Life's Surprises

Do you guys remember F.L.A.M.E.S.? The most memorable episode for me was the one which featured Patrick Garcia and Paula Peralejo. I’m not sure how many stories they portrayed in that TV show but what I remember was the one wherein they were childhood friends and (sweathearts?). I was very much kilig that I managed to escape school for three days during the weeklong episode! Unfortunately, the universe did not conspire on what I wanted and so I was not able to watch the remaining two days. I remember how two of my classmates share the same misfortune with me. Our faces were crumpled and we spent the short minutes in between subjects to come up with our “scientific hunch” of how the episode will end. See, we knew how to apply classroom lessons in real life situations! :p Not contented with it, one of my classmates even bullied our then class loveteam to portray what we thought was the ending! Bear with us, there was no Youtube that time. Ah, it was my most hilarious fan-mode state (I am secretly laughing now)!

That was about fifteen years ago - when the world was so big for me and the technology has not yet reached its grandeur. It was perhaps one of the simple pleasures I had when I was a countryside, growing teenager. I told myself, if only they knew how insane we were, they could have laughed with us! :)

Fastforward to 2009. I saw and met Paula Peralejo – this time not on TV but in person. I guess that so-called six degrees of separation is indeed true! A sixth-grade mind back then has not even thought of meeting this girl she stalked in that defunct TV show. It made me smile! Life’s surprises – that is. I no longer carry that torch of a stalking-fan, what I had during the encounter was a pile of happy and hilarious moments coming back into my mind! More importantly, it made me realize how small the world is, that what we thought is impossible is only in the state of mind. This is a classic tale of life's little surprises!

Now I have the chance to share this funny story to them. Thanks to the gift of technology. :)

How about you? In what instances did my mysterious friend, Life, surprised you? :D

Sigh

I love the perks that I am getting as a "successful" woman. I have the society's respect, I have my family's pride, I have some luxuries that I can afford... But in all these lovely things, I cannot alienate some things which are beyond my control. Things or perceptions that are really going on the different slope as against what I really want in life.

Just this morning, I received a text from my dad presenting to me the option of what if I work abroad? He told me that I am in the best position to go out for a high paying job because I still don't have a family. I should think that may be my kakayahan is passing me by. And I have to remember that "kalingawan" or some enjoyments are enemies in disguise....

I mightily appreciate my dad's concern for my future and my career since birth. He has been my greatest adviser and my guardian ever since the word "decision" was linked in my book of vocabulary. His words are very powerful to me that when things are dubious and I am too tired to think about decisions, I sometimes blindly follow the insights he is giving me. I trust his choices more than mine.

But there are times that I felt he has occupied my sense of decision-making enormously. These are the times that I felt I am running out of breath because I sensed the need to follow what he thinks is the best even though my mind and my heart tells otherwise. I do so because I fear that if I won't follow him, I would end up walking the wrong path. This makes me unhappy. This puts me in an awkward situation.

Sigh... who's on the same boat with me?

Back in the arms of BOOKS

Thanks to boredom, I now find myself lurking in books once again! I love the serene and imaginative mind that is eating up my system the moment I bury my eyes on the pages of a book, Ah, not to mention the unique smell of these knowledge-keepers! For me, ALL books - no matter how boring or shallow they might be, still pen down knowledge.

So I'm happy to say that this blog would have an additional content - lessons or insights I learned from books! Right now, I am reading three books alternately. Am I normal? Oh well, if not, "then walang basagan ng trip!" :D My mood plays a very lucrative part on this seemingly not so normal routine. My three books now discuss love, life, and history.  I turn to the pages discussing Greek wars when I am in the state of a historian wannabe. I join the world of the little prince when I seek wisdom on everyday life. I do taste love's sweet and bitter experiences when I am extra loving and on emo mode.

I love the idea of getting out to the reality and swim to the world of the past, the far far places, and the fictional settings. Yes, this is one of life's littlest yet sweetest pleasures!

OK. Next blog, I'd bring you to the world of Alexandria!!!

What's with Brunei?

I recently had my out of the country two weekends ago. Destination? Brunei! Yes, I know the current facial expression of my readers - with a raised eyebrow, confused face, and readily questioning remark on why of all places, we chose Brunei. Well, for one, the airfare was something that pushed us to go, Barely five thousand bucks roundtrip is sweet, and so we wanted to dilute ourselves with that great promo. I was practically on the mood to go on a not-so-tourist-spot country, thus my excitement was ignited when Levy told me about the plan to go to the oil-rich country.

Brunei has beautiful and warm people. Contrary to what we assumed, they are very much welcoming when it comes to foreigners and they go the extra mile to help out tourists like us. It might be a Muslim country whose our initial reaction is a dangerous place but I tell you, it is one of the safest places I've gone to.  Our trip gave us a better and sweeter view of Brunei and I would like to share to you what we have learned from the country and from her people.

Brunei is an English speaking country. Not that they are well-versed to the language, but they know the basics enough for you to have a decent communication. Levy and I were surprised to know about it as we pre-maturely thought that communication will be so hard within the country. But see the importance of not judging a thing or a situation without even putting your feet on that specific event? If we refused to push through with our trip because of this wrong assumption, then it would have been a double loss for us.

Our water taxi driver speaks English well! It made the tour more enjoyable and a leaning activity!

Brunei has a no gun and no alcohol policy. Discipline is one of the best attibutes of the country and her people. Just imagine your social life without the alcohol - nigth outs would be so much boring! But Bruneians managed to let go of it, and they are happy and settled with a cup of coffee on a night out.

Brunei is one of the safest place in Asia. This is more of a subjective observation as when we hopped from one place to another, we do not fear that we might be snatched or nabbed or something. It was totally a worry-free trip when it comes to safety! I love the idea of how trusting they are as you could vividly see these in their actions. I guess this is one of the delicious fruits of having citizens that are well provided with the basics in life. 

Luggages scattered all over the area!

Bruneians enjoy a pampering government. No tax and absolutely free education, hospitalization, and sometimes housing, Bruneians can be classfied as one of the happiest people in the world. Who would not love this type of set up? You income is yours and yours alone and you don't have a government to feed on. Government is a blessing, not a curse, to its citizens.

 They respect their king so much. Why not? Bruneians enjoy the riches of their government!

Bruneians respect the Filipinos. Again, this is a subjective observation as I have reached this conclusion based on the treatment that they showed to us. Bruneians do not look down to us. This is maybe because Filipinos in Brunei show a superb job performance in their chosen field there.

Jollibee!!! :D

Bruneians value respect to fellowmen. A pointing finger does not exist on their vocabulary as they prefer to "point" things or places or people using their thumb. It is a simple yet very respectful gesture to do. They also don't use their car horns. Yes, they are that disciplined and they are fully aware of what the word
"respect" means. I just admire them so much!

Ah, I love how this country improved my open-mindedness when it comes to dubious things and situations. I love Brunei and her people!