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!

 

Disorganized Me and How It Kills My Life

As posted on my Twitter today, this is another day of  'no-phone' mode because I left my "old" gadget back in my bed. This has been happening frequently. And I hate it.

I hate it when my being a disorganized freak is creeping my whole system. I am aware of it, but I just do not have that urge to fight it back or to make ways of getting rid of this negative attitude of mine. It is killing me both in a minor and major way. Recent proof: losing my wallet with a hefty amount inside it.

Sigh. How can get out of this lousy game? Agh.

Poems To Life

Here's an interesting exchange of poems between me and my dod, Ermz. =)

From my inbox:

i feel sad. i don't know why.

my heart is lonely. but i don't wanna cry.

i feel empty. i always sigh.

i am bored. i wanna fly.

From her inbox:

I cannot answer you right there and then

Since I myself is also asking when?

Life's always a mystery

Why we are here, is a big question to me

 

As we always say

HE does find a way

I know we've been asking Him for ages

What really is His plan for our life's pages

But one thing's definite

Life do gives us a treat!
I may not know what it is

But I do hope it will give us pure bliss!!!

How I Spent My Saturday

I was so dumb not to discover or maybe tried out the parks inside Makati Central Business District for a morning walk or jog. It has been ages that my sweat glands clamor for an outpour of its main product but I cannot find anyone who can accompany me in my quest for a healthier lifestyle.

One fateful morning, after a series of failed plans with Erms, we finally got out of the bed at an earliest time on a Saturday and sported on our jogging attires! We did not have a grand/unrealistic plan that morning. It was just a casual walk with a series of "run" from time to time, talk about anything or share funny stories we can remember that we can associate with the building or streets we paved through, and then finish it off with a stroll at the morning Salcedo market (for my Salcedo market finds click here). Sweating was not very much evident on our shirts, but we did sweat!

After six long years, I finally found my way to my long-time dream of getting an early sunrise striking my face. Gah, it was just perfect way to start my energetic Saturday! And not just that, I was too excited to include it in my morning routine that on a Sunday morning, I had my another jog! All the way for a healthier lifestyle!!!

One most important lesson that was refreshed in my rusting (lol) mind is that:

Don't program yourself that something is hard to do unless you tried it for yourself!"

Energy was kicking in us so the next plan that was pushed through is the purchasing of Erms' camera at Quiapo (Erms prefer to call the place as "Hidalgo" as she perceives Quiapo as the home of fakes, LOL!). Henry's Camera Supplies (or Products, I'm not sure) was conveniently located beside SM Clearance Outlet Store where a "safe" parking lot is just across the mall. During our trip, I have drawn these two insights:

Don't assume that everyone knows the basic "policies". Inform.

It was Erms' first time to go to Quiapo and this naive friend of mine was all dress up with matching yellow dress and accessories, and a leggings with no pockets!

I want to be like Henry Sy.

Such a fruitful Saturday, right?