The balikbayan box and the luggage are packed...and my head hurts because of them. I'm so not cut out for buying pasalubongs last minute and trying to jam them all in two places. And darn those weight allowances for baggages: I'll be leaving a few of my precious things behind, hoping that one day, they'll find their way to Seattle.
As if to add to my worries, I'm supposed to get a phone call from a special boy tomorrow. Surprisingly, I'm not too sure about that phone call anymore...he might be a new reason to stay in Manila. HaHa! Just kidding (Ilusyonada)! But really, I hate phone calls. I'd rather just wait until he comes to Seattle again to *ahem be with him. Hmm, maybe I HAVE changed; I'm now willing to wait patiently for a chance at love! ;P
On a serious note, please watch Chr1st1an Bautista's concert at the Music Museum on May 18. It's for the benefit of W0rld Visi0n Philippines. May the concert also inspire you to sponsor a child like what Christian and I have been doing. :D (Hmm, "Christian and I." I like the sound of that! HaHa!)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Let's Bank On It
Today, my life as a Philippine resident officially ended: I closed my BPI savings account/handed over my ATM card. Instead of being sad, I'm actually thrilled that I finally parted ways with that particular branch of BPI. It was like I got freed from hell. I kid you not.
I hate that branch. It took me 1.5 hours to open a bank account there (I had no choice as our paychecks get automatically deposited there). It took me 45 minutes to encash my first paycheck (Since then, I've asked Manang Au to do any encashments for me because I really despised standing in their long, slow lines). I hope that not all BPI branches are like that. Otherwise, how the heck is this country going to fare well globally if our financial institutions are like that?! Tsk!
Let me tell you about my favorite bank, though. Wait, maybe not...since its Managing Director still hasn't hooked me up with my dream man. HaHa! ;P
I hate that branch. It took me 1.5 hours to open a bank account there (I had no choice as our paychecks get automatically deposited there). It took me 45 minutes to encash my first paycheck (Since then, I've asked Manang Au to do any encashments for me because I really despised standing in their long, slow lines). I hope that not all BPI branches are like that. Otherwise, how the heck is this country going to fare well globally if our financial institutions are like that?! Tsk!
Let me tell you about my favorite bank, though. Wait, maybe not...since its Managing Director still hasn't hooked me up with my dream man. HaHa! ;P
Monday, May 7, 2007
Countdown to Seattle
I arrived Manila two nights ago (Saturday).
I've been trying to come up with a post to sum up the last three weeks, but I can't. This always happens when there's too much to talk about and too many emotions involved. All I can really say is that I'm glad I did it. I'm glad that I didn't get scared and backed out. I'm glad that I accomplished the goals that I had set prior to leaving Seattle 1.5 years ago. I'm proud of myself. Someone hand me a tissue. HaHa!
So between now and Friday, I'm just doing errands: closing bank accounts, buying pasalubongs, finishing my brother's to-do-list for me (HaHa!), and getting a chemical peel on my face to get rid of all the sunspots that I've accumulated (which have made me realized that I'm not meant to live in a tropical country).
Let the time tick for now...
I've been trying to come up with a post to sum up the last three weeks, but I can't. This always happens when there's too much to talk about and too many emotions involved. All I can really say is that I'm glad I did it. I'm glad that I didn't get scared and backed out. I'm glad that I accomplished the goals that I had set prior to leaving Seattle 1.5 years ago. I'm proud of myself. Someone hand me a tissue. HaHa!
So between now and Friday, I'm just doing errands: closing bank accounts, buying pasalubongs, finishing my brother's to-do-list for me (HaHa!), and getting a chemical peel on my face to get rid of all the sunspots that I've accumulated (which have made me realized that I'm not meant to live in a tropical country).
Let the time tick for now...
Friday, May 4, 2007
Hong Kong
I was just here two years ago so I'm expecting no surprises.
You all just don't know how good it felt when I stepped on Hong Kong soil after what happened in Macau. I have so many stories!
I went to Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday and can you say "little"? Pen, I wish you were there to agree with me!
Anyway, I'm having issues with Chinese people which we need to tackle in another post when I get back. I need someone to explain to me the culture so that I can stop frowning at people. Again, stories later.
Flying back to Manila tomorrow night after three whole weeks of traveling. Oh man, I can't believe the current goal will be over. I'll have to face reality soon. HaHa!
You all just don't know how good it felt when I stepped on Hong Kong soil after what happened in Macau. I have so many stories!
I went to Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday and can you say "little"? Pen, I wish you were there to agree with me!
Anyway, I'm having issues with Chinese people which we need to tackle in another post when I get back. I need someone to explain to me the culture so that I can stop frowning at people. Again, stories later.
Flying back to Manila tomorrow night after three whole weeks of traveling. Oh man, I can't believe the current goal will be over. I'll have to face reality soon. HaHa!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Now In Macau
Well, it's true: you win some, you lose some.
In this part of the trip, I am a loser. I guess that's what I get for not arranging accommodations before I set foot in a new country (I had no time in Bangkok since I was only there for two days). Apparently, it's a holiday here so accommodations are expensiiiiiiiiiive. Whatever I saved for staying with co-workers in Bangkok, I lost in just one night in Macau. And tonight, it's even more expensive. Seriously, I just want to cry as I watch my budget go down the drain with a quickness. Argh!
If there's any consolation, I met a Filipina woman at the airport and she has been helping me get around the city. I don't think I would've found the hotel that I booked at the airport yesterday if it weren't for her. Today, I'm eating lunch with the family and the kids will come with me to sightsee. Her husband also got me a discounted Macau Tower ticket. They are truly heaven sent.
Oh, another consolation is that I got a Starbucks Macau City Mug...and I ate a Portugese egg tart (my fave).
Tomorrow, I ride the Turbojet to Hong Kong. At least I have a place to stay there already. Good for me.
In this part of the trip, I am a loser. I guess that's what I get for not arranging accommodations before I set foot in a new country (I had no time in Bangkok since I was only there for two days). Apparently, it's a holiday here so accommodations are expensiiiiiiiiiive. Whatever I saved for staying with co-workers in Bangkok, I lost in just one night in Macau. And tonight, it's even more expensive. Seriously, I just want to cry as I watch my budget go down the drain with a quickness. Argh!
If there's any consolation, I met a Filipina woman at the airport and she has been helping me get around the city. I don't think I would've found the hotel that I booked at the airport yesterday if it weren't for her. Today, I'm eating lunch with the family and the kids will come with me to sightsee. Her husband also got me a discounted Macau Tower ticket. They are truly heaven sent.
Oh, another consolation is that I got a Starbucks Macau City Mug...and I ate a Portugese egg tart (my fave).
Tomorrow, I ride the Turbojet to Hong Kong. At least I have a place to stay there already. Good for me.
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