I just finished watching Jack, a 1996 drama-comedy, starred by Robin Williams in Star Movies. I watched it while I was having my breakfast, Swiss Chocolate Cake, brought by a guest from last night's party. I believe the movie and the cake meshed well. It's not the first time I've watched the movie though. I think I've watched the full length more than five times already, but the movie still stands out. The story is simple, yet original. It's heartfelt and very truthful. The movie bursts with meaning and not of euphemisms. Why movies aren't like that anymore?
I love movies done in the 80's and the 90's. I even love movies done a couple of decades before that. Probably even as time goes by, the stories still stand out. It's classically relative. They don't focus on glitz, they focus on real stories and great performances. Even Filipino movies had more meat to it than love-team led titles that we see now. Though the modernity of film making at this age has an edge through special effects, graphics and other advanced cinematography features, but the stories do not really pierce the soul. It's either the story is somewhat recycled or pointless. Stories done before are still being very much appreciated now because the story and the performances were stellar. It's not riding in constant commercial hype nor did it rely on technology. Movies done now battle on special effects and technology. That may be true, but most movies lack on the backbone, the story. It's either rehashed with different characters, but having the same lessons, same endings and same emotions. What's bad about how movies rely on technology now is that once you've seen a sample, you've seen it all.
I am an 80's and 90's kid in movies at heart. Though I do have a couple of favorites in 2000, but those I could only count with my fingers. We desperately need new stories. We need new ways on how to tell them. We need to bring the good actors back and not just some mainstream hot item in tabloids now. If we have to remake movies, may it be more empowered and incomparable than before. I don't know the specific answers. But I think Film makers need to take passionate risks sometimes and not stick with the formula. Movies shouldn't be a trend. It's an art.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Scary: Possible Tsunami
Scary.
A powerful earthquake in Chile happened early Saturday with an 8.8 magnitude. According to reports Santiago, the country's capital, was very much affected. Chile, being directly connected to the Pacific Ocean, prompted neighboring country officials to prepare and observe possible signs of tsunami. There are no specific evacuation orders yet, however governments are closely monitoring the situation and prepares the public for the worst case possibility.
According to Manila Times, in May 1960 Chile was ravaged known as Valdivia (Great Chilean Earthquake) which was rated 9.5 on the magnitude scale. The tsunami affected Hawaii, Japan, Philippines and New Zealand. Hopefully this will not happen again.
We might have El Nino and it's hot and dry outside, but we do not need Tsunamis now.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
My financial stand
I went to the airport with my aunt this morning to pick up live crabs and shrimps from Roxas. They would be part of the grand and usual menu of my father's birthday dinner tonight. As usual, the house is tense with lots of activities such as cleaning, cooking and prepping up. This always happens and since we are lacking an employed driver right now, that just means it's either me or my sister who has to perform dreadful errands like driving, buying and practically doing domestic stuff. In all categories, I suck, so I'm actually doing them a favor by staying out of the house before everything else gets a bit pretentious and chaotic this evening. I believe my errand for this morning was enough contribution for now.
So here I am in the lounge of my gym waiting for my cycling class to start, which is about two hours from now. Beats anything than staying hot and driving in the smogged dessert of a metro.
I had an afternoon talk with my colleagues on how we are faring financially. It's a pretty sensitive topic for me because frankly, I have nothing else to share. I'm way below my target savings. and I'm not saying this just to draw pity. I don't exaggerate. If there's one thing that I really have to work on, it's my finances.
People on the outside would always think that I have lots of disposable income. I have a good job in a multinational company, since I don't have my own place yet I don't necessarily have house bills to pay, my parents are sustainable and I'm not a shopper. I don't buy clothes and shoes unless I really have to. I don't buy gadgets and I don't go to gimmicks. I'm a homebody in every sense. Immediately factoring these, people would think that I have so many savings and that my Starbucks trips thrice a week are worth nothing to me. For them I always find reasons to ask people to dine out when they would always point out that they don't have money, which makes me look that I'm the richer one. To be honest, I'm not.
My only vices are food and travel, which equally eat up my savings. It came to a point last year that I had to wait from payday to payday. I felt financially horrible. Though I still have the capability to pay my own bills. I do buy my own groceries, I pay my credit card debt, but at the end of the day nothing goes to my piggy bank, which is sad and isn't the case three years ago when in fact I was receiving poor working circumstances and lower salary then. I guess my lifestyle just upgraded and I began doing things that I want to do, which may not be tangible, but expensive. Food and travel are the things that I would have to curb for this year if I want something sustainable to purchase for myself like a house or a car. It's time for me to tighten my belt and to save.
That's why when colleagues my age talk about money I get awkward because that is the area that I'm not very proud of right now. I might become silent and project that nothing's wrong, when in fact I just don't want to discuss it because I've always been elusive with money. Money for me, especially if it's earned, is a resource to enjoy. If it gets drained out at least I'm happy, but I realized that it's not always good living on the extremes. That's why until that time comes when I will be able to master how to work my finances, maybe that's the time I'd feel more comfortable discussing money.
Upon my conversations with colleagues though, I may not be entirely proud of my financial achievements, but I'm thoroughly proud of my financial independence. I was listening to a few colleagues admitting that they still receive allowances from their parents even though they've been working for years. They receive allowances for everything like gas, car maintenance, food and travel. I could just sit there and be stunned that they still receive dole outs from their parents. That would never happen with me. I would not allow it. A 30 something female executive was given a condo-unit and a car by her parents and even a married colleague of mine has her credit card bills paid by her parents. I could just be astonished by their parents' understanding and generosity when it comes to these things. Though I'm not saying that my parents are not equally generous, but I've never asked them for anything since 19 years old. In that regard, I'm proud of myself. The only thing that I don't pay for is the house, since I'm still living with them, but everything else, it's me.
Aside from my insurance, phone and credit card bills, I pay for my own gas. I pay for my groceries and toiletries. I support Harvey and my travel expenses. And even traveling with parents, I shell out for my own tickets and accommodations. They never have to worry about me financially because I never asked them for anything since 19 years old and I'm still living a pretty happy life. Though they keep on checking on me if I still do save since they know that I splurge on traveling and treating my siblings to dinners most of the time. I just try to smile and put their worries for another day.
Nearly penniless and I may not be financially healthy right now, I still have something to be proud of. I cannot feel insecure with colleagues who whine about money just because they can't shop for imported brands. I cannot and will not feel insecure and distraught when some people I know willingly request for grand, material things from their parents and parade it in front of my nose as if it were their own, when in fact they never paid a cent. They could be willing daughters and sons who receive blessings non-stop, but I'm not like that. I'd like to think that I still have pride to achieve certain things on my own. I don't want to be a burden to my parents and I don't want to depend on someone else to survive. What I do enjoy and what I do love should always come from me and from no one else.
I may not be financially at the top of my game right now. I know I have made grand mistakes, which I don't regret. It taught me something important and made me realize that it's time to save and achieve something tangible for a change. Since I'm not the one to depend on my parents for financial support, I know that the challenge will be faced by me alone. Even with my present circumstances and listening to colleagues, I may be squirmish about money right now, but deep inside the silence also comes from another fountain of wisdom. I'm silent because as much as people whine about money and constantly parade their material acquisitions, I still pride myself for being financially independent since 19 years old. I do enjoy my money by doing the things that I want to do like travel, dining out and occasional splurges. I never have to ask support from anyone. I also may not have tangible things right now, but that will come in time. But rest assured that when I parade my new car, flash my new accessories and buy own my own space, that everything was brought from my own sweat and blood. That for me are things to look forward to and something to be proud of.
So here I am in the lounge of my gym waiting for my cycling class to start, which is about two hours from now. Beats anything than staying hot and driving in the smogged dessert of a metro.
I had an afternoon talk with my colleagues on how we are faring financially. It's a pretty sensitive topic for me because frankly, I have nothing else to share. I'm way below my target savings. and I'm not saying this just to draw pity. I don't exaggerate. If there's one thing that I really have to work on, it's my finances.
People on the outside would always think that I have lots of disposable income. I have a good job in a multinational company, since I don't have my own place yet I don't necessarily have house bills to pay, my parents are sustainable and I'm not a shopper. I don't buy clothes and shoes unless I really have to. I don't buy gadgets and I don't go to gimmicks. I'm a homebody in every sense. Immediately factoring these, people would think that I have so many savings and that my Starbucks trips thrice a week are worth nothing to me. For them I always find reasons to ask people to dine out when they would always point out that they don't have money, which makes me look that I'm the richer one. To be honest, I'm not.
My only vices are food and travel, which equally eat up my savings. It came to a point last year that I had to wait from payday to payday. I felt financially horrible. Though I still have the capability to pay my own bills. I do buy my own groceries, I pay my credit card debt, but at the end of the day nothing goes to my piggy bank, which is sad and isn't the case three years ago when in fact I was receiving poor working circumstances and lower salary then. I guess my lifestyle just upgraded and I began doing things that I want to do, which may not be tangible, but expensive. Food and travel are the things that I would have to curb for this year if I want something sustainable to purchase for myself like a house or a car. It's time for me to tighten my belt and to save.
That's why when colleagues my age talk about money I get awkward because that is the area that I'm not very proud of right now. I might become silent and project that nothing's wrong, when in fact I just don't want to discuss it because I've always been elusive with money. Money for me, especially if it's earned, is a resource to enjoy. If it gets drained out at least I'm happy, but I realized that it's not always good living on the extremes. That's why until that time comes when I will be able to master how to work my finances, maybe that's the time I'd feel more comfortable discussing money.
Upon my conversations with colleagues though, I may not be entirely proud of my financial achievements, but I'm thoroughly proud of my financial independence. I was listening to a few colleagues admitting that they still receive allowances from their parents even though they've been working for years. They receive allowances for everything like gas, car maintenance, food and travel. I could just sit there and be stunned that they still receive dole outs from their parents. That would never happen with me. I would not allow it. A 30 something female executive was given a condo-unit and a car by her parents and even a married colleague of mine has her credit card bills paid by her parents. I could just be astonished by their parents' understanding and generosity when it comes to these things. Though I'm not saying that my parents are not equally generous, but I've never asked them for anything since 19 years old. In that regard, I'm proud of myself. The only thing that I don't pay for is the house, since I'm still living with them, but everything else, it's me.
Aside from my insurance, phone and credit card bills, I pay for my own gas. I pay for my groceries and toiletries. I support Harvey and my travel expenses. And even traveling with parents, I shell out for my own tickets and accommodations. They never have to worry about me financially because I never asked them for anything since 19 years old and I'm still living a pretty happy life. Though they keep on checking on me if I still do save since they know that I splurge on traveling and treating my siblings to dinners most of the time. I just try to smile and put their worries for another day.
Nearly penniless and I may not be financially healthy right now, I still have something to be proud of. I cannot feel insecure with colleagues who whine about money just because they can't shop for imported brands. I cannot and will not feel insecure and distraught when some people I know willingly request for grand, material things from their parents and parade it in front of my nose as if it were their own, when in fact they never paid a cent. They could be willing daughters and sons who receive blessings non-stop, but I'm not like that. I'd like to think that I still have pride to achieve certain things on my own. I don't want to be a burden to my parents and I don't want to depend on someone else to survive. What I do enjoy and what I do love should always come from me and from no one else.
I may not be financially at the top of my game right now. I know I have made grand mistakes, which I don't regret. It taught me something important and made me realize that it's time to save and achieve something tangible for a change. Since I'm not the one to depend on my parents for financial support, I know that the challenge will be faced by me alone. Even with my present circumstances and listening to colleagues, I may be squirmish about money right now, but deep inside the silence also comes from another fountain of wisdom. I'm silent because as much as people whine about money and constantly parade their material acquisitions, I still pride myself for being financially independent since 19 years old. I do enjoy my money by doing the things that I want to do like travel, dining out and occasional splurges. I never have to ask support from anyone. I also may not have tangible things right now, but that will come in time. But rest assured that when I parade my new car, flash my new accessories and buy own my own space, that everything was brought from my own sweat and blood. That for me are things to look forward to and something to be proud of.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Go Travel!
Unfortunately I'm one of those few souls who do not get ecstatic for summer. Why get excited I ask. Summer is terribly hot, it's the perfect time for me to get skin allergies, electricity bills are bound to skyrocket and kids are literally around. This is my perfect hibernation season. I always imagine the ALPS. However bad, there is also a small itsy bitsy good side that comes with Summer. Vacations Packages.
For two days I've visited the chaotic, yet mesmerizing 17th Travel Tour Expo at SMX, which is just beside MOA, a place I rarely go to. For two consecutive days I was there from 11 am to 5 pm forgoing my usual gym sessions and weekend routine. I believe the expo is an annual opportunity for people like me who love to travel and get smart deals that won't break our wallets. The travel tour expo is the perfect place for tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines and hotels to get together and offer their best and exclusive rates for travelers gearing up for summer. If you're scheduled to have vacation in the BER months and off peak seasons, you might be disappointed on searching for low rates for hotels and tour packages. They mostly quote discounted rates and promos for summer. But if you're booking airline tickets, this a good place to go whether or not you're traveling during summer or latter parts of this year.
Just like in any expo, I expected tons of people, squishing around, unbelievable line queues and inconsiderate souls who hog their time with the front line agents. I got all of them, unfortunately, with a couple of B-lister actors looking for cheap flights and packages for the summer.
All in all the expo, despite tons of people and a bit of disorganized moments, was fruitful. I guess with how the transactions went, airline and travel companies got their expected number of clients. Colorful fliers bearing information were flying like sand, which was something unpleasant for a passing environmentalist. The expo opened up lots of opportunities for travel eliminating Scroogelike-excuses with the exciting and empowering discounts and packages. But most of them operate on a book and buy basis, which means you have to purchase during the particular travel expo schedule just to avail the attractive rates offered on the spot.
It was also a place for people who already have scheduled trips. Tourism boards of various countries and local regions were there to offer discounts from their affiliated hotels, restaurants and tours establishments. Tourism board stalls gave lots of maps, brochures and information on how to plan your upcoming trip to their land. There were free food, massages and consultation as their marketing gimmicks.
The 17th Travel and Tours expo is one of the best ways to boost the local and international travel industry. It empowers people to enjoy the world by giving the lowest rates and attractive packages. It also tickles the endless possibility even for non-travelers to go and rediscover other lands. The 17th Travel and Tours Expo was tiring, but considered a blast. Certain opportunities like this shouldn't be missed.
Special thanks to my travel-blogger friend: Kegler747.blogspot.com for accompanying me.
For two days I've visited the chaotic, yet mesmerizing 17th Travel Tour Expo at SMX, which is just beside MOA, a place I rarely go to. For two consecutive days I was there from 11 am to 5 pm forgoing my usual gym sessions and weekend routine. I believe the expo is an annual opportunity for people like me who love to travel and get smart deals that won't break our wallets. The travel tour expo is the perfect place for tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines and hotels to get together and offer their best and exclusive rates for travelers gearing up for summer. If you're scheduled to have vacation in the BER months and off peak seasons, you might be disappointed on searching for low rates for hotels and tour packages. They mostly quote discounted rates and promos for summer. But if you're booking airline tickets, this a good place to go whether or not you're traveling during summer or latter parts of this year.
Just like in any expo, I expected tons of people, squishing around, unbelievable line queues and inconsiderate souls who hog their time with the front line agents. I got all of them, unfortunately, with a couple of B-lister actors looking for cheap flights and packages for the summer.
All in all the expo, despite tons of people and a bit of disorganized moments, was fruitful. I guess with how the transactions went, airline and travel companies got their expected number of clients. Colorful fliers bearing information were flying like sand, which was something unpleasant for a passing environmentalist. The expo opened up lots of opportunities for travel eliminating Scroogelike-excuses with the exciting and empowering discounts and packages. But most of them operate on a book and buy basis, which means you have to purchase during the particular travel expo schedule just to avail the attractive rates offered on the spot.
It was also a place for people who already have scheduled trips. Tourism boards of various countries and local regions were there to offer discounts from their affiliated hotels, restaurants and tours establishments. Tourism board stalls gave lots of maps, brochures and information on how to plan your upcoming trip to their land. There were free food, massages and consultation as their marketing gimmicks.
The 17th Travel and Tours expo is one of the best ways to boost the local and international travel industry. It empowers people to enjoy the world by giving the lowest rates and attractive packages. It also tickles the endless possibility even for non-travelers to go and rediscover other lands. The 17th Travel and Tours Expo was tiring, but considered a blast. Certain opportunities like this shouldn't be missed.
Special thanks to my travel-blogger friend: Kegler747.blogspot.com for accompanying me.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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)
"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)
Passion on Traveling
If there's a way I could travel the world freely without having to think of resources, time and obligations, then consider me the luckiest person in the world. It's not a quote. It's just me.
I love to travel. I love it so much that I've made it one of my top three goals for 2010. I want this year to be full of happy memories and experiences brought by traveling. I want to move around and rediscover culture, people, food, sights and places. I want to escape my life from time to time and recuperate. I always come out better whenever I travel. It's tried and tested. I've already gone beyond reading this time. Now I'm seriously moving.
It was just ironic that I was born in a family that aren't travelers. They are more identified as tourists. They don't like moving around that much. They are comfort zone eaters.. For them, traveling is intangible, a worthless piece of emotional and physical investment that is a waste of time and energy. That's why whenever we go somewhere maybe out of obligation or a need for a bonding moment, I take advantage of it no matter how limiting it's always been. I just make the most out if it and move around meaningfully. I try my best to encourage them to skip the usual activities and instead make our own, but sadly I'm always outnumbered. I just like to discover new things until I was old enough to plan and pay for my own trips. For the past couple of years, I had commendable self-initiated travel expeditions that introduced this hobby of mine to a goal then passion. For now, I've decided to go ahead full blast. Resources or with no resources, next to writing, I'm now fulfilling my destiny to travel.
I know now that traveling is not that glamorous. It's not about booking the first class hotel and scheduling yourself in the hands of a tourist guide. Although it helps sometimes if the need is to relax, disappear and if your mind is burned out, but traveling for me always starts from scratch. It starts whenever I search the internet. It happens when I study the history, sights and places that I want to see. It starts when I've decided on where to go and how I would want to go there. The road less traveled is always better. Commute than hire a guide. I may not be a fan of walking around my own neighborhood, but rest assured I would walk around, ride public transportation and get dirty when traveling. In traveling, one has to be vulnerable on these things to properly discover what we need to discover. Walking around the block and noticing how people talk and converse is something not included in the tour package. Walking at 6 am, riding the train and going to the other part of the island to have breakfast, is a surrender to spontaneity and endless discovery. Being in the middle of a crowded place in a foreign land is the best place to be. Traveling is getting to know the country, the culture and everyday life better and unfortunately it's not entirely about luxury.
Since traveling is not always glamorous, secure and predictable, it's enough to scare the penniless control freak any day. But traveling should be flexible. It need not be expensive. The demands make it more expensive, not traveling. The difference is, the traveler is flexible while the tourist only works and depends on a certain budget.
Traveling also opens my mind to rediscover new things and to rediscover myself. Traveling is more internal than external. It made me discover that I have the capability to walk 12 hours non-stop because I know that whenever I see new sights, breathe that scent of foreign land, see how people go about their normal lives, the pain automatically washes away. I know because it happened to me. Traveling makes me feel such a child who doesn't know anything, but coming out of the experience would make me wiser and more open to accept differences.
Traveling is also a certified therapy for me. There are days when I want to escape and expose myself to new and positive energy. Traveling has always been the answer. Other people might have shopping, some may have sports and racing, while I let off steam by Traveling. It occupies the mind with visuals and senses too much that I couldn't think of anything else. It transfers me to peek on a new life and tickle my imagination. It's always a liberating experience to be able to compare and learn your way in a land that isn't familiar to you.
If I could do this forever, I would. If I have a good amount of resources right now, I most definitely would visit even the remotest of places just to eat their local bread and embrace the scenery. I would resign from my job and entirely devote myself in making my own itineraries and I'm sure I would learn more than ever. Traveling may have started as a simple hobby, but now it's my new passion.
I love to travel. I love it so much that I've made it one of my top three goals for 2010. I want this year to be full of happy memories and experiences brought by traveling. I want to move around and rediscover culture, people, food, sights and places. I want to escape my life from time to time and recuperate. I always come out better whenever I travel. It's tried and tested. I've already gone beyond reading this time. Now I'm seriously moving.
It was just ironic that I was born in a family that aren't travelers. They are more identified as tourists. They don't like moving around that much. They are comfort zone eaters.. For them, traveling is intangible, a worthless piece of emotional and physical investment that is a waste of time and energy. That's why whenever we go somewhere maybe out of obligation or a need for a bonding moment, I take advantage of it no matter how limiting it's always been. I just make the most out if it and move around meaningfully. I try my best to encourage them to skip the usual activities and instead make our own, but sadly I'm always outnumbered. I just like to discover new things until I was old enough to plan and pay for my own trips. For the past couple of years, I had commendable self-initiated travel expeditions that introduced this hobby of mine to a goal then passion. For now, I've decided to go ahead full blast. Resources or with no resources, next to writing, I'm now fulfilling my destiny to travel.
I know now that traveling is not that glamorous. It's not about booking the first class hotel and scheduling yourself in the hands of a tourist guide. Although it helps sometimes if the need is to relax, disappear and if your mind is burned out, but traveling for me always starts from scratch. It starts whenever I search the internet. It happens when I study the history, sights and places that I want to see. It starts when I've decided on where to go and how I would want to go there. The road less traveled is always better. Commute than hire a guide. I may not be a fan of walking around my own neighborhood, but rest assured I would walk around, ride public transportation and get dirty when traveling. In traveling, one has to be vulnerable on these things to properly discover what we need to discover. Walking around the block and noticing how people talk and converse is something not included in the tour package. Walking at 6 am, riding the train and going to the other part of the island to have breakfast, is a surrender to spontaneity and endless discovery. Being in the middle of a crowded place in a foreign land is the best place to be. Traveling is getting to know the country, the culture and everyday life better and unfortunately it's not entirely about luxury.
Since traveling is not always glamorous, secure and predictable, it's enough to scare the penniless control freak any day. But traveling should be flexible. It need not be expensive. The demands make it more expensive, not traveling. The difference is, the traveler is flexible while the tourist only works and depends on a certain budget.
Traveling also opens my mind to rediscover new things and to rediscover myself. Traveling is more internal than external. It made me discover that I have the capability to walk 12 hours non-stop because I know that whenever I see new sights, breathe that scent of foreign land, see how people go about their normal lives, the pain automatically washes away. I know because it happened to me. Traveling makes me feel such a child who doesn't know anything, but coming out of the experience would make me wiser and more open to accept differences.
Traveling is also a certified therapy for me. There are days when I want to escape and expose myself to new and positive energy. Traveling has always been the answer. Other people might have shopping, some may have sports and racing, while I let off steam by Traveling. It occupies the mind with visuals and senses too much that I couldn't think of anything else. It transfers me to peek on a new life and tickle my imagination. It's always a liberating experience to be able to compare and learn your way in a land that isn't familiar to you.
If I could do this forever, I would. If I have a good amount of resources right now, I most definitely would visit even the remotest of places just to eat their local bread and embrace the scenery. I would resign from my job and entirely devote myself in making my own itineraries and I'm sure I would learn more than ever. Traveling may have started as a simple hobby, but now it's my new passion.
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