Entry 15: Curtain Closing with Friends

Song of the Moment: The Kindness of Strangers by American Analog Set

Hong Kong was the perfect destination to cap off my 14-day trip. 

For the most part, I was all over the the city, hopping from one train station to another, looking for last minute pasalubong. But during the evenings that mattered, I got to spend time with Crisel, Mabs (a new friend) and even their church friends, Ate Jigs and Kuya Jeff. My favorite part of the trip was receiving an impromptu dinner invitation from Ate Jigs and Kuya Jeff at their place, where we were served Filipino soul food --- good home-cooked meals. 

It was good to be with friends who are just sincerely wonderful happy people. They’re quite a rare couple to find, mind you. Ate Jigs and Kuya Jeff are very pious, then add Crisel and Mabs in the picture, that made for a very religious dinner party. I suddenly felt empowered by the positive energy these people were emitting.    

We talked about various things --- from the couple’s providential love story, to finding their ministry in the Church, to showing off their dog Lulu’s tricks, up to defining what Prudence really means. Later that night, Crisel and I got to talk about our lives as well, as how two old friends normally do. Of course, I won’t go into details, in confidence. But I found that so many of Crisel’s realizations and our discourse across everything powerfully affect my own life’s issues. It made sense to spend the night at her flat instead of booking a HK hotel after all. 

There are so many wonderful discoveries I made about myself during the trip --- the one thing worth mentioning would be fearlessness. I think the primary reason I jumped into this adventure was to overcome many fears and insecurities, and I am proud to say that I was able to take the bull by the horns. It was a fun ride, while it lasted. And now I’m flying back to Manila to put this new perspective to the test. 

So I’m signing off for now, but that doesn’t mean the stories will cease. A whole life is still ahead of me and I’m excited about it more than ever.  Tetel was right after all, “This trip will resuscitate me back to my fully motivated self.”  And now that I’m waking up from a two-week dream, I am ready to face the everyday grind again with rose-colored glasses.

  

Entry 14: The Sin City of the East

Song of the Moment: Strict Machine by Goldfrapp

After doing all things childlike in Disney, I found myself boarding a ferry boat the next day to attempt to engage in all things of contrast. Welcome to Macau, the Sin City of the East.

Every time I read about Macau, it’s almost inevitable for people to compare it to Las Vegas. And with much merit, I must say. (read: The Venetian) But there’s a quaint side to Macau that I particularly enjoyed too, and would like to come back to, if I’m looking for a quick European-feel romantic fix on international territory. 

My favorite experience in Macau was the Portuguese lunch at Boa Mesa, along Avenida de S.Domingo. Along that small street are several quaint Portuguese cafes that guarantee excellent Portuguese cuisine, cooked as if you’re really in the European country itself. I didn’t do much shopping, but it was just nice to roam around the small network of cobblestone streets that was once Portuguese territory in the far east. I said a short prayer in the Cathedral and was moved that there were Tagalog confessions available. I took photos of the old municipal hall, astonished at the well-preserved ceramic crème and blue tiles. I visited the Wine Museum, in sheer curiosity of the fact that an Asian city could say so much about wine production and ageing. 

Oh but the crème de la crème of the brief trip was taking the free shuttle to the Venetian, in order to be overwhelmed by the vastness of the hotel. I think some people might find the hotel rather “public” for a 6-star establishment, but I suppose the hotel is also trying so hard to draw as much shoppers and gamblers, at the expense of exclusivity. (If you’re looking for exclusivity, I suggest you just check in at the Four Seasons.) 

The Venetian in Macau is very similar to The Venetian in Las Vegas --- complete with an indoor canal, Venetian gondolas and ceilings painted like the clear blue skies in Italy. It was really spectacular. In addition, the wide array of shops screams “opulence” at its best. Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vitton, etc. I even found a shop that sells JLo’s line of bags and shoes, as well as Paris Hilton’s bags and shoes (with designs that look so “her” by the way.)

Now the test for the ultimate Macau experience. To gamble. 

But no. I just couldn’t. I guess it was really more of the lack of knowledge on table games that intimidated me enough to just leave me at the sidelines as a spectator. It was interesting though, how people spend hours and hours seated on those tables... Watching their net worth go down by the minute, if they’re not careful.  I texted Enzo the same, saying, “I got so intimidated by it.” And he just goes, “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you next time.”

Oh Macau casinos. You shall have your day. Someday I will conquer you with my poker face and my high-yielding luck. For now, I need to practice counting cards. Hehehe. 

            

Entry 13: Philosophizing Disneyland

Song of the Moment: Put On Your Sunday Clothes by Michael Crawford

Growing up, I didn’t really pull a “Make-A-Wish Foundation” moment when it came to going to Disneyland. I was very fortunate to have gone to several Disneyland parks: Disneyland (California), Disney World (Florida) and Tokyo Disney. But frankly, all my Disney visits were generally “adult experiences,” even though I was actually just a child then --- I found the rides too lame, got bored of walking under the sun, found the park too huge and redundant, realized that the parks all looked the same, mocked the rides especially It’s A Small World, or even used Disney for a juvenile courtship. Whatever the experience was, I wore “adult glasses” throughout each visit... Which was sad because a trip to Disney is supposed  to be a magical experience, one for childlike wonder to prosper.

On my first day in Hong Kong, I spent the whole day in HK Disneyland, primarily because I wanted to watch Crisel perform her High School Musical performance (which is the very reason she’s based in HK now). As expected, she gave a spectacular show ---- a very strenuous-looking one at that. Imagine, she would be on a mobile float, prancing and dancing, huge smiles and everything, belting high notes under the heat of the 12nn sun. It was clearly not for the fainthearted. I’m so proud of her. I don’t think I can do what she’s doing. But with that said, I know she can because she’s really passionate about her craft.

But anyway, because she had to disappear for make-up and rehearsals, for the most part, I was walking around the park alone. I never thought doing so would move me in a way a child gets giddy over candy. I was overwhelmed by that simple childlike wonder I seem to have taken for granted for years. I sincerely went through a magical experience in Disneyland for the first time in my life --- and I am almost 25 years old!

1. I watched all the shows and sang along with all the songs. 
2. I rode the Pooh Adventure and enjoyed Pooh’s little dilemma over his hunny.
3. I rode Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and used both laser guns to reach a meager space cadet status.
4. I screamed myself silly on the Space Mountain.
5. I played “Spot the Disney Character” on the It’s a Small World Ride. 
6. I took all the photos I could take with the Disney characters roaming around the park.
7. I ate Mickey Mouse ice cream. 

In short, I did what every child would do in Disneyland --- all with a sense of simple joy and awe. I wish I had spent all my other Disney visits with this kind of mindset. I thoroughly laughed to my heart’s content and enjoyed every minute I spent there. There really is something magical about the place.   

I’m turning twenty-five years old in a little over two months. But visiting Disney reminded me that I need not lose the child in me, especially after brutally suppressing her all these years. If you look at the many messages Disney has taught us, they are very basic and important life lessons we take for granted in our lives. So listening to the child’s persona may not be so bad after all...  

1. Look at the world beautifully. 
   
2. The inner beauty is more important than exterior beauty or wealth.
   
3. We are born to fulfill our destiny to be great. And we must embrace our calling to do so.
   
4. Social norms should not hamper our ability to serve.
   
5. We need to be selfless to learn how to love and be loved. 
   
6. Goodness will always prevail. 
   
7. Nurture the child within. 
   
8. Forgive yourself for past hurts and move on. 
   
9. Respect our ancestors, our roots. 
   
10. Be kind to others. 

There are so many more lessons to mention, each one picked from a Disney animated film from my childhood. Sometimes being a child is not a manifestation of immaturity. Sometimes you need to bring out the child in you to survive through adulthood with flying colors. 

Entry 12: Airport Reflection

Song of the Moment: This is For Keeps by The Spill Canvas

One of the best places I found conducive to reflection during my trip was the airport boarding area. For some reason, I tend to skip the duty-free shopping pilgrimage to the boarding area and head straight to a comfortable seat near my flight’s assigned gate. More often than not, I get to the gate to find all the seats still empty. Everything’s tranquil and simply perfect for another blog moment, with nothing but me and my music.     

I’m one hour early from boarding again, on the 9th day of the trip of a lifetime, here at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Thailand). I’ve been to five different cities in a short span of time, and the feeling is so surreal. I’m down to my last two, Hong Kong and Macau, but I dunno if I’m ready to open my eyes from this dream just yet.  I’m hesitant to make that effort to wake up to the humdrum slumber of work routine. 

But there’s a part of me that longs for:

• my dad’s corny jokes (scoffed at by JR or myself) and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with him;
• my mom’s post-menopausal moodiness and her quiet, supportive embraces;
• Enzo’s insanely warm hugs and soft kisses, coupled with hours and hours of wonderful conversations;
• my brother’s kwento of yet another surprise foolery (like impulse-buying an X-Box) or some fascinating pop culture fact;
• my lolo’s detachment and depression;
• my strong women friends’ constant stories about career triumphs and failed blind dates;
• a Filipino home-cooked meal;
• a good run around Bonifacio High Street;
• a relaxing swim at the Valle Verde Country Club;
• the many emails and phone rings at work;
• the endless client visits;
• the quiet drive to and from Cabuyao, Laguna;
• the senseless reality TV shows and talk shows on ETC and 2nd Avenue;
• my hard bed and forgetting to turn off the light at night;
• my vibrant Manila, and all things Filipino.
  

Oh here comes a moment of reverie.

There’s a flashback of memories playing in my head similar to some 1950s fast-forward silent film. See, in most days, it doesn’t feel like a lot has changed. But in the quiet moments such as this, something otherworldly (or inwardly) compels me to recall so many moments in the past. There were numerous euphoric victories and so many necessary heartaches and disappointments... ultimately, so many powerful life-changing experiences. I am so different from who I was before. I am no longer that mousy girl with bangs from years ago, who was so unsure and kept grasping for air in the dark. Now, more than ever, my life is all about deep love, commitment, ownership, accountability, gratitude, giving back, friendship, communication, power, peace, hope, creativity and being alive right now. My life is still uncertain, but I’m more prepared than ever to embrace uncertainty. I’m all grown up, and it feels so damn good to affirm that. 

 

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America.

Song of the Moment: The Star-Spangled Banner

And now, a brief tribute to the 44th President of the United States of America. 

 

As of 05-Nov-2008, 11:20PM DST (New York). 

306 Obama - 155 McCain. 

McCain speaks at Phoenix, Arizona and concedes. Barack Obama elected President. 

Entry 11: So Sue Me!

Song of the Moment: Won't Go Away by Vertical Horizon

During my last night in Bangkok, I decided to spend the night in the hotel to thoughtfully pack my things. I got a text message from Ian/LOSCAM, asking if I wanted to go out with some of the girls from the office. I respectfully declined. I was in my antisocial mode (not to mention, I didn’t feel like spending more money in Bangkok).

At around 7PM, I realized that my last meal for the day was breakfast at 7AM. I haven’t eaten much since then (except for some fruits during the boat trip). My stomach was grumbling. I needed food.

So I walked to the nearby 24-hour grocery and sat on the counter of the mini restaurant. Hmmmm, what to eat tonight?

There was quite a comprehensive selection of Asian dishes. Fried Rice with Chicken, Pork or Beef. Tom Yum soup. Sukiyaki. Beef with Chilli. Chicken with Oyster Sauce and Basil Leaves. Etcetera.

And then there were the minority items: American Breakfast, Hamburger, Cheeseburger. They cost a bit more than most of the Asian dishes though, and I was running out of Baht (before my next FOREX).

I ordered a Hamburger. I couldn’t help it. So sue me.

Apparently, even if I am Asian and used to all things rice and noodles, I needed my American greasy fix too! I pointed to the Hamburger on my menu and a Pepsi; with the waitress’ nod, my order was underway. I waited anxiously for my all-meat meal, which I planned to eat heartily with my hands, in total averse of chopsticks.

It arrived, and I was ecstatic.

It didn’t take long for it to go from it’s full meaty glory to finger-lickin’ meat juices. It still tasted a bit Asian (I think there was something in the mayonnaise) but it hit the spot nonetheless. Aaaaah. Finally, something non-rice, non-noodle, non-spicy, non-chopsticks-ish.

I know you’ve been through it at some point during your travels. Sure, you have your moments of trying out the local cuisine. But when you’ve been out for so long, you can’t help but long for something familiar.

I guess this signals that I’m beginning to unconsciously long for home. Sigh.

Now, off to look for Italian food... I miss my pasta and pizza.

 

Entry 10: Bangkok has Two Faces.

Song of the Moment: April Fools by Rufus Wainwright

I could look at my Bangkok trip in two ways: “not my day” or “i got lucky.” And because I am in such a happy mood, I think I’d choose the latter.

Bangkok Dismay	Bangkok Delight
I had to inject a bit of work in my trip --- that is, I had to do a courtesy call at LOSCAM Thailand.	I got a free dinner at a fabulous seafood restaurant, got to meet with Sirin and Ian, and finally, got a free 2N stay at a posh serviced apartment with a view.
My hotel room sucked. It was in the middle of a very unsafe village (think Tondo) and the room looked like it was christened with Bangkok sleaze all over.	Sirin from LOSCAM Thailand generously offered me his free 2N stay at the Columns Residences, executive serviced apartments, right at the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s main financial district (something like Makati, teeming with expats all over).
I didn’t make the cut-off for the group tour to the Floating Village, and had to book a private tour that costs more.	I got to spend the day in full flexibility --- with my own driver, my own time and my way.
It rained, and I wasn’t able to see the temples nor the Grand Palace.	I didn’t get caught in the rain at any point. I can’t imagine what a disaster that would have been if I decided to go straight to the hotel after the Floating Village visit and wander off on my own that afternoon.
I went beyond my budget.	I got to do what I wanted, met a good Bangkok friend and paid a decent work pay to a struggling musician.
I was too lazy to go out with the LOSCAM girls to see the shows at Patpong (Silom Road).	I had enough rest in the evening, and really, I wasn’t in a sociable mood anyway.

I guess, as in life, it really is a matter of choosing how you will experience things. I could have easily labeled this leg of the trip as a failure, but as far as I’m concerned, I still got enough Bangkok to be one for the books.  

Entry 9: On Higher Ground

Song of the Moment: Over the Pond by The Album Leaf

I told the driver that I wanted to cover as much ground as possible, and didn’t mind starting early. So at 6AM, I was already leaving the hotel to start my long awaited exploration of the mystical city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. I clearly made the right decision. 

I visited a total of eight temples in just one day.  The driver told me that people normally visit just TWO temples in one day. It’s either they’re too tired after two temples or they take so long to explore both. It didn’t take me so long to cover that many temples. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to scale the temples as much as I wanted to. I actually did... Absorbing the statues’ or the wall carvings’ energy as much as I could. I was moved by the way the morning light hit the smiling statues of the Bayon Temple. I climbed through almost 4-storeys of steep stairs at the Angkor Thom Temple. I bought little trinkets from children at the Ka Teo and Chao Say Tevoda Temple. I marveled at the aged roots of trees growing out of the Ta Phrom Temple. I touched the woman carvings in pink stone at the Banteay Srei Temple. And I touched the Bas reliefs and felt the energy of the walls inside the Angkor Wat. What a truly spiritual experience it was. 

I’m really glad that I was able to schedule my trip to Cambodia midway through my itinerary. It’s a good break from the cosmopolitan city lifestyle I’m generally used to. Plus, it was the perfect avenue to meditate on life and take in as much positive energy I could. There were moments when I found myself just sitting on the centuries-old rocks, closing my eyes, and imagining myself as part of the lost civilization. I told Enzo that I wouldn’t be surprised to know that I actually served in one of these temples in another life. (I particularly felt a strong connection with the Bayon Temple.) I would have believed it. 

Cambodia is one place I’ll definitely return to in this lifetime. I know that seeing the temples will no longer bring about the same kind of excitement as it did with the first visit, but the next visit will be an experience of deeper proportions. In my heart, I know that visiting Cambodia will always elicit a feeling of coming home.  

Entry 8: When in Vietnam, Do as the Vietnamese Do.

Song of the Moment: Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna

This morning, I realized I didn’t have much time to go around Ho Chi Minh because I have to check out by 12:30PM. That meant, I should not walk all the way to the Ben Thanh market because that will take off precious minutes from shopping time and add more minutes to “freshening up” time before check-out.

I walked a few meters from the hotel, hesitant to take a taxi because I was saving my Dong for the airport transfer. And then, as I approached the corner, a motorcycle taxi xe om driver called my attention, in some incomprehensible Vietnamese phrase.

It didn’t take me long to decide. Oh, what the heck.

I pointed to the Ben Thanh market on my map. The man nodded, and handed me the passenger helmet.  “Safety first,” I thought... whatever kind of safety that can be assured from that lightweight, small helmet. It’s probably just psychological.

So I was whisked off, taking pictures while maintaining my balance on the seat behind the driver. The wind was blowing through my face. The moisture of the morning dew and the heat of the sun made the short commute surprisingly comfortable. It was good to be on the other side of the fence after all... to be part of the swarm of motorcycles declaring ownership of the streets of Ho Chi Minh.

So get out of the way, timid pedestrians. xe om passing through.