Joseph Allen

Just who are you, Joe Allen? 2x na that I've been on the YM with him. Would he come to Phils? He said before ari daw sya if moari pud Teresa. Good luck to us in the new year!

He called me up via YM on 4/4/09, we talked for 10mins. I miss him. He's Jewish man gud. God bless!

New Year 2009

Today I thought I would go back to PP. But then, this evening Jovic called me. I wasn't able to answer though kay lowbatt. But does this mean I am meant for Legaspi na? I hold on. God will show me.

Happy New Year, allemaal!

On the Agenda

Today I thought about my life and I came to the conclusion that marriage is definitely high on my agenda right now. Unya na ng eskwela. So, ngita sa ko new permanent job then pwede na ko magminyo. Good luck to me!

But I still miss Singapore. Maybe I should also make it a point to go there. And this time, stay. Asa na man ko ani oi? Mora jud ko'g buang.

Happy New Year, allemaal!

Luchie

She said, Ikaw gud kung asa ka malipay. Please bless her and her family Lord. She's become a really good friend. Find na sya funding for ISS. Goodluck!

EGA

I walked into EGA on 24 Nov 2008. The owner/director asked me to take a test, after which he interviewed me and then I was hired! The hitch was that I didn't answer him when he asked how much I expected for my salary. Tuo ko daku kaau.

Sugod ta ko 1 Dec, but when he gave me a figure and I decided it was small, I thought of looking for other options. When wala pa koy laing nakit-an, I accepted the post. I officially started on Monday 8 Dec 08.

It was my 1st time to teach English na paid. Libog ko at 1st coz debate man ang tawag sa amo klas. But since di man nila kaya, discussion n lng.

I learned a lot about Korea and its people from my adult students. I have come to distinguish the Koreans na sad from other peopel/races.

Overall I lasted for a month there, my last day was 9 Jan 09 before I left for Masbate. I still have to get my last week's pay there, ig uli na cguro pohon. I keep the faith. God bless us all!

Nepal

I would've gone to Nepal in 2005 had I joined the refresher course on Children, Youth and Development. I was preselected for it. But the stupid me went to Singapore instead and made my life miserable. Kaya nga sabi ko kay Leeyaj, I cannot turn my back on ISS, Leeyaj. He said 'U did na nga e'.

I suddenly miss my Nepalese friends, foremost of them Salony and Lava. How are you guys? Good luck to us all!

The Year that Was (2008)

I'd say I had quite a good year, to wit:

I came to Singapore in January but after one month, I took off to Phnom Penh. And there I accomplished at least four things:

1) I got active in GK (Gawad Kalinga). I have visited GK Rafaella many times.
2) I volunteered for one term at CWF
3) I taught kindergarten at Western
4) I attended the CLP of CFC-Cambodia

I am now back in Cebu. I will be starting a job that doesn't pay much but I just trust God. He has better plans for me! (Jeremiah 29:11 lng gud!)

Culture and Poverty

I found this book with the same title at NBS today. The more I read it, the more I am convinced that I should go and migrate to a richer country. I'm thinking of Canada. Tua na man gud sila Abegail and family didto. Sila Leikha pud and family. Sila Ate Cecil, Gigi, Dexter ug Rica Sierras pa. Pero tan-awon na lng ni. Ako lang ni iplot tanan. Everything will happen in God's time lagi. I keep the faith. Merry Christmas!

SIMPLE

True, life is really simple! We make decisions, choices on where our lives would lead. Talk man gud mi ni Benj, secretary namo sa HOA. Ask ra sya when daw ko magminyo aron kakita na daw ko sa ako liwat. Tan-awon n lng ni...

I'm Gonna Miss PP

Yes, indeed. I am gonna miss this place which has sheltered me when I was going thru the process of letting go of NUS and of USC. But I know in future I will be back.

Despite my NUS fiasco, I also wanna go back to SG pohon. I have very good friends there --Sheryl, Yuka, Rica, Niña, Tanya, just to name a few. I would love to see them again.

But first, I have to go home and ayusin things in my life. God is with me, I keep the faith.

I am Still the Same

True, despite everything that I have gone through, I am still the same. But I would like to believe that I have grown up some more here in PP. I just look the same maybe, but the outlook may be different.

Advanced happy birthday to me!!! :-)

Phnom Penh Dangers

Twice I came face-to-face with the dangers lurking in PP. First was when my purse got snatched in St 63, on 3 October 2008 pm. We were about to make a left turn to go to my house when two boys on a moto snatched the purse which Ate Jing bought in Bangkok. It happened so fast, nihapdos pa gud ako samad. Kaingon nuon si Ate Maline, 'ayun nagshopping sila ng purse sa Bangkok para lng masnatch'. Inside that purse was my tinutoran for that week, $14 plus some money so $18.50 all in all, then my film from Bangkok, my new blue marker and my keys. Pati gud ako raincoat naapil. Nasayang lng jud ko sa purse.

Second was last night. I was taking the moto from PP Water Park to Hotel Intercon for Ate Jing's affair there. Gidala man nuon ko sa moto driver sa kalibunan! Baho pa jud basura. I got scared actually. Gusto siguro niya moshortcut. Unya kay lapok man didto mao nilubong ang moto! Walk-outan pa nako, nitamak na lng ko sa lapok. Mao jud na sila, they try to scrimp on their service! R5000 gud to iya gipabayad nya duol ra. La na nuon sya kakwarta. God bless us all na lng.

ESL

Yes, I did risk it. I went home to Philippines coz I felt that my time was up in Cambodia. I applied as an ESL teacher yesterday and I got accepted! I think adto na jud padulong akong new career. The director highlighted Western International School in my CV. Then he also verified if my experience in PP was with kids. I think iya ko patudluan kids lng gihapon this time.

Naa lng gihapon in me the desire to hold on to Econ. But I will wait for more signs from God. Syay nakahibaw sa tanan. I keep the faith. Amen!

Close

Today I close a very important chapter in my life. With Mam Ching's email, I know that I am not going back to USC anymore. Di na ko para didto.

It is time to fork a new road. When God closes a door, He opens a window. I keep this faith. Amen.

Teach cguro ko English pohon, kuha ko ESL ceritificate. I am quite good with languages naman di ba? Why did I choose Econ ba all this time? Then huna2 pa pud ko law. Kapoy na na eskwelahan oi. Tama na holding on. The old Heide has gone, the new has come.

It's not too late. While there's life, there's hope. Pray lng gud ta. Amen.

Running Away Again?

I had thought if I am running away again in my decision to leave PP. Dili diay kay dili man gud stable ako work here nya ig January ako na gud kuno bayad Palm Heights pohon. I miss home Lord, and gusto kong makaisip ng paraan kung papano mabayaran ung Palm Heights.

I cannot return to USC anymore. Mam Ching has given me the guidance. Ngita na ko new career pohon. Then I'll look into getting married. God bless us all. Amen.

It's Time to Go

I kept thinking this week that I'd want to quit alrdy. La pa nako istoryaha si Madam Shirley till ako na nuon iya giistorya this pm. Makuhaan daw ug 1hr ako teaching load kay naa may 2 white teachers nga moabot. Kapait sad ani oi, idiscriminate lng mi just because of the colour of our skin! Bantay bitaw ug di maau nang mga putia na. Ah, ilaon na nang ilang school oi! This made me realize that la jud diay stability ang magtrabaho abroad. But then, the once stable post that I thought I had in USC, wala na man.

But I still wanna go home to Philippines. Adto ko didto start anew, in my own country. God bless my plans. Amen.

I'll look to Sg na lang as long, long term goal. I'll wait for more signs. I'm gonna love PP forever, Lord. Asa pa ko ani nga experience di ba?

Going Back

I once read a verse in the Bible that anyone who starts to plow and keeps looking back is of no use to the Kingdom of God. I came here to Cambodia, I do believe God brought me here for a reason. That reason I am still waiting up to now for God to reveal to me. I always get this nagging thought that I should go back to USC; I had a very secure post there, but I didn't take care of it so now I lost it. And I wasn't happy with it anymore --since 2005, I had enough of teaching service courses.

My sister keeps telling me to think of my plans well. Ang iya ra man is the fear that basin di ko katrabaho dayon kay ig January pohon ako na bya daw bayad sa Palm Heights. Or maybe, just like the rest of my family, they don't want me to leave a very prestigious job at USC. Pero unsaon man gud na nako nang prestige if I'm not happy there anymore di ba? I'll just keep the faith. "When the funds are low and the debts are high, don't quit!" Amen.

Return

On Janice's blog she said that she's going back to HK, what she considers her home now. Halos one year ra sya didto sa London.

There really is such a thing as home after all. I may have come to call PP as my home too. But I still wanna go back to SG, for the 3rd time. La man na-approve ako EPEC, not yet time to go. My friend, Teresa has asked me if I'm coming to SG. Told her I plan to, but I still have to save up some money. Na'pa gud ko bayranan NUS. Di mn gud sila pahangyo, di mn jud iwaive. But di n lng cguro to nako bayran oi. Bahala n lng di ko katamak didto balik phon. Mahal baja pud.

When I think of home
I think of a place
Where there's love overflowing
Wish I was home
Wish I was here w/ you
:
:
Come take my hand
Come fill your heart
With all the love you see
You are my home
Though you're afar
You're in my memory
Loving me
:
Chorus:

You're my home
And together we share this love
For us to be happy and free
You're my home
And together, we try to make
This world a beautiful place
To be, for you and me ! :-)

Bangkok

I am now in Bangkok for a holiday. We arrived here last night, mga 830 pm. Sus didto mi gihatod sa mahalon nga lugar oi, sa Hualampong, sa may railway station, kabayad nuon mi $21 for a twin room.

I was impressed by the road network of Bangkok though, layo ra kaau sa PP. All in all, we were on the road for 13 hours and 1/2. Kalibutan ba diay namo nga naay taxi to border? Nagtaxi na lng ta mi.

But today, we got a room in a guesthouse in Soi Rambutri, the backpacker/tourist part of Bangkok. Nahurot na pud namo suroy halos tanan temple ron adlawa. Grabe namo picture didto Grand Palace. Kapalit pud mi souvenir for ourselves ni Ate Jing didto sa gem shop.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Jane in Nonthaburi. I'm excited to see her again. God bless!

Update

I just started the new school term at Western. I am teaching for the whole day now. I can't say that it's all smooth sailing but I think I'll get by. The Lord will sustain me..

Dili jud agree sila Marge et al that kompetensya mi nila. Well, what is, Zaman gud sila. Zaman, very good but also very expensive man gud kaha!

I have attended the CLP of CFC. Of all places na pwede kong pag-CLP-han, sa Cambodia pa. I know may dahilan. Sa 1st session pa lang, nihilak na ko. I am experiencing a real journey of faith kasi. I like it. I know in time, all beautiful things will reveal themselves to me. I'll just hold on, keep the faith!

Bali and Murali

I just got in touch with my Indian classmates, Azad Bali and Srivatsan Murali, again thru Facebook. Bali is now working in NUS daw as an Instructor at LKYSPP. While Murali is in India working for a small consulting company, he said. They made me think of going back to the economics profession. Why not indeed? What am I doing in Cambodia was their question.

Leeyaj used to ask me, "Bakit Heids, ayaw mo ba maging academic?" Well, as I said in my profile, I have been in the academe all my life but I didn't know where to go with it. I guess it only takes one thing. And one thing only. I have to put my passion into it. May God bless me. Amen.

Qualification

Hahay, think of your future daw, get a good qualification! Pila pa man diay ka qualification ako kuhaon? Cge lng ko'g ineskwela for nothing!Like what I said this morning Lord, I've had enough of those awards when I was young. I pray na lng you'd award me with a good husband. Funny, I was singing "Please Be Careful with my Heart" on the way to graduation this morning. Then who should I see on the road? Si Darwin Geroche. He must've been on his way to pick up his sister, Genevieve. What are you telling me Lord? I just keep the faith. Amen!

Thoughts

Now that I am officially on vacation, I think if I'd really want to stay on here in Phnom Penh. I am missing home and I am thinking of getting married! I know I don't wanna be alone for the rest of my life!

Two weeks ago, I thought I'd stay here in PP, at Western Intl School in particular. Mdm Shirley told me that she'd put me in K3 again next term pohon. Then she also gave me a tutorial session that will start by end August pohon. Kwenta2 nako, if I persist in this tutorial, in 4wks I'd have enough to cover for my visa.

But then, I always think of my Palm Heights bayranan and the fact that nobody lives there now. Unsaon man na nako nang balay kung wala ra diay mopuyo?

I guess I'll hold on. Bigay naman ito lahat ng Dios e so Siya ang mas nakakaalam. I keep the faith!

Kirirom

I decided to go to Kirirom last Sunday after all. I saw Abbey and Chris man gud in church last Saturday and I realized how short is our time left to spend together. Manglarga na gud na sila ig Sunday, 24 Aug pohon. Even Amy went to church last Saturday too, she told me in the bus on the way there.

It wasn't much, layo ang byahe and the waterfalls were not so spectacular. But cge n lng coz mao ra man pud toy barato2. Excited kaau mga estudyante, 630am pa lang didto na sila CWF when they were told that the buses would leave at 7am and 8am respectively.

7pm na mi nauli sa PP. Guess it was time well spent after all. God bless!

Rock the Boat

We're gonna be transferring to a new bldg this Sept phon. Grade school na daw mahibilin sa amo bldg right now. Gusto daw kunin ng head ng English dept sila three white guys as teachers sa grade school. Pero si Mdm Shirley daw fought na maretain si Teacher Nick sa kinder. Pero si Teacher John wala. Tua na tawn sya sa Montessori Campus. I miss him somehow. He gave Tita Sonia and I refrigerator magnets man gud. He has lived in Phils before, sa Subic. Back in the 1980s. We talked about it once, in the old bldg. Told him I haven't been to Subic, and I'd love to go.

Some of my students said, "Teacher Heide, when I go to Grade 1, I will not see you there anymore". I miss them and I'll pray for them.

Good luck to us all!

How to Deal

Maybe that's the reason why I am alone all this time. I don't want to deal w/ people in a close way. Gusto ko naa lng ko academe para mga libro lng pirmi nako makita, I will not say or do anything bad to them. But I also must grow up right? And even if this is only Cambodia, this is my 1st time to be teaching in a school which is not my home somehow. This is a foreign territory! I felt so at home in USC: Aside from staying for too long in there, I also studied there.

Mao na lagi na, lesson learned from that experience. Di na nako pakialaman ang mga bagay that are beyond my sphere. "He doesn't care". Stay on your level daw. And like what Ate Maline once told me, "Don't get too close. Hibaw na ka, ang mga intriga". Cge, I'll bear that in mind. Amen.

Old Ways

Ìt must be true. You cannot teach old tricks to a new carabao. I have ways man diay from USC that gidala nako all the way here in Cambo. Nahimo na nuon kong pakialamera. Di man ta ko nakialam sa mga report card. Bat pa kasi nya ko tinanong e?

And I got into a misunderstanding with Ate Tess too. Ug sa iya pang words, ako kuno syang gisiraan. I had wanted to back out of the 530 to 630 ESL class at Western Boeung Trabek nya la man ko nitunga pagka time na sa klase mao nahitabo to. I admit it was all my fault. But I was just telling the truth!

Even during our graduation last Saturday, daghan daw nainis nako kay akong gipangsigawan. Well, la man gud na sila kaila ug mga Bisaya; normal ra man to para nako, sigaw na to para sa mga Tagalog. Kani laging mga tawo nga naa na sa posisyon, di na gusto macorrectionan. Well, what can I do about it? Shut up my mouth lang jud. Know my place.

Good luck to us all. I still keep the faith.

Bantil

I just read my sister, Bantil's email of her arrival back from Brunei. La sya nagdugay didto kay hago kaau nya gamay ra sweldo. Tulo pa jud ka bata iya bantayan! Btaw, unsaon man gud nang magtrabaho nga gamay ra sweldo! Gibuligan sya sa mga kalag, didto kuno brown butterfly nibulig niya.

God is really good. Tua na sya Manila ron. Nan-aw na lng kuno pud sya for Taiwan. Ginoo na bahala sa tanan. Amen!

Zephaniah

I know there is a reason why I am here in Cambo as of this exact moment. Ug ni Lenlen pa lagi ganiha, "Naay plano si Lord para nimo, Heids, wait lang (hold on) and trust Him. Amen! He will restore me lagi to what is really my right as a child of God. Forever optimistic...

SURVIVE

Seems I have survived my 1st month teaching kindergarten. And the good news is, I might be teaching full-time in the next term in September, as our coordinator told me. We might move to our new campus also. Hehe, things seem to be looking up; good signs for me! I keep the faith.

Told Ate Jing I'm gonna look for a new place na in Toulkok. Hope all things would turn out well. It will be my 4th house na. Okay lang, si Teacher Ryan man sad gani is on his 4th house na pud kuno. Depende na lang ni. God bless us!

Thing is, my volunteering and my paid work would end at the same time, 23rd August pohon. There must be a reason for this and I am expectant to see what it will be. God will reveal it soon, I trust. To Him be all praise and glory. Amen!

Household

Kataw-anan kaayo kay sa amo ang household last Saturday. In the morning pa mi kahibaw ni Ate Ica that kami food service. Decide na lng mi palit manok. Then in the afternoon after church, we learned that kami ang host. Hahay! Dali2 tawn ko uli, andam. Lingaw, busog mi tanan.

I had asked the Lord to show me how to share my blessings. Donate man ta ko Missionaries of Charity, la man kuno didto sisters, didto Kampong Som. So mao diay to gusto sa Lord na way.

Budget2 na ko ako money. Maigo lagi ni tanan, Dios ang nagbigay sa kin nito e. I keep the faith!

Around Cambodia

Yesterday afternoon, Ate Ica and I went to buy my two new skirts for work. La man tawn ko mga dala sanina for work from Pinas. Then we had a burger meal at BB World. She said, "Kakaon na jud ko sa imong hinaguan, Dok" That was really something for the books. Giuwan pa jud mi, lun-oy na pud ko tubig pauli.

When I was still living in St 200, I was able to go to the border, Bavet, on Easter Sunday, then Picnic Area, and Siem Reap. Nakishare ko kadyot ila Ms Ruth then we went to Sihanoukville for Khmer New Year. Then I moved to St 472 in TTP and nagkakulay mundo ko. I volunteered for CWF but I didn't really go anywhere outside PP. Then I moved to St 302 and I was able to go to Kirirom, Thailand and to the border again yesterday. But mao lagi, I found work when I moved to this new place. La lng. Iba lng sya sa lahat jud. Jia you Doki!

Should I stay or should I go?

I received my first ever pay in Cambodia yesterday. Kakwarta na tawn ko diri after a very long time. But I can't help but think if this is what I really wanna do. I feel that I'm only doing this coz I don't want to keep asking money from Ate Jing anymore. Uni-Lu acknowledged receipt of my application and they are just going to screen it daw. It's now all up to You, Lord; I just keep the faith.

Working Abroad

I didn't go to the school outing in Sihanoukville last Saturday. Maau ra pud la ko niadto kay kami ma'y host sa household last Saturday.

I'm still thinking if I'm meant to be here in Cambo. Because I am teaching kindergarten here and I am just at a loss! This is a totally strange territory for me! Anyway, padayon lng ta ani. La pa btaw ko one month. In time I'd know if I'm meant for Cambodia or not. I keep the faith.

Echo

Yesterday, Mam Shirley asked to see me. I thought naa koy sala, iya man diay ko gihatagan ug mga material for Friday sessions (art, games, reading, etc)

I told her maglisud ko sa Science. She said buksan mo lng ang isip mo. Kung ano daw ung ayaw natin, un daw ang binibigay ng Diyos until we learn to like it. Di naman daw tayo dadalhin ng Diyos sa isang lugar kung walang dahilan. Naalala ko si Leeyaj lng talaga. And Ms Arlene Beguerras of WIS-Siem Reap who told me on 1 April 2008 that "where ur heart is, there ur treasure will be"

Jonathan

Today I read Jonathan's YM message that he's back in SG from the WYD in AUS and back to work. I had asked him to come see me here in PP on the last week of August kay bakasyon na man na, both at Western and at CWF. But I also asked him if sila na ba ni Rhea. "Kakatuwa ka talaga, Heide". Mao ra jud na kanunay iyang tubag.

Last Friday, 11 July afternoon I read his offline msg sa YM. Hello kuno from Melbourne. So nadayon jud diay siya attend, morag kuyog pud si Rhea. Last Jan 25 when we met iya man ni gimention.

I am happy he remembered me. Told him to bring me a kangaroo when he gets back :-)

Kalimtan na nako sya oi. Sayang2 lng ko panahon niya. Tua na man gud sa SG iya life. Good luck to us!

Volunteering Update

I am feeling guilty that I will hand over my 630-730 am class to Teresa, my S'porean co-volunteer. Mao ra man ni iya matahan ug sayo. But then she understood my situation man. She said, "U need help right?" Maglisud na man gud ko kay I finish there at 730 then by 8am I have to be in Toulkok na man. Pirmi tawn ko malate. Layo gud nang Toul Tompoung to Toulkok. Last Monday I thought mahulog na ko sa moto, nalipong na man jud ko. Ako lng sya itreat to dinner pohon kung nana ko kwarta Lord, sila ni Abbey. Pls bless them always.

3rd House in PP

Pangatlong bahay na ni Heide, parang ang tagal na nya dito sa PP. Grabe! Totoo, b/c I have alrdy moved to the house of Ate Malyn in St 302 last Sunday, 29 June. Then after that, I got calls for work, one after the other. Cguro swerte na sya nga balay para nako.

I now work in Toulkok, Western Intl School Preschool Campus. Substitute teacher ko for Math and Science, Mam Shirley's current teaching loads. Hehe, there's a trip to Sihanoukville this Saturday. La man na sa plano, I want to rest and paextend pud ko my visa so I didn't sign up. Aba, nareskedyul, next Saturday na daw. I dunno. Only God knows...

The Lascos of Tubigon

Nang Anel told me yesterday that former Mayor Boy Lasco died last week of pancreatic cancer. I messaged his son, Jun, my high school rival for condolences. May you rest in peace po.

I remember him fondly from our high school days, when our families were still in speaking terms. He used to tell Jun daw that dili na lng ko apason kay basin mabuang kuno sya. Hahay life! Of course, things changed when my elder sister, Dete Etel, didn't become valedictorian but only 1st honorable mention. I guess we can heal old wounds now that we're all adults right? Sana nga.

Western Int'l School

My 1st encounter with Western Int'l School was back in April 1, 2008 when I had to go to Siem Reap for a job interview as part-time English teacher. Then later on I learned that Tita Sonia, one of our friends' moms is working there. She recommended me to WIS. On 23 April 2008 I went to WIS De Castle campus for my infamous interview. I was wearing white sandals nga flat then which Tita Sonia called tsinelas. In July 2008 Teacher Shirley Sisante gave me the chance to teach with them. Maths and Science. I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity. From De Castle we moved to K-West then I was at De Castle again for Grade 5 before I decided to go home in October 2010. God bless us all. Amen!

CLP

I am looking forward to my CLP here in PP. It will be this August pa man daw pohon. It is the formal initiation into CFC life. For my part, I will be a participant daw cum service team member. Asa pa ko ana? It is gonna run for 12 Sundays here. We hope naa pud mi madagit nga mga Khmer, try nako from CWF. Hehe, la ta kahibaw..

Time with the Volunteers

Last Monday, Greg talked to me about not being visible and not spending time with the volunteers. I don't come to the volunteer house, and he doesn't see me in school daw so he's starting to wonder if I work at CWF at all. Hehe, pag Friday pa na sya nicomment, 13 June when we went out to Liquid Bar at St 278. Sabot man diay mi mag-istorya about our Level 2 classes kay morag tagduha man amo gihandle ani nga level.

Di man gud ko tigkuyog sa ila mga happening kay naa may bayad, mogasto na man pud ko. La gud ko nikuyog nila to Kratie, morag mao toy pinakadaku na event na wala nako adtoa. Anyway, makatrabaho na man nya ko pohon. Kakwarta na ko aron makahang out w/them. Amen!

Moving Again!

From the looks of it, basin adto na pud ko puyo ila Ate Maline (from Tagbilaran) ig July pohon. Mouli na man ang iyang current housemate nga si Ding, iya ra pud igso. Hahay, ikatulo na tawn ni nako balay diri PP --first, in St 200 then after two months, St 472. Cge lng, basin mao jud cguro ni ako kapalaran kay I insisted on being here man even if I could've gone home or stayed on in SG. Naa gihapoy purpose ang tanan, God will reveal His plans for me soon. I keep the faith!

Change

I am now teaching at the kindergarten level here in PP, at Western Intl School in Toulkork. I started last 1 July as substitute for Ms Shirley Sisante's classes. Math mi Monday-Tuesday, Science Thu-Fri and activity kung Friday.

Lingawon na lng nako ako self didto. Coz I got this job just when I told the Lord 'mag-agwanta ko diri Cambodia Lord coz I dun wanna go back to my life in USC anymore'. Bigay Nya to e.

Incidentally, the previous occupant of the flat I looked at last 18 June at St 480, Nick from Britain is also teaching there. The 1st thing he said to me was "Did u get the flat?"

May dahilan ang lahat. I just keep the faith.

1st Week, Decision

I think I survived my 1st wk at CWF. I'm still unsettled but I think as we go on, I'll relax some more. It's my 1st time kasi to be teaching English and I'm adjusting to the fact that I'm teaching basic levels this time, 2 classes. But I like my level 7 and level 8 huh!

I wanna wish 2 friends all the best. May they have a happy life together. Ug ni Melissa pa lagi before, "Di sya lang ang lalaki sa mundo no?"Yah right, Lis; good luck to us always!

Volunteering in Cambodia

Maybe if I didn't move to St 472, I also wouldn't have found this volunteering job at CWF. I saw their poster at WW Web internet cafe and that's how I thought of volunteering w/ them. I simply walked into the school on 8th May.

Most of the volunteers live at the Volunteer House on St 147, about 10 mins walk to the school. I live quite close by actually.

St 155 is the busiest street in our part of town. Last Monday, 2 June in the morning, I saw Abbey, Chris, and Greg w/ his laptop at Coffee Korner. Then in the afternoon, I saw Amy walking at St 155 again w/ her boyfriend who is visiting.

It is amusing, these volunteers are part of my life now. I realize I have not been interacting w/ a mix of people since ISS days! Coz in NUS most of the students were really from China and India, only the exchange students are the Westerners.

Last Saturday, 31 May we girls went to church --Abbey, Amy, Jane, Teresa and I. The usher at the church even asked us, "Which country are you from?" Then she checked herself and said "Oh, different countries" Heheh..

Yesterday, 7 June only Abbey, Chris, Teresa and I went to church. The others had their own schedule. But hopefully we can have this Saturday schedule alrdy.

Today I saw Greg just outside the school. I was waiting for Teresa. Told him I sent out my CV to schools while they went to the province, Kratie. He said he might also try to look for a job here in Cambodia after our term at the school has ended.

It's all amusing, I keep the faith. God bless our plans!

CWF

Today we had our 1st Khmer lesson at CWF. I got the chance to meet the other volunteers as well. Most of them are young, in their 20s but there are three who are elders and one from Singapore who is maybe three years older than me. Most are from Australia, but there are also from US, Singapore (as previously mentioned), New Zealand, Britain and Italy. I hope to get to know them more as our term progresses. Our English classes would start on 9th June pohon. Vive le Cambodge!

The elders are: Jane from New Zealand, Neville and Rodney from Australia

The Americans are Joe and Greg

The other Aussies are Abbey and Chris from the Australian Army, and Amy who used to work in property and is on her way to the UK

The Singaporean is Teresa

There's Sarah from UK and Giada from Italy who just completed their TEFL training

That's about the gang :-)

Trio Pa Rin

After a really long time, Christian accepted my friend request in Friendster. Si Jayeel also accepted my Friend request just today. Sheryl is alrdy on my Friendster list, a long time ago. Trio pa rin, memorable NUS times. Hehe, good luck to us all!

Sheryl

Last night, I got a very surprising message from Sheryl, my good friend from NUS days. She said I am very welcome to live w/ them at the Ruth Ministry House in Lakeside for a while. Wow, she's really an amazing friend who just refuses to give up on me! She, I really hope to see you in Sing again in future. God bless us always!

PhD

It keeps coming back to haunt me, because what will I do for the rest of my life if I don't stay in the academe/university? Yes, I think that I would still be doing PhD in future, I can try again after my NUS fiasco. Besides, I REALLY do miss studying in Europe. I just need to rest for a while then I can fight again.

I emailed my good friend Reginald, from Kenya for his thoughts. He's finishing his PhD at the Oxford Mission Studies Centre. He gave me real nice insights. Good luck to us my dear friend!

I just keep the faith.

Small World

I started on the YM with Angel Espiritu yesterday. Tua na man diay sya sa Ortigas. He said magiging colleague daw nya soon si Stephanie Anne Sala or Tippy for short. Wow, haven't heard from her for a very long time indeed! She even became my student in Econ 51. Angel said she's been living in New York but she came home to get married. To whom he doesn't know. Small world ra jud no?

Banneaux

My good friend, Uncle Linus, who lives in London said he'll be joining the annual pilgrimage of the Tamils to Our Lady of Banneaux in Belgium this Friday. He's been joining every year, that's how I met him seven years ago, when he joined the pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. He was also a chatterbox like me.

In an earlier post, I said that it was one for the books. And indeed it was! For two weeks we went to Lourdes, France and Fatima, Portugal. It did not only feature really long bus drives but aberiyas along the way. We started off from the Netherlands; stopped in Paris for dinner then travelled overnight to Lourdes. We stayed in Lourdes for a week, we stayed at Secours Catholique, on the hill. Medyo layo2 pa from the grotto. But the food was good and we always had wine every meal. Feeling jud namo that we are in France! :-)

Upon leaving Lourdes, we stopped for about 30 mins coz something went wrong w/ the bus brake daw. I remember that we were in Tour de France territory, I saw the landmark there e. Yellow rings ba yun or one big yellow ring lang as in that of Lance Armstrong?

We stayed in Fatima also for one week, at the Pope John VI Centre, if I got the name right, only walking distance to the shrine. Gillian and I made sidetrips to Lisboa and Sintra, and Tomar. And la na mi kaagwanta, ngita na mi internet in Portugal! We found it in the post office, Correos de Portugal, after walking under the scorching heat for half an hour! 23opm gud to.

On the way back, we got stranded in Vilar Formoso, near the border between Portugal and Spain for eight long hours, from 2pm to 10pm! Then we got on a different bus and at 8am the next day, transferred to another bus in Bordeaux. With that bus, we arrived in Paris at 1630h. Ah, kahinay pud ato nga bus. Or that's just how far Bordeaux is from Paris, around 800kms I guess. Three hours gud ang express train, TGV from Paris to Lourdes. (TGV sad gisakyan ni Matt Damon in "The Bourne Identity" di ba? Hehe..)

Best of all, on our return to the Hague, since they dropped us off in Dordrecht, our taxi driver got caught by the police since we gave him the wrong direction and got him to enter a 'No Entry' road. That was alrdy 3am and just minutes after he did the crime, the police car was alrdy behind us! They let him off because it was his first time to drive in the Hague man and we told the police it was our fault, we insisted he take that road. The police then gave him the right direction. In Dutch of course...

Reminds me of our experience in PSA when I sent my brother and his crewmates to their ship after meeting up in Lucky Plaza for only two hours. We ended up in the wrong gate so the guard there instructed our taxi driver how to reach their gate. Mabait ang taxi driver na un, $10 lang pinabayad nya, $12.50 ung bill, since bago pa lng daw ako sa Sing. And to think he was Muslim ha!

God bless us all po!

POLSCI

Grabe, gibaha ako Friendster of friend requests from my former students in Econ Devt, mga Polsci seniors. It started with Honey Leigh Sevilla then sunod2 na. Ug nila pa lagi before, buotan man gud kuno ko kaayo sa ila klase. Anyway, I told one of them, si Ace Baruc IV that one of my friends in NUS will be coming to USC soon. Naexcite ra cguro to sila. Good luck to you, guys. Kaya nyo yan!

SAMAPI Sportsfest

My sister and I have been watching the SAMAPI games since 20 April. Sa hapon na mi, basketball and volleyball na amo matan-aw. Since then, we've been watching every Sunday afternoons.

Yesterday was the finals for volleyball. Napildi amo team, Naga ang nakadaug (Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando). Sagdi lng, ilaha lng ang trophy this year. Basin next year diay sila P na ang makadaug di ba? There's always a chance..

King's Birthday

Holiday here in Cambo for King's birthday, May 13-15.

I had a very encouraging chat w/ Madon today. Kababalik lng nya ng Pakistan from her usual R & R. She's still a very reliable friend and I'm so lucky to have her close, despite the distance. Last time I saw her was in July 2006 when I just came home from Singapore, bone-thin and all. Kontrata na bya namo that I would get her as my ninang sa kasal in future and if ever.

God bless you and your family always, Madon! Will keep you posted.

SURRENDER

Last night I surrendered my life to God. I have been avoiding it since 2006 pa man gud and it is not anymore healthy so I did it. I know the Lord has good plans for me, far beyond what I could even conceive of, so I will follow His will from now on. I like my life! God bless everyone!

It's Over

Today I officially withdrew my candidature from NUS. Kapoy na man gud kaayo. It has to end so that I could move on. The good thing is that I won't be getting an F coz ako man giwithdraw officially. Naa lang koy bayranan nuon to them but makit-an ra lagi na paagi. Thank you for everything Lord!

CFC Weekend

This weekend we hosted Tito Lito Tayag, Home Office Director of CFC in Philippines. He explained to us all the issues around the so-called split that's happening to the organization now. Nalingaw sya namo nga kasagaran kuno mga bagets. He said he has been in the ministry for 24 years now and he shared to us his experiences, starting in Ilocos in the north then covering the whole Philippines and the world.

This morning we took him to the GK Rafaella site then we sent him off at the airport. God bless you and your family always po!

I asked God for signs for me to stay in KH or go back to SG. I'm just waiting now, I keep the faith.

Plans and Families

Hahay, makatawa ko sa amo family and w/ the plans of family members. These are the spices of life! :-)

Called up home yesterday, greeted mother a 'Happy Mother's Day'. Ngutana sya musta na kuno ko. Okay ra man, kalooy sa Diyos. Talked to my brother too. Ask sya unsay nawong sa Phnom Penh. Told him morag Tagbilaran oi. Katawa sya! Mao diay nagdali sya kay uli pa man to Matabao. Talked to Biboy too. Hahay, tabian na jud ang bata. Si Bantil ray la niuli kay mauwaw sya kung pangutan-on na sya mga tawo asa sya nagtrabaho and unsa iya plans for her life. Wish you all the best, Bantil. Leave it all up to God!

In Time

I know that I came to the right place to start anew. And I know that in time, I will find happiness --not the happiness that most people say starts with you, but the happiness borne of the fact that you're living your life in accordance with God's will. I need to heal man gud, coz I made mistakes in the past. And when that is all over, I can move on, and it will be unlike anything before. I keep the faith!

I also need to heal because I have been making the wrong choices w/ guys! As I said in a previous post, I do not know anything about love. And that is a BLOODY shame! Many times I have turned away the right ones and chose the wrong ones. But again, everyday is a new beginning, the right person will come. God is good, all the time.

Fear and Love

I once read it written that our two strongest emotions are fear and love. Once I told a friend that "we all live because of love", and it's true. I remember my conversations w/ our secretary, si Tata Cabalhin. Told her how amazing the power and might of God is. I just gave the example of faces; that at first, you think all people look the same, like the Chinese in Singapore, but if you really look closely, you'll find that each one of them (and each one of us) looks different. She eventually said, "Adto man jud sa love paingon ning istoryaha ba?" Haha, true. Coz to be honest, I fell in love in Singapore man jud to Christian Bustamante who was already with someone. Gibisita gud siya lagi sa SG sa iyang wife ron nga si Mischelle Ulanday. That was the only Easter time lagi nga I went to mass twice. But I cried so hard because he wanted to introduce me unta lagi to her. I avoided meeting her. They got married on March or April 18, 2008. I was in Cambodia then. Wedding day pud ni ni Sopheap Hour, our volunteer coordinator. She is now in Canada and Christian and Mischelle now have 3 kids together: si Jandi, Jacob and Joshua. Kahibaw man gud ko lagi Lord that somehow he wanted to spend time with me b. Ang iya gud ingon ato was nakikita kong nahihirapan k, but di k sumusuko. Nag-abot man gud mis Bus 96 when I was on my way to NUS after I was offered the downgrade. Nanghipos n gud ko ato lagi aron mouli kay diha n man koy ticket to go home. Like I said, I must have looked so happy then. Mao tong when I took my time in going home from NUS, I was surprised to see him in my block lagi. He went to the Fair Price man in our neighborhood. He said then that masakit daw masyado sa ulo if nasa malayo ang girlfriend mo. What does that mean, uyabon ko nimo? Kahibaw man gud ko lagi of what he went through Lord when his ex-girlfriend Janice Isabelle Lao studied in Oxford before. Pirmi daw tawn niya tawagan lagi. Kulba-kulbaan gud lagi kuno siya every time he receives his bill from Globe. Anyway, I msgd him on LinkedIn today. Told him of my updates. The last time he said man lagi that he feels uncomfortable with my giving him updates. Maong I tried not to msg him anymore. Today I broke that resolve. We are friends man jud klaro from our student times in NUS, back in 2005 to 2006. Sila gud akong support system; sila Leeyaj, Sheryl ug Christian plus my Indian circle and other NUS classmates. Why not keep that bridge di b? Si Nicolas n lng ang bridge nga nadisconnect ron. Di siguro siya gusto nga mobisita ra kos Cambodia. Basin gusto siya nga mobalik ko ug work didto? Wala p may offer po, Teacher Mr. Nick. Alangan mamugos ta di b? God bless you Tatskie, Nicky, Christian and your families and loved ones. God bless us all always. I'll see you when I see you n lng pohon!

Only One by Lionel Richie

Let me tell you now
:
:
There can only be
You for me
I need you more and more
Cause baby

(Chorus)

You, took me inside out
And you showed me
What life was about
Only you
The only one who stole my heart away
And I wanna do all I can
Just to show you
And to understand
Only you
The only one who took my heart away

In my mind
There's no other love...
:
I'm thinking of
Only you, only me
:

Volunteer

Accidentally I found a place where I could volunteer. I had always wanted to do this. Since 2004 pa tawn when I got tired of teaching in USC. I even emailed Vinati, my Indian friend to help me, and she got me in touch w/ people there from the Gandhi Peace Foundation. But then it didn't push through. This time I hope it would really push through. I have been looking for change and this could be it! I keep the faith.

The name of the organization is Conversations w/ Foreigners (CWF), only two blocks from where I live. I didn't realize that it's gonna be this formal for them to volunteer; they emailed my references (Ashwani, David, and I'm sure Mam Ching) to ask for my suitability for the post. They are a fund-raising arm man gud for the Cambodia Rural Development Team. Hehe, this must be tough work. But I'd welcome the change. Coz swak w/ my MA training di ba? I'll think na lang that I could always include this in my CV pohon. I keep the faith.

Successful daw ako application so far. I'd wait for further commu from them. And I'll wait for the program to start this May 27th pohon. As far as I know, as volunteer English teacher, I'll be teaching English for 5hrs/day for 3months. Different levels. I know God will sustain me in this. He is good, always.

Return to Cebu

Just now my good friend and former colleague, Lorna said she would be back in USC this 1st sem pohon. Iya tiwason iya residence requirement of one year sa Pinas aron kabalik sya US nga walay hassle. All the best, my dear. I'm really happy for you. Hehe, niadto ra sya Dubai aron manganak!

This morning it all came to me. The reason why I had wanted to finish my program in NUS is the possibility of applying for permanent residence upon finishing my program. But I asked myself, "Why would I want to become permanent resident in a country where I don't even have relatives?" So I knew it is not for me anymore.

I may have to try a new job here in PP. I dunno, I have come to feel quite at home here. I know what I have to pay for --my Philam nga mahuman by 2010 pohon, my Manulife nga dugay2 pa human, Palm Heights next year pohon, my balance from NUS, and Lorna and Biboy's education. As long as I'm at peace with the outcome of things, I know I am in the right path. Pls show me thru and thru Lord. All praise and glory be to you!

It's Over

Finally I know that my desire to finish in NUS has come to an end. Di na man gud sya worth it. I think I have alrdy hurt too many people in wanting to finish my program there. It's enough. I pray it is not yet too late.

Twice I have encountered this verse from Jeremiah this week: For I alone know the plans I have for you; plans to make you prosper and not to bring you ruin. Plans to give you a future full of hope [or a future you hope for] (Jer 29:11). It must be true, the Lord wants me to start anew here in Cambodia. It's all in His hands. I just keep the faith.

Right Time?

I am still able to laugh at amusing things. Like this morning, when I came for interview at Art + Cafe in St 108. The owner asked me if I had a family, my own family back in the Philippines. I said no, then added it with 'strange'. And he said really, why is that? Reminds me of the taxi driver who chauffeured me from UP-Dil to the domestic airport in 2003. He had asked me if I was alrdy married and why not. I replied w/ "Cguro hindi pa po tama ang panahon". He retorted, "E kelan ang tamang panahon?" I really do not know. I'm still chicken about it.

Bernadette Sembrano alrdy got married last 12 June 2008. She said she's waited 32 yrs for it and she said he (her husband, Emilio Aguinaldo IV, nicknamed Orange) is worth it. I know I would have to wait some more. Pero tan-awon na lang pud ni. Hehe..

Dating and Marriage

Since 2004 pa I had thoughts of getting married. I met Ferolini then, at the watershed research. But he told me to find my kalevel daw mao huna2 ko, he's not worth it. He was the one who went to Panglao w/ that reporter girl during kalag2. Then in December he said she's alrdy taken. Okoy sya! Now he is an attorney and we are friends in Friendster and also sa YM. But I know we now belong to diff. worlds. Good luck to us, Atty!

Then I had chats w/ Jonathan. He even called me on Christmas Eve 2006. Met him when I came back to Sg. He said he's alrdy a PR there, andun na buhay nya.

My former flatmates Deepti and Preeti are getting married soon. I wished them all the best and I would really like to attend their weddings pohon in India.

Now I am not in Singapore anymore, I am here in Cambodia. And I have a very nice group here where I could grow spiritually, which is what I have been looking for all this time. (Makatambok lng b/c nindut man pagkaon every gathering). I am also meeting really nice friends, mga Pinoy sad. I might even meet someone here to marry! Anyway, I keep the faith. It's all in God's hands.

Sihanoukville

We went for an outing to resort town Sihanoukville, formerly Kampong Som for the Khmer New Year break. Lingaw kaau. It had its own share of hitches and intrigues but overall we had a very nice time. Though we had to drive for at least four hours para lang makakita ug beach, nalingaw ra man gihapon mi.

Dreams

I always have dreams that I think are omens/signs of events to come. I used to check papers back at USC only to realize that I alrdy saw this scene in a dream. Sometimes I dread being able to dream of my own death! Haha, too optimistic!

I had a very amusing dream that really left a mark w/ me. I was in class daw when I had a visitor. Nagdala pa kuno'g buwak. The guy's face was not clear to me though. I thought it was in USC, at AS bldg kay mao may positioning of the class. But now I think that it could be somewhere else. I'm quite excited to see that dream materialize. Hehe... :-)

Na'pa lain dream that made me think. It's about seeing someone in church, ig ka peace w/ you part, in Tubigon. I had dreamed that it was Harry then I thought maybe it was someone else. Maybe it was someone else indeed. Let's see what happens next...

Edge

Andrew Chua of CFC once said during the retreat that God is not safe, that is, He puts us on the edge. That is exactly what I'm going thru right now. Because I was disobedient, I declined the job in Siem Reap which I asked Him from. I'm so, so stupid! A person of less faith! Please forgive me Lord and give me another chance.

I ask myself, "Bakit ako nakikipagsapalaran dito sa Cambodia?"I have a very nice job in the university back home. But then, I am not happy with it anymore, that's why. I don't relish feeling disappointed again and again after receiving my teaching load every semester. There has to be something better than that experience right?

I just might end up teaching English here. We'll see how things would unfold. I always ask God for signs. And this time I'd really follow His direction. I hold on!

Siem Reap, Cambodia

I came to Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat town, on 1 April 2008 for a job interview at Western International School. They were looking for English teachers. Part-time ra may ilang available diay.

Siem Reap, as I was told is about 300 kms from Phnom Penh. It was a gruelling 6hr-journey by bus, w/ stops in between. Siem Reap is nice, mora ra syag Pinas jud. I can imagine myself staying here for long. But not for now, maybe in future. Isa pa, I don't like their attitude of milking money out of tourists. When will they ever learn? Filipinos are also like that, unfortunately. Tot straks!

Picnic

I was reluctant to join the CFC retreat cum teambldg activity this weekend. But it was worth it! On the drive back, I got to ask myself, "Bakit sa dinami-dami ng countries sa Cambodia pa Lord? Then it came to me that I wouldn't have decided to resign from USC had I not gone to that retreat. Yes, I had thoughts of resigning from USC before but never really got the courage to do it!

Gipapahawa na ko sa ako gipuy-an, one week na lang daw ako stay. Pls help me find a new place to stay Lord. Then si Ate Jing said naa kuno koy interview sa Western International School in Siem Reap tomorrow. I thought mao na ni hinatag sa Ginoo. But then, part-time ra man diay ilang job opening as English teacher. Di ko modayon. The Academic Head is Ms Arlene Beguerras, also a Filipina. We talked, I was happy to meet her. She told me to keep in touch. I'm still thankful for everything Lord. Amen!

Teacher for Life

I guess it is in me to be a teacher for life. I realized that I first became a teacher in elementary, when I was asked to mentor a classmate, a distant cousin, to improve his reading skills. We'd have reading sessions during lunch break. I did that for a time and later on, his reading skills greatly improved! My fond memories of him include the poem, "School days, school days, always make me feel gay..." Way to go, Heide!

Chance

To live is to take a chance, why didn't I ever know that?

Got to Believe in Magic

Pity those who wait
Trusted love to fate
Finding out too late
That they've lost it
Never letting go
They will never know
The ways of love

Did I tell someone, 'Someday mahahanap mo rin ung magic my friend'? Haha!

My Cambodian Sojourn

I didn't realize that I only came to Cambodia because I needed refuge from the tough times I was having in Sg. Now that I'm thinking to come back to Sing and really finish things off, because I have been told here that I'm an 'abortionist', my university in Phils is giving me a tough time. Since Holy Week pa gud ni. Ate Jing said maybe I am not meant to leave USC. I dunno, I am not happy there anymore. Anyway, yah, I keep the faith. God bless all our plans. May we be pleasing to Him always.

My good friend, Joy said find a good-paying job na lang if u don't intend to further ur career as an academic/researcher. I am now living the life of an OFW. Siguro this is the change that I had always wanted. I hold on.

Chase

I once read in astrology that people with my sign, Sagittarius, tend to think of love as a chase. Ika nga ni Jennifer Connelly in "Blood Diamond", "I'm used to being chased but what the heck?" when she gave her numbers to Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio). I think I am also like that. We'll see :-)

Change...

My problem is that I equate USC w/ the academe. Why not? I have been w/ USC all my life and now I want it to change? Well, as a good friend once said, "If you really want it, it will be worth it" That's where I am right now, and I ask God for guidance. Cause I had wanted to leave USC since 2005, it was just not possible then b/c of my remaining return service. Now it is my loyalty that's stopping me --I'm a VERY loyal person and I take my loyalties to heart. But there has to be pain so that things would end right? I pray for the best, I keep the faith.

It is time for change in my life! Gikapoy na ko ginamit sa akong utok, magtrabaho sa pud ko lain. But I'd have to continue trusting God thru and thru. "For anyone who trusts God will not be put to shame". Amen!

I haven't found a job in Cambodia yet, but we'll never know where I'd be led tomorrow. Or the day after or whenever!

The Lord said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". Exactly! Diyos sya, He's ominiscient, omnipotent, etc. I hold on.

I Will Be in Cambodia

I have decided to go to Cambodia. My sister is there, I'll join her.

I arrived here on 8th Feb, in the evening. I started looking for jobs just this Monday, 11 Feb. I keep the faith!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Love is indeed the reason why we're all alive. Love is life!

Told my old Dutch friend that I am here. Adventurous daw ko. Well, kagamay pa sa ako naadto countries diri SE Asia! I had asked him for postcards of Cambodia and Vietnam when he came here on a holiday in 2004. And indeed, he sent me one of the Angkor Wat and in Halong Bay, Vietnam. He has been to Laos too, he and his friends went there as a sidetrip when he was holidaying in Thailand in 1999. God bless you, man!

Where is Home?

Very recently my chairman told me to "knock em dead and come home" kay on leave ra lagi daw ko from USC. I told him that I don't think I know now where my home is. He said, "Home is where the heart is. Bring the heart(s) to USC and you'll be home". I dunno..

I talked about this w/ Stephanie Coyiuto of PhilStar before. I told her home doesn't preclude a place, it is a feeling. She also had to confront this matter when in Greece.

I love the Netherlands and I have not been back. My God, it is at least 12 long hours from Singapore! I left it in 2001 and I have not been able to visit. Maybe I should think of going back. It was my 2nd home. We'll see.

Macedonia

I have this friend from Macedonia, a lawyer. Met him thru mIRC in October 97. He works at the Council of Europe office in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Just recently he sent email to keep in touch again. Wow, where did that come from? The last time I heard from him was in May 04 still, even before I left for Sing. Anyway, he said some of his friends went to Philippines and he was getting really nice feedback. In return I told him that indeed my country is beautiful and that he should come sometime in future. Let's pray for that to happen. All faith! :-)

Che

I received email from Jun Borras, the acknowledged leader of ISS Pinoys when I was there today. He's now w/ SMU in Canada.

Good news. He said Cheryll Soriano, batch next to us in ISS will be studying PhD in NUS starting this January. I'm happy coz this would mean I would have another friend in campus. I alrdy emailed her. Hope to see her soon.

Actually I picked her up from Changi Airport. Then I went with her to Bukit Batok to check out a possible place to stay. She's there now. She lives very near the MRT station but she said she's found a bus to NUS.

I don't always see her around campus but I'm happy she's here. I really need a friend. People from her dept are also doing a research in Bohol, they asked me for contacts. Her chair, Millie Rivera even gave each of us a coin purse from Puerto Rico, really cute.

We're quite busy these days. But we alrdy agreed to have lunch sometime. God bless us always!

New Year

Today is a good year for me according to my astrological chart. I was born in the year of the Rabbit. I hope so, but I am going to work for it! Good luck to us all in the new year.