tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168575532024-03-13T20:14:40.892+08:00Chronicles of a Pinoy Engineer in SingaporeDaily thoughts, struggles, challenges, life stories, events and random ideas of a hardworking engineer in his adopted home Singapore.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-72059854367542979022015-12-09T01:44:00.002+08:002015-12-09T22:15:59.541+08:00My Papa, My Hero and Our Tatay<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryRkKGj6SJI/VmcVrU9OguI/AAAAAAAAFOA/7jbRg4L18Hg/s1600/papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryRkKGj6SJI/VmcVrU9OguI/AAAAAAAAFOA/7jbRg4L18Hg/s320/papa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was late evening in December, when I had my last conversation with Papa.
He was eating pineapple and was telling me about a palm plantation in Malaysia.
It was a weird topic coming from him, but it was quite expected since he got
sick. I am pretty sure he read about it before, because indeed Malaysia has one
of the biggest palm plantation in the world. Then I went offline, before
midnight, I called my Mama again because I noticed there was a missed call in
my Facebook messenger. I talked to her and I and my family said our goodnight
to Papa as well. That was the last time I talked to him alive...he left us
early morning of Dec 9, 2014.<br />
<br />
He had not accomplished that
much in the society to be remembered and honored. He never achieved so much
to be admired. However, in my childhood he was my HERO. He was my inspiration.
He was the reason why I insisted to become an engineer even I was having
difficulty with Mathematics. Today December, 09, 2015 is his 1st death anniversary and I would like to
honor him by writing my memories of him.<br />
<br />
<b>A PATIENT MAN</b><br />
The most patient man I have ever known. He was not the story teller type of
father, and most of the stories I knew were all snippets of anecdotes from my
Mama and relatives. He loves children so much, that he would passed as Santa
Claus by his size and kindness. He was never a disciplinarian and always the
one protecting us whenever we got punished. We would have grown as spoiled
brats if not for my mother. I still remember clearly, whenever my sisters got
whipped and punish, he would cover them with his body and usually end up being
the hit instead. He seldom speak about his personal life or give advice. He sat,
listened and spoke only when asked.<br />
<br />
<b>HE IS KIND</b><br />
I remember one day, he came home with a small boy. He said he found him in
the streets and is helping him as a “konduktor” of the jeep he was driving. He
brought the boy home and fed him. Papa was like that, very unreasonable and
trusting especially to kids. I don’t remember what happened to that boy
afterwards. I remember stories about him from my grandmother, that whenever he
arrived in his hometown from the city, he would bring a lot of candies for the
children of their barangay. The children would run and meet him.<br />
<br />
<b>HE CURSED</b><br />
Whenever a child was being punished in our neighborhood, he cursed us and
would not stop walking around our house. He hated the sound of a screaming kid
who is being whipped by their parents. He despised it. He loves to curse
whenever he wants something to be done quickly. But in spite of his cursing,
many who assisted him in his electrical projects learned a lot from him. And to
think of it, he never taught me. Perhaps, he cannot afford to curse me on the
job.<br />
<br />
<b>HE SMOKED</b><br />
Papa is a cigarette addict. He can finished a pack of cigarette in a day and
I would know if he was already home because I can smell the smoke. One of the
reasons why I don’t smoke. Cigarette was his greatest comfort whenever he was
stressed or tired. One time, we were trying to scare him about the effect of
smoking. We ended up laughing, because he replied that he won’t get sick of
smoking because he drinks a lot of water.<br />
<br />
<b>THE REAL DEAL ENGINEER</b><br />
He finished only high school and never went to college, but I was always in
awe with his electrical and electronics skills. He can repair the smallest
transistor radio up to a huge truck. Until now I still don’t know how he had
done it. I never got his skills when I graduated from engineering. I was much
better in talking and teaching. I had a better technical understanding but not
really in hands on skills. He was the real deal. If he had finished a degree, I
wonder what would he accomplished. I can still remember the number of
appliances brought to our home for repair. He would even pick up appliances in
the garbage and make it work again.<br />
<br />
<b>A GOOD MANONG</b><br />
He was the eldest in the family and I remember that he was known not to keep
ill feelings towards his siblings. No matter how they fought, he would always
come and visit them whenever he has the time. He always loved his sisters and
brothers. It is just sad that he never saw them again before he died. He had
always missed them.<br />
<br />
<b>A SUPERMAN</b><br />
When I was a kid, I can still remember how proud I am whenever he will bring
his hand-made fishing gun to the sea and come back carrying a lot of fishes and
seashells. I have always been amazed with his talent in diving undersea and
catching fish with his bare hands. He was my Aquaman and Superman combined.<br />
<br />
<b>HIS ULTIMATE REGRET</b><br />
The only time I saw him really cried when my grandfather died. He cried for
days. It was the time where we all really in the midst of crisis. I was
reviewing for my engineering board examination, and he was struggling to take
care of Tatay Paking. <br />
<br />
<b>MEMORABLE GIFT</b><br />
We never had so much before, and we are always struggling with poverty but
there is one gift from him that I would never forget. It was the moment that
has never fade in my memory. It was a fine day when he came home with a shiny
BMX bike. That was my happiest moment and it is just funny because he never
taught me how to ride a bike afterwards. I learned it myself after several
bruises in my ankle.<br />
<br />
<b>HE WAS A SIMPLE MAN</b><br />
He has his flaws and shortcomings. He was just a simple man with extraordinary adventures.I grow up
knowing that I have a father who will always protect me. I would have never
been complete without him in my childhood. My memories of him holding me when I
was a kid, his laughter and smile, his big appetite, his pride when I told him
I passed the board, his loud fart and his extraordinary patience would always stay with me
as long as I live. He may not have been very verbal about it, but I know that
he loved us so much. He loved my Mama and my sisters. He may not be perfect but he tried his best. He may have become moody when he got weak and sickly, but we always remember him as a silent man.<br />
<br />
<b>DOTING GRANDFATHER</b><br />
A Tatay to all of his grandchildren. The sight of his grandchildren would always put a smile in his face. He does not have enough to give but we all know how he dotes on all of his "apos". His trademark is his bull cap and his bike. The riding Tatay as he is popularly known by his grandchildren. There is no as much as exciting for him than hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles.<br />
<br />
<b>A GOOD COOK</b><br />
Definitely one of the best cook I have known. I still remember him during my childhood days in Punta Cruz, when he was usually asked to cook for huge feast for wedding, fiesta and even funerals. His big belly was a sight to see as he would taste the dishes. It was like watching Santa Claus cooking for us. He was a character to see and I can still remember how proud I am. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only hope that in his lifetime, I
had made him proud. He never talks about his feelings and he was not expressive with
his appreciation. He knows how I loved him, and I did try my best to take care
of him in spite of my daily struggles from afar. I never got his patience, and I
do hope one day when I grow old, my children would love me as much as I loved
him. I am writing this blog, so if there is any one who knew him by name, someone out there who may have been his colleague or his friend in the past.<b> He is Policarpio Ventures Anquillano. He was my FATHER and I am proud to be his SON.</b>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-55618262852133894072013-01-08T16:35:00.001+08:002013-01-08T16:46:22.817+08:00New Year, New Challenges, it is 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A05nHLD7nJc/UOvOrgdo31I/AAAAAAAAAI8/DjoyjYpo1os/s1600/NewYear2012+snake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A05nHLD7nJc/UOvOrgdo31I/AAAAAAAAAI8/DjoyjYpo1os/s400/NewYear2012+snake1.jpg" width="400" /></a>The
Mayan predicted apocalypse ended without any fanfare and had people greeting
each other on Facebook “Happy End of the World Day!” 2012 was finally ended and
another year has passed. It was a memorable year indeed and it has brought so
much joy and challenges to my life. And guess what I found on New Years Day at Punggol Beach when we went for biking…yes 2013
is the year of the SNAKE! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><b>MY 2012 MEMORABLE MOMENTS</b></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="IT" style="mso-ansi-language: IT;">Singapore International A cappella
Festival 2012</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i23N2bY1cRE/UOvPTsYeSMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GWsruoa9na0/s1600/_RLJ5853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i23N2bY1cRE/UOvPTsYeSMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GWsruoa9na0/s400/_RLJ5853.jpg" width="400" /></a>This is my second time to perform on this annual a cappela festival with
VocaBlends last October 13, 2012 at Fort
Canning – Black Box
Theater. It was fun as always, enjoying each new song, our Meastro Earl had
taught us. We have improved well after performing many times in front of the
stage. Though, this year, the concert venue was quite small and could accommodate only
100 persons inside. The venue was grander in SOTA last October 2011 where we
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<b>Vocal
Weekend Show at Esplanade Concourse</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbEnMSSyFZjNv3XdvOyeL0EyRH0sKPMvatTsvmKy-GL5ebiZz5vWcCy10cEcffSTRMqxjcEY6M' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Last December 8 to 9, our group VocaBlends performed at Esplanade Concourse. This
was a dream come true for VocaBlends, considering that Esplanade is a world
class and renowned theater where most of popular artist around the world
performs. It was not the concert hall yet however performing in the free
concourse venue, is already great honor for any amateur performing groups. It
was a thrilling experience to be in the Esplanade Dressing Room knowing that
some of the popular artist has been in this room before us. The event was
memorable also, because it was the first time we have performed Vocal Pop
songs, different from the usual choral arrangements we performed. It just felt
so good when you perform and hearing he applause afterwards. It may not be my
best performance, but I was happy about it. The video below was when we I sung Jason Mraz "Im Yours" with Vocablends providing the a cappella background. We also performed Telephone, Somebody That I used to Know, Change the World, Nobody and Seasons of Love. </div>
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<b>5<sup>th</sup>
PinoySG Badminton Open 2012</b></div>
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This
tournament was quite memorable to me though I have been an officer of PinoySG
Badminton club since 2007, because this is the first time I was leading that
annual tournament as their Club President. It was very successful indeed as we
introduced the Challenge Cup trophy which was awarded to the badminton who
garnered the most number of wins in the 2 days event. I did not win any trophy
but the success of the event was more than enough recognition for me and my
team of officers who worked so hard to make it a successful event. I also got
reelected for another 2<sup>nd</sup> term as their Club President and which is a first in the history of the club since 2007 and after 4
Presidents that served the group. Another highlight is when PinoySG Badminton Club was featured in Lianhe Zaobao local newspaper here in Singapore. I have kept the newspaper clip though it was written in Chinese.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JHUH4enhZw/UOvXpPeOCbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/B0ej6PzyOSU/s1600/image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JHUH4enhZw/UOvXpPeOCbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/B0ej6PzyOSU/s400/image2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Badminton
is my favorite sport, though I still missed the adrenaline pumping paintball
games I used to have. Hopefully, time will come that it would not be that
expensive and restrictive in terms of buying your own gear, so that sport may
flourish. Since 2007, where I was part of the founding members of the club, I have always rallied to make our membership open to everyone. So for the last 5 years, we were the known club who accepts beginners and intermediate players alike. It is just my personal way of giving back the joy I had when I first play the sport here in Singapore. It is also one way of helping our Filipino OFW's here cope up with homesickness and loneliness they felt being away from their families. So it is my rule that everyone is welcome to join the club even if the don't even know how to hold a racket for the first time. I am proud that for the last 5 years, we have been instrumental in the growth of Filipino badminton community here in Singapore. The newbies have improved and some even created their own competitive badminton groups. Some have become the best groups in the competition, but knowing they all started in our club, is enough for us to feel pride of what they have turn to.</div>
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<b>Charity
Moments</b></div>
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<b>Cagayan
de Oro/Iligan <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flash Flood Dec 2011</b></div>
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I am
not really that “big time” engineer here in Singapore when it come to salary,
so I never had more than enough to share. I had my first calling in helping
others when a flash flood struck my hometown which is Cagayan de Oro City. I
rallied all my groups to raise funds for all the victims who died that time. I
personally visited the location with all the donations I got from the fund we
raised from our Filipino badminton community. It was devastating and tragic,
especially the children who were left behind by their parents killed in the
flash floods. It was the first time that I really put all my efforts in leading
the donation drive to help. Then, I realized that in my own little way, I could
help. I have been a leader since I was high school, and I just realized that
this may be the reason why I lead. So I may be able to help others by creating
awareness. BisdakSG had been also a big part of the donation drive, where we remitted all the donations through Xavier University to help in their evacuation efforts that time.</div>
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<b>Typhoon
Habagat in Manila</b></div>
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The typhoon has brought thousands of evacuees when Manila was flooded. Together
with our Filipino badminton community, we lead a badminton game where we
collect voluntary game fee from the players. We remitted the money to Red Cross
Philippines to assist in their evacuation and relief efforts.</div>
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<b>Typhoon
Pablo –Tabang Comval</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBUualvexr8/UOvTCgNj3TI/AAAAAAAAAJc/gZSRFkyKzcA/s1600/27273_215004601969688_792337414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBUualvexr8/UOvTCgNj3TI/AAAAAAAAAJc/gZSRFkyKzcA/s400/27273_215004601969688_792337414_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Together
with my officers in BisdakSG, we raised funds to help the victims of floods and
landslides in Davao Oriental and Compostela
Valley, Mindanao.
Hundreds have died and buried alive because of that disaster.It was as worst as what happened in Cagayan De Oro Coty but we were surprised that it was not given enough exposure in the media. We never had that much response when co founder Bernie Mantos decided to donate a big chunk of his personal income from his business. So from that amount we were able to share enough money to buy school supplies and food for the victims of the typhoon after the holiday season.</div>
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Yes,
I may have grown matured by each passing year, I guess. With my family joining
me here in Singapore
after 6 long years, I have felt more calm and happy nowadays. I am very
thankful for that reason. My experience with VocaBlends was a blessing and
being able to serve others through my badminton club and BisdakSG, was
enriching and self fulfilling. As time passes by, I just realized that what
matters in life really is what you want to do and how you find joy on it. It
does not matter how people would looked at you, or how they would want to know you. The
best gift in life is your personal happiness and knowing that you have done well
in spite of your misgivings and mistakes. Each one of us is capable of doing great things, no matter how small it is. A simple act of kindness will go a long way. The joy of looking at someone who was enjoying your song performance. The smile you brought to a person after a tiring and perspiring game of badminton. In serving others, we should know that we cannot please everyone. I too had gain haters along the way perhaps because of jealousy, or it is just their attitude. But as I have said, haters are born to challenge and to test you. They are there for a purpose, so that you would know how strong you are when face with adversity. As my favorite saying to my badminton club, "<span style="color: red;"><b>KEEP THE FLAME BURNING<span style="color: black;">!!</span></b></span>". It means to keep your passion alive, live life and cherish all the memorable moments.</div>
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Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-19709819986553788102012-08-23T11:33:00.003+08:002012-08-29T17:49:18.803+08:00One badminton game for the Habagat Flood Victims<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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An unexpected disaster in Philippines,
which puts the whole city of Metro Manila
submerged in the flood, is enough for the Filipino badminton community here in Singapore to
respond in the call for help. This is the 2<sup>nd</sup> badminton for a cause
game in which the Filipino badminton community had begun when a flash flood
struck Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan
City last December 2011.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kristian Anquillano</b>,
President of PinoySG Badminton Club, in cooperation with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Carlos Gavieta</b> of Team SBL and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ronel
Galapate</b> of Samahang Pinoy Racqueteers led the donation drive last August
12, 2012. All the leaders of badminton teams and groups were invited to join
the game for a cause. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Achiles Iglesias</b>,
PSGBC officer mentioned, “This is our 2<sup>nd</sup> successful badminton game
for a cause, and the Filipino badminton groups has always been very cooperative
when it comes to helping our kababayans”.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwK4Hjc0rrc/UDWkROTkMqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/uF8R0dEl88s/s1600/580910_4084080093918_788513425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwK4Hjc0rrc/UDWkROTkMqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/uF8R0dEl88s/s320/580910_4084080093918_788513425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The open badminton game was scheduled last August 12, 2012
at Yishun Secondary School where 40 players came
to show their support. Others who have not played just gave their donation to
the organizers.</div>
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Pinoy Shuttlers leader<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">,
Eric Cruz</b> who is fondly known as “Mayor” to the badminton community also
quips. “Our group is always at hand and in support for any events that aims to
help our fellow Filipinos. Isang tawag niyo lang, andiyan na kami”.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVLG9YFa0O4/UD3lgEL3BfI/AAAAAAAAAIA/zJCA_tAg32E/s1600/habagat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVLG9YFa0O4/UD3lgEL3BfI/AAAAAAAAAIA/zJCA_tAg32E/s320/habagat.jpg" width="320" /></a>Players from PinoySG Badminton Club, Pinoy Shuttlers, Pinoy
Shuttlecockers, Samahang Pinoy Racqueteers, Singapore Badminton Ltd(SBL) and
United Pinoy Badminton, came in full force and joined the open game at Yishun Secondary
School. Other badminton groups like Tropang
Smashers, KBG, Hotshots and Laklakers were not able to make it due to conflict of
schedule, however pledges to send their own donation. The Filipino badminton
community here in Singapore
has grown tremendously in terms of the number of Filipino professionals here,
embracing the sport. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community has
been very active in promoting badminton to all the Filipino OFW and also making
friendship with other local Singaporean badminton groups.</div>
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For that one day game, the groups were able to raise
1,027sgd or an equivalent of 32,864 Pesos. The amount was given to Philippine
National Red Cross in support of their relief and rescue operations.</div>
Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-48712033643996040842012-07-03T14:44:00.000+08:002012-07-03T14:45:12.579+08:00Life Stories: Stucked in Queshm Island, IranPlace: Queshm Island, Iran<br />
Year : 2001 <br />
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I came to <b><i>Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates</i></b> last 2001, when I was hired as a test
engineer by an agency to work in an <i>Alcatel</i> hybrid fiber broadband network project for <i>Etisalat</i>. It was my first time to work abroad and I was very worried and scared of whatever that may happen to me. I came to work as a quality test engineer even though I don't have
any experience nor knowledge on fiber testing. And what was more scary
is that I am working on a Visit Visa, and I was appointed as Test
Engineer. The agency that handled us, was telling us that we need to wait another 3 months before they will apply us for a working visa. Trusting them enough, we settle for a 3 months Visit Visa temporarily. Visit Visa holders are considered illegal workers in the kingdom of Abu Dhabi, so working on field is quite risky. As for myself, being caught by the police, is just like taking a suicide, imagining the gory things that would happen to me in jail. We worked and lived in fear everyday.<br />
<br />
<br />
With 6 days work in a week and
Friday as the only rest day, I manage to learn everything about my job
from scratch. I have to wake up at 6am, study the manuals, go to work by
8am, comes home at 9pm and study again until 12 midnight. We work on field, so we have to battle the scorching heat outside, especially when the Fiber Nodes are installed in a non air conditioned rooms.<br />
<br />
After 3 months, our Visit Visa has expired, and the agency have told us that we need to "exit" to renew our visa and to start the processing of our working permit. Yeah, it has been 3 months already and yet that elusive working permit has not yet arrive,as they claimed. There are two islands in Iran where most of the foreign workers traveled to process their visa. It is called<i> <b>Kish and Queshm Island</b></i>. There is a remote hostel there in the middle of the desert where you can stay temporarily until your visa has been renewed. If lucky, you would be able to leave after days, or if not you might end up stuck in that place for quite a long time, if your employer decided to abandon you.<br />
<br />
I was sent to <i><b>Quesm Island</b></i>, a
far flung island in Iran. We boarded a worn and old, small airplane in Dubai. By the appearance of the plane alone, it could make you say a lot of prayers, the moment you come inside. It
was this plane that you usually see in WW2 movies, It has 2
propellers on its wings. Before it takes off, a <i>manual air conditioned pump</i> has to blow the air
inside to make it cooler. Once the plane cools down, the door is shut down immediately, to keep the cool air inside enough for the 30 minutes flight. Tsug.. tsug.. tsug.. tsug..tsug! tsug! Yes, thats the sound of engine.The plane runs, and together with all the Pinoys with me, we said our prayers. History wise, the plane did crash before, killing a lot of passengers on board, because the plane had malfunction in midair. It was a scary flight.<br />
<br />
<br />
We arrived in a small airport where most of its building are old and dilapidated. A man came to fetch us and
distributed long dresses to the ladies. Jeans
and shorts for ladies are banned in the island, and everyone was asked
to cover their faces as well. We boarded a van and we traveled for
almost an hour, seeing nothing but huge rock formations, cactus and a
long barren desert. We were housed in a compound which consist of
several small two story bungalow. Ladies are separated from the guys,
because it is their tradition that no woman and man had to be together
if they are not married.Although some may try to break the law by bribing the guards at night.<br />
<br />
I met a group of young teens of a Pinoy band based in<b><i> Sharjah</i></b>, in one of the houses. Feeling bored, I went with them for shopping. They
have rented a van to take us to a nearby mall for
50 thousand rial. The mall was an old dilapidated building, which look
more like a market than a mall building. Vendors were selling their
wares from thousand to a million rials. A branded sounds system cost <i>2
million rials</i> then. We ate in a food shop which took us 30 minutes explaining to the
vendor that we want a cheeseburger without chili. Nobody could
speak English in the mall except us and a few Indians also roaming
around the area.<br />
<br />
Then on my 3rd day, I was called by the
receptionist that my Visa had arrived. I was so happy to know I am
leaving the place. I was having difficulty eating because they only
served Indian curry everyday and nothing else. We have to bribe the cook
just to cook plain rice for us. The rest of the rice were cooked the
Indian way, spicy and oily. There are times that I got so hungry that I am forced to eat the spicy curry they served in breakfast, lunch and dinner. <br />
<br />
I came running to the receptionist
and hurriedly opened the envelope. I had already packed up my bags,
because we were told that once we received our Visa, we will be taken quickly to the airport for departure back to Dubai.<br />
<br />
As I tore down the envelope, I breathe deeply and slowly read my name..Kristian .....Nationality : <i><b>INDIAN</b></i>!! And yes, until now, I still don't know how it happens. My surname, sounded very Filipino, but the person in charge wrote Indian in my nationality.<br />
<br />
I
got back to my room, and waited again for another 4 days, to mail back my
visa for correction. It was one hell of a week for me, considering that
I have not even brought any food to last for a week. I tried to survive for another week by making friends with the newly arrived Pinoys so I could ask for any food aside from the curry being served in the restaurant. There was no other food in the hostel. It is exclusive to Indian curry only and nothing else.<br />
<br />
<i>There was one bungalow there which most of the occupants are Filipinos</i>. A middle aged lady was running the house there which she uses to welcome newly arrived Filipinos there. The lady was living there for almost a year because her employer had abandoned her. She welcomes all the Pinoys there, and she would prepare the food for us. She will collect the money from us and she will use this money to bribe the kitchen staff, so we could get the ingredients for cooking and rice. My last 3 days then was not that bad, because I only know about that secret gathering after my Visa was sent back for correction. We also have to bribe the guards at night so that they would allow the ladies also to dine with the guys in the bungalow house.<br />
<br />
After 1 week of stay in Queshm Island, I have heard a lot of <i>sad stories about the plight of our kababayans </i>who are trapped there. There were a lot of Pinoys who got stuck there for months because their employer has abandon them. Stories about prostitution to survive is the usual drama of the place, especially for the ladies. That was 2001 then, I don't know now, if it is still the same. Guys who have been there for a year has to settle down on begging from newly arrived Pinoys to survive. <br />
<br />
Anyway thats my story back in 2001. :-) Keep the flame burning :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-89162156744419950022012-07-02T14:56:00.000+08:002012-07-03T16:22:53.068+08:00Shooting PAIN and PAINTBALLS with PSG Warfreakz in Singapore<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqc1NXq9Ha4/T_FA2WaBARI/AAAAAAAAAG4/NhMTOKTS4i4/s1600/600689_3473215386087_1736927685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqc1NXq9Ha4/T_FA2WaBARI/AAAAAAAAAG4/NhMTOKTS4i4/s400/600689_3473215386087_1736927685_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operation Velocity Wipeout 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Last June 24, my former team mates from the all Filipino
paintball team PSG Warfreakz, decided to compete in Operation Velocity Wipeout
at Novena Sports mall. We have put up two teams to play against other local
paintball teams. Though most of us have not played since 2010, it was still a good
game as we were able to capture the 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> place.
Team Alpha as the top 4 proceed to compete in the Grand Finals where they
captured the 1<sup>st</sup> runner up after battling with 16 local teams.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTj58pNq5ws/T_KrQemvNzI/AAAAAAAAAHY/v1l2SC8OyT4/s1600/IMG-6696-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTj58pNq5ws/T_KrQemvNzI/AAAAAAAAAHY/v1l2SC8OyT4/s400/IMG-6696-copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Paintball Novice Series 2008</td></tr>
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PSG Warfreakz has been quite popular already in the
paintball community of Singapore.
We were one of the pioneers of paintball here when Paintball Association of
Singapore in cooperation with Red Dynasty Part organized the first ever
Singapore Paintball Series last 2008. There were a few players that time and
most of us were just relatively beginners of the game. PSG Warfreakz was
composed of 40+ Filipino paintball enthusiasts that time. We had organized
several speedball and jungle games in Johor Bahru for all the members. Our
group was then represented by a team in several paintball tournaments. </div>
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Red Seven (<a href="http://www.redsevenspaintball.com/">http://www.redsevenspaintball.com/</a>)
was the first local paintball team of Singapore who have represented the
country on all of the international paintball events around the region. They
were the first local Singaporean team that inspired most of the home based teams
to compete and train for paintball. Red Seven local paintball players were also
instrumental in giving us the opportunity of competing as a Singapore based
foreign team during the Singapore Paintball Series 2008. Their initiatives in bringing all paintball
players around Singapore
had allowed the sport to flourish in spite of the limitations in the ownership
of paintball markers here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbmMZDmovxg/T_FA3dTPTRI/AAAAAAAAAG8/zatu8D-NFDw/s1600/67199_1444229622711_7359396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbmMZDmovxg/T_FA3dTPTRI/AAAAAAAAAG8/zatu8D-NFDw/s400/67199_1444229622711_7359396_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Paintball Series 2010</td></tr>
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PSG Warfreakz was my team, when we did try our first ever
paintball match last 2008. And yes, we were hooked on it, the first moment we ran and shoot around that inflatable bunkers. Adrenaline rush to the highest level, is
what I could describe, the feeling when you’re playing the game. We were the first
Series Champion after 3 legs of Singapore Paintball Series 2007. We did have
some few-seconds-of- fame moments when we were mentioned in Strait Times sports
news, seen in Channel News Asia evening news, and invited by UNTV cable for an
interview. It was our golden year as we proceed to win championship and podium
places in several tourneys in Johor
Bahru, Malaysia.
PSG Warfreakz then was well known for being the most aggressive attacker in the
field and playful when not on field. We were also the first to put up an all
women paintball team who also competed during the Singapore Paintball Series
games and in Johor Painball leagues.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_WcvgTO3P4/T_FA1ov3WAI/AAAAAAAAAGs/V_NyXTw5jg4/s1600/1595_1017374391597_4311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_WcvgTO3P4/T_FA1ov3WAI/AAAAAAAAAGs/V_NyXTw5jg4/s400/1595_1017374391597_4311_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaysian Paintball Official Circuit 2008</td></tr>
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Most of our tournament players before had stopped playing,
but we reunite once a while for some minor tourneys in the country. Just like
the recent Operation Velocity Wipeout organized by Red Dynasty and Novena
Velocity Mall. It was a close quarter battle setup, where each player has to
hide and shoot around room cubicles and obstacles. A car in the center field was
an added visual challenge, as you will feel ,the reality of the battle as
you climb and crawl around it, while engaging your opponents in a heated shootout.
It was fun indeed, and I hope that the organizers will have that kind of
tourney next year.</div>
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So how does it feel to play PAINTBALL? If you’re not fond of
pain, then this sport is not for you. The hit is usually followed by swelling
and sometimes blood if it is being shot in a close range. It is painful, but that's what make the sport very exciting. I’m sure; you will have the highest
respect to those soldiers fighting in war once you experienced the game. It is
very fast pace, action packed and the high adrenaline rush will test your
speed, agility, focus and calmness during the battle. Please see this old video clip during the 2008 Leg 2 SPS Finals. This was our first tourney playing in a 3 on 3 battle. Old times...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuDGo1zce8Td7lVgoiHvBdS8jBLIxFqrEkMfnGeRSva5LHet1Mpj3rueEXU1aE_SI6H9YpaeWk7G8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I have been playing badminton for a long time already but
nothing compares to the excitement I felt when I am out there shooting
paintballs in the field. Team work is MUST in this game. This is where you
learn to communicate, analyze and work as team under extreme pressure from the
hail of paintballs flying around your head. And when you’re hit, damn sweet
painful indeed. This is not for the weak and not for the poor (lol). Reason why
I only played few times only. It is quite an expensive sport though.</div>
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So that’s it for now, in my resurrected blog, till we meet
again my readers. Keep the flame burning. </div>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-19035150907177189612012-06-29T16:09:00.000+08:002012-06-29T16:09:05.529+08:00Promoting Racial Harmony through Badminton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS9BEQEGoVE/T-1UWJQU5fI/AAAAAAAAAGA/q8b0IXIvaWU/s1600/315680_1985895924030_5141875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS9BEQEGoVE/T-1UWJQU5fI/AAAAAAAAAGA/q8b0IXIvaWU/s400/315680_1985895924030_5141875_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last September 3, 2011 at Clementi Sports Hall, PinoySG badminton Club met with the popular and very strong local Singaporean team of Twister
Badminton Club. The “Twisters” is a local group who were widely known
for their skills in badminton community. They were usually seen in
Jurong East Sports and Recreation Center every Tuesday and Friday
evening. Their members are multi racial, who are mostly from Singapore,
Malaysia, Indonesia, China, etc.<br />
<b>Twister Badminton Club</b> is under the leadership of Lydia Tan and Boon
Ng Oon. They have a thread in Badminton Central forum where you could
invite them for fun matches. They are bunch of smiling "twisters" whose
speed in court corresponds with their hospitality in their home court.<br />
<br />
The game started at 6:15pm, with PSGBC Tourney head Brenda Vistan and
Vice President Nino Amores preparing the game and lineup for both
groups. All players were in a very warm disposition as both leaders from
PSGBC and Twisters welcomed the players. First game was started and
the Twister did not fail our expectations as their players were quite
strong and very fast. Intense smashes and sharp drop shots were exchange
but the Twisters were dominant in most of the games.<br />
<br />
<br />
This game as initiated by PinoySG Badminton Club is aim to develop
friendship and harmony with different races in Singapore through
Badminton. This program was started last 2009 with the club playing
against <b>Badminton Mates</b> and <b>Lion Badminton Group(Clementi)</b>.<br />
<br />
With a lot of Filipinos playing badminton sport nowadays, it is the
objective of the leaders to use this sport as a medium for harmony with
different races here in Singapore.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKxNgMf0ZKM/T-1UXvBwZKI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6-zeMdTvu9A/s1600/545843_4066515947615_422233582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKxNgMf0ZKM/T-1UXvBwZKI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6-zeMdTvu9A/s400/545843_4066515947615_422233582_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Last May 2012, PSGBC Badmintoneros, arranged another 2 legs of friendly game with <b>Chua Chu Kang Group</b> lead by Clifford, which is composed of recreational players from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Game 1 was played at Chua Chu Kang Sports Hall, the home court of the CCK players. It was a tough game and CCK was able to win most of the games. Game 2 was then played at Endeavour Primary School, home court of PSGBC. This time we have some guest players from other Filipino badminton groups. We were able to secure enough wins but by the end of the day, CCK team still has the highest number of wins.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOgxRhXB7Rs/T-1hyyreyBI/AAAAAAAAAGc/JroUQlcZc1M/s1600/545160_4066554028567_1404440681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOgxRhXB7Rs/T-1hyyreyBI/AAAAAAAAAGc/JroUQlcZc1M/s400/545160_4066554028567_1404440681_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another fun and fulfilling experience, as we made new friends with other nationalities through badminton sport. This is a very nice way of initiating friendship and camaraderie among local and foreigners here in Singapore.<br />
<br />
One very nice lesson learned indeed is that we were ONE in having fun. When the shuttlecock is on play, each one of us is bound by similar excitement and passion. <br />
<br />
We
were badminton shuttlers and we speak ONE language at court…BADMINTON.
Long live the sport and the players.<br />
<br />
<br />Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-89163091193760210562012-06-29T11:48:00.001+08:002012-06-29T17:00:20.303+08:00Filipino Shuttlers rises to the Challenge during the 5th PinoySG Badminton Open 2012<br />
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The
most prestigious, anticipated and awaited all Filipino annual badminton open
ended with a big bang last June 9 to 10, 2012 at Jurong West Sports and Recreation Center. The crowd roared and cheered
their respective teams amidst the sweltering heat inside the huge sports hall. </div>
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There
were 12 different badminton groups who came to compete for the events in Singles,
Mens Doubles, Womens Doubles and Mixed Doubles category. The players were
divided into 3 different levels of skills, in which Level A as the highest and
followed by Level B and Level C.</div>
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Almost
300+ players came to represent their respective teams, bringing their own
banner and wearing their uniforms. The 12 badminton groups were led by the host
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PinoySG Badminton Club</b>, followed by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pinoy Shuttlers, Tropang Smashers, Team
Hotshots, Team Laklakers, UPAAS-Pinoy Shuttlecockers, Team SBL, Samahang Pinoy
na Racqueteers, United Pinoy Badminton, Team WinWest, Team BisdakSG, and Team Kigwa</b>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tg55XWg_7sA/T-0lPWWzW9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/jeJY_nsI7rg/s1600/Kristian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tg55XWg_7sA/T-0lPWWzW9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/jeJY_nsI7rg/s400/Kristian1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The
two day event ended with Pinoy Shuttlers winning the Challenge Cup. The
challenge cup was awarded to the team who garnered the highest points for the
overall player performance, attendance, discipline and sportsmanship. PinoySG
Badminton Club captured the coveted Best Support Group, as the team with the
most number of cheerers and supporters. </div>
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Trophies
and cash prizes were given to the winner on the last day of the event. The
championship singles event was played by both veteran players, Jeremy Maniago
and David Batalla. The game ended with Jeremy taking the last match point,
successfully defending his Singles title last year. Level B Singles Finals saw
Mark Canillo conquering Joshua Batula in the 3<sup>rd</sup> set. </div>
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Mens
Doubles Level A Finals was heart stopping duel between Jeremy Maniago/Sherwin
Suratos of Tropang Smashers/Kigwa tandem against Luis Gomez/Frederick Pabustan
of Pinoy Shuttlers. The final match point in the 3<sup>rd</sup> set ended with
TS/Kigwa tandem wins by their non stop onslaught of offensive tactics.</div>
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The
last game for Mixed Doubles Level A Finals was another high intensity match in
which Jeremy Maniago with new
partner Andrea Tongco against the PSG Open 2011 defending mixed doubles champion last year, Roland
Amores and Armhi Sumalinog. Nino chose to change his usual aggressive
attacking strategy by adopting a very slow pace game, opting for more pushes
and drops shots at the midcourt. The game ended after 2 sets with Roland Amores and Armhi Sumalinog still undefeated at Mixed Doubles.</div>
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Other
game results:</div>
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Mens
B : Johnwin Custodio / Joshua Batula</div>
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Mens
C: Larry Demelites/ Jhayr Rodriquez</div>
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<span lang="IT">Womens A: Barbara Macaraig/Michelle Cadiz</span></div>
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Womens
B: Czarina Jimenes/ Mary Grace Andres</div>
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Womens
C: Arlyn Cirujales/Dio Ann Pena</div>
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Mixed
B: Mark Canillo/Ady Doctolero</div>
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Mixed
C: Jhayr Rodriguez/ Karen Dogilio</div>
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PinoySG
Badminton Open started last 2007 and initially started with few competitors
from the Filipino badminton community. After a year, the competitors dramatically
increased after private companies started supporting the event and the
organizer, PinoySG Badminton Club.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBAyPyuW1Ho/T-1RCwsxJNI/AAAAAAAAAFs/8OySfWZE7vY/s1600/534044_10150972134447962_789604367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBAyPyuW1Ho/T-1RCwsxJNI/AAAAAAAAAFs/8OySfWZE7vY/s400/534044_10150972134447962_789604367_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
PinoySG
Badminton Club is the first Filipino badminton club in Singapore which
was registered with Registry of Society of Singapore last 2008. For 5 years,
the group has initiated several badminton friendly games among the Filipino
community and as well with other local Singaporean badminton groups. The group
is currently under the leadership of club’s co-founder and current President
Kristian A. Anquillano with his top officers, Roland Amores as Vice President,
Victoria Jane Parot as the secretary and Dr. Lira Dumaguing as the treasurer.
As a registered society, PinoySG Badminton Club is governed by their By Laws
and Constitution and has to submit an Annual Returns to the Registry of Society
of Singapore.</div>
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PinoySG
Badminton Club would like to thank the whole Filipino badminton community of Singapore for
their participation, BAGONG BAYANI (Modern Day Hero) magazine as our
official media partner and Singapore Badminton Association umpires.</div>
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<br /></div>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-54125279460121289222010-11-24T17:22:00.002+08:002010-11-24T18:00:55.055+08:00Singing with VocaBlends (Singapore)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/TOziMQXLqwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/2exkeBC4UmI/s1600/154610_151009871611255_145909555454620_247765_6301656_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/TOziMQXLqwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/2exkeBC4UmI/s320/154610_151009871611255_145909555454620_247765_6301656_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543053941564746498" border="0" /></a><br />Last October 28, 2010, a new a Capella group called VocaBlends was born under the leadership of Earl Stanley Lazo. Though I have been rehearsing with them for the past 1 month, its the day that we officially named the group.<br /><br />"Voca" stands for voice and "Blends" is the literal meaning of the word itself. A blending of voices to form a beautiful music. There was a discussion before we decided with the name, since it sounds like a coffee blends which we usually found in Starbucks. However, with the objective of creating an impression of being cool and fun singing group, we thought, the name may be the proper representation to what we are trying to project.<br /><br />I was invited before by other choir groups, but never did I attempt to join one, because I was too busy with my sports. I have been a very active badminton and paintball player for the past 3 years here in Singapore. Yet the passion in singing never fade away from me.<br /><br />Though my usual videoke jam with friends, ended up with appreciation and encouragement for me to join singing contest, I never thought of joining a singing group. Personally, my housemates can determine my mood through the songs that I sing at home. When I am so down, I will open my laptop and sing all sad songs from youtube.<br /><br />I remember there was a moment last Christmas 2007, I was so lonely of not being able to come home on Christmas, I started singing "Sana Ngayong Pasko" in the living room. One of my housemates came out of her room, crying. I did sing it well, but never did I realize that I can make someone cry with the way I sing.<br /><br />So then last September, a badminton partner invited me to join a Pinoy acapella group. I was hesitant at first, for my impression on choir is really more of old classical songs that I would have a hard time to relate. Yeah, I sing from the heart..I don't like to sing songs which I do not understand. So I came to the rehearsal to observe, not really planning to join them.<br /><br />Then they sang " Change the World and Now that I Have You". It was not perfect yet, but I was amazed that a simple doo, daa and doom, could create a good sound if sang together in different tune. Speaking of my inexperience in music, I was astounded by how this "Maestro Earl" could memorize each tune and allow us to sing it altogether.<br /><br />It was a good timing for myself, that was the time that family pressures came like torrents. And I just realized that even my sports does not have the power to calm me down. I am sleepless and restless. I would exercise, run and play non stop for a week, in an effort to calm me down. But then, my body gets tired..but my mind does not.<br /><br />This new passion has brought ways for me to relax. I realized that after all this years, singing has been my innermost flame that has never been fully utilized. I got to accept that this is a talent, and its time for me to share it with everyone else. And with this new group, I aim to sing to my very best and share joy to my "kababayans" who are here, and just like me is trying to provide good life for their families back in Philippines.<br /><br />Similar to the badminton club I started, I will pursue this passion with the same objective. To entertain and provide joy to others. A smile is more than enough than the biggest trophy you could find in the world. What feeling in the world is greater than knowing that you have made someone smile and enjoy your talent.<br /><br />Hopefully, by next year, we would be ready to perform for the Filipino community here in Singapore or even the local Singaporean community. God, Thank you for the music :-)Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-76159893260754376622010-10-19T13:59:00.003+08:002010-10-19T14:26:17.893+08:00Paintballing in Singapore again...SPS 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/TL05fdAHt9I/AAAAAAAAADs/e0TCcjFYEEY/s1600/psgwarfreakz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/TL05fdAHt9I/AAAAAAAAADs/e0TCcjFYEEY/s320/psgwarfreakz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529639130004699090" border="0" /></a><br />The last time I played paintball was last March 2009 during the Malaysia National Paintball League. It was my last game after deciding to completely stop from playing paintball. And just recently, some former members of PSG Warfreakz were trying to convince me to lead a team again in Singapore Paintball Series 2010. It took me a month before I decided to put up a 6 man team for the competition. The tournament was held at East Coast Park, last October 16 to 17, 2010. There were a total of 29 teams and we are fighting against 14 teams in the Novice Division.<br /><br />We had one practice only, and after firing up everyone's excitement about our return in the paintball competition, I was able to convince other members to put up a second all Pinoy team whom we called as PSG Warriors. On the tournament day, we have two Filipino teams against 12 local Singaporean paintball groups.<br /><br />It was a tough competition since the players in Singapore are now more mature and more experienced. It was different when we competed last 2008, the players are more hesitant and afraid. It was our team who can run and attack the opponent without fear of being peppered with paintballs. We were fast, fearless and we enjoy the pain of being hit. I think thats what make us unbeatable then that time.<br /><br />For this competiton, I had difficulty in rallying my team mates for a fast offensive attack. We won the game mostly on defense position and move only when there are few opponents left. However, for almost two years of not playing, I thought it was still an exceptional performance for everyone.<br /><br />The 2nd day ended with my team losing in the quarterfinals after winning 4 matches out of 6 games in the prelim games.. I bruised and wounded my right knee and elbow, in my effort to push the attack faster. But, we lack the speed of doing it, most of us are shot long before they can position ourselves.<br /><br />However, it was a good feeling in bonding again with my former team mates in PSG Warfreakz. It has been quite long also that I have not played and even use my paintball gears. Anyway, the joy of playing again was priceless. And I can say Singaporean paintball teams have improved greatly in their play.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-46627917450126988832010-05-26T14:10:00.003+08:002010-05-26T14:15:21.909+08:00My Life Stories : Backsink in Macdonalds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/S_y714EcwsI/AAAAAAAAAC8/SAIUfflheOA/s1600/mcdonalds-cagayan-de-oro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/S_y714EcwsI/AAAAAAAAAC8/SAIUfflheOA/s320/mcdonalds-cagayan-de-oro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475457781234188994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>I had my first job as a CLOSER in <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">McDonalds</span> when I was 16 years old. I am about to finish my high school when I applied for the job, after my mother has told me that I wont be going to College because they cannot afford it. I was devastated, cause I have a complete belief in myself that finishing college was the only way I could have a good job. Months before I received my diploma, I was working already from night until early morning at McDonalds. As a closer, I am assigned on different areas during operation time and has to follow proper procedures in cleaning it up once we closed the store. Luckily, the store was just infront of our school. You can see it in the photo pasted on this blog. The store is located at <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lim Ket Kai Mall, in Cagayan de Oro City</span>. I still remember how our managers would drive us away in front of the store, because we are waiting for our friends to come out.<br /><br />It was a tough job for a skinny 16 year old boy like me. However, even how tiring it was, I don't have any choice that time but to work, hoping that I can saved money just enough to enroll in college. During my high school graduation, I was damned proud because I was the one who paid the 5 burgers we ordered from Mcdonalds for my family. Yeah 5 burgers only, no drinks :-). I still can remember that the most difficult station is the backsink. It where you washed all the equipments during closing time, and prepare the stocks from the freezer. It was a health risk area, considering that you are sweating hard and have to come in and out of the negative temperature big room freezer. It was like going from Phillipines to North Pole every minute.<br /><br />Luckily, even with my meager income I was able to sustain my 5 year college at the same time working as a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Crew Chief </span>in Mcdonalds. I did well in my job, I suppose. I work during 6pm night until 2am and went to school in the 8am in the morning until 5pm. After being recognized as <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Crew of The Month</span> twice, Best in Grill, Best in Production Calling, etc etc etc. I was offered the managerial position.<br /><br />After a sleepless nights, I have decided to turn it down and proceed in taking the Engineering Licensure Examination. For 5 years working there, I just cannot forget the time when my mother visited me during my first year as a Crew. She came on a bad timing, because I was assigned in the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">BACKSINK</span>. She was surprised to see me dragging two sacks of rice from our warehouse across the road.<br /><br />A skinny and skeletally thin 16 year old boy, sweating hard, dragging two sacks of rice was indeed a perfect scene for a telenovela in MMK. My mother just stood transfixed in her position and holding back her tears. I just smiled at her when I saw her.<br /><br />And its just funny, because I just realized that during that time everyone in the crew called me Babes, because I was the youngest closer crew in the store. And after being recognized as the fastest in grill area, they called me Speedy Babe. It is a coincidence as everyone called me Speed now though I don't really know on which area I am fast here.<br /><br />It was one difficult 5 years of my life, but I was still so grateful that it happened. It was one lesson that I have told every student I know. If you're just studying and only thinking of how to pass the exams, you are very lucky. You don't know how difficult it is to work and study at the same time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To my readers: You might be surprised to see me again. I will be posting life stories this time since I am still trying to awaken my writing skills and passion. There might be grammatical errors that you may find but I will do my best to share my stories as clear as possible for you to understand. </span></span>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-89964632995166600952010-02-09T10:45:00.006+08:002010-02-09T11:26:29.180+08:00Sunrise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/S3DRmMQZSUI/AAAAAAAAABw/asUOp4G90e0/s1600-h/21880_294777861249_654066249_3383280_3061787_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/S3DRmMQZSUI/AAAAAAAAABw/asUOp4G90e0/s320/21880_294777861249_654066249_3383280_3061787_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436075204291414338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >in the darkness...we waited.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >your hand were soft as I held it deep into my arms.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >amidst the blackness, your smile illuminates...</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Your beauty emanates the joy, the laughter, the ecstasy and the passion into me.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Your just amazing my love....thy visage always puts my heart into fire.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >As a sliver of sun's ray slowly emerge beneath the vast dark horizon into the orange hazy clouds.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >You held my hand tighter..as you anticipate to see the amber light beyond that lilac sky.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Like a child in awe, you smiled and tearfully whispered " Thank you for being with me, I love you so much.."</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >I reached out to you and held you close. "Be still my love..the sun has rise. I will be here until the sun sets and rise again. I will be here always...and forever.</span>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-39320437063940838932007-09-23T23:02:00.000+08:002007-09-24T00:01:46.169+08:00Fear of losing your jobThere was an announcement made by our management. Our global technical support department is being moved into India and all emails, calls and manpower support will be routed there. At first, I was so worried knowing that there is a big chance that I will be terminated from my position. There was a massive restructuring to realign the company's marketing objective and position.<br /><br />Honestly, when it was announced, I was sleepless and worried. I just joined the company and has been with them for only 3 months. I was so worried that I have talked with my manager and asked him directly what would be my fate.<br /><br />Yes, he was assuring and comforting, telling me that the company would never terminate me, since my position is very valuable to the company. Ahhhh, I was a little bit relieve, but still the fear of losing my job is still there.<br /><br />Now the question is, why am I so afraid of losing my job? Do you feel the same way too? Being a breadwinner, I cannot afford to go home with an empty pocket. I fear not for myself but for my family back home.<br /><br />For all OFW'S like me, we all feel the same way. There are many times that we have to take even the most dangerous job all because of the high salary were getting out of it. I remember the story of Reynaldo Cortez, the Filipino who was executed in Saudi Arabia because of murder which he commit against a Pakistani driver who tried to raped him. I myself was a witness on that kind of crime in Middle East against Filipino OFW's.<br /><br />It is embarassing, but I was almost a victim during the time when I was working in the Middle East. If not for my colleagues who rush to the site, I dont know what could have happened to me.<br /><br />As I have said, many of us put ourselves into danger just because of our aim in giving our families a good life back home. Everything we do is sacrifice. For our families and for our country as well.<br /><br />In anyway, I feel lucky for having a job here in Singapore. From my point of view, this is the safest country where I can work without having fear of being a victim of heinous crime. The only thing I was a victim of this country is in the hawker, where I bought a drink and comes back to my table all cleaned up. My food was gone hehehehe...I havent finished yet huhuhuhu.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-57603342781056556432007-09-04T21:06:00.000+08:002007-09-24T12:26:31.916+08:00At the Top of the Star Apple(Kaimito) TreeI was too amused to notice that this blog of mine have been receiving several comments from Pinoy bloggers in Singapore and even in US. I was just overwhelmed to know that there are people around the net who spend their time reading and relating to my unendless sentiments.<br />Yes...i am sentimental. But I believe that sentimental people needs to connect and relate himself with everything around to really understand what it means to be sentimental. You observe, you imagine and you put yourself on a virtual world to fully comprehend.<br />When I was 10 year old kid, I used to climb at the top of kaimito(star apple) tree whenever I feel lonely. I stay there the whole afternoon and wait for the sunset behind the mountain just kilometers away from our small home in our barangay. It was a sight for me...Everyone thinks..that I am kind of a homosexual, for doing that. "Bading" as the local word for gay or homo. But it was a different feeling for me. From that kaimito(star apple) tree, I build my dreams of finishing college, having a degree, work abroad and earn for my family. And after all the sufferings I have experienced throughout my college days, I still remember the same promise I have made to myself at the top of that kaimito tree.<br />As I have said..being sentimental is not weakness, it is one way of having connection to ones feelings and surrounding. It is an inner contemplation that allows you to express yourself even if youre alone.<br />People who knows me personally may wonder, how come I sounded like this in my blog. I am jolly person outside and a smile is my trademark at work, at home, at play or even at sleep (crazy hehehe).<br />Anyway, thanks to everyone who keeps on reading my blog. Its been long that I have not updated this one, but I was so happy to learn that so many have offered their reactions even personally to me. Keep reading!!!Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-64772345031319542922007-07-02T01:12:00.000+08:002007-07-02T01:52:06.458+08:00The flute band and the lonely woman in OrchardAn ordinary sunday afternoon....same as the other sundays, nothing special for this week. The monotonous routine that we follow..work, play, rest, work. Head is buzzing with so much things...pressures that keeps on boiling over my head. Ahhh.....if only I can freeze time and let everything stop for awhile, so I can breathe and rest for a nick of time.<br /><br />I was walking along the Orchard road....hoping to see something interesting, to relieve the boredom I feel within. Luckily, a band was performing. A road concert! A group called Quipukamak were performing infront of Takashimaya. They were a latin American band which uses several kinds of flute to play their music. Yes..I thought to myself, this one is good. So I found one corner bench and just sat down there listening to their music. Really, the sound of a flute is very comforting and lifting. It was like you are in the middle of a jungle.....hmmmmm....I got so emotional sometimes when listening to this kind of music. It simply touches my innermost feelings and provides some kind of an inner light from within, that you feel its warmth emanating.<br /><br />I was so enchanted by their music, that I just got up and bought their CD. It was a magnificent music indeed. I never noticed that I already spent an hour listening to them play. I just remember the first time I arrive in Singapore. This is the same place I used to go.....just stayed here and listened to those performing bands in the sidestreet.<br /><br />Another sunday has ended.......tomorrow is Monday again. The only thing that excites me is the thought that I am playing badminton this next saturday.<br /><br />I am supposed to go home when, I noticed a woman in the corner who was staring at the ground. Her looks were empty, as if she was somewhere else. She was wearing a typical shirt and jeans, probably 30+ in age. I was thinking, she is a DH here since, I have never seen Filipina professionals spending their time in Orchard alone and staring at the ground. With their salary, they always have enough to spend for movies and outings.<br /><br />Yeah, another homesick kababayan. By her looks, I can see she already had a family and probably was thinking about her children. Her empty and sad look, were painful to watch.....it was a sight of struggle and sacrifice.<br /><br />If only their family can see the pain they feel everyday just to be able to send money back home..if only they can feel what she feels.....alas such life of an OFW......I could only imagine the feeling she is fighting now, just to keep her sanity intact.<br /><br />I decided to go home..its getting late already.......another day have pass.....another day to embrace.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-57294620959787142322007-06-03T22:30:00.000+08:002008-12-11T19:40:33.337+08:00Pinoy Badminton Club of Singapore<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RmLWLNJfmtI/AAAAAAAAAA0/iWWu99fmq_g/s1600-h/1180193228_IMG_0031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071851618368985810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RmLWLNJfmtI/AAAAAAAAAA0/iWWu99fmq_g/s320/1180193228_IMG_0031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last May 26, 2007 at Clementi Sports Hall, I was so astonished to see the huge turnout of the badminton players that arrived during that Saturday afternoon. It all started with a single post in the PinoySg.com forum, asking the moderator to dedicate a separate forum for badminton. Then everbody starts to support me and yes, the website granted our request. Well, then the rest is history......we initially started the Pinoy Badminton Club with 51 PLAYERS. I started a yahoo group and was able to registered 51 members. However, it was so fortunate that there were members in the group that is so committed and very enthusiastic about our objective.</div><div></div><br /><div>Why I was so passionate on having a group like this?....Well my experience speaks itself. When I arrived here in Singapore, I was so homesick. It was like living daily in a deep water, I am always breathing heavily. The only thing I can think of to relieve what I am feeling is to play. I was a badminton fanatic, and the sport is the only way to make me feel better. And I understand how it feels...so this group will definitely cater to Pinoys who feel the same way.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-88079000747818569402007-05-15T01:34:00.000+08:002007-06-03T22:30:17.395+08:00pounded with fireJust transferred to a new company recently last 2 weeks. This is now my third week and my second time to do a night shift. I was only a week old in the company when my manager decided to put me on a night shift because the other engineer was on leave.<br /><br />I was nervous because I have to answer calls from Europe and US on that shift since it is morning there on that time. I am armed with enough information on radio and networking information but with our radio, I still have much to learn. Well, anyway, I survived the 1 week night shift and was able to answer some calls, usually with a farewell quote " please email us so we can provide clear answers to you, sorry i am just new here" hehehe. See how profound, how smart are my answers.<br /><br />Well, this is the loneliest night shift I have. I was the only person on the entire building gosh!, however guarded with surveillance cameras on every corner of the floor. Hah, well got to read and read....<br /><br />However, I like this job more, I get to experiment and explore more on the technical side. I can research and learn from problems that we encounter everyday. Anyhow, I feel more engineer on this office than my previous job which makes me feel like a sales guy instead of a technical engineer.<br /><br />Last Sunday, I was able to join a group of Filipino in their picnic in East Coast. It was a nice place, not really a breath taking view but what makes the place interesting was the number of people who are there for a picnic.<br /><br />Biking and roller skates were the popular sports here. So if your a stunt kind of guy, this is the place definitely for exhibition. The group was full of fun, playing word games and eating at the same time. Topics were all about family, work, boredom and jokes.<br /><br />It was a nice experience....with all the hustle and bustle on this metropolis mixed with homesickness, it is better that you share it with others who are feeling the same way. It makes your head refresh and relax.<br /><br />Well, even after 1 year of work here, any time of the day even at 1 am, I still wake up homesick and lonely. But as they said, that is what makes you more stronger and wiser. Steel is pounded with fire before it forms to a perfect sculpture. We are steel and we are pounded with fire....if we resist, we can break into fragments, thats why we treat every pounding with softness and adjust on whatever direction fire wants it to be.....in that way we shaped our destiny on something unique, something magnificent...<br /><br />such a sentimental of me.....hmmm....Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-89953612939408050132007-04-02T16:33:00.001+08:002008-12-11T19:40:33.929+08:00Back to Micasa HotelLast week, I was told to visit Micasa Hotel in Kuala Lumpur again, to resolve some technical issues. Well, this might be my last visit, considering that I will be transferring to another company by next month. I stayed on this hotel for 1 month and I was really homesick that time, considering that I was alone in implementing the project before.<br /><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDDB9MQlAI/AAAAAAAAAAc/NZl2qgebxhM/s1600-h/DSC00051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDDB9MQlAI/AAAAAAAAAAc/NZl2qgebxhM/s320/DSC00051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048749620655592450" border="0" /></a>I took the Grassland bus for Kuala Lumpur in Boon Lay Shopping Center. It was convenient since, the terminal is just in front of the HDB where I stayed. The bus took off by 9am in the morning and hurriedly I managed to grab a tuna sandwich and a Strait newspaper on the way. It was a long 5 hours travel, and it was 3pm already when I arrived in Micasa Hotel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDDX9MQlBI/AAAAAAAAAAk/zqWLOu4n5wk/s1600-h/DSC00053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDDX9MQlBI/AAAAAAAAAAk/zqWLOu4n5wk/s200/DSC00053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048749998612714514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I paid 281Rinngits for a 1 night 2 days stay and was ushered to a Micasa Suite Room on the 6th Floor. The rooms was splendid, similar to the rooms I stayed before in Micasa. And yes of course, the delicious,sweet cookies and chocolate inside the green box, is delighting.<br /><br /><br /><br />I stayed for 2 days and 1 night in trying to resolve the issue on the Micasa Wireless Hotspot. Then by morning afternoon, I took the Lok Box demo unit from Nasioncom in Midvalley Hotel and proceed to Puduraya Hotel Bus Terminal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDD2dMQlCI/AAAAAAAAAAs/5UDGJoOUFUc/s1600-h/DSC00057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RhDD2dMQlCI/AAAAAAAAAAs/5UDGJoOUFUc/s200/DSC00057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048750522598724642" border="0" /></a><br />I took the Konsortium bus and I noticed that their magazine was promoting some tourist spots in Philippines. At last, after reading only about Thailand and Indonesia on their magazine, they have featured now Philippines. They are offering 288SGD for a package tours, whew! that is quite very cheap. I bet, you would be taking Cebu Pacific on your flight.<br /><br /><br /></div>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-9054896976059969622007-03-26T23:44:00.001+08:002008-12-11T19:40:34.153+08:00Loneliness ( a poem inspired by a sad look)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RgfqrrE8VtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Z5mTMrbkdcY/s1600-h/DSC00079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RgfqrrE8VtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Z5mTMrbkdcY/s320/DSC00079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046259943510660818" border="0" /></a><br /><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">by kristian<br /><br />As the loneliness creeps my sanity<br /><br />The pain that lingers in time<br /><br />Held my breathe with strength<br /><br />Gasping for air, I look on thee<br /><br /><br /><br />Such a wide space...endless<br /><br />Infinite and yet so empty<br /><br />Heavy as a rock<br /><br />but hollow as a dead oak tree<br /><br /><br /><br />What is happiness?....<br /><br />Is it the cool wind that rushes to thy face?<br /><br />Is it the sweet song of a bird?<br /><br />Is it the slow gush of water in a tiny creek?<br /><br />Is it the noise of the green leaves of a palm tree?<br /><br /><br /><br />Joy oh my ecstacy...<br /><br />why such thy warmth so elusive from thee?<br /><br />why such comfort far away from me?<br /><br />why such radiance so difficult to see?<br /><br /><br /><br />Answers that thy heart seeks<br /><br />Is it in somewhere in the midst<br /><br />Or is it just within me...<br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-33532249139449436792007-03-11T13:24:00.000+08:002008-12-11T19:40:34.304+08:00Sleeping in Lakeside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RfOaChepO0I/AAAAAAAAAAM/Jx3aS9CRpzQ/s1600-h/DSC00063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gGt32SoIAKs/RfOaChepO0I/AAAAAAAAAAM/Jx3aS9CRpzQ/s320/DSC00063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040541776095034178" border="0" /></a><br />It was such a very tiring Saturday, Badminton and biking at the same time. 10:30am in the morning and I pick up my bike and proceed to Bukit Gombak for a badminton. Played from 11am to 1 pm and 4pm to 5pm. I was so tired that I decided to go to Lakeside and sat down there for awhile, enjoying the breeze and the horizon in the lake. Hmmm after all..with all this activity, i still feel that in solitude there is comfort..<br /><br />Just looking at the trees above me, and long before I knew I was already asleep. If not for the single leaf that fell down in my face, I would definitely spent my whole night there without even bothering that I was in a public park. Well this was my first time to feel asleep in a park, so i have to take a picture, although I am awake when it was taken hehehe.<br /><br />It was 7pm when I woke up, so I hurriedly pick up my bike and proceed to go home. Such a tiring day, but still I dont understand why I feel so empty..hmm to much thinking.<br /><br />Well, Lakeside has become my favorite place lately...just biking around and just sit down there in a bench..thinking.....about life what has brought me....Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1169998448368268602007-01-28T23:00:00.000+08:002007-01-28T23:34:12.860+08:00Biking around Lakeside Jurong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/1600/512891/IMG_1602_2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/320/722043/IMG_1602_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It seems that I just got hook on a new addiction recently. After badminton, now this addiction which seems to me, is very expensive and costly for me. Well, it started when a bike was sold to me for only 100SGD, since the user doesnt want to bring it to their new condo..or he just don't have really the interest in using it. Well, 100SGD is 3,000 pesos already. But, I was told that 1 set would definitely cost 400SGD to 500SGD for an ordinary bike. Wow! so in Philippines this would cost 15k to 20k already. Hmmm, well I will not be ashamed if this fact seems surprising for me, really! I grew up where 500 pesos amount would make me scratch my head. Cheap for me is 100 pesos below not 1000, so I hope you would understand my amazement.<br /><br />Well so much for my kuripot (in english thrifty hehehe) attitude. Today, I just decided to bike around Lakeside. It is near Boon Lay so I thought, if it rains then I still have enough time to go back to Boon Lay without getting so wet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/1600/254123/IMG_1618_2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/320/383446/IMG_1618_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hmmm..the place is beautiful. The government here really done a good job in preserving those old trees around the lake. Amenities such as childrens playground, exercise area, chairs, bench, and even cottages were present. A typical place which I love to stay and relax. This is one nice place for reminiscing old memories and letting the cool air soothes your soul while the melodic rhytmns of your mp3 player provides the nostalgic feel. Get it?<br /><br />I noticed also that there were several lovers also in the area, enjoying the romantic moment along with the birds that provides the music beneath the serenity of the place. Hmmmm......so much for passion and feelings. <br /><br />By 6pm, I decided to go back to my home. What a day, although I was alone as usual but visiting these kind of places is enough to refresh and unwind myself in preparation for tomorrow's work.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1169484940420215022007-01-23T00:28:00.000+08:002007-01-23T00:55:40.443+08:00Dubai the MovieThis was an old movie, was quite popular then but this is the first time that I watch it. Well, a typical story from the start, that touches on passion and emotion. However, what differentiates it from the other movies was for the fact that it tells a story of overseas Filipinos working in Dubai. I have worked before in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and you bet I can relate to what they are saying about hard work and perseverance.<br /><br />I was touched on Aga's wedding speech which talks about a typical attitude of an overseas worker. The moment we had the chance to come home, we always felt embarassed if we dont have anything for a pasalubong or gift to our friends and family. We are placed on a pedestal and everyone looks up to us. We woked all day, struggling and going through the fangs of homesickness, just for the purpose of sending money to our loved ones back home.<br /><br />Sometimes, we suffer silently.....holding down our voices and crying silently...unknown to all the people that look up to us back home.I can relate to the movie, not because of the love story, but the experiences of an OFW on all parts of the world. Our families were all smiles and pride about us, and to keep that, we hide our loneliness, as much as possible, we show them that everything is alright here in a foreign country.<br /><br />But as the movie said, it was all about family that makes us works so hard....our love and our passion to make them smile is what makes us survive and work harder. Whenever I see some Filipino OFW's in a bar, drinking so much beer and laughing boisterously, I wouldnt believe that they are enjoying because they are out here away from their family. Look deeper into their eyes and ask them about their children, and there you will see the longing...the deep sadness beneath those loud laughter....<br /><br />Hmmm the movie really touches me......maybe you would understand now why I drowned myself with so much sports...badminton, biking, basketball and even starcraft...well thats one reason.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1169419096738929012007-01-22T06:14:00.000+08:002007-01-22T06:38:16.790+08:00On bike around Singapore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/1600/134698/IMG_1460_revised.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3215/1611/320/610533/IMG_1460_revised.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Why extreme?....because I go biking straight for 2 days since last Saturday. What a weekend!. Last saturday, together with Alaba, my classmate during my college years decided to go biking from Boon Lay to Bukit Gombak. Actually, on that same day also, I have a scheduled badminton game in Bukit Gombak, so instead of taking the bus, we decided to go there on bike. With a map of Singapore at hand, we follow our way to Bukit Batok road, until we reach the MRT station. From there, we proceed to Bukit Gombak Sports Center to play badminton. After the game, we stop by Little Guillen, a man made lakeside park near Bukit Gombak MRT. Of course, with a borrowed Canon Ixus, we were able to take some pictures of ourselves. Then, we proceed to Hillview Avenue, the place where I used to live and back to Boon Lay during afternoon. A nice experience for my visitor lah!...<br /><br />There were some nice view in the way, but my companion was too tired already, so we decided to go back home. Actually, I just started biking when I bought a mountain SRM bike from a my Indonesian housemate for SGD100 only. Hmmm..back home it would cost me maybe 10K plus for this kind of bike. It was a good bargain indeed.<br /><br />I did visit some bike shops here to scout for some additional gears, hopefully to make me look more professional enough. And I was amazed and shocked at the same time on the prices of mountain bikes I have seen inside. Imagine, SGD5600 for the whole bike! It is almost 200K pesos already!. Back in Philippines, I can buy a car for that amount already.<br /><br />I tried looking for some helmet around the diplay area, and you know how much it cost?...195SGD..What??? It is 6K pesos already for just one helmet! Arrgh, this sport is extremely expensive. I guess for now, I need to content myself with my existing gear.Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1168703471115342602007-01-13T23:51:00.000+08:002007-01-13T23:51:11.170+08:00Shall we dance?...I was alone in my home, well for information of everyone, i just moved from Bukit Batok Montrosa Condo to an HDB here in Boon Lay. The place was not really as good as before, but comfortable enough for me to live in. Well, I have spend my day in badminton court from 11am to 1 pm, then go home and by 5pm, I pick up my mountain bike and ride along the road going to Bukit Batok. I just cant remember the road going to the the place where I stayed before, I pass along the Jurong Canal, so I just ride there for a while and then proceed to Bukit Batok Road. Well, luckily I end up in Bukit Batok MRT but I have to go back since it was already 7pm in the evening. Hmmm, by evening I sat down on the sofa and play the Shall we dance DVD in the player. It was a nice and heartwarming movie. It was a story about a boring life of a lawyer, who have been searching for something to make himself happier. Hes not really desperate since he has his family and they were happy. I guess the right word is monotony, you know he has been doing the same thing for many years and he was looking for something to make his life much more interesting. And he found it in ballroom dancing, all because he was seeing this lady in a window of a dance school. That got his attention, so the story began. <br /><br />Well, I come to my realization after watching the whole movie...it is more of a self esteem and pride. When you were young, have you ever had a dream of becoming someone?...like a rock star or a dancer?...Hmmm, I dream of becoming an engineer and I did become an engineer, but I have one wild dream hehehe. I want to be a singer, or maybe sing in a concert infront of the audience. Either solo or in a band, I love to perform honestly, are you shock?...hehehe that was my wild dream. I never had the opportunity of doing it during my college years, because life was so hard for me that time. Maybe if I had, I might end up singing in a band instead...I love singing actually but it is too late right?...well it was just a wild dream, I may love singing but Im not sure my voice would bring me good things...it is not that good except of course for my mother and my aunt who have always said I have the best voice in the world.<br /><br />Well to describe my wildest dream which I know would always be just a dream...i am in the stage, everyone was there, waiting for me to sing...and the audience roar, chanting my name. The band starts with a drum roll, and there was silence. And the the band play my first song..This is the moment. See, hehehe just like Star in A Million. Each one of us has our wildest dream, to be a someone else or to be in a moment where we felt pride and happiness. But wild dreams are just dreams....it may or may not come true...<br />but perhaps I might try doing it, just to add some spice in my life..but where? hehehe better wake up now.<br />Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1163340042826972872006-11-12T22:00:00.000+08:002006-11-12T22:00:42.923+08:00Tiring WeekMy last week activities, were quite stressful and tiring. I was just instructed to go to Malaysia for a maintenance call in Micasa Hotel. They were telling me that users only need to login once, and they can access the internet after without even the need for the login page to come up. It turn out that, it was just an issue of MAC learning, where the authentication gateway will bind the users MAC address to its username login, so everytime a user login, it will be remembered and login page will not be displayed.<br /><br />We took the Konsortium bus for Kuala Lumpur in Golden Mile Tower and we paid 29 SGD for each ticket. It took us almost two hours just to reach Woodlands Checkpoint. And another almost 5 hours more to reach KL, because of heavy rain in the highway which causes a traffic gridlock. It was almost 3pm, when we check in at Micasa Hotel. I worked until 2 am in the morning just to simulate the login issue. I was also having problem on my Ovislin VPN box which is not functioning well. I was trying to setup a PPTP server in the VPN box, to allow remote access from the Internet. However, with the PPTP server running, i still cannot access our hotspot gateway in the private network. <br /><br />Then on Friday, I was again instructed to pick up the Lok box from an ISP to deliver it to another ISP somewhere in Midvalley Hotel. I was able to transfer the Lok box to their office and was told that their technical director was so busy to see me. Then, by 5 pm our Project Consultant for Africa, called me and was asking why his PC was picked up from his desk without his permission. Well, I have to explain again to CEO that it was a temporary PC which was provided to that consultant, while waiting for his laptop.<br /><br />It was a stressful day...and I feel so exhausted....and then my supervisor called me and telling me to work on technical proposal on weekends. Hmmm, they were not even concern that I worked until early morning. They are not paying overtime fees for all the holidays and extra hours I have worked before, and now they want me to work even on weekends. Grrrr....well thats the life of an overseas foreign worker....no choice.<br />Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16857553.post-1160324122560577862006-10-08T23:41:00.001+08:002006-10-09T00:15:22.563+08:00Back to the Fountain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/1600/DSC00179.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/320/DSC00179.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/1600/DSC00183.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/320/DSC00183.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/1600/DSC00169.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/320/DSC00169.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/1600/DSC00175.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3215/1611/320/DSC00175.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It was weeks ago that I decided to visit again the place where I spent my time alone, on the first month that I arrived in Singapore. Our office before is located in Suntec City where in front is the Fountain of Wealth, the largest fountain in the world.<br /><br />Being a freak I was, I find the moments emotional since I remember, this was the same place where I used to sit down, in front of the fountain until my eyes got so tired. It was the loneliest moment then as far as I can remember. For 30 days, I have no one to talk to in the office. I spend my whole week after office hours, sitting in these chairs. <br /><br />Our office is now in Jurong East and this place is quite far. I was alone and trying to reminisce the nights where I just sat down here and listened to the music being played by the DJ, while watching the Lights Show display.<br /><br />It was Friday evening.....and there were quite many spectators roaming around the fountain. I have written about this Fountain in my previous blogs, but I just want to post this again for sentimental reasons.Hmmmmm.....freakin emotional of me...i should have been a drama movie director instead.<br /><br />As of this time, although I am still alone, I am having my MP3 player filled with alternative music to rock my ears. In this way, it will keep me smiling and rockin....Speedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05075362443548283044noreply@blogger.com2