HK dilemma: Proud to Serve

I am a patriotic Filipino and I think the HK reporter who insulted the whole Philippine nation with his article just got beyond his "ink power". I believe insulting a country or its people is an irresponsible act. I could write a million insult to any country but it does not help any problem. I really thought famous writers and reporters respect colors, cultures and creeds.

If the issue is the Spratly Islands, let history and documents substantiate who the rightful owner of that contested piece of paradise. Upon reading his article, I thought he got more issues on the domestic helpers than the fight over the Spratly Islands.

Anyway, I respect everyone's issues and I do believe the reporter has his own. And it is sad that he has to include all of us in his rage and reign. There is really nothing I can do with him. All I know is that all people in this world goes "6 feet below the ground" or cremated, when it is time. Therein, no one reigns.

But I would like to salute all the Domestic Helpers not only in Hongkong but anywhere else in the world because they are our heroes.

I am proud of them who work so hard to clean your toilets, your rooms, do your laundry, cook your food and especially this one - assume and perform your duties and responsibilities as parents to your very own children. And that is for "cheap labor" as you say. I felt troubled maybe because it seems acceptable to them that their children are entrusted to the domestic helpers - so thus deserving of the cheap labor.

I am proud of them who toils day and night, for you (masters) to be able to work and receive big bucks on that paycheck and acquire so much wealth for your family and nation.

I am proud of them who have to be silent even from the worst of your brutal blows verbally, physically and psychologically.

They might have mistakes but masters also have theirs.

Poor nations such as ours, also deserves some respect. Because like our masters from the rich nations, we are people with pride and dignity. We get hurt as a nation too. And I also believe that these masters will one day kneel down to the only One true Master.

Oh dear God, bless the Philippines!

law of attraction

Jaky, my fellow blogger introduced this concept to me. I find it appealing because it is basically what I believe in - to be "positive when all around me is crumbling". And in that positive state I might somehow attract positive engagements in my life which is fundamental to what we call "wellness".

I grew up in a not so positive environment, so the moment I was aware that there was something wrong with my "line of thinking", I thought of trying some means to be liberated from such a neurotic state ha ha ha!

Practicing it was and still is an effort! "Unlearning" could be so hard anyway , so I might be forgiven in this aspect. There are still days when I feel that my thoughts or vibrations are not that pleasant. But I give myself time to process! It is not a sin to make mistakes in this aspect, I think!

I have not gone through the details of the LOA's protocol, but I wouldn't mind to explore on it especially if it is for the enrichment of the body, mind and soul.

This afternoon, my friend came over and she has with her a DVD whom she says she wanted to watch with me! And because the title was "The Secret" I did not expect that it was the "Law of Attraction" that I first watched at Jaky's blog. The review was a welcome treat. We should not stop feeding our minds and soul with nourishments such as this.

unclouding my mind

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn
a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.
If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life.

by Wu-men

The TV was turned-on to "The World Debate" while I was catching-up with my nap. I do not know when I got this habit of listening to the news for me to get to sleep. It's crazy! I actually just listen. The guests were financial analysts and some movers who are involved one way or another for the upcoming G20 summit.

I was lulled to sleep with the speakers' analysis. And with " mistakes" identified and claimed which I could vaguely guess "what the hell" they were, resolutions are of course so very far-fetched! Resolutions could be about selflessness, rules on ethics and morality or maybe plainly justice. Ohh, that's why its hard!

As far as I am concerned, my country has long been in crisis (financially) and I might leave this "mother earth" with debts stumped on my forehead. So what's new?

You know what? I would rather look at the moon and maybe talk to it!

I just talked to two friends who are both working abroad and their sentiments are not about the global economic downturn but its effect is on them. Ordinary people who just work their way out to feed their families. It is sad to see people who have so much and flaunting it when there is so much scarcity from the rest of the world.

I would like to empty myself with so much concerns such as this. Even if I am affected. I believe this is temporary. I have to count on my strength for my children not to feel how horrible this world could be. So when it is their time to explore, they could still see light from darkness!

heal the world

I was watching the BBC the other day and it featured AIDS at the doorstep of Washington, D.C. I felt sad that even in a rich country as the USA ( the source of funds for big AIDS project worldwide) I found some amount of indifference to AIDS and its related issues and concerns. Some people who are doing risky sexual behaviors still do not believe that they are vulnerable in getting infected with the virus and transmitting it too.

That is even with the millions of evidences and testimonies. I think, we all have to be reminded of the threat of this pandemic. Maybe much worse than the economic global downturn.

I thought of sharing some posters done by some contestants during the "poster-making contest" we have conducted for the World AIDS Day 2005 commemoration.

One of the contestants is Apple. Here she is doing her work.

And this is what she has done. It won the first place.

A much younger contestant produced this one.Because of some delicate issues, their drawings and their thoughts were asked to be presented and processed by a facilitator for a better understanding. There were also younger contestants who have equally interesting work and thoughts behind their drawings.

We conducted this contest in a small community, Sikatoy wherein sex workers gather around and wait for customers from the local and foreign ships that dock in the nearby ports.

The sex trade in the area was largely evident to the young children, teenagers and the rest of the population who see and observe the activity going on - day in and out.

Now the place is wiped-out (from the map) because of the expansion of the ports.

"Heal the World" is the song dedicated to all the Persons Living with HIV/AIDS and all of us to work hand in hand to make this world a better place to live.

i listened

It was not too often that I have listened to speeches during graduations. Either I get distracted with the commotions over petty things or my thoughts were on some personal concerns. So what happens is that I do not get some important messages that I could have learned or maybe inspired me to do much better with my life.

I do not remember one important point from the speakers during my own graduations. Well, I was refrained from attending my college graduation, just when I was ready to listen. I was an activist in the University and the President was all out on "expelling" me. Thank God, there was not enough reason for him for that expulsion. I worked my way for some good grades too (har har har). But he got lots of power to stop me from marching. No problem!

Anyway, I promised myself to listen from now on. And I say, it is remarkably so much enlightening if one really "listens". Not just "hearing" someone talk.

I was glad that during my son's graduation, the speeches mainly talks of achievement with the human touch. Being humble with success and sharing the reaps to the common good.

When I listened to such "ideals" from young people, I see much hope for a better and more humane approach to economy, politics, religion (not necessarily in order of priorities) or the other dimensions.

Made me proud my son belonged to this new crop. Their graduation song was composed by the graduates and the music was arranged by one of them. The song was about their friendship and leaving. But with a promise of not forgetting all the efforts done together in the past.

So maybe, this world will get better. With so much politics and greed, I hope this new crop of graduates will stand by their ideals and make the right decisions and priorities.

marching forward

Coming, going, the waterbirds

don't leave a trace

don't follow a path

by Dogen

Today, Angelo Cellini, my son, graduated from high school at the Brokenshire Science High School. I find graduations as sentimental because it makes a parent feel proud to have raised and produced another human being ready to enter the adult world - find and finish an appropriate college degree, maybe hooked on some intimate relationships, have a successful career and get serious with raising-up a family (please delay this one!).

I was amazed on how my son carried himself today because we just had some serious heated argument last night regarding "what he ought to be taking up in college". I guess, my high score in career counseling in Psychology did not work out fine when it was time to deal with my son’s ordeal.

He changed his mind on taking up a course that would land him a job in the shipping industry. He was keen on being a “Captain” of a ship just a year ago. And now, he wanted the Information Technology world. Well, I know it must have been tough for him to bring it up with me! And my God, I just admire his negotiating skills.

I did not have the time to get sentimental during his graduation rites because even there, he did not stop from talking about some considerations of his choice and was even asking for a raise with his allowance because he will soon be in college. Wowwwww! And keep on talking it out with my friend so he will have an ally and gets my nod for the Information Technology Course.

Of course, he could be as confused as I was when I was in high school. But this is not about me, I said to myself! One way of teaching him to be responsible is to let him decide and be firm with his thoughts and actions. He was much too determined and I do not want to be the reason for knocking-off his dreams and hope!

How I wish, my husband, my father or his uncles were around to give him some male perspective! But I was glad Joel (a friend) volunteered to take pictures. And together with some other friends (who came in lieu of my family) they gave Angelo some inspirational thoughts and wishes.

This day is his entry into this complicated world and I just want him to be happy and confident on his way into that journey. Maybe I will be good to be there when things get (too) rough! Not only for him but with all my other sons.

He got my nod! And I got the following: the most loving hug and kiss and a promise to do a “general cleaning” from Angelo!

Happy and Sad

"Dying is only one thing to be sad over. Living unhappily is something else".

from the book "Tuesdays with Morrie"
written by Mitch Albom

I started reading the book "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez ahead of "Tuesdays with Morrie". But I finished the latter quickly. And even read it twice.

Only because "death" was given a more substantial meaning than to what is normally accepted as a fearful and an unwelcome part of living.

In "One Hundred Years of Solitude" most of the characters are so drawn to "depression" that made me think that Albert Ellis (a psychologist) could be right when he said that people tend to be "irrational" (in thoughts and actions) in so many ways. In that, they become distracted to other forms of pleasures than what could be the most important thing in this life.

That is to fill our world with human activities that create positive appreciation of all beings. Affection not affliction. Understanding not fighting. Tenderness not violence.

Death could be painful for some period of time especially for those left behind but when we look at the brighter side, it could really be another phase of what we call living. Living in another form. Living without pain. Living in paradise.

Life and death both have the same face of loneliness and happiness. We just have to accept both with lots of listening, seeing, touching,thinking, feeling and loving.

This I have learned from my father's death.

my father's greater bliss

"If we desired any greater bliss,
we would not be in harmony with HIM
whose love assigns us to a lower place.

The essence of this joy is that we all
have given up our personal desires
so that our will is merged with God's own will.

Therefore our rank in heaven, from height to height
is just as dear to each particular soul
as to the Master who appointed it.

In His will is our peace: it is the sea
into which all currents and all streams
empty themselves, for all eternity".

by Dante

This is where we go for worship and Sunday Mass. The Holy Shrine of the Infant Jesus in Davao City. The place where I surrendered to the Lord, my father's fate last February 22. Exactly a month today. He died the next day, February 23, 2009. It is still painful.

But the poem I have posted (above) gives me hope that my father is home to our Creator. His real home with greater bliss.

some good times from bad

The exchange of celebrations between life and death, coming and going, laughter and tears and who knows what is next, is quite tough to handle!

I have been stretching my limits with regards to expressing lots of emotions since the start of 2009! And the mixed extremely -happy and sad moments that has alternately challenged me seems to be giving me that strength I needed when some more tough times comes my way!

It is alright, I guess. I see a lot of wisdom to all of these anyway. I might go through all of these to appreciate this one life I am destined to live!

Sometimes I am glad I am a natural "unconventional" or in short rather "crazy" person.

In the island back when I was young, I remember to be so risky with some of my behaviors! If you have read some of my "flashback" articles, that includes running away from home when I was very young, getting into lots of trouble and if I may add to the list, tried alcohol at an early age!

The picture above is a cluster of some coconut trees! I used to think of climbing that kind of tree once but because I am stocky and heavy, I did not have the chance to. It is called the "tree of life" here in the Philippines because one can probably make use of all its part (from its roots to the tips). And it is the source of the wine, I ever first tasted!

My grandmothers in the island, drink what we call "tuba". It is a kind of wine extracted from the coconut trees. From the coconut or palm buds exactly. When freshly extracted, it has a bittersweet taste. Not so awful smelling as other liquors but good enough to make you tipsy into some point and drunk "till you drop".The "tuba" has no known permanent packaging. Except for the "lambanog" brand which I see in the supermarkets here in Davao. They look more like vodka in packaging and with different flavors too. But the freshly collected ones known as "bahalina" ( as in the picture above) could be poured into what is conveniently available such as the empty plastic Coke bottles.

I have tasted one exotic concoction which a friend has prepared. It is a mixture of the "bahalina", "tablea" (pure chocolate molds) and eggs...wheewwww! That could be awful to some, but the taste was great! I think I have to learn the right mixture.

So when the "bahalina" was offered to us one day, we could not resist but taste it once more! It is far cheaper than the beer (the only other one I drink) and could help those men who dare to climb those very tall coconut trees to extract the wine.

The effect: some good times with friends.

my advocacy

I had the privilege of managing projects that has given dramatic changes in my perspective of what life is. I thought that in Psychology, fulfillment would be "giving the appropriate treatment and interventions". Well, it still is the case. But what I did not realize earlier, is that while giving my " time, heart and mind " to every person I came in contact with, I would be receiving more. I got their "life". Their stories. Dreams. Happiness. Knowledge. Lessons. Hope. Etc.

One of the beneficiaries of the projects I worked with are considered "the marginalized group" in what we call our society. They are the sex workers (women, men and gay who are children, teenagers and adult with psychosocial and economic issues in relation to HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

These are the people who gave more meaning to my life. I thought careers that fetch millions or thousands of dollars gives us that ultimate "wellness". But I guess it is not an absolute fact.

I am sorry that I was not able to acquire that kind of wealth. And if I dream of it today, I may not have the benefit of time any longer. But I think I have acquired a lot.

A lot of blessings. Plenty of "experiences" in my pocket. Plenty of people with fond memories that I have served in my own small way.

What is written on my son's shirt is "Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS". Very short slogan really, but behind that is serious and hard work. Even now that I am no longer working, I still serve. My personal advocacy.

seasons under the sun

For the past weeks I have noticed that we have been experiencing summer earlier. Specifically today, I was more aware of my sweating with the 40+ degrees centigrade heat and the scourging sun because I was out the whole day (because I forgot my key inside the house).

There is actually never a day that I am not whipped with some trouble. But I teach myself (hard enough) to acknowledge the brighter side of what is troubling my wellness and my being "whole". The heat has provoked a pensive mood for me. But I thought there could be some dampness in this heat. I found a nook to cool me for such dire moment.

I cannot imagine myself in this cold enclosure (as in the picture above). But I also see some beauty in it. This place could be glistening at night. The black and whites could be another source of warmth. Warmth from the hugs and cares of the people around. Warmth from the fireplace. Warmth coming from the heart. Warmth coming from a lot of feeling and touching .

I think seasons are not just about changing of temperatures and weathers but more attitudinal.

flying from the top

The picture documents my 400 - meter zip ride from the highest point at Camp Sabros , Kapatagan, Davao del Sur last year. It was great! And I have to share 2 poems from my book "The Enlightened Heart" to describe the "freedom" I felt when I was up there. Not feeling lonely. Scared. Or pained.

Clambering up the Cold Mountain path,
The Cold Mountain trail goes on and on:
The long gorge choked with scree and boulders,
The wide creek, the mist-blurred grass.

The moss is slippery, though there's been no rain
The pine sings, but there's no wind.
Who can leap the world's ties
And sit with me among the white clouds?

by Han-Shan

The birds have vanished into the sky,
and now the last cloud drains away.

We sit together, the mountain and me,
until only the mountain remains.

by Li Po

rich cat, poor cat and mouse

I am not so fond of cats. But I find some of them charming. I think , I will need a lot of effort to touch or play with them. I guess, even those with some kind of a breed. In the picture is my friend's cat. I even forgot the name but it looks like our family dog (a Japanese Spitz) at a glance.

Well, sometimes when I look at some cats owned by rich people, I think they live in abundance more than the millions of children in poverty all over the country and the whole world. So sad!

And this stray cat with a mouse as a prey looks gross to me! When I was doing community work in a slum area, my friend took this picture. I asked from him this picture for wanting to show it to my children (for educational reasons).

I also have not really seen in my whole life a cat devouring a mouse. Sometimes I think that it is only a myth (that cats really eat mice). Because I sometimes see our dog chase some mice too but she does not eat one. She just scares a hell lot of them.

I still did not see what happened after the picture was taken. Gross maybe!

Who is happier, healthier and wiser? The rich cat or the poor cat?

Or does it really matter?

wares to go

Along the way this flock of migrant birds just "swept our hearts away" while gliding through the rice fields. It was indeed a "show" of their delightful flying skills.

These simple sights lift my spirits especially that I go out of the city not very often. In the countryside, life seems to be simple. There are not much concerns on "acquisition". I just thought that the people here seems to be just satisfied with the clean air, a farm or carabao to tend , family to find comfort, a house to stay and some simple entertainment. And yet they "live a life".

I promised myself not to "acquire" any more than the basic necessities of life. And I am keen on doing it. It is not only about the global economic downturn that prodded me into it, but it is more on preparing myself to another "discipline".

E.g. not to buy - even with these some interesting wares along the highway.

These pottery are made from this part of Bansalan, Davao Del Sur. One can see and buy different designs and varieties of crafted pottery. How I wish I could have those for my garden!

The women with sunny smiles are not for sale! I did not ask their permission for their photos to be published. I wanted to show their wares so they might as well be posted, too. Those are sculptured wooden wares for lechon (roasted pig), fish or fruits used for table display.

This cool nipa hut piece costs 15,000 pesos (around 300 USD). And it can be delivered right into your doorstep! If you are in Davao City or neighboring towns.

The bamboo sala set is what I want! It only costs 4,500 pesos. It includes 2 single-seater, 1 4- seater and the center table.

But I promised not to buy! I am more on appreciating crafts now, so I stay calm about "buying". It will not help to have lots of acquisitions, really ? Too heavy to carry when I go to "heaven". har har har!

countryside flare

My friend asked me to drive her to the countryside (south of the city) to fetch some helpers. We did not know that the place was sooo remote. I got scared because of the (never-ending) rough road and the proximity of one community to the other. Could be around 5 kilometers before we see another one.

We travel here without maps. We rely most on mental mapping and the people we see and talk to along the way (ha ha ha). In the countryside when they tell you, it is near then it could really be mountains away (ha ha ha). When asked furthermore, they would inform you to turn left and right as if the distance towards that left and right turns are by meters - it could really be more than 4 or 5 kilometers really(ha ha ha). But we really had fun!

I also get relieved whenever a "habal-habal" (motorcyle being used as commercial ride in the countrysides) comes my way. To see another (alive) human being makes me feel good, at least "we are not alone in this jungle".

We entertained ourselves by taking pictures. Here are some:

A charming "bahay-kubo" (nipa hut). So small with lots of plants and flowers around the house. I wonder, "how many live in here?".

This is the "carabao" ( water buffalo) taking a rest and looking after her little one. We asked the carabao to "smile" for the camera. She did!

And the almost dried-up river. If only we have the luxury of time, we could have jumped for a cold dip.

We finished the course with lots of thrills and fun and arrived at our destination safely. Going back home is another story!

bridges link

Bridges are not just functional masterpieces of engineering/art or structures to admire. For me, I see people wanting to get to their destinations. I see fulfillment of dreams. I see time being spent with the family or friends. I see important reasons to get there. I see relationships working.

Bridges are there for us to get connected. To be understood. To build. And rebuild.

I grew up in Manila and this city should really be very proud of having so many bridges. Most of these bridges are of heritage value because of their existence dating back the Spanish era. Traversing back and forth those bridges before were so trivial for me. Now I realized, they were landmarks of my life.

The Quezon bridge is where I realized I have to stop being an activist. At the foot of the bridge from the Quiapo church, I decided I can serve my country well and love it in some other ways. The bullet that almost hit me during a march going to Liwasang Bonifacio landed somewhere else.

The San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte in the Philippines was the longest and the most spectacular bridge I have ever seen that time. My parents brought us there and the view was just great! The bridge is long and winding and when you reach the highest point , it was simply awesome. And it was jumpy up there too.

That feeling of elation made me want to see the San Francisco Bridge in California.

I did not see it.

In the year 2005, the Tsing Ma bridge in Hongkong gave me one of the most wonderful feelings in my lifetime. I gasped, awed, wondered, stared at its glorious height and design and was silent all throughout. Why should I not when I gathered that it is "the world's longest span suspension bridge carrying both road and railway traffic". Great!

I did not notice the bridge when I came- in Hongkong through the late night train travel I had. But in the light of the day, riding a Mercedes Benz, seated comfortably, who wouldnt miss this grandeur.

I am so blessed! I did not see the San Francisco Bridge, but someone up there gave me the Tsing Ma Bridge instead!

not once, but twice

Since my nap was shortened by the Badjaos, I tried staring at the passing cargo ship to while away!

Across Davao City (where I am) is the Island Garden City of Samal! When the economy was good, the family enjoys going there and drive around the island! Now, I just have to view it!

The Badjaos are so skillful not only in deep-sea diving and fishing. But also with their selling. They are too pushy. They approach you not once, but twice or more!

After the Sawaki interlude, they came back again... with another basin full of deep-sea fishes! wwwhhoooaaaaa! If my father was with me that time, he will surely love this! They offered this catch for only 120 pesos!

The Badjaos were also proud to say that they used their spears with some of their catch! I separated 2 angel fishes (I consider them aquarium fishes and I just dont have the heart to eat it) with fresh wounds from the spear! Oooucchhh!

I would love to buy this catch for tatay and it will be a sight to see him eat all of these!

He loves fishing and told us before he died that he wanted to go back to the island and just go fishing all of his remaining days!

unsavory

I was roused from a very light nap by a group of Badjaos (sea gypsies) one day at the beach. They arrived with their "catch" for the day. I am used to seeing them sell pearls but this one is rather rare for me. Inside a small blue basin were some sea creatures (that is how I call it) which they are selling me for P 25.00 (more or less 50 cents by the dollar). What will I do with it?

They said, I should eat "it". It was the very first time I saw it and much more amazed when I was informed that it is eaten raw just like the oysters. The people around me also said that it is best with vinegar or the local lemon.

And that sea creature has a name! It is called Sawaki by the Badjaos and those who are familiar with the stuff. Hhmmmm now I can call it a "sea food" after all.

One has to use a knife or just anything to part it into two. When the shell is separated out goes some sticky liquid. The other half with a flower-looking and jelly -soft meat is not "it" . But those yellow kind-of-meat stumped on the other half of the shell are the ones to be eaten. I was informed that healthier sawaki have more yellows and with thicker texture.

Because they are "sea food" then I assume that they must be rich in calcium. The meat tastes like "bihod" (fish eggs). And Sawaki has deep- sea after taste (salty) ha ha ha.

I tried savoring it in spite of some questions on my mind. I did not have the answer, but I tried. Ohhh life!

the invisible man

my thoughts today were mostly about my son. my eldest, whom he thinks I favored his other brothers than him. I would like to think that I love the 3 of them uniquely. It is not in my conscious mind that I favor any one of them, that I want him to know.

the poem i am sharing here was written by a client who is 14 years old . He gave it to me during one of our sessions and how I wish he discard that anger he is nurturing. he thinks his parents have all the reason to hate him. I do not believe that there are parents who hate their children, they just do not know (or try to do) the way to a particular child's need ( for love).

And wish the same for my son who until now has been nurturing that kind of confusion with my love for him.

day burns down to night
burns the edge of my soul
in the night
i break into sparks of sun
and become fires end.

the dust of bones
night knifes my breath
swallows whole my tongue
turn back reverse, return

in the night I see the real
concealed in the days bright lie
eyes stitched shut
white teeth smile
sleep walk
and talks and feel
Ivan times...

gazing up

On a bench and gazing up...

Some view of this balite (banyan) tree, beheld my sight.

It was sunny and way bit too humid in Davao. The beach is only a 15-minute drive from the house and a dip and a sniff of sea breeze could be blissful.

So we went...

Indeed it was. After the dip, I went to a quiet spot.

Lying down on the bench, my only goal was to relax my mind.

But just before I close my eyes, the sight of the leaves and the branches of this tree caught my attention.

These leaves are so lustrous and so very "oxygen-emitting". I am blessed! Gives me life!

I have not acknowledged the beauty of a tree from this vantage point. And for such a long time, I thought I should.

My gratitude to this tree...

for making my solitude pleasant...

say a little prayer

Still hyped-up in Hongkong. Year 2005.

When I woke up the next day, I did say a little prayer for the sky not to rain because I have to roam around the city. Not answered prayer, though.

It was raining when I got out of the hotel. But the rain did not stop the people from rushing and made me feel like rushing too. I thought, the people look so lovely when I saw them scampering for shelter, opening up their umbrellas and running for their bus ride.

Nathan road is a walk away from the hotel and always brimming with people, has a park, hundreds of stores, restaurants, places of interests and hawkers with their different merchandise from pins to shoes. This is much like in Quiapo, Manila. Interesting. And then I ran to the nearest Mcdonald's for a breakfast.

I was excited to finish the breakfast because we will go to the Hongkong Island and Victoria Peak. But what I was looking forward to was the ferry ride. Back home, I have an oil painting of the centuries-old ferry and wondered before if I will ever be able to experience riding it. Answered prayer!

The moment I sat on the ferry seats, touched the surfaces and inhaled the smell of grease, I said to myself, "This is a part of China's magnificent history". And I had the opportunity to experience it. What a blessing!

When I set foot in Hongkong, I felt I was back home in the Philippines because there were thousands of Domestic Helpers who were gathered together in that part of the island, just across the Wanchai Ferry Pier. And I remembered, it was a Sunday so they were spending their time together with the other domestic helpers for their day-off. Thank you for these domestic helpers because their remittances are helping their families and our country survive!

The picture shows exactly how it looked like when I went up to Victoria peak. It was cloudy and drizzling but the bus ride going up through the steep and narrow streets was really exciting. I was on a double-decked bus and can see the skyscrapers dwarfing as I went up. I thought it was scary but it was more like fun.

Walking through the city's shops with a variety of silk, antiques, paintings, and other merchandise was really amazing. This country just have a lot to sell! The walk was so much fun. Sometimes I think, we Filipinos do not walk this much at home. We should.

During the night, I went to a bar and resto. I was informed that the bar also is old. About 30 years, if I am not mistaken. I forgot the name but because the band members were all Filipinos, again I felt I was home. I requested this song "Say a little Prayer" for them to play. And they did with "gusto". Another thing, I also felt good to see our very own "San Miguel Beer" being served in the bar.

hyped-up hongkong

It is hard to recall the details of one memorable travel I had in 2005. I was quite very busy during those days so I chose to keep vivid in my memory the wonderful events that happened during my stay in Hongkong. I think its about time that I write something about it because I have been mourning for days. Talking about this might hype-up my spirits and let me start moving on.

It was my first (ever) travel outside of the Philippines so I was so excited and at the same time anxious with lots of pending reports for submission on my mind then. Now I realized, I should not have occupied my thoughts on that report but instead have appreciated some really interesting activities or subjects around me which could have given me opportunity to gain more insights of Hongkong's grandeur. I also have such a bad habit of composing some notes or concepts during lull moments so I think I really have lost some more important details. But I still want to write about this travel anyway.

Here it is:

I do not know what could have been the immigration officers' reason for holding me in their office for almost 2 hours. I thought later that, they must have accused me of posing as a tourist and later on work as a Domestic Helper in their country. I was fuming mad not only because they did not tell me the reason but also because they do not talk to me in English. I was the only one among those who were held in the office, who kept on asking and talking to the officers. I remember telling them that if there were some problems with my papers and cannot enter Hongkong then I can take the next available flight back to the Philippines. I guess it worked because in a few more minutes, I was escorted out to the arrival area.

Hongkong International Airport was beaming with people and I really just wanted to get on that Airport Express Line train to bring me to Tsim Sha Tsui Station. It was a fast (less than 30 minutes) and comfortable train ride going to the Kowloon Center where I took a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus ride to the hotel was wonderful because while sitting and looking around, I felt an extraordinary warmth enfolding me on that cool September night. The welcoming glittering lights and the late night shoppers confirmed that I am indeed cruising the streets of Kowloon.

Inside my room, I was not hearing any sound, not seeing the night's darkness or minding my other senses. As I laid my hands on that window sill in front of the big glass window from that Austin Road hotel, the sight was just something else. I felt I was on top of the world! And had one heavenly sleep in my lifetime.