PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2012

The most anticipated (at least, for me) blog of this year, My traditional year-end blog. This is also a simple thank you for the people who have helped me in any ways this year, and those people who had great impact to my life this 2012.

MY INSPIRATIONS

CRESENCIA BAYBAYAN

As you know, My family will always have an impact in my life so no need to include them in my list but I just want to share to you why i can say that i have a great mother. When I am deciding to go abroad, She pushed me to go. We are in a financial crisis, but still she gave me money just to achieve my dream of going abroad. This is the epitome of exceptional and unconditional love. When I was searching for a job, all I think was her. She made me strive more and I always think “my mom’s job searching was even worse than mine, so I need to push”. I know that I will be paying her throughout my life and I am blessed to have a mother like her.

Hazel Sahar Nievera. It is not usual that I put my girlfriend in my list since everyone knows that she is my EVERYTHING. I thought i can live with the fact that she went abroad, but honestly, i can't. I couldn't. Figuratively, i am dying everyday that i am not with her, not even when i went abroad also. I think about her everyday, and wished that we can have all things we wanted on a silver platter. I can not imagine myself being in the Philippines without her. She was, and will ever be, my everything. I Love you babe. Always remember i wouldn't be here, if i didn't love you!

Kirsdene Phryxz Baybayan Adviento

The second prince of the family was born on April 17 2012. A really irresistible bouncing baby boy that you just want to pinch his cheeks when you see him. I was really happy when i found out my sister was pregnant because of almost a year of trying, finally. Daddy papu loves you baby! i wanna see you na. Don't grow up fast!

URDANETA, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES

ANA MARGARITA ROMATAN. 3 years in a row, Margarita! I am really blessed that I meet someone like her, who, is not only my colleague but also my friend. It was fun knowing that you share same views and heartaches especially when talking about our work. Margarita, Thank you for letting me stay in your condo in Manila. I know that we have hectic schedule that time and I appreciate all your help. Thank you also for believing in me. I miss you bigtime!

RUTH VALDEZ, GELEEN GERONIMO, GEESON PACADA, and SARAH JANE OBELLO.

We actually never talked about my plans of working abroad; it was never brought to table until my flight was booked. It was hard for me speaking about it because we have been so closed (like every time we go out, we never fail to invite each other).Regardless of our busy schedule, we never fails to see each other, if not everyday, at least thrice a week. I felt I was loved especially days before I go, we really see to it that we will be spending every day with each other. They prepared me my despidida parties, both held in Ruth and Geleen’s place. They also went with me in the airport. I was about to cry when I hugged them before I enter the airport but I controlled myself, I can’t be crying since there is a chance of going home together with them. But when I passed the immigration that was the time I was sobbing. This was really it, I told myself.

I know that when I go abroad, I will be missing a lot of special occasion, yet the weddings of my best friends, were never anticipated. It made me realized that we really are not getting any younger and I am happy we all came to that realization. Thank You guys! The Lord knows how much i missed you! thank you for keeping my 2012 as crazy as a roller coaster!

 DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Adam Barte

My friend from work Adam, and from college Jovie!

After 3 months of being here in Qatar, I needed to go out of the country for them (my company) to process my visa. I have a choice, to go home to the Philippines, or to go near GCC. I have a family in Bahrain but that time they were in the Philippines. I wanted to just go home and I felt defeated. But an accidental message was sent to my friend, Adam Barte. I just joked him, and I remembered telling him “Pare, kelangan ko kasi mag exit, pwede ba ako dyan sa inyo”. I was expecting him to answer  “no, hindi pwede kasi.. blah blah”. But he said “kelan ba?” so that time I decided to go to Dubai. It was heartwarming to realize that through distance and time, my friendship with him was still intact. It was fun seeing him again after quite some time. I didn't have enough money that time, and he was willing to pay for my food. Thank you Adam, I wouldn't have survived Dubai without you!

Jovelyn Maregmen

In Dubai, I also got reunited with my old old friend from college. For 5 years we didn’t see each other, it was funny that we still feel the same closeness as we have before. I can say that she is one of my few friends I made in college. I never thought that he still remembered everything we’ve gone through. Jovie, kabsat. Thank you too; I also wouldn’t have survived Dubai without You.

DOHA, QATAR

Kathryn Bernardo and Enrique Gil

I am a Pinoy movie/ Television fan. I love watching series with good plots and good actors. The reason these two have impact in my year, it’s because, it is not usual that I appreciate an actors who were younger than me. As a movie critic, I am longing for exceptional artists. Kathryn moved me, after watching her launching movie “Way back home” and after that I told myself that she will come a long way.

there are few actors I idolize. John Lloyd Cruz for his exceptional portrayal of every role he is playing, Gerald Anderson after Budoy, and now Enrique Gil. He was pacute-pacute then, but when it comes to hard scenes, he really brings it.But most of all seeing them together, I cannot believe myself fighting with Katniels in twitter just to push KathQuens. It brought back my teen age years. I am certified KathQuenatics, and for sure will support this guys all through-out their careers.

Febonz Gubatan

Do you know someone who has an impact to your life even though he/she is a total stranger? I sure do. Febonz is a Nurse here in Qatar who I met through my friend Haslee. I was chatting with Has that time and just expressing my anxiety about work. She said she knows someone who might help me land a job.So she  send me her name and I searched her in FB, and without hesitation, I asked for help. Febonz told me she cannot help me with her company but she knows a company that may hire me. She send me the email, and taran.. she just helped me to have the opportunity of a lifetime. It was her who made it possible. I will be forever grateful, and thank you, even without knowing me in person, you were able to lend a hand. And It is so funny that we haven’t met in person yet. Hmm guess we really need to make an appointment with each other! J

Ravindra Tandule.

I am used of doing something. That is the reason why I am very frustrated on my first week of working in my new company. I felt useless because i am not doing anything. Out of nowhere, Ravi seen me, with an upset face and ask me why. I told him my problem, and with his answer I felt relieved and did not think of being useless at all. He said “when the excavation was not yet started, you see that building; I was sitting there for like months, doing nothing. But now look at me, you barely see me. I’m so busy”.  He also said that I should be thankful that i have a light work. I realized he was right. I know that I didn’t have the work that I have expected but at least I still work as a Nurse and that I am well compensated. We can’t always get what we want as they say. Thank you Ravi, for not just being my supervisor, but also my friend.

Mallesham Sara

I have blogged about him on his declaration of Jesus, (See “the Declaration") even if he is a Hindu by faith. It made an impact to me especially thinking that he is never Christian, but he believes the Existence of Christ. I am not hypocrite, but even if I am a Christian, there are times that I doubt his existence. And I felt really, really bad after hearing his story about Jesus. I promised that I will tell people about his declaration, hence my blog.

Knoxville Mariano

God never failed me. When after some months of working, I have been going out with my girl workmates and I asked HIM to send here one person who is male, and of my same age, Para may kasama ako sa lakad na lalaki. And Then there were Knox.  I was just glad that someone was there sharing the same view and how we see our work (The "not" liking it) and planned to have a new work after this project. I was glad I had shared the same feeling of waiting for a working visa. Thanks man, for the friendship. I know you got what you've wanted; I just still wish you were still here.

Darwin Luna

I can’t imagine the workplace without Darwin. He became my confidant with everything. My life in my new work would've been very boring without him. He also had an impact in my year not because he was galante in almost everything. Did I mention he’s the one paying for our food, and in return I cook him dinner? And Did I mention that he don’t want eating much in a restaurant because he can’t resist paying the bill. Astig diba? I remembered someone borrowed money to him because his child was in the hospital, His money left was just for his allowance for the month, but he give it anyways and said “Pera lang naman yun, ang buhay ng bata ang mahalaga” . Let’s face it, Konti nalang ang taong ganyan sa mundo.  But honestly, It’s his generosity that I admire. I believe that the reason why he is blessed is because he was never madamot.  . Thanks Darwin. Sa lahat lahat.

Jan May Josue

This year finally, She is no longer "Jan May, Hazel's friend" but "Jan May, my friend". No more just Hi’s and Hello’s but pure friendship at its finest. I never thought that I can be friends with her and its funny because it is only here in Doha that we actually talk. She helped me in every way that she can for me to have a job. And I honestly admire that she trusted me about everything. Thanks May. You made me feel that I am trustworthy and i hope to see more of you here in Doha!

Anneza Ali

The moment I saw her, I just have this instant connection and felt that I will be good friends with her, and I was not wrong. Anneza was a liberated and strong woman who is usually misunderstood. I can say that she, of all people in the workplace, has the most impact in my life because not only that she helped me with everything I ask of her, but also, I found someone who is like me. She loves shopping (as I do), she likes dining (o my god, my favorite), She is a camera conscious (do I need to say I am too) and she likes going out. I can say that we enjoy each other’s company. I see myself in her. The "gagawin ang lahat makuha lang ang gusto". There is nothing wrong of wanting things, because only when you desire to want something that you strive. She was often times misunderstood, but who cares right Anneza?That's the attitude! Thank you Anneza. It was a great adjustment here in Qatar because of you! Hope u will never change.

KUYA SUPERMAN

I intend not to put his name as a respect (to you know who you are), but He really has been a good person to me this year. He was the one who helped me with my visa. And He was really like a superman because there were times I was lost, and just when he called me, I see my way.  I remembered I needed to go to the Philippine embassy, I didn’t tell him to bring me there but he did anyways. Genuinely or not, I don’t mind cause I still believe that I needed to thank him forever for what he did for me, It was life-changing. Thanks Kuyang. for being a brother to me here in foreign land.

And Last but definitely not the least. My Ate.

RIZA BAYBAYAN

I am so blessed that I have a sister-in-law who is as close as my own sibling. She made all these things possible. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. I may not have gone abroad if there will be no one asked me to go with them. I am blessed that only in one message I told her to get me, she did. It is not just about the money, or the house, or the foods. It is how you turned my world upside down. I couldn't have provided much for myself and for my family if you didn't help me here. I will be forever grateful, and no matter what happen, I will still love you truthfully, without judgment., without hesitations. 

This are the people who made my year very very interesting. Thanks y'all. It was a great year with all of you. Who are your PEOPLE OF THE YEAR? Go and make your own list!

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This year was also a year of born and death. 

This year, My closest cousins and Friends was blessed with cute babies.

from the first picture (Santa baby) is my Cousin's (RJ OBRA) first son with his wife Cyrise. He is named Zieyan Reynrich. I believe that this is a combination of their names. Rj was one of my closest cousin in my father's side, and his baby is like a carbon copy. I am so happy for you insan. and see you soon baby Zieyan.

the second who is wearing stripes is my ate Kat's baby boy to her husband, Chris. He is named Chryxzein Maddox. She said it was a combination of their names, and the name of her father and father-in-law. I am so happy for her, because i didn't know she will still get marry, i thought she never have plans. haha. I am also happy that even though she has hyperthyroidism, she was able to conceive. So proud of you ate Katkat!

first at the bottom was my cousin Jennylyn Riola's baby boy named Miguel Josaiah. I knew Josaiah was in the bible. Pretty sure of that. :) It was funny that she messaged us about her being pregnant before marriage that as if we are gonna judge her. Of course not! we love you ate, and i will see baby miggy soon!

The second on the bottom is the only girl, Francheska Ocampo, daughter of my dear friends Micah and Jimbo. She looks like her mother!! see you soon inaanak. 

and on the middle is my bestfriend's son MARCUS MIGUEL PACADA, son of Geeson and Sarah. I didn't know where yson got his name, but i am sure he got that idea from me (a name that is kinda old and traditional). haha feeling ko lang. haha  love you guys!

Death is inevitable as they say. but still sometimes very hard to accept.

This year, we never had a chance to see "baby allison"our niece from my cousin. she was still birth. It was hard to accept because we were all excited to see the baby but maybe God has a better plan for my cousin.,

also this year, i lost my favorite ninang, Margie Bactad. I missed her so much! and also my friend's father Pastor Unson. 

I will always pray for their departed soul and hope God is with them. 

xoxo

The Declaration

For my twenty five years of existence I never have any other religious belief than of Christianity. I believe that God made the world in seven days. God made Adam, and from Adam , He made Eve. I believe that Jesus was the Son of the God almighty and came to earth to save the entire world from sins. I believe in the Angels. I believe Virgin Mary. I believe in the 12 apostles. I believe after the third day of his death, He rose again and seated at the right hand of the Father. And I believe that he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Growing up in catholic communities, I have learned a lot of the bible and Christianity. I attended Catechisms and Bible studies. I have heard many stories and declarations of God’s blessings. I have heard apparitions, and People who see Jesus, Mary, and others. I have heard of miracles.

And every one of each story, I was touched.

But recently I have heard a declaration that he believes in Jesus, yet He was not a Christian. His stories gave me chills.

I have met someone, here in Arab country, a friend from work. He is a Hindu. He grew up in a community where he was raised with a Hindu faith.

At one time, His mother was ill. His mother was very weak and was diagnosed of cancer. He said that the cancer cells spread to her whole body. She was in the hospital for weeks, but then they have decided to stop any chemotherapy and they have decided to just go home.

Unexpectedly, A Nun came to them and prayed over his mom. They did no longer object. To think they should have but they didn’t because what’s the use. They were hopeless.

The night before they will discharge his mother, My hindu friend was awaken by someone who entered the room, He described the man as Tall, White-skinned, with beard, long black hair and like the skin was producing light. This man he said put grapes on his mother’s mouth. He laid his hands to his mother from head to foot while whispering something. After that, He left. He was shaking to see that Man, cause HE knows who he was. HE was Jesus. He has an idea who Jesus is, since he saw some replicas and statues of Jesus. He said “It was Jesus”. His mother said the same thing.  “ I saw Jesus” She said.

The next day they discharge his mother. He went directly to a church for the first time in his life. He was not expecting for her mother to be cured. He just want to say that He believe he saw Jesus.

Now, His mother is living healthily in India.

“ I am Hindu, I am a follower of HINDUISM.. But I believe Jesus. I saw him with my eyes, and He saved my Mother.”  Mallesham Sara, 38, Indian

For me, it’s not the miracle that amuses me, nor did that he see Jesus. What amused me is that Yes, He was Hindu, yet He believe in Jesus..

I told him that Maybe it’s a sign that Jesus wants him to be a messenger, to tell the people that He is real. He said, 10 cancer patients also were in his village. “I told them to go to church and ask help to Jesus”. And maybe Jesus succeeds.

It is an eye-opening that sometimes we really tend to question the existence of Jesus or the Lord, but here is a Hindu who believed Jesus although he is a Hinduism follower. We always pray to Jesus, we thank him, but we, sometimes, don’t declare he’s existence. This made me realized that our Lord God, is not selfish. He gave hope to everyone regardless of their religious belief. That, until now gave me chills.

I believe in GOD. The father almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. 

My friend believes in Jesus because he saw HIM, blessed those who believe Jesus by faith not by sight,

Amen.

Birthday Wish

Geographically, It is September 10 already in the Philippines and it's a day before my birthday.

People who knew me would know that i have a lot of wish for myself, most of them are material things. But this time i just have one wish. I want to have a HAPPY birthday.

Yearly, I always prepare some small gathering with my friends. I always tell my friends to eat at home first before going to my house cause there is no food. Apparently, yearly my Papa cooks even if i don't give him money to buy. So the "small" gathering becomes a "grand" in a way that food is available for every body. Last year, I have a 2 part birthday celebration. One day for my Real-life friends, another day for my work friends. but you know, it wasn't really the food that matters. It is spending my birthday with my family and friends who i consider a part of me.

I should be happy.  Early this year, I prayed to God not to allow me celebrate my birthday this year in the Philippines. Wish Granted, earlier even. Now it would be the first birthday out of the country and you know, i don't even have plans. I am not even excited cause i will be working on that day. I just missed so much people in the Philippines, one of which is also outside the Philippines.

Can i be happy? Tell me. I'm alone and broke. But i still want to be happy on that day. I really wish to have a happy birthday.

Judgment

This is the best thing we do. Hypocrisy is, if someone denies they judge, or if someone said they never judge.  We have all the opinions in life, and we have all the right to express our opinions, but we sometimes forget that this is, just, our opinions. There is nothing wrong being opinionated, what's wrong is that you express your opinion in people who may have perceived your opinion as fact. Often times, we intentionally express this thoughts so they will become viral. Sometimes, we just don't care at all. It's as if all your opinions were true, and you just want to shove it to people's throat. and guess what's funny, this other people will just accept without a question.

I do not deny that I judge but I learned from experience that it wasn't okay to judge. I was judge a lot of times, and if talking about the past, it was hard dealing with those. I was like physically bullied,  harder even. so just to at least redeem myself, I also do it myself. It is not new to you that i stand for whatever i say, and that i am vocal expressing my opinion. I have practiced that right my whole life yet I always do the safe things like, "ay hindi ko sinabi yan", or "narinig ko lang yan". that was a long time before. Now i am more tactful. cause I am now more responsible of what i say, what i tweet, what i write as status. I still utter my opinion in a way that people will know i am just expressing my own thought.

If we hear a Pinoy speaking in English, and he or she buckles, what do we say. Correct. "Feeling". Lagi natin sinasabi na Pinoy ka naman, bakit di ka magtagalog. or worst, we say they are social climbers. NagEnglish lang social climber na? baka naman nagprapractice lang? tsk. Funny yet true.

If a person lied about living in a fancy place, what do we say? Correct. "Feeling Rich". What if the person just wanted to be accepted and the only way she thought is to pretend. kaya nga may true friends to tell them "you don't need to be the person who we wanted to see, we want to see you". pero wala kasi sa atin yung ganyan eh. We started saying things behind their backs and this thing was never brought out the table.  so we end up, judging that person to be pretender.

If you see a person in a relationship with a person older than him/her, or in a relationship with a foreigner, or not so handsome, what do we usually say. siguro mayaman. Ah so hindi na talaga pwede magkarelasyon sa ibang lahi?o sa pangit, o sa mas matanda? This was really the norm. If we see something not usual to our eyes, we expect negative about it. I have many friends who has a relationship with the things i mentioned above and i accepted them without asking. We never question Love, if you believe on it.

If you see a Man, washing his face before sleeping, putting moisturizer on his face and taking a bath for hours, what do we say? Bading. What if they just don't want to be old-looking, or they're afraid to get mabaho. They say real men don't give a damn about hygiene. Excuse me, that is, if you standardized masculinity for people in the construction (no offense). i have friends who was more banidoso  than their girlfriend. I, too, is semi-banidoso. This was an issue very close to my heart since i was judged too. I struggled getting out of that judgment, but now, i really don't care at all. People can say whatever they say, but as long as your confident of who you are, there's nothing to hide. That's why i never impose any words to  describe people's gender. 

If a person you know who is in a relationship and fell for another,or cheated, or being with another person, what do we say? malandi. What if she was cheated before that's why she fell out of love. or what if crush lang. What if kapatid, pinsan, kamaganak. We have our own relationships and let's not always compare our relationship with others. If they cheated or whatever, who are we to judge. 

If a person criticize another person, what do we say? Insecure.  a huge truth about this is, sometimes, or often times rather, the one criticizing is really insecure. yet, not all who criticize, are insecure. I criticize a lot of people because sometimes, it's fun to do. pwede namang hobby lang diba? 

If nagpost ng  picture nya sa Instagram, or whatever photo uploading applications, and s/he was in Starbucks, Chillis, Applebees, Social Climber na agad? Hindi ba pwedeng attached lang sya masyado sa online applications and gusto nya magpa picture lagi sa mga places na napuntahan nya. Funny thing is, after that thing spread on Facebook, some of my FB friends stopped posing in their Instagram. Natamaan lang? hmmm

If you see a man wearing his DSLR camera on his neck, what do we say? Mayabang. It isn't his fault that he ha a hundred thousand peso worth camera, he just wanted to take pictures, baka birthday nya tama?

Moral lesson of this blog, There are so much things that meet the eye. Learn to appreciate the beauty of the two sides. Hindi ang akala nating tama, yun na ang tama, It's not we thought was the truth, is the truth.

Blog inspiration:

This blog was made after watching John Lloyd Cruz's interview on the Buzz.

from dubai with love :D

The song may not suit our love life, yet the last phrase of the chorus is what i really feel. I am nothing without you babe. Happy 6th Anniversary to us.. I love you forever!


 (background pics were pictures taken during our anniversary celebration from the first to 5th (technically we didn't have pictures of our first anniversary cause we didn't get out for a date, it was raining heavily!)

the super blog about a supergirl wannabe

Have you ever had someone you didn't like at all at first then suddenly, that someone became an inspiration. Well, this is what happened to me and to (let's just say) my inspiration, Ms. Bianca Gonzales. Why inspiration? Just keep reading.

Bianca Gonzales or Bianca Monica Malasmas Gonzales in real life (thanks to google) was seen in different TV shows of ABS-CBN. I remembered first watching her in Y-Speak where she was a communicator between the guests and the audience. She was with veteran hosts Ryan A and Karen Davila. I knew she was a commercial model as i saw her in GLOBE and Pantene. She was,yes, unnoticed then cause she was 'kayumanggi' and really skinny. That time was the era of Mestizos and Mestizas with super sexy bod . and there's something in her voice or pronunciation which is very irritating to me (maybe it's just what they call "maliit ang dila"). She was introduced as one of the Backroom Talents which managed by Mr. Boy Abunda. Even if the show was running for months, she was still unnoticed for me until she joined Magandang Umaga Pilipinas. Those days i didn't actually remember that her voice was irritating (again,for me) She was good, hmm, better actually. As a host, i actually believe everything she says. Until she joined PBB Celebrity Edition.


Bianca Gonzales was on her peak of her career, yet, She wasn't really portrayed herself in a manner that everyone would love in the said show. She was in a relationship with a director then when she joined PBB, and yet in the show, she was confused about her love because one man was really persistent in pursuing her. After the show, i didn't like her anymore. i started criticizing her fashion, her shows, her everything. I've even hated PBB when she joined Mariel and Toni as Main hosts. i hated her skin color, her body type. i always says "why she kept on wearing yellow, it's not suiting her. But then when Marudo and Rodriguez began dating, I actually said to myself that maybe PBB was real scripted. Then all my hatred of her vanished. 

WHY INSPIRATION?


2009. There was a show called "Only You" starring Angel Locsin. In the said show, There was a chef character portrayed by Iya Villania who also blogs. Her blog site was Heartyummy.blogspot.com.  I was bored with Facebook then and i started searching for blogs. I tried if it was existing, yes it was. I kept on browsing the comments until one person says "iamsuperbianca.com" blog site of Ms. Bianca.

i started reading her blogs, and i feel her. As if she was really telling a story to a friend. She was an effective writer. Because of her blogs, i was inspired to make a blog also and to write. (where did you think i get my blog site name? c: )

I am no writer, but she, or her blogs rather, made me realize that it was fun to write. Writing about people you love, or writing about your anger and your anxieties. It was really soothing especially in those times that i am anxious of my board exam result. I was also inspired by her blogs that i have copied (Sorry) her People of my year.

I am not a fan of Bianca, the celebrity. I am not a stalker. I don't actually know a lot about her. but yes I am a fan of Bianca, the writer. the way she write motivates me to be a good writer too. I was also happy when she was chosen to replace Ms. Kris Aquino in the defunct show, SNN. I was also happy when she won Best Female Host in Star Awards cause she deserved it. and  see my blog entitled "and the winner is" she was also my best female host and best female oriented talk show host.

She was confident of her skin, and you know what a great beauty for me? that is when a girl is confident. She was really an inspiration. When she was hired in a News Magazine , i was happy that finally her writing is being paid :) i heard she also now an Editor-at-large, and She won OMG yahoo awards best female talk show host.

A message to Bianca


Please continue writing. Please continue inspiring people through your writing. You are not a supergirl wannabe, you are a Super. Thank you for unleashing my love on blogging. I know i am not good. Sometimes  my English is basic, yet it felt really good. Hope to see your first ever column in that newspaper cause i've missed it. and hope to meet you soon! If i will have my camera maybe in the next 3 months, I will also try the tumbling pictures you are making when taking pictures in different tourist spot (that's very courageous by the way).

Regards,
the Supermanster

Soon all my Sacrifices will be worth It.

it's almost 3 months since i left the Philippines. By this time, I should be okay already. I should've adjusted myself already. I don't think of what and who i left when i am at work, but on rest days, I always end up devastated. God how much i miss my family and friends. Maybe I'm not used of staying at home for rest days. I would love to go out and see the beauty of Doha, but it's not possible cause you always need money to search something here in Doha. I am tightening my belt so i could pay for all my debts and to send money for my family. I miss my girlfriend so much. I wasn't, really, prepared for this. I have given her all my time, and now it's hard having all the time for myself. I end up crying over petty series and Filipino Movies.

I'm not like the other OFWs that has roommate that has the same job as i do. I can't be with my sister-in-law who's my only family here in Doha, because it's not allowed. I'm not like the other OFW's that came to this country with a job, i needed to search for it, I'm not like the other Nurses who went here and expecting to do a work they have practiced. It's hard to be alone really. Alone in a foreign country. I have friends at work indeed, but on rest days they have different things to do. Soon i will have my new room mate, but i know he would not make a difference. It's hard but i know God will always see my sacrifices. Soon He will repay it. 

This is the hardest part of being away from love ones. I should not feel home sick. I prayed for this. Now I'm praying to God to provide me with all the strength i need to hold on to everything. and i pray that soon all my sacrifices will be worth it.

ang pambubuking!

Ang sarap isipin na ang isang katulad nya ay ikakasal na. hehe at bago ka ikasal, gusto ko lang magkwento kung ano bang klase talaga itong lalaking papakasalan ni Sarah Jane Obello. ito ang pambubuking. Pambubuking hindi lamang kay YSON kundi sa iba pang katropang umikot sa buhay nya. Past is past ang drama natin ngayon ha hihi walang pikunan sa mga taong mababanggit!Regalo nalang natin kay Yson ang ating pagbabalik tanaw.

Nung high school kami ni Geeson, halos parehas kami ng mga gusto sa isang babae. The only problem is, the girls she used to admire, admires him also. Unlike me. Sabi ko, ano naman kaya ang meron ito na wala ako. Mas matalino ako, Mas gwapo naman ako, mas popyular naman ako. Pero iba talaga ang karisma ng kaibigan kong ito. 

Izon ang spelling ng nickname nya dati, sabi ko ang pangit, palitan natin ng Yson. Magmula nun, Yson na ang spelling ng pangalan nya.

Naalala ko nung high school, Si SHADEN  ang unang crush ni Yson. Nagandahan kasi si Yson kay Shaden nung prom. Humingi sya ng tulong kay LESNEY na ilakad sya, pero ang nangyari Si Lesney at Si Shaden ang naging mag syota.

Naalala ko nung high school, ang unang una nyang niligawan ay si CRISTAL, siguro dahil sa panunulsol narin ng kaibigan naming si KENO. Sabi ni Cristal hindi naman talaga mahirap mahalin si Yson, kasi masaya daw syang kasama, kaya lang hindi pa daw handa si Cristal. Ngayon si Cristal ay girlfriend ngayon ng kanyang kapatid at may anak silang AMBER ang pangalan. 

Naalala ko nung highschool, May isa akong crush, at talagang gusto ko ligawan, itago natin sa pangalang SKY pero nung ako ay napromote sa star section aba biglang naging close itong si babae kay lalaki. sa sobrang close nila ng babae naalala ko pa na ang opening message sa cellphone ni Sky ay "NOSY" na nakasulat sa hindi maintindihan na lingwahe pero alam ko na si NOSY ito. Nabansagan pa nga sya ni JOHN PAUL na the most scoring machine dahil sa pananantsing niti.Nagdrama ako. sa sobrang galit ko kunwari hindi ko pinansin si babae at si lalaki. hindi nila ako parehas natiis. Si Sky, pinalitan ang opening message nya ng "Back to Don"., at si Yson, kahit siguro ay gusto pa rin yung babae, hindi na itinuloy ang panliligaw. syempre masaya ako! :) at nangako kami na wala ng ligawan sa barkada. Ngayon si babae, kinasal na sa dating naming kaschool mate na si RYAN at isa na syang Mrs. del Rosario..

Nung kami ni Yson ay nag college, Parehas na sa Baguio kami nag aral. Umiba ang itsura nya, medyo umayos. at naging chickboy. Una nyang naging girlfriend sa college si WINNILYN. Dahil din kay Winnilyn, ay nasapak sya ng Ex nya na si MARWIN. Galit na galit si Yson kasi hindi sya nakabawi. at sigurado ako hanggang ngayon ay masakit parin ang loob ni yson na hindi nakabawi.

Nung ako ay huminto sa pag aaral dahil ako ay pupunta sana ng ITALY, inamin nya na pinagdasal daw nya na hindi ako matuloy kasi wala na raw silang tatambayan. Bwisit ka sabi ko, pero di ko pa rin naman magawang magalit.

Bumalik ako sa College kasi sabi nya "habang nagaantay ka pa lang naman eh mag aral ka muna". Sabi ko "o sige pero ayaw ko na ng Nursing, mag dedentistry na lang ako, samahan mo ko sa UB". Pumila kami matagal sa registration ng College of Dentistry. At nung ako na ang mag eenrol sinabi nya sa kin na " sayang naman pero bro yung Nursing naumpisahan mo na, tapusin mo nalang".. ayun naenrol ako sa nursing uli ng UB.

Sa College naging mas close kami ni Yson. at mas naging close sila ni LUDIFE. sa sobrang naging close sila,  naging Sila. tinago nilang parehas sa akin yun. Naalala ko pa nung may mga sleep over nun, gumigitna ako sa kanilang dalawa dahil nakakahalata na ako. Nalaman ko lang na naging sila dahil minsan nagpunta ako sa bahay nila Yson, wala si yson dun ang nandoon ay si DAN. kinausap ko si Dan. ang sabi nya "gago nga si yson alam naman nya yung feelings ko kay Ludife". Ayun naconfirm ko. Galit na galit ako kay Yson, ang dami kong tinext sa kanya, pati kay Ludife din. Kesyo "Diba may promise tayo na wala ng magliligawan sa barkada?" Hindi ko talaga sila pinansin, sa sobrang inis ko tinext ko si tita MARIFE, naalala ko kasi kapag nalaman nya na may bf na si Ludife, pabababain sya ng Pangasinan. Pinagalitan ata ni tita si Ludife kaya galit na rin sa akin si Ludife. Halos dalawang taon din ata kami hindi nagusap ni Ludife. Kami ni Yson, naging magkaibigan pa din kami. Alam ko masama ang loob sa akin ni Yson noon, pero hindi nya pinakita. Naging magkaibigan pa rin kami. at kinalimutan ang nararamdaman kay Ludife. Ngayon si Ludife ay girlfriend naman ng isa pa naming kaibigan na si Jeoffrey Zulueta,.

Hanggang sa tumanda na ng tumanda at nanaba ng nanaba si Yson... At ngayon ikakasal na siya!!..

Pare, Maraming Salamat sa lahat., Alam ko ako ang dahilan halos ng paninira ng LOVELIFE mo nun. pero sa sobrang bait mo hindi mo nagawang magalit sa kin. Salamat din at kung hindi mo ko pinilit mag Nursing uli hindi ko makikilala si Hazel. ikakasal ka na. Ito, sa lahat, ang celebration na ayaw ko sana mamiss----yung bachelor party. hahahaha joke lang. God bless Pare. Maswerteng maswerte si Sarah Sayo. wala ng hahanapin pa!:)

Sarah Jane may sarili akong Blog para sayo kaya wala ka dito :)) 

Crazy Roller Coaster April and May. and a job!

Ahem. who could have thought that a person, especially a hard working Nurse who excels in a hospital setting landed a job like this-being in the industrial site. Yes indeed, i am an Industrial/Site Nurse. What is it?

According to my bestfriend google Indusrial Nurse a.k.a Site Nurse, a.k.a Occupational Health Nurse  are registered nurses who independently observe and assess the worker's health status with respect to job tasks and hazards. Using their specialized experience and education, these registered nurses recognize and prevent health effects from hazardous exposures and treat workers' injuries/illnesses.

with my friend Jan May who helped me look for a job

It was really crazy how i landed on this job. It was April 22, my last day of job hunting, I told myself that i will accept the offer of one clinic just to have a job. The salary? enough for me to live. I was offered times 4 of my previous salary in the Philippines so i said "not bad" cause it was the highest offer yet.So i went to the clinic and talked with the doctor. I expressed my willingness to be a part of the company, so he get all my requirements, further he said he has no available visa and asked me if i am willing to wait. I whispered to myself"What? wait again?No! I need the work asap" but on a contrary i said "YES". 

I said yes to a work where my heart is not at peace. i felt that I'm forcing myself to accept it because i need to change the status of my visa. But i need to like it cause I have compromised. My wish to have a hundred thousand salary was over. Maybe i just can't have it all. Hey 2800QR isn't bad after all.

The afternoon of the same day, i was really doubting. I prayed to the Lord and asked him  "is it really the work you want me to have? cause if it was, i wont hesitate."  Then 5:15pm, 15 minutes after i prayed. i received a phone call.

Here's the exact conversation i have with this guy on the phone.

"Hello, Xander? This is Josh Fernandez from Urbacon International, can i ask you if available ka ba for interview tomorrow?" I was literally jumping of regret because this is a call from the company i hoped for.

"Sayang naman sir, kakaacept ko lang nung work kanina"

"Ah ganun ba? magkano ang offer sayo?"

"2800QR po"

"What??? i can give you ****" 

whoah! after he said that i was really shaking and told him "Sir hindi pa naman ako nakapirma ng contract eh"

"ganito nalang, tignan mo muna kung pwede ka pa mag pull out dun sa company na inaplyan mo tapos tawagan mo ko kung pwede pa"

For 15 minutes i have been wandering the room. Is that phone call true? what if it was just a prank call. I've searched the number of the company, and yes, it exist. now the only problem is that it's 5:30 already, is the clinic still open. i tried calling the number twice no answer. I was really shaking. then finally someone answered

"Hello Dr. ___ clinic"

"Hello Mam, pwede po ba kay Myra", (Myra btw was a kabayan Nurse who helped me in my requirements in that clinic."

"yes po, ito nga"

So i asked her kung pwede ko pa i withdraw yung application ko. The reason i told her was "because i realized na mag eexit din lang ako, kaya maghahanap na lang ako ng better oppurtunity."

She answered "Ok lang, diba sabi naman ni Dr. kung talagang deserving ka sa work at willing ka magantay, kukunin ka nya, e kung iwiwithdraw mo yung application mo e di ok lang."

RELIEVED!! Now i need to call Josh. But no one is answering the number he used to call me. I was in panic. So i wrote him an email, so glad I've kept his email add. O.M.G in 15 minutes he replied.."Please take note that you will be assigned in a project. Your salary depends on your interview tomorrow, come between  3-4 pm)

i didn't know what to say. Does it conclude that i was hired already?or do i get a chance? but i just prayed again. JESUS works in Mysterious Ways! He saved me from a "decision" i almost would regret.

THIS IS THE MAP I USED TO LOCATE THE OFFICE

I went exactly 3 o'clock to the office which by the way wasn't easy to find. I'm so glad i left home at 2:00pm so i had time to search for the office. My interviewer was Syrian, so i was really excited and relieved cause if i missed some grammars and the like, he wouldn't notice. So he allowed me to enter the room, and his first question was..

"How many years of experience do you have?" i answered, but just when i am about to finish answering, people are coming back and forth, so we were really disturbed. He left also or 5 minutes, he came back and asked the same question and he went out again. He came back and said "can you go back tomorrow at 10 AM, cause I'm busy". Sigh! i thought my anxiety will end that day. 

So the other day, April 23. I went at 9:45am. I went directly to the room and i closed the door (haha). I sat down, and his look almost says "who are you?". so before he ask that I introduced myself..

"Sir Im Xander Im the one who's applying for Nurse"

"Yes, i told you 10 oclock"

"Is it not 10 oclock yet?" i answered.

"No, it's only 9:45am"

"Oh I'm sorry, cause it's 10 oclock already on my watch. i'll just come back after 15 minutes"

SHOOT!!!It's so embarrassing. In the Philippines, if you came to the meeting time very early, it's a plus point. Here, it's different. Lesson learned.

It was 10 am already. I didn't enter yet to his room, I've waited for at least 10 minutes then he called me to enter. Here was the exact interview.

"How much experience you have as a First aider?"

I confidently answered "i worked for almost 3 years in a hospital as staff nurse"

"Do you know CPR"

"Yes sir, i have training and Certificates."

"What will you do if someone is injured, let say bleeding"

aha! That was the question i practiced so i explained to him with MEDICAL terms that for sure he can't understand..

"How much do you ask?"

"at least _____QR"

He smirked like saying ang taas naman ng hinihingi nito.. He asked me "Why ____QR?"

"Well, Maybe because I'm well experienced".

He wrote what i asked him in my resume, stood up and said "Ok Yala"

"Wait that's it?" I literally said. "What's the next Process?"

"The HR will call you".

The interview was less than 2 minutes. He could have finished it yesterday so my anxiety was not prolonged. Freak! 

So just before i leave the building, i received a call from the HR asking me to come back and pass my other requirement. Yes. I was hired.

The HR told me about my tantalizing salary, the free accommodation and transportation, a medical insurance, and an annual leave of paid 21 days to the Philippines. This was higher than what i expected. Really cool! 

I waited till my offer letter was sent thru email. It came April 25. I reported on the 27th and i have found out that i am lacking some documents. Lord really don't give great things easily. They told me that i need to extend my visa before they allow me to work. But before i can extend my visa, i need to exit first.

So on May 2, I went to Bahrain. I stayed there for almost 8 hours. It was fun sharing different stories with my kabayans who has the same reason why we go to Bahrain. On May 6 2012, i started my work. Finally.

My job description. Very Easy. I just need to provide hurt and injured employees with proper wound care and first aid, promote healthy lifestyle, answers queries and confusions. I can't say that this is the work I'm expecting here in Qatar.. Yet Too much of somethings isn't good enough. for two weeks i come for attendance cause they haven't provide me yet my "clinic". Then after two weeks, all the things i requested came. My portable cabin is also on progress. 

I come with white shoes but i need to wear this
kind of shoes for safety,.and a helmet!

I am sanay of toxic work. so this was really new to me., almost half of my time, i  am just sitting.

Am i happy with my work. Let's just say that my personal happiness is my biggest sacrifice to provide my family a better future..

What i learned about this experience is that, When you really work hard on something, the Lord sees it. I've searched a job daily just right after i came here in Qatar. just imagine i'm out at 12 NN in a 45 degrees environment walking and searching for a job, and all those things are worth it. It's very early to say that i have succeed. But yet, i know that my persistence will make me go far. I didn't care what people told me, like i've rushed things, and i didn't think about my decisions, or leaving a work almost all volunteers wanted just to become an OFW. I am living for my family not for them. So whatever they say, in the end, my family matters first. If you surrender your heart to The Lord he will give you everything!! that's what i did.

I was lucky really, and blessed of course.

I remembered when i everyone is struggling to finish college, I did.

When everyone was failing the board examinations for how many times, i passed in first take.

When everyone was busy doing volunteer works, i became a Staff Nurse.

When everyone was pushing to go abroad, I am here in Doha

and When everyone was searching for months to look for a job abroad, i was hired in a month.

That's the power if you have Jesus in your heart. Everything will be on their places. I am thankful. With persistence, determination, support from my loved ones, I can do this!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE

Every Man is Destined to be happy. I found my destiny!

Babe, 

It's so sad that we cannot be together on your birthday, but i know that our sacrifices will soon be paid off. Thank you, for whatever reason, you always makes me happy. Thinking that i have you makes me stronger. I love you, i don't know how, i don't know why. I just do.  a simple gift. Hope you like it.

Babe

And the winner is..

Growing up, I've been a fan of Film and TV award shows. I even imagined myself accepting an award, having my speech and thanking my ABS-CBN family. haha So since it's award-giving season again in the Philippines, I present to you This years Best TV programs and Personalities of my choice. (This is based on My Favorite shows seen from April 2011-to April 2012.** the categories are from PMPC Star Awards for TV)

Best Children Show: n/a
Best Educational Program: Matanglawin
Best Educational Program Host: Kuya Kim
Best Travel Show: MagTV na Atin To!
Best Travel Show Host: Kiko Villalba and Ara Hanesh
Best Reality Program: n/a
Best Lifestyle Show: Us Girls
Best Lifestyle Show Host: Angel Aquino, Cheska Garcia and Iya Villania


Best Morning Show: Umagang Kay Ganda
Best Morning Show Host: Umagand kay Ganda
Best Public Affairs Program: The Bottomline
Best Public Affairs Program Host: Boy Abunda
Best Magazine Show: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Sojo
Best Magazine Show Host: Korina Sanchez (Rated K)
Best Documentary Program: I- witness
Best Public Service Program: Imbestigador
Best Public Service Program Host: Mike Enriquez
Best News Program: Bandila
Best Male News Caster: Ted Failon (TV Patrol)
Best Female News Carter:  Karen Davila (Bandila)

Best Youth- Oriented Program: n/a
Best Horror/Fantasy Program: n/a
Best Talent Search Program: Pilipinas Got Talent
Best Talent Search Program: Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford (PGT)
Best New Male Personality: Luis Abuel (100 days to heaven)
Best New Female Personality: Mutya Orquia (Mutya)

Best Gag Show: LokoMoko High (TV5)
Best Comedy Show:  Gandang Gabi Vice
Best Showbiz-Oriented Show : Juicy (TV5)
Best Male Showbiz-Oriented Show Host: Boy Abunda (The Buzz)
Best Female Showbiz-Oriented Show Host: Bianca Gonzales (E-Live)
Best Celebrity Talk Show: KrisTV
Best Celebrity Talk Show Host: Kris Aquino
Best Variety/ Game Show: Showtime
Best Variety/Game Show Host: Kris Aquino (The Price is Right)
Best Musical Variety Show: Sarah G Live!
Best Male TV host: Luis Manzano (PGT 2)
Best Female TV host: Bianca Gonzales (PBB unlimited)

Best Primetime TV series: Budoy
Best Daytime TV series: Angelito (Batang Ama)
Best Drama-Mini Series: n/a
Best Drama Anthology: Maalaala Mo Kaya

Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical:  n/a
Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical:  Alex Gonzaga (LokoMoko High)
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Gerald Anderson (Budoy)
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Jodi Sta. Maria (100 days to heaven)
Best Actor in a Single Performance by an Actor: Piolo Pascual (Tricycle: Maalaala mo Kaya)
Best Actress in a Single Performance by an Actress: Maricar Reyes (tricycle: Maalaala mo Kaya)

Best Station: ABS-CBN

There you have it Guys. My Complete List of winners in Different Categories. Any Objections, Reactions, Suggestions.. Comment!

Hear the anxious heart

I know. That i was very impulsive about my decisions. Today i have almost been in a situation that i would not want to, a situation where in the first place i wasn't happy, a situation where i will almost be doomed. But i have said yes. and for hours, I make myself believe I've done a great decision. I wasn't happy about it. I said yes, because of hopelessness. I know it's absurd. I prayed, for a second i thought nothing will change now that i committed. But He works in mysterious ways. He know i'm not happy with my decision, so He made his own ways of telling me that. I have been lucky that I can pull out on the decision. It was very mysterious it's almost evening but still someone answered the phone. I'm freaking anxious. about everything. I am not sure what is in store for me. But God just made a miracle tonight. He pulled me out of a jail-like situation. So whatever it is that in stake for me, I will grab it but with a thought. I just hope all is well tomorrow.

Xander

Ninang ko. Paalam po.

I really don't know how to start. I am still in shock. My Ninang Margie just pass away hours ago. This is really sad. She was a good person, not just to me, but i guess for everyone :( and it really really hurts me right now, that i can't even see her for the last time. I will miss you ninang. forever and ever.

Ninang has been my mothers best friend even before i was born. Growing up, I always go to her pwesto in the market because her's and papa's pwesto is just near. Even if my mother is abroad, I felt i have a mother in her. So when i come from school, I visit her as often as i could. She was very generous really. I remember i went to her and told her that it was Papa's birthday and i don't have a gift, She gave me money to buy a gift for Papa. We are almost at every party then. Birthdays in the house, or in our house or in Ninong Carlo Flores' house. But then i started being a teen. I remember those days when she see me and kiss me and says "anak hindi mo na ako dinadaanan sa pwesto ha". and i answered "Wala kasi time ninang" but the truth is, i have the most times in my life. I just didn't visit her because whenever i come to visit her, she'll give me money, or deodorant, and lotion, I don't want her to think I'm abusing her. But there are still times where i can't help it, so i still visit her.

I remembered my celebration party when i passed the exam,I invited her, and She said she will come, but she didn't. But she gave me a lotion and a perfume (Avon ofcourse! hehe) thru my aunt Helen. She was really thoughtful. I can't remember the last time i saw her, but the last moment i could remember is when we went to Baguio back 2010. That was very happy moment for the 3 of us (with mom)..

She was not just my ninang by the way. She was also the ninang of my baby sister, and the ninang to married couple Al and Riza. She was our ninang all the way. And on the draft of my wedding, She was the number 1.

now.She's gone!and Ninang, I will write you a letter, i know you'll read this..

Dear Ninang,

I know I'm too late. But i know i never failed to say I love you, cause i love you really. Thank you for loving me as your own son, thank you for being with us all through out our hardship. I remembered when my father was on jail, you helped us. I remembered when my father was hospitalized, you gave fruits. Thank you for the unconditional love. I will always remember those days i needed a mother you were there. I am thankful that even if you haven't my mom for years, you stayed close as you can  be. I hope i have seen  you before i went here in the middle east. I'm hoping you'll be there on my wedding. it happened very fast. I know you are in Rest. I will pray for you. I love you ninang. I WILL MISS YOU BIGTIME!

Your favorite inaanak as you have said,
Xander

MY NINANG's last like :(

Our last conversation :(

alam na alam mo talaga ang birthday ko!