Another Pinoy made it in the international scene. Vincent Bueno is the grand champion in Austria’s "Musical! Die Show!".
I had my first taste of a night out in this corner of the world. Together with some friends, we went to the Jules Bar that is located within the compound of Le Meridien Hotel. It was pure fun! Two Pinoy bands alternately performed. One of them doing comedy acts as well.
I remember experiencing the same atmosphere during one of my work-related visits in HK while I was still with the sunny company. Swinging to the beat of the music while holding a bottle of beer. Mingling and brushing-elbows with people of different nationalities and cultures.
We parted ways around 2 a.m. I managed to have two loads of Heinekenn.
After a week of hard work, it is good to have such fun sometimes. I repeat … sometimes.
"… ang araw lulubog, bukas mabubusog… sa Chickenjoy manok at Yumburger bilog. I love you sabado, kahit buong linggo. Hintay ka lang, Jollibee, and’yan na ako. Panlasang Pilipino, at home sa Jollibee!"
(Text was taken from Mitch’s blog entry.)
"It’s your life, you are the only one who can make it good or bad. If you choose the last, just swim with the stream, but if you choose the good life, be prepared, it’s hard work." - (Soeren Kirkegaard)
I joined a group of revellers in a new year's eve party at the desert. Around past 7 p.m. together with three of my flatmates, we headed to the pick-up point where a tourist bus is waiting to bring us to the Lama Desert Campsite. This is the campsite where Extra Challenge's "Pasaway sa Dubai" episode was shot. At the camp's entrance, we were transferred to a 4wd vehicle that brought us to a valley sorrounded by sand dunes.
As soon as we arrived, we immediately took the chance to ride in a camel. One of the highlights is the performance of two exotic belly dancers who took the night by storm. The party is not complete without the mouth-watering barbeque buffet dinner. Water and soda are unlimited. Wines are available with additional fee.
A Filipino group with resemblance to Street Boys had their share of performance. Music was provided literally by a DJ "bombay" from UK. One of the party hostess is a Filipina who rocked the night with her funny antics.
I never imagined celebrating a new year this way. Let me share this sms message I received from my mom on new year's eve.
"365 gifts will soon unwrapped before your eyes. 365 reasons to be thankful to God that in spite of what the days may bring, we have 365 new opportunities to experience God's presence. May each one counts in the fulfillment of our dreams and in the building of our character. Happy New 365 days in 2008!"
Celebrating Christmas outside PH is not the same as how we do it back home. It is the time of the year when the presence of a family is longed for. But what can an OFW do? No other choice but to find ways on how to feel the season in Pinoy style.
After attending the Christmas eve mass, I had the noche buena with my flatmates. It was a pot-luck dinner. We have pancit, lumpiang shanghai, lechon manok and sopas. My share is a black-forest cake from Spinneys. Two days earlier, I got a gift to myself. A badly needed massage in a Thai spa located at the first floor of our office building. At the strike of 12 midnight (PH time), I started calling my family and friends. Understandably, the phone line was clogged. With extra budget for my load, I managed to dial-in sporadically until the next day.
This year I did not experience the Christmas rush. However, it made me realize a more solemn way of celebrating this season with less commercial value. At the end of the day, we should not forget the real reason in celebrating this season. Happy birthday Lord Jesus!
Wishing everyone the blessing of the Infant Jesus.
Happy Christmas!
My flatmates invited me to join them in a tour to the old village of Hatta. It is a 45 minutes ride from Dubai. Along the way, we enjoyed the spectacular views of the desert and rocky montains. The Hatta wadi brushes through the mountain with lush green oasis and refreshing water pools. It was like finding precious water in the middle of the desert. Before heading back to the city, we parked at the Hatta Fort Hotel to have our lunch. Three choice of menu were presented. I had a full of fresh green chicken salad and fish fillet. We were with Kristoff and his grandmother during the tour. They were from Poland.
Though I got a severe headache when I went home, the 150 dirhams worth of a tour is not wasted. Hatta - Hataw na!
Pasko na! The traditional simbang gabi has started here exclusively for Filipinos. The nine-day novena was scheduled at half past eight in the evening. The mass was not held inside the church. It was celebrated at the covered gym beside the church ground. Last night is extra-ordinary because prior to the mass, the giant christmas tree in front of the church was lighted. My phone camera is not ready for a night shot. The picture is good enough than nothing. Happy Christmas to everyone!
