Life Stories: Stucked in Queshm Island, Iran

Place: Queshm Island, Iran
Year : 2001
 

I came to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  last 2001, when I was hired as a test engineer by an agency to work in an Alcatel hybrid fiber broadband network project for Etisalat. 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.


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.

 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 Kish and Queshm Island. 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.

I was sent to Quesm Island, 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 manual air conditioned pump 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.


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.

I met a group of young teens of a Pinoy band based in Sharjah, 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 2 million rials 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.

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. 

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.

As I tore down the envelope, I breathe deeply and slowly read my name..Kristian .....Nationality : INDIAN!!  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.

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.

There was one bungalow there which most of the occupants are Filipinos. 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.

After 1 week of stay in Queshm Island, I have heard a lot of sad stories about the plight of our kababayans 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.

Anyway thats my story back in 2001. :-) Keep the flame burning :-)

Shooting PAIN and PAINTBALLS with PSG Warfreakz in Singapore

 

Operation Velocity Wipeout 2012

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^th and 5^th place. Team Alpha as the top 4 proceed to compete in the Grand Finals where they captured the 1^st runner up after battling with 16 local teams.

Singapore Paintball Novice Series 2008

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.

Red Seven (http://www.redsevenspaintball.com/) 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.

Singapore Paintball Series 2010

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.

Malaysian Paintball Official Circuit 2008

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.

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...

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.

So that’s it for now, in my resurrected blog, till we meet again my readers. Keep the flame burning.

Promoting Racial Harmony through Badminton

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.
Twister Badminton Club 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.

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.


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 Badminton Mates and Lion Badminton Group(Clementi).

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.

Last May 2012,  PSGBC Badmintoneros, arranged another 2 legs of friendly game with Chua Chu Kang Group 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.

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.

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.

We were badminton shuttlers and we speak ONE language at court…BADMINTON. Long live the sport and the players.

Filipino Shuttlers rises to the Challenge during the 5th PinoySG Badminton Open 2012

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.

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.

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 PinoySG Badminton Club, followed by 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.

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. 

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^rd set.

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^rd set ended with TS/Kigwa tandem wins by their non stop onslaught of offensive tactics.

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.

Other game results:

Mens B : Johnwin Custodio / Joshua Batula

Mens C: Larry Demelites/ Jhayr Rodriquez

Womens A: Barbara Macaraig/Michelle Cadiz

Womens B: Czarina Jimenes/ Mary Grace Andres

Womens C: Arlyn Cirujales/Dio Ann Pena

Mixed B: Mark Canillo/Ady Doctolero

Mixed C: Jhayr Rodriguez/ Karen Dogilio

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.

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.

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.

Singing with VocaBlends (Singapore)

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :-)

Paintballing in Singapore again...SPS 2010

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My Life Stories : Backsink in Macdonalds

I had my first job as a CLOSER in McDonalds 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 Lim Ket Kai Mall, in Cagayan de Oro City. 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.

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.

Luckily, even with my meager income I was able to sustain my 5 year college at the same time working as a Crew Chief 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 Crew of The Month twice, Best in Grill, Best in Production Calling, etc etc etc. I was offered the managerial position.

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 BACKSINK. She was surprised to see me dragging two sacks of rice from our warehouse across the road.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunrise

in the darkness...we waited.
your hand were soft as I held it deep into my arms.

amidst the blackness, your smile illuminates...
Your beauty emanates the joy, the laughter, the ecstasy and the passion into me.
Your just amazing my love....thy visage always puts my heart into fire.

As a sliver of sun's ray slowly emerge beneath the vast dark horizon into the orange hazy clouds.

You held my hand tighter..as you anticipate to see the amber light beyond that lilac sky.

Like a child in awe, you smiled and tearfully whispered " Thank you for being with me, I love you so much.."

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.

Fear of losing your job

There 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the Top of the Star Apple(Kaimito) Tree

I 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!!!

The flute band and the lonely woman in Orchard

An 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I decided to go home..its getting late already.......another day have pass.....another day to embrace.

Pinoy Badminton Club of Singapore

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.

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.

pounded with fire

Just 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.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

such a sentimental of me.....hmmm....

Back to Micasa Hotel

Last 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.

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.



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.



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.



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.

Loneliness ( a poem inspired by a sad look)

by kristian

As the loneliness creeps my sanity

The pain that lingers in time

Held my breathe with strength

Gasping for air, I look on thee



Such a wide space...endless

Infinite and yet so empty

Heavy as a rock

but hollow as a dead oak tree



What is happiness?....

Is it the cool wind that rushes to thy face?

Is it the sweet song of a bird?

Is it the slow gush of water in a tiny creek?

Is it the noise of the green leaves of a palm tree?



Joy oh my ecstacy...

why such thy warmth so elusive from thee?

why such comfort far away from me?

why such radiance so difficult to see?



Answers that thy heart seeks

Is it in somewhere in the midst

Or is it just within me...

Sleeping in Lakeside

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..

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.

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.

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....

Biking around Lakeside Jurong

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.

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.


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?

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.

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.

Dubai the Movie

This 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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

On bike around Singapore

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!...

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.

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.

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.

Shall 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.

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.

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...
but perhaps I might try doing it, just to add some spice in my life..but where? hehehe better wake up now.

Tiring Week

My 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.

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.

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.

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.

Back to the Fountain

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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

empty sentiments

This blog has been a mixture of feelings and tecnical stuffs that sometimes I cannot identify what really is the purpose of this writings of mine. It was 7 pm in the evening, and I was walking below the Jurong MRT lane..it was dark already and I was watching the myriad of lights around Singapore. This was the same view for 5 months now ...the same lights..the same air..that I always encounter whenever I am going home from the office.

I am not sure that it is just maybe of my sensitiveness or is it just the feeling..that in a far country like this, you always feel alone...even if you find friends and people you meet everyday...there are times that you feel empty. I tried in going to places like Orchard just to kill time and relax..but I found nothing. The emptiness in me feels worst instead.

Is it the place or is it just me.....I have to admit that I am not used to of being alone back in Philippines..in the office even at home. I am always the lively one, the funny one, the noisy and sometimes the life of the group. But here, it seems being alone is part of being here....if you work hard, then you have to be alone....you have to focus....and forget being with the group.

But yeah.. I know being able to work here is a privilege...that many Filipinos like me have dreamed of. To be able to earn enough money which you can share with everyone back in Philippines. Being here..makes me a hero..a real hero not to the government, but to the eyes of my family and friends. Everyone is proud of you and will always mention your name on their conversation.

But have you tried asking yourself....are all your efforts being appreciated? what if time will come that you have to go home..no more job here. You go home, without a job.....then you find everyone expecting so much on you.

You have no choice but to repeat the same cycle again, find another job overseas and experience of being far away again or you will choose to start from scratch and stay in our country.So many questions I have in my mind..but yet answers may not be as clear as I expected them to be...

Hmmmm..as of now, I have to enjoy myself watching the rain.....if possible count every droplets that falls from the sky.

at instant in 3 hours

I was so surprised when this afternoon 1 pm, when 4 men came inside my room with planks of wood. They said they will renovate the room and will put tables and cabinets. What? I ask, why today when I have so much work to do?...I was thinking it would take them the whole afternoon to finish it. And yet after 3 hours of banging around, this is what they have done to my corner...FROM THIS



TO THIS........IN 3 HOURS...This is our new system integration room, where I will stay for the next year to come.



Ok, for an opening, need to have a pose...hehehehehe. Did I fit in?...hehehehe looks smart though dumb at all times.

My test nook in Delta Network

After Micasa Hotel, another prospective project in Malaysia is coming in. An this time it is a 3 building apartment with 25 stories each. Quite a big apartment, and I am not sure for how long will I stay in Malaysia for this one.

Anyway I am here in my office, facing my Intel Server,Compaq Presario and Dell Inspiron 630m laptop. There is no really many things to test here, unlike when your working in an ISP or a telecommunications company. I am spending my time, just exploring the features of this Lok box, which as of now I find discouraging. I have been in contact with their US tech engineers, but it seems that most of those who responded were not that really familiar with the box.

Well here I am..in my new test nook as I call it. Quite a private room, which I will share with a Russian CDMA engineer, Alex. He will be putting his Agilent CDMA test Analyzer in his table, and I will be putting my Data cabinet at my side too.

Next week, some contractors will be coming here to construct the tables and cabinets for this room, so I am expecting that this room would look more arranged.

nonsense sentiments

For all the days...this is the path I always took when going to Jurong MRT. The MRT lanes above serves as the roof, especially when it rains.


Here I am... under the concrete Jurong MRT lanes. With the indifference of the place, the only friend I have to listen to was the MP3 player which I bought for 69 dollars in West Mall. In times like this...music is my ultimate retreat and comfort.



Yes...my adopted home in Singapore, which brought much comfort and memories in my entire stay.



The flat where I stayed with both of my Indonesian housemates Didi and Ari. The sala is facing the swimming pool, which makes it accomodating and convenient.


This is the view that will greet you whenever you get inside Montrosa...such a nice place, i can say....although there are times that I find the place so empty....so lonely.....

The Green Palm Tree

After a long 3 weeks in Malaysia, i am just so happy to be back here in Singapore and go on with the normal and convenient life of being here. It was a nice morning.

And this is the first view I see, the moment i opened my eyes from my 7 hours deep slumber. A GREEN PALM TREE. The palm tree who greets every morning and wave her leaves as if telling me..wake up Kristian for the new morning is waiting for you.















So I got up and opened the window, then look up to the sky, complimenting the new morning with its beauty and admiring the sight with my friend..the Green Palm Tree.














With all the hassles and bustle of daily life...with all this gadgets mingling with our lifestyle, with all the friends hanging around you, with all the pain, pressure and hardships we have survived..sometimes the best friend we could have is someone who just show us how beautiful the world is...even she remains silent and would never speak to you..but by her simple sway..you truly feel then she is there..admiring you...looking at you and telling you..Be thankful because God Loves you so much.

Thats my true friend...the Green Palm Tree.She never speaks to me..but she has told me everything I need to know...

Thank God it is Saturday.......

Happy Birthday Kristian - self message

There might be so many times that life has been hard for you....moments that has battered and whip you with pain and fatigue....but remember that you have survive it all....God as always has been good to you, through the years...

You might be unperfect and has done mistakes but it is bringing joy to your loved ones and striving to make them happy, what makes you important...

For once, stop thinking.....free up your mind..lighten your heart....release your worries,anxiety, self pity and negative mindedness to the air...keep smiling...

You might not be as 100 percent happy on this day of yours...but i know persons who love you were happy for you..that you have reached this number of years to love them....and care for them...And you know deep in your heart that they always pray that youll have more birthdays to come....

Happy Birthday Kristian....

alone at Micasa Hotel

Until now I still can't believe myself that here I am staying in a 5 star all suite hotel...in a well furnished room complete with a big bathtub, TV, refrigerator , kitchen, small sala, and a soft white bed. Hehehe so much for being ignorant. But this is my first time to have stayed on this kind of a hotel. I will be spending my days and nights here alone for 3 weeks, until the wireless hotspot project is finished. The question is how did I manage to stay in this expensive room, with my company not complaining about the expense?Well, it is because this is free..hehehehe for the whole duration of the project.

As of now i have just finished the first phase of the wireless hotspot project. Together with my Malaysian cabling contractors, I was able to pressure them, to finish the whole building. Hmmm, I still remember on my first job, where I used to follow orders from a Malaysian supervisor...and now here I am giving orders to a number of Malaysian technicians. However, this people were really good in their field, to be honest compared with our cabling guys there in CDO. The UTP and power cables were placed and installed neatly in the ceiling. But what is interesting here is that, during my work with Dataworld, I was the one who climbs and crawl in the ceiling..but now I just stand and give orders for them to crawl in the ceiling. Hehehehehe, do you feel the wind now?.....sorry i am just very enthusiastic on this things, simply that i did not expect to have this kind of job here. But, honestly..with this kind of responsibility, i am also quite nervous of the outcome of this project. Once, this one fails, then goodbye to me.....Hopefully not.

Wifi at Micasa

I am quite busy as of this moment, since i have been coming back and forth in Kuala Lumpur for 3 weeks now. Micasa Hotel is quite a challenging project for a wireless hotspot, considering that it has very thick walls, double layer doors and marble corridors. I have done several signal test, with all the access points placed in the lobby area, and the maximum signal I can get is 60 percent inside the room. Well, this value is quite enough for a stable internet access as long the signal is not intermittent. I have use Netstumbler and WirelessMon from Passmark in getting all the parameters and information I need. Hopefully, my management will approve my request for a license on Airmagnet Survey Pro, which I think is more powerful and accurate for a wireless site survey.

Fortunately, I have the freeware WireShark to help me in doing the packet analysis for the wifi packets transmitting between the AP's and my laptop.

The magnificent Batu Caves in Malaysia

After a gruelling day of visiting the clients and discussing with our contractors for the Micasa Hotel Project, me and my sales manager decided to take an hours off by visiting the famous Hindu temple in Malaysia.

The  Batu Caves are situated
thirteen kilometers (seven miles) north of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. They
are the sacred place for the Hindu's in Malaysia. They consist of three main caves and a number of smaller ones.
The caves are made of limestone and 400 meters long and
100 meter high. They were discovered in 1892. From your hotel in the Golden Triangle
you can reach the Batu Caves easily by taxi or public bus (11 and 11d). The
public busses can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.

At your arrival you will be greeted by lots of monkeys. They are going for your
peanuts and banana's, which  you can buy in several shop, before you climb
up to the caves. You have to climb 272 steps, which will lead you to the religious and
magnificent Batu Caves.

We took a taxi and pay 20 Rinngits for us to be there.When we arrive, my indian sales manager stop for a while and offer his prayers. Then we took the 272 steps leading to the main temple at the top. The temple is guarded by a giant statue of Hindu God Lord Murugan. Quite a sight really, especially the cathedral like cave inside. There are a number of Hindu stautues inside which represents Hindu God, while Indian priest prayed, giving blessings to Hindu devoteess coming for a visit.

By 5pm, we took the bus back to Kuala Lumpur and paid 2 Ringgits.

The power of Lok Box

I attended a technical training for Lok Technology at the 3rd floor office of IDS in Creative Building. It was just infront the Strategy tower, so it is only a walk away from our office. The training location was on the Qualacom Datacenter conference room. It was conducted by Russ Grant, the technical consultant and a former technical manager of American Airlines.

The product was more of an all in one network appliance which covers all basic network services needed for an ISP operation. As they say it is like a ISP solution in a box. With one box you can have a bandwidth manager, firewall, intrusion detection, router, proxy server/web cache, billing server, RADIUS, etc. It is like a box of network goodies rolled into one. Imagine putting up an ISP with only 1 box in your rack. Of course, as a technical guy, we always ask about its performance. In a appliance like this, we always ask, in what service does it perform best? As a bandwidth manager and a firewall? As a proxy server and RADIUS? Or just as a billing server. But with altogether you run them all, then we ask about its limitation, reliability and mean time before failure. It is basically a new box, although its inventor Simon Lok a very popularly known scientist-genius, who was noted by his colleague as tech crazy, for using a 3D eye glass as his monitor, is quite long in the networking business already.

The training was quite informative, mostly discussing the features of the Lok Box. With all those features, i dont think 2 days is enough if we would like to discuss everything. But in summary, configuration is very simple. A GUI console accesible by a web browser and then you read click, read click. Hmmm, those CCNA fanatics will never like this box, typing commands on the console is quite cool than clicking on those window based console hehehehehe.

The training ended 2 pm, and I have go back to the office. Friday, i was told to visit CommunicAsia exhibits to source out some network solutions available in the market. Then, at friday afternoon, i was told to stay because Bangladesh visitors are coming, and i have to present Lok box. Then, night came, nobody came..of course it is the last day of CommunicAsia, those guys are already drunk and prancing around bars and clubs before going home to their country.

Well....we still have the Net to surf.........