I already reiterated that I wanted a happy goodbye. But still people made it so hard for me. I know I should be proud that they like me, or in other words, they like my "working person." I appreciate that my "works" are being recognised. That makes me happy.
But surely, the most that can make me happy are my grandkids. And so I have to say good bye. Good bye friends, good bye all. Please make my last days happy. Please.....
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Ultimate Bourne
Matt Damon's movie opened in cinemas here in Singapore last 16th of August. It was only last Saturday when we were able to watched it at Causeway Point. Well, it was a fast paced movie and compared to the first two, the Bourne Identity and the Bourne Supremacy, it made me glued to the screen from beginning to end. Yeah, I was not able to finished eating my small bag of popcorn. meaning, I enjoyed the movie.
The movie magazine First, has this ads: Remember everything. Forgive nothing. Yeah, how can Matt Damon forgive those people who made him Jason Bourne when in reality he was David Webb?
Hmm... For me, I can also remember everything. And that made me so negative these past few days. I can't forget. I can't forgive.
I just hope that someday, I can forgive and forget.......
The movie magazine First, has this ads: Remember everything. Forgive nothing. Yeah, how can Matt Damon forgive those people who made him Jason Bourne when in reality he was David Webb?
Hmm... For me, I can also remember everything. And that made me so negative these past few days. I can't forget. I can't forgive.
I just hope that someday, I can forgive and forget.......
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Red and White
Yesterday, we had our centre celebration for National Day. The teachers and all the children wore red and white as they are the colours of Singapore. We celebrated through song and dance. We also had our children's quiz and games. Over-all, I enjoyed the celebration with the children. The part where all the children sang with gusto is the one I liked the most. It is really a nice feeling when you hear children sing "one people, one nation, one Singapore".
Okay, I am not a Singaporean, but I am happy to be a part in inculcating love for own country to the children under my care.
So, to my adopted country, Happy Birthday!!!!
Okay, I am not a Singaporean, but I am happy to be a part in inculcating love for own country to the children under my care.
So, to my adopted country, Happy Birthday!!!!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Heritage Gallery
I'm busy doing my many projects for my course. And fortunately a few more weeks and I'll have my free time. Hurray!! But in between doing my many projects in relation to my course and work, I can't resist to peek here and yeah, to post something. Bakit kaya?
Well, two weeks ago, I met with my coursemates, my groupmates actually. We had an adult field trip. And of course we ate at McDonalds afterwards. Eh, we look like kids yata. That is why they say that ECE teachers are really young looking because we act like kids. Maybe.
Now, can you guess where we went for a trip? Just look at the photos below.
Well, two weeks ago, I met with my coursemates, my groupmates actually. We had an adult field trip. And of course we ate at McDonalds afterwards. Eh, we look like kids yata. That is why they say that ECE teachers are really young looking because we act like kids. Maybe.
Now, can you guess where we went for a trip? Just look at the photos below.
These are taken in the Heritage Gallery of Singapore Philatelic Museum.
So if you are keen to know the history of Singapore and its culture, why not go and visit now. Surely, you will be entertained what with the many facts about stamps and the different stamps on displayed there.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
My MRT ride
On my MRT ride home after my course last night, a lady waved at me. I immediately recognized her. My former colleague and friend. She went to my side and we had a good chat.
It is a nice feeling meeting an old friend after several years. Knowing that your friend still remembers details about your life is more touching. It means that all the time you had been talking and exchanging views were not said in vain for they stayed in your friend's memory. What is more surprising is that details about her came back to my mind in detailed sequence too. I think that is the essence of friendship. You may get lose track of someone but once you meet her again, the happy memories will automatically come into surface.
Well, I am happy for the things that happened to her in seven years the same as she is also happy of what is happening to me now.
Though as she mentioned I look so tired, I am thankful for that MRT ride.
On my MRT ride home after my course last night, a lady waved at me. I immediately recognized her. My former colleague and friend. She went to my side and we had a good chat.
It is a nice feeling meeting an old friend after several years. Knowing that your friend still remembers details about your life is more touching. It means that all the time you had been talking and exchanging views were not said in vain for they stayed in your friend's memory. What is more surprising is that details about her came back to my mind in detailed sequence too. I think that is the essence of friendship. You may get lose track of someone but once you meet her again, the happy memories will automatically come into surface.
Well, I am happy for the things that happened to her in seven years the same as she is also happy of what is happening to me now.
Though as she mentioned I look so tired, I am thankful for that MRT ride.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Foreign Talents
My 15 month course is coming to an end in less than two months time and I am feeling so stressed what with the requirements needed to complete it. But looking ahead, I am sure I can have my long awaited break/vacation. And that will be the best of it. At last, I can relax.
Same with my course mates. As we are all anticipating for the completion of our course, plans in the future pop up in our conversations. They also have expressed their plans. I expressed my desire to go to the US, when and for how long my stay will be is not definite.
I was asked / answered “Going back to Philippines?” “How can you leave your daughters?” “After the bond, must go back to your own country!!??!!” With all these questions/answers, I, at times get irritated. I may have shown my irritation in a civil way; still I get upset at times.
Whoa!!! Why do people ask questions and answer their own questions for me? That is human nature and we all know the reason why. There is no point for me to discuss. For this has been happening since day one. All I can say now is that whoever, whatever, wherever, whenever, jealousy streaks will be prominently expressed in different degrees.
Sometimes, I am thinking of the path me and my husband had taken as foreign talents. We did seek and then were presented with options and choices. We decided on the ones we thought would be the best for our own family. We left Hong Kong for a more stable life here in Singapore. We reasoned then that our daughters would have the best education and best opportunities here as compared in HK. We found out that to be true. My daughters were accepted in local secondary schools, made good in their O levels, were allotted their own slots in local Poly , completed their diplomas with flying colours, landed prestigious jobs here while studying for their University degrees (my second completed her degree at RMIT and my youngest is still taking her degree).
Were those opportunities and achievements given in a silver platter? NO. My daughters worked hard for their achievements, considering that Singapore education system is entirely different from the Philippines. So to be asked how come the government accepted foreigners in Poly when they, citizens had difficulty to enter, made me bit my lips in frustration. Isn’t it a common knowledge that to be able to enter a polytechnic one must have passed the O Levels and have good aggregate grades?
And now, when you are faced with statements as if telling you to go back to your own country, what would you feel? How it would feel when you know for yourselves that you have been and still are contributing to the community and the economy of your adopted country? That you became permanent residents years ago because of your own merits? How would you feel when you know in your hearts that this country has been your home for so many years?
Okay, I admit that at times, it feels so sad when questions and or statements were given and pointing on your face that you are just a foreigner here. Well, I should just not be affected by it. I should try to understand them. And tell me, how many people would ask that? Only a few. Mostly, people are just so busy with their daily life in this cosmopolitan state. One thing, I presume that most are aware that we are living in a global world now. And so what if I am just a foreigner?
So I maybe going to the US to be with my daughter, but surely, I know I still have a place here in SG. I can come back. My two daughters are doing well here.
Same with my course mates. As we are all anticipating for the completion of our course, plans in the future pop up in our conversations. They also have expressed their plans. I expressed my desire to go to the US, when and for how long my stay will be is not definite.
I was asked / answered “Going back to Philippines?” “How can you leave your daughters?” “After the bond, must go back to your own country!!??!!” With all these questions/answers, I, at times get irritated. I may have shown my irritation in a civil way; still I get upset at times.
Whoa!!! Why do people ask questions and answer their own questions for me? That is human nature and we all know the reason why. There is no point for me to discuss. For this has been happening since day one. All I can say now is that whoever, whatever, wherever, whenever, jealousy streaks will be prominently expressed in different degrees.
Sometimes, I am thinking of the path me and my husband had taken as foreign talents. We did seek and then were presented with options and choices. We decided on the ones we thought would be the best for our own family. We left Hong Kong for a more stable life here in Singapore. We reasoned then that our daughters would have the best education and best opportunities here as compared in HK. We found out that to be true. My daughters were accepted in local secondary schools, made good in their O levels, were allotted their own slots in local Poly , completed their diplomas with flying colours, landed prestigious jobs here while studying for their University degrees (my second completed her degree at RMIT and my youngest is still taking her degree).
Were those opportunities and achievements given in a silver platter? NO. My daughters worked hard for their achievements, considering that Singapore education system is entirely different from the Philippines. So to be asked how come the government accepted foreigners in Poly when they, citizens had difficulty to enter, made me bit my lips in frustration. Isn’t it a common knowledge that to be able to enter a polytechnic one must have passed the O Levels and have good aggregate grades?
And now, when you are faced with statements as if telling you to go back to your own country, what would you feel? How it would feel when you know for yourselves that you have been and still are contributing to the community and the economy of your adopted country? That you became permanent residents years ago because of your own merits? How would you feel when you know in your hearts that this country has been your home for so many years?
Okay, I admit that at times, it feels so sad when questions and or statements were given and pointing on your face that you are just a foreigner here. Well, I should just not be affected by it. I should try to understand them. And tell me, how many people would ask that? Only a few. Mostly, people are just so busy with their daily life in this cosmopolitan state. One thing, I presume that most are aware that we are living in a global world now. And so what if I am just a foreigner?
So I maybe going to the US to be with my daughter, but surely, I know I still have a place here in SG. I can come back. My two daughters are doing well here.
I have to be thankful with what they have. And no one has to remind me to say “Thank you Singapore!”
Sunday, July 01, 2007
On Changes and The Esplanade
I have been to The Esplanade a couple of times already. But as a requirement for my module on Expressive Arts, I went there again last Monday. Together with my course mates, I joined the guided tour where we visited the 1,600 Concert Hall. It has a superb acoustics by world-renowned acoustician Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants, USA. It also houses a 4,700 pipe organ designed and built by Johannes Klais Orgelbau. We also visited the 2,000 seat Theatre which spans four levels and in the style of traditional European houses. It has a horse shoe shape that offers a more intimate setting between audience and stage.
I can say that The Esplanade has its unique beauty inside and outside. That was why I took photos of its main structure when we went out. You see, The Esplanade has a twin shells shaped like a durian, a popular tropical fruit and is clad in glass and metallic sunshades.
When I downloaded my photos, I got so amazed. Look at my photos here.
I thought for a while that the colour change was due to the sunlight. It reflected then produced different colours on glass and metallic sunshades of The Esplanade as was captured by my camera. Upon a closer investigation, I came to believe that there was something wrong with my digital camera. My husband bought it four years ago and so maybe its functioning power is getting erratic. Whatever the reason for the end result of my photo, one thing is for sure, it made me ponder about life, my life.
My photo made me realized that there are changes in the colour of life, same as the colour of The Esplanade. I may be seeing people, especially my loved ones in their real colour at this time; I must also be prepared to see their colour in reds and greens the next time. Oh, I must accept the fact that people change. Whether the change may not be to my liking, I must accept that change. And that I should just pray that I still see the beauty and positiveness in that change.
My photo also made me understand that like my digital camera, some things and aspirations/sacrifices have its ending. And when that ending comes, I should accept it with a positive mind.
Well, it will be very difficult to come to an end and realized that what I have been denying since before is the truth. I should accept the changes because it’s the truth, no matter how painful it is. I just hope that come with the changes, some things beautiful will bloom. How? Only God knows.
In the meantime, I should be happy with all those who believe in me and love me in return.
I can say that The Esplanade has its unique beauty inside and outside. That was why I took photos of its main structure when we went out. You see, The Esplanade has a twin shells shaped like a durian, a popular tropical fruit and is clad in glass and metallic sunshades.
When I downloaded my photos, I got so amazed. Look at my photos here.
I thought for a while that the colour change was due to the sunlight. It reflected then produced different colours on glass and metallic sunshades of The Esplanade as was captured by my camera. Upon a closer investigation, I came to believe that there was something wrong with my digital camera. My husband bought it four years ago and so maybe its functioning power is getting erratic. Whatever the reason for the end result of my photo, one thing is for sure, it made me ponder about life, my life.
My photo made me realized that there are changes in the colour of life, same as the colour of The Esplanade. I may be seeing people, especially my loved ones in their real colour at this time; I must also be prepared to see their colour in reds and greens the next time. Oh, I must accept the fact that people change. Whether the change may not be to my liking, I must accept that change. And that I should just pray that I still see the beauty and positiveness in that change.
My photo also made me understand that like my digital camera, some things and aspirations/sacrifices have its ending. And when that ending comes, I should accept it with a positive mind.
Well, it will be very difficult to come to an end and realized that what I have been denying since before is the truth. I should accept the changes because it’s the truth, no matter how painful it is. I just hope that come with the changes, some things beautiful will bloom. How? Only God knows.
In the meantime, I should be happy with all those who believe in me and love me in return.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Four Hours in Changi Airport
Since my husband has been involved in his present project, I really got confused. Normally, I was able to comprehend those technicalities he was trying to relay to me. But now this project made me lose track of him physically too. Yeah, it is really confusing why such a project involves many countries. As I heard from him, Germany, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and of course Singapore. Surely, my “jet setter” husband gets confused too. Imagine, his flight would be at 7.30 to Ahmedabad, but he thought it to be at 3.30. So, yesterday, we got stuck up for four hours at Changi. We arrived at 2.30 hoping to leave at 3.00 but we ended up leaving at 6.30. A four long hours!!
My daughters and I were so happy that we spent four hours in Changi. We had our family bonding. It was the first time that we sent off my husband on his many travels (though he’ll be away for 7 to 10 days only). So we used up the four hours in exploring the airport. Since Changi is really a nice and traveler friendly airport, our four hours turned up to be a learning experience too.
With a lot of shops and eateries, the cozy and spacious airport makes one feel so comfortable and relaxed. So walking around was really exciting for us. What with so many interesting things to capture on camera.
And speaking of restaurants, there is one that serves Indonesian food named Sundanese. It was surprising that the staffs are young Filipino students from La Salle Cavite and also from Lyceum who are on OJT. The manager is also a Filipino. We enjoyed our food and it compensated for our unforgettable experience the previous Saturday. One thing, it was heart warming to meet young Filipinos like them who in one way or another also educate other nationalities who Filipinos really are.
So the next time you get confused of your travel time, don’t lose heart. Changi airport offers many possibilities for you to explore.
My daughters and I were so happy that we spent four hours in Changi. We had our family bonding. It was the first time that we sent off my husband on his many travels (though he’ll be away for 7 to 10 days only). So we used up the four hours in exploring the airport. Since Changi is really a nice and traveler friendly airport, our four hours turned up to be a learning experience too.
With a lot of shops and eateries, the cozy and spacious airport makes one feel so comfortable and relaxed. So walking around was really exciting for us. What with so many interesting things to capture on camera.
And speaking of restaurants, there is one that serves Indonesian food named Sundanese. It was surprising that the staffs are young Filipino students from La Salle Cavite and also from Lyceum who are on OJT. The manager is also a Filipino. We enjoyed our food and it compensated for our unforgettable experience the previous Saturday. One thing, it was heart warming to meet young Filipinos like them who in one way or another also educate other nationalities who Filipinos really are.
So the next time you get confused of your travel time, don’t lose heart. Changi airport offers many possibilities for you to explore.
Photo 1 seems to look like soft drink tin cans. But no! They are recycle bins. Cute di ba ?
Photo 2 is a sunflower of course! You think it is plastic? No..no..!! It is real and you'll see a lot of them near the sky train.
Photo 3 is an Indonesian figurine. You know where it is placed? In the middle of the restaurant on top of the washing hands area.
Photo 4 is a mango juice? Correct but it has its cofee flavour. What an innovation from Starbucks.
Photo 5: can you see that real stone bowl? It is interesting to have my sambal sauce in a stone bowl. Where else can you find that but in Sundanese restaurant.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
My 7,107 Experience
On Sunday, the Life Section of The Straits Times featured the newly opened Filipino restaurant located at the second floor of Marina Square. Since the writer made it clear that the restaurant is serving authentic Filipino food, we became so excited and decided to visit the next Saturday which is today.
Due to previous appointment, we managed to reach the restaurant named 7,107 Flavours at around 2.30 in the afternoon. Okay, the place is nice but the food disappointed us, especially me. While eating, we could not help ourselves from complaining. As there were only a few people, our voices might be audible. So I was not surprised when one lady went to our table and introduced herself as one of the owners. She discussed a lot about the restaurant, the restaurant set up especially the kitchen, the how and why of the food preparation and their other plans. She added that one of the chefs was the personal chef of Kris Aquino. She ended by saying her hope of a continuous support from us.
Well, we decided to go there to experience real Filipino food, nothing more. But what did we get? Imagine me asking for the comfort room only after a few bites. What an experience! Why were the foods so cold? Yeah, I understand that we came in an unholy hour. But for God’s sake why they never managed to heat the food? Where was the authentic Filipino food? Where was the kare kare?
Okay, I never ever imagined myself writing all this. But with this media exposure, you could not blame my family if we expected the best, if not a better dining experience.
I hate it that I have to post this. I just hope that they will just improve. As my husband said, “give them a chance.” So maybe after 3 months, we will be going back there. And we hope that by that time, we can proudly say, “hey, we went dining in the best Filipino restaurant in Singapore. And we had a 7,107 gastronomical experience!” Isn’t that something?
Due to previous appointment, we managed to reach the restaurant named 7,107 Flavours at around 2.30 in the afternoon. Okay, the place is nice but the food disappointed us, especially me. While eating, we could not help ourselves from complaining. As there were only a few people, our voices might be audible. So I was not surprised when one lady went to our table and introduced herself as one of the owners. She discussed a lot about the restaurant, the restaurant set up especially the kitchen, the how and why of the food preparation and their other plans. She added that one of the chefs was the personal chef of Kris Aquino. She ended by saying her hope of a continuous support from us.
Well, we decided to go there to experience real Filipino food, nothing more. But what did we get? Imagine me asking for the comfort room only after a few bites. What an experience! Why were the foods so cold? Yeah, I understand that we came in an unholy hour. But for God’s sake why they never managed to heat the food? Where was the authentic Filipino food? Where was the kare kare?
Okay, I never ever imagined myself writing all this. But with this media exposure, you could not blame my family if we expected the best, if not a better dining experience.
I hate it that I have to post this. I just hope that they will just improve. As my husband said, “give them a chance.” So maybe after 3 months, we will be going back there. And we hope that by that time, we can proudly say, “hey, we went dining in the best Filipino restaurant in Singapore. And we had a 7,107 gastronomical experience!” Isn’t that something?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chizmizzzz
Approximately three weeks ago, if I am not mistaken, my second daughter mentioned an interesting website for me to visit. She added that I would surely be entertained. She pointed that she did not find it by accident but was given by her long time friend, Majalyn. I got interested of course. Why so?? Majalyn is my daughter’s childhood friend and former classmate who graduated a double degree of Accountancy and Economics from UP and is now working at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Added to that is her being the girlfriend of the Class’ Magna Cum Laude. Surely, the site would be predictably worth noting.
My daughter repeated the message to me: “Chizmiz….. www.pep.ph.”
It made me laugh. And I visited the site Honestly, I was entertained reading one showbiz news from another. But lately, as I read one comments from another, I feel shame. I feel shame for those commenters. I feel shame for those who condemn one actress/actor from another; especially those about Ruffa Gutierrez. Ahhhh, they are free daw to comment and write what they want. What a mentality!!!
I discovered one post/blog just now. I felt happy, knowing that there are people like her. Why not visit this intelligent post about battered wives. Do visit Midlife Mysteries at http://nancydrewandme.blogspot.com.
Ohhh! Of course, I will still visit that PEP site. Those nasty comments? Hmmmmm. Daming inngitera!!!!!!
My daughter repeated the message to me: “Chizmiz….. www.pep.ph.”
It made me laugh. And I visited the site Honestly, I was entertained reading one showbiz news from another. But lately, as I read one comments from another, I feel shame. I feel shame for those commenters. I feel shame for those who condemn one actress/actor from another; especially those about Ruffa Gutierrez. Ahhhh, they are free daw to comment and write what they want. What a mentality!!!
I discovered one post/blog just now. I felt happy, knowing that there are people like her. Why not visit this intelligent post about battered wives. Do visit Midlife Mysteries at http://nancydrewandme.blogspot.com.
Ohhh! Of course, I will still visit that PEP site. Those nasty comments? Hmmmmm. Daming inngitera!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)