumabas din ang mga pera ninyo...at sana hindi ako mabibigo sa paghanap ng pambayad utang sa inyo...buti na lang hindi ko kailangang mag OFW loan...sus Ginoo...katakot takot na interest ang pinapataw sa iyo...kayong mga walanghiyang mangagantsong lending, 5-6, atpb na nagpahiram...sana malugi kayo para wala na rin kaming babayaran...buti nga...hay...natapos ang cashier nagbilang...mga 3 times ior 4 times ata yun...to all those I am dearlly indebted ...I shall return...at sana huwag akong matangal sa trabaho...

Placement Fee

2009-02-22T22:59:00.000-08:00

Every OFW may he be a 1st timer or returning OFW is trying his best to avoid the dreaded 'Placement Fee" although as I have experienced it first hand these are the following categories of placement fees:

1. No Placement Fees -

- either you are direct hired (not going through any agency) or
- your employer has agreed to shoulder the fees (most seafarers are in this category)
- Canada bound OFWs
- HSW (household service workers)
- some austrailia bound ofws

2. With Placement Fees

- Direct cash out payment of
- through salary deduction payments (fly now pay later plans)s

Placement fees are basically the sources of migrant debts and Filipino OFW workers arive in their job sites with debts and loans taken out in the Philippines to finance the cost of migrant workers with a two-year work contract. The first few months of a worker's salary often are sent home to pay back the debt and this loan can be paid back if the worker manages to keep her job for at least six months

Normally they charge you with a one month's salary for the recruitment agencies services and are collected before you can leave the country...I too had to suffer this heavy burden...of a person who presently has no job seeking employment overseas because his own country could not provide him his own needs for a decent job...where an economy controlled by mostly unscrupolous businessmen who would rather see people like you and me suffer in poverty least they loose their grip on their businessess as these low income families may earn their keep and start becoming economically empowered that these businessmen will lose poverty stricken people for cheap labor...

The OFW supply chain management has even become a big business which involves business men in the recruitment agencies, travel agencies, airlines, money lending business, medical certification gamca business with ties to doctors and hospitals and clinics, shipping, remittance banks and financial institutions which does not include the variouis underground economy funded activities just to get an OFW off to his job site...

I hope that this placement fee be eradicated from the list of so many OFW woes, social problems brought upon his life by becoming a displace worker at home, with the onslaught of the unnecessary chance of possibly being broken away from familial ties and be ominously separated from wives and children and love ones...what a burden that he must carry along with him that such crippling migrant debts that goes with working abroad is just too much tjat it will break a camels back...(This is a pun intended for those who are in the middle east)

The government should alliviate the plight of the "Bayaning OFW" and make life easier for those who had to prostitute themselves overseas just to earn a decent living. What kind of a hero will that be...we should help these workers by making their transition to migrant workers less financially disabling to the family he leaves behind...you can see them all around the airports of the world...with their baseball caps, abayas, backpacks, and the evver present ofw cry of "Kabayan"...o bayan ko ...bakit kami pinabayaang nagkakaganito...

NBI Clearance Day

2009-02-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Today is Feb. 17, 2009 this is my day to get my NBI certificate so that my Qatar Visa will be process and I could basically be back in the loop of my quest for an Overseas Job Assignment...anyway I arrived at the unusually lotsa people NBI clearance center after I went down to from the carriedo LRT Station to the bustling overflowing people streets of manila...a little similar to the overflowing street vendors and hawkers of Baclaran...at last at the realeasing station I was able to get my NBI and off to paco I went to my recruitment agency...bit bit ko ang mga docx ko again...I finally arrived at my agency and talked with marie the Agency staff assigned to my employer and as usual the line na "Kuya May pang Placement ka na ba???"...was brought straight to my face...and I said wala pa po...paki exeros mo nga ang mga docs ko dahil I need to get an OFW Loan...and so she photocopied some of my papers and gave me a copy of the following: Employment contract, OEC Certificate, Passport, plane ticket, working Visa...(I actually already have money for the placement fee (this deserves another rant in my blog) ...this was just a ruse to get my agency to provide me with copies of my documents because I just wanted to go over them as I am sure that over 95% of OFW applicants are very weary of these land based recruitment agencies...we have this fear that we are never quite too sure of believing what our agencies says "approved na po and visa niyo pakihanda lang ang placement) unless we see our documents...this strategy I learned from reading the POEA Forums...this is also one of the best advices I can give to those OFW Job Seekers...the POEA forums have a mountain of information, insights, tips, and many other relevant information a first timer or returning ofw for that matter should not miss out....) hahay! Buhay!!!OFW!!!

In Manila

2009-02-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

I just arrived in Manila this morning...I am on my way to take a PDOS Seminar because I was due to fly to Qatar for my overseas job....but as soon as I arrived the agency called me to let me know that here is a new requirement for the Qatar Embassy wherein they don't accept the VISA printed on line anymore at the airport...there should be a visa stockir attached to your passport... and this would take five days for processing...and before this I also had to get my NBI clerance for travel abroad which I had applied for in the afternoon of Feb. 11, 2006...and when I got to the NBI Clearance Centerit was being run lile a big NBI business similar to a diploma mill...although I was able to apply in less than 2 hours...I hit a snag...I Had a hitlist (I had some person with a similar name ) which means I could get my NBI in Feb. 17, 2009...what a drag...another delay for my trip...

My Plan to get myself Overseas in 2009

2009-02-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is the developments with regards to my present plan to work overseas for 2009 and I'm just going to give a run down of the events that have occurred in the past few weeks as an update to its progress. Here's a chronology of events:

Jan. 11 -

Wanted For Overseas Employment AD for HR Administrators was posted in Sunstar for DOHA, Qatar (I took notice of the ads and prepared my documents for the interview. The Ad was posted by Jones International Manpower Services, Inc. I went and submitted my paperds in their office on Jan. 12. I met Wilgen, the Office staff at their Cebu Office. Their website: www.jonesinternationalmanpower.com.ph their Cebu Branch 3rd floor Gemini Bldg, 719 M.J. Cuenco Avenue Cebu City, Tel. 232-10-12/Cell No. 09293688109))

Jan. 14

Final Interview schedules dates for the employer (Arab) in Cebu ( I attended the job interview and was accepted by the employer. The name of the company is Shutdown Maintenance Services, W.L.L. in DOHA, Qatar, i tried to look at the internet and got this info, it seems to be a legitimate company witha POEA Job Order Registration No. 10131002 which I have also confirmed with POEA)

Shutdown Maintenance Services WLL

International Private company

PO Box 5871, Manama, , Bahrain

()973 17742961, 973 17713691 fax,

Primary SIC: Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified, Primary NAICS: Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Description: Construction: Refinery maintenance including gritblasting coatings, refactory lining, anti corrosion treatments, industrial painting, fibreglass applications, commercial cleaning and security; aluminium industry services

After the interview, I was asked to sign a 2 year provisional contract and I was requested to submit my passport for the working visa processing which I did. I was advised to wait for further instruction for the medical examination)

(Standard benefits include a yearly annual paid leave of 1 month with paid airline fare tickets, accomodation and food is provided by the employer, working visa, poea, owwa fees, and travel tickets also paid by the employer)

Jan. 22

Upon my follow-up on Jan. 20, the agency told me to wait for their call which I received on Jan. 22, and I was advised to process my pre-employment medical examination.

Jan. 23

I took my whole-day physical/pre-employment medical examination at Physician's Diagnostic Services Center, Inc.in Ramos St., Cebu City. The exams were

The focus of the physical exam might include an evaluation of:

* Height and weight

* Vision: Acuity and color test

* Blood pressure & Pulse

* Head and neck

* Heart

* Lungs

* Abdomen

* Genitals and anus

* Laboratory Examinations:

* Chest X-Ray

* ECG for 40 years of age and with Cardiovascular findings

* Psychometrics

* Complete Blood count

* Blood typing

* Urinalysis & Fecalysis

* Special Tests: Hepatitis-B (Screening Test ); VDRL; HIV; Drug Test:

They also advised me to make a follow-up on Jan. 28 for the results.

Jan. 28

I made a follow-up with my medical and the findings were good and I was certified as "FIT TO WORK" and the medical certification will be forwarded to my recruitment agency as part of my working visa processing.

Feb. 2

My recruitment agency called and advised me that my working vIsa has been approved and that they will advised me as soon as my flight details and ticket are ready. They have also advised me to prepare my placement fee.

With regards to the placement fee, I know that there are recruitment agencies who do not collect placement fees because the employer pays for it and there are those that are legal that you have to put up a placement fee and unfortunately my agency has one.

Anyway I'm just trying my best to be positive with all of these developments and despite of the great hardships and difficulties I and my family am experiencing and will be enduring for the next months. God Willing if all of these plans pushes through, I'll be in DOHA, Qatar before February 2009 ends.

Feb. 3

Unexpectedly I receive a call from my prospective employer from Qatar while I was doing some maintenance works at home, He was making a follow-up about me whether I remember him or what we agreed upon still holds (about the salary we negotiated), and I told him I was very thankful for his acceptance of me as an employee...He said that he will facilitate the processing of my tickets so that I can leave for Qatar as soon as possible...I was swept off my head...I just couldn't believe it...He really wants me to work for their company...so i said OK I'll call the agency to make a follow-up...which I promptly did...i maybe in DOHA sooner than I thought...

My First Overseas Job Interview-hanging by a thread

2009-01-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2009 - I am the NOOB here in this case...I have long since tried to prepare myself for the possibility of being interviewed by a foreign employer...an Arab at that...and mostly during the night before the interview...I didn't go over my pre-interview notes that I normally do as an HR guy knows that one needs to prepare...I just snoozed early and get a good night's rest...the interview was scheduled on 1:00 pm of Jan. 14 but the Office staff text me that the interview will be moved earlier at 8:00 am...so ok...I'll be there and I text her back...

I woke up early, took a bath, got dressed, but I wasn't compelled to dress to kill I just wanted to wear an ordinary short sleeved polo...I didn't want to appear spick and span to the interviewer...just want to have the simple non-overbearing type of impression...

I arrived quite early at their office, and registered my name first before any applicant...(the cue was first come first interview) all of the resume were in a table and when the Office lady wasn't looking I tried to peek how many HR administrator candidates there were and I could only see two resumes in two envelops and one was mine...Ha! sigh of relief the competition is not that stiff...while the rest were engineers, welders, secretaries, etc.

Applicants were slowly trickling in and regestering, and we sat on a long chair along the corridor of the recruitment agency's office...the owner and the foreign interviewer arrioved around 9:20 am...they were late...but then again I was first on the list...so after 2 minutes of their arrival they started the ball rolling...

I was called first so I sat infront of the interviewer quite squeamishing silently in the plastic chair and look straight into the interviewers eyes...I said the usual polite pleasantires while he said Hmmm!!! He was turning the pages of my resume page by page for about 2 minutes then He spoke: Your age is in the borderline! (Damn he got me there because I was 49 years old and had more than 16 years of work experience under my belt...!!!) I am looking for somebody who can work for me at least 10- years...If you were 50 years old i would have eliminated you outright but you are in the borderline!!! (F@#%& I was hanging by a thread!!!!) he paused waiting for my reaction...and I said..."Yes I honestly understand your point" I had 2 minutes to make my plea; What was your previous job he asked? I said I was an HR and Adminsitrative manager for a furniture company...handling various duties like office works, etc. He said Hugh!!! so you handle carpenters and the like??? I said Yes...He said We are a multicultural company you don't have that experience? I said that if you will go through my resume I have worked with Japanese, Taiwanese, & Americans I can handle that!!! I said I have a very extensive work experience!!! and he said I'd rather get an MBA younger person...I was thinking that I was really losing this one...Then he turned my resume over and in the blank space he wrote "make a show cause memo a worker assulted his supervisor" he said you can sit there while you make a draft memo and tell me if you are finished...so I took my pen and started drafting the memo...(while he called another person to interview) but deep down inside me I knew what I needed to do, what to write down because I have been drafting disciplinary memos ever since I work in HR.He could have thought of a more harder practical exam ..In less than 15 minutes I had the draft...

I said excuse me sir, here's the draft...he looked over it...then he told me what is your asking salary? Then I said I want to hear your offer but he said no you are not slaves you can negotiate so I said can I state is US dollars and He said yes...then he wrote the amount down and we signed the application form together signifying our agreement of the amount...then he wrote again on the paper "pending" and he also asked me what do you mean by N.E.W.S. and I answered news means information and he said no!!! What is the meaning ?again I said it's information...when i really could see what he meant he said"North, East, West, South, news omes from every where!!!I said "I didn't know that" Then he showed me that he wrote pending and that they will call me back!!!

Thinking that I have blown my chances to smethereens, I started to retreat to the Office secretary telling her "He said my application is pending and that I would just have to wait for their call. She said okey. I said I 'll be going!!!Thanks and Goodbye!..so with a heavy heart and with all my efforts onsentrated no to show my dissapointment in my face as onlookers were watching my every move as I was leaving the corridors of the agency...

Their office was on the 3rd floor and I was already at the landing of the 2nd floor when I hear someone calling my name...(It was the office lady) Sir Please come back they want to talk to you again!!! wah! What! okey!!! So imade my way again back to their office and this time I was ushered to the owner of the recruitment agency.

The owner said, is this the salary that you have agreed, do you have any questions? I have a 2 year contract here if you are willing please take a seat over there and read its contents and tell me if you have any further questions. If you agree, you can sign in the space provided. I could not beleive myself...I was being asked to review and sign a 2 year contract with the foreign employer...I read and went over the contract pretending to understand its implication which I knew that I could not at that time...my mind was racing...what if i refuse to sign? are they just testing my determination? or am I real???The standard provisions were there...salary, 1 month paid leave for every year of service with paid airline tickets...food and accommodation..."To be or not tobe that is the question!!! So I signed the contract and placed my thumbmark on it!!!

The owner and I talked for awhile after my signing, he even asked for my passport which i promptly gave him. I told him that he wrote pending in my application which is why I left, but the owner said, we have been in Manila, Naga, Cagayan, Dagupan and we had difficulty in getting the person that the employer wanted they all failed the "written draft a memo test" while you were able to write a memo that was right on the button of what he was looking for so he decided to get you!!!

I was in total disbelief, my emotions were going up and down, left and right...I couldn't believe it, this was my very first overseas job interview and I nailed it!!!Was it beginner's luck? Possibly? Were my deepest prayers heard by God? Yes!!!! I believe so...He made it so easy for me...I could just imagine how many persons out there applying for a job overseas for the nth time with no success...even when I was riding the jeepney on the way home I was still in disbelief..."I'm going to Qatar!!! I wanted to shout but I kept it to myself ...ll the way I had doubts, maybe its a scam, maybe the agency is not real, that employer is not real...It's been three months since I quit my job to go on my quest for a job overseas...it was an all time low for me...there were so many negative things said about my age,...etc....about no one employer at that will want me to work for them...my self-esteem was in an all out low percentile for all its worth...when I arrived home...my ever loyal best friend & supporter was waiting for me...My wife asked me how was it??? and I said I was asked to sign a contract and my passport was taken by the agency to process my VISA!!!My wife said Not for once I never doubted you can get that JOB...Thank GOD!!!I can see a tear drop in her eye...and I was pleased that this moment of hapiness was for my family's future...to make the next to the ultimate sacrifice of leaving one's family back home to work in a foreign land to bring the bacon home...

Red Ribbons Galore

2008-11-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

These are the documents that I had process into red ribbon at the DFA...my BC, MC, TOR & Diploma, and certificate of employments...all of these documents went through DHL...I also had my red ribbon BC and TOR and Diploma Chopped with the UAE Embassy...at the back of the red ribbon you will see a stamp eagle...it would cost you 1,700 pesos per document for that eagle stamp...