Wacky's Homepage

AKLAN needs your hep too.

http://kidsahoy.multiply.com/journal/item/89/URGENT_RE_THE_TRAGEDY_IN_AKLAN_YOUR_HELP_NEEDED

- thanks Jo for this post.-

It's my first so please allow me to share with you this li'l achievement I have so far as I joyfully explore this world of photography.

My humble entry entitled "Playful Sunset", a series of sunset shots of playful kids in Boracay, Philippines taken in April 2007 made it to Bermuda Society of Arts' Photographic Show, a members' juried show. The exhibit will run until 22nd Dec.

Am no winner. Not first nor mentioned in the honorable list, but seeing those little photos hanged at the City Hall & Arts Centre together with the rest of the members' juried entries inspired me and definitely (as you can see) put a smile on my face.

Credit is due to fellow photo enthusiast Ryan ( whose entry was also chosen ) who insisted on me submitting even when I was struggling to juggle some last minute errands before my trip the other week.

And special thanks to the 'kuleeets' - my first viewers :)

http://www.bsoa.bm/

I met my first bike accident in the island early morning today while on my way to work. Binyag daw.

I bumped into this brand new and shining Honda CRV as it had a sudden deceleration trying to avoid a pedestrian near the round-about along South Road. I tried to brake but for some reasons it didn't work right away and to avoid hitting the car I tried to turn away by turning slightly to the right, unfortunately, I still hit its rear. I felt like I just bumped into a wall.

I fell into the ground, broke my bike's left brake and mirror and its front fender. The CRV had some slight scratches and its muffler bent down abit. Traffic and police officers and other bikers  came over and checked on me. Luckily, I didn't really hurt myself except for some minor bruises ( I was wearing gloves, thanks God, that I didn't cause any bruises in my hands). The sad part was, this lady who owns the car came down, checked her CRV and turned to ask me if I have my insurance ( while I was trying to slowly get up and still checking on my arms and making sure I can still move them properly, the officer asked me to do so actually). I said yes I have my insurance and she answered back, "You better have". Whew! That hits me more. So sad that there are people like these who just don't have to heart to care. As I couldn't really be mad after being the cause of a terrible delay to every one on the road, I just kept my cool. We settled the matter with the officer, who was kind enough trying to get me a cab later since I am not used to drive a bike using its right brake (yes, the bike still works). I waited too long that I have to resort calling some friends who could possibly pick me up instead.

The handyman (our Pinoy handyman friend here in the island) came over and took my bike with him, I drove his bike and off we left the place. The insurance covered everything. No traffic offense on my side as it turned out to be just a mere accident.

No one was seriously hurt (not even myself) and that's what I was thankful for. It could have been worst! Cross-fingers it's not happening again, not to me, not even to other bikers.

I said my last farewell to the most important person in my life... my mother.

There are no words to express how shocking and painful it was to hear such words from my cousin that Nanay passed away - on the very day that I was supposed to surprise her. It was the day of my arrival in Manila where my family was to stay for awhile after Nanay's operation. Such a surprise ended up a tragic one for me. I have to be brought straight from the airport to see Nanay's wake along Araneta Ave.... I just couldn't put the right words how I felt the moment I walked slowly in to the room where she was laid and where the rest of my family was wretchedly waiting for me.... No word was spoken. I cried... and I cried endlessly.

There were regrets, so many what if's and everyone in the family just wanted to blame themeselves (including myself) for what had happened - or for what shouldn't have happened. It's just not possible to digest everything. And for awhile I thought I was just having a bad dream.

As the days passed by... we received flowers, mass cards, prayers and all sorts of support and comfort from relatives and friends and even from people we don't even know. It was just touching to see these people and knew they care and stayed by our side during this time of grief. The love and support that surrounded the family especially those love and prayers offered to Nanay have somehow lighten our load and enlighten us of the real meaning of her death.

We pray for strength... and for us to be strong to deal with the loss of our beloved. What I came to realize was I am not strong enough to face the loss of Nanay -  and I will never be strong enough for this huge and sudden loss. Instead, I prayed for total surrender. And I also prayed for acceptance. I came to realize that the time has finally come for me to give back to God what was His in the first place. I have to accept the fact I have to return what was lent to me - my dearest Nanay who have raised me up and made me what I am today. And I can only be thankful for all the years she was with us and for all the years she had lived her life.

Nanay struggled most of her life raising me up and my siblings. She may have her shortcomings.... yet just too many good things to say... too many thank you's. And she may not be the best mother, but she's the greatest Nanay to me.

I have no questions... instead, I surrender to God's will and trust that she'll be given eternal peace. And this time, I will be praying for faith... stronger faith and for me (and the rest of my family) to continue with our lives believing that our dear Nanay is finally spared from further pain and now resting in peace in heaven.

I am still crying and I will definitely be ...  not because Nanay passed away but because I am missing her and I will be missing her forever.

The only grandparent I had in my life had finally left me.

She was 96 years old and should be celebrating her 97th this coming April, same birthday month as mine. Lola Noning, as we fondly called her, was a woman of strength, literally. I can't recall a day that she was hospitalized because of any sickness. Until her last days, she only had fever that probably caused her death aside from old age.

There were so much memories with her when we were still young, me and my cousins. Memories that had brought us together and somehow made us realize life's greatest values. All these will forever stay in our hearts.

It is sad to think that I have no Lola Noning to kiss her hands everytime I go back to my hometown. And no Lola to ask for blessings everytime I am about to face a new venture in my life.

But, sad as it can be I am grateful for a lot of things. She let me experience how wonderful it was to have a Lola. She gave me another reason to always go back.. touch base everytime I have to undergo another challenge.... She had lived a full life... never really suffered physically and emotionally during her lifetime and she passed away peacefully. Thanks God for all these reasons.

We love you Lola Noning and we will surely miss you. May you rest in peace.

Finally!

The much awaited gift from ST arrived! A Starbucks Personal Coffee Press set. What can I say? To receive such a gift when you are stationed in an isolated island with no sight of the much loved coffee shop is indeed HAPPYness :D

It didn't really matter now if I have waited too long... I am only looking forward to more Saturday nights of e-Starbucks session with my friends.

Thanks pal!

I passed my motorbike driving test today! Yoohooo!

The sad thing that happened though was when my colleague, Jing, who volunteered to send me off to the driving test center fell off her bike on her way to work this morning trying to make it early for me. She never made it to office at all (until tomorrow) since she had some minor injuries and could hardly walk. I felt guilty somehow but, like what she said when I got the chance to speak to her later today that it's just probably meant to happen and has nothing to do with anything. It's her first fall since she got here 2 years ago and she considered herself lucky for that. With the increasing number of motorbike accidents in the island, I thought so, too. She was ok and I felt better.

And fortunate enough, I got another colleague to send me off and accompanied me for an hour in the center from doing the actual test ( since I have to borrow the bike at same time.. see how lucky you can be if you have nice colleagues around :) until I finally got my fresh and crispy Bermuda Driving License - for $130! Argh!

I should be getting my own bike anytime soon - can't wait!

And I pray "God, spare me from falling"

"Just when I left Singapore - 3 months ago"

Today, the 12th marks my official 3 months in Butterfield Bank. And I was just converted to permanent! Which also means I just got my 'ticket' to take my leave and get 'sick' once in awhile.

So, let's do a quick review here. Yes, I am three months old now in this island and so far it is going pretty well. I am happy with my job and also blessed to have wonderful colleagues around. Work starts pretty early on a Friday (7am) and could end as late as 10pm. Starts 8am on a Monday and 9am for the rest of the days. Most of the days we're off at 5pm.

Weekends, aside from going to mass on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning are spent attending birthdays, bumming around in beaches either to watch some events (the most recent one was a non-pro Rugby where a colleague invited us over) or take photographs and recently went swimming, there's cooking, once in awhile would go bar hopping, go for a short run or would just simply laze around my apartment and literally do nothing. And best part about weekends, too is catching up with friends and family either online or on the phone. This really takes me til early morning the next day! And it keeps me sane... and grounded.

Made some good friends around, too. Mostly Pinoys definitely, from cafes to audit firms. And the good thing about having some friends or at least somebody you knew in cafes and restaurants or bars is getting freebies once in awhile and personal service most of the time.

And for my first ever trip out of the island, I am ecstatic that I have gotten my ticket (this time it's the real one) for my US trip next month. I will be visiting my cousins in New Jersey, do abit of shopping in NY and off to Atlanta to celebrate (for the first time) Thanksgiving with one good old friend from Philippines.

The one thing am sure though is I am missing my old life and endless chat with friends back in SG. I wish I could just turn my life for a minute and be right there even for a short while. I'd definitely take a cup of Starbucks cappuccino and just sit right there while I laugh out loud with my buddies around.

Despite the homesickness and loneliness here sometimes, it's still not too bad and I'd say that I am lovin' it.

It was a relaxing Saturday morning despite the threatening showers earlier on. Me and Kate ( my temporary housemate) headed off to Horseshoe Bay the moment the sun came out. Horseshoe bay, being the most visited beach in the island, the longest and I'd say with the finest sand ever. It is simply  gorgeous, spotless and the waves, at least for today was a good source of fun to last us for an hour or so just playing with it and screaming everytime it reaches us. I thought I screamed even louder than the kids around us. And I felt like a kid once again - I can't even remember when was the last time I screamed because of waves the way I did today.

It was my first time to really had a plunge in Bermuda waters. And I think I am doing it more often. Simply fun and relaxing.

I just received an overseas call from a dear friend in Phils and broke the good news that she had delivered a tiny (1.5kg) but healthy and I'd say a miraculous baby girl, thru CS operation.

I was ecstatic not just because the baby was born but more of the fact that both the baby and my friend are safe. I say this because her pregnancy wasn't really easy this time after a couple of miscarriages in the past. It became more stressful since my friend was scheduled to take her nth medical board just 2 months before her original due date set in October. And to make matter worst, just recently the baby wasn't growing inside her as a result of her weekly ultrasound which she had to undergo since day one, thus the forced CS ops. The email updates from my friend, not to mention the many other obstacles she had to face since her hubby is not by her side just made me pray harder each day for her and the baby's safety.

My prayers were answered.... am simply grateful.

This is going to be another first to me and for some of the newbies here in the island - experiencing the hurricane first hand, the preparations and all. "Florence" is expected to hit Bermuda tomorrow, 11 Sept with a wind of approx. 90-100mph.

The news was out days before and the moment residents including the locals heard about it everybody started rushing to grocery stores to stock up on basic hurricane supplies, as they put it. I had my chance to buy my stuff ( from canned goods, bottled water to spare batteries, etc) only Friday and interestingly the grocery store had this poster "Hurricane supplies at aisle 13" right at the entrance glass door and another ad at the other side (which I managed to take a shot afterwards). I am amazed at how the government and the residents do the preparations that we being the newbies can't just take it for granted. This may not be as serious as the last hurricane "Fabian" that hit the island in 2003 with approx speed of 150mph but then for the island it's better to be safe than sorry. I saw a couple of my fellow Pinoys inside the grocery store stocking up on the same stuffs and that we have to share my cart as the store is running out of it due to overwhelming shoppers. We have to stock-up on mostly basic goods that could last us for the next 3-4 days. At home, I have to fill-up my tub, my washing machine and practically all the empty containers with water and cook whatever is in my fridge just in case the power will shut down which we were advised later today that it will be at midnight.

It is scary yet fun while riding onto the preparations for some reasons. Maybe for one because it is our first and it is like we are one in making sure everybody is well prepared and safe. The people you knew for just a month or so would call and check on you, offering help should the need arises. Some would stay together in one house and probably do fun things together instead of miserably waiting for the hurricane alone. Grateful that I have Cathy came over my place and Kuya Herson (he's like our 'big brother' here) who would make sure we are safe before he left us earlier. Think the gist is like having an instant family in the midst of crisis -and that makes it not that "scary" afterall.

Just really hope it is not going to be that bad. Will keep you posted.

***********************************************

Update:

I survived "Florence"!

Kidding aside, as I hoped it would be the hurricane wasn't that bad. Not much rain or it only came out at a later stage but the wind was strong, as in mad, estimated to reach 100mph. It started around 10am Monday and ended at around late afternoon. The island in general has no serious casualties reported. My place was safe and only left loads of leaves and tiny branches outside which my landlord generously cleaned up the very next morning. Took a short video for "souvenir" :)

How did we survive it? While it's storming outside, we stayed online as long as there's electricity (Cathy brought her laptop, too), catch up on sleep, eat and eat more and alot of karaoke later that day.

It could have been worse as what my colleagues were saying when we're back to work today. Everybody has his/her own stories to tell and worries to share. I can only say, Thanks God!

At last I got my modem up and running again after like a week or so of "riding on" to somebody else's wireless connection in the area. It wasn't really a good connection as I got cut-off in the middle of my stuff and was terribly slow. But still thankful I got one though else would have been a crazy week without internet at home!

This technician guy who came down to fix it has to slowly walk over my place with the modem in tow from my room to the living room just to check the area and see where to get the strongest signal... and presto he found it  - right beside the window on top of the airconditioning unit! I thought the area isn't really the best place for my laptop but, good thing the A/C has a flat top where the modem nicely fits in and the cables are long enough that I could just comfortably place my laptop right in my living area.

Now I can get connected anytime I want - without being cut-off. Just nice

I had stiff neck like 2-3 weeks ago and realized that it has been awhile and it's not getting any better .. or maybe it has been better as I can turn my head now but, it's not getting well at all.

I remember it started when I fell asleep that night while in a position hoping I could dry my newly washed hair with pillows piled underneath my head and watching tv at that (not a good idea huh). The next morning I woke up I felt like I had my head tied up very tightly to my neck all the way to my body - I couldn't turn it at all! It was painful!

Since then, I've been rotating my head almost every minute.. massage my neck and rub Bengay ointment almost every night (times like these I wished I have somebody in the house with me :( ... stretch my arms and more... with not much success. Been checking on massage clinics for the last week and unfortunately couldn't really find an appropriate one listed on the net (it's all the hotels and guesthouses and I thought they are ex aside from the fact that I don't really need a pampering massage this time but more of a therapeutic one) and the people I asked around aren't into massaging so no info to share with me. Whew! What a sad fate I had. But not until yesterday, fortunately I bumped into an equally massage loving colleague of mine and told me of this salon just minutes walk away from office (yes, they have it all here in a salon shop - hair, facial, nails and body treatments). I wasted time no more and booked the earliest appointment the salon receptionist could give me - 11:30am Thursday, tomorrow. Which means I have to sneak out of the office just to get a neck and back massage!

Gosh.. I don't believe am doing this! Or maybe.... why the heck I didn't dry my hair before going to bed in the first place!

I happened to watch a replay of the famous TV series Sex and the City last night (Yes, they're showing it here on cable - Yeeeey!) and I can't help but still be amazed at how the four lead characters portray their roles and reflect the realities (and ironies) of being single and lonely at times - but could be contented and still be happy at some point.

The series was about "Soulmates" ... Carrie celebrating her 35th birthday... and still single at that.

The four female leads were discussing about their beliefs in soulmates and if they have already found one.

I can't help but asked if I do believe it myself and if there's really one out there...? I know that there's always one or two persons in our lives that we can be comfortable with and just be ourselves, talk like no tomorrow about just anything under the sun. Share our dreams and fart without having to run instead just smile mischievously after 'letting go' of that unwanted foul gas. If this is considered 'soulmates' then I have wonderful friends whom I have all of the above. And I can just fart anytime I want! But, we all know there's a deeper meaning to the word and that would be someone  (aside from the list mentioned above) whom you think you can grow old with. Someone whom you think you can't live without. And that made me wonder if there really is one out there...?

Carrie celebrated her 35th birthday at this restaurant but after she waited for her friends for hours and not a single soul showed up she decided to leave the place and looking so depressed she headed off to her apartment instead. She confessed later that night ( she and her three closest friends met up for late dinner and coffee ) that at some point earlier that evening she really felt alone and realized (and can't believed)  that at 35 she has no man in her life who really cares for her in the truest sense of the word.

Not that I am already 35 - or at least not yet. But, yes at some point I can't help but share the same feelings - sad and empty. But though it could be true at times it doesn't mean life has to be miserable because it is missing out on some spices. I always believe that happiness or contentment is a matter of choice and that's a decision we make everyday. Maybe lucky for some who have already found their "soulmates" and not just their closest friends. But I thought that should't be an excuse for the single souls not to be excited about life either..... Though still I wonder, is there really one out there...?

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha - four faces, live and breathe distinctively and love in various crazy ways yet their souls are one when it comes to caring for one another. Their friendship has grown so much that they have considered themselves "soulmates".

I know my "soulmates" are just out there. And the real 'soulmate' will soon to come, too.

You know how your handphone has become an essential part of your everyday life? And to lose such would also mean losing some memories.. good and the not-so-good... that has been stored there for ages? Not to mention the contacts, photos, and some important details ( bank accounts, etc) that were not even transferred to a more permanent storage after sometime.

Right, I lost mine today. I was with my scooter on my  way back from house hunting that I forgot to put back my phone inside the small storage where it used to sit - which means I had it in my side packet. I actually heard some noise somewhere along the way but didn't bother to look behind since I was so focused on the road ahead. When I reached home and realized I didn't have my phone I knew then that that was the 'noise' I heard  -I should have stopped and checked on it I thought. Sigh it's too late now.

I thought it was just ok ... it's just a phone and I could easily get one. And I'd rather lose the phone than I lose some parts of my body while practicing on my driving- but of course! Well, after some thinking and now that the thought that it's really gone started to sink in, I realized I just didn't lose a phone but I lost so much more.

I will be buying one for sure but the sad part is I can't buy back the wonderful memories I used to have in that tiny li'l buddy of mine.

I had the chance to take my first scooter rental at last.

It was scary yet an experience to remember. I took a one seater scooter for two weeks and it costs me USD355 - expensive I thought. I was wondering I should just get a second hand that is normally selling from USD900 to USD1500, but I was told that I should have a local license to own and drive one. And that normally takes a month to be a licensed driver in this island. Whereas, rental shops take the responsibility of the drivers renting their cycles as long as you can assure them you can drive. Hmmm I wonder how this thing really works.

I went for a few rounds in the city and off to Elbow Beach afterwards. Driving wasn't that easy as I am not used to drive in a busy road and I thought the beach route wasn't really the best choice to practice on a sunny Sunday afternoon. But, with beautiful sceneries and some driving tips I managed to pull it off. I may not be that confident yet but I hope it wont take much time before I could scoot around the island on my own esp when I get my own place and I have to cycle to work.

Thanks to a good friend, Arnold who had a patient heart to drive in front of me and served as my 'guide' as I scoot it off behind :)