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.

Drawing Contest at Eureka

The other day while I was checking my Facebook account I was linked to a page, encouraging me to like a certain drawing. Curious, I scanned the whole album and saw that it was part of Eureka's Drawing contest. (Eureka by the way is a known electronic shop in Kuwait) The first thought that came to my head was "I need to be in it". So yes, the next thing I did was read the mechanics of the contest, message Eureka's page with my name and contact details and wait for their call to set me up an appointment. I wasn't actually sure why I did that, but hey there's always a first time. Plus, the winner would take home $3,500 in cash and a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note.

Well, I honestly can say that I'm not that good with drawing or paintings or sketches, but I do have an eye for the arts. Funny thing is, the last time I made my own canvass was back in College and that was more than 6 years ago. So when they called me roughly 2 days after I signed up, or applied for if that's the proper term, I was kind of..ecstatic. I reread the mechanics again and interestingly they have 3 prizes to be given away. Obviously I'm not up for either the first or the second prize because I find myself wanting to bag the third prize. Guess what that is? They have this "Worst Drawing" award where you can win a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note minus the money. That was funny, but at least a worst drawing can still get a prize. And that's the important thing.

So a few hours ago, I finally went there. My schedule was at 6PM Eureka Salmiya Showroom. I came just in time, thankfully though there was no traffic. The event was held at the basement area and there were 4 couches with flat screens in front where everyone can see the drawings. Oh yeah, the drawing was supposed to be done using the Samsung Galaxy Note. Isn't that wicked? It sure it. Unfortunately though we were only given 15 minutes to do any kind of drawing we'd want (obviously under PG rating since hello this is Kuwait) and that my hands were shaking all over. I didn't know why I suddenly got nervous, but I just couldn't stop my hands from shaking. Add the fact that the Galaxy note was thin and the stylus pen seems so delicate. There were also press people taking photos on the event and there's this one old media man joking around while telling me to concentrate on my work. Great, just exactly what I needed. Well It took me a couple of tries to muster my confidence (yeah right) and finish my drawing entry. Here's what I did below. Looking at it, I'm not eve sure what I had in mind. Don't laugh. Besides art is about expressing oneself right?


When I was done, one of the guys at Eureka told me that they'd put my work on their Facebook page and I'll just get a call if I'd win. Of course, his last statement almost made me laugh. But then I did remember what I came for..to win the Worst Drawing. (crosses my fingers) So, I guess I'll just have to wait if I'd win. They'd be announcing it by next week, I think.

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.

Awesomeness of 2011

It's only a few hours, 4 to be exact, before 2011 is officially over. As I look back the year that was, while scanning the last pages of my planner, I couldn't believe that I've had so many things to be really grateful for. Ironically, my planner was called "This Journal will actually change someone's life!!!" and the time that I had it, I didn't really thought much about it's meaning but coincidence or not, my life really did change. 2011 was quite an astounding year for me and my family because of the so many things that happened. Doodling on the last page of my planner, I listed the top 12 reasons that made my 2011 uber awesome!

12 Amazing Things that Happened in 2011

1. First Complete New Year celebration with the newest member of our family - baby Aiden!

2. My University's 400th year celebration

3. 3 years with DA-NMIS family

4. My Quarter of a Century Birthday celebration aka 25 years of being alive and kicking

5. Kuwait

6. My first baby DSLR - Nikon D5100

7. Mom's new work

8. Aiden's 1st Birthday celebration

9. Awesome events and concerts that I had the chance to be at (oh yeah there's social life in Kuwait lol)

10. SFC + the Beckies

11. Job at MOH

12. Priceless bonding with my Dad

Looking back, I feel so blessed with everything that 2011 has brought me and my family. All of this would not be possible without His grace and for that I am uber and sincerely thankful. Now that 2012 is almost here, I'm more than optimistic and blissful to welcome the new year, with the hopes of continuous guidance and blessing from Him, who made all things possible. <3

Essence of Christmas

For the past two weeks, I have been utterly busy preparing for the presentation to represent our unit - Salmiya. Although we only had 3 days to do everything from brainstorming for a good concept, creating dance steps and getting people to participate with us -- everything facilely fit into place as the event draws near.
The event was jam packed with creative juices, showcasing different talents from acting, singing and dancing. Our performance turned out a success with a spice of comedic act when we did our version of the Grinch's story but what amazed me most was seeing the release of SFC Kuwait's station ID were I, luckily, became part of. (NOTE: Since Blogger can't seem to upload the video, I'm putting the link here: Christmas Is About Love Video)

Then, after only a few days when I thought it's high time for a vacation from the community, came another colorful event that I thought I definitely wouldn't miss for the world, even though I'm currently attacked by the flu monster -- the Pasko sa Embassy 2011 organized by SFC Kuwait's Social Ministry aims to share the spirit of giving to the hundreds (250+ to say the least) of female distressed OFWs staying in the Philippine Embassy to feel that they're not forgotten. The basement of POLO office were filled with different faces of Pinays who have different stories to tell. But for a short while, when the affair began, all you could see were happy faces filled with glee and laughter that would remind you that Christmas is really here.

Although it's unfortunately sad to think that this would be the very first Christmas that I'm away from my family and friends back home, I somehow came to realize that what's more important is not the presence nor the material things but how we understand the true meaning of Christmas through the celebration of the spirit of love, joy and sharing.

Paano mo ba masasabi na ayaw mo na? Kung sa tinagal-tagal ng panahon na naging kayo, halos lahat ng bagay naibigay mo na, sa isang iglap nagising ka na lang na iba na? Kahit anong gawin hindi mo na maibabalik ang dati?

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.

Ice Skating in Kuwait

I've always loved to skate..on ice. It was a childhood dream that I always fancy, more so after watching the movie The Cutting Edge and a few years later, Ice Princess. Unfortunately, it doesn't snow in the tropical island country where I live so I never had the opportunity to experience what they'd call White Winter. Although there were Ice Skating rinks available at the malls, I used to remember that I couldn't afford to try one since the fee for the hourly Ice skate is different from the Skate shoes rental plus the tutorial for the beginners' session. The tutorial was an option but for an elementary school kid, everything is just plain expensive.

Luckily, I did have my chance when I was in High school but that experience was a total mess. I couldn't even stand on my two feet and all the time I just kept on holding onto the rails for life support! That expensive precious one-hour of my hopefully glorious first try to Ice skate turned into hell since I would always fall on my butt flat on the hard ice. I also still couldn't afford to get a tutorial since my budget was only fit for the Ice skate usage and skate blade rental. The overall experience made me feel uninterested plus the fact that I have to travel almost 2 hours just to get to the mall to try that Ice skating experience.

Never did I imagine that I'd be able to try it again here in Kuwait for the second time. The fee was way cheaper as compared back home since the skate shoes rental is already included in the payment. I obviously don't have any clue about the mechanics of Ice skating in general except on how to tie the skate shoes properly though interestingly, it took me only a couple of minutes to finally get a grip on myself to stand on the ice without falling! That gave me an odd sense of joy to start with. And as the minutes passes, by after I started to move my two feet atop the hard ice, my excitement started to grow more. It's as if I was a kid again dreaming of becoming a great figure skater like Michelle Trachtenberg in the Ice Princess movie! Yeah that was a bit overboard, but every time I let myself loose in trying my very best to keep my balance while gliding on the ice, all the time carefully following my friend's basic instructions, I couldn't stop myself from being overly thrilled! Unlike my first try, the experience that took place was definitely worth repeating even though I slipped a couple of times, five to be exact plus adding the faint bruise I received as a souvenir on my left palm. But whatever the case, the experience was worth it and I can see myself, this time, coming back for more!

Credit: Chickee Pante for the Photos XD