Are you Financially Secure?

Image credit to TGFI

Do you have any savings? Are you even aware how much interest it gives you? Is your savings more than 3-6 months worth of your salary? Will it be enough to cover your needs if tomorrow you will be laid off from your work or your family will need money because of unexpected emergencies?

Do you have a house of your own or do you just rent because you think its practical? Do you even have a car or simply commute because you can't afford to get one? 

Have you been paying all your bills, grocery and shopping wants through cash or you charge them as debit from your cards? Do you have some fund set aside to pay for your dream vacation? When you or one of your family members get sick, do you take a loan or ask other people to lend you money because you don't have any left on your wallet? 

Are you debt-free or are you like the others who are buried in debt you don't know what to do with it anymore? Do you have any idea how to free yourself from these debts?

If you have kids, can you even send them to good schools and give them the best education possible? Can you even afford your children's needs without touching your active income and savings? 

What if you meet your maker tomorrow (knock on wood) and you are your family's breadwinner -- who would be left to support them? Are you even ready at the thought that even without you, your family you would be leaving behind will be ok -- financially speaking? 

Do you even know or have the slightest idea how much is your total net worth, assets and liabilities? Are your finances enough to take care -- if not all, some of those needs? These are only few of the basic real-life questions that we all should be able to answer HONESTLY and be actually AWARE to know more about. 

Unfortunately Filipino culture makes us shy and awkward to talk about money and anything about finances. It's a very reluctant topic among family members and a somewhat taboo conversation even with friends especially with those you're only acquainted with or of course with strangers since asking someone about their net worth or assets is clearly a sign of prying and disrespecting one's pivacy. Unless the Government would inquire about one's SALN (Statements of Assets and Liabilities), we don't have a choice but to open and share that private information. But is that even healthy not to know? Or are we just in denial not to really know about it?

Opening oneself to public about your financial status would make you fall between being modest or arrogant. But the only important thing about is not actually knowing what you have but knowing what you need. By being honest about your financial needs, you may be able to think ahead, plan ahead and act ahead to prepare for the worse case scenarios that could happen. 

Kailangan pa bang antayin na may mangyari na hindi maganda para malaman ang mga kulang at dapat gawin kung pwede naman paghandaan ngayon pa lamang?

So how can we know in order to prepare ourselves to secure our family's financial needs? 

The answer is very simple. 

EDUCATION.

If you want to know more, click these links to find out how: TRULY RICH CLUB and 

OVERSEAS FILIPINO STOCKS INVESTORS

The Global Filipino Bloggers Slambook

The Global Filipino Bloggers book where PinayDiaspora has been featured!  

Blogging is an easy and fun way to communicate and connect virtually to a lot of people all over he world but it also gives a chance for everyone - people of all ages - to try something new and enhance their writing, photography and/or video-related skills that could make or break into a hobby or even as an added means to earn a good income.

The definition above that I have given in one of the Basic Blogging seminars that I did recently with OFSI (Overseas Filipino Stocks Investors) to introduce the world of Blogosphere to everyone especially to OFSI members who are also hardworking OFWs here in Kuwait completely explains my love for this past time hobby that I have been doing for the past 5 years. Like what I have stated before and from the posts that I do on this site, it's very clear that my posts show my personal experiences while living here in Kuwait as an expat.

Today before taking my breakfast, I was surprised to receive a message coming from a friend, Gracia, who was a PEBA-awardee and known OFW blogging advocate worldwide. I have featured her before in one of my previous posts in gratitude for including me in her then-upcoming book that we have been talking about as an ultimate goal for aspiring writer and blogger like us. And guess what? The dream book that we were talking about a few years ago and which I partly helped in doing minor edits is now on sale at Amazon! :) I suddenly feel exhilarated from the news that I've received and I immediately googled Amazon to check it out. The cover design looked simple yet stylish and the few basic contents that I read was really familiar. Reading a few paragraph especially the introductory part made me reminisce the conversations that we both have and the ideals that we all share as part of the Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) group which she had founded as well. Looking back, this published book is now a great a realization of an OFW's dream to continue pursuing one's goals, passion, advocacy and that God-given set of skills to be a good inspiration to fellow OFWs .


The Global Filipino Bloggers Slambook: OFW Edition has been published successfully last 2nd of February 2015 by Tatay Jobo Elizes Publishing House/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (USA) and is being sold for $12 ( 3.6 KD or Php 533) only (both Paperback and Ebook editions). The book contains basic information about Blogging and featuring 33 Filipino bloggers worldwide from 2011-2012 with the likes of Fitz Villafuerte, a known OFW Financial advocate based in KSA and of course where yours truly, PinayDiaspora is included! :)

I am just so happy to be part of it and can't wait to get a copy of it! So please let us support the author Ms Gracia Amor, a Filipino OFW Blogging advocate here in Kuwait by buying her book.

Blogging 101 Seminar

Writing is a passion that I always have. It's the Romeo to my Juliet's love for reading. It's a combination that I always enjoyed since I was young. And speaking is something quite similar as well. It's not just a passion but also something that I know I can naturally do. I'm not bragging or anything, but I am absolutely sure that if I have something to say, I'd say it. More so -- speaking in front a crowd. Funny thing that I don't get the usual jitters whenever I'd try to talk in front of an audience, although sometimes I'd feel a little sweaty but at the time that I would stand up and start to open my mouth, the platform or stage or wherever I'm standing feels like home. Weird, but I do have that kind of feeling. It's like -- you want to share a piece of yourself to your listeners and you're really trying your best to let them know what you want them to know. But unfortunately, that doesn't happen all the time. Some would say I sounded harsh, that I would comment straight to the point to even sound rude or get the tables upside down by making everyone laugh with my crazy humor. Whatever that is, at least I'm still able to get my points across right? XD

Anyway, as part of our group's special sessions, I was tasked to give another talk about Blogging 101 last 17th of April 2015. This time, with only the basics of the basics that I know. This of course made me excited since I would be able to share everyone what I know about blogging. Not that I was an expert since I'm probably still a newbie when ranked on the Blogosphere, but the fact that some people think I have the authority in this matter -- it simply made my heart jump for joy! Too much adjectives? Nah, just feeling happy with what I have accomplished! :)

OFSI Blogging 101 Session last April 17, 2015

Another group picture of future OFSI Bloggers

Oh yeah, they're listening to whatever that I was saying :P

++++++

You can also check these awesome blogs! :)

Goriography

Renz Leano

Georgia

Officially Dot Com

Finally after 4 long years, PinayDiaspora is now a dot com minus the blogspot name! Not that I'm not happy with blogger, which is still obviously my free web host, but the need to be independent (at least the URL part) seemed more appealing than before.

Thankfully though with the help of my fellow OFSI friend Ms. Georgia Lawas (www.lgeorgia.com), I am now the official owner of this URL link at USD33 (10KD) for 3 years. Thanks to GoDaddy and its cheap domain name registry. =) Hopefully though with this added feature, I would feel compelled to write more and update this baby more often. *crossesfingers*

Official email from GoDaddy(dot)com

So cheers to this wonderful awesometastic year for PinayDiaspora blog! =)

I am Beloved

I am a living proof of God’s victory.

As proud as it may seem, I am confident enough to say that I am. I'm only in my late 20s and haven’t really proved anything much to the world, but as I recount the years of my existence, I am 101% certain.

I've experienced joy, frustrations, heartaches, depression and betrayals. My life issues may not be as appalling, bold, tear-jerker and significant as the others but in my world, they are as big and horrendous as any problem can be. I even doubted at one point the reason for my way of life, but interestingly never felt uncertain that God existed. I'm a control freak and I like things to go my way. I've been rebellious at times but would always find my way back. I've got plans and have always dreamed of fame, fortune and pleasure. But unfortunately whatever I do, God never gave me what I wanted.

Instead, he would always give me what I need.

My decision to come to Kuwait came in a jiffy. My salary working in the Government sector is not enough but I'm about to be promoted permanently. My career’s doing great although my routine has turned dreary. My social life is also blossoming, with great people surrounding me. I've also got future plans to travel and do things that I've always wanted to do. But somewhere in my comfortable life..I felt lacking. You know that weird sense of emptiness that people at my age shouldn't be feeling.

Is that what you call mid-life crisis?

Dude, seriously?

I have absolutely no idea. I am happy and I know that I feel content somehow.. but the feeling of wanting to do something and be somewhere won’t go away. So when the chance of Kuwait came up, BAM! I’m out of the country in an instant. Sitting on the plane bound for Kuwait with my Mom in tow is not a picture I would want to remember for the rest of my life, more so convincing myself the reality that just dawned on me. I’m suddenly unemployed, broke, no social life and going to live with my parents for the next year or so. Convincing me of my new reality because of the out-of-the-blue decision suddenly came to haunt me.

Anyway I also do want to find a sense of adventure and something that’s out of my control right? But then you can lie to everyone but definitely not to yourself. So what’s the main reason why I did that?

Escape.

I want to be something else. To be livin’ la vida loca!

I want to have an adventure, to do the things what other people have experienced. I want to have a fun, roller-coaster-kind-of-life. Besides life is too short to waste on unimportant things and we obviously live once. Just like the old saying goes, Carpe Diem!

Fast forward more than two years from that plane ride I'm still stuck living in with my parents and only earning an income through my freelance online job. My idea of adventure didn't happen for things that I found myself lacking, financially so to speak. I'm also still patiently on hold waiting for a more stable work application that I have processed for the last two years and counting. Even though I've decided to give up for the nth time, but somehow when I'm on the verge of doing that small abrupt wake-up calls out of nowhere would overturn my decision to stick with it through thick and thin. It’s probably called divine intervention? No idea really, but I guess it’s a way that God tells me to be a bit more patient. Yes, patience. It’s a very big word that I have obediently been doing and applying to my life ever since.

But then, amongst the struggles that I'm still undergoing, I do however found myself going back to serving God - faithfully and sincerely. Of all places, why in Kuwait? I don’t actually know the answer but I just found myself going with the flow of things. I even developed a new kind social life that is centered with my Church friends and SFC community.

I obviously couldn't really afford expensive things with the very small income that I have, but interestingly I was able to buy myself a brand new Iphone, re-stabilized my wrecked savings account and even paid for this Dubai trip. I even found myself splurging on branded clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and eating at expensive restaurants without asking money from my parents at some point. Amazingly I was also able to help a cousin pay for his tuition from the surplus that I got from my freelance job. Yes, surplus from a very small income that came from a work unexpectedly. I even had the chance to do the things I found myself passionate about like photography and writing after letting myself be in complete surrender to the call of service.

But what’s more interesting? For the past 27 years, I never really found myself committing to any kind of relationship. It’s not that I am scared of love or being in love but I just probably never felt the need to. I thought I am content but then one day God gave me that unexpected gift that gives me joy – an answered prayer. Hopefully. 

All of these blessings suddenly poured unexpectedly. Things I never really thought would come amidst the choices and sacrifices I made prior to deciding to follow His call. Before I may not really know their significance or why these hardships have occurred, but today I am proud to speak out my realizations -that they are God’s victories, my victories.

Honestly, I could go on a different way. I can keep a deaf ear to His call for patience, faithfulness and service. If I hadn't been obedient to His call, I wouldn't be here. I still would have been stuck in my old life where I thought I was really happy with. But life is all about changes and these changes are inevitable. Even though I didn't get the things that I planned for and the dreams that I have always dreamed of, I know God is leading me to the path where I'm supposed to be not where I want to be.

Every day is a challenge but every day is also a victory from God that I would be proud to cherish.

Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait

Blogging is an expression of free will. It is a form of communication done through the use of online tools that vary depending on the blogger - the person behind the blog site. Blogs certainly differ from person to person and the blogger's interests. Some would either write short stories, opinions on things or tell tales of their real life experiences. Writings would also vary depending on the blogger's intent on his/her post, the structure structure or writing style used and language. While others capture quality moments through their lens which they share by posting photos or videos, blogging has been used mostly to express oneself. Interestingly, some has also used this online tool in earning a good income through one's passion while people like me simply just do this as a means to practice what I am fond of doing - writing.

Personally, I also know some people who use their blogs as a form of advocacy about real life experiences which inspire and motivates others to support their goals. These people come from different backgrounds and most of their stories share the same sentiment - being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) who was forced to work out of the country for a greener pasture. The President of FBK (Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait) Ms Gracia Amor uses her blog DiaryNiGracia to create awareness about the current issues and lives of Filipino OFW here in Kuwait. Another member, Tito Al Manlangit's Soujournal blog is catered to show his love for landscape photography which reflects his artistic side and Architectural background. Some also uses their blog to chronicle their life's activities as a tool to communicate with their friends and relatives across the globe like Tita Freda Contrera's A Blessed Life.

Official Teaser Video for FBK's 1st Anniversary. Credit to PamatayHomesick.

Through their blogs, these Filipino Expats came together to create a small bonded group that advocates blogging as a form of communication not only as a past time (like in my case), but as well as use this medium to share and disseminate valuable information to other Filipino Expats who are in need. This blogging group established only last year called the Filipno Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) has found itself an important role and responsibility in supporting important advocacies and creating awareness for other Filipinos here in Kuwait through these online tools to aid less fortunate fellow men in their needs. For the past year, the group has done charity work with the Philippine Embassy and other Filipino groups in helping maltreated fellow OFWs who were taking shelter in the Embassy. A few weeks from one, FBK will be hosting a Blood Donation project at the Kuwait Central Bank on the 20th of September 2013 and a free seminar about Blogging at the Philippine Embassy on a first-come-first-served basis.

Blood Donation Project. Credit for image go to FBK

Passion is a God-given gift and it is something that people should know how to use not only to entertain oneself but as well as use it responsibly to help others. Helping doesn't need to amount to a great extent in order to brag about something, but it can be done even in a small form through sharing valuable information that can give a sense of positive enlightenment.

PinayDiaspora Got Featured! Again!

Since this blog's creation, I have never really thought that others would think it's interesting. Not that I don't have the confidence, but I made this for the sole purpose of documenting my stay here in Kuwait. Living abroad for the first time is a big turn in my life. So being recognized by other known bloggers, especially Filipinos here in Kuwait is a pleasant news to know.

Pinay Diaspora Feature Page

Gracia Amor (DiaryniGracia) is a known Filipino blogger here in Kuwait. From the time that I was invited to be part of this Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait group is already an honor. What more but to get me (as the writer of this blog) and this baby of course in her website? One word: Stupendous!

I have mentioned Gracia Amor and the Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) group in this previous post HERE.

Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Kuwait

Image Credit to ChannelNewsAsia

For the past week now I have been seeing numerous flags of different countries proudly standing on the islands of 4th ring road, 6th ring road, etc and cops are just everywhere, some even barricading numerous roads and hotels. I thought it was just some sort of International affair that the locals are celebrating since the Eid holiday is only a few weeks away. But after watching the news on cable TV and reading an article about Asia Cooperation Summit  to be held here in Kuwait, that confirmed what I have been witnessing lately. Since I'm not much of a political-business-junkie, I wasn't even aware that such groups like the ACD existed. I know the likes of UN, G7 and the ASEAN, but the ACD sound's new to my ears. After researching on google and reading an article, here's what I found (Link):

"The summit would review promotion of investments especially the role of sovereign wealth funds to invest in other Asian nations which have the potential." (AFP News)

Technically speaking, the ACD is to gather all the major energy producers in the region and discussing ways to promote investments. This would also serve as a tie to strengthen the relationship of each member nations. What's interesting is that I have heard no such thing has occurred in Kuwait for the last decade, more so having the country as a host. This of course can pave way to highlight the image of Kuwait among the other oil-rich nations in the world. Hopefully though, more projects and ties can be created to benefit a lot of people and that this kind of international summits will not be the last.

RH Bill

When I moved to Kuwait, I thought I wouldn't find myself more interested about news and issues back home. But I was wrong. The more time I spend living outside of my home country, the more I felt intrigued about what's happening back there. That's probably what you'd call home sickness? But as I get myself indulged in one issue-to-another, comparisons started to arise. Kuwait vs Philippines. Two different countries with two different ideals and societal issues. A very interesting fact is that religion plays an important role in the legislations of Kuwait through the Sharia, more so like the Philippines in truth, even if it proudly describes itself as a secular democratic country. One important issue where the Catholic Church, the largest religious domination in the Philippines, plays a somewhat significant role (or insignificant to others) is the ongoing debate about the Reproductive Health Bill.

The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 or simply termed as the RH Bill is geared towards universal access to information of birth control and maternal care, as well as certain issues regarding the use of contraceptives and abortion in the Philippines. This bill has been amended since its initial conception in 1995 to lower down the population boom of the country. In the status that I made in my personal Facebook page in support of this bill, I got some criticisms from my fellow faith-followers. But nonetheless, even though some don't seem to agree with my stand on this, I feel compelled to voice out my opinion since as a citizen of the Philippines, I have a right in my own way to participate in this so-called argument over who's right and who's not. Also, to set the matter straight - I'm a Catholic and a Pro-Life but I do know how to read and understand English so technically speaking, I didn't find anything in the amended bill that tells everyone that abortion is being legalized nor people are being encouraged to use contraceptives and that contraceptives can kill people. There are so-called studies that negates the use of contraceptives but with proper and guided information, programs about Family Planning in general not only focusing on contraceptive use can most like lower the unwanted booming population of the country. Seriously, the current statistics has it that the Philippines has already reached 92 Million + people. (92,337,852 population as of May 2010 according to NSO )  Like what my status says: "Information is true knowledge. There's a reason why we are created to be rational and logical human beings" Besides, as a Filipino even if I'm currently living abroad, I will still be affected with this issue in one way or another.

Image credit to ManilaKid

For the past months, when the RH Bill issue seemed to have mellowed down due to the ongoing Cyber Crime Law panic, I thought to myself that maybe its detractors would have a time to reread the amended proposed bill and pinpoint any other "misconstrued information" that needed to be polished for everybody else's clear understanding. But unfortunately, after reading an editorial from my own alumni, I felt utter disappointment. Granted that UST is a pontifical school that follows the lead of the CBCP, but adding more  inappropriate remarks against those who are plainly exercising their own freedom as a citizen of the country is way too unethical. Yes, those Professors of other Catholic institutions may want to voice out their side on this national issue, but calling them cowards and threatening its own faculty to resign from their posts if they so wish to follow suit as they call in a "series of bandwagon" somehow makes them look like tyrants. Are we back in the Spanish Colonial Era? What's the sense of the so called separation of Church and State?

"The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable." (Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution)

Moreover, as far as I can remember we are living in the 21st century and we have this Bill of Rights to safeguard every person's freedom of speech and expression. At this point in time, we are also freely able to make our own decision which we see best fit for ourselves. The role of the Government is not to dictate what  its citizen should do, act or say but only to give substantial and unbiased information for the benefit of its people. Only unless the Philippine Government is not a secular democratic society. Or maybe someone has forgotten to give out the memo that the Philippines is now going back to its once theocratic roots?

Quoting one sentence from The Varistarian's Editorial page "Every person is given the "freedom" to choose but that freedom is not absolute." Obviously, nothing in this world is truly absolute, except in scientific terms of course. That, is already a given thought, but the fact still exist that as a modern society we live in a world where democracy is highly regarded and people are encouraged to be open about their rights. If the CBCP and its followers would continue on with their angst over how the legislators would want to run the country, then we all might as well dump the current constitution and call for a charter change.

RA No 10175

Credit to whoever made this. :)

I know how it is being restricted. Your anonymity a laughing stock. The feeling of people prying in to your work and others meddling with them even without your permission.  Your so-called confidentiality with the things that you do is actually transparent, viewable by those in higher authority...waiting to be pounded to tell you that you might have done something wrong or against the Government. This is what you'd call evasion of privacy. This is what I usually feels whenever surfing the internet in these places that I call my second home, for example. (No pun intended just stating a fact.)

So, obviously I am on the pro side of the ANTI-CYBER CRIME LAW (RA 10175) that will start its implementation in the Philippines, my home country, starting October 3rd.

At first, I am actually glad that the Congress has thought of this plan to protect internet identities and punish those who uses the internet to do their mischief. Cybercrime has been really a pain in  the neck since the evolution of the digital world. But as I read through the whole bill, it seems that those who have written it didn't use their common sense. I actually even thought that this is for  the benefit of all. But hell no. This would only benefit those who are in power. Besides, the up coming 2013 election is only months away. Well one thing to note is that this new bill contradicts the Bill of Right of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, among others.

"Section 1 of Article III of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides that 'No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.."

Also, this may have strengthen the territory of libel cases but this again appears to be too redundant. The bill may have a good point in protecting children against child pornography, cybersex crimes and identity thieves but restricting people to express what they have in mind and gathering "free data" using P2P or torrent connections for example is obviously against any human rights. Kapag ito ay talagang naisabatas, bawal na ang pag-download ng mga pelikula, kanta, laro, litrato at kung ano-ano pa na libre mula sa internet. Malamang ipagbabawal na din ang panonood ng mga palabas sa youtube na hindi naayon o ang pag-stream ng mga panoorin sa mga libreng website gaya ng mga anime mula sa Japan, mga drama galing South Korea at mangyari pati ang panonood ng laban ni Pacquiao? Magiging limitado ang pagpaskil ng mga litrato dahil dapat ito ay magiging naayon sa paningin ng batas. Bawal na din ang mga kwento, mabibigat na opinyon at usaping walang katuturan na kahit likhang-isip lamang o dahil sa bugso ng damdamin ay pwedeng gamitin laban sa iba. Bawal na din ang pagkomento ng hindi naayon o pwedeng makasakit ng ibang tao. Malamang, ang pag-like sa isang status o komento sa mga social networking site gaya ng Facebook ay pwede nang ireklamo ng kung sino man kung hindi ito magustuhan. At ano na din ang mangyayari sa mga nagkalakat na blogs na patungkol sa mga pagbatikos sa mga nasa Gobyerno at iba pang linta sa lipunan? Dahil sa kanilang mabibigat na opinyon, malamang ito na mahaharang na. Nasaan na ang kalayaan na nakasulat sa ating saligang batas? Magiging makatarungan ba ang mga magaganap o simpleng kabalbalan lamang?

In addition, I actually remembered a statement coming from the United Nations affirming that "internet freedom is a basic human right." See UN PDF File

Reaffirming the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Is the Philippine Congress not aware of this?

If only the Congress would try to reread this bill, use their common sense and amend whatever seems to look redundant or that contradicts the Law of the land, then at least they wouldn't even be hearing any negative comments from the public nor seeing massive oppositions.

Like one of my favorite quotes: THINK. IT'S NOT ILLEGAL YET!

Streets of Kuwait: Part 2

When in Kuwait..one thing that someone must always put in mind is how crazy ( I mean really really annoyingly crazy) dust storms can be. They can go for a week straight or show up in intervals. They're sometimes unpredictable too. But, scientifically speaking, they do appear whenever there's a change of season so that's always a hint for newcomers like me who have never experienced these kinds of dust storms in my life. Well this time around the dust storm is probably a hint to tell everyone that the weather is now changing from Spring to Summer...

This was taken in the daylight..but whenever the sandstorm worsens,  it's usually zero visibility

Streets of Kuwait: Part 1

My Dad, who is a frequent traveller would always tell me that "in order to really feel what it's like to be in a new place, it's always good to check out where the locals would go." This of course would instantly tell me to go and search for the hotspots where everyone would hangout with, but obviously  that would either be the gazillion restaurants in Kuwait, numerous malls, theme parks or the long stretch of Marina bay. (Note: Kuwait is a coastal country) But instead, what my Dad really wants to tell me was to be in places were the locals would really be found...where culture would be very evident.

First stop.. the Mosque. Unfortunately though, I'm not a Muslim so it would be weird for me to go in there and take pictures. Although there's a foreign-based group here called the AWARE CENTER that cater tour guides for expats. It so happens that my schedule just couldn't fit  theirs. Maybe next time..haha.

And yes..the Wet market. Interestingly, all the salesmen wear white labcoats and the whole fish market was centralized with AC. That's a new thing for me because back in Manila, only supermarkets have centralized ACs. But this is a public wet market! But what's the best thing? You can buy cheap chunks of big fish like Tuna, Blue Marlin, etc for only less than 1.5KD a kilo.

Something Random

Another attack of insomnia.

Too much caffeine?

Probably.

One thing I'm sure, it's one of those nights where even if I try to go to bed early, my mind's simply going on a detour. My brain's neglecting the need for my physical body to fare off to dreamland.

Anyhow, to make of the time I had no other choice but to recollect the thoughts that were popping out of nowhere. Ideas that connotes varying definitions and gives adjunct correlation in between. Needless to say, I need something sensible to vent to.

And here comes the Blog. Yes, this Blog. My Blog.

Getting the gist of my 30+ posts, I couldn't help but gag at some of the awry topics I took the effort to write. Yes, personal effort per se. It must be the delivery or the theme itself but it gave a mere reflection that this blog was self-centered and sometimes lacks an entertainment factor. The exposition was inaugurably true since I had it in mind to be presented in a journal-type-context.

So is that a negative or positive thing?

Both.

Now what?

I need to find a conclusion. And then I came up with... thank God it took me only a few minutes to realize this!

Bottomline. I guess I need to be more open and write more about whatever is on my mind.

Less inhibitions. Yes, that's the spirit.

We'll see.

Sa Embahada ng Pilipinas: Kalokohan?

Bawat ahensya ay may mga pamantayan na sinusunod upang maging pulido ang isang trabaho. Ang Embahada ay iniluklok upang pagsilbihan ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na nagpapakahirap kumita ng pera sa isang banyagang lugar, ngunit ang mga alituntuning ito ay nagagampanan ba ng maayos?

Maraming kwento na akong naririnig tungkol sa mga pamantayang ipinapatupad na imbes makatulong ay nakakadagdag pa sa problema ng mga tao. Noong isang araw lamang, ako ay may ipinasa na dokumento na kinakailangan ng papel na magpapatunay na ito ay totoo. Kumpleto ito sa proseso magmula ng inilakad ito sa Pilipinas at iyong sa Embahada na lamang ang kulang. Ngunit laking gulat ko ng sabihan pa ako na kailangan ko maghintay ng 15 araw para sa beripikasyon kung ang dokumentong hawak ko na dumaan na sa iba't-ibang ahensya sa Pilipinas ay tunay. Sa totoo lang, ako ay natawa hindi dahil sa galak kundi sa inis. Dahil meron akong hinahabol na oras, hindi ko inaasahan na maaantala pa ang aking plano dahil sa wala sa katwiran na alituntunin. Ang dokumentong hawak ko ay nagpapatunayan na ako ay nagtapos ng Haiskul na inaprubahan pa mula sa eskwelahang aking pinagtapusan hanggang sa ito ay tanggapin ng DFA sa Maynila, kasama ng mga orihinal at pirmadong dokumento na nanggaling pa sa DepEd. Kahit ito ay ipinakita ko na bilang katibayan, nagmukha lamang akong tanga dahil sa walang kwentang alituntunin na pinapatupad nila. Maiintindihan ko pa sana ang kanilang rason kung hindi pa ako tapos mag pa beripika at mag patunay ng mga dokumento ko sa Kolehiyo. Ngunit kahit itong mga papeles ko sa Kolehiyo na sila na mismo ang nagpatunay na totoo ay hindi nila ginawang basehan para sa wala sa katwiran nilang alituntunin.

Ang tanong lamang naman ay ganito: makakapag tapos ba ako sa isa sa kilalang Unibersidad sa Pilipinas at makakapag trabaho sa Gobyerno kung hindi ako nakapagtapos ng Haiskul? Hindi ba't ang naganap ay isang malaking kalokohan? Kaya nga sila nandito sa Kuwait, bilang empleyado ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, ay mapagsilbihan at matulungan ang mga nagpapakahirap sa bansang ito hindi iyong sila mismo pa ang nakikidagdag sa paghihirap ng mga kababayan natin.

Tagpuang Disyembre

Tagpuan is a Tagalog word which when translated in English would mean "place to meet". Tagpuan Disyembre is an event organized by a couple of young Filipino professionals from the different sectors in coordination with Fr. Ben Barrameda, one of the few Filipino priests stationed here in Kuwait. It was said that this was one-of-its-kind although other Filipino communities usually organize sleepovers for different purposes but being the first of its possible many succeeding events in the near future, this overnight youth activity centralizes on a solely Filipino target audience with a theme - "Meeting Christ: Leaving the world behind".

In its entirety, it was a kind of retreat but with a less dramatic platform with the topics discussed that touched more on a generalized issue - answering to His call, understanding the different vocations, career and forgiveness. The topics were delivered in a comprehensible manner that would gain the listener's immediate interest, granted mainly that the talks were presented by Priests and a married couple as guest speaker who gave insight to their own married life and how they answered the call that they're meant to seek that vocation.

It was indeed a fruitful event, with lessons that although I have heard multiple times before but somehow left substantial reminders about the calls that I might've disregarded or failed to take notice.

Juan 2 Sawa Concert

It's been a month since I first heard that another set of Filipino artists would come to Kuwait to do a show, but unlike the previous one that I attended it wasn't free nor it was located inside a gorgeous hotel with dozens of freebies to be given away through its sponsors. Like any, the ticket fee was 3.5KD, coupled with the free rides inside the Sha'ab Park, but of course suffering the cold winter breeze that ranges from 10-13°C since it would be held in an open ground. I don't know who the hell conceptualized the idea that having the show in a leisure park is good with the current season in mind, but anyway it's probably all about the money. Considering those, I obviously didn't intend to see it even though I'd really like to see Richard Poon in person.

Luckily, my cousin wanted to see Sitti, one of the two artists and thought it's a good chance to spend his rare 2 and half days off from his job. He works in a hospital and it's not everyday that he'd get to have those free time. Bottom line, I ended up calling one of my friends for the tickets as I braced myself to see if this event would be successful as I initially thought it wouldn't be.

And just as I have imagined, the area wasn't as crowded or full as I have experienced before with the Allan K concert a few months ago. It was probably due to the two crazy factors I cited above, but anyway since I'm already there I took all the chance I got to entertain myself in taking their photos and listening to their music. Oh, have to say Richard Poon was really charming in person than on TV.

Cakes

One thing I learned about the locals here when it comes to food..they have a sweet tooth. Which was definitely cool since I, myself, is a self-confessed sweet lover. Two days ago during our flat mates' birthday, we gave her a chocolate cake from Mr. Baker (in Jabriya) as a gift. It was a simple medium-sized round cake that only cost us around 6 KD. A great thing was that the staff were all Filipinos and their warm smile just adds the "sweetness" of the atmosphere. This is not a form of advertising but I'm just a proud Pinoy at heart.


After uploading a few files from my camera to my computer, I saw the other pictures that I took of the other cakes that I tasted since coming here (the first two below were from La Baguette). Boy, they were all yummy and the designs were intricately done!