DID I LEAVE MY HEART in SAN FRANCISCO?

It has been a long time I have not written any article. So far, this is the second for this day. Hopefully I can write more often, work less I think to better achieve this goal. 

I have nothing to offer in this article but an experience I have earned from our recent visit to our main office in San Francisco. This is my first time travelling to United States and my first time in San Francisco. I was super nervous and super excited, both feelings made me brain sick for the long days of waiting as well as our departure date from our homeland. I am just one of the luckiest person being picked to fly to SFO, together my buddy, Lissa. We worked as consultants but we never been recognized being so. Remember Jesus of Bethlehem was not recognize as Jesus the Son of God in Bethlehem, as to San Isidro’s expense as well.

March 2012 – The Announcement:

It was not paid off when our manager called us for a meeting, a surprise meeting we did not even expected. We are informed during that meeting after a short update of our projects, that we are requested by our counterparts to visit the main office. Hearing that, my buddy and I gave out soundless-shocked responses which ended up a group hug with our team manager. Then the processes were next.

Agony of Waiting:

As the day goes by and as the details of our flight came looping in our mailboxes, fear and pressure were the next two feelings I’ve felt. I don’t know but those were what I’m feeling. Some say I’m just excited that I don’t even understand my own feelings but to myself I’m really freaking out. These questions: How will I act once I get there? What will happened during the training? How are we going to overcome their expectations? How will we make them proud of the Manila team? These questions…

April 1, 2012 – Lunch Time

I offered this day to my family for a lunch date. We ate at Kanin Club, UP Ayala Techno Hub with my mother, siblings, nephews, niece, and my brother’s in law. It was short but a meaningful event for me. I haven’t eaten my meals for almost 5 years with my whole family. I eat breakfast when they’re done because I always arrive late in the morning. I don’t eat lunch because I need sleep. I eat dinner before then eat dinner because I need to report to work. This whole crazy schedule keeps me from eating with my whole family.

April 1, 2012 – Afternoon

I need to check my documents and my luggage before leaving the house and opt to NAIA. To the last minute, I forgot to print my hotel confirmation so I need to run to the nearest computer shop to access my emails and print my itinerary. I was all sweaty from heath of summer but still there were no feelings of excitement that I’m going to San Francisco. All my thoughts that day was not to miss the flight for me to make it to our schedule on Monday and report to work. This is why I don’t feel the excitement. This is not an ordinary trip for me that I can definitely enjoy my stay because I will be busy working still.

April 1, 2012 – Night

Lissa and I were at the airport (with our loved ones company and they left as we have checked-in) waiting and our trip got delayed for an hour. Note this: ALL flights to US with PAL got delayed for that day. So we stayed there waiting and we have drifted off to sleep, woke up, sleepy again, and woke up while we were sitting on the waiting area’s floor. I don’t want to agree with those who commented that NAIA is the worst airport in the whole wide world but at this moment I am.

We got our call for boarding a quarter late before midnight so we hurried and lined up. Noise were all over the place which made it hard to understand the person and announcements for boarding. I no longer care because this has been a long day for me. We got on board, took out our blankets, checked on PAL movies and sounds, and drifted off to sleep. Then we were awaken by the food served in flights, then watched movies, and drifted off to sleep. This is my routine for the whole trip. The trip lasted for 14 hours and we landed in SFO around 8 PM of April 1, 2012. SFO is smaller than I expected but I’m worried more about being stock with the immigration. Luckily we passed through immigration easily. Yehey! We were able to get our luggage and was shocked when we heard one of the officials asking the guy next to us if he got some “magic sarap” or “noodles” or “pancit canton” in his baggage. We were not asked so we just went through the exit.

We are in San Francisco airport waiting area and we were waiting for our friend and co-employee Louie who promised to pick us up.

Did we left our hearts in San Francisco?

Lissa’s roaming was not working which really sucks, it never worked for our whole stay. This was our lucky day cause by the moment we have opened the exit doors, Louie just got in. As we went out of the airport, then we’ve felt the San Francisco air. It’s like we have entered a butchery fridge…

Louie’s mom was there waiting and we were picked up and brought to Red Robin for dinner.  It was really cold but we felt the warmest welcome from Tita Erika and Louie. This has made SF like home…

The next story after this were all about work, fun, and “gala” times…

A Vase's Value

I reviewed my laptop documents and found this. This is one of my articles way way back and I wanted to share it to you guys. Enjoy!

The story is about a vase. Formed eagerly by two potters and was given to the public aside for show offs as well as for the public to use. It was said to be the potters’ beloved artifact. They colored it to what they have dreamt about it. Forged with gems and metals to make it more likeable. Yet the vase stayed unnoticeable by public.

The vase waited in the potters’ shelf for a long time and after which the potters decided to let the vase away from keeping they lend the vase to the neighborhood. The vase was used eagerly and was adored by others in the neighborhood. They have said the vase really makes a great deal in making their water cold but the vase just does not fit their kitchen anymore. So the neighborhood decided to sell it to the other village. The other village liked the vase and was used by the next village King and Queen as their jewelry keeper.

One night, the vase was secretly stolen by the Queen’s maiden. She brought the vase to the market place and sold it to the guards. The guards bought the vase from the maiden, for her sake of earning money and vase was taken to the guards’ cell. The guards really don’t need the vase so they have decided to get a whore for a month long pleasure. Then the whore kept the vase with her and used it at home while the gems were taken out of the vase and were sold to a walking merchant.

The vase was then of no use to the whore, so she decided to just throw it away. The vase got a broken lip but still it is functional. Days had passed and the potters thought of what had happened to the vase. The guards thought of how they could have made more whores stay in their barracks for each of the gems embedded in the jar. The whore thinks about how it has been useful having the vase but she can no longer find it. The King and Queen are still thinking of where the vase went and did their maiden sold all their jewelries.

A girl who worked for an artifact store found the vase and took it to the store. The store owner then took the vase to the auction. The vase was first called for 500USD. No one called for it as the vase lost its real beauty. There were no bidders who gave money to it. So then put the vase back to the storeroom and decided never to include the vase to the auction anymore. The potters then got a shipment request from the artifact store. So they went and deliver 100 pieces of cloned china vase that will be sold in the auction.  One of the potters then noticed the vase and said “I know this vase. I can feel it’s someone I knew before.” Then he moved closer and he shouted in amazement and called the other potter. The other potter then exclaimed, “It’s our long lost vase. The first that we ever made.” So they have decided to get the vase and take it back home at the price of 1USD.

The vase got reunited to the potters and the potters reinvented the vase. Back to its good beautiful porcelain look by adding a lay or vase with perforations inside its body and was designed with four cartouches each showcasing different styles of fish on stylish water background.

Hundreds of years after, the vase was then put back to the auction table and it was sold at £43 million.

Just like a vase, handy formed by the potter. Untainted and so loved. Shared to other people and was told it was loved. Some say it for real. Some say it just to get the perks. Some say it to let others know they appreciate arts. Some just hold it to be with the lime light.

Like the vase, I never have had closed my doors to people who wanted to ask for trusts and friendship. I can easily give that and often I am being abused.

I love sharing my life with others. I was like an open book at many times. I felt like I have always been not evident to others, unseen by many, and a loser. Thus, I still have people I whom calling my friends. They are the dearest I have in life. They are the reasons why I still continue living, reasons why I am unafraid, unfretted, and unshaken whenever I step outside my world.

I never have felt so blessed having these people who I can always lean on. Real people, who can share their life to me, people who are always there for me. It not be physically but by heart they let me live on. Some of those who told me that they are my friend were unnoticeably different from those who I called real friends. There were those who just know you when they need you, they need money, they need connections. There were those who just know you when you are at your highest and leave at once you are submerged to loneliness and sorrow. These friends whom I will call moss. People who stick in your life whenever you are the richest for them to stay living, and just need you; but when they are down but they easily go away if they have sucked all minerals from your dying soil.

It really is odious when you found that you have treated them as your friend but they call you classmate, officemate, and/or an acquaintance if they will introduce you to people they know. It hurts like you were told as an untainted glass but was broken when showed to public.

We can be friendly but we need to pick whom to trust your life with.

Inspiration in the story: http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/30/most-expensive-things-sold-at-auction-2010/

Hong Kong Tour (Day 2) - Mongkok Tour (Part 1)

For Filipinos, Hong Kong is just like another Binondo or Chinatown. We, Filipinos, were influenced highly by foreign countries and one of them was the Chinese. We embodied some of their culture and such Chinese people embody ours as well. Some of the Chinese merchant actually lived in the Philippines after a long trading time. It was Barter then that keeps our relationship with Chinese as tight as it is in a partnership type of business. Knowing that Chinese are into trading and we know they have cool and unique stuffs as well. Off to market is what we planned after our Lantau Tour. We set off from Tung Chung to Lai King via the Orange lane then to Mongkok via the Red lane and Exit on E2. You need to look for "Ladies Market" from MTR so you will find your way exactly in the market area.   

Pinoys out there be amazed as you will find a pimped Divisoria once you laid foot to Mongkok. Below are the things you can actually find in Mongkok. I tell you, have lots of money with you because you really find good stuff – SHOES, and yes SHOES! and more!

Ate some street food for HKD30.00 - a fair priced snack and a rude vendor.

Saw some street performers too.

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Hong Kong Tour (Day 2) – Lantau Island Tour (Part 3)

Here are additional things you might expect in Lantua Island, the Po Lin Monastery. I should not be writing any about Po Lin Monastery as unfortunate events. To enumerate them:

1. We can’t right the Ngong Pin Cable Car due to its annual maintenance.
2.  It was too hot and we don’t have any umbrella with us, something I can endure.
3.  Po Lin Monastery is under renovation.

It does suck but what else to do but enjoy whatever you can find during the tour. I’m hoping to see what Po Lin Monastery is going to be after renovation though. Something to look forward… J

Even there are some unwanted events going on, I still find some of these things amazing and hope you too:

The Monks

When I was in Thailand I saw some Monks wearing orange cloth around their body and a bald head. Here’s something different. I saw 3 monks during our tour and they wore gray Chinese man clothes but without the intricate golden designs. Just as play as gray.

I saw one wearing a conical hat or dǒulì in Chinese or salakot in Filipino. What made my day was the monk I saw was thumbing his mobile phone. Isn’t it cool?

The Buddhist/s

If we can find Buddha, we surely find some Buddhist and I adore how they show their faith. I even saw a couple who went up the Giant Buddha and they were saying prayers then stop, kneel, and then bend. After which I saw the couple roaming around the Big Buddha while praying. I’m of a different religion but I feel how serious and sacred it is to be that place.

There were also believers who light their incense as offering. For those who have some allergic reactions to the following essence such as cassia, sandalwood, styrax, cinnamon, etc. You might want to bring some antihistamines with you and take them before going to the site.

The Incense Holder

The humongous incense holder and jars were all over the place. This is something you expect mostly on temples and shrines.

The Gods

If you are in any monastery, temple, or shrine; expect to see statues of their Gods. These representations were of reminders to the believers of Buddha and their Gods.

                  

                  

                     

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Hong Kong (Day 2) – Religious Tour at Lantau, Hong Kong (Part 2)

To not keep you waiting, after walking the pathway of the Twelve Generals you will find a piazza in front of the Giant Buddha staircase. The piazza has ponds on around the first platform and they were planted with Lotus. We all know that Lotus is one symbol of Buddhism’s fortune which means rising and blooming above the murk to achieve enlightenment. There are 2 lotus flower colors that grow in the piazza, Pink which represents the history of Buddha and historical legends of Buddha and Violet which talks spirituality and mysticism.

In front of the piazza is the staircase to a remarkable Giant Buddha statue which is about 268 steps up the mountain top. If you wanted to enter the Giant Buddha's stomach you are allowed as long as you paid for HK$ 30 with free vegan dumpling and bottled water to go.

After going up, we went down another 268 steps while the sun is up and were all sweating and find our way to the Po Lin Monastery. It was an unlucky visit as the monastery is under renovation. Even though, I still took pictures inside the monastery and went in to feel the solemnity of the place. Incense fills the air as those who pray offer it to Buddha.

After the climbing and the capturing every moment we had at the Ngong Ping, we found ourselves enjoying some treats from the Vegetarian Deli restaurant near the monastery.

We went to the shop area but did not get any for souvenirs then head back to the bus terminus and lead to the Citygate Outlets for shopping. I personally did buy any. I can’t find any climacool from the Adidas outlet. I just took my time sitting on one of Pacific Coffee’s chair enjoying my ice cold café latte.

We did went to Mongkok to buy some giveaways <pasalubong time!> for our relatives and friends.

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Hong Kong (Day 2) – Religious Tour at Lantau, Hong Kong (Part 1)

One thing I have on my list is the places of worships that the country I’m visiting is popular of such as the St. Peter and Paul’s ruins in Macau. This time I would expect more of temples as we talk about Hong Kong. I’m visiting not their typical temples but their monastery instead. A must visit place; I may put on my “Places to Visit in Hong Kong”, the Giant Buddha which stand tall atop the mountains.

We started our day early for our Day 2 in Hong Kong as we planned on visiting the Giant Buddha. We found out during our research that the Ngong Ping 360 cable car is not available so we decided to take the bus from Central Station to Ngong Ping. Actually all the cable cars in Hong Kong were on their annual maintenance when we arrived. Things that we don’t expect to happen on our trip but can’t help it we can try it on our next visit, I think.

Before we hit the road, you might want to take note of the following:

Things to bring with you

• An umbrella
• Cash
• Water
• Comfortable Clothes
• Hiking Shoes
• Towels or Handkerchief
• Extra Clothes
• Shades or Sunglasses
• Map/Travel Guide book <Google it! Print the map or screenshot it.>

For those who do not want to get some tan, bring some sunscreen with you. Why did I list the items above, simply because you will be doing some hiking.

To get to Giant Buddha from Tsim Sha Tsui, you need to ride the following:

East Tsim Sha Tsui Station – Nam Cheong – Tung Chung

Tsim Sha Tsui Station – Lai King – Tung Chung

From the MTR Station you need to walk to the rear side of the Citygate Outlets. <Drop by here to find some great discounts on products such as Nike, Adidas, Versace, A|X, Coach, etc.>

As aforementioned, the cable car is closed for annual maintenance, ferry or gondola ride is not in our list of rides <because the travel time is longer> so we took the bus instead; it was a short 20 - 30 curvy minutes ride to the Ngong Ping terminal. Bus fare is at HK$17 during weekdays and HK$27 during weekends.

After the long ride is a long walk towards the foot of the long staircase leading to Giant Buddha. You will consider yourself entertained with the 12 statues, 6 of them standing each side of the pathway called The Twelve Generals. I took some pictures of each statue and hopefully they will stay the same if you plan on visiting:

General CATURA

General CATURA represents 1AM – 3AM of the day and Ox of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Armed with a sword on his left arm pointing to the ground.

General KIMNARA

General KIMNARA represents 3AM – 5AM of the day and Tiger of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Armed with a rope dart or rope javelin.

General MAKURA

General MAKURA represents 5AM – 7AM of the day and Rabbit of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Holds an Axe on his right hand as a weapon.

General PARJA

General PARJA represents 7AM – 9AM of the day and Dragon of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Armed with a bow and arrow.

General INDRA

General INDRA represents 9AM – 11AM of the day and Snake of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Holding a staff in his right hand stood General INDRA with fierce.

General SANDIRA

General SANDIRA represents 11AM – 1PM of the day and Horse of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. Handling a conch shell, General SANDIRA raising it holding up from his right hand.

General ANILA

General ANILA represents 1PM – 3PM of the day and the Sheep of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. General ANILA is holding an arrow pointing downward as a weapon.

General ANDIRA

General ANDIRA represents 3PM – 5PM of the day and Monkey of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. General ANDIRA holds a mallet as weapon.

General MIHIRA

General MIHIRA represents 5PM – 7PM of the day and Rooster of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. General MIHIRA holds on his left hand the Vajra as his weapon.

General VAJRA

General VAJRA represents 7PM – 9PM of the day and Dog of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. General VAJRA is armed with a sword held in his right hand from waist pointing a little downward.

General KUMBHIRA

General KUMBHIRA represents 9PM – 11PM of the day and Boar of the Chinese 12 Zodiac. General KUMBHIRA is holding a broadsword in his right hand levelled from his chest.

General VIKARALA

General VIKARALA represents 11PM – 1 AM of the day and Rat of Chinese 12 Zodiac. Just like General MIHIRA, General VIKARALA holds a Vajra as weapon but on his right hand.

To be continued...

Part 2 of our Lantau tour or Hong Kong (Day 2) will be posted soon. Please like my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/travelingwithyu and check my blogs for update: http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com or http://travelingwithyu.wordpress.com and follow me on twitter @travelingwithyu. I'm working on my Instagram and will add the link soon.

Thanks for following and reading! Enjoy!

I'd like to take this opportunity to great my dear friends Happy Birthday:

Sisylson Beroy - 9/20

Alvin Velasquez - 10/01

Rashan Raza - 10/09

For any question don't hesitate to leave me a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible.