tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53448338768256015912024-03-12T18:05:01.234-07:00Pinay Hakawati PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-43354119975415731302017-05-10T09:55:00.003-07:002017-05-10T09:56:43.045-07:00JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM: Investing WisdomA year ago, I wrote an article sharing the good news that I was able to eliminate all the debts that we incurred when my father died. However, it is not enough to be debt free. But, it shows a good sign! A sign that we already took the first step to be financially free.<br />
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And in order for us to move forward, we need to do some follow up steps. Please take note that I am not a financial advisor nor financially free yet. I just want to share with you the next few steps that I took for me to reach that freedom. And the next one is by <b>INVESTING WISDOM</b>.<br />
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Investing Wisdom means studying, educating and learning. No more sugarcoat needed. You have to study what you are about to do. You have to educate yourself with all the terms and procedures of the investment instruments you are about to take. You have to learn also that your life is about to change.<br />
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From my experience, since I love reading books, I started to read simple and practical books (I mean easy to understand) which will help me remove my 'poor mindset'. This poor mindset is an attitude of mine thinking that I won't be rich nor I can't afford that, etc. And in order for me to grow and truly be rich, I need to change that thinking first!<br />
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Take a look of the (some) books I have read which helped me a lot:<br />
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<b>1) My Maid Invests in the Stock Market - Bo Sanchez</b><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">"In this inspiring yet highly practical book, you’ll read the fascinating story of how he helped three of his house helpers invest in the stock market and build their retirement fund. He’ll tell you how he taught them the 5-envelope system. He’ll explain how he painted a clear vision of their future in their minds. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">In this book, you’ll learn his “4 Rules to Making Millions Thru the Stock Market”.</span> - Goodreads</i><br />
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For free copy of this book (available as e-book) click <a href="http://rochellemedranodubai.trulyrichclub.com/" target="_blank">here!</a><br />
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<b>2) Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"Robert developed (and shared) his unique economic perspective from two very different influences - his two fathers. One father (Robert's real father) was a highly educated man but fiscally poor. The other father was the father of Robert's best friend - that Dad was an eighth-grade drop-out who became a self-made multi-millionaire. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his poor dad pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his rich dad. Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47." - Goodreads</i></span><br />
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<b>3) 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich - Bo Sanchez</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"The book is a manual on how to create material wealth and gain spiritual abundance at the same time. It hopes to raise a new breed of millionaires who are simple, loving and generous." - Goodreads</i></span><br />
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<b>4) Ang Pera na Hindi Bitin - Eduardo O. Roberto Jr</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"If you need a guide on how to best manage your money, get this easy-to-read and practical book for yourself and your family—even your friends who are struggling or always borrowing money!" - Goodreads</i></span><br />
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<b>5) Stock Smarts: Stock Investing Made Easy - Marvin Germo</b><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">"The heart of Stock Smarts is to break it down to its simplest form and inspire employees, professionals and business people to participate and make money in the market.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">This book is to encourage every Filipino to profit from stocks and forge their way to financial freedom." - Goodreads</span></i><br />
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There are more books about wealth and financial literacy. But for most of you who doesn't like books that much, try with these simple books or try listening to podcasts/tutorial available in the Internet.<br />
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Do you have any other suggestions? Feel free to share it with me at the comment section! :)</div>
PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844238 53.9798893 26.1252748 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-56803174552289033822017-05-01T08:35:00.000-07:002017-05-01T08:43:06.100-07:00Picking up where I left... Days are passing by. That's what I know for sure. Waking up one day and trying to be a better person. Do my job. Love harder. Pursue bigger dreams..<br />
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All of a sudden, a year has passed already! I didn't noticed that days were so fast and I didn't noticed it (well not really hehee of course I noticed it lol). A lot of things happened and changed within that one year.<br />
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Looking back at my last post, I was there at that phase of my life where I am stuck with a toxic career and environment. Thank God I managed to get out alive and strong!<br />
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At this moment, I am happy and blessed to share some of the blessings (changes) that I had within that one year..<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Career</span> </b>- After all the struggles, a better one came along and I am so blessed! I am so proud to join <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lush</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">escapes</span></b> - a boutique luxury travel company based in JLT. I have two days for the weekend and I get to enjoy all the public holidays as well as good office schedule of 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (well I do overtime quite some time haha!) and a well maintained office with a stunning view of Dubai Marina side. Apart from that, I enjoy how I continue to learn every single day. My boss and my manager always push my boundaries to learn and grow more than yesterday. Learning opportunities and career growth are always being fed not only to me but to all of us. I am definitely the happiest!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHMSgW7qa44/WPmapGFCKpI/AAAAAAAAOIM/nPSPKbPMwqs5-z2Lo8GyMNvxrBIC__kygCLcB/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHMSgW7qa44/WPmapGFCKpI/AAAAAAAAOIM/nPSPKbPMwqs5-z2Lo8GyMNvxrBIC__kygCLcB/s640/IMG_3014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our office - no filter used</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Second Home</span> -</b> I changed flat twice within the year. First, I moved to Burjuman around May 2016 and met these beautiful girlfriends that I will forever treasure. There are rough days where I would hate our times of teasing and bullying. But we shouldn't be serious everyday right? Most of the time, I love them. They helped me go out my ultra comfort zone which is my bed! Hahaha! I am not joking! Whenever I feel bad or sad, I would stay in bed the whole day and they would literally drag me to get up. Or they would climb up to me and approach me with wide arms open.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ph3OchVFNw/WPmauWCrHhI/AAAAAAAAOIU/KmGGisBWRsYZ_ZyEXx2g4UHi-1Fp6Rf5wCEw/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ph3OchVFNw/WPmauWCrHhI/AAAAAAAAOIU/KmGGisBWRsYZ_ZyEXx2g4UHi-1Fp6Rf5wCEw/s400/IMG_1689.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burjuman Girls: Ate Cory, Ate Rochelle (yes we have the same name), Lhei, Tracy, Ate Tin, ME, Aubrey and Ginny<br />
Insert Pearl - missing in action </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I am staying in Dubai Marina (don't get the wrong idea, Iam just renting a bedspace here and it's the cheapest we found!). We are 5 girls in total as of the moment and we usually have our own routine. They would go out with their own schedule, so most of the time, I am alone in the flat doing my own thing. This is what I love the most. I have lots and lots and lots of time for myself. I am starting to pick up all the stuff I wasn't able to finish like books (mostly self help for spirituality and finance books)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Mountains</span></b> - After a two year break (rest) from hiking, I got the chance to do it again with Filipino Mountaineering Federation, also known as F.M.F. in Ras Al Khaimah. They usually organize public hiking events and it is open to all and definitely free! Yes it is absolutely free. If there's a need to rent a coaster bus for big numbers, that's the only time you will have to share some dirhams. And that's just for contribution of the coaster rental. It is equally divided to all as well. So no need to worry!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvSDaVMTNtI/WPmdSZaIHmI/AAAAAAAAOIg/mhNTmtAcA14xBaNyvLben2Hp8qlDsOm5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvSDaVMTNtI/WPmdSZaIHmI/AAAAAAAAOIg/mhNTmtAcA14xBaNyvLben2Hp8qlDsOm5ACLcB/s320/IMG_1515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Wadi Shah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcajfUY_imU/WPmdR5bpM5I/AAAAAAAAOIc/CZ37r4tZ8Sc6WptEK4dFZcfT774p99A2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcajfUY_imU/WPmdR5bpM5I/AAAAAAAAOIc/CZ37r4tZ8Sc6WptEK4dFZcfT774p99A2QCLcB/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMF: Filipino Mountaineering Federation</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Financial Freedom Journey</span></b> - Before I left the Philippines, I am already reading a lot of stuff about Financial Literacy. And I know that one day, I will reach that Financial Freedom! But of course, the journey is not a straight line. There were times that we need to borrow money because we don't have emergency funds. There are also times that we need to relieve hunger because the salary is delayed (this happens when we relay too much from our paychecks).<br />
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I AM NOT THERE. But! I've had some progress! Each stepping stone achieved is worth celebrating! Some of the stepping stones along my journey are as follows:<br />
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<b>*Debt Free</b> - Me and my mom is free of debt after my dad left us with no such emergency funds.<br />
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<b>*Small Sari-sari Store</b> - After we finished paying our debts, we managed to put up a small grocery/retail store in front of our house. The sari-sari store serves as our bridges when there is a delay from my salary (because I still depend on it) and it made my mom busy in a good way.<br />
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<b>*More time to STUDY</b> - Since I get so much time off in this new company, I have read more books (than what I read in the past two years) and I have managed to read some podcasts and seminars online.<br />
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<b>*Truly Rich Club Membership </b>- I have joined this club because it suits my taste. I can do my studying at my own pace. No pressure of commitments for classes. The club itself didn't made me feel that I had such an obligation (attending classes) and instead, it is there waiting for your inner self to study out of your motivation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucu89nXD-4Q/WQdU959CJVI/AAAAAAAAOJI/E3HLIqsH_9ETRbM_2SbE7fwBk8kgop5_gCLcB/s1600/trc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucu89nXD-4Q/WQdU959CJVI/AAAAAAAAOJI/E3HLIqsH_9ETRbM_2SbE7fwBk8kgop5_gCLcB/s640/trc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bosanchezmembers.com/amember/go.php?r=111375" target="_blank">Your first step starts here!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>*COL Financial</b> - I met COL Financial when I was still in College. And I just opened an account just this month. Crazy right? My account has been activated and I have transferred the account already! Yay! After a long time of waiting, I jumped in! It's better late than never right?<br />
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I wish to say more about my Financial Journey because we're not OFW's just to work and spend money like there's no tomorrow right? Don't worry, I will post another one soon so that both YOU and I will reach that Financial Freedom.<br />
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See you next post!<br />
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Ciao!<br />
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<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844238 53.9798893 26.1252748 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-24203743477116941552016-04-04T07:00:00.002-07:002016-04-04T08:54:24.768-07:00IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->In the Philippines, you will meet a lot of couples parting
ways with different kind of dilemmas. But one thing is for sure, you will meet
1 out of 10 couples (or maybe more, I am not sure because I haven't took a
survey) where they would give the '<b>it's not you, it's me</b>' reason.<br />
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What is this spiel anyway? </div>
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It's not you, it's me - is a plain way of saying I screwed up
in every angle that only I can see. Or there's more than that where words cannot explain itself. In order to save time and avoid the hassle of
explaining and arguing, they would put it as 'Sorry, it's not you, it's
me'. </div>
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I am writing this at 3:48 am.
Thinking.... and looking back, as to why I can't get through the 3 month dating
phase after I've been single for quite some time. Is it me or is it the other
person's lacking? </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QC-RS7cMtEs/VwJyeld1g5I/AAAAAAAAJVU/LcwLgQTehn0qdpWYFAzSOL3HAsccdwwRw/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QC-RS7cMtEs/VwJyeld1g5I/AAAAAAAAJVU/LcwLgQTehn0qdpWYFAzSOL3HAsccdwwRw/s640/IMG_2942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of them called me sick, paranoid, boring or a
difficult person to talk to... after my 3 months rule. One said, I became
boring because there is nothing new about me. There is nothing new to
discover because I only go to office and go home right away. One said I am
a difficult person to talk to because I became clingy (or needy) due to some
sort of attachment to them. One called me sick because in this phase (that
time), everything fell apart and I can't get a grip of myself. Whatever the
time period, whoever it was, in this phase, it's the make it or break it phase. </div>
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As time goes by, I learned that those words and labels might
be true. And as I evaluate myself, I would like to explain the root of all
these behavior of mine (from my own understanding): </div>
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<b>1) Being clingy</b> - Studies shown that a person, being clingy
or (let's say) needy came from being deprived of basic needs. I am not saying that I am deprived with my basic needs but let's just say that I am not satisfied with where am I. Unhealthy career, not having a
good time with friends because they are all busy, far from the family, and
sometimes, being a little bit deprived of satisfying my own needs. So when a
person enter the big picture and shows significant value, I slowly turn my
attention to that person. And since he serves as my key support network
and he can help me relieve my stress from work stuff, I do get attached in a way
that they don't like. So they jump into conclusions and bid farewell. </div>
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<b>2) Boring</b> - I agree with this (in one way). Even I
get bored with myself. However, I am not a boring person in general. I do a lot of
stuff back then and I have lots of hobbies and extra curricular activities too. I have
my own life that I don't even need a partner to make myself happy. But, here in
Dubai, I don't have enough time and resources to do my stuff. To the point that I
do overtime just to get paid extra money is the worse scenario that you can
imagine. So boring person, check. </div>
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<b>3) Sick</b> - I don't think I am sick as what you're thinking. Though I do admit that my stress management failed me a lot of time. Being
independent with a high amount of stress, where I feel that no one
understands me, made me numb to the vulnerability of this world. But life is
really a tough player, it is pushing me to my limits. I do
experienced breaking down once in a while. Then, surrender everything because I can't do
anything about it anymore. Or I would speak up and they would say I complain a
lot or I am not making any sense. So instead, I keep it in and just wait to
explode inside. </div>
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So why am I writing this?
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I am seeing one cool guy. He said he liked me and
that he understands my craziness. The three month rule of my
stupidity has passed and now I am wondering if we would have the same ending
like others<i>... </i></div>
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<i><b>What if it's just a colliding fate for the two of us? </b></i></div>
PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-27054700395248456472016-03-29T04:53:00.000-07:002016-03-29T04:53:39.705-07:00JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM: DEBT-FREE LIFE Financial freedom is a milestone in life that almost everyone of us wants. I've met a lot of people from different walks of life, who works really hard just to achieve this. But the question is how do we achieve this? What is the easiest way to get it right? What is the first step?<br />
I am not an expert on this and I am following a lot of advice from different mentors and advisers whom I trust but I cannot disagree on the fact that the first way to move forward is to <b>eliminate debt</b>.<br />
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Most people would say that debt is unavoidable. That is true. My family and I accumulated lots of debt when my dad passed away. But after 8 months (from the day of accumulating it and until the day of the last payment), I am happy to say that we are debt-free! Yehey!<br />
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From what I learned, these are the habits that I've formed to eliminate debt:<br />
1) Small debts are unavoidable. But if I can, I usually try to settle it within 3 days. <br />
2) If the need of money is not matter between life and death, I don't borrow money. <br />
3) Whenever I received my salary, I set aside a bigger amount for the payment of debt than my remittance to my mom (Communication is the key as well!). We have to sacrifice first so that we can finish it as early as we can.<br />
4) I don't consider accumulating more. :) <br />
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Sure, there are lots of ways to avoid it and eliminate it. But these habits helped me a lot even though it is really hard to survive especially with my current salary. But no pain, no gain.<br />
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<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-73264265453686925962016-02-02T09:32:00.000-08:002016-02-24T08:07:12.643-08:00WALKING TOUR - OLD DUBAI Dubai is known for chic places, luxury spas and restaurants, beautiful beaches and camping sites and of course, skyscrapers. But before civilization, what's Dubai?<br />
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Old Dubai, mostly the area of Deira and Bur Dubai is not on everyone's list when visiting Dubai. Even I as a resident wasn't able to visit this part until the Walking Tour was organized. And I am very happy to Couchsurfing as the medium where I found this event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couchsurfing Members / Residents of Dubai and Travelers in Dubai</td></tr>
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Shall we take a little tour? To begin with, we started with the Fish Market in Deira side since it is the closest one from the place of assembly. It looks as a normal local market with fruit stands and dry goods. We came to the wet side of the market and found a lot of unusual kinds of fish (well for my eyes maybe) which is pretty interesting. This makes me realize that fishing has been once the main industry of Dubai. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rka0fZJ3iV0/VsdJQ0vmfzI/AAAAAAAAI7A/3WUxQI2cZHM/s1600/12631351_10201268984402137_523270000676537019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rka0fZJ3iV0/VsdJQ0vmfzI/AAAAAAAAI7A/3WUxQI2cZHM/s640/12631351_10201268984402137_523270000676537019_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really don't know what they are called and no one is looking after them so I was not able to ask what is it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next destination is the Gold Souk where the biggest gold ring (with Guiness' Record can be found). However, I was not able to get a picture of it since everyone wants a picture of the gold ring. But, I was held up by these little cute camels. You can find these in every souvenir shops especially in big malls but you can always find a better price. In the shop where I found them, the big one costs 20 AED and the small one ranges from 10-15 AED (it depends if you will buy more). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZuz4HBAax4/VsdJWGcalhI/AAAAAAAAI7I/YIBheOb-yu0/s1600/12642685_10201268984162131_4279521537744071117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZuz4HBAax4/VsdJWGcalhI/AAAAAAAAI7I/YIBheOb-yu0/s320/12642685_10201268984162131_4279521537744071117_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camel stuffed toys </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our third destination is the Al Ahmadiya School which is the most prestigious ancient institution and the first semi-private school in Dubai. It was now turned into a museum. It was an interesting place because it's an interactive museum where you can find mannequins and a small computer where you can read facts about the place. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSrKxl10fnk/VsdKirSCK2I/AAAAAAAAI7U/2yTJHpNeSbs/s1600/12592719_10201268976161931_670375248265208821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSrKxl10fnk/VsdKirSCK2I/AAAAAAAAI7U/2yTJHpNeSbs/s400/12592719_10201268976161931_670375248265208821_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate and detailed art after the renovation </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We go straight to the Heritage House which is the typical house (and lifestyle) of an Emirati way back. From the style of the house, up to the utensils and their source of entertainment, everything can be found in the house. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRALYw0rCuo/VsdKimqSCII/AAAAAAAAI7Q/fPww1BFE5rw/s1600/12669520_10204568567009138_5155846466643359570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRALYw0rCuo/VsdKimqSCII/AAAAAAAAI7Q/fPww1BFE5rw/s640/12669520_10204568567009138_5155846466643359570_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"G" giving us a brief introduction of our destination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Spice Souk is the next itinerary on our list. Nuts, dried shrimps, and up to spices being used in cooking are in here. The place is so colorful but of course, it comes with their strong smell as well. There are lots of sales people who aren't fussy to teach you a thing or two about these spices. However, some of them might expect that you will buy at least. </div>
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After our short stop in the Spice Souk, we crossed the creek with the famous ride, Abra for 1 dirham. This ride is very popular to regular residents who need to cross the creek and with tourists as well. The creek itself have different stations and you can choose which route to take. The longest route (I believe) is from the stop in Al Ghubaiba to the station near the Deira Twin Towers for 2 dirhams. Sorry I failed to get the names of these stations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iVzTrCDBHc/Vs21gKDm6SI/AAAAAAAAJCs/bI3r6oT2928/s1600/12661751_10201268975761921_1550003728136607484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iVzTrCDBHc/Vs21gKDm6SI/AAAAAAAAJCs/bI3r6oT2928/s640/12661751_10201268975761921_1550003728136607484_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding an Abra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w7WFtR9XJw/Vs21g3Mbu0I/AAAAAAAAJCs/d7ptuxkaACI/s1600/12670073_10201268975841923_222659245043215693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w7WFtR9XJw/Vs21g3Mbu0I/AAAAAAAAJCs/d7ptuxkaACI/s400/12670073_10201268975841923_222659245043215693_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek</td></tr>
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Upon crossing the creek, we are now in the Bur Dubai side of the Old Part of Dubai. We went to a Hindu temple and since it's a sacred place, I didn't took any pictures of it because it might look disrespectful. We head straight to the Bastakiya Quarter where you can find the restaurant who serves Camel Meat and Camel Milk. You can also enjoy the maze-like structure of the place where a lot of tourists take pictures as 'lost in the maze'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyp-N5YRDPM/Vs3BMTT8pgI/AAAAAAAAJC4/RmdU2s5NGzo/s1600/12642874_10201264950141283_3700146506034802805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyp-N5YRDPM/Vs3BMTT8pgI/AAAAAAAAJC4/RmdU2s5NGzo/s400/12642874_10201264950141283_3700146506034802805_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliche caption: Lost in the Maze </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The final itinerary of the Walking Tour is the Dubai Museum. I cannot remember how much is the entrance fee if it's 2 dirhams or 5 dirhams. I like the museum because the main part of it was underground. The whole history of Dubai was shown in a creative yet artistic way. Lights and sounds were supported as well and it looks very modern from my standards. One of the part of the museum that I really liked is how they set aside one big part of it to showcase the fishing industry of the city before.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrkHXFNTCYo/Vs21gYiFHPI/AAAAAAAAJCs/CMEjzarvVI0/s1600/12669728_10201268975601917_187511369633092683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrkHXFNTCYo/Vs21gYiFHPI/AAAAAAAAJCs/CMEjzarvVI0/s640/12669728_10201268975601917_187511369633092683_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Industry as shown in Dubai Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the last part of the museum, typical souvenirs and free books and pamphlets can be found as well. Everyone agreed that the museum is the best place to end the Walking Tour. It was educational, interesting and fun. Hence, the Old Dubai itself shouldn't be missed by residents and tourists alike.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for Ghaith, for organizing the Walking Tour. And as planned, everyone who joined the tour went to dinner at a Lebanese Restaurant before we parted ways. It was a good cool down time to chat with fellow CouchSurfing members. I am not as active as before but this event reminded me of what is the essence of traveling. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Heritage Village </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For us, traveling isn't to see places alone. It isn't to met locals
alone. It's the whole journey and the friends you've met that counts.
And true enough, this walking tour counts for me. Happy Traveling! <br />
<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-78292040430586965032016-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:002016-01-28T00:35:30.026-08:00THE POWER OF NO<!--[if !mso]>
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Companies, big or small, lay off employees in Dubai these past few months.
However, our company is the complete opposite of this scenario. They are hiring
more staff instead. Guaranteed that there will be enough workforce in our
department, I planned a 10-day leave on May to commemorate the first year death
anniversary of my dad. The operations manager said she accepted my request but
I should wait for the new employees. She said I should ask the admin manager
too before I book the ticket. <br />
<br />
Today, I saw our admin manager (which is very rare) so I asked her if I can
request for the leave form. The conversations are as follows:<br />
Admin: You are requesting for a leave?<br />
Me: Yes but it's for May.<br />
Admin: You can't take a leave.<br />
Me: Why not?<br />
Admin: Because you just took a leave.<br />
Me: That's last year. It was an emergency leave. 14 days. I haven't fully
consumed any annual leave.<br />
Admin: No. I don't think you can take your leave.<br />
Me: Uhhh....<br />
Admin: *walks away*<br />
<br />
At first, I felt bad. I am mad. I want to scream it out. She did not even
ask me as to why am I requesting it. She didn't even ask how long will it be.
She never opened her heart to fully comprehend the situation yet she closed it
with such a harsh answer. A NO.<br />
<br />
In reality, it's getting on my nerves. But I can't let that happen
especially this week which is already rough and stressful. So I called my best
friend, the Gift of the Gap. Okay, I will try to put my situation in her shoes.
Maybe it's not a good timing and she's thinking of other stuff related to our
company which is more important than my leave. Maybe she's having a bad day and
that's just her initial reaction. Maybe she's just kidding. Maybe.... The list
is endless.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Izy5bdHP1RY/VqeprsZTs4I/AAAAAAAAH6M/Vh1CuFM_L90/s1600/1384495694000-111713yes-no-maybe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></a></div>
Two letter word. NO.<br />
Powerful. Deep. And simple.<br />
<br />
It's a simple word. It's very easy to comprehend. But why is that we cannot
use it properly? People are using it for the wrong ideas with its essence being
trashed. <br />
<br />
When it comes to our loved ones, we always say no to their small favors very
easily. Our thinking is that, they will understand me because they know me. But
when it comes to other people, we cannot say no because we want to be
"in" or we want to portray a different version of ourselves since
they don't know us yet. Sounds familiar? The examples of wrong usage are
endless. Our norm (and stupidity) of saying 'no' is infinite. The ideology of
how it is being used is so wrong that we cannot notice its impact. Why?<br />
<br />
We have to be reminded that we have choices. These choices are the answers
to the things that we can't control... <br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
Yes to commitments, to dreams, to achieving goals, to success of everyone, to
love, to adventure, to "YOLO", to the life ahead of us.<br />
<br />
Maybe.<br />
Maybe we can do something. Maybe there's another way. Maybe we can check it
first. Maybe it's not the right time. Maybe there's something better.<br />
<br />
No.<br />
No to the things and words that hurts you, me, and other people.<br />
No to the ideas that kills the passion, integrity, and principles of this
society. <br />
No to the toxic people and relationships that hold us back to realize that
we deserve better. <br />
No to everything that is not helping us to be a better person. <br />
No to the wrong ways of this world.<br />
<br />
We have a choice of what to use.<br />
And that simple choice can change something... maybe someone's life or
someone's way of living. Who knows? One day you will realize, that maybe it's
time to change YOU. <br />
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<![endif]-->PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com1Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844283 53.9798893 26.1252703 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-29646128197077841682016-01-22T09:16:00.001-08:002016-01-22T09:16:44.596-08:00 MY OWN SHADES OF GREYWhenever the word grey is brought up to the table, it's either the color or Fifty Shades of Grey. But some can comprehend that it's a different kind of thing. A thing that either makes your life miserable or makes your life confused.<br />
<br />
What is a Grey Area? According to Wiktionary, it is a topic that is not clearly one thing or the other, that is open to interpretation. In some articles pertaining to relationships, the grey areas is where the two persons kept the other one at bay. <br />
<br />
But the world with grey areas are not only for relationships. In the past, I kept some people at bay too. But I kept all stuff in there too. Career opportunities, friendships, family, spirituality, emotional growth, anxiety, depression. From my main prioritize in life up to how I feel about myself. I put it there. I hide it. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pypIYw3E6O8/VqJY5uajZYI/AAAAAAAAH4U/tBnEreTuoVk/s1600/0a3cacdad4c3ef943382ee737e9230f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pypIYw3E6O8/VqJY5uajZYI/AAAAAAAAH4U/tBnEreTuoVk/s400/0a3cacdad4c3ef943382ee737e9230f4.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
It's 2016. I don't want to hide it anymore. It's time for me to overcome these stuff, one by one. Let's start with one issue that I have (or I still have)...<br />
<br />
I am having difficulty sleeping at home (still on going yes it's been 8 months now) because of bed bugs and we all know that not sleeping properly may lead to some effects. Every article in the internet says, if you lack sleep, you intend to eat more and thus it will make you gain weight. I know that's true because I gained weight whenever I pull an all night-er session during high school days or college days.<br />
<br />
Nowadays, I am stressed for a fact that I am not gaining weight. I am not sure if it's because of lack of sleep or maybe out of depression or maybe because of metabolism details, but I am dropping sizes. <br />
<br />
This week was hell again. The longest time that I can sleep without waking up (or bed bugs bites) is 3 hours. The rest will be an hour and an hour and an hour. During the day, I still eat properly. I try not to worry. But over a week, I've dropped a size again. My basis is my uniform because it just fits so perfect. I would know if I gain weight or lose weight if I felt the difference. Yesterday, it was loose. I was like, maybe I am just sexy today (*pun intended) but today, it is way more loose again. Like literally loose. <br />
<br />
My friends back in the Philippines were shocked as to how thin I was before leaving on 2014. They said I am so thin. And I know that I lose more. And friends call me the skinny one now. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrh3W3HDWo/VqJd27uTB3I/AAAAAAAAH4k/UM5WDYBTi8U/s1600/4d941a3a173ea4185ab3c0ce9b533f1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrh3W3HDWo/VqJd27uTB3I/AAAAAAAAH4k/UM5WDYBTi8U/s640/4d941a3a173ea4185ab3c0ce9b533f1d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can see, this is all new to me. You might say that I should not stress myself for a change that only happened for just a week or you can scold me and say just move out. But I know for a fact that I really lost weight for over two years. If I will weigh myself, the numbers might say I'm underweight.<br />
<br />
No, eating more to gain weight is not as easy as it sounds. I've eaten more than my weight can imagine. So it makes me worry more. Anxiety over weight is one thing of my grey areas and there's so much more..... PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844283 53.9798893 26.1252703 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-62746811455707525082016-01-20T09:32:00.004-08:002016-01-20T09:32:50.841-08:00AROUND THE WORLD IN GLOBAL VILLAGE When I was in college, I worked once in a theme park in the Philippines as a summer job. It is known as Enchanted Kingdom which is located in Southern part of the metro, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. I've been there for 2 and a half months and it's one of my happiest part-time job I have (apart from McDonald's). That experience made me love parks. Theme parks to be specific became very close to my heart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPIDhv7nFOM/Vp-3oaHlEVI/AAAAAAAAHSU/5iFfg2bL2k0/s1600/249497_220488714635749_4409287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPIDhv7nFOM/Vp-3oaHlEVI/AAAAAAAAHSU/5iFfg2bL2k0/s640/249497_220488714635749_4409287_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Job 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Dubai, there's one theme park (fully operating) that I've always wanted to visit ever since I arrived here. It is called Global Village which is located in Dubailand. We took the public transportation by bus from Union Metro Station. One
way costs 10 AED and the entrance fee costs 15 AED. We went there at
exactly 4 pm and the park is open until 12 midnight.<br />
<br />
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The park consists of pavilions of different countries showcasing products and crafts from the country of origin. Replicas of famous landmarks were built and products were imported to be sold here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX99naTRj50/Vp-51jAi-gI/AAAAAAAAHT8/rhF-D7AookA/s1600/12509680_10201224076319463_4077452306665135549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX99naTRj50/Vp-51jAi-gI/AAAAAAAAHT8/rhF-D7AookA/s400/12509680_10201224076319463_4077452306665135549_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replicas of Big Ben, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Colosseum or Flavian Ampitheater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa9G6_JaFQo/Vp-51KtrrbI/AAAAAAAAHT4/Y0XvqtLaZ4o/s1600/12495159_10201224078559519_5629002000040091544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa9G6_JaFQo/Vp-51KtrrbI/AAAAAAAAHT4/Y0XvqtLaZ4o/s400/12495159_10201224078559519_5629002000040091544_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Gazebo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EcQJUSpfrE/Vp-50q-VQZI/AAAAAAAAHT0/Nj-9mxR4EkA/s1600/12417924_10201224077959504_5948048093335133600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EcQJUSpfrE/Vp-50q-VQZI/AAAAAAAAHT0/Nj-9mxR4EkA/s400/12417924_10201224077959504_5948048093335133600_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Pavilion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This pavilion is my favorite and it deserves a special mention. The products are all authentic. Every craft and art and all products were new to my eyes (not that I've never seen anything like that) because you cannot find these in big malls of Dubai. The song playing in the background was an African one (that's one thing for sure) and there are people standing outside the pavilion wearing native costumes of their country.<br />
<br />
What I love about it is that I felt their pride of their country. Here in Dubai, a lot of Africans were paid really low. They weren't treated that nice. But here, they are all happy. Their face shows their love to their origin. Being patriotic. Patriotism. Yes. Despite of all their struggles in their country, here they were, full of pride and saying, I CAME FROM AFRICA. I LOVE AFRICA. Salute to these people! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nn3zbobuW4/Vp-514Ahd0I/AAAAAAAAHTU/WggFJFhzwA0/s1600/12524029_10201224078279512_8132896668116606076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nn3zbobuW4/Vp-514Ahd0I/AAAAAAAAHTU/WggFJFhzwA0/s320/12524029_10201224078279512_8132896668116606076_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crafts and stuff from Africans </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The second pavilion I liked is Japan's. Anime is from Japan and I am so happy to see some collection! Yes it is not complete and very limited, but still, it's so hard to find these stuff here in Dubai. I found a small stuffed toy of Chopper and it broke my heart that I didn't bought it. It's too expensive for me! LOL. #byechopper <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcbSFLwpY0c/Vp-52SGIVzI/AAAAAAAAHTk/iKnxUeCvqVQ/s1600/12552673_10201224079439541_190475115970296967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcbSFLwpY0c/Vp-52SGIVzI/AAAAAAAAHTk/iKnxUeCvqVQ/s400/12552673_10201224079439541_190475115970296967_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collectibles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can find two Japanese friends in the farthest stall of the pavilion. One guy and one girl. I am not sure if they are a couple but they look good together. Haha. Anyway, they are offering this service where you can try wearing Yukata (Kimono is the elegant one, more expensive and traditional one with the bow at the back where Yukata is more casual) and they will take a picture of you for 10 AED. They will give you a print out of this picture. You can also add a background of Japan for 30 AED if I am not mistaken. And no, this is not the picture they took. I look so silly there.<br />
<br />
I am able to try Yukata too! Look at the face! Mission accomplished! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJuBnTv8iRo/Vp-51oIXhMI/AAAAAAAAHTY/P1NJwG8KWwA/s1600/12512527_10201224167321738_1737650620546939954_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJuBnTv8iRo/Vp-51oIXhMI/AAAAAAAAHTY/P1NJwG8KWwA/s400/12512527_10201224167321738_1737650620546939954_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yukata, the casual style form of Kimono</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each pavilion offers short performances (groups, bands, individual) of
any kind of entertainment they have. I remember the band from Iran
playing a happy 'bandari' music. I saw dance performance in India's
pavilion with a Punjabi group as well. A traditional dance was performed
of my 'kabayan' in the pavilion of Philippines.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eURdq48dI8/Vp-50kpB-BI/AAAAAAAAHS0/Lj95VDOWeuk/s1600/10399740_10201224082719623_7865182209709197188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eURdq48dI8/Vp-50kpB-BI/AAAAAAAAHS0/Lj95VDOWeuk/s640/10399740_10201224082719623_7865182209709197188_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syrian Performers on Main Stage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a small part of the park with rides for kids and adults. They have a huge Ferris Wheel called Wheel of the World for 30 AED. It doesn't move that fast unlike the others and you won't feel scared up high. The aerial view of the whole park is fantastic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZzz7LH1oJA/Vp-51bl9O0I/AAAAAAAAHTI/BtSLNvUS4CI/s1600/12509505_10201224080279562_6675194132651757676_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZzz7LH1oJA/Vp-51bl9O0I/AAAAAAAAHTI/BtSLNvUS4CI/s640/12509505_10201224080279562_6675194132651757676_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheel of the World </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8-1ZdmHCz4/Vp-52ltnuDI/AAAAAAAAHTw/Gr3tMKNiq0Q/s1600/9574_10201224080399565_4921036367010107767_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8-1ZdmHCz4/Vp-52ltnuDI/AAAAAAAAHTw/Gr3tMKNiq0Q/s640/9574_10201224080399565_4921036367010107767_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of Global Village </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was tiring but fun. I felt like I'm a kid again. And it's a feeling that everyone would like to go back to once in a while. Though I was a little bit sad that I was not able to buy Chopper and I wasn't able to play those games with huge stuffed toys as prizes, but surely, I'm gonna come back.<br />
<br />
So long Global Village! I'm gonna come back sooner or later! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844283 53.9798893 26.1252703 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-76091844995011157942016-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:002016-01-13T06:45:44.756-08:00EXTRA MILE: A SECRET RECIPE OF SUCCESS A Syrian guy with an Indonesian wife (I guess) asked for a dummy ticket for CGK - BEY flight. What I know is that we can issue these dummy tickets as long as the original tickets are refundable. So I gathered all the information and their preference for the said tickets.<br />
<br />
Before making any booking, I called one of my boss for his go signal about this tickets. He told me that this dummy tickets are risky and that I should not give it. I asked him why and he cannot give me a valid (and logical reason) so I kept asking him of what I should I offer instead. Then he told me, "JUST DON'T. I WILL JUST GIVE YOU SALES TODAY FOR YOU TO STOP."<br />
<br />
I was like... woah! EXCUSE ME?! I told him straight away that that was so rude of him. It's totally inappropriate. The boss told me then why do I kept asking if he already said so. I told him that I was just fishing out for options of how can I help this guy. And right away I told him I don't need any information from him any more, thanked him and cut the line.<br />
<br />
I just explained to the Syrian guy that we can't issue the tickets on that cities. But I feel so bad because I know we can. In return, I just gave him a booking reservation for free which he truly appreciates it. For him, I was so kind. For me, I am disappointed that I can't go beyond my boss' orders. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QimNt0jXxcw/VpZc6-0OeWI/AAAAAAAAGpM/9P0g9UjFn5A/s1600/MSFprinciple7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QimNt0jXxcw/VpZc6-0OeWI/AAAAAAAAGpM/9P0g9UjFn5A/s640/MSFprinciple7.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) myservicefirst.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is Customer Service? Why do people cut it back even if they know they can do it?<br />
<br />
I've been in a customer service-oriented industry since I was 16. Been in fast food chains, theme park, call center - directory assistance, hotel, and now in the travel industry. Customer service is meeting clients' expectations. Giving them what they need. As easy as that.<br />
<br />
However, there's a thing called 'Extra Mile'. I have learned this from my training when I was in McDonald's. It was a great strategy. People will be happy of your customer service but people will love you from your extra mile. People will never forget what you did for them. It keeps the business rolling. If employees must always remember that, I think superiors and bosses must embrace it. Because if not, there's no point of being in a Customer Service Industry. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UByYXxWEqbM/VpZhIKLy-vI/AAAAAAAAGpY/UNjaEwCgS_k/s1600/Customer-Service-4-Extra-mile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UByYXxWEqbM/VpZhIKLy-vI/AAAAAAAAGpY/UNjaEwCgS_k/s400/Customer-Service-4-Extra-mile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end of the day, I am disappointed because what I learned throughout the years was just a failure because of a boss' orders. An underdog employee like me? What can I do anyway? PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-72195939179461623052016-01-10T03:53:00.002-08:002016-01-10T08:23:06.138-08:00A DAY TRIP TO ABU DHABI : SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE One friend of mine from Couchsurfing is in Dubai right now for his vacation with his friend. One of their plans is to visit the Grand Mosque which is in Abu Dhabi. And since I haven't been there, I asked them if they can arrange this visit on a Saturday so that I can come with them. Lo and behold, my wish is granted and after so many months, I finally got the chance to visit the Grand Mosque! 1 goal down for this year! <br />
<br />
We took the bust E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and it took nearly 2-3 hours of travel from Bur Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Station. A round trip bus ticket costs 50 AED. We arrived at around 3 PM and went straight to Al Wahda Mall before heading straight to the mosque.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbY7f6Ev6tI/VpJ3hTH5hiI/AAAAAAAAGos/qRztEED7224/s1600/940995_10201203660569082_7736007599241795723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbY7f6Ev6tI/VpJ3hTH5hiI/AAAAAAAAGos/qRztEED7224/s640/940995_10201203660569082_7736007599241795723_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before entering the mosque property lot, the security at the gate asked us to stop because my hair was not covered. I covered it with my scarf (good thing I brought it with me). Then there's a small tent as an entrance where I was asked to put the abaya as my body cover. Wearing an abaya is one thing that I would really like to experience even once in my entire life. The Islamic culture is really interesting. Okay don't freak out. I'm not about to convert to Islam. I just appreciate it.<br />
<br />
My friends went to their ablution and prayer while I roam around and be as a happy tourist as I can. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scs2fGfCmKA/VpJ3gbFZLGI/AAAAAAAAGo4/xp0jjN-O2-o/s1600/12495195_10201203656528981_6480044041357527648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scs2fGfCmKA/VpJ3gbFZLGI/AAAAAAAAGo4/xp0jjN-O2-o/s640/12495195_10201203656528981_6480044041357527648_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ran out of words more when I entered the main area. The beauty is overwhelming. The art itself is magnificent. This is one of my inspirations to go to Iran.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxsqy71aHVY/VpJ3hAMS8VI/AAAAAAAAGok/ERAoru7wrWk/s1600/12510409_10201203648888790_3178377838406068598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxsqy71aHVY/VpJ3hAMS8VI/AAAAAAAAGok/ERAoru7wrWk/s400/12510409_10201203648888790_3178377838406068598_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandeliers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjGavjyhqLk/VpJ3g7nqZjI/AAAAAAAAGoo/WT56ubxgdKA/s1600/12509212_10201203649888815_7130662829291719002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjGavjyhqLk/VpJ3g7nqZjI/AAAAAAAAGoo/WT56ubxgdKA/s640/12509212_10201203649888815_7130662829291719002_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj-JH_-SlQE/VpJ3hQD6QSI/AAAAAAAAGow/2syRDYYidiM/s1600/12522949_10201203649528806_388989845764073596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj-JH_-SlQE/VpJ3hQD6QSI/AAAAAAAAGow/2syRDYYidiM/s400/12522949_10201203649528806_388989845764073596_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From ceiling, chandelier and wall art... intricate details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32iT00V0bzA/VpJ3g2A22JI/AAAAAAAAGo8/FLoGeTU6wug/s1600/12510357_10201203650568832_3923840263950986871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32iT00V0bzA/VpJ3g2A22JI/AAAAAAAAGo8/FLoGeTU6wug/s400/12510357_10201203650568832_3923840263950986871_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the pillars itself are not left unattended</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had so much fun and if I will get another chance to go back to the mosque with less crowd, I would like to go again. Happy tourist today!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3pI2th8oME/VpJ3gUIt4CI/AAAAAAAAGoU/nJKkJ9cdNlI/s1600/12376832_10201203709290300_5352581499783339059_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3pI2th8oME/VpJ3gUIt4CI/AAAAAAAAGoU/nJKkJ9cdNlI/s640/12376832_10201203709290300_5352581499783339059_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PinayHakawati gets to visit the Grand Mosque in abaya. Goal achieved! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-43096379653962536172016-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:002016-06-29T10:19:30.414-07:00NEW YEAR, NEW ME, NEW GOALS<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year! </span></span></div>
<br />
It's the time of the year where everything is fresh and new! Last year might not be one of the best years of my life, but it's over. It's already in the past. So right now, I should focus on planning and claiming to be waaaay moreee HAPPY this year! And for me to maximize my time here in Dubai (Inshallah), I've decided to come up with a list of my own goals (SMART goals).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBoi0Bgqezc/VmXF_sMPj-I/AAAAAAAAFgA/_NscOUD2rpw/s1600/IMG_0281.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBoi0Bgqezc/VmXF_sMPj-I/AAAAAAAAFgA/_NscOUD2rpw/s640/IMG_0281.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These smart goals, once achieved and accomplished, will have it's own post here in my blog. And so here it is and let me try my best to fulfill these goals before the year ends! <br />
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<b>Travel, Sports & Adventure - UAE</b><br />
<strike><a href="http://pinayhakawati.blogspot.ae/2016/01/a-trip-to-masjid-sheikh.html" target="_blank">Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque </a></strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://pinayhakawati.blogspot.ae/2016/01/around-world-in-global-village.html" target="_blank">Global Village</a></strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://pinayhakawati.blogspot.ae/2016/02/walking-tour-old-dubai.html" target="_blank">Walking Tour - Old Dubai </a></strike><br />
Arsekal Avenue <br />
Ferrari World<br />
Ski Dubai<br />
Jebel Jais<br />
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi<br />
Iceland Waterpark <br />
Motiongate Dubai (still under construction) <br />
Oman Musandam<br />
Practice ice skating in Dubai Ice Rink (Dubai Mall) and in Hyatt Regency<br />
Try paddle board around Burj Al Arab<br />
Attend one Yacht Party<br />
<br />
<b>Travel - outside UAE </b><br />
Hike one mountain/volcano <br />
Visit one town outside Luzon<br />
Travel to one Asian Country<br />
Try Couchsurfing as a GUEST<br />
<br />
<b>Road to Financial Freedom</b><br />
Be debt free<br />
Create a solid emergency fund<br />
Help our small convenience store in the Philippines to grow bigger <br />
Buy 1 22k carat gold as an investment<br />
Buy the gold arrow ring or a necklace with the arrow pendant<br />
Open an account in mutual funds <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Personal Growth</b><br />
Land in my dream job/company <br />
Learn how to do make up professionally<br />
Learn how to wear good heels<br />
<br />
How about you? What are some of your goals for this year? Let me know and maybe I can add it to my list! Good luck to everyone! PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com1Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-47212602424162999112015-12-15T08:27:00.003-08:002016-01-12T03:48:06.976-08:00MISCOMMUNICATION KILLS: LIFELONG LESSON FROM AIR FRANCE FLIGHT 447After today's work, I always save time to read anything interesting or something that will be useful in the future. Tonight, it happened that I read the case of Air France Flight 447, which happens to be the most deadliest accident in the history of Air France. According to Wikipedia, this accident is also the Airbus A330's second and deadliest accident, and its first in commercial passenger service.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK7HGoYtvo4/VnA4X7zzSTI/AAAAAAAAFls/OHe6SOBEqjA/s1600/gty_air_france_crash_tail_ll_120605_wmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK7HGoYtvo4/VnA4X7zzSTI/AAAAAAAAFls/OHe6SOBEqjA/s640/gty_air_france_crash_tail_ll_120605_wmain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from Google Search</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just a brief summary:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Following resolution of an earlier incident with a faulty Pitot tube that lasted a few minutes, the pilot-in-command left to take a rest leaving control in the hands of the copilots. When the two copilots were operating the Airbus, it was not clear which one of the two was in charge of the plane, nor did the copilots communicate with each other about who was in control of the plane." - Reference: Crew Resource Management (Wikipedia)</blockquote>
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When I first read that phrase, I was like... WHAT THE FUCK? Are they idiots? That is so stupid of them! Then after a few minutes, I shift the rage into a few minutes of reflection. Then I realized that miscommunication is not just a small matter.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ1pRJ1iiow/VnA4tXksiAI/AAAAAAAAFl0/iBSEbvkDriU/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ1pRJ1iiow/VnA4tXksiAI/AAAAAAAAFl0/iBSEbvkDriU/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Miscommunication is deadly. It kills friendship, relationship, marriages, healthy environment in workplace, and people (literally).<br />
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There are lots of definitions of miscommunication out there. But to simplify, miscommunication happens because one fails to talk and one fails to listen. And this leads to confusion. One person will get confused of what is his role, responsibilities, duties and the things expected from him. And since he failed to talk (which is to ask) or to listen, human error happens out of miscommunication. <br />
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I believe that talking and listening are not the hardest part of the situation. It is the insensitivity to the situation. Always. Not many of us can recognize and be sensitive on what's happening. Some says that's stupidity, but I call it natural. Not everybody is gifted about that.<br />
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You don't need a certificate to be a great speaker or the best listener to save failing relationships or work environment or home. One should cultivate the art of sensitivity. Not the sensitive type where you are fussy about everything. But the type of sensitivity where you put yourself in one's shoes. In that way, you will get a glimpse or an idea of the bigger picture. Then talking and listening will not be difficult anymore.<br />
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Anything can be saved and fixed .... by talking and listening. PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-31963510221437115552015-12-15T07:46:00.001-08:002015-12-15T07:46:52.292-08:00WATCHING TV IS THE NEW THING People often say that you should reduce the number of hours watching television so you should be productive. Countless of sites and articles and motivational speakers always include that fact. But, I would like to share my opinion which is slightly different from the advice above.<br />
<br />
Once in a while, indulge yourself on watching one episode per day of a TV series which you trust would teach you a thing or two. I encourage young professionals especially those whose working on a fast paced city or country to do this.<br />
<br />
If you have more time, reading is better (and best). But if you're working (like me) for 10 hours a day, six days a week, and you need a simple break and light activity for your mind.... I guess watching an hour (or an episode) per day is recommended.<br />
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For the past few weeks, I've chosen these two TV series which taught me some meaningful lessons:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>GAME OF THRONES</b><br />
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Game of Thrones is an American TV series and a novel adaptation from George R.R. Martin.The story evolves when the current Hand of the King dies. Sooner or later, the King Himself dies as well and that's basically the start of the game of thrones (literally).<br />
<br />
I liked this TV series because: <br />
1) This series made me realize that greed of power comes in all forms, age, and gender. Greed is considered as one of the seven deadly sin which is known as avaritia/avarice. The story depicts that when you have greed, it will never take you far.<br />
2) Jon Snow's willingness to protect the people by serving from the Night's Watch taught me the significance of 'public service'. He showed what good governance really means. And sadly, at the end, being a good guy is still not enough. People will never understand your good intentions.<br />
3) Arya. Her character for me is really striking. From the old times, there's always a discrimination between men and women especially when it comes to their abilities. At her young age, she already understood that there's no difference, just the anatomy.<br />
<br />
I learned:<br />
1) More British English words<br />
2) Men prefers average* type of body<br />
* average - natural looking/not big and bulky b's<br />
3) Religion exists during Medieval era (some says that Game of Thrones didn't happened during Medieval but on 'Late Medieval Era') but it is slightly different than the religion we have today.<br />
4) Book is still better <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<b>SUNGKYUNKWAN SCANDAL</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhcPSDMjdI4/Vm7v4hfaD0I/AAAAAAAAFlc/HfWspYC23Fk/s1600/sungkyunkwan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhcPSDMjdI4/Vm7v4hfaD0I/AAAAAAAAFlc/HfWspYC23Fk/s640/sungkyunkwan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a South Korean historical period/romantic/comedy drama about a girl who disguised herself as a guy to enter Sungkyunkwan, Joseon Dynasty's highest educational institute where no women are allowed.<br />
<br />
I liked this Korean Drama because: <br />
1) The combination of our the characters (the main four and the extended cast) gave us a quick glimpse of the personality of the society. There are persons who seek for revenge, justice, truth, power, and wisdom.<br />
2) The issue where woman is not allowed to study and/or be a government official. Kim Yoon Shik (female lead) raised this issue with her professor and the professor doesn't have an answer as to how man differs from woman. (I so love that scene!)<br />
<br />
I learned:<br />
1) More formal Korean words<br />
2) Brief idea of Joseon Dynasty<br />
3) Lessons from Confucius<br />
<br />
<br />
These TV series (and my advice) may not be applicable to everyone thus this is just a mere suggestion only. I found watching these series useful to me since I am not fond of watching series before. Like everyone else, I only knew that reading is the only good habit that one can cultivate. But in my opinion, as long as we found out how to learn on such things, one should not deprive one's self of doing so.<br />
<br />
Do you know any TV series worth watching?PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-82357331024766446392015-11-29T08:03:00.002-08:002015-11-29T08:03:50.378-08:00YOU JUST DON'T WRITE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE IT: YOU BLEEDIt's been ages since I was active writing stuff under the sun. I was too consumed with a lot of things and sometimes I think there's nothing important to write about. Although there are times as well wherein I feel like I wanted to write everything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LP5XDKhL1Yo/VlscEya_WpI/AAAAAAAAFcs/HUu9-Jw0GU0/s1600/funny%2Bwriting%2Bquotes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LP5XDKhL1Yo/VlscEya_WpI/AAAAAAAAFcs/HUu9-Jw0GU0/s640/funny%2Bwriting%2Bquotes.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Writing, is not an obligation to me. It's more of, an exercise of the mind and my freedom. I feel like to write whenever I had a bad day. Or when I am upset. Or when I am sad. I write because of my emotions raging. Not just because I am not busy.<br />
<br />
However, I must use the excuse that I am busy this month (at least in my opinion). I have to focus more at work so that I can reach the targets as early as possible. And I have to focus on a lot of problems at work which is made by yours truly as well.<br />
<br />
It is the end of the month and almost the end of the year. Things kept on happening which surprises me. And people still come and go. And there are some persons who suddenly came back out of nowhere. That's when I bleed the most.<br />
<br />
I bleed and yearn for a big heart. That after so much sadness, I hope I can still love them as my friends, colleagues or whoever they may be. I yearn for a big heart that after so much hurt, I hope I can still accept them without any fear and anger in my heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
After all of these, it's gonna be a new year and I am looking forward for a brand new start. PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-9059463943020953472015-11-06T09:23:00.000-08:002015-11-08T00:59:55.746-08:00AT THE TOP: BURJ KHALIFADubai holds a lot of the 'est' when it comes to infrastructures. Biggest, largest, tallest. And sure, the tallest building of the world is here. And that's Burj Khalifa.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Cu65WNaEs/VjzPMh5F1EI/AAAAAAAAFWw/U3E8zq0IeD4/s1600/khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Cu65WNaEs/VjzPMh5F1EI/AAAAAAAAFWw/U3E8zq0IeD4/s640/khalifa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://partsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/khalifa.jpg">Photo source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Burj Khalifa, tallest artificial structure in the world, stands at 2,722 ft. When I heard that, I was like, 'Oh, it's just another building.' And even when I see it every day, it looks like an ordinary building to me.<br />
<br />
Until... I've experience the <b>'At the Top'</b> last Saturday with a CS friend, Lukas, from CZ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXO4k7_t59U/VjzRrTmi-eI/AAAAAAAAFXI/yGGz5d0YIGo/s1600/2015-10-31%2B04.26.12%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXO4k7_t59U/VjzRrTmi-eI/AAAAAAAAFXI/yGGz5d0YIGo/s400/2015-10-31%2B04.26.12%2B1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
Tickets can be bought at the counter but like what we do, we booked it online thru the site itself. The cheapest tickets (for Level 124) costs 125 AED. Availability depends on your preferred time of visit. We prefer to be there by 4:30 pm so we could watch sunset as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijfk0rFKd8A/VjzRrkaDKjI/AAAAAAAAFXc/Hk02Hd-iwRE/s1600/2015-11-01%2B10.38.43%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijfk0rFKd8A/VjzRrkaDKjI/AAAAAAAAFXc/Hk02Hd-iwRE/s400/2015-11-01%2B10.38.43%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Sheikh Zayed Road and Old Dubai<br />
(Copyright photo by Lukas Winter) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Level 124 has a 360-degree view of Dubai. You can see the old part of Dubai (Old Dubai) and the Sheikh Zayed Road and of course the rest of the new part of Dubai (New Dubai). The World (artificial islands), Burj Al Arab, and the Dubai Marina can be seen as well but of course, from the distance. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ev-U84quiOk/VjzRrLeuwaI/AAAAAAAAFXY/fXht3gVQpLw/s1600/2015-10-31%2B05.04.21%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ev-U84quiOk/VjzRrLeuwaI/AAAAAAAAFXY/fXht3gVQpLw/s640/2015-10-31%2B05.04.21%2B1.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone seems to wait for the magic hour but I cannot say that Dubai nor At The Top is the best spot to watch sunset. No one can tell if the sun really set already because you cannot see it clearly. But as far as I know, magic hour is still the magic hour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQRjzgi-yL0/VjzRqCq1iuI/AAAAAAAAFXA/tG8Oes-zG-I/s1600/12200548_1063243127065711_1792207443_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQRjzgi-yL0/VjzRqCq1iuI/AAAAAAAAFXA/tG8Oes-zG-I/s640/12200548_1063243127065711_1792207443_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business Bay view / Burj Al Arab - Marina is on this side<br />
(Copyright photo by Lukas Winter)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They are selling souvenirs as well from ref magnets, planners, mugs, and of course the miniature figures of the Burj Khalifa. But since I am a sucker for ref magnets, that's the thing I bought.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SFgiHbgZt4/VjzRrqe5TLI/AAAAAAAAFXg/H2vDqkkBI0E/s1600/2015-10-31%2B10.27.50%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SFgiHbgZt4/VjzRrqe5TLI/AAAAAAAAFXg/H2vDqkkBI0E/s400/2015-10-31%2B10.27.50%2B1.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ref magnet for 15 AED</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a wonderful day for me. Not only the building nor the view amazed me but I cannot hide the fact that I was so inspired by the passion of those people behind the iconic tower. They are wearing the pride of success in their sleeves. It was not built by the locals/Emiratis alone, but it was built by a lot of nations, who worked as one for one goal. And that is what you call <b>TEAMWORK</b>.<br />
<br />
I admire the building itself. But most of all, it made me love Dubai.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXRc6JLHYOM/VjzhzqBi0EI/AAAAAAAAFYA/qbFa3jsfnEY/s1600/keep-calm-and-love-dubai-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXRc6JLHYOM/VjzhzqBi0EI/AAAAAAAAFYA/qbFa3jsfnEY/s640/keep-calm-and-love-dubai-12.png" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000625.2048493 55.270782800000006 25.2048493 55.270782800000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-65308530923165592792015-11-06T08:00:00.002-08:002015-11-06T08:00:57.556-08:0050 DAY CHALLENGE: ACHIEVED!Who am I before the 50 DAY CHALLENGE?<br />
<br />
Craziness is my forte and I
realized that I became a monster out of craziness. Distress ate my
positive view in life. And I was not aware that I am not myself anymore.
I am surrounded by toxic energies and toxic relationships. And soon enough, I became the poison itself. I even lost a love one because I can't handle my own stress and shit. Day after day, everything is a struggle. Work is full of distractions, stress is my best friend, and sleep is just a break. <br />
<br />
So last September 14, I pledged to listen to TED talks once a day for 50 consecutive days. I opt for the 21 days only since it's the suggested number of days to create a new habit/routine but I felt that it was too short to change the mindset of a person.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pP2Y_n6-puQ/VjycTymz8hI/AAAAAAAAFWY/7uS-jo0sBU8/s1600/TEDTalks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pP2Y_n6-puQ/VjycTymz8hI/AAAAAAAAFWY/7uS-jo0sBU8/s640/TEDTalks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.ae/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCPC4oLTl-8gCFUw_Ggods_gC7g&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youthpastoru.org%2F5-ted-talks-you-should-watch%2F&psig=AFQjCNElhlckwTUy48HGX1KCAKTHuhG02w&ust=1446899056113485">Original source of the picture</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's the list of all the talks that I've listened to:<br />
1) The only person you need to marry - Tracy Mcmillan<br />
2) Is it lust or love? - Terri Ordburch<br />
3) How to stop screwing yourself over - Mel Robbins<br />
4) The slut, spinster & perfect woman - Martha Mosse<br />
5) How to become more confident - Till H. Grob<br />
6) How do you define yourself? - Lizzie Velasquez<br />
7) How being heartbroken was the best thing ever happened to me - Emma Gibbs<br />
8) If you want to achieve your goals, don't focus on them - Reggie Rivers<br />
9) Select the right relationship - Alexandra Redcay<br />
10) Is there scientific proof that we can heal ourselves? - Lissa Rankin<br />
11) Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy? - Dan Gilbert<br />
12) My philosophy for a happy life - Sam Berns<br />
13) Life is easy, why do we make it so hard? - Jon Jandai<br />
14) The psychology of self motivation - Scott Geller<br />
15) How to believe in yourself - Jim Cathcart<br />
16) How to magically connect with anyone - Brian Miller<br />
17) Be the warrior, not the worrier - Angela Ceberano<br />
18) You're already awesome, just get out of your own way - Judson Brewer<br />
19) The art of being yourself - Caroline McHugh<br />
20) The unsexy truth, the hookup culture - Lisa Bunnage<br />
21) Growing up in a pornified culture - Gail Dines<br />
22) If you've had sex, you know how to sell - Mace Horoff<br />
23) Happiness is all in your mind - Gen Kelsang Nyema<br />
24) Meet yourself: A user's guide to building self-esteem - Niko Everett<br />
25) The secret to self-control - Jonathan Bricker<br />
26) You don't wake up fabulous - Robert Ferrell<br />
27) The happy secret to better work - Shawn Anchor<br />
28) Let's face it, charisma matters - John Antonakis<br />
29) What could be wrong with monogamy? - Marc de Hond<br />
30) How to practice emotional hygiene - Guy Winch<br />
31) How to know your life purpose in 5 minutes - Adam Leipzig<br />
32) The power of defining yourself - Amma Asante<br />
33) Programming your mind for success - Carrie Green<br />
34) Being insecure - Tomas Jech<br />
35) How to lose your self-esteem - Matthew Whoolery<br />
36) Freedom from self doubt - BJ Davis<br />
37) Overcoming hopelessness - Nick Vujicic<br />
38) Why I stopped watching porn? - Ran Gavrieli<br />
39) 10 things you didn't know about orgasm - Mary Roach (skip this - it's absolutely not worth your time, I just read this out of curiosity *defensive I know haha*<br />
40) The habits of happiness - Matthieu Ricard<br />
41) The art of asking - Amanda Palmer<br />
42) Never ever give up - Diana Nyad<br />
43) What you don't know about marriage - Jenna McCarthy<br />
44) Why some of us don't have one true calling - Emilie Wapnick<br />
45) Draw your future - Patti Dobrowolski<br />
46) Why happy couples cheat? - Esther PErel<br />
47) Looks aren't everything, believe me I'm a model - Cameron Russell<br />
48) Home is a song I've always remembered - Teitur<br />
49) Why I read a book a day and why you should too - Tai Lopez<br />
50) How to find the work you love - Scott Dinsmore <br />
<br />
And yes, after 50 consecutive days (this is a late post by the way), I am
proud to say that I am successful with my challenge! Congratulations to
me! Woooh!!<br />
<br />
So who am I now?<br />
<br />
I am new. I am healed. Stuff and
stress is still there but I know (and I am confident) that I can handle
it very well now. I am back to the high-spirited version of myself. And I
more focused on my dreams. One thing is for sure, the balance that I've been looking for... I already found it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vYI4HVZyLQ/VjzObToPRoI/AAAAAAAAFWo/VLeyMd_6BWc/s1600/life-quotes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vYI4HVZyLQ/VjzObToPRoI/AAAAAAAAFWo/VLeyMd_6BWc/s640/life-quotes-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAxdYI3P2q4/UCdsahBG81I/AAAAAAAAAKY/KQHm2VLSA7I/s640/life-quotes-1.jpg">Photo source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-523021615507067502015-10-18T10:19:00.002-07:002015-10-18T10:19:17.973-07:00LATERS, BABY<br />
I went to office today, log in into my system and whatever accounts I am using, then I saw this one post from Candy Magazine entitled "<a href="http://www.candymag.com/features/from-our-readers-to-my-ex-someone/?ref=cxsearch">To My Ex-Someone - Mikay".</a> I forced myself not to open it but I can't help it so I read it. Phrases goes like these and I quote:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>"Because one day, everything just disappeared. No more "Hi." No more calls and messages. No more you. I tried to make contact, but all efforts were futile. Hundreds of
messages were sent but no reply even to a single one. Bombarding your
phone with calls just because I wanted to reach you became my new hobby. I just wanted to talk to you, I just wanted to ask why. I just wanted a goodbye."</i></b></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9ZMALYjkn4/ViNr6sXQkKI/AAAAAAAAFUg/ekC61HqjWGM/s1600/20151007-readers2-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9ZMALYjkn4/ViNr6sXQkKI/AAAAAAAAFUg/ekC61HqjWGM/s640/20151007-readers2-quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>"I know I shouldn't feel this way. Because from the start I knew what
we were and what were not. I was happy with you, and now I'm incomplete.
I got used to having you. And the sad truth is I should get used to you
not being around anymore. Having no closure hurts a lot, but having regrets hurt even more."</b></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
The letter felt sad. But it's true. This happens every day and it can happen to every people for whatever reason they have. And I think I am doing the same thing as well. Maybe we both decided to stop sending texts. Or maybe he was the first one to stop sending text and I gave up of waiting for his text as well? Or maybe I just decided I will not respond to any of his text (in case he send one) for now? I don't know. That's the perks of no closure or misunderstanding right?<br />
<br />
I would like to apologize to the person whom I really admire the most. To the person I really liked to be with. To the person whom I felt connected to. To the person who inspire me in small things and through your view of the world. To the person who made me feel that ghost hugs matter (and that it is sweet). To the person I like from a different time zone, Mr. Lad from the Land Down Under.<br />
<br />
I am sorry because I can't handle my personal issues right now. I am sorry that there are lots of days and nights where instead of talking about normal stuff, it would turn out (me) ranting of all my crap. I am sorry that I vent all my insecurities and worries and fears to you. I am sorry that my version of being crazy became a negative crazy me just because I can't get a grip of myself out of my own despair. I'm sorry that I need to leave.<br />
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<br />
Just in case that you are reading this, I hope that one day, we'll meet again. I hope that you'll miss me like I will miss you. I want you to know that I will get a hard time of trying to stop liking you. And I want you to know, if only you can be by my side while trying to help myself, I might be the happiest girl on earth alive.<br />
<br />
I will just wander, roam around and let you enjoy life. We might cross one's path may it be as friends or may it be more, I will be happy to see you when that time arrive. <br />
<br />
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<br />
So for now, not a goodbye, just <span style="color: #990000;"><b>"Laters, Baby."</b></span> PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-66878501263554614122015-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:002015-10-07T07:38:13.724-07:00BOOTY CALL FROM MR. FLIGHT ATTENDANTI heard a lot of negative feedback from other members of Couchsurfing based on their experiences. It was all about someone taking advantage of the other person. Or harassment physically and sexually. Or being plainly abusive I can empathize with them and I always think it must feel really bad if I am on their shoes.<br />
<br />
Until last night, I had a small talk with Mr. Flight Attendant from airline-that-he-didn't-mentioned. He sent me a message saying that he is in Dubai and on a layover. And that if I am free we can have some coffee out or hang out. I said we can do that and I can meet him for a few minutes and that I live in point X and that I have work until 10pm. He said that's so late and we can just grab something and drink something in HIS room and that I can stay there if I want to.<br />
<br />
I said no and if he want to meet, we need to meet outside. All of a sudden, he went defensive. He said why can't you meet me at my room? Do you think I would like to have sex with you? (Sex or murder yes! It's a possibility duh!) I am still being kind to him and said, it's for safety and that I don't know him and I don't go into a guy's room especially when it's the first time to meet and to answer his question, no, it's not all about sex.<br />
<br />
He said, maybe I should protect myself from you because I don't know you??!<br />
<br />
WTF. He started it first. So I said, then why are you inviting girls inside your room? He's weird!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I just said that I think I am not the perfect company which he's looking for (and I am still kind) and in case he want to meet, just let me know.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine what he said in return?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><b>"I found other one she's coming at 9pm"</b></span><br />
<br />
It's not the end of the conversation, he said good luck for me in Couchsurfing and that he hope I find trustable (yeah he said that word, sorry for being a grammar/spelling nazi) person and that it's not his fault that other guys do something bad to girls. He said I can also check out his references from a lot of girls which he hosted in his house.<br />
<br />
That moment I had enough. Let's talk about the way he handle bragging rights! I don't want to shame a person especially online but I posted this picture to show that I just want you to see how many friends and references that he had here but his account is not verified. <br />
<br />
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<br />
After my encounter with Mr. Flight Attendant, I realized that I should not depend on references and friends anymore. I am already disappointed of the stories of my friends let alone knowing a person who uses the site to satisfy his booty needs. Or I must say his dick. Clearly it is a booty call to me. If you think it is not a booty call then please elaborate it to me.<br />
<br />
Couchsurfing is for people who's looking for fellow travelers and hosts or vice versa. It is not the same as Tinder (I believe the common purpose of Tinder is for booty call - or that's what I heard).<br />
<br />
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<br />
I haven't hosted yet but I am a proud member of Couchsurfing and that I am grateful to all the wonderful people I've met thru this. I will meet some more and will surf at others' couches and go to events. As a wishful thinking, I hope the negative/bad stories like these will soon come to an end. Happy traveling everyone!<br />
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<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-71932322591776578722015-10-07T06:29:00.000-07:002015-10-07T06:29:54.329-07:00SNIPPET OF AN OVER-THINKER'S MOMENT I know I am a certified over-thinker. I think too much. When I am feeling down, I saw this as my weakest point of my personality, and when I am not feeling down, I just laugh at it.<br />
There are days, that I will read posts about traits of over thinkers, and here's one phrase that I liked. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>"We can’t let things go easily.</strong> We’re convinced that if
we run over the details of a few more times, it will somehow change the
outcome and we will uncover some new understanding of the situation.<b>"</b> - <a href="http://www.puckermob.com/lifestyle/14-things-only-overthinkers-will-understand">14 Things Only Over Thinkers Will Understand </a> </blockquote>
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<br />
To give you an idea, I would like to share something about what happened just a few hours ago.<br />
<br />
I was talking to Mr. Lad from the Land Down Under about his perception about himself (non-verbatim). I said trust me you're like this. And he said, trust you? You saw me and was that a request of something? I snap out all of a sudden because I was being honest and his question (about request of something) was a little out of the conversation and inappropriate for me. It is inappropriate because I am talking about my feelings! Can you believe it? I am being vulnerable my goodness! This is scary! Okay back to the topic.....<br />
<br />Anyway, so we exchanged lines and lines to smooth it out and he's telling me that it is just a joke. I am sorry that I didn't took it as a joke but I was hurt. I told him what I felt and said sorry. He said sorry too. But I can't forget the line: <span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>"Rochelle, it's just a joke"</b></i></span>.<br />
<br />
The over thinker side of me was alive and kicking from the moment he said he gotta go. In my mind, I am trying to balance it with work concerns and his concern. I was thinking of what he's thinking. And here's a few thought I am thinking right now:<br />
<br />
1) Shit. He might get turned off of me because I can't take a joke.<br />
2) Maybe he will reach his limit when it comes to dealing with my shit! We just had a small dilemma yesterday and we ended up bad again today.<br />
3) Will he talk to me tomorrow?<br />
4) Is he mad? Upset?<br />
5) It's my fault of not taking the joke right?<br />
6) But I have my right to feel anything too right? Like being hurt? <br />
7) I cannot undo this stupidity anymore.<br />
8) Is it possible that he doesn't like me anymore?<br />9) Are we going to talk about it some other time? Or are we just going to shrug it off? <br />
10) Do all of these stuff sounds as DRAMA? Oh no. NO WAY! I AM DOOMED. IT'S THE END!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
*cries*<br />
No I am not crying right now (fyi) but maybe later. Lol!<br />
<br />
So, yeah, that's one hell of example of the thoughts of an over thinker. I am not sure if others feel the same way, but the last time I checked, others think like that as well. I cannot say I am proud to be one, but I can say that that trait makes me a unique person (purely in my opinion).<br />
<br />
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<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-80490793421149305632015-10-05T09:18:00.001-07:002015-10-05T09:18:41.211-07:00PMS, STRESS AND EVERYTHING NICE After some months, my friend P and I got the chance to catch up on some shits of our life. You know the girl thing where we usually talk about a lot of stuff. Career. Finance. Friends. Family. Fashion, Hair and Beauty Department (but I don't think this is our forte and we give a big shit on this). Extracurricular Activities. And last, guys. Yes. It is included because it's a girl thing!<br />
<br />
However, the point of the post is not about boys but about my realization of my stress. I always think of myself as the strong one. I don't take shits seriously but I rant about it after getting it done. Just to let the raging emotions get out of the cage. <br />
<br />
I am doing these habits for a few weeks now and it was P who pointed out that these are not small stuffs anymore. That I am stressed as hell. I didn't believed her, not until this morning (3:20 AM to be exact).<br />
<br />
Chums came at 3 am which really turned me into a monster who bolted out the flat to find a 24-hour grocery to buy pads. Slept at 6 am and only to wake up at 11:20 AM which was way too late and only to find out that I need to shift my bed from the lower deck to the upper deck from one side to the other side. And that I need to do it before I go to work because the new person will be moving today. The whole morning is really a shit for me. <br />
<br />
Took a shower and prepare lunch and shifted all my stuff into the other side as fast as I could then ta-da..... I went mad and the stress finally got in my little brain. Here's my way to admit that my birth month was rock bottom hard for me. I can cry until my eyes puffed 10x bigger. I can keep on ranting about shit. I can keep on ignoring my issues. But I can't keep my mouth shut. That's the thing I know of.<br />
<br />
Okay so I finally admitted that I am stressed. What now? I am not an expert of fighting stress but I wanna share this picture which is in the internet (credits to the owner I can't track who are you) which I find useful and which I do in order to not let the stress linger more. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO6CQ0R4tng/VhKeNPkNraI/AAAAAAAAFS0/8CVckQrNxRg/s1600/tumblr_mstma1vn6m1sul9ofo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO6CQ0R4tng/VhKeNPkNraI/AAAAAAAAFS0/8CVckQrNxRg/s640/tumblr_mstma1vn6m1sul9ofo1_500.jpg" width="458" /> </a></div>
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P.S. I know I can't use PMS and my shits as my reason to annoy people or hurt people. But trust me, those stuff was unintentional. I am sorry! I am crazy and shitty as a person too but I don't do shit all the way just to push people away. </div>
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Anyway, let's see after a week if I can follow my own advice and be less stressed than today. See you! </div>
PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-86448409634303819502015-10-05T05:49:00.001-07:002015-10-05T05:49:54.882-07:00DESERT SAFARIMy birthday was already a week ago but I am still receiving birthday
greetings, let alone another birthday present! Yes! Yesterday, a friend
of mine asked me for a desert safari as a birthday present for me!
Woooh! I couldn't be more happier since desert safari is a must in
Dubai. I don't usually follow the everyone's flow, but at least let me try it. No one know when can I get another chance right? <br />
<br />
My friend booked
it with Happy Tours (online) but I haven't asked how much it is. They
picked us up in Spinney's - Burjuman via a coaster ride. We picked
others in Lulu Hypermarket in Al Barsha as well. The trip from Al Barsha
to the Desert is roughly another 30-45 minutes. I couldn't figure out
the exact location of the camp but I saw (from the signs) that it is
near Al Awir. The camp says it is 'Marjan Tourism'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKCI7gcmKKs/VhJxnLtCztI/AAAAAAAAFSY/9-w4J8j6fC0/s1600/2015-10-03%2B06.32.13%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKCI7gcmKKs/VhJxnLtCztI/AAAAAAAAFSY/9-w4J8j6fC0/s640/2015-10-03%2B06.32.13%2B1.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset X Sands </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had Dune Bashing from the main road to the camp. I heard from others
that the drivers were good and it was smooth. When I heard that, I
thought you will get the feeling of a sailing ship. The feeling of
stomachs churning from the adventure and from the sway of the vehicle. But since every company differs from one another, I must say that my experience is really different from their stories. The Dune Bashing was kinda rough than I
expected. The glide of the SUV into the sand was hard. There's a point
where I thought we had an accident and I thought the windshield broke.<br />
<br />
In the camp, there are lots of stuff you can do. Like a free camel ride.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtfk6zBwrLc/VhJphIshg5I/AAAAAAAAFRs/RHZYPJJ796I/s1600/2015-10-04%2B10.46.59%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtfk6zBwrLc/VhJphIshg5I/AAAAAAAAFRs/RHZYPJJ796I/s640/2015-10-04%2B10.46.59%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about camel for a pet for my next birthday wish list? Sounds a great idea! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can ask
their photographer to take a photo of you then you can buy the picture
for 50 AED.<br />
<br />
And a pose with the falcon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp9KjBAYcAI/VhJphxga4WI/AAAAAAAAFR4/XZBLn2b3SVg/s1600/2015-10-04%2B10.46.57%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp9KjBAYcAI/VhJphxga4WI/AAAAAAAAFR4/XZBLn2b3SVg/s640/2015-10-04%2B10.46.57%2B1.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He dug his claws in my head. Can't you see it hurts? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And a free henna tattoo. I wanted to have one ever since I arrived here in Dubai. There are lots of artists who can do it in the salon but I wouldn't pay for it (as of writing - maybe some day I will lol).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbsXdrB5xZ8/VhJrDzVr__I/AAAAAAAAFSE/rWSAMfc78rg/s1600/2015-10-04%2B10.46.57%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbsXdrB5xZ8/VhJrDzVr__I/AAAAAAAAFSE/rWSAMfc78rg/s640/2015-10-04%2B10.46.57%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henna artist from Lahore, Pakistan </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And 'sand boarding'. I am not sure if I
am just fat or if the spot is not the 'good spot' to try sand boarding. I
am sure I am not that fat but I cannot do it properly!!!! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy47IfI4YPg/VhJrEF4zMcI/AAAAAAAAFSI/SPjD2bD87PQ/s1600/2015-10-03%2B06.19.56%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy47IfI4YPg/VhJrEF4zMcI/AAAAAAAAFSI/SPjD2bD87PQ/s640/2015-10-03%2B06.19.56%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we look like we're fat? Not at all right? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a free shisha in
one side and you can try the local dresses (which I forgot to do!) and
some more stuff. Water is free but you can have other drinks. They also
have alcohols and not just some alcohols but even beers from
Philippines! They have Red Horse for 30 AED/can. Yes that's how
expensive beer here in Dubai.<br />
<br />
There are performers during dinner. There's the 'Tanura Show', Fire dancing (that's what we call them in the Philippines and a Belly Dance. The dinner is buffet as well with options of salads, hummus, grilled meats, bread, biryani and a noodle dish which I don't know what it is called.<br />
<br />
After dinner, they call it a day and they will bring you back to the coasters to bring you back in reality.<br />
<br />
<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-52932236459447661632015-10-01T06:41:00.000-07:002015-10-01T06:41:55.581-07:00HENERAL LUNA: THE HYPE AND THE SUCCESSHistorical film about the Philippine - American War? No one is interested about that! Surely, the director got some balls to risk it. But it's a bloody success! At least for me. And that's a break from all the typical love stories and films about mistresses (for goodness' sake - another post is coming up about this). So this is a change in our movie industry. <br />
<br />
So what's the film?<br />
Heneral Luna is an indie film from Jerrold Tarog which was released last September 9, 2015. It is a Filipino historic biopic film portraying Gen. Antonio Luna during the Philippine - American War.<br />
<br />
I saw the trailer and it is interesting enough. But of course, I am slightly disappointed since it will not be released here in Dubai. Well, they showed it once. In the Philippine Consulate!!! Can you imagine that? So okay, the first thing that comes to my mind is to download it through torrent or to watch it online since there are no pirated DVD's here.<br />
<br />
Yes, I admit I download movies from torrent. There are times that we want to watch a film but it is not showing in the cinema anymore but it doesn't mean I wasn't supporting the film. Right or right? <br />
<br />
Then I saw this picture....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omzkCQA-Hb0/Vgv4pCmh79I/AAAAAAAAFRc/NfhSOy0-gJE/s1600/12038550_10153137449897286_4357863499626099905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omzkCQA-Hb0/Vgv4pCmh79I/AAAAAAAAFRc/NfhSOy0-gJE/s320/12038550_10153137449897286_4357863499626099905_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
I got mixed opinion about it.<br />
<br />
I felt happy and proud. Filipinos never pay attention to history! One controversy from this film's hype is the reason why Apolinario Mabini was seated all throughout the movie. Some are asking and some are making fun of it that it was considered now as a controversy. It's not that teachers didn't mentioned about the case of Apolinario Mabini. It's not because all youth in the Philippines are just a bunch of shit. It's just that Filipinos aren't fond of HISTORY. Let alone the Philippine History! So hearing that the movie was a success and that the Filipinos are still booking their tickets to see the film, was an overwhelming news for me. <br />
<br />
At the same time, I was disturbed of the picture itself. The picture says the whole expenses for this film is about Php70 Million. However, Wikipedia and the world wide web says it costs Php200 Million. I am sure that if I were to ask people to do something, I will get the facts straight first right? Because it is misleading. If I am not a fan of this hype, I can say that, if it's just Php70 Million then why are you still grumpy if your team already earned a lot from it? I can say that but I am not. We can't please everybody of what they say, but please, let's tell them the real figure.<br />
<br />
And since I am guilty of using torrent, I am disturbed from the last line.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"For once, do this country a favor."</b></blockquote>
Yes, I can do a favor by not downloading it from torrent. I respect copyrights and all. And I think I understand the effort and expenses of an independent film.<br />
<br />
But, I've got one question: What is the deepest why of this film? Is it to earn money alone? Or is it for us to see the message of the film?<br />
<br />
I heard this one principle but I forgot who said it and whoever that person might be, I will quote:<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>"Don't let our goals be mixed up with money issues (lack thereof or targets) because if we do, the goal is not a goal anymore but a mere wishful margin of numbers." - Anonymous</b></i></span>PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-86278631260549681582015-09-27T08:55:00.001-07:002015-09-27T08:55:26.450-07:00AQUAVENTURE WATERPARKThe day that I've been waiting for came at last. I didn't hesitate to go even if no one is free to go with me. Besides, I don't have issues going out alone. Anyway, I want to share my awesome adventure yesterday with additional information/guidelines if you want to go to Aqauventure Waterpark in the near future.<br />
<br />
I am coming from Karama and as I read from the internet, if I will take the Metro, I have to get off at Mall of the Emirates then take the cab from there. But as I saw from the map, Dubai Internet City MS is more convenient to take than Mall of the Emirates. So I get off at Dubai Internet City MS then took a cab and it costs me 25 AED.<br />
<br />
For the day pass, I didn't pay for anything since I got this free birthday voucher which is their promotion I believe. But for those interested to visit the water park, from what I see and heard, for UAE residents (summer promotion only) a day pass costs 185 AED only. Normal rate is at 200 AED + 50 AED for the entrance to the Dolphinarium.<br />
<br />
They have an add on to choose from: Towel for 30 AED, Small Locker for 40 AED and there's an option for a big locker as well but I forgot how much it is. However, there is a package for the towel + locker which is for 50 AED.<br />
<br />
I roam around first before trying the slides which is entertaining for me but I regret to do it at the end of the day because I wasn't able to try all the rides since I arrived kinda late (the park opens at 10 am and queue line is long so if you really want to enjoy it, come early).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenir Shops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water park at 1pm Dubai Time, AM I SERIOUS? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDAawydmFm0/VggE27Y_HxI/AAAAAAAAFPg/WYV7N-7p5hI/s1600/2015-09-27%2B01.25.31%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDAawydmFm0/VggE27Y_HxI/AAAAAAAAFPg/WYV7N-7p5hI/s640/2015-09-27%2B01.25.31%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach / This is different from Nasimi Beach (because I saw in one blog that they call it the same beach)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Dtx6-If2w/VggE0niSCNI/AAAAAAAAFPY/oSB70-H9MIg/s1600/2015-09-27%2B01.25.15%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Dtx6-If2w/VggE0niSCNI/AAAAAAAAFPY/oSB70-H9MIg/s640/2015-09-27%2B01.25.15%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splashers / Children's Area </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I tried The Lazy River and I really enjoyed it because it wasn't as plain as just a running water. It comes with rapids in different areas and there's one part where there is a wave kind of rapid (I am not sure of the term).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knWNSdAihbw/VggExP_YtSI/AAAAAAAAFPA/QfHOd0xozes/s1600/2015-09-27%2B01.21.29%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knWNSdAihbw/VggExP_YtSI/AAAAAAAAFPA/QfHOd0xozes/s640/2015-09-27%2B01.21.29%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took some videos when I was at the Lazy River and when I took other slides but it was so silly and I just decided to keep it for myself. I will be selfish for now. :)<br />
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I tried all the rides in the Tower of Neptune (yes this was still an achievement for me! wohooo!) and almost all of the rides will bring you to The Lazy River. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gQiL989OXs/VggGeIjmUvI/AAAAAAAAFQI/uNbliB6dUIM/s1600/2015-09-27%2B01.19.15%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gQiL989OXs/VggGeIjmUvI/AAAAAAAAFQI/uNbliB6dUIM/s640/2015-09-27%2B01.19.15%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1398058191"></span><span id="goog_1398058192"></span><br />
Then after some time, I rest for some minutes and ate some snacks in Shark Bites. I didn't like the Cheeseburger at all. It was so bland. In my mind, I could've enjoyed that amount in Five Guys already (I am craving for it for a few weeks now).<br />
<br />
Then I tried the Children's Area and I had so much fun! Yeah I am still a kid and it was obvious but believe me the little slides was fun too! Haha.<br />
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And I promised myself to achieve one thing (because I can't seem to find the Tower of Poseidon) which is to take The Leap of Faith. Boy I was so nervous while on queue. I can't get a grip on myself! But of course, in the end, I conquered it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes! </td></tr>
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I am proud of myself because I made it and I didn't chickened out. And because I enjoyed my day all by myself. The saying is true that no man is an island, yes. But I believe of finding my own happiness first by all means, working, studying, exercising, traveling, and loving myself and family first. When I fully enjoyed my time being SINGLE, then THE ONE will come at the right time, and that moment will be fully appreciated because THE ONE won't feel as a NEED but AN ADDITIONAL HAPPINESS.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Thanks for the free pass Aquaventure Waterpark! Thank you Atlantis Dubai!<br />
<br />
<i><b>P.S. </b></i><br />
On my way home, since I am already there and I haven't tried The Monorail, I tried it to tick it off in 'My Dubai Bucket List'. But I was so disappointed. The fare is applicable for tourist alone. It costs me 15 AED for a one way trip from Aquaventure Station up to The Gateway. It was so expensive and the trip was just short. It was totally not worth it.<br />
<br />
When I reached The Gateway, there's a signage 'To Taxi's' so I followed that sign instead of using the Tram. I was so shocked that these taxis are not the metered ones. It was like a private ones called Royal Luxury something. They ripped money off from me. The starting rate is at 30 AED. I said no way. I said I will just take the tram and they bargained for the price. We ended up for 15 AED which I guess is still too much because I already paid 15 AED for The Monorail trip. Then I rode that cab and when I get off at Nakheel Metro Station, the driver was asking me for 30 AED. He said that the 15 AED was 'The Barter's' decision and not his. I was so pissed off and I was trying to tell him that I am not a tourist and he was still pushing it. In the end, I gave in but I know he felt so bad about it because I didn't say thank you and slammed the door a little bit because of my annoyance.<br />
<br />
Just a little note, please just take the metered taxis at the valet entrance. That's it.<br />
<br />
Overall, I still had fun! Just exclude the part of my trip way home. See you on my next adventure! <br />
<br />PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.1124705 55.1389629999999925.054962500000002 55.058281999999991 25.1699785 55.219643999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-82616646269562051142015-09-23T08:57:00.001-07:002015-09-23T08:57:57.261-07:00EID AL ADHAWe are celebrating a national holiday today and that is EID AL ADHA. Government offices and some private sectors declared a non working day today. And too bad, we don't belong to those lucky people with holidays.<br />
<br />
Some of my friends were out of Dubai and traveling, some are with their families and some are just plain at home taking good rest, while I am still at my small office, trying to create new accounts (because I think some accounts were stolen by other agents oops!). <br />
<br />
I usually self loathe before whenever Dubai declares holidays because we are not part of it. They don't even pay us for that nor they don't change the time schedules.<br />
<br />
However, today, I don't. Maybe I got used to it or I have other things in mind. Or I just feel grateful because I know that my contract will be finished soon. And that I am moving on to another company or country soon.<br />
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So, EID MUBARAK EVERYONE! Please include me in your DUAS. :)<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344833876825601591.post-11909584256835665162015-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:002015-09-20T07:34:01.515-07:00AQUAVENTURE ON 26th MAYBE?I got a free pass from Aquaventure Waterpark as their birthday gift for me! Yey! Happy Birthday to me! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW9Y37yu5SY/Vf7AChCMLsI/AAAAAAAAFIU/0RgbyzuNXmw/s1600/afff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW9Y37yu5SY/Vf7AChCMLsI/AAAAAAAAFIU/0RgbyzuNXmw/s640/afff.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
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The thing is, I don't know anyone free on Saturday who's willing to go? I can't give you any free tickets since I only get one but I am already on a desperate mode. I want to go. Come with me please?<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a92QpLfiejg/Vf7DM6bDXoI/AAAAAAAAFIg/-8bY_kUog-0/s1600/a31f848ffe05de48760e6a7a51d9f6a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a92QpLfiejg/Vf7DM6bDXoI/AAAAAAAAFIg/-8bY_kUog-0/s200/a31f848ffe05de48760e6a7a51d9f6a0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Birthday Gal<br />
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PinayHakawatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402381787081844728noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009