All my bags are packed....but..

Damn this packing!!!

I took the half day off yesterday to figure things out. After saying those bitter sweet goodbyes to the lovely people we worked with at Cincinnati, I had my very last meal at Chipotle (very sad) and went home to fix my luggage.

Special thanks to my colleague JP, who loves packing than unpacking, he redid mine. Sure, he was able to put everything in and more, but I'm hanging by the thread. The allowable baggage is 50 pounds per bag. Excess is only for 20 lbs. The last time I weighed, my first baggage is 67 pounds and the other one is 49.5. Damn. That isn't good at all. I have resigned to the fate of paying excess for the first baggage, but do I have to pay excess on my 2nd bag? Most likely since the scales are different in the airport.



Whatever!

Packing hurts more than just paying and getting this 24 hour flight over with. Just let me get through peacefully in the airport and I'll be fine. I can have my breakfast at Starbucks and read my new book.

I tried to sleep, but woke up at 3 am. I had a bad dream about my bags again. Now I couldn't sleep. The weather's fine here. It's the start of fall and it's cooler, a farewell change of weather in Cincinnati. I'll surely miss this place. I can stay, but real life goes on in Manila.


Screw the bags, right? I think I'm ready to go home.

Living in KY and working in OH

It's been almost 2 months since I've been here in Cincinnati Ohio. Well...technically I live in Kentucky. My Oakwood Roebling Row apartment is in Covington, a quaint town in Northern Kentucky, which is a hop away from Cincinnati Ohio. My apartment is overlooking Ohio River and it just takes a 10 minute walk through the architectural bridge to get to the business district of Cincinnati. Some of my colleagues walk to appreciate the scenery, but I take the 5 minute bus ride especially in this summer heat.

A few steps from my apartment, I'm already near the river and I can clearly see the Cincinnati skyscrapers, which includes my office. Bummer. Everything's within reach here. I remember a colleague told me that he jogged to 3 different cities (Cincinnati OH, Covington KY and Newport KY) in 2 states in 35 minutes. Plus, the TANK bus, which I so love, did us wonders. A monthly unlimited pass could take me to outlets, Kentucky towns, major malls, Walmart, Cincinnati Downtown and the international airport. I admit I get envious of the public transportation that they have in more developed countries. One way for me to get impressed with a country, it has to have an organized and solid public transportation. They have that here.

Though I've been living in Kentucky and working in Ohio for months, I haven't properly documented my stay here and the things that I had to adjust to. The massive heat, trying to pull off this migration project, joining an awesome company, meeting interesting people, shopped 25 shoes, 10 pounds of bath and body, been a freak show in the outlet malls and getting a chance to love different states of the USA will all soon be remarkable memories for me. It's always nice to document it as I experience it.

Now that I am regaining my blogging fever back, I will use this experience as a strong start. A huge part of this August blog post will serve as a repository of my thoughts and images of my life here.

But it's 10 o'clock now and I have a big day tomorrow at work as usual. For now it's time for me to sleep. Will reserve the posts for later.


This picture was taken by Gisselle Cordova, a colleague who is also here with me in this migration project. An accountant who is into amateur photography. She took this shot by the river. It's behind our apartment in Covington, Kentucky. The bridge on the left is where they walk to get to the downtown/business district of Cincinnati, Ohio where we hold office and where the famous stadiums are located.

We have been witnessing how people support their Cincinnati Reds Baseball team. It's amazing. I heard that it is highly recommended. I don't know anything about baseball, but I hope to watch a real game soon. I still have 3 more weekends. Better make plans.

My 1st Week So Far

My first week so far had been great. First of all, my apartment's cool. It may not be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Cincinnati Business District, but I believe it's better to come home to a quieter set up where cars are passing by at a minimum. My neighbor is a row of red bricked houses that speak coziness and character. As far as I'm concerned me and my colleagues are the loudest people in the street. Speaking of the apartment, this made us easily adjust in a week because we have everything that we need down from cleaning, laundry, cooking stuff, electronics, communication and other apartment facilities like the gym, which unfortunately I care less about. The overall apartment space including the closet space is fantastic. My bathroom is more than sufficient and the bed...oh the bed...I could sleep in it forever. Going home from a busy day at work just thinking of the bed is more than enough to keep my spirits up.




Really spacious and cozy.


Love this kitchen. Everything's here and it's updated.

Bathroom is very sufficient too.




This bed is so fantastic.



Waiting at the spacious Covington Transit Center. Our gateway to possibilities.


First Sunday at Cincy. Syempre Walmart.

My apartment's location is also cool. Though my apartment is in Covington Kentucky, we're only 5 minutes away from Cincinnati Ohio. We just have to cross the bridge to get to our offices. Our apartment is just a couple of blocks from the Covington Transit Center where the very helpful and convenient TANK buses are there to take us to all possible routes in Kentucky and Ohio on schedule. Thanks to the ever reliable TANK buses and their helpful website, we have been to various shopping malls, outlet stores, groceries and work without the hassle. Without TANK buses, life for us here would've been different.

TANK Bus to Walmart


Roebling Row, just outside my apartment building.

As expected for the young, empowered Pinoy professionals, we didn't waste time on our first weekend and we went to our nearest WALMART store to stack up our fridge and cupboards. It's especially fun for first timers to see a grand showcase of retail and food items on a relatively good WALMART prices. We got our two weeks' worth of groceries there for less than 100 dollars. After WALMART we felt we could conquer the rest. In between work we go to WALGREENS to pick up stuff and as early as the 4th of July long weekend, we already went and shopped at Macy's, Florence Mall in Kentucky, Bath and Body, Kohl's, Target, Old Navy Outlet and the ever famous, Best Buy. In one week, in our second weekend here, most of us spent hundreds to thousands of dollars buying laptops, cameras and gaming consoles in Best Buy, Make-up and vitamins at Walgreens and cool retail stuff from outlet stores and malls. We start our day early and end it late with sore backs from carrying too many shopping bags. We have been doing the same thing for three consecutive days now. We plan to do it again tomorrow and we still have 9 more weeks here.

I admit that shopping isn't my thing and I hardly had any panic attack at the products of Best Buy, but I did shop more than I usually do. I practically shopped for my family and Mitch and I only bought a couple of Bath and Body products for myself with a couple of sale shirts and sandals. Shopping here is great because technically the company money paid for all of the retail therapy. It wasn't an impulsive buy either. It was the 4th of July sale and a good one. To sample, I bought 3 2010 tennis rackets for 30 dollars each with 10 dollars duffel bags for me and my brother. I bought 30 bottles of Bath and Body products, half those bottles were practically free. Old Navy, Macys and NYCo. fill the gaps.


600 dollars in 3 days...not too bad at all.


Going home at 8 or 9 pm with shopping bags in tow is a very empowering feeling. At first we feared at the inevitable accounting activity at the end of the day, but the items we all bought are in good condition, good faith and bought with good intentions. It all somehow eases the guilt. I'm not a shopper, but I burned my wallet this early in this trip. This place is the center of retail therapy. No matter which busy or laid back state you're in, the retail staples are consistent. Anyone who has ever been here should know; and anyone's first time is an experience.

Most important in the mix is that my colleagues are also a blast. Each and everyone has character. I can say that we all get along for now which is important in enjoying our new environment. My colleagues have their own strengths to contribute to our stay. We have seasoned chefs, navigators, comics and intellectuals on board. We are beginning to learn more about one another and the setting seldom makes it funner. One thing we have in common though, which I have proven, is the Bath and Body sale.


My first week has been good if not a complete blast. I was able to maximize my apartment's facilities, maximize my TANK BUS, went to various stores in two States, enjoyed July 4th celebration, ate at fabulous restaurants and constantly share laughter with my colleagues. We sometimes forget we're here for training. I never expected it to be this cool. We have 9 more weeks to figure things out though, but since the first week has been good, then the 2 more months here would be a piece of cake.

Touchdown

After more than 21 hours of traveling which includes two international flights, one domestic US flight and two stop overs, I'm finally settled in my Oakwood Apartment in Roebling Row Kentucky a hop away from Cincinnati Ohio. It's exactly 9 am here and jet lag forced me to wake up at 3:30 am.

It was okay. I love airports and traveling anyways. I could bear the long haul flights and the transfers. What I really don't like is the lavatory turns and availability, which are kind of expected. It's something that I would have to consider, which is to work harder and pay for better business class service.

As usual, Narita Tokyo Airport is modern and world class. The sight of Japanese airport attendants taking first class care of adults is amazing. JFK Airport in New York is old and hot. Cincinnati Ohio - Kentucky airport is a long stretch, but very beautiful, modern, clean and world class. But at 8 pm, even if the sun is still up, the stores are already closed even Starbucks. But I'd have this anytime than the busy and shackled NAIA, which badly needs renovation.

When I landed in Ohio, I noticed the greens and the large airport infrastructure. Ohio is a laid back town. It has lots of greens with a mix of new and old-vintage buildings. It's not a farm like most people conceive. It has modern infrastructures despite its generally quiet and classic life. For serious extroverts, you won't die here. There are quaint bars and coffee shops. Modern restaurants like Subway, Starbucks, Chipotle and McDonalds, mostly 24 hours, are within arms length. Museums and classic landmarks are to be found. Malls are a bus ride away, but the important thing is that I love the scenery and aura. When I had my farewell party last weekend, a friend tried to make fun of Ohio. Well just so he knows, this summer, we've got our weekend loaded with concerts, fireworks and picnics. Last night, Justin Bieber was here, not that I specifically care of course. In the following weeks, Sting, Paramore, Jonas Brothers, Eric Clapton and so on will be here. There are lot new things to discover everyday. Just imagine, develop Ohio by one more notch, you have San Francisco. I couldn't complain.


My work is based in the booming commercial district of Cincinnati, but the good apartments within walking distance are already booked because of summer. So I'm now based in the sufficient, posh and homey Oakwood apartments in the cozy town of Covington, Kentucky, which is even better. It's just a bridge away to Cincinnati. A 5 minute drive to the Cincinnati Commercial District. My apartment is just across the modern blue building you see in the picture below.


My neighborhood is lined up with classic red bricked buildings, quaint local cafes and luxury apartments. I could easily adjust. It's quiet and it's a perfect place for jogging or walking your dogs. I missed Harvey as soon as I got here.

To get to the office in Ohio, I would just have to walk 5 minutes to the TANK bus stop to get me to Cincinnati in 10 minutes. Some colleagues even plan to walk from the apartment to the office as their exercise. Not me.

Well, I've done my groceries and unpacked my things for more than a 2 months' stay. Now I'm comfortable. I'm drinking my iced coffee, watching Edward Scissorhands in a gloomy afternoon and thinking of taking out some Chinese dinner later. After the movie, I'll upload my weekend pictures. Life's good. It has been a graceful touchdown.

My view on Packing

Packing sucks. I hate it. I've made hate posts about it, but there's nothing I could do. Nobody is competent and willing enough to pack for me and I couldn't travel if I don't pack.

I was talking to some of my colleagues who will be traveling with me this Saturday. I found out that most of them love to pack, but hates unpacking. I realized that I love things the other way around. I love to unpack, but dreads packing. I realize that I like putting clothes in the cabinet, putting toiletries in the bathroom, organizing house stuff and marking my territory.

Another thing I learned was that most of my colleagues buy new stuff before traveling. I do understand that aspect only that I do it minimally let's say if something I really want to bring is broken or I usually buy undergarments. But others shop for a new wardrobe, sets of shoes and accessories. A colleague even said that he can't bear picking out clothes from his cabinet because he feels that the other clothes will get insecure.

In my case I did shop these past two weekends because even if I'm traveling or not, my wardrobe requires revisiting. Some slacks or pants are not wearable for me anymore and when was the last time I shopped for office clothes? I think it was years ago. I had to accept the painful reality that I've gained weight and I've got to get some new and durable clothes.

Packing forces you to make a mental picture of what you will wear. A week's worth of fashion show in your head is bearable. Two weeks is more than enough and a month would be insane. Lucky me, I get to pack for almost three months of stay. I got clothes that I will wear over and over again. Fashion isn't my main concern these days. I would get an article of clothing that is durable, easy to wear and easy to match with shoes and tops.

Aside from clothes and shoes, one of my main packing requirements is medicine. I suffer from migraine a lot and my allergies are like a ticking time bomb. I wouldn't know when I would get my allergic attack, but I'm not taking any chances. This week I would have to visit my dermatologist to get prescription medicine and tablets I could bring just in case. I have to remember to bring my nasal spray, pain medication and fever medication. Getting hospitalized in the States isn't worth it. Specific toiletries also come with this.

Aside from the essentials, I bought new books to pass the time. I also have to get organized with my gadgets and figure out my communication method when I get there. Laptop is definitely in. My camera too. Ipod and PSP are optional.

Last night I tried packing and most items I packed were shoes and clothes. I haven't packed my medicine and toiletries yet, which is bearable as long as I'm done with clothes. After packing I ate two slices of pizza and a chocolate bar. So much for a mental and physical work out. I doubt if I got everything though. I still have five days left to get organized.

US Visa. Check.

The authorized courier delivered my US Visa at home last Saturday. I was out and my father was the one to receive it. Once I got a text notification, I immediately called home and learned of the great news. The US embassy gave me a multiple entry pass up to the year 2020. I exhaled after knowing that some of my travel mates were only given a single entry or a three months' worth of visa instead.

I know it was a lucky shot since the issuance of a visa really depends on your consul. No matter how legitimate and ideal you may sound, project or defend, the consul always gets to have the final say. He or she is entitled to ask you a lot of technical to mind boggling personal questions looking for that particular loophole. They're trained to be skeptical. He or she could easily decline you based on their better judgment, which is always left to be unspecified and unexplained.

Last week I was at the US embassy and had to undergo the application process for the first time. I had a VISA before but I was too young to have arranged it myself. I did not go on any appearances or interviews,which means I'm useless in giving advice to other team mates who are first time applicants. I'm as equally nervous and bothered why most people find this a big deal. You just have to answer questions, right?

In my case it is a big deal since I will be going there for training and there is no other training alternative. And I thought, how hard could answering the questions be? The only preparation that you have to do is to review how you are going to answer the possible questions, which are pretty much expected. How long will you be staying there? Why? What are you goals there? Do you have relatives there? The facts may matter a lot, but how you confidently say those facts equally matters as well. That's why we get coached before we accomplish our VISA appointments. It is a big deal because you'll be paying money for the application fees and the mere hassle of securing an interview and passing is worth your prayers that you won't get to do it all over again.

But since I was under one multinational company profile, my document processing was fast. I was immediately queued for the consul interview, which is always the main attraction. While waiting, I heard people defending, pleading and arguing to their respective consuls. It was a pretty scary sight especially for those who were expecting VISAS when they get out of the building. Child, professionals, teenager to grandmothers, can be denied and were denied that day. That walk of disappointment, when the person leaves a room still holding his passport while he or she reads a blue form, gives optimistic people a douse of harsh reality.

Getting a US Visa is all about truthfulness, preparation, confidence and luck. There are no sure shots no matter how much you prepare. A percentage of it also relies on how the Consul perceives you, and you can't argue with what they would decide on. I was lucky and I though I had no reason to be denied, but looking back, I wasn't also so sure with the outcome.

Bangkok on Hold

My mother and my two aunts are now probably tired from their late night flight to Bangkok. As I type they might already be scrutinizing the hotel, unpacking and planning for their early city-tour trip in a couple of hours. Or if their flight was fortunately on time, they're probably asleep right now. Well, I should've been there with them, but I'm here in Manila. If you've read my previous post about how excited I was on this planned trip, you would never have imagined me postponing the trip and writing this. But I figured certain decisions had to be made and timing really works in mysterious ways.

Just a brief background on this Bangkok escapade, I was the one who initiated the trip because I grabbed an international Cebu Pacific seat sale to Bangkok. I hardly have the skills to convince people to spend, but in this regard I was able to convince and excite my two aunts and mother. I convinced all of them to take a Bangkok adventure with me and so they agreed. Tickets were booked four months ago. But apparently within for the past four months, unexpected but happy things came up and I ended up not coming because of work. Since I just transferred companies, I have to adjust and "follow" management's corporate training schedule as strictly as possible. Mine is an extra special case since my function is fairly new and thorough migration is involved. In fact, in one week's time I'll be flying to New York then Ohio for a grueling 2.5 months training. So these past few weeks are concerned with documentation, concept training and access testing. My superiors are very understanding individuals, and probably they would've understood, but personally I didn't even attempt asking for a two day vacation. At this rate, I know within myself that I do not reserve the break and even if I did I wouldn't have the audacity to leave the compressed work schedule behind. I'm already tight in a tight schedule in the office and my leisure Bangkok trip should be the least of anyone's concerns including my own.

So early on I have gracefully accepted and decided that I would not be able to see Bangkok as planned. As much as I'm eager to taste their culture, duty to my new company comes first. Some of my friends said that I shouldn't feel bad about Bangkok since I'll be traveling to the States in a matter of days. But truth be told, I'm more interested in Bangkok. I've been to the United States and this time around, I wouldn't be going there for vacation but for work.

There is no use to getting frustrated now. I have decided early on and I know in myself that I made a right decision. It's not that painful now when I think about it. I just hope that my mom and aunts would enjoy without me and find whatever they expected to find there. I hope they may have great experiences in Bangkok. As for me, I know I would get to see Bangkok some other tine. It's not the end of the world. I even already planned to visit it with my brother as soon as I get back from the States. As for the ticket, it isn't that hard to digest since I got the ticket on a promo rate. I've wasted money, but I did it for justified reason.

So the temples, the culture, the street food, the plays, the elephant safari, the river market and all the shopping would just have to wait. I'll see all of it soon. For now, I would just let my mom and my aunts enjoy. I'll be waiting and anticipating on their wonderful stories of what I missed and will soon see in Bangkok.

Information Overload

Information overload is the state of having too much information to make a decision or remained informed about a topic. (wiki)

In a nutshell, this just means that you've reached your information-absorption capacity that you can't understand or digest anything anymore. Or to put it bluntly, your brain overheats, malfunctions and shuts down for acquiring too much data.

I think my mind is specially stressed for this week. I had live and online trainings, which required me to understand basic to complex business models. I had to memorize and recall. My mind was given a jolted exercise for consecutive days and I know that technical business terms and complex concepts really made my brain overheat.

One particular sign that I'm suffering from information overload is that when I would keep reading a particular sentence over and over again yet I wouldn't understand a thing. My mind would stop processing the message. Another sign is when I force it, I have instant migraine at a localized part near the amigdala.

Why am I even talking about this? Straight from work, I went with my family to Thunderbirds Resort in Antipolo for some quick R&R. God knows I need one right now. I'm currently in a cold comfortable bed, with fluffy 300 thread sheets in a hotel room, enjoying free wifi and looking forward to a massage and cake. Work's been fun and challenging for the past week, but for now, my mind can't process anything else. Consider this a well-deserved rest day.

Bangkok Bound...I hope

I've never been to Thailand, but I've heard and seen so much about it in many forms of media that the only thing left for me to do is to actually go there. I heard a lot about it from my friends and colleagues as they dubbed it as the cheapest retail capital of Asia. It's shopaholics heaven for sure and as for me, I've always seen Thai culture very rich. Temples and their food already make them world renowned and distinct, not to mention the mushroom of spa and wellness tourism they so rightly publicize.

My mom, aunts and I are scheduled to go there this June. We already have the tickets and we're currently in the process of searching for accommodations. I think we would go in a scheduled tour. My travel mates this time aren't that adventurous.

Yesterday I found out that a colleague is scheduled to go there this weekend despite the unrest. There is a civil war brewing in Thailand as I type. Anti government protesters have chosen Thailand's commercial district as camps and numerous deaths and violence have ensued in the streets. Red Shirts, a group of Thais fighting against dictatorship, wants to negotiate differences with the government being led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The other party believes the current prime minister is not good for Thailand and they are fighting for equality and a better economic and political chance while the government fights for peace and stability that they see fit. The unrest has been ongoing since April and I do hope it ends soon.

I really hope the unrest ends soon because I really want to see Thailand. I want to have good memories there and not arrive with visions of violence and civil war. I want to go to the floating market, get a taste of their authentic cuisine, see my aunts and mom shop like crazy, visit the temples and watch their cultural plays.

As expected, my mom grew scared and wanted me to confirm with Cebu Pacific if they are willing to reschedule the flight. She has been seeing bad news recently and global encouragment to stay away from Thailand is being publicized. Realizing my mom's anxiety, I called the carrier and they told us to wait for further information, but as far as they are concerned, all flights are still opearational despite the state of emergency raised by the government. I had to be honest with my mom and told her that, but I added the casual fact that my colleague is going there this weekend to appease my mom's apprehensions. My colleague was pretty cool about the whole thing. She received information from her sister who lives there that the malls are still open and the places are generally manageable, not to mention dirt cheap tour prices. I asked my colleague to stay safe and share with me her experiences there once she gets back. If everything goes as planned, I'll see her on Tuesday.

For my mind to focus on the more exciting part, my colleagues and I ate at Banana Leaf last Saturday, which showcases great Thai, spiced and curry rich dishes. I can't wait to have one of their satays and rice paper rolls, and not to mention their recommendable milk teas.



Oh please please please, let us go there in peace.


http://thaibeachparty.com/thai/images/THAI_FOOD-2_large.jpeg

Task List for the Week

These past few weeks have been very busy and surprising. I nursed anxieties, cradled disappointments, surprisingly was offered a much better job, accepted the job offer, resigned in my current company, now undergoing transition, spent glorious time with friends, and shocked my bank account by bursting space in my stomach that I had mild food poisoning. But everything's calm (not necessarily well) and what I need to do now is to refocus by listing down my tasks for the week, which I will accomplish.


Task 1:

I have so many things to write, but I end up doing something else. Recently, I've been feeling so tired before writing that I sleep with my laptop on hibernation. This is despite the fact that I haven't been to work for 5 days, including the weekends and the Labor Day Holiday. I used those free days to fix papers, accomplish domestic errands, rest and enjoy my complementary leaves by eating out, catching up with friends and revisiting my couch potato moments.

Task 2:

I'm currently reading Susan Howatch's The Heartbreaker. It's a fairly interesting story about an elite leisure business in London getting mixed up with a sacred organization. It's very entertaining only that I could not find the perfect time to finish it. I'm stuck in the middle chapters. I could not find the time to progress. The last time I touched that book was last Saturday.

Task 3:

My closet right now is a landmine. I haven't been to the gym for two months and I feel that some of my clothes don't fit anymore. Due to limited time and comfortable fitting clothes, I'd always end up tossing clothes here and there. Just dressing up this morning, I saw my closet and I cringed. Clearly, this is another thing that I have to accomplish this weekend.

Task 4:

In connection to task number three, I really need to go to the gym and cut down on food. Seriously.

Task 5:

I have to accomplish my clearance and US visa application. I have less than 20 days in my current job to fix my clearance and I heard that getting it done is such a turmoil. Also, my family is getting their VISA's approved and I have to accomplish some set of requirements to get mine this month.

Task 6:

I have to complete my pre-employment medical form by this Friday.

Task 7:

I have to finally list down my candidates for this election. Villar is definitely not included by the way.

Task 8:

I have to narrow down my plans to achieve my online information site project and customized blog that have been egging for months. With all the things that radomly came to my life, these goals are immediately tagged non-priorities.

Task 9:

I have to save whatever I can and budget remaining resources however I can.

Task 10:

Plan for another vacation. Scout for a possible car. And refine my 2010 goals for the 2nd quarter.



Now that I've listed major task lists down, I feel more motivated. With prayers, plans and a boost of confidence, I believe I'm on my way. Enough of the happy times for now. It's time to get my balance back and collide with reality. It's time to get things done.

But first, it's time for me to get back to work. Sigh.

Wish me luck. Will post later!

A day in Nuvali

I'm currently in a financial turmoil. And since I'm transferring work, certain sources of income are put on hold. My phone and credit card bills are ballooning as we speak. I've been receiving text messages to remind me of my overdue. It sucks, but I know this will be over soon. Though this is one of the worst feelings ever.

Anyways, at least a free day cheered me up. I went down South to Sta. Rosa to get away from the city. It was practically wrong timing since everyone else was going away for the long weekend. But I did see Nuvali, fed Koi Fishes, had a sumptuous dinner at Omakase and spent a day with Mitch. In the Solenad, Nuvali's sophisticated commercial center, you could have a river boat ride worth 30 pesos, buy feeds worth 15 pesos per pack and just dine out at the world class restaurants there. I believe they have David's Tea house, posh Filipino food, Yellow Cab, Brother's Burger, Starbucks, Conti's and a Japanese restaurant. The setting and the trip were enough to pull me out of my financial misery for a bit. I could just daydream living in Nuvali. I like places like this where there is nature and sufficient commercial centers. The place is peaceful and green. It's the perfect place to retire.




It was a fun day. Despite going back to the dreadful reality, I hope the misery would be over soon.

News Marathon

Whenever I'm on a great vacation (escape), I only tend to think of three things:

Sleep, Food, Fun Activities

Other than that, my brain would automatically shut off.

I don't read the newspapers. I don't check my phones. I don't call home. If ever I would find myself online, I would be blogging about how wonderful my vacation is turning out, documenting every moment or looking at online gossip magazines. I don't clean up. I don't cook. Practically, I'm somewhere far far away from reality detaching myself from my sometimes-messed-up-life.

When I got home yesterday, I knew it would be a battle. I dreaded what's in front of me. I still dread the reminders of work. I dread Makati. I dread the usual people I work with during stressed times. I wish I could just go back and be a vacationer forever and start all over again, but that would be too romantic of me. That world doesn't exist.

To get back on track, I'd usually drive around the city to orient myself with bustling cars and road stress. I would get use to eating "home cooked food" which isn't really special in my household. I am forced to clean up because there are no room service and housekeeping anymore. I try to accomplish dreadful chores one step at a time. Then of course, I have to be online, check my Facebook, my emails and blog and most especially online news.

It's been four days since I haven't read any newspapers. I was never online; and whenever I watched TV, it was always veering towards HBO or Cartoon Network. If anyone would ask me about my opinion on what's on the news now, I'd be horrified with my lack of knowledge. In Boracay, a friend told me that that the Polish president died due to a plane crash in Russia. And as far as I can remember, I failed to properly react at that time, which means the information didn't fully register. It's scary how I can be automatically detached sometimes. Apparently news and vacation do not exist in the same world for me.

Post Vacation Drama

It's a dull day and I am struggling. I can't say I'm still surprised because I expected this. Instead of facing the music head on, I had to undergo a graceful transition. Truth is, I can't face work yet. Give me a couple of days, which I don't really have.

During vacation it's hard to think of something else besides food, sleep and relaxation. Anything boring is automatically pulled back, holding on to a thread of being forgotten forever. Work-related matters are not acceptable topics of discussion. In vacations, we don't have any grave responsibilities. We're only responsible for ourselves and mostly this covers comfort and sustenance and nothing more. We go back to being carefree and relaxed. The transition would always be effortless. I don't know if vacation has really any good, long-term effects on me knowing that I'd suffer after. After all these years, I'm still no expert in coping.

I would usually take a day off before I go to work. . I have to do basic things like drive and encounter traffic. I ease the daily stress slowly back into my life. I have to make use of the time to expose myself to dreadful children of reality like traffic, heat, office work, gadgets, emails and unwanted people. I have to ease the stress back in, which is the core of the struggle. I have to. I need to. We should experience sorrows and dread as equalizers to a blissful experience.

The dull transition starts now..

It’s 1:18 pm on a dull Tuesday afternoon. In a Boracay picture, most of my friends are just beginning to wake up from a late night of partying and booze. They would orient themselves with the time and the vast and calming nature surrounding them. Most of the times, they would find hot meals waiting for them in the counter and balcony courtesy of a soul who has more effort to wake up early and explore food than liquor. I would be sitting in front of the television, watching old movies and cartoons, waiting for everyone else to get up.

After lunch, people would go back to their beds. Some would sleep again, some would play cards while others would watch television. Since I brought a book, you would find me reading. Come 4 pm, we would all have this strange urge to eat again despite the lack of physical activities. One would initiate the move and suggest the ladies to change to their swimsuits. While the ladies get ready, the guys fool around and dress up in two minutes. Once the ladies emerge, the couples would pair up and the ladies would have to insist on the foolhardy males to apply sunblock. Gaining leverage, we would walk under the 4 pm heat of White Beach witnessing people beginning to crowd the shores and hang out with friends and family. We would chill at Station 1, a spot where we feel more familiar with, order drinks and food during happy hour. This is where we bond, chill and wait for the sunset. Since we have photographers in tow, expect camera whoring and photo ops, which would turn out to be funny, original and artistic. While the sun falls down and everyone else gets a taste of exercise and liquor, we would be thinking again where to have dinner. Discussions would arise, supposedly the only mental and diplomatic exercise we have to go through. No tedious and professional data being discussed, no operational issues to study. Basic problems would only boil down to food, time, activities and untangling strong egos clashing. Once everybody’s appeased with the selection, we march to the restaurant.

After dinner, others would hang out and meet up with other friends while majority goes back to the hotel room. While others take a bath, others phone for massage service. By 9 pm, half of my friends would be sleeping to store up energy while the other half would opt to stay awake and find amusing things to do. By 11 pm, phones would be ringing off the hook and text messages allow meeting places to be divulged. Ladies and Gents would get ready with their summer party look. By 11:30, we would march to the hip socunds of the shore like a piper beckoning the thirsty souls for liquor. We expect people to get drunk and stay till the morning. We’re lucky if we don’t witness fights. Depends on the need, at around 4 am some people would have their after party snacks at Jonah’s, while others go straight back to the hotel. Sleep will snatch them until lunch time. Then at lunch, the same cycle continues.

It is 1:18 pm, but I’m not in Boracay anymore. I just flew in yesterday afternoon and I’m suffering from vacation withdrawal. It’s hard and I’m not strong enough to bounce back to my version of reality anytime soon. I have already conquered the heavy traffic. I hope I could gracefully go back to conquer work tomorrow.

Vacation Preparation

I went to the office this morning feeling careless and preoccupied. I admit my mind was not concentrated with work anymore but on my upcoming long weekend vacation. I thought about what I'd pack and what other things left for me to buy. I wasn't thinking of deadlines breathing down my neck or my task list for today. To tell you honestly, it was double torture for me since some of my friends and colleagues are already there today. Nevertheless, I had to work my ass off and finish what I had to finish. I had to endure a late lunch and missed bathroom breaks. I believe I was not also able to talk lengthily to someone today. But due to perseverance and sick love for self-torture, I was able to finish everything by 6 pm. I did my hand off, organized my out-of-office assistant in Outlook, grabbed my earphones, printed my airplane tickets and bade my boss a happy goodbye. By 6 pm, I walked (skipped) towards the shuttle that was waiting for me just right outside our building to take me to the nearest mall from our village where I will meet my sister for a manicure and pedicure session. Perfect.

Today started painful, but it ended up very fulfilling. Though my mind was already not 100% with work, I was able to finish and accomplish my goals. The only thing left for me to do is face the inevitable. Packing. It may be not my most favorite thing in the world. In fact, I dread it, but I'd rather go through it than stay here another weekend and be possibly called to work.

God knows I need a break. I need to see nature. Though I'm not a fan of the beach, I'm really looking forward to unlimited good food, shakes, massages and wearing shorts and flipflops all day long. Boracay has become an annual therapy in a way.



Besides, I heard weather's here going to be excruciatingly hot this weekend. Some say it would reach 40 degrees. What at torture. At least I'll be in shorts at that time and I could hog the air conditioning in the hotel room, something that I rightfully paid for. And since my parents and brother are in Hong Kong and enjoying themselves while I'll be in Boracay this weekend, I offered words of honesty to my sister who will be staying in Manila: "Sucks to be you! "




Image: from http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/boracay_palm_trees1.jpg
Weather data: Accuweather

Happy April...very soon

Sarah Dunant’s book, In the Company of the Courtesan, has been with me for almost three weeks now. My reading has become snail paced and unfocused recently. Like the primary reason before, work is the main culprit. Going to work on weekends, attending twilight meetings, delivering close to impossible demands and actually thinking of working for other company sucks the time and fun out. February and March are stressful and pitifully uneventful months for me. Thank god it’s already April. At least I have a looming vacation in one week.

I’m happy and anxious in a way that it’s finally April 1^st. This means that the first quarter’s already done. Looking back, my first quarter is a transition to heavier work. I got promoted, but added more responsibilities under my belt. In this period, I realized a need to redefine and possibly shift work. And happily, I did something about it. Last February to March I was diligent, and now I’m just waiting for the results as soon as Holy Week’s over.

After all the shit and anxiety, I can still find the reason to be happy because I can smell my first summer vacation which happens next week. Though I'm not technically a fan of the beach and I've been to Boracay a couple of times already that excitement somehow diminishes, it's still a vacation that's badly needed right now. I can't wait to wear summer clothing there all day long, not specifically thinking about getting clean and all. I can't wait for relaxation and waking in a hotel room. Most importantly, I can't wait for good food. Breakfast at Real Coffee, Lunch at Dos Mestizos, Merienda at Cafe Del Sol or Jonah's, Coffee fix at Starbucks and buffet dinner at the numerous beachfront restaurants there with fresh seafood! Food clinches the deal.

After Boracay my April and May weekends are open. I am planning to go to one of the fine resorts in Batangas or just a quick spa trip to Tagaytay. Preferably a place where I would not overspend because come June, I'll be going to Bangkok. Yey!

But let's face it, I still have to go to work in less than two hours and it's a good friday. Jesus wouldn't be really happy right now. Work, again, has become impossible to bear lately. All I need to do is to hang on and pray that this will soon be over. I would also pray for forgiveness due to lack of spiritual bond.

After this working holy week, I can't wait to relax and swim. I also have to have to finish reading Sarah Dunant's book and prepare for my summer reading in Boracay. I've already made lists. But for tomorrow, I'm thinking of Spirals Buffet, Clash of the Titan's 3D movie, a kickass massage and a luxury accommodation at Sofitel. Thanks to my father, this will all be done. Life, as they say, is all about balance. And I can't wait to experience the good side.

My Retail Therapy for Summer

Had a retail therapy yesterday and now my room, specifically the space below my once-pristine-desk, is now full of shopping bags, luggage and some other things I didn't bother to identify. When I shop, I just do it in one major execution and hope for the best that I don't find any other reasons to go to the mall and end up buying things that I think I might use.

Yesterday was such a fulfilling day and a quick turn from spending my Saturdays in the office. I decided to have my retail therapy yesterday and gear up for the summer. God knows that I might not have the same opportunity for this. I may not be a shopper, but I shop when it's needed and starting summer in full gear is something that I really take seriously.

I'm not a fashionista beachgoer. In fact I don't like the beach that much. I'm more inclined to relax by the pool than wade in beach water, which I've tried once, and suffered skin allergies. Sea breeze is welcome, but not really my thing. But in two more weeks I would find myself again in the sandy and popular Boracay Island where I think almost everyone ticks off as part of their must-trips this summer. If not for the beach, I just go there for the accessible food by the beach and 300 pesos worth of massages in open air with people who are careless of what other people would be wearing. A place where we could socially survive wearing shorts, shirt and flip flops, with my not-so-beach-body, is an alternative paradise for me.

So I went with my mom to Makati and did a systematic sweep of the place where literally I could find everything. In terms of malls, I like going to Glorietta or the Ayala Center area because there are three major department stores, individual stores and wide selection of coffee shops and restaurants to rest. Upon going there, I did a systematic scheme on how I would go about my retail therapy in 5 hours, but before leaving the house, I already made a list just so I won't get distracted.

SUMMER GEAR:

1. SWIMWEAR

I would be staying in Boracay for three full days and that means I have to bring three swimwears. The reason why I don't recycle one suit there it's because it's unhygenic. I treat swimsuits as main clothing apparels and wearing the same swimsuit you wore the previous day, unless it's properly cleaned, is like wearing your underwear all over again. Since I don't have the energy nor the time to visit the laundromat, I just bring three, one for each day.

But that is not to say that I must buy three new swimsuits for this year. I recycle past year's swimsuits because I don't think there's something wrong with it. I buy swimsuits because of the fit and design. I don't buy it because of trend. And I make sure that whenever I buy a piece, I would find it wearable for ten more years, assuming of course that my body type will not balloon into a universe.

So, I went to department stores first to look at their designs and materials. Then I went to specialty stores for swimwear. After trying on sets of swimwear, I always have a problem with size on certain parts of my body. My tummy is a known problem, but my boobs size isn't so if I get a much larger size to accommodate my mid-flabs, my top would look ridiculously oversized. In some severe cases, they just don't have a much larger size to accommodate people like me. So swimwear shopping is always a pain and needs my full time and attention. Just as I was down to my last shop, I went to a retail store that specializes in ladies wear fit for different body types. Just like any other brand of clothing, they also have a swimwear collection for summer. Since I had nothing to lose, I picked two designs in their displays and tried it on. In the span of ten minutes, I found what I was looking for. It took me almost three hours to search for a swimwear that would fit me and it just took me ten minutes to decide the right one. Both swimsuits that I've tried on were fantastic. It fits me well and the material is classy enough. The only possible setback would be that I might have an identical encounter in Boracay. I wouldn't be surprised if people would buy similar designs that I bought because the swimwears have forgiving fit. There was a slight hesitation there, but I'd rather go have a good looking swimwear than go naked and make the world suffer from my pride and paranoia. So instead of one, I bought two pieces for a reasonable price.

2. COVER UPS

Moving on to my next list are cover ups. I knew that once I accomplished buying a swimsuit everything else will go smoothly. Unless I have a body of a Sports Illustrated model, I could do without coverups and walk around with only wearing my swimsuit the whole day. Though I may be confident, but I'm not THAT confident and sadistic. I need to at least feel that I'm still wearing something over my swimsuit which is a glorified version of an underwear.

There are lots of loose pieces and accessible dresses with amazingly varied materials. It could be sheer, cotton or silk. An old tube dress could be transformed into a cover up. I had already made lots of choices found in department stores but I bought my coverups in a specialty swimwear store on 50% off. For 700 bucks I was able to buy a sheer and airy pink tunic and a loose gray shirt dress with pockets. And one more thing. The color and design go well with my new swimwear.

3. FLIP FLOPS

I have two pairs of good flipflops both from Havaianas. One is already worn out and one I bought last year. Technically, I don't need to buy anymore. One good pair is enough, but I admit that at least I need one new pair for the year. Flipflops is always a favorite anyways.

I went to Havaianas and Sanuk and realized that I have to stick to a budget. I can never get used to paying 800 bucks for flipflops. As I browsed through, still undecided to buy a pair, I figured to give it a rest and focus on buying something else that I might need. I went to SM Department store for my last stop and just like an automatic reflex, I went to the shoe section and found myself staring into a wild rack of colorful and funky flipflops. There are no Havaianas there, just brands like Planet, Banana Peel, IPanema and Toeberries, which produce stylish and comfortable flipflops for a very cheap price. I quickly went to the whole wall of Toeberries Flipflops and fell in love with two pairs. I bought a Toeberries flipflops before and it's still with me. I use it whenever I visit the gym and it hasn't failed me in terms of comfort and durability. With much conviction and personal experience, I bought two flipflops for less than 200 bucks.

You see, I have no problems buying branded flipflops because they're known for comfort, style and durability. But if a much cheaper alternative comes into view and delivers almost the same if not equal experience, then I'd rather be practical and sensible. Because the almost 800 pesos worth of difference does not do justice anymore.

4. SHADES

On my way to SM Department store to meet my mom, I passed by the I2I stall that sells funky eyeglasses. I tried on a couple of pairs and particularly liked the one that accentuates the bridge of my nose. I bought the matte version instead of the usual glossy ones; and I'd like to think that aside from the added eye protection, I looked like a rockstar. I wish. The pair was instantly sold for 350 pesos and I got to choose the color of the case.

5. PROTECTION

Meeting my mom in Watsons where the wonderland of care products are found, I bought my summer protection set. Ever since I got hooked to SPAs I found a new joy in going to Watsons. They have almost everything there to pamper every part of your body. I buy my nailpolish there, my total care shampoo, facial wash and other fruity selections I can sink my teeth into.

For summer I bought a large bottle of Nivea Lotion Sun Block to share with Mitch. I like Nivea more than Coppertone. It locks in more moisture and the consistency's better than the watery alternative. I also bought a cool After Sun Spray by Nivea, Petroleum Jelly, Elseve Royal Jelly Hair leave on, which works wonders. I bought a scented, relief gel and easily racked up 1100 bucks. As much as body care products are important, they could be very expensive too.

We went home at 5 pm just right on schedule. Though my wallet was empty of crisp cash, I was able to accomplish everything that I came out for. My trip and money were not in vain. In roughly four thousand bucks I bought:

2 swimsuits
2 coverups
2 flipflops
1 pair of sunglasses
1 Summer Protection kit

That was my retail therapy. Systematic. Swift and hopefully my last for the year.

Boracay here I come.

Passion vs. Temptation

Come Monday some of my friends and colleagues asked me what travel deals I got knowing the fact that I literally spent my two whole days in the travel and tours expo. For them, it's nearly impossible to think that I went home empty handed. For my parents, they feared the worst economic slump for me. However, I surprised them by not booking at least one.

Of course I had my weak moments. I fell in line at PAL, AirPhilippines and SEAIR just to avail their 50% discounts only to find out that my specific dates are not included in the promos. It was a cue for me to leave though I could've easily picked any other dates just to be able to purchase dirt-cheap tickets, but my conscience said otherwise. Also, there is the question of a possible travel buddy. As much as I can travel alone, it's easier to have one person around especially in international destinations. Imagine, I can get for as low as 3,400 round trip ticket to Saigon care of Cebu Pacific. I was about to book when one of my travel buddies backed out due to work schedule conflicts. I was so devastated, but still strong-headed to purhase that ticket all by myself and not consider my safety. A travel blogger friend of mine, who was with me at that time, told me not to push through because he's concerned for my safety. From his vast traveling experience, I believed him.

On my second day at the expo, I was about to book tickets to Puerto Princesa for me and the boyfriend. I was already confined to my decision only to be persuaded by my mother to postpone the purchase just because I have other travel plans pending, one in Boracay this April and Bangkok in June. She believes that I won't be able to gain financial leverage with all my money going out the window. I figured, she's right. I do have to plan these things thoroughly and not get hooked by just a sudden possibility. Besides, the boyfriend isn't ecstatic about traveling either.

So, what I did was to take note of some fliers and slowly formed my future travel plans in my head. I was entertained by promotional gimmicks of hotels and resorts as I was introduced to new local destinations and establishments I've never heard of. I kept on circling around, studying information and programming in my head that I would soon visit one of these places. I got contact numbers of various tourist agencies, resorts and hotels. I'm just keeping my options open.

Lastly, I postponed purchasing another travel deal because of certain career movements, which I'm trying to initiate. We've only finished the second month of this year and 10 months are still waiting to be spent. I'm afraid there might be sudden career occurences that might conflict with my future travel plans. It's always better to wait and strategize as traveling also involves resources and energy.

So, I only took various maps, fliers and contact numbers in those two days at the EXPO. It was still fruitful for me even though I was not able to purchase anything because I now have vast information. Frankly, I think it was just right. I'm still slumped with financial bills and I already have travel plans on cue for the summer anyways. There is no need to complicate things. Besides, I'm eyeing for bigger things now like that Asian cruise and European tour. Hopefully I could get to purchase something like that on next year's travel and tours expo. That means I really have to save this year and cut what needs to be cut, like hormonal traveling.

More serious Travel Updates

"Traveling is the best way to rediscover the self and the world. All you have to do is to get lost and surrender."- me

"Most people say they like to travel, but most people also have excuses not to do it. " -me




If anyone reading is working in the travel industry right now, consider this as my written desire to apply. My basic competencies are:

1. I like to research and study places, culture, people and sights
2. I am a planner. I like to plan itineraries, provide alternatives and do the nitty gritty work of reservations, confirmations and readjustments.
3. I love data and I love information that has anything to do with traveling.
4. I am open minded and a multi-faceted individual
5. I don't have any social connections that would tie me down in one spot. I move freely and frequently as I please.

Some friends say that I should have been working as a flight attendant. But no offense to flight attendants, I'm not good with serving food and nurturing people especially on stressful circumstances of being in flight. I'm not a caring and nurturing person to begin with. I would drastically fail the initial screening. My personality is not congenial. I'm an introvert and I don't like much interaction especially if I'm working. Anyways, forget about the personality aspect, my physical aspects just won't cut it. I'm short, I'm fat, I'm not that athletic and I doubt my beauty would appeal to many. True that I am modest, but I'm not a liar. I want mental stimulation, reports generation and the corporate back office. That desire to thrive up that professional ladder would not be appeased by becoming a flight attendant.

Being a pilot or an aero-engineer might have been better options, but I doubt my aptitude in geography and mathematical equations would enable me to excel or much less pass. Front desk travel agents are quite the same as being a front line flight attendant.

I work best behind the scenes and in front of a computer. I could be a travel researcher, itinerary planner, corporate planner of a travel company, industry analyst, travel writer and reviewer. I could work in a travel company, in the corporate arm of an airline, hotel or resorts, travel networks or travel organizations.

If this would only remain to be a dream, I would still support the Tourism ndustry. Traveling has served me well. It's a lucrative industry that helps the economy. It's an industry that helps people rediscover themselves to become more open-minded and cultured individuals. There is a more fulfilling joy to this. Intangible, but precious.

***

It's already summer and this season is all about taking advantage of the sun, liberty from obligations (for students), and grabbing promos that would certainly benefit even the travel Scrooge.

Thank the heavens for this wonderful 17th Travel and Tours expo, which promotes the travel industry by bringing better access to information, packages and discounts of hotels, resorts, tourism boards and travel agencies to seasoned travelers and even skeptical ones.

Their timing is perfect since we're already transitioning to the summer season, the Philippine's season for travel and activities. Not technically a fan of summer, but for travel's sake, the heat is worth it!

Thanks to Kat Espineli for sending me the 17th Travel and Tours Expo Brochures. Now, I'm all geared for this weekend!

17th Travel and Tours Expo Feb 19-21, 2010 at SMX Convention Center (Beside MOA)