Ken and Tracy's Big Day

One day I will turn these pages and read this story again.

This is today's story... on one fine day... on my friend's big day

It was in August 18, when I received a call from Tracy about Ken and her plan of the civil wedding this August 28, Thursday.  She called to inform about the event but not inviting us to come over.  It is going to be a civil wedding and not many people can come to the embassy to witness the ceremony.  And since they are still settling financial matter, I understand that there will be no reception to be held.   To me, to be just one of the people who get informed about their big day made me feel so honored enough to add credit to the friendship.

A voice inside of me yelling that it ain’t enough just to hear it and sit and not be able to do something or share time on that special moment with them. 

I have the key!

I mean. I literally have key of their building and room.  Thought of surprising them.  Maybe not a good time since they are busy and I know they have a lot of friends too.  Maybe I can do it...some other day.

Thanks to Dax and Lou for the plan of going to Abu Dhabi.  We activated the plan. We will leave at 08:00 or 08:30 so we can come back early.  I left Sharjah around 07:50am thinking that I might reach Sahara before 08:30 counting the traffic.  I reached pass 08:00 though, informed Lou and Dax that I already reached Sahara bus stop, in Sharjah - Dubai boundary.  I was told to order 2 Pancit Lomi in Pan de Manila, Filipino restaurant located behind the Blue Tag building.  So I went there, the place was already busy that so early.  Majority are male kabayan (blushed going in).  I can tell they’re from cycling and basketball game.  I ordered 2 pancit lomi for dining, requested the server to just keep it the kitchen coz my friends hasn't arrived yet.  Dax and Lou showed up around 09:00 am, enough for the food to get cold since it was ready half hour ago.  Dax requested to pack the pancit to-go as soon as she got in, will eat it while on the road. 

Since it was going to be a long drive, we watched a Filipino movie “Maybe This Time” by Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo while Dax was driving.  Less cars on the road, it was Friday.  We reached Electra, Abu Dhabi and remained inside the car for another 20mins to finish the movie, it was a good movie though.

We went directly into the building where Tracy and Ken lived,  entered the flat but they were not in their room.  I called Tracy but didn't tell her that we are in their pad. Tracy said their friends prepared a surprised reception party at the Vision Hotel the last night and they stayed overnight there.  I have the spare keys, so we just get inside the room.

Tracy and Ken doesn’t have a slight idea that we are already in Abu Dhabi.  We told Tracy that we are still in Dubai and waiting for her.  Dax was so good in acting angry insisting that they spoke days ago and Tracy was scheduled come to Dax's place on Friday (which was that day) and that was already at Dax flat, waiting for Tracy.  When we're told about Tracy's where about and that she could not make it that day to Dubai, Dax said we are going to Abu Dhabi instead and requested Tracy to cook pinakbet dish for us.  

  

We went to Spinney’s and vegetable retail shop just down the building.  Dax surprised about the price of vegetables. Tomato at .500/kg.  Dax messing with the vendor :-) said in Dubai its only .450/kg., and the vendor told her to buy in Dubai instead :-).   I wanted to go buy balloons for decorations but most shops are closed that time of the day.   I saw Tracy's bouquet of flowers in the room and re-used them for our decorations:-). 

When were almost done cooking, I replied to Tracy's earlier message.

 

Tracy:  Sis, send me message when you're in  Abu Dhabi.  

I can't really cook so I will just buy food.  

Please don't tell Dax, coz she'll argue with me over this.  

I am finishing up here then I'll go home.  

See yah.

Me:  Go home now sis, we're very near

Tracy:  I am already near the house.  

What food shall I order?  Kowloon? 

I am rattled.

Now it is set.

Our simple preparation, not bongga but heartily done

Ooooops…oh em gee, the door, there was someone trying to open the door!  We are surprise, we’re caught unguard!  Hahahaha! Now she knew that they have intruder  inside the room.  

We were surprised!  Oh she was surprised!  That look on her face like a child twist and bit her lower lip, those watery eyes.  Oh, I feel that too.  But to digress, not the time for tears…it’s your Big Day.  But where was Ken?  She left Ken in the hotel with friends who booked and prepared surprised reception for them in Vision Hotel.

 

We had late lunch with Tracy within 24 hours of being married time frame. 

Tracy had to leave us in the room while watching to pick-up Ken.  Tracy has the car. 

They were back sooner with their cakes.

We had a movie marathon.

Is an “Invitation for Divorce” an appropriate movie to watch that day?  Well it's the couples' idea :-),  It's crazy title but the ending was not really a divorce matter but strengthening more of a relationship,  so I think still a fine movie.  Oh, one thing a slight stupidity there ;-).  

Followed by World War Z which was a to good to heart and laryngital workout for screaming and suspense-thrilling scenes.

It’s almost 22:00 and played  another good movie “Captain Philips”.  I warned them they can’t leave without finishing the movie, which what really happened.  A must watch movie till the end.

Since we can’t leave without finishing the movie, we just ordered food from Kowloon.

There was no rule after 19:00 that night, it’s my cheat day! Thanks for the food.  Full tummy. 

Happy tummy :-).

-   

We left at exactly 23:30 from Abu Dhabi, another movie played…well that’s to keep us all awake.  I bet the driver (Dax) doesn’t want to be the only one awake, you know…shared time!  No sleeping while she's driving hahaha!

Thanks Ken and Tracy for sharing your bed, I know that you really want to overtake it from us but sorry whose idea to play nice movie by the way?  

Convoy:
Ah Tracy...what was that movie again?...with one cast, stuck in the middle of the sea, tried to survive?  

Dax: What movie? You are making your own story...

Me:  Aah yeah...i remember watching that!!!  Drifting Away?!!! 

All:  Laughed.  Maybe, that is till in the making :)

Ken: "All Is Lost",
Me: Yep, that was it! LOL

Thanks guys for the good laugh, good times.

Love you all.

xoxo

It's one in a lifetime.  

YOLO!

So, who is going to be next? ;-) 

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CLP Christian Life Program

What is CLP?    It stands for Christian Life Program, a short course to refresh, renew and strengthen Christianity.  There are series of Talks and inspirational life sharing during the course.    It is often says that experience is the best teacher, so true.   We can learn not only from our personal experiences but also from the life experiences of our fellow.  

CLP  is a gateway into a life changing path.  I may not fully understand God’s way but one thing I am certain,  He is there to guide us.  Always there.   Many times we just ignored it.  He is within us, in our family,  with friends, strangers and even in life trials.  He is just waiting for us to recognize Him and to call on His name.  ASK, SEEK , KNOCK.

           Matthew 7:7-8 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

I often pray for my unending demands and complains.  I forgot to look and be thankful of the many little things the Father is providing even I did not asked.

The Talks,

1.  God’s Love
2. Who is Jesus Christ 
3. What It Means to be Christian
4. Repentance and Faith
5. Loving God 
6. Loving Your Neighbor
7. Christian Family
8. Life In the Holy Spirit
9. Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit
10. Growing in the Spirit
11. The Life and Mission of Singles for Christ

     I am blessed in so many ways.

 After our practice in Corniche, Sharjah

( Myself, Lynette, Meljie, John, Nesty & Art)

June 27,2014 Completed CLP, We are now a part of family CFC-Singles For Christ 

(SFC Batch 28 Chapter II, Sharjah, UAE)

 Our group, on our graduation day :-)

(Myself, Meljie, Jon Brix, Edzile, Kaitchi, Art, John, Nesty & Lynette)

What we did ... lol

 Get together for an early dinner after CLP at Megamall

Door to door delivery from Megamall :-)

 My take home kit, thanks to SFC

Our CLP course started on March 27 and completed it on June 27, 2014 at the St. Michael's Church, Sharjah.   Our group was handled by Sis Nesty Baco(Lynette Canete, Meljie Apas and myself) and Bro. Kaitchi Villarin  (John Vincent Talidanao, Jon Brix, Art Antonio & Edzile Reyes).

It was not the end of the CLP but rather a beginning of new challenge on how we are going to live CLP in our daily lives.

God Bless us all.

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Ras Al Khaima Beach Camping

It was during Eid, the long holiday for Muslims and so thus my friends who work in the office.   Here, decided for an outing.   It was my first camping ever.  Our tents were stood  next to the shore which adds to the excitement.  Not only that!  Swimming the next day!
Wohoooo!
It was really a great experience, a night of get away just simply "away".   

Lou and Kuya Rogel preparing our  food "baon"

Dax and Kuya Bong preparing the our "Sulo" lights

Meal was served :-)

Let's eat

Beautiful moon

Play time

Good morning Ras Al Khaima Beach, taken at 05:30am

Our neighbors

Good sleep by the beach

Our tents

It was calm

Thanks for the good time shared.
 

Ras Al Khaima, UAE

October 15, 2013

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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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