Experiencing Europe

Everybody dreams of going to Europe, (not for European people, of course, lol). They say that you’re lucky if you will be able to go and find a job in a European territory. You’ll get more compensation and experience different things whilst meeting a lot of new people from different places! Indeed, it is!

 My first few days, weeks rather was awesome! I was able to visit different places that was only visible through my dreams and discover things that are new to me. I get mesmerize every time I feel the coldness of the wind touching my skin, smelling the fresh air and looking at people from different walks of life as they go and pass by at the busiest streets of the city. It’s as if the city or the place itself doesn’t sleep, perhaps they didn’t know what the word “Silence” is. 

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

 For quite sometime, I forgot the reason why I am here! Until one day, I started working!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

It was sooooo hard, you have to wake up early in the morning and work for 12 hours or more (case to case basis). If there are special occasions that you want to spend with your family or greet them even online (via skype), you cannot because your boss needs you to work, you have to always put your mobile phone in silence mode and check it only when you have a chance to do so (I usually check mine in the toilet) so that when somebody calls or send you an SMS it will not be so obvious. You have to hide your laptop in your closet or drawer and check on it once in a while (depends if there’s a wifi zone that doesn’t require a password).“EURO” means working a lot in Europe! It’s as if you are working your ass off to earn a lot! You’ll experience back and shoulder pain and a lot more. You can’t complain or ask because aside from not knowing how to speak their language, you don’t want the people who helped you to think that you are complaining so much. The only thing that you can do is to cry out your heart at night when nobody sees you, pretend that everything’s fine and perfect when somebody ask you (especially your family) and pray harder and ask for some signs from HIM, if this is all what He wanted for you! 

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

 There are times that you want to give up and surrender! Hoping that you could go back home and be with your family and spend your time with them giggling and laughing till you lost your voice! But you can’t do any but pause for a while and sigh in between works wishing that this is a just a dream, a way of teaching you what life is all about --- PATIENCE and HARD WORK!!!  PATIENCE because there are different kinds of people that you have to please and HARDWORK because this is what really matters! Those were the things i discovered here and I am still in the process of adjusting and learning all the things that I need to know, little by little! As they say, slowly but surely!

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Living the Dream

I am fond of traveling and going to different places. I am an adventure seeker that likes to be outdoors more than being a home insider. Cooking, knitting or any other womanish thingie are not my cup of tea (though I can also do that if I like and if need be). When I was a child, I dreamt of going somewhere but didn’t exactly know where. All I know was that someday, just like the others, I will also experience to fly out of the country. At a very tender age,a premonition of leaving my country and trying my luck somewhere else hit me. And so...... This is my story!

It was year 2010 when the opportunity to go to Thailand came to reality. I can’t believe when I arrived at the airport. In fact, I got teary eyed and told myself “This is it”. Teaching English and staying there for quite some time was a wonderful experience. I gained a lot of friends and I enjoyed my stay as if it was my second home. I thought that working and staying in the “Land of smiles” made my wish came true… Until one day, I got a message from my mom telling me to come home because I’ve got some papers to process. To make the story short, I went home and did exactly what I was told.

It took me forever to realize that I will be able to have another wonderful opportunity. In less than a year of staying in Thailand, I had crossed the country and pursue my dreams in Europe. Yes, in Europe!!! 

The Vatican

Saint Peter Church

 

Now, it’s no longer a premonition nor a dream but a reality! I can’t explain the feeling ‘till now especially when the plane landed at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome and the cold breeze of the air touched my skin. It was like fulfillment! I can attest that a dream is no longer a dream once achieved and a wish is no longer a wish once experienced (Unless you dream and wish again, lol). It may sound absurd, corny, dramatic, or whatever you wanna call it, but who cares? It’s a dream come true for me anyway.

Livin' la vida loca

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Nurse at Heart

Working in a secondary hospital for almost four years as an admin staff, assigned at the emergency room wearing the typical nursing costume        (scrub suits), and working 12 hours a day (or more) on a shifting basis,was not easy. Just like a doctor, teacher, and the likes, it requires a lot of patience, perseverance and determination. Hospital was like our second home and working in the emergency room was really stressful! We experienced different kinds of treatment from the patients, their relatives and even from our own co- workers, which sometimes degrades us!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

We cannot complain nor ask for a nice treatment from the patients or their relatives. Not even to doctors! We cannot shout the patients every time they spit or vomit on our scrubs, pull our hair and slap our face whenever they want to. Okay! They’re sick, but it doesn’t mean that they can do anything they want just because they’re lying on the bed and fighting for their lives, right? Nurses are also human!!!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

There were times that we ended up celebrating our birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions with the patients and our co workers instead of being with our families and loved ones! (Sad wasn’t?) But you know what? The best thing of being a nurse and working in a hospital is that you get to have your monthly check up for free! You can also bring your mom and the whole gang free of charge too =) (But of course, it would be depending on hospital’s rules and regulations) Mind you, the hospital that I had served for almost 4 years was very strict and firm when it comes to this matter! Good thing I have my ER Family to help me with =)=)

Nurses just wanna have fun =)

Going wacky =)

I also met a lot of good friends (especially at the ER Department) and it feels like they were my second family. We had arguments, we shouted at each others faces, span the charts and threw it in the air as if nobody cares. But at the end of the day, we went home with a smile on our face as if nothing happens.

My ER Family

Being a nurse is not all about the chartings!!! It is all about passion! They work hard not only because they want to earn money, but because this is what they pledge for! 

Emergency Area

 I may not be a nurse by profession but based on my experiences, I am proud to say that indeed, I am a nurse at heart, in my own way!!!

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Pain in My Heart

As I was scrolling down for the latest posts from my friends on Facebook, I was intrigued with a video post of the song " Pain in My Heart" sung by Second Wind.  For some reason (which I don't  know), I felt the song so much and it really moved me big time! I kept on playing it over and over again and at some point, I didn't notice that tears were already flowing from my eyes! The song was very sad and it expresses so much agony from a very good relationship that has come to an end. Then, it made me think for a while and asked myself...What if it will happen to me? What should I do? How can I carry on? Can I take it? Lot of questions starts to run through my mind which for a while made it palpitate.
 

Photo Courtesy: Goggle Images

Can you imagine yourself sitting on a couch or lying on the bed crying all day and night while reminiscing the past looking at your pictures together? Oh boy, I don't think I can take that! Nobody wants to be broken hearted and that's the feeling I don't ever want to experience!!! Hmmm, enough of this mellow drama....All I want is to share the song =) To those who haven't heard it yet, here it is... Enjoy and feel each word!!! I'm sure it will move you big time just like what happened to me!

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Philippines Sea Foods Capital

We left Manila on a sunny Wednesday morning full of excitement and joy. Then, the weather changed from sunny to humid when we landed in Roxas City. It seemed that everyone was sweating profusely. Anyways, as i set foot at the airport, I was mesmerized by the angelic voices of the airport's singers in a beautiful Ilonggo song. On our way to my grand parents house, I can't help myself but to reminisce all the memories I have there. I paid a visit a year ago but I can't deny the fact it is getting more and more different each time. Perhaps its economy is boosting, lol. The proofs are the establishments that are growing abundantly in every street. Also, the locals or simply the Ilonggos are really approachable and friendly. The photo below were the people whom we've asked for directions that were really game posing on camera =)
 

 

The Locals

During my stay, I had a chance to savor some of the province's delicacies that will make you crave and ask for more.

King Crabs

Want some? =)

 Roxas City is a medium size city but it offers what big cities like Manila can (even nature and other man made wonders). In fact, it is home to one of the historical churches like Saint Monica church in Panay, where the biggest bell in Asia and the third in the world can be found.

 

Saint Monica Church

Aunt's Pond

I seldom go here but i always find contentment each time i pay a visit. So, If you wish to experience and taste the abundance of marine life, beautiful nature, and an amazing history, go and visit the Philippines Sea Foods Capital of Roxas City. A place where everything is in its abundance!

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Thailand's first Kingdom

From amazingly designed temples, breathtaking beaches in the south to mountainous rugged terrain in the north, Thailand offers endless activities and captivating spots where travelers can enjoy. One of its attractions that draws huge number of tourists annually is the ancient city of Sukothai. The name translates as "Dawn of Happiness" and was Thailand's first Kingdom established in 1238. Today, it is popularly known as Sukothai Historical Park.

One of the park's main attraction

Captured Moments =)

Sukothai Historical Park is huge surrounded by walls and has four gates. A bicycle is required to get around the entirety of the place. Once inside, you will be captivated by the ancient ruins of Buddhist temples and palaces that represents the oldest and intricately Thai architectural style.

After a few attempts,finally I did it, yipee =)

Captivating

Hence, in 1991 UNESCO declared the ancient city of Sukothai as a world heritage site. Come and see for yourself; and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did =)

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Teaching English

Teaching English as a Second Language to a foreign country is somewhat hard and difficult especially if you really not a teacher by profession. I didn't know I can teach and I didn't have an idea on how and where to start until I met the students. I felt so awkward when I first saw them and I knew that they felt the same way too.

Since English is just their Second Language, my first few weeks were very tough. It was like passing through the eye of a needle. There were times that I want to give up and even told myself that I am not going to stand this kind of scenario for it was far different from what I had expected. Little did I know, I'm starting to embrace everything as if I am ready enough to stay here for another year or two  =)

                                                                      -  to be continued... -

Class picture with my Co-Teachers and favorite students =)

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Experiencing Thailand

When my brother went home in the Philippines to have his annual visit, he asked me to go with him and take sometime to experience Thailand (The land of Smiles) . On May 3, 2010 at 11:45 PM, we left our homeland and arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on a Tuesday morning at exactly 4:00 o'clock (mind you, the airport's size is double than what we have back home) and since it was the time when the Red shirts were active and very much aggressive, it was not safe to go out so we decided to stay inside the airport and ended up taking a li'l nap on the airports' lounge.

 

The Metropolis

 Then, just before the sun rises, we found ourselves riding a cab headed to my brother's friend. We took a rest and was deep in sleep after less couple of minutes. When we woke up, we decided to hit the city and see what's in there.While we're on our way, I noticed that Bangkok was pretty much the same like Manila. There were huge and tall buildings, cabs, fly overs, wide streets, colorful lights, and different kinds of establishments that made me smile because it seems that I never left the Philippines at all. (Lol)... My brother resides in Phitsanulok, (one of the biggest provinces in the North). Once the pictorial moments ended in the metropolis, we headed ourselves to Morchit (Thailand's biggest bus station) and took the last trip to my brother's place for another 5 hours.

Colorful taxis like toy cars

Up until now, Thailand never ceases to amaze me. With colorful taxis, friendly and respectful people bowing their heads here and there, not to mention the spicy foods that will make you suffer inside the toilet, Thailand is indeed a great deal of a country - incomparable to others!

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Sawadee Ka, Thailand

It was May 03,2010 when i left the Philippines and try my luck here in Thailand, shempre tulad ng marami as a tourist lang ako and there's no assurance kung anong mangyayari saken dito, kung magkaka trabaho ba o uuwing bagsak ang mga balikat dahil sa walang napala dito. It was hard kasi mataas ang kumpetensya lalo na sa pag-a apply as a Teacher... (to think na di naman talaga ako Teacher)

I almost cried nung mga time na wala akong work at tumambay lang buong maghapon sa bahay ng kapatid ko at maging isang palamunin.Alam ko naman na naiintindihan ako ng kapatid ko at ng mga taong tumulong saken pero shempre iba parin kung meron kang naiku contribute sa gastusin sa bahay (lakas ko kayang kumain, kaya talagang nakakahiya,bwahaha)

Three weeks palang akong nandito nung sabihin ko sa kapatid ko na uuwi nalang ako kasi pakiramdam ko wala naman akong mapapala dito eh, pero sabi nya " No kaba, yung iba ngang Pinoy dito mas matagal na tumatambay kasi di makakuha ng trabaho,ikaw na wala pang isang bwan na nandito, susuko na?" Dun ako natauhan, kung sabagay, may point nga naman sya at kung uuwi ako ng Pinas parang sinabi ko naring talo ako sa laban ko dito sa Thailand.

After a month, I went to Lao para mag exit at kumuha ng panibagong tourist visa kasi nga jobless parin ako. Pagdating na pagdating ko sa bahay, nag-ring ang phone ko... "Kring.. kring, sabi ng telepono ko" (bwahaha)... shempre sinagot ko, "Halu, Sawadee Ka,khunyay ka"(with Thai accent; trying hard nga lang) hahaha...hala, tawagin daw bang Lola ang kausap ko? (gumagalang lang po) ayun na po ang sinasabi, interview daw....at dun na nag umpisa ang sunud sunod na job offer...shempre, I'm not a hypocrite (naks) kaya pinili ko yung mas malaki ang offer, sa mas malayong probinsya nga lang ako mabi -base at take note bulubundukin... kahit mahirap at malayo tinanggap ko na kesa matengga at tumunganga na naman ako maghapon.

Nung ma-meet ko ang Head ng English Department at ang Director ng school, shempre pakitang gilas ako...Akala tuloy nila natural saken ang pagiging slang... ang di nila alam inartehan ko lang... Nung inadress ko sila instead na Ma'am, ginawa kong Me'em...ayun, pasok sa banga ang lola mo, tinanong pa nga nila ako.. "Is that British or American accent?" at dahil pa impress, ang sagot ko,... MIXED... bwahahaha....

Mahirap palang maging isang Teacher (lalo na kung di ka naman talaga Teacher, haler) may mga time na gusto ko nang sumuko kasi feeling ko walang natututunan saken ang mga estudyante,(ako pa nga ata ang natututo sa language nila) saka ang hirap gumawa ng grades...(sumakit ang bangs ko sa bookmark na yan,hahaha) pero kung determinado at pursigido ka, at alam mong maraming umaasa at nagtitiwala sayo,kakayanin mo lahat.


Marami akong nakilala at naging kaibigan dito.. iba ibang ugali pero iisa ang Diyos na sinasamba. Salamat sa I-Mission, SDA at lalong lalo na sa Saint Nicholas Church Foreign Community, sa lahat ng mga taong naging daan para mas mapalapit ako kay Lord...Saludo ako sa inyong lahat kasi kahit na pagod na kayo, di nyo nakakalimutang gawin ang mga bagay na may patungkol sa pagsamba na nagiging daan para magsama sama ang mga Pinoy na nandito at maging isang buong pamilya, di ko naramdamang malayo ako sa pamilya ko dahil bukod sa malapit lang naman 'to sa ating bayang sinilangan (naks, makata), di rin naiiba ang mga kapatagan, bundok at mga sakahang nakikita ko sa paligid ko at shempre dahil narin sa kapatid kong nandito rin, este dahil sa inyo.. (bwahahaha)

(hala, teary eyed na,di bagay... hahaha)

with Teacher Joy

Rosary Month

with my SNFC Family

Sa ngayon, I'm enjoying my stay here at talaga namang masasabi kong napapamahal na saken ang Thailand. Ang mga Thai na sobrang magalang na pagbinati ka kahit nagda drive eh talaga namang yuyuko,maipakita at mabigyan ka lang nila ng respeto (keber kung mabunggo),ang mga Pica (Ate at Kuya), mga Kunyay at Kunme, isama mo narin ang mga Poh (Lolo't Lola), ang mga tuktuk (parang tricycle na parang multicab na parang kalesang di ko maintindihan) na pagsinakyan mo feeling mo prinsesa ka, ang dance step nilang para ka lang nagsu swimming pag sinayaw mo, ang mga mongha na para bang walang kapaguran sa pag ikot at di alintana ang init ng kalsada kahit nakayapak na syang nagsi silbing Buhay na Santo ng mga taga rito, ang mga elepanteng panay lamyerda sa kalye habang kumakain ka sa karinderya at ang mga pagkain nilang sobrang malasa dahil puro oyster sauce at sobrang anghang na talaga namang magpapalabas ng  almoranas mong nananahimik (eewww)... hay, ibang klase talaga ang Thailand...(thumbs up) Pero shempre kung may mas magandang opportunity, di ko parin palalampasin, pero sa ngayon dito muna ko, because I'm loving it... (weeeh, di nga, true?) hahaha....ciao!!! =)

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Laos for a Night

If you have plans of staying longer (approximately 1 month or more) in Thailand or if you've got an offer to work in The Kingdom, you need to have an exit or process your working permit in Laos.  Laos and Thailand are separated by the Mekong River (7th longest river in Asia) that runs through Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam; making  Laos the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia.

Vientiane, (City of Sandalwood) the capital and the economic center of Laos is not that big. At the heart of the city, you can see the Patuxai Park, one of the country's main attraction and their version of the Arc de Triomphe or Triumphal Arc in Paris, France. According to history, America raised fund to build an airfield. However, instead of an airport, Laotian used the money for the Park's structure and dedicated it to some of their countrymen who fought for independence from France. (Hmmmm, made sense ei?)

Patuxai Park fountain's plays a synchronize performance of light and music every night which is really awesome  and is very popular for Laotian and other visitors who visit the place.

I was given a chance to see and witness it twice (May and June of 2010) and must say that it was indeed a nice place =)

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Love Story

My current boyfriend was trying to mend a broken heart (obviously from a broken relationship, LOL) when we met. I too, had a boyfriend that time. Anyhow,  I seldom see my current boyfriend because he was just visiting our place once in a blue moon or better yet, every school vacation. We were not fully acquainted with each other so technically, we're are not that close. He was my friend's cousin and only knew each other by name, nothing more, nothing less..

We were given a chance to get to know each other deeper after a couple of  years!  He was a really good talker and with his little chit chat, everything fell into oblivion and he became my boyfriend.  Oh boy, t'was so fast i didn't realize I was still committed to someone. I thought it was just a fleeting moment. Unfortunately it wasn't. Talking and being with him cannot be compared to my previous boyfriend.  Next thing, i found myself ending my relationship with my previous one and decided to give him a shot. =)  Since then, everything went so smooth!

There were times when we hadn't seen each other for weeks (he was living and studying in a very far town in the province that requires a great deal of travel) I lost hope and thought maybe, what we had was just nothing! I concentrated on my job and made myself be occupied even with nonsensical things to keep me from thinking of him. I made myself busy but i cannot deny the fact that i was hurting.

After countless sleepless nights and silence, I thought I had moved on. Until one day, his cousin told me that he wanted to see me. At first, I was hesitant because I didn't know what to do. But then again, I knew I will never find out what was the real score between us if I won't go and see him.

We met each other again after a couple of months without any communication at all. After seeing him, I felt something inside me that i can't explain. Could it be butterflies in my stomach? Did my blood just went up my brain?. It was as if I'm freezing. I didn't know exactly what happened that night but when he looked at me, all the questions left unanswered were all gone in an instant.

Happy Anniversary =)

Just like the others, we too have our share of trials and arguments yet we try to settle things and end everything that needs to be ended. Right now, we are celebrating our 10th year Anniversary. We may not be able to celebrate it together since both of us work abroad but the important things are love, trust, faith and prayers... True love comes once in a lifetime.... it's your choice if you will embrace it or let it loose and be blown by the wind that will make you miserable for the rest of your life.

I will always be yours and will always be blissfully Inlove with you.

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A Taste of Baguio

Hola! As I am scrolling down some of my pictures last year, it made me think about one of the most unforgettable journey experience I had;  Hmmm... My 3 days vacation in Baguio, known as The City of Pines in the Philippines, obviously because there's a lot of pines there =)

It was a Friday night when my cousin asked me to go with her, and since its a week end, I said YES!!! I rushed and went to their place after a hard days work from the office. We supposed to travel that night but then something came up and we ended up sitting on a couch for our Tequila Session = )

The following day, Saturday at about 10 in the morning, we all packed up for a long road trip to Baguio. We had a stop over at the Soup Bowl of the Philippines in Villasis, Pangasinan. I was really amazed when we reached the town. Imagine, you can buy different variants of crops.. from fruits to veggies at a very reasonable prices.. (Mind you, I bought 1 kilo of Eggplant for only 10 bucks). That's really something, ei?

We arrived at exactly 6 in the evening; our place is located in Bakakeng near Camp 7 and Burnham Park and since all of us are tired of that long road trip, after our dinner and a lil chit-chat we ended up sleeping.

Sunday, I woke up early because of the excitement.. I took a bathe and headed myself outside for a pictorial. (Though it's freezing cold, of course there's a heater to keep the water warm) LOL.

Afetr 3 years from my last visit, I noticed that the place is quite the same except for the fact that more and more people come to this place once in a while to forget and escape the stressfull life in Manila... =)
 
Hmmm... I'm sure, i will keep on coming back to this place and live a sweet life even for just a day.. Woohoooo =) 

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