Cleaning My Closet

I used to hear "new year's resolution"  whenever New Year is coming.    I remember our teacher in school asked us to list down all that we wanted to get rid of and change in our life.    Mine was to hold my temper and not to say the F*** and S*** if am mad and if I did I have to say sorry to myself.    Sometimes, I am still trying to hold my tongue. 

So,  what is your new year's resolution?

Mine is to clean my closet.    I have many clothes that are not being used which piled inside the closet. They are still good and just worn a few times.    What is the use of keeping those clothes if I am not wearing them?    Give them away, they may serve a purpose on to others.   Not so easy because I used to wear them, felt comfortable and maybe even look good on them, but I have to get rid of them so that I can have space for new ones.

The most difficult indeed is to clean the deepest personal closet.     The same thing with my clothes in the closet,   I have to rid of what was rotten in deep inside of me so then I can have the space to fill it with good ones.

Who can tell me that it is easy to forgive?   It's not easy but what is the use of holding personal pain.  I love myself and please forgive myself for hurting the deepest me.   I will not let myself to feel more down. 

I was not born to understand other people's lives,  I may be a part of their lives and be an instrument.  Everyone else is so busy wondering about their own life and so do I.   I have to learn to fix myself,  like how others are busy understanding and fixing themselves. 

Thanks for the pain that other people had caused me.   If I am not special like the decoration that people carefully nailed on the wall to prevent its falling and be still,  I would not be hammered and nailed.   The wall where I was hammered and nailed served as my backbone when I can no longer stand. 

I am forgiving myself but not the people had caused it,  like me, they have to forgive themselves.   Least will never win my trust again.   Thanks, fellow human for being an instrument in understanding life.   Like my old clothes,  I am throwing the pain,  will never wear it back and will not have the same kind of clothes again. 

No one is responsible for our own life but ourselves.

No matter how ugly life is just look around and say how lucky you are. 

Head up.    Get up.    Take a deep breath.    The sun is smiling. 

Life is beautiful.  Life has more to offer to teach us.

Have a clean closet.

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Generation Gap

Generation gap referring to differences between people of a younger generation and their elders, especially between a child and their parent's generation.

Thinking of my mom being alone in our flat on her recent vacation in Bahrain when my sister and I are both at work.  Doing our house chores, television and telephone are her outlets on completing days when she was alone.

My mom had her secretarial course in college in the year of type-writers. 

I remember Mr. Postman's delivery of letters takes seven to fourteen days. 

Comes next the voice tape-recorded messages are being sent., instead of letters.

Pagers then used by business "on-the-go" people, receiving messages wherever they go.  The use of the landline phone still needed to communicate to the operator and send the message.

Cellphone came, the one with long antennas and bigger phones available only from a few major telecoms, followed by more designs, specifications of phones.

Same thing from personal computer 'desktop" to a laptop, to a netbook, to the palm-sized iphone.

Generation of technology is fast changing. 

My mom had to learn how to use a mobile phone in order for us to contact her wherever she goes and thus for her to send us SMS when only a few seconds count to reach its receiver.

Home, mom used to have someone to call her when yahoo messenger is set for chatting.

In Bahrain, she has to learn how to operate the computer by herself when we are at work.  My sister and I encouraged her.   It was just like a bigger size of a cellphone and it is just like sending SMS when chatting. Video calling from the laptop is simply like calling from a mobile phone.  From power on, log-in into Facebook, browsing till power off, all had been taught to her.

It was fun for her exchanging messages and receiving comments on her posted photos on Facebook. 

I was just behind her for the instructions.  She has to learn to press the keys by herself.  She at times got confused where the letters are and lost her patience for not remembering all the given instructions. 

There are non-stop and continuing on developing technologies.  We have to learn to adapt to the world were we in.  If it is not learned in the first instance then try it again.  It takes time and practice, add to that the patience to master it.  

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Which Language You Need

Sa larangan ng trabaho sa abyasyon (aviation) na sumasalamuha sa iba't-ibang tao, maraming beses na nasusubok ang kakayahan at pasensiya ng mga crew.

The announcement has been made in both English and local language hence there are some who still seems to not understand, choose to ignore and refuse to understand.  Haysssttt.

Maka-ilang beses na ang panawagan ay nabanggit pero nanatili siya upuang hindi naka-assigned.  Pinaki-usapan pero di natinag.  "I have been travelling a lot in my whole life and never encountered problem with changing the seats!", kanya pong tinuran.  "You are just telling me to move right now just to make your colleague feel better", ika po niya.  Katulad ng paliwanag ng aking colleague muli akin pong ipinaliwanag.    Narinig lang na ipapaalam sa kapitan, gumalaw din yang puwit sa kinauupuan. 

Pagkatapos na mai-release ang sinturong pangkaligtasan binalikan ko ang pasahero upang magpa-salamat sa cooperation at isang local na pahayagan iniabot ko sa kanya...this time naka-ngiti na po si lolo :-). Maya maya pa ibinalita ng kasamahan ko na humingi ng paumanhin sa kanya si lolo :-).  Oh diba smooth ang trabaho ng walang buwisit.

Sometimes it is good not to understand what they are saying if and only if it comes from the non-sense rude tongue. 

May pasahero naman who just paid for a seat on a specific date na animo'y binayaran pati na buong pagkatao ng mga crew, lalo na akala mo'y binayaran buong eroplano.  Isang bugtong hininga para dun. 

I always say that it is a lot better to work when the cabin is full for as long the as the passengers respect the crew, pero kung kahit lima lang sila na walang respeto - daig pa nito ang full cabin.  

Cabin crew are doing their job to give the passengers the utmost service and comfort, not just simply giving a cup of coffee or tea.  They are there primarily for the safety of all the passengers.  Konteng respeto lang po.

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Washing Machine Spins My Head

Washing Machine Spinner

I was almost done doing the laundry.  Thanks washing machine for the wonderful job.  My buddy machine just finished washing the blankets and linens and spinning them.

My dilemma started when spinner just stopped working.   My head spun fast and thought, and thought and thought...its winter.   The washing machine spinner is a much-needed help for fast drying the clothes when hanging them.   Who is going to fix it?   Where I am going to take it for fixing?  Will the shop take it from my flat if I called them?   I needed it now.

I made a quick mental review of what just happened.  It was spinning and it just stopped when I lean on its slightly opened lid. 

Observed the cover and mechanism.  I got curious with something that "hooked" on its lid.  I tried to pull it up and saw no function.  What happened inside, I want to see.  Besides, I am taking it to the repair shop so let me break it "just" a little more if I can't find the source of its stoppage. 
What a bright idea.

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To My Mother, Bahrain

This special person in my life deserved a break.  I once planned for a trip with her to Vietnam and Cambodia but failed because she had not completed securing requirements for her passport.  There were issues on her birth certificate.   Her name was misspelled, gendered as male.   She had to file for late registration to straighten out the details on her birth certificate and submit it to apply for a passport.

This very special person in my life is no other than my “mother”.   She wanted the best for all of us, her children.   Though we are grown up and reached our age…in her eyes, we are still her babies.  There is no way we can pay back what she had done for us…for me.   

Now that I can stand with my own feet, here to give you a break mom.   Nay,  you are there and here we are.  Share your time with us and our moment with you.  Be at our side and see where this given life had taken us.

October 04, 2010

An approaching face spotted at Bahrain International Airport arrival hall.  We caught the glimpse of that familiar face, of our mother.  Can’t believe that she is here with us.

October 4 the date my mom’s first step in Bahrain and my sister Elena’s birthday too.   A mother's presence is warmest birthday presents.  Happy birthday my sister and welcome Nanay.

Muharraq Park   October 09,2010 

One fine day at 6:00 am, we walked around the nearby park, Muharraq Park.

Bahrain National Museum   October 10,2010 

Bahrain National Museum with my sister Joy and Nanay

Night Swimming in Juffair  October 12, 2010

Swimming with the sexy gals from Rosa Salon

Walk from Muharraq to the airport, October 26,2010 

The weather is getting colder and the night is longer than the day.  Right time for mom’s vacation.  Hot and humid may aggravate her high blood pressure.  I am glad she made it walked that far.   I have my ket just in case her pressure goes up.  We were walking and sightseeing at the same time.

 This is along the highway from Muharraq to airport

The Taste of Arabic Food
Al Abraj Restaurant
After our long walk from Muharraq to the airport, we had our reward, the taste of Arabic food.

 Hummous, Arabic bread, salad and fresh chico shake to start

Mixed grill.

Our eyes are more hungry than our tummy.  It was a lot of food for the two of us.

In uniform with my Nanay

Walk from Muharraq to Exhibition Road. October 29, 2010. 

Our sightseeing route this time was from Muharraq to Exhibition Road.  We passed by at Marina Park.   It was crowded with families having a picnic and children playing at the amusement park.   

Our finished line…Jasmis in Exhibition Road. Yey!  Burger, fries, salad and ice cream. No comment on this one but lol.  Break the rule!!!

November 05, 2010

After my night flight from Alexandria, Egypt straight away we're on to the road, see where my feet lead us.    

The First Oil Well in Bahrain

Here is the Tree of Life

Muharraq Horse Riding School

The New Manama Bab-Al Bahrain (Gate to Bahrain) 

Baba’s Garden Resort, Riffa.  November 06, 2010

Memorial at Gulf Gate Hotel, November 07, 2010

Attended the memorial service offered by the Standard Chartered Bank's staff and friends for their lost colleague and my previous flatmate, Najiya F. Mallala "Tita Angie".



          The Story of My Mom's Newly Found Best Friend 

My Mom and I were at the cold store, "My best-friend!  My best-friend!",  she calls the attention of the store vendor.  I burst out laughing when I heard that.   "Nay, Is he your best friend?   As in you're so much close like this? (showing my crossed fingers) :-).    She then burst out laughing :-D!   
My mom commented that she heard us calling them out as friend. Hahahaha!
I told her that it was "my friend" but not "my best friend".  In Bahrain, if you are recognized as Filipino and your name is unknown to them, you will be called as "Kabayan".  Most of the people from everywhere when they don't know your name regardless of nationality,  they called you "My friend". 

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Dubai - Abu Dhabi Vacation

June and me in Abu Dhabi

The unplanned trip turned into a blast!       

UAE flag

If not because of a friend’s invitation to accompany her to go to Dubai this trip wouldn't have thought at all.  Everything was planned and set.  We will be together till she meet and joined her friends in Dubai, stay overnight with them.  I will leave in the morning to Abu Dhabi to meet my friends there and back in Dubai to meet Dax before our departure.  Our tickets were also arranged.  It will be Loida's first time to visit Dubai.

So here comes our flight schedule.  Standing at the check-in counter in Bahrain International Airport, the staff told her that she was not allowed to fly.   We were astounded and saddened.   She needed to secure first a visa to the UAE before departure.  Her visa title in Bahrain would not allow her to be issued a visa upon arrival in Dubai.  She works in a beauty salon.   The staff explained that even if he issued her ticket to fly, she would still be denied entry to Dubai and will be sent back to Bahrain.  That even if her visa title was supervisory, that would not be granted for a visa.  Only Managerial level can be issued visa on arrival.  She has to apply visa to Dubai thru online.  That was so sad.

I have no problem acquiring a visa on arrival, one of the advantages of being a flight attendant.  So now here I am on to Do It Yourself trip.      

I  met a new chat buddy while waiting for the gate to open for boarding.  Ali, that's her name, a Filipina.  She is going to visit her husband who works in Saudi while she is based in Dubai.

Ali

Onboard was cabin crew colleague, Mary who has been so helpful.   It was a Bahrain Air flight.    

Everything went as planned.  Met Loida's friend in Dubai. 

 My morning in Dubai started  out in the gym. 

 This Holy Ramadan is holding me on jumping into this pool

Meet Dennis. The day i met him was the same day his first child was born. 

I recall this now a man as a little boy from my province, a child who used to play “Chasing” “Hide and Seek” and “Tumbang Preso” in his grade school.  I met him in Dubai.  Now a media photographer.  

The Gang

I met the cousin and friends of Loida,   That night, we went to Mamzar Beach in Dubai and stayed till 12:00 midnight.  The entrance fee is just Dhs 5 and the water is so clear.   How I wish there is also a nice beach and with only Bd 0.500 entrance fee in Bahrain.

Mamzar Beach

Burying Sandy

Edlyn, Riza, Precious 'n Me

The Beach Boyz

Couture models are Bong, Robert, and Sandy

Abu Dhabi 

The next day I traveled to Abu Dhabi.   I came to visit my friend, Tracy.   We used to work together in an advertising firm in the Philippines. Advertising Associates Inc. We had our dinner at Rossina Bollina in Corniche, Abu Dhabi park.  Thank you weather for the awesome weather, it was not typically hot and humid.  We stayed up till midnight at the corniche catching up and taking photos.   

Corniche

@ The Corniche

Tracy's new passion, Photography

The following day was meeting June, a roommate at Rm 205 Green House Mansion, Kaohsiung Taiwan.  Ten long years before we see each other again.  Nothing’s changed,  except age.

 Tracy, June and me at the Marina Mall Abu Dhabi

Khalidiya Park in Abu Dhabi 

June Caumpay

Back in Dubai

It took two hours of land trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Here I am set to meet another friend.

 Dax, while preparing pancit bihon :-)

 Therrie, Loi and Dax

Thanks to the following and God Bless you all:  

Lodia, Mary and Ali. 
 (Bahrain)
 

Sandy, Bong, Robert, Edlyn, Riza, Precious, Dennis and Dax and Loi.  
(Dubai)      

 Tracy, Ken, Rose, Mel and June.

(Abu Dhabi)

August 2010

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