GREATFUL AT 2010

Last year was a good year to me, it was a year of decision-making and a year of new life. Though there were sad moments, however,there are many happy moments too. I must say that the year 2010 has opened a new door to me specially on my career, minus the lovelife hehe.

It was the year that I made the biggest decision so far in my life, and that is to go abroad. It was a hard one, but I guess it was a good move for myself. I thought it would be difficult for me, but thanks to God, he is always on my side and everything went okay. Though a million miles away from my family and friends, I was able to gain friends here who always enjoy every moments that we're together.

Now, the year is about to end in a few hours, I would like to say thank you 2010 for being a good year to me. I just hope that the coming year will be good also as I will welcome it alone (emo lang hehehe).

New decade is about to begin and I am ready for the things that it will offer to me. More challenges and more surprises. Happy new year everyone!

Peace and love!

IS THINKING OF A CHRITSMAS GIFT FOR MYSELF

Christmas is just a few days ahead and while most people are busy preparing and many have attended a lot of parties, which I haven't attended any (okay lang para hindi masyadong magastos) I guess this time I will be celebrating it alone, well not totally alone but rather blue well not totally blue, ah basta wala akong pasko period.

I know most of you here have their wish lists already and probably gotten their christmas gifts as well.

As for me since no one will give me a gift and I am not expecting naman from special someone or kung meron man (well hopefully there is, nagpaparinig po ako hehehe) I was thinking of rewarding myself something extravagant since I am working very hard hehehe. So please help me decide on which of the following items is worth buying ahahaha.

1. new cell phone- I've been dying to buy this sony ericsson X-10. Since I arrived in Doha, I've been checking the price in the market and until now the price hasn't change,I guess. But i was thinking twice whether to buy it or not because the camera is not cybershot, but i guess 12 megapixel is not bad at all right?

2.new laptop- I was supposed to buy this one and I told myself that once i reached three months here in Doha i will buy one but since i was issued a company laptop i decided not to have one at the moment. But it would be nice if I own 1 right??

3.IPad- i am not a techie person, but if you will convince me I might consider buying it ahahaha

4.leather jacket from Armani- I found this one in one of the malls here in Doha, it is chinese collared black leather jacket and I find it very nice, not only nice but looks good on me as well ahahah.

5. Samsung home theater system- actually gift ko to sa daddy ko pero since mukhang ako naman ang gagamit nito ng madalas so gift ko na rin siya sa sarili ko

and lastly

6.Nikon D3100 SLR- one of Oprah's 2010 favorite things, naisip ko mas marami nang gumagamit ngayon ng SLR's and since ako'y inggitero, ilusyunado at ambisyoso so why not have my own. At pag nagkataon eh makikita niyo na rin ako na khit anu na lang ay pinipicturan kahit basura man yang naka kalat sa daan. Pero hindi ako mahilig sa photography eh, mas gusto ko ako ang subject nyahahaha, kaya lang gusto ko nito kasi i have vampire eyes everytime they take pictures of me at night, pero pag dito maayos ang kuha ko kaysa sa mga normal digi cam hehehe.

O there you have it, I'm having a headache este hardtime pala on which to buy for myself this christmas, so please help me guys decide ahahaha.

IS NOT FEELING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Looking through some old photographs

Faces of friends we'll always remember

Watching busy shoppers rushing about

In the cool breeze of December

Sparkling lights, all over town

Children's carols in the air

By the Christmas tree

A shower of stardust on your hair

I know for a fact that to be away from your loved ones is not easy, and it's okay with me, but not to celebrate the yuletide season with them is very very gloomy. At this time, all my gifts are wrapped already, waiting to be distributed, I have decorated our house with lights and prepared my menu for the noche buena and getting ready for the happiest season ever. Indeed we celebrate the longest christmas season in the world. As the Ber months come, we start to make count downs already, starting to prepare for christmas parties. People are rushing to buy presents for their ina-anaks.



At this time, the streets are becoming very busy. People are rushing to Divisoria, Greenhills and Cubao for christmas shops. Parties are everywhere, malls are filled with christmas shoppers, bazaars are everywhere. The street of Ayala Avenue is well decorated and not to forget the giant christmas tree in Araneta Center.



Oh well I guess my christmas would be very boring ( I hope not) as I don't see any sign of celebration.



Hayyyyyyy!!!!!! I miss christmas in the Philippines, I don't want to reminisce, it will just makes me more sad.



Anyway, I would like to greet all my friends in the Philippines a Merry Christmas and a blastful new year.

QATAR TO HOST 2022 WORLD CUP

Last thursday, it was a dream come true for the whole nation of Qatar as FIFA awarded to them the hosting of the World Cup 2022. Everyone was overjoyed by the results and went on streets to celebrate. Qataris are also known for their passion on football even though they never qualified for the world cup finals.

Before the announcements, there were several news came out that Qatar will never win the bid because of many reasons. Qatar is too small to host such a big event wherein stadiums are closely located to each other. World Cup is being held during the months of June wherein it is one of the hottest months in Qatar. Nothing is impossible with this tiny nation as it hosted already the 2006 Asian games.

Expect Amazing- this is the slogan of the 2022 World Cup which I think Qatar will make all things possible to show the world how capable they are in hosting a big event. Though it will be held on a summer month, they will provide climate-control technology in all of their stadiums to keep the temperature on the pitch to 27 degrees Celsius while outside it was a scorching 50 degrees.

 I'm sure they will make history not only in the Gulf region but to the world as well. Qatar is the first Gulf country and the smallest  nation to host this kind of sports event. This is another event that Qatar will surely stun the world on the next decades.

 

Now after winning the bid, what's next for Qatar? Olympics probably, insha allah!

USAPANG BAGYO

Ang Pilipinas ay nakaranas na ng maraming matitinding bagyo sa mga nakalipas na taon, nariyan an ang Ondoy at ang katatapos lng na Juan. Sa aking pagbabasa ng mga blogs, meron akong nabasang entry tungkol sa pagbibigay ng mga pangalan ng bagyo. Hindi ko kinaya ang pagbabasa sa kakatwa. Well anyway basahin ninyo nalang at makitawa. Maraming salamat kay Professional Heckler sa blog na ito

Paano kaya kung ang ilang pinuno ng gobyerno, pulitiko, o kilalang tao sa lipunan ay naging bagyo? Narito ang kasagutan:

Kung bagyo si Pangulong Aquino, his closest friends will be spared.

Kung bagyo si Rico E. Puno, itatanggi n’yang may kinalaman siya sa pananalanta.

Kung bagyo si Executive Sec. Paquito Ochoa, pasuray-suray ‘yan sa kanyang tatahaking daan.

Kung bagyo ang Presidential Communications Group, naku, asahan n’yo… iba’t iba ang direksyon n‘yan!

Kung bagyo ang Presidential Communications Group, ingatan ang bahay n’yo! Tiyak na magli-leak!

Kung bagyo si DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, hindi buo ang kanyang lakas. Tubig lang ang dala niya dahil ‘yong hangin, ‘yong kasunod na bagyong Rico E. Puno ang may dala.

Kung bagyo si Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, papagurin niya tayong lahat.

Kung bagyo si Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, bubuntot siya sa bagyong Alfredo Lim. Kahit magsama pa sila sa oblo ng apektadong rehiyon.

Kung bagyo si Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, dalawang beses siyang magtatangkang pumasok sa Pilipinas pero hindi siya papansinin ng PAGASA. Dahil dito magagalit siya nang todo-todo!

Kung bagyo si Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, wasak ang mga puno!

Kung bagyo si GMA, magtatagal ‘yan sa Philippine area of responsibility. Wala siyang pakialam kahit ambon na lang siya. Basta narito siya, puwede na ‘yon!

Kung bagyo si Joseph Estrada, ‘di siya gano’n kalakas. Pero ingat pa rin kayo, maraming kakabit na sama ng panahon ‘yan.

Kung bagyo si Vice President Jejomar Binay, magdidilim ang paligid. ‘Tapos hinding-hindi siya aalis sa kinaroroonan niya. Hihintayin muna niyang lumaki at madevelop into a new storm ang isang low pressure area, saka siya lilisan sa puwesto.

Kung bagyo si Negros Occidental Rep. Jules Ledesma, kahit ilang beses pa i-announce ng PAGASA na parating na siya, hindi pa rin siya sisipot.

Kung bagyo si Sen. Panfilo Lacson, mahihirapan ang radar ng PAGASA na madetect siya.

Kung bagyo si Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, hindi mamamalayan ng PAGASA ang dala niyang bagsik. Pero pagpasok niya sa Hong Kong, kaagad na made-detect ang kanyang lakas.

Kung bagyo ang CBCP, lalamig nang sobra ang panahon, mawawalan ng kuryente, at maagang matutulog sina mister at misis. Loving-loving while raining.

Kung bagyo si Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, maraming madadamay sa kanyang hagupit.

Kung bagyo si CPP-NPA Founding Chair Jose Maria Sison, kahit malayo na siya sa bansa, may manaka-naka pa ring pag-ulan, pagkulog at pagkidlat dulot ng kanyang naiwang mga ulap.

Kung bagyo si Carlos Celdran, magugulat na lang tayo. Biglang and’yan na pala siya at nagwawala.

Kung bagyo si Erwin Tulfo, mapapamura ka!

Kung bagyo si Michael Rogas ng RMN, I’m sure: live na live… nationwide!

Kung bagyo si Vicki Belo, mag-ingat kayo sa magliliparang plastic.

Kung bagyo si Manny Pacquiao, imu-monitor siya 24/7 ni Dyan Castillejo!

Kung bagyo si Kris Aquino, kawawa tayo. Wala siyang hinto!

Kung bagyo ang actor-politician na si Patrick De La Rosa, tiyak na pag-alis niya, feeling mo, ginahasa ka!

Kung bagyo si Bb. Maria Ressa, maraming dumi sa paligid ang maaanod at wala siyang pakialam kahit marami pang magalit sa kanya. After six hours though, she’ll quit and leave.

Kung bagyo si Bb. Jessica Soho, [Ayoko nang dugtungan. Baka mainis na naman siya sa akin. Favorite ko pa naman siya.]

Pero dahil fair ako at walang pinapanigan ang blog na ito…
Kung bagyo si Jessica Soho… Signal No. 4!

Kung bagyo ang GMA-7, walang kikilingan, walang puprotektahan, lahat tatamaan!

Kung bagyo ang ABS-CBN, magsasabog ito ng ulan o yelo saan man sa mundo!

Kung bagyo ang TV5, malakas lang siya kapag Sabado.

Kung bagyo si Madam Auring, good luck sa PAGASA! Tiyak na mali-mali ang forecast nila.

And finally, kung bagyo si Senator Lito Lapid… wala lang. And’yan lang siya pero hindi natin siya mararamdaman.

GETTING READY FOR WINTER

This morning when I woke up I noticed that there is a moist on the window, so when I opened it I saw a thick fog outside that almost hides everything. I thought I was in heaven because I've never seen such thick fog in my life. So I guess the hot summer here in Doha is over and winter is here. I've been waiting this for long and now I'm excited for this season. So right now I'm planning to go jogging during my day off and probably visit corniche in the morning and will spend the whole morning outside exploring the whole city coz I haven't done that during the past months. Oh by the way, I'm excited too to wear my scarves since they've been in my closet for some months now. So I guess I have to start going to H&M now to check their winter items hihihi.

BEAUTY REGIMEN

Grooming is no longer considered girly routine and nowadays beauty products aren't for women only. More men are being conscious about their appearance specially how they look and I can totally relate on them. Just like them I am very conscious about my looks or just call me "maarte." Before I am not very particular nor very fond of using facial products since I don't have problems on my face. I rarely get pimples so no need for astringents, a simple soap will do to keep my face clean. But as we matured, our skin becomes prone to facial problems like getting wrinkles and pores becomes lose. Our surroundings is very much polluted so just imagine how our face becomes dirty.

The last time I use facial products was when I'm still in high school where in I have pimples all over my face probably a part of being a puberty, to get rid of my pimples I used Master facial cleanser (the liquid one) hoping that my pimples will disappear but I guess it just triggers them so I stopped. I just tried using bath soap to clean my face and luckily it worked. So from then, I used soap to remove dirt on my face and I used it as my facial cleanser. But when I started reading magazines and watching lifestyle programs I found out that using bath soap as facial cleanser will make your skin dry, but I don't mind since I have oily face so I continued using.

When I started working, I was exposed to pollution and smoke on my environment and I just thought that using soap is not enough to clean my face and of course I don't want to have wrinkles at an early age. Since I'm no longer prone to pimples thankfully, I shifted to using facial wash (Master facial wash) which I think kinda effective and since then I've been using it for long.

But now, I became more maarte and very conscious about my looks, not only that I've changed my taste and preference in terms of using grooming products. Since I'm in the Middle East where in the climate is too hot during the summer and too cold during the winter months, skin gets very dry. Facial wash is not enough so this time I use facial scrub to remove dirt and excess oil, deep cleansing facial wash to keep the skin smooth and a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and to tighten pores as well. Now I have my own beauty routine everyday to keep me good looking hehehe and besides since I'm in the service industry, I meet different people everyday mostly foreigners and I can't afford to look sloppy. 

With this beauty practice that I have, still I can't call myself metrosexual, I think I'm just vain or in local term "maarte" hahaha.

ENGLISH 101 (MELANISMS)

 I chance upon this one while blog hopping, it really made my day at kahit mag-isa lang ako sa office eh tawa pa rin ako ng tawa. These are compilation of Melanie Marquez' "unquotable quotes". What a funny girl, walang sinabi ang mga professors ng English 101 ng UP Diliman. And take note kahit nkaka hilo siyang mag english eh nag graduate naman siya ng "cum laude" sa Business Administration course niya and now taking up law, hmmm pano kaya ang eksena sa loob ng korte kapag siya na ang nagtatanong? Have fun reading!

according to melanie

 

"I coudn't care a damn!"

"What's your next class before this?"

"Can you repeat that for the 2nd time around once more?"

"Hello, my brother Joey is out of town, would you like to wait?"

"Don't touch me not!"

"You! you're not a boy anymore! You're a man anymore!"


"Hello? For a while. Please hang yourself."

"Why should I have a calling card? I'm not a call girl!"

"That's why I'm a success, it's because I don't middle in other people's lives."

"Don't judge my brother; he's not a book."

"I won't stoop down to my level."

"Hello? Bulag ka ba? Bingi ka ba? Are you dep?"

"Yung STD, baka sa maruming toilet lang niya nakuha yan."

"Eh, ikaw ba naman, durugin ang ari mo! Pag di ka naman manutok ng baril."

"We are lovers, not fighters."

"Kapatid ko pa rin siya. We are one and the same."

"I don't eat meat. I'm not a carnival."

"Eto na po ang pinakamaligayang pasko at manigong taon sa inyong lahat." (During her acceptance speech at a Metro Filmfest awards night where her bioflick, directed by her late father Temyong Marquez, won an award.)

"Sumasakit ang migraine ko."

"Ang tatay ko ang only living legend na buhay!"

"Period na talaga; wala nang exclamation point." (When asked on S-Files if her present husband, Adam Lawyer, is her Mr. Right .).

"Oo nga", said Melanie,"pero I-English-in ko para maintindihan niya." Then Melanie looked into the camera and, with the peremptoriness of royalty, she said, "And to you, Mrs Dee, I have two words for you. Ang labo mo!".

"Dont worry little angel, big angel is here".

"He should be put behind bar". You can fool me once, you can fool me twice, you can fool me thrice, but you can never fool me four".

"Nikki, you're so galing. You should go to the states. You will sell hotcakes".

"They should talk behind the scene... (on Kris and Joey)

"Hindi ba kayo naawa sa kapatid ko... sa mga kwento nya? Di ba kayo na-PERSUAVE ng mga kwento niya? Hindi si Joey ang tipong mambubugbog ng babae... talaga lang malapit siya sa mga gulo... PRO-ACCIDENT kasi siya eh."

Boy Abunda: O Melanie, paano na ang showbiz career mo ngayong magmo-Mormon ka na?
Melanie: Ah okay lang 'yon Boy, kasi matagal na rin akong SEMI-RETARDED.

"A man's success is a woman's behind."

"My husband was born on a silver spoon"

Ate Luds: Paano ka nag-susurvive sa mga trials mo?
Melanie: Alam mo Ate Ludz, you know, when you are alone, you really have to istep your foot...ah, forward!

"It's not my problem anymore. It's their problem anymore."

Melanie Marquez was accosted by a certain guy from a certain TV network. He shouted, "Hey *****," upon which Melanie turned around and retorted, "Don't you ever, ever call me...hey!"

"I keep my crown in the voltage."

"Well, I want to spend my holidays with my family most probably out of place. "

"Please watch HIRAM starring Aleck Baldwin (referring to Aleck Bovick) and myself. It's DIRECTOR by Romy Suzara." ( While she was in Morning Girls With Kris and Korina)

"My answers have been prayered." (After giving birth, and an interview on The Buzz )

"Hello...Huwag kang tumahol sa sarili mong bakuran noh! You know, huwag kang tumahol like dogs." (On ex-flame Lito Lapid, in response to being misunderstood)
.

CLUBBIN' IN DOHA

Since I have my residence permit now, I am now free to go clubbing which I missed most when I'm still in the Philippines where in almost every weekends I'm in Malate, Makati, Ortigas and Eastwood. I thought that I'll be losing my nightlife here in the desert, but hey, party boy will always find a way.




There are not that much bars here in Doha (or better say few), not unlike in other Middle East cities like Dubai, but there are a few good spots to be wasted out and still can shake your booties.



The first time I went out with my friends here, I was barred from entering the bars because I have no Qatar ID where in it is your only ticket to have membership and the only acceptable ID for you to enter, you could only imagine my disgruntled face being rejected from entering and leaving the bar, not to mention the effort in dressing up for my first night out hehehe. Well enough for that rejections because this time His Royal Hotness is now ready to show some strut and grinding and some steamy gyrate on the dance floor hehehe.



The moment my I received my ID, we immediately went clubbing on that weekend. We were supposed to go to Qube, Doha’s most famous bar (if I'm not mistaken) at Ramada Plaza, unluckily we were not allowed to enter again because we were late for membership registration, damn it! But as party goers, I have plan B, Intercontinental hotel. We were still very lucky that we were able to enter without the registration, at least our night was not wasted, or should I say my "porma" hahaha.



There we partied at Paloma, an old Mexican style tavern pub, the after-party place, with DJ, live music, and bar keeping the capital bumping into the wee hours. There is no membership fee and entrance is free which is good because you can only spend for the drinks, and if you are not a drinker you can still enjoy the ambience and it is a good place to visit for budget conscious people who still loves to party.



I like everything about this bar, the place, the music, the drinks and the crowd. So far this place passed my taste and standards. The drinks are not that pricey, a shot of tequila is 35 riyals, a glass of Heineken beer is 30, tequila sunrise is at 40, and blue frog is at 60 riyals, for me not bad at all since there is no cover charge. The music is very inviting for you to show some booty actions. I am very particular with the music, I don’t care about the place as long as there is a good club music which makes me dance all night and I guess Paloma has good music to offer. There is no dance floor but still the place is enough for you to do some exhibitions. The crowd is very good, a good mix of Britons, Germans, and Arab yuppies, I saw Asians too, and probably the club is located inside Intercon hotel where most guests are Europeans. I enjoyed dancing, same with my friends, a good start for my first night out.

After that weekend, my roommate decided to go out again, this time at Qube, my third attempt. We came early for the registration, making sure that this time I can make it inside hhaha. They told me that it is the best club here in Doha, where most of our kabayans are going, a place that I shouldn't be missed.



There finally, I have my membership card so there you go, ready to grind at the dance floor.

Feel the melody in the rhythm of the music around you, around you

It's like I've waited my whole life for this one night

It's gonna be me you and the dance floor

'cause we've only got one night

Double your pleasure

Double your fun and dance

Forever on the dance floor

--FOREVER, CHRIS BROWN

Since I was excited to see this place from day 1, finally I was there. And the place didn't disappoint me. From the entrance to the inside, I'm back on the gimmick mode. I can hear the music from the entrance which made me ecstatic. The club is huge, I felt like I was in Warehouse 135 in Makati or Ascend at the fort. It has a second floor balcony which is exclusive for couples only. A wide dance floor which is not crowded (which i don't like by the way hehe, I still prefer the crowded one where in you cannot barely move, I like brushing off with someone's body hahaha), enough for you to dance freely without stepping on someone's feet (sayang ang sapatos) and 3 separate bars, with enough tables to sit which is very good for groups. The lights were perfect especially the laser lights, however I find it too bright, maybe because I'm used to the bars in Malate where lights are dimmer. Drinks’ prices are not bad at all, but I think the 80riyals entrance fee is a little bit expensive which is not good practice to visit the club frequently. The music is oh la la, I’m so love it, I can rate into 10 stars. The DJ is very good with the remixes which made everyone danced. There were no dull music at all and my feet never gave up on dancing. The only thing which I didn’t like about this place and disappoints me is the crowd. On my point of view, I was not impressed with the clubbers, probably I didn’t see any pleasing individual aside from us bwahahaha. Honestly, most of the party goers are too old for us yuppies hehe, and seriously all I can see are nanays and tatays, and who wouldn’t thought that clubbing here is for young individuals only and not for the oldies? hahahaha. Too bad that the kiskisan that I’m looking for didn’t happened, ahahaha. But over all I had fun dancing with myself and I just danced like nobody is watching, but who cares anyway? After all we were all there to have fun.



The question now is, should I be back at Qube again? Maybe yes but not that frequent, and oh, I'll just forget about the crowd, be there and JUST DANCE!

ANOTHER POSSIBLE SAUNA ENCOUNTER????

I will have my duty again at Intercon Hotel later, still thinking if I'm gonna use the sauna again. Hmmmm...would there be a sauna frenzy part two? Hope there will be a good catch again later hehehehe. Looking forward for another steamy encounter woot woot.

YEMEN: AMEN PART 2

Suddenly, I noticed that he started touching my legs. I remained seated and let him do his thing as he keeps on looking at the door trying to be alert from someone entering the sauna. He tried to reach my tool and he begins to massage it, how it felt so good as his hands explored my dick inside my trunks, not to mention the sweat dripping all over my body. He held my right hand and guided it to his semi hard cock and tried to give him a hand job.

In a split second his tool is as hard as rock already and I can notice on his face how horny he was. Since he can no longer handle the heat, he asked me if we could go to the shower room since doing it inside the sauna is not safe though i find it very thrilling.

There is no one inside the shower room so nobody noticed us going inside the cubicle, and there, inside the narrow room, all the actions happened. He started kissing my nipples as his hands rubbing my dick, mine are busy exploring his nakedness and stroking him little by little. He removed my trunks and went down on me and gave me the oral pleasure that I've been waiting. He was a good sucker, and base on my observations he always do that kind of sexcapades. He is good, very expert, he doesn't have any body odor considering that he is sweating.

He stood up and started licking my neck and ears, he don't kiss because he tries to avoid my lips when I try to kiss him, so I just let him stroke my cock while I stroke his. After a while, it's my turn to go down, while stroking his cock, I was estimating how can I suck his 6.5 dick. I know my mouth is not capable of large sized dicks so I just focus on his G-spot which made him moan a little bit but trying not to make a noise. I know I am doing well so I just continued what I'm doing. I even sucked his balls since they are shaved which gave him a little bit sensation. I went back on his tool and trying to give him a deep throat which I failed to do, I did not force myself to do it because it might cause me a locked-jaw.

When I felt that my mouth is getting numb, I stood up to kiss his nipples again, but he turned around and this time he wants me to enter his hole. I didn't know that he is bottom, at first I thought he will force me to fuck me, for all I know that Arab men are the top one and they will do everything to fuck you. I even got nervous at that time, I thought I'm gonna lose my virginity  hahahaha. He was pushing my cock on his ass but I did not continue, I don't have condom with me and I just want to be safe. So in short damn it, no bare backing happend. It would be such a pleasure if I was able to enter his hole, after all he was game.

So we just end up sucking and stroking each other's tool until we finally both exploded. It was heaven , and he gave me a sweet smile and then we took the shower.

That was my very first sauna sexcapade which I only see on most gay porn. I never expected that in mylife which I only fantasize will be a dream come true for me. It took me some minutes before I get back to myself, I was still in awe! I forgot to ask his number but I don't care, after all I know when and where to catch him again if I ever go back to that palce again.

-fin-

WELL SPENT MONEY

I am very happy because this month I did not exceed again with my budget just like the previous months. I thought I over spent this month because I bought so much grocery items the past weeks. This only means that I am now learning on how to spend my earnings wisely and buying only things that I needed, at least I know where my money are going.

Last month I still have 200 riyals left on my budget which is good because they were added on my savings, but now nothing left on my budget, but good enough that I did not go beyond my budget. Today I am making again another budget list for the month of October and I am hoping that I won't go over it. This time I am going to revise my budget on spending because I am planning to buy a new phone for my roaming sim, just a cheaper one because I am still saving for my Sony Ericsson Xperia hehehe. Below is my new budget list for October

40% remittances

20% savings

20% groceries (food, toiletries)

20% shopping/gimmick

I have increased my budget on shopping from the usual 15% because like what I've said im going to buy a new phone and of course I still have my lifestyle here and I can't afford without it so I am allocating short amount for it hahahaha.

Good luck to me and I hope I can stick on my budget until my next pay day, October is quite long. Oh well, it's so hard to make a budget specially making it sure that the money are being well spent, but I guess earning money is the hardest one right?

CLIMATE UPDATE

I have noticed the past few days that temperature here in Doha is not that hot anymore. The extreme heat coming from the rays of the sun is not annoying anymore. Is summer ended already and hmmmm.....should I prepare my scarves, sweat shirts, jackets and gloves already as the cold wheather is coming or is it too early for the winter days???

I'd better check H&M stores here now for their winter collections. Yikes so excited!

YEMEN: AMEN!

For the first time in my life, I think i just tasted a different meal, this time an Arab dish or should I say Arabian footlong. My gawd I don't wanna make my blog sounds like Soltero's but this one shouldn't be missed and should be documented hehehe.

True enough that there is something going on inside sauna. I thought it only happens on many fitness centers in the Philippines specially FF, but I never encountered such one in the Philippines as I dont't go to the gym. But here in Doha, I can testify to that based on my experience.

I was on duty at Intercon hotel but I have my 4 hours break, It is too tiring if I go home and comeback again and it is a waste of time. I brought with me my clothes (my swimming trunks) as I am planning to go swimming at the hotel's pool since 4 hours is quite long.

I used the hotel's pool with complimentary and started star gazing and I just got tired staring at some gorgeous hotel guests. After taking a plunge I went immediately at the changing rooms where the sauna and spa is located. I took already a shower and ready to change clothes but I spotted the sauna and thought of using it, after all I'm already there so why not take advantage at kakapalan ko na ang mukha ko dahil minsan lang ito.

So there, when I went inside nobody was there. After a few seconds someone entered and sat infront of me. From his looks I know he is Middle Eastern guy, about 5'8 tall and medium built, with slightly dark complexion and pointed nose and of course with thick curly eyelash.When he's about to sit, he dropped his towel and I don't know if it's by accident or intentional (but I guess it was intentional) and I saw that he was naked. From that moment I already sensed that something gonna happen.

About 15 minutes had passed, he started lifting his towel and exposing his endowment, but of course I am not looking at him directly but I can see that his dick was already exposed. I waited for a few seconds for his next move, after that he went outside to get water and came back again, this time he sat beside me. The moment he sat beside me, I removed my towel but of course I'm not totally naked, I started rubbing my chest and waiting for his reactions.Another 15 minutes had passed, still I was waiting for another move from him, but he remained seated and silent. This time I took the courage and started breaking the ice. I asked him if the temperature is just okay with him and he said yes. I don't know what to say but I guess my pick up line is just perfect to start a chat. The moment he replied to me, I know he is ready for a conversation so I ask him from where he is and I learned that he is from Yemen, he's been in Doha for 5 years and he is a dog trainer, and of course I got his name and he is Ahmed. to make the story short we had a small talk and it did not end there because I noticed that he started touching my legs.

DESPERATE FOR BIG SALES?????

Actually I don't have any plans of writing this stuff anymore since I know (on my point of view) not all of us or 100 percent of us will do this thing. Last saturday, during our weekly general meeting, our CEO asked if how many communities are there in our company (e.g Arabs, Filipinos, Pakistani, Indians et al) and started grouping us and appointed community leaders. He wants us to reach our own communities here in Qatar and bring them in our company to book their tickets with us.

He mentioned that our travel agency should be number 1 in each of our communities. He wants all Filipinos, all Patans, all Indians to book or avail our services and each of us were given a crucial task that we should be bringing customers to our company, and take note this is to be monitored on a daily basis. I don't wanna be serious about this thing and I admit that I can not do this and I am not hypocrite not to admit this. I am already having a hard time in increasing my own sales on implant where I am assigned and here comes another task which I think difficult to accomplish, besides I don't have ample time to look for my kabayans and approach them to book with us since I don't go out that much and my day off is just being spent by attending meetings and doing household chores.

I don't know what came to our CEO's mind in implementing this. Are we losing sales already? Are we not getting the target customers on a daily basis or is this a new marketing plan? I don't think so, we are already number 1 in Qatar, in middle east and in the world for 3 consecutive years , what else can we ask for? We are already the trusted company in terms of travel services and established a benchmark in all of our clients, stakeholders and how come there is still like this?

Ayaw ko na sanang patulan pa ito kasi I know not all of us can do this, pero teka talagang seryoso sila at heto nag email blast pa sa lahat na out of personal effort daw ito at eto ang special note na nakalagay : The sale will be monitored on a daily basis and community leaders who achieve the target will be rewarded and those of you who do not will be dealt with accordingly. O may incentive naman pala sa makakarami eh and isang major threat sa mga hindi makakagawa, siguro termination hehehe. Oh well goodluck sa lahat and after reading the email binura ko agad and I will just wait na lang for my disciplinary actions hehehe.

DOHA OVER SG

Is SG the next destination for AMEX people? Well I guess it is and they are starting to build community there and I wonder who's next in line to be there. Most of my former colleagues are heading to Singapore, it seems that they have found the greener pasteur there and the job contentment that they failed to seek in the the Philippines.

I always wanted to go to SG since most of my friends and college classmates are already there. A lot of opportunities too for a tourism grad like me because the Merlion city is a tourist destination and shopping haven too. Hotels, resorts, malls, natural and man made attractions that can compete with America's attraction and not to forget the latest Universal Studios and Sky Park. I'm sure I can get a job too if I just continued my application.

Another factor why most Filipinos chose SG over other countries is that the geographical location. Yes, SG is just approximately 3 hours away from the Philippines, very near that you can always go home anytime you want and the fare is relatively cheap from low cost carriers. Another one is the climate, similar to our country wherein you dont need to adjust just what I did here in doha. Well anyway, let's not talk much about of lah land here, let me give you the reason why I chose the desert over the lion.

Before considering jumping over the borders of the Philippines, I told myself that when I search for jobs abroad I chose not to go any of the middle east countries. They are not on my preference list because of the extreme heat, strict laws and other matters which I don't want to discuss in this entry.

But hey I'm here in Doha now and living the life I want. I never thought that one day I will see myself working on the Arab land but I guess this is my destiny or just following the footsteps of my father who worked in the middle east for 24 years. Before accepting my contract I made my research on the country I'm heading, the people, the living condition and of course the night life hehehe. I chose Doha not because I'm desperate in searching for jobs nor I ran out of options, I chose to work here because of some factors.

Qatar is a boring place, there are not so many things to do here aside from working, there are a few malls though they are good one, but why I still chose to go here where infact I always seek for happenings, parties and gimmicks?

I want to save money, save, save, and save which I think I will fail to do If I go to SG. I decided to work abroad to have my savings and hopefully start my business in the future. And I guess I just made the right decision because right now I am starting to have my savings and I am happy for it because the moment I receive my salary I immediately get my savings on it and I make sure that enough money will be left for my so called "luho" but of course it is part of my budget hehehe.

I also go out here, I still practice my lifestyle here but on a minimum level, still, working is my priority here. Like I've said, there are not so many interesting things to do here, in short less expense and the temptations of spending money here are controllable. And I guess If I chose SG over Doha, I know i'll just go home empty pocket.

GETTING FIT & FAB

I really wanted to go to the gym, it is one of my goals this 2010, I decided to hit the fitness center not to lose weight but to define my body specially my stomach. My stomach is not that flattering at all and I am so disgusted with it and I'm so tired of tucking it every now and then hahaha (can't breathe na eh). I am not aiming of a 6 pack abs, I just want to flaten it.

When I was still in the Philippines, I wanted to start going to the gym but time did not permits me and I promise to myself when I reach Qatar I will pursue it, however it didn't happen and I think it will never happen. Why?

Last month, I searched for gyms here in doha and I found out that there is fitness first here and golds gym as well but unfortunately they are too far from my place. Good thing I found out that there is one located near my villa which is a walking distance only. Very convenient and perfect for me to visit anytime I wanted to lift weights. When I inquired regarding membership and everything, I was shocked to know how much it would cost me. It costs 500riyals for 1 month membership and 50riyals per day each time you use the gym. How cheap isn't it? I asked if I would get a personal trainor and they said it is included but still not affordable. Imagine for 500riyals a month and 50 riyals a day? No. no no habibi, that is too much for just having a good physique, I know it is expensive to get a good body and it will not only cost you sweat but money also but still I don't find it practical.

Oh well, maybe I just couldn't afford it but hey that will not hinder me from achieving my goal. Good thing (thanks to Allah) I didn't know that my housemates are also intrested in body building and thought of buying a multi-functional equipment and just contribute on who's willing to use. What a great idea! It gives me a smile on my face because I can now do what I promised to do on my body. An instant gym inside our villa, I can work out anytime and anyday and I don't need to be bothered by expensive membership on gym, just my 200riyals contribution and I can use it for a year!

And now I am starting to use it to give definition on my biceps and triceps, and of course my abs. So from now on, no more tummy tuck and move over beer belly ahahaah. Can't wait to see good results after a year, inshalla!

LEARNING A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

Isn't it fun if you can express yourself in different languages? Being polyglot like Jose Rizal is impressive and you can carry a conversation wherever you go in any parts of the globe, but that would be too ambitious if being like Gat. Jose Rizal and besides it would take some travel around the world to be a multi-lingual.

It's very disappointing that i did not took advantage my spanish and french classes during college days. However, my spanish book helped me learned on how to express myself a little bit pero mi espanol es mal! hehehe. I can read and understand some spanish words but I am having a hard time expressing myself.

Español es facil to learn because some Filipino words were spanish adapted, they are also easy to read because they are read the way they were written not unlike French it is different the way you pronounce words. They said that if you are good in Spanish, you can also understand a little bit of Italian and Portuguese.

On the other hand, I took french language too, my professor is very good in teaching the language but it is difficult to learn. Words are pronounced differently the way they were written and french is very nasal. I know also a few words and I can express myself a lttle bit too. However, I did not practice too much on it and besides I'm very trying hard in speaking french hehehe. I wish i can still continue my french lesson so that I can be fluent on it, besides it is very intresting to learn this romantic language.

Right now, since i am in the Middle east, I am learning again another language which is arabic and inshalla I'll be fluent on it since most of my housemates are arabic speaking. I am looking forward that I can express myself purely in Arabic. As of now I can speak a few words and I am trying my very best to use them everyday and besides I think it is not difficult to learn. I hope someday I can also express myself in different languages and I think that is not impossible right?

INTERCON DOHA

Kahit maliit ang pwesto at mag-isa lang ako dito sa branch namin sa Intercontinental masarap naman palang mag duty dito. Kahit 2 araw lang ako na assign dahil nka Eid break ang isang staff namin dito sulit sulit naman ang araw ko. Maghapon lang akong nag pa cute sa mga guests at pati na rin sa mga gwapong front desk officer at bell boy hehehehe. Dami talagang gwapong mga arab guests not ot mention pa yung mga europeans. Halos oras oras nga ang pag punta ko sa may sauna area para para mag cr dahil makikita mo dun ang mga cute na arab na nag sa-sauna hehehehe. Imbes na mapagod ako sa work, napagoad ako sa kakatitig sa mga guys na nag che-check in and can't wait to get my complimentary pass sa sauna at swimming pool nila bukas courtesy ng mabait na ate sa may sauna area hehehe.

CELEBRATING 1ST DAY OF EID

Finally Ramadan is over and as the Eid started I was able to celebrate it with few new acquaintances here in Doha. We first attended the mass which is my first time to do here since I arrived. After that we started picking some people for a small gathering. Lots of food were prepared and of course lots of drinks too! Scotch whiskey, vodka and a bottle of J&B. It was a whole night of chatting,eating and drinking as some people started to arrive. I almost got drunk consuming 2 bottles of vodka which made my day hehehe and I swear it is not a good feeling. I admit that I have a poor tolerance in alcohol and drinking too much is not my cup of tea, and when I started to feel like floating and my stomach starts drooling, I call it "kallas."

2-DAY WORK BREAK

I am just happy to have my 2 days break because of the Eid Holiday. Right now still thinking of what to do for my 2 days break and it would be boring if I just stay home. Since most of my housemates and officemates have different schedules for the eid, I can't find someone to be with me to hang-out. Maybe I'll just find a way so I could go out. Of course I won't let this opportunity  pass by without me doing nothing hehehe, after all the next holiday would be sometime November for the last eid, but for tonight, I'll gonna be roaming the city or at the souq for some coffee.

EID AL FITR: LAST 10 DAYS

Hay buti naman at malapit nang matapos ang Ramadan. Balik na ulit sa normal ang work schedule at higit sa lahat hindi ko na kailangan pang kumain nang patago!

Isang buwan ding pagtititts ang ginawa ko though hindi naman ako nag pa-fasting kagaya ng mga muslim pero kaylangan mag adjust lalo na sa schedule ng trabaho at pagsunod sa mga super strict rules during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ngyon lang ako naka pag observe on how muslims celebrate Ramadan. I already mentioned on my previous blog on how they practice it. I find it weird because I can't see the main point of their fasting. They fast in the morning and they feast at night. Pagsikat kasi ng araw ay bawal na silang kumain, uminom at manigarilyo, maari lamang silang kumain during sunset around 6pm which they call it IFTAR. During that time, they break their fast by having feast. Since most of my housemates are muslims, I saw how they do iftar, they prepare lots of food, tinalo nila ang Pinoy fiesta as in literal na maraming pagkain silang hinahanda every night. Kaya tuloy lamon kabayo sila pagdating ng gabi. Siyempre sino ba naman ang hindi gugutumin sa maghapong walang kainan at inuman, kaya tuloy mukha silang PG pag kumain na.

Sa atin kasi, kapag holy week, when we fast, we only try to lessen the food we eat by not eating pork at all and of course we dont feast after the fasting. Sa kanila parang equivalent ng christmas ang Eid sa kanila. Tinanong ko sila on what is the essence of Ramadan to them. Sabi nila, they fast because they want to experience how the poor feel without having food, they try to empathize with the poor people. Sabi ko naman since arabs are mostly rich, why don't they share their money with the less fortunate para hindi na sila mahirapan sa pag pa-fasting nila. Pero literally, kapag ramadan eh time for gift-giving din sila and they make donations talaga to the poor, so parang christmas din, it is a time for sharing and loving. Kapag end of ramadan nga meron sila ditong trick or treat din kung saan yung mga kids ay pupunta sa mga bahay to knock on doors and ask for candies and food.

Ang maganda lang sa Ramadan is the Eid Celebration wherein yung last 10 days is declared as holiday, and yung ibang companies dito specially government hindi sila pumapasok for 10 days straight. Yung office ko kung saan ako naka assign will have their 10day-holiday pero siyempre ako kylangan kong magduty sa head office kc 2 days lang ang wala kong pasok, hayyy sayang naman.

Good thing matatapos na rin ang ramadan, medyo marami din kasi akong nkitang bad na nangyari dito, I am not speaking for myself here but for other people. Meron kaming pinoy na guard na nahuling naninigarilyo at mismong CEO pa namin ang nkahuli, at dahil dun nakulong siya at hindi namin alam kung papalayain siya after ng ramadan, pero ang balita na deport na siya. Meron naman dun sa katabing villa namin na kung saan ay mga jai ho ang nakatira ay may nahuling nag iinuman. Alam naman nila bawal uminom ng alak ay ginawa pa nila. Ang worst pa ay nalasing at ayun nag rambolan pa. Dumating ang Gen. Mgr namin at ayun instant termination silang tatlo. On my funny experience naman, alam ko bawal uminom ng tubig sa public places at pag nahuli ka instant kulong ang abot mo. So kahapon dahil sobrang uhaw na uhaw nako at ang init pa sa labas, I asked my driver to stop on a nearby store to buy water, dahil sa sobrang uhaw, nakalimutan ko na nasa public place pala ako at ayun after kong bayaran yung tubig e ininom ko agad. kaya pala sinita ako nung jai-ho na cashier kasi nga I was drinking. Buti na lang walang arabo dun kung hindi nadali sana ako.

Oh well, konting araw nalang tpos na rin ang pagtitiis and everything will be back to normal. Sa mga mulim diyan RAMADAN MUBARAK!

I LOVE YOU

To put it simply, I miss you.
In plain language, you are my life.
The simplest way of saying it is I love you.
To put it more poetically, you are my light, my well-being,
The space in which I feast my eyes upon your skin is goodness.
It's the force that motivates me
And in your body I find peace.

If life allows me to stay by your side,
I don't doubt that my illusions will grow,
And in case I lost my life in an instant,
I wish to fill myself with you beforehand
To love after I love you? My life


Don't fear or doubt, (that this love is too good)
That you will be the only person (I solely belong to you)
Look at my heart, I leave it open
So you can live inside it.

For your tranquility, you have me in your hands.
For my weakness, the only thing is you.
In the end, I know I've always been waiting for you,
And that upon coming into my life, you give me the light, the well-being,
This world in which your words make your will.
The magic of this feeling that is so strong and complete,
And your eyes which are my peace.

If life allows me to stay by your side,
I don't doubt that my illusions will grow,
And in case my life were to end in an instant,
Let me fill myself with you.
To love after I love you? My life

SA CR AKO KUMAIN!

Dahil Ramadan ngayon dito, lahat ng muslim ay nag aayuno kapag umaga, meaning bawal silang kumain at uminom. Dito sa office namin sarado ang pantry kaya naman sa aming non muslim, there is no other place to eat. Alas sais pa kasi ng gabi binubuksan ang pantry after ng iftar. So kung pang umaga ka it's either hindi ka iinom at kakain ng buong umaga. Pero siyempre hindi ata kaya yun dahil maduduling ka sa sobrang gutom, kaya naman ang ating mga kababayan dito sa office ay kanya kanya ang paraan para lang makakain. Yung iba kumakain sila ng heavy breakfast para hindi masyadong gutumin sa buong duty nila. Pero ang iba hindi pa rin maiwasan ang magutom kaya nagdadala sila ng pagkain na pwedeng kainin nang mabilisan. Kaya ayun sa CR sila kumakain nang patago dahil mahirap na pag nahuli.

Ako since sa ibang office naka assign kaya malaya akong nakakakain at hindi na kailangan pang mag tago. Pero itong araw na ito dahil sa head office ako na-assign at pang umaga pa, ayun sa sobrang gutom ay kumain ako nang patago sa CR. Buti nalang at bagong linis iyon at walang gumamit kung hindi kawawa ako. Grabe ang feeling kasi para kang katulong na hindi pinapakain at kailangan mo pang magtago sa banyo para lang wag mahuli hehehe. Buti nalang at medyo madaling kainin ang baon ko kaya pasimple ko itong kinain.

Nakakatakot lang kasi baka mahuli. Kamakailan lang meron ditong pinoy na guard na nahuling naninigarilyo. Ang malas pa niya at ang CEO pa namin ang nkahuli sa kanya. Ang balita ay pinateterminate siya ngunit parang ayaw ng HR. Ayun nalaman nalang namin na nakakulong na pala siya at pagkatpos na ng ramadan dun siya palalayain. Nakaka-awa naman siya, sana nag ingat na lang siya dahil isang mortal sin ang mahuling kumakain at umiinom lalo na ang naninigarilyo kapag buwan ng Ramadan.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

ayaw ko na sa villa namin!!!!! Im so sick being with the IPIS people. I'm so tired being with them who doesn't know how to clean the villa and do nothing but to mess the kitchen everyday. It's so hard to share accommodation with other nationality not to mention the cultural differences. They don't have breeding and manners, I just can't take it. Akala ko nakapag adjust na ako sa knila pero hindi pa pala. Ayaw ko nang makasama sila lalo na yung isa sa kanila who is so very childish.

I can't stand him anymore because he acts like a KID. Ayaw ko na lang patulan because I am a civilized person and I have diplomacy and tact. It's just that he is becoming so annoying because of his psychotic attitude. I am very sorry man but as much as possible I don't want to be rude but you've reached my boiling point. at first sinasakyan ko pa yung mga childish attitude mo, porket nakikita mong okay lang sa akin umaabuso kana, masyado mo nang inaabuso yung pakikisama ko. You always act like a retarded person, please man act like a civilized person, what is the sense of coming from the cradle of civilization and how come you are acting like a cave man? Sorry tsong but you crossed the bounderies already and pls don't let me lose my temper or else I will mummyfy you alive and throw you at the nile river where you came from. You are not the person who will ruin my entire stay here in Doha. Okay lang na pagbigyan ang ganyang attitude mo kaso unforgivable ang amoy mo. Char!!!!Mahirap talagang magsama sa iisang bahay ang magkaibang lahi. Sa umpisa walang problema, pero sa katagalan malaki na ang problema.

MISS UNIVERSE 2010

All is set for tomorrow's Miss Universe Pageant (pacific time) live from Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Nevada as 82 candidates from all over the world will compete for the most coveted title in beauty pageant.

Venus Raj, 22, Philippines' representative will compete other candiates who are vying for the crown. Will She make it and bring home the crown this time? Everyone has good reviews about her since the beginning and I am excited to see her winning the title, but everything can happen, I just hope and pray for her.

Pageant enthusiasts like me are having a high fever and just so excited for tomorrow's coronation.

Go Venus! Make us proud!

GETTING READY FOR EID :RAMADAN KAREEM

No food and drinks allowed in the office during the month of ramadan. This is a strict compliance to the conservative laws of Islam. This is a tough sacrifice for us non-muslims because we have to obey with their laws.

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon . During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

It was officially announced last saturday during the meeting that all pantries are close in the mornings and only will be open after 6pm, that is to prevent non -muslims on eating and drinking. Anyone caught doing this will face a serious sanction. This is Quite scary because it is a mortal sin for them. Imagine not eating and drinking for almost 6 hours is very difficult to do. You can only eat upon reaching home, now I'm still thinking on what to do for me not to starve myself and mind you this is for 0ne month!

Schedules were also revised because most companies here are only until 1pm or 2 pm and will resume at 6 in the evening. Malls will open at 4pm until 2 am so if your schedule is in the morning, you still have ample time to do shopping hehehe. I m still waiting for my schedule since I am assigned on implant and the company I'm assigned with is a semi government so most likely my shift is until 1 or 2 pm also, but i will still report for work at the main office from 6pm to 8 pm to complete my 8 hours not quite lucky huh?

Oh well, I guess I have to do my fasting also since most of my housemates are muslims and it is un ethical to eat in front of them while they are fasting. After all after Eid there is 3 days straight of non working holidays yippeee!

NEW WORK ASSIGNMENT

After spending my one month and a half at the callcenter, I am now officially assigned as a implant travel consultant! This morning I was called by one of our sales manager and officially informed me that I will be transferring to one of our implant offices. I know since the beginning that I will be pulled out from the call center and will be given a new task either at the front counter, on the branch or implant but I wasn't expecting it to be so soon. I am quite prepared for this but i think it is too early for me to be assigned on the implant office alone!

I'm quite overwhelmed somehow because our managers have trusted me to give this new assignment and i hope I won't disapoint them in choosing me. I'm just quite nervous because this is a big task for me to bring a good sales to the company, but i know Allah will help me (hopefully). I'll just do my best here and prove them that I am the right person for this (crossed fingers).

i will be missing my callcenter job because there the work is not that heavy and I am enjoying it. This is a new challenge for me that I have to face here in Doha.

Just got my company laptop and mobile plus a managers' office, oh well am I just lucky to have these?

TURNING A MONTH OLD

Yippeeyayayooo! I survived one month on the desert and I can say it is quite an achievement for me. I am happy because in just a few time I was able to adjust so quickly. Before I left the Philippines I was kinda feeling anxious because I thought it will be difficult for me to adjust because living a million miles away from my family and friends is not easy, but I was wrong. I know myself very well and I know it would be easy for me to adjust. I can say that I was able to adjust with the people i'm sharing villa though most of them are Egyptians. I was able to bend with my new work environment, the people at the office and the work process. The only thing that I'm still adjusting is the hot climate. The heat here is not tolerable, i even had a nose bleed twice because of the extreme heat reaching as far as 52 degrees. But nonetheless, everything is going well with me (praise allah!)

Sometimes I find life here very difficult because I AM VERY FAR WITH THE MALLLLSSS! It takes a lot of effort for me to reach the malls because my place is quite far from the city center not unlike when I used to live in makati, Greenbelt is just a few tumbling away. I have to walk at least 15 minutes to reach the market to buy my groceries.

So far I don't feel homesick (but I guess it's just too early to say, i still have 11 months) and I hope on the coming months I won't feel any. But hey as I've told before I already know what to do in case anxiety strikes me hehehe.

During my off, I always make it a point to roam around Doha, During my first 2 weeks here, I was able to explore some parts of the city, went malling, dining out with housemates and watch movie, and now i am confident to see the whole Doha alone.

Living independently is quite tough, though I share villa with other people but still I can say i live independently because I have to do all chores all by myself (except cleaning the house, somebody will do that for us). Sometimes it is quite very tiring, good thing I am good in time management. There are days that I feel like I'm living in the US (feeling lang heheh), Wake up at quarter to five in the morning, take a bath, prepare my breakfast and get ready for work. Kulang na lang eh mag drive ng mag isa papunta sa office. My life here is very routinary that's why I feel bored most of the time. After work, I'll do my laundry, then go to market to buy some groceries then while doing the laundry I have to prepare for my dinner, then hang the clothes, eat my dinner then watch tv for a few minutes, chat with my housemates then meme time.

The only thing I enjoy doing is going to the groceries and cooking! Yes, cooking has been my past time here, my cooking skill is being put into practice, I cook almost any kind of dish and I find it enjoyable because I love our kitchen! Very spacious and I have all my utensils I need. Sometimes i get frustrated because when I want to cook something i don't find the ingredients at the market.

Right now I'm just enjoying my stay here, I hope I can make it till the end and I know God is with me all the time.

ARABIAN NIGHTS

Yesterday was my first time to roam around Doha at night. Since it is my rest day, Miguel, I and the rest of my Egyptian housemates decided to go at the Souq Waqif. Getting around Doha at night is quite good because it is not that hot, besides the best way to explore the city during summer days is at night wherein shops and malls are upto 11pm and mostly people go out at night.

Doha is an interesting city, a well developed city with lots of modern buildings and hotels scattered all over the area. There is one place in Doha called Corniche. It is like baywalk in the Philippines and at the same time Victoria Harbor in HongKong overlooking Doha's skyscrappers. It is so nice to see Doha at night because the duildings are like diamonds sparkling at night. the best time to walk around this place is during winter months wherein you can jog or walk along the bay whether at day or night.

We arrived at the souq around 9pm, I was excited to see this place because it is one of the most popular sights in Doha wherein shops are everywhere. It is like Divisoria where you can find a lot of good stuffs. Souq waqif is an important souq in Doha, literaly translated to the "free standing market." The place is like intramuros, an old place turned into dining haven. It is a home to tens of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world as well as shisha lounges.

Since my Egyptian housemates wanted to try shisha (is a single multi-stemmed instrument for smoking tobacco in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water) we went to a moroccan resto called Tajin, some of my housemates tried shisha, I wanted to try it also however I don't smoke, probably next time when we go there I will, just to experience it.

The place is so nice specially dining along the street (now I miss Malate) and I think I found a place where I could hang out. Afterwards we went to another restaurant wherein my housemates ordered their traditional food, it is my first time to try egyptian food though I see them eat the same food at the house but still it was my first time to try it. though the taste is not bad, but still not my type of food, somehow i have the idea how that food taste like.

Truly, it was a great night for me. A bonding moment with my housemates, somehow I am now confident and comfortable going out with them. I didn't mind going to bed late and waking up early for work.What a wonderful time spending arabian nights with my new found arabian friends.

MGA ECHOSERO AT ECHOSERANG JAI-HO

Mahirap talagang mag trabaho sa abroad, bukod sa malayo kana sa pamilya at kaibigan, kailangan mo pang makisama sa mga katrabaho mo lalo na kung ibang lahi ang mga ito. Iba kasi ang ugali, iba ang personalidad at higit sa lahat iba ang kultura meron sila. Ika nga "what you think is good, may not be good to them." Minsan nag iingat din ako sa pakikipag-usap sa kanila baka kasi may masabi akong ikaka-offend nila, alam mo naman may pagka sensitive ang ibang lahi lalo na kung ang usapan ay tungkol sa kanila.

Dito sa office kung saan ako nag tatrabaho, kahit 3 linggo pa lang ako dito ay may napansin na agad akong kakaibang pag uugali ng ibang nasyon dito lalong lalo na ang mga jai-ho.

Sa department kasi kung saan ako naka assign ay may isang hukluban na kung makaasta ay daig pa ang manager. Feelingero ang loko, bansot na nga kasuklam-suklam pa ang pagmumukha, kung tutuusin ay trainor lang naman siya. Wala kasi siyang office kaya sa pwesto namin siya naka upo. Porket binibilinan siya ay akala niya siguro ay may authority na siya sa amin, kung makapag mando ay parang bisor. Pwede ba umasta ka lang nang naayon sa iyong posisyon hindi yung parang kung sino ka kung magbawal at sumita dahil hindi ikaw ang manager namin. Spell the word EPAL, ikaw yun. Okay na sana eh, kaso nakakasira ka ng araw. Tama nga sila, mahilig sumipsip ang mga jai-ho, magpakitang gilas at umepal. Tolerable na sana kaso sobra ang bilib sa sarili, mabaho pa hehehe.

ROAMING AROUND DOHA

It was my first weekend in Doha, since it is my day off, my housemates and I decided to go malling since staying the whole day at the villa is quite boring. Though it is 40 degrees outside still we didn't care going out and besides it is also my way of familiarizing myself to the city. We decided to take a bus instead of taxi, it is my first time to commute, in that way I can see the whole Doha. Upon reaching the bus terminal which is located at the souq, I was surprised to see a lot of "jai-ho" (terms I used to refer people from India) around the city. I felt like I was in Bombay. Afterwards, we took another bus going to Villagio, a premire mall in Doha where signature shops are to be found similar to Venician in Macau. I was keyed up to see this mall since I see this only on the internet. Upon entering the facade, I did nothing of course but to take pictures! I was just too thrilled with its interiors. I felt like I was in Italy! The only difference about this mall is that the artificial sky is not changing unlike in Venician, but everything was just superb! Too bad we were not able to ride gondola, probably nextime. We just ate there, roam around and feel the ambience. I just bought 2 shirts from H&M because its too cheap. Good thing that Villagio is quite far from my place otherwise my stay in Doha will just end up into shopping. I am looking forward to see this mall again, probably next week hehehehe.

SURVIVING THE MIDDLE EAST LIFE

Finally, after a long break on blogging, my first entry on my life in Doha.

It's been 2 weeks now since i arrived in Doha. Extreme heat to the highest level greeted me as soon as i arrived at the airport, my nose almost bled. Though im already inside the car, still i can feel the heat. I have to wipe my face with wet towel to lessen the heat.

As soon as i arrived at the airport, i was taken directly to my villa which is approximately 30 minutes away from the airport. While going to my villa, i tried to look around where I'm going, Doha is a very organized city, developments are everywhere. Lots of constructions going on, nice and wide roads, no traffic, but there is one thing that I observed, most houses here are alike. It seems that people here are afraid of using other colors aside from beige and khaki. It is easily to get lost and houses are almost exactly the same.

As soon as I reached my villa, I was impressed by the place, it is quite larger the way I expected it, probably because I'm sharing with 14 other people. It is 3 storey villa with 6 bedrooms, a roof top and a private swimming pool. The whole villa has centralized air condition, fully furnished with high-tech appliances. I was quite disappointed with it's location. I was expecting it to be on a prime location, but the villa is quite located on an isolated place. There are no establishments near it including internet shops that is why it took me a long time to create this blog. there is only one hypermarket near it which is a 10-15 minutes walk.

Upon entering the villa, I was welcomed by my filipino housemate whom I'll be sharing a room with. he arrived there 3 weeks ago, there were only 4 of us filipinos at the villa, the other 11 are Egyptians. It is my first time to share flat with other nationality. I felt like I was inside big brother house teenternational hehehe.

The Egyptians are okay they are fun to be with, they are just very noisy and they outnumber us, as if they own the whole place. So far I don't have any problems with them. It just took me some time to memorize their names and distinguish one another because they all look the same to me.

After fixing my things, I had a small chat with my roommate and some of the Egyptians, afterwards I felt starving so I asked my roommate to help me go to market. It is 11am and temperature outside is like 40 degrees, there is no other way to reach the market other than walking. So whether we like it or not we went outside and took 10 minutes walking and oh my, I felt like i was on top of a barbeque grill! The sun is burning us like hell! That was my first time to walk under the heat of the sun. I just told myself, ''Welcome to Qatar!"

GOODBYE PHILIPPINES , MARHABA DOHA!

Ilang oras na lang ang nalalabi ko dito sa Pinas (parang mamamatay lang eh noh?) at bukas ng madaling araw ako'y lilipad na sa bansang tutupad ng aking mga pangarap (good luck sa akin). Parang kahapon lang eh excited ako pero ngayon parang wala lang. Nakatulog din ako nang maayos kagabi at ang akala ko ay hindi ako makakatulog dahil sa excitement. Ayos na rin ang mga gamit ko, dalawang linggo na rin ang nakalipas simula ng mag-impake ako patunay lang na ako'y handang-handa na.

Bukas, ibang mundo na ulit ang aking tatahakin, mga panibagong pagsubok ang haharapin, ang masasabi ko lang ay sana makayanan ko ito. Bukas ako'y libo-libong milya na ang layo sa aking mga mahal.

READY OR NOT?

Three days from now and i'll be leaving the Philippines!  I have mixed emotions right now. I  am  excited, nervous, and sad.

I feel excited because finally my dream of looking for a better opportunity has been fulfilled! I also feel  excited because it is my first time to travel abroad alone. I feel nervous because I don't know  what will happen to me there. I'll be a stranger to a foreign  country where everything will be new to me. A totally different environment from where I grew up, the culture, religion, the people and most especially the climate. I'm nervous on the big adjustments that I'll make hoping that  I can adapt all of these in a few time. Feeling sad because I'll be leaving all my loved ones here, leaving all the things that I'm used to. And above all, I'll be missing a lot of things here in  the Philippines, the holidays, celebrations, happenings and parties! 

How prepared am I for this new chapter of my life? Lately, I've been doing a lot of research about this country I'm heading,  in that  way it won't be difficult for  me to adjust. I've done a little research on where to find important establishments like markets, malls, hospitals and banks so that when I go out, I know where to go. I also studied road maps and directions on how to reach these establishments and how to roam around Doha,   but of course I won't be roaming around the city without any company, it is quite scary to travel alone in a foreign country which is not yet familiar to me, I know it will take some time for me to get use on that place and it is difficult also to get lost. I also listed some things that I'll be doing in case boredom and homesick attacks me. I know myself very well and in case anxiety strikes me I know where and how to divert it. Aside from these researches that I did, I also have my quick reference on how to survive in Doha. It is a pocket book full of informations about the city, list of important telephone numbers, establishments like restaurants, malls, hospitals and others. But of course with the orientation I get everyday from my dad is the most helpful. He knows everything about Doha since he worked there for eight years.

With all of these informations, I can say that I am 100 percent prepared. These knowledge that I have will help me survive in Doha and as soon as i get out of the aircraft, I know I am no longer stranger in this foreign land.