Purplemace Online

NEW HAIR

2011-12-16T17:41:00.006+04:00

I got my hair done recently and for the first time in years, I had short hair again, not too short but this is the shortest hair Ive had in a long time.

On other news, sorry for not updating my blog but I see a lot of hits coming in, so for those people who still visit my crappy homepage, thank you and I hope to hear from you! You can now leave a note on my chatbox.

God's Message For Me Today

2011-11-09T19:18:00.001+04:00

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
— Job 37:5 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How does God help us know his will? Clearly God has given us the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Scriptures. What about more subtle and less defined ways? Most of us have had a "cluster of divine coincidences" (several events in close proximity to prayer): a friend calls/writes at just the right time; we read an article or hear a sermon that has a comment or two directed at just the area of our concern or confusion; several songs in worship convict us in the area on which we are seeking the Lord's guidance; or we simply feel a pull on our conscience that helps us discern right from wrong in a difficult situation. God really means it when he says that if we will pray for wisdom without doubting he'll give it to us and that if we are truly seeking him we will find him. His voice does thunder in marvelous ways!

PRAYER :

Holy God, please help me discern your will about several important matters in my life. I don't want to make my decisions based on my limited human wisdom. Please lead me by your Spirit in the direction you want me to go and use me to bring you glory and praise. Thank you for caring about my life enough to show me your way more clearly. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

OUR ONLY HOPE

2011-04-07T09:48:00.002+04:00

I just want to share with you my devotion for today which is very timely. I hope you'll find time to read and reflect on your own...

APRIL 7

An anonymous author wrote, "When I was first converted, and for some years afterward, the second coming of Christ was a thrilling idea, a blessed hope, a glorious promise, the theme of some of the most inspiring songs of the church.

"Later it became an accepted tenet of faith, a cardinal doctrine, a kind of invisible trademark of my my ministry. It was favorite arena of my theological discussion, in the pulpit and in print. Now suddenly the second coming means something more to me. Paul called it "the blessed hope." But today it appears as the only hope of the world."

From the human standpoint there is no solution for the struggles of the world. Leaders are naturally frustrated in trying to deal with the increasing problems in society. The only complete and permanent solution is found in the return of Christ to earth. When He comes, He will set up His kingdom. He will rule the nations in righteousness, and "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea: (Hab 2:14)

As we await our Savior's return, let us keep on praying, working, and watching, while, "looking for the bleesed hope" - our only hope for this world - RICHARD DE HAAN

And for the hope of His return. Dear Lord, Your name we praise; With Longing hearts we watch and wait. For that great day of the days! - SHERWOOD

As this world gets darker, the promised return of God's Son gets brighter.

We should live godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope. TITUS 2:12-13

PURPLEMACE GOES TO BAHRAIN

2011-04-04T12:39:00.005+04:00

ONLINE BIBLE STUDY

2010-09-02T10:19:00.006+04:00

I've been wanting to have an online bible study since most of my friends spend a lot of time on the internet and I just thought that it would be great to share GOD'S word and get to know the Lord together and allow them to experience the same joy GOD has brought in my life.

To all my friends, you are welcome to join this online Bible Study. I will be sending the first verse to few people on facebook. =)

I am looking forward to fellowship with you.

Note : You will need a Bible and a submissive heart to allow GOD to speak to you through His words. If you do not own a bible, you can google the bible verse (NIV) that I will be posting on a weekly basis. Feel free to share your insights, experiences or questions. I can always ask my Pastors or Elders if there are biblical questions that need to be answered.

You can also send me private messages on facebook should you want to say something that you think is too personal to share to everyone.

Lets pray for one another.

God Bless everyone.

To God be the Glory.

GOD''S DIVINE HAND BEHIND FAILED EXPECTATIONS

2010-05-03T19:44:00.001+04:00

Its good to be back blogging cos I havent written any post in a long time and the thing that happened to me yesterday is really worth sharing.

When I got my roster last week and find out that I finally have a Sunday off, I already set my mind that I'd attend the service since I haven't been attending for few weeks because of work sched. But then again, I stayed up so late Saturday night until wee hours of Sunday so I was having a hard time getting up from bed.

I woke up because I felt like someone was poking me gently and whispered, "Go to church, I have a message for you." over and over. Okay, so I know GOD wanted me to get up and go to church cos He has something big for me and I was so excited to find out.

I arrived early, Praise & Worship Team was still practicing pero yun pa lang naiiyak na ako dahil sobrang na missed ko mag church. I was anticipating the preaching of GOD's message and indeed, when it was time for the Pastor to deliver it, it seems that it was only intended for me (although alam ko lahat tayo mkaka-relate) as if the Pastor was talking to me on GOD's behalf.

The Pastor talked about failed expectations and raised the question, "Is GOD's Divine Hand behind failed expectations?" For the longest time, I had been asking HIM that. Some may already know the answer but I really wanted to know from GOD. I have been through a lot in Dubai and I always wonder, "Ina-allow ba talaga ni Lord mangyari ang mga bagay na pinag-daanan ko? and why?" When I looked back and think of all the things I had to go through, ang isa sa pinaka-ipagpapasalamat ko sa Kanya is for giving me the strength to face the test instead and allowing the pride to win and run away from it. When GOD brought me to Singapore, it didnt mean I ran away from the test He gave me, it was part of His plan and I allowed HIM to take full control.

I couldn't control myself from tears especially when the Pastor started explaining these...

What are the purpose of FAILED EXPECTATIONS :
1. Timing - Being at GOD's perfect time and place. Our failed expectations are actually preserving and leading others to know the LORD.
2. Character Development - GOD is actively shaping our lives to conform to His plan and it really takes a submissive, trusting, obedient, merciful heart to be part of it.

So many good things are going on in my life now and I feel so blessed and happy. Hearing last Sunday's message (for me) from GOD was a confirmation that HE really is in full control and when we do not receive what we expect, we do not need to grumble or fret for there is a possibility that HE is preparing something big for us...more than what we expect.

I ended up sa Altar Call (first time ko sa to sa SG) Someone prayed for me and when I look up after the prayer, it was Rev. Butch Yu, our Senior Pastor and Regional Director for WIN.

BIG TIME ka talaga Lord!

It was tears of JOY. :)

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

FOLLOW ME

2010-02-03T16:10:00.003+04:00

Follow me on twitter :) Search for PURPLEMACE. Thanks!

PURPLEMACE IN SINGAPORE

2010-02-03T16:05:00.002+04:00

I know I have been so lazy writing a post but just to update you all, my friends who reads this crappy homepage of mine, hahaha I left Dubai for good and now pursuing a career in Singapore. Wish me luck you guys! :)

LSS : I Stay In Love

2009-06-04T14:05:00.000+04:00

Mariah Carey Lyrics

RECAPTURE WONDER

2009-05-11T09:20:00.002+04:00

That was the topic last Friday's service. Its a very good topic that serves like a wake up call na rin hindi lang sa mga new believers but most especially sa mga christians na for such a long time.

I was not able to write down some notes or important passages that has been used for this topic because I was crying all through out the preaching. But I remember, the pastor described WONDER as a childlike joy. Its the astonishment, the awe, the excitement or the admiration of a child with his/her new toy with the urge to figure out why the toy function in a certain way? until he/she would break the toy into pieces just to be able to see whats inside and after that...nawawala na ang excitement, nawawala na ang WOW feeling.

As Christians, we need to recapture that WONDER coz sometimes, we think and we feel that we know Jesus too well that we tend to ignore how wonderful Jesus is and we fail to appreciate all the things that He can do for us.

As an example, the pastor said, seeing someone healed by the Lord, you will say.."Aah I've seen that before, I know GOD can do that" ..there's no awe, no astonishment, NO MORE WONDER.

Last friday service obviously reminded us to RECAPTURE THE WONDER and experience GOD's amazing promise of a childlike joy.

Its the most amazing feeling in the world. :)

God Bless everyone.

Arabic 101

2009-04-29T09:26:00.005+04:00

I want to freaking learn the (basic) arabic language and will try get by with these numbers for starters. Sheesh, its not freaking easy!

Some article online said that forming numbers in Arabic is quite easy, from 13 to 19 you just place a number before ten for example 13 = three ten, instead of thirteen in English, 17 is seven ten in Arabic. From 21 to 99 you just need to reverse the numbers and add (wa- between the two numbers) 36 would be six wa- thirty instead of thirty six (sitta wa-thalathun), (wa means and).

Practice with me... c")

How to have a Personal Christian Devotion?

2009-04-27T09:13:00.005+04:00

I was just surfing the net for some daily bible scripture and so happy to find this article. I have been wanting to start my own personal devotion for a long time that's why I really want to say THANK YOU to my 2 housemates (PENG-YENG) for inspiring me to do so.

What is a Personal Christian Devotion?

A distinction exists between religion - a things you have-to-do, and spirituality - a choice based on relationship. Daily devotions are important as they help us spend time with our Creator that helps us build that relationship. Here are just a few ideas on how to help the relationship grow on a daily basis:

Realize that personal devotions have to be a choice. If we have relationship based on a "have to" then it is more like a work relationship than a love relationship. Devotions have to be based on love.
Do devotions as soon as you wake up. Here you are still relaxed and setting the tone for the day, spending time reflecting on God’s Word must be beneficial in this.
Have a set place for devotion and certain ideas on how you will "do" devotion.
Start by listening to God, read the Bible and spend time meditating on it. Devotion is not a good time to follow a reading plan, otherwise you will get sucked into a "have to" and not spend time listening to God. However a separate Bible reading plan is useful as we need to know what God is saying and know how to place Scripture in context but this is different from a time of devotion.
Involve prayer in your meditation; you can pray verses or converse with God while reading the Bible; just make sure you are also listening to what God might be saying. A relationship is two way. Meditation should include quiet reflection and an open heart.
Set out to read a passage of Scripture rather than a verse or two, context is important; but if you do find that one verse has a lot to say to you allow yourself the flexibility to meditate on one verse. A relationship needs flexibility.
Do not beat yourself up about missing a daily devotion; make sure you complete it later in the day if at all possible, God is not an angry dictator but loves you enough to understand.
Keep a devotional journal. It can be a very useful tool for remembering how things touched you and reflecting further or at a later date. A dedicated notebook and pen or pencil are useful for this and should be kept with your devotion Bible.
Go through a few questions before starting, such as: Do I need to forgive anyone? Do I have to ask anyone to forgive me? Is anything in my heart blocking me from getting the most from this personal act of devotion? Do I need to confess any sin?
Enjoy the relationship. What a great way to start the day by conversing with God!

source : http://www.wikihow.com/

The Best Things in Life are for Free

2009-04-24T21:54:00.013+04:00

I only got the chance to see my sister today eversince she came back from her vacay in the Philippines. I really wanted to spend some "Q" time with her and as much as I wanted to bring her to nice hotels so we could go have a lovely dip at the pool, t'was just too expensive and we both can't afford it! Haha. I even phoned Coral Beach Hotel to inquire about their guest fees. As expected, its too much for 150 AED just to go to the swim pool or the beach. Other health clubs offer 30-50 AED for facilities usage for non-members, so you can imagine how riduculous spending 150 dirhams just for that.

Anyways, we've decided to just drive to corniche in Ajman and swim at the open beach there. Thanks to "Mahal" for the idea. We really had fun and we enjoyed the sun and the beach too much! And of course we took loads of photos.. The best part is, we didnt spend anything! Aaaah indeed, the best things in life are for free.

Me and my sister really had a great time. If we could only do this every weekend!.

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!!!! C")

Love Is Never Having To Say You're Sorry

2009-04-22T10:56:00.005+04:00

No, I am not talking about the famous line from the phenomenal movie "Love Story" way back 1970, although full credit belongs to the writer, Erich Segal cause I believe this line influenced a lot of people's lives and even changed the way people's view on forgiveness.

I've heard the phrase couple of times already from my significant other and in those times that he said that to me, it always leave me with argument in my mind. Is it really? or is it just a lame excuse for taking a loved one for granted? Should i look at it the other way around and say Love does mean having to say you're sorry. However, at the end, my unconditional love prevails and all the time forgiveness comes in even if I do not hear the word SORRY.

I was so crossed yesterday and felt really down the whole afternoon. I know, all I want to hear is "I AM SORRY I HURT YOU" (even if he doesn't mean it). I was even blunt about wanting to hear the "S" word to make me feel better even if he knows I already forgave him even before he said it.

NO. I didn't hear it.

(True) Love is never having to say you're sorry...sometimes. And the word SOMETIMES can play a big role in mending someone else's feelings (not ego). Remember, it is also the love for other person that's allowing yourself to think...and pause...and say you're sorry.

@}-----

Oh Yes! oDesk!

2009-04-21T14:03:00.010+04:00

I stayed online for a lil bit longer the other night just cause a friend of mine was convincing me (we call it virtual harassment! hahaha) to friggin' sign up for an oDesk account. After the long virtual aggravation, I finally gave in! I am now officially an oDesk provider that has been confirmed by a notification email on my inbox sent by oDesk team. So what now?. lol

What is oDesk?

oDesk is the marketplace for online workteams, with the best business model for both buyers and providers. Their unique approach guarantees that an hour paid is an hour worked while also guaranteeing that an hour worked is an hour paid.

I checked the website and read some more to have better understanding of what oDesk is? Well, I only got excited about the possibility of earning $$$$. However, the money will not come just by clicking or surfing the internet. It requires a lot of skills and time (even if you intend to do it on your free time).

And when I received job alerts from oDesk few hours after I signed up, I was not even convince that I can do any of the job descriptions. Well first off, I am not oDesk ready yet. There's a certain test that I need to take before I can actually apply or accept projects. I did try to take the 25 multiple choice oDesk ready test but I wasn't patient enough to finish the whole friggin' thing!

I already made my friend happy just by signing up haha. (I hope you are happy now Kat). Now, I need to wear my thinking cap on if I really want to give it a go or even let my creative juices flowing. Hah!

I think another friend of mine, whose a very witty blogger/writer is on oDesk but I am not sure if its the same thing. (Shobe Vikki, lemme know if you are reading this)

Now, it’s time for power nap.

Understanding Women

2009-04-19T11:37:00.002+04:00

I received this forwarded email from my boyfriend today. I was almost touched by the story until it cracks me up (big time!) in the end. Read On...

A man riding his Harley was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, 'Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.'

The biker pulled over and said, 'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.' The Lord said, 'Your request is materialistic; think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind.'

The biker thought about it for a long time.Finally, he said, 'Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand our wives; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, and how I can make her truly happy.'

The Lord replied, 'You want two lanes or four on that bridge?

Vanity

2009-04-18T07:23:00.009+04:00

Me and my boyfriend went to a local pharmacy about a week ago and consult a chemist to finally get a cure for my dry, itchy, red and inflammed skin (on my cheek) that I have been suffering for the past couple of months. Well, I thought it was just a normal drying of the skin because of the weather (I first got it winter time) so I just continue on using my facial wash (I'm using St. Yves) and oil of olay moisturizer hoping that the dryness will be gone in no time. My friends, Ruth and Mimin also recommended bio-oil which I think is really good but I thought I really have to treat the bacteria (or whatever you call it) first thats causing the irritation before using it. Even the facial wash and the moisturizer were not doing any good infact it got worst and even made the skin darker in affected areas. I looked and felt horrible!

Thats why I'm so happy that the products that has been recommended by the chemist actually works! It really made a big difference on my skin after using it for couple of days. If you are having the same problem you can check out these products but don't forget to consult your chemist or dermatologist see if you can use it with your skin type. Lucky me cause it saves us a lot of money and we didnt need to go to a derma clinic and pay huge amount for the consultation fee.

These are the recommendations :

E45 Cream*
Light and pleasant to use, E45 Cream’s an effective, non-greasy emollient that’s been clinically proven to treat and soothe dry, itchy, flaky, rough or chapped skin. We also recommend it for more serious dry skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. It’s quickly and easily absorbed and works by replacing lost moisture and forming a protective barrier, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable again.
Dermovate Cream (this kills the bacteria!) and Dermovate ointment both contain the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. When clobetasol is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. Clobetasol is a very potent corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, that have not responded to milder steroids.
Bioderma PHOTODERM MAX BIO SPF50+ cream : maximum sun protection with the factor SPF 50+ (UVA 35) and with the patent of cell BIOprotection. Besides the skin surface protection, it also protects the cell structures in deep skin. Thanks to rapid absorption in the skin, it is possible to use the emulsion as a base under make-up. Resistant to water, sweat and sun. Perfume free.
AVENE Cleanance Soapless Gel (I love this!) cleansing washing gel for oily and problematic skin : it cleanse oily and problematic skin very gently. It removes impurities and redundant skin sebum from the skin surface, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes skin.
Permea Plus a daily health supplement, which Arden says, helps the body withstand the harsh Gulf climate more effectively than the various creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners on the market. A unique combination of 26 essential elements, including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals in a single tablet to promote thicker, stronger hair, more radiant looking skin and stronger nails. <--- I'm not sure if I really want to continue taking this for the whole month. I don't feel any side effects though.

Sometimes, vanity is good especially if its about taking good care of your body. Now, the skin on my face is back to normal and even better coz it really feels soft and smooth. Remember, drinking lots of water everyday also helps.

Bangs Baby!

2009-04-16T14:22:00.002+04:00

my wavy hair - present hair - saleisha

My natural wavy hair is now straight with fringe! This is what happen when you wake up one morning at the wrong side of your bed and starts to do crazy stuff like cutting off your hair and giving yourself a new look without thinking of the end result haha.

It was actually Saleisha Stowers that made me cut my hair. I was watching ANTM (America's Next Top Model) Cycle 9 in youtube and I really like what they did to Saleisha's hair during the makeover. The fringe look so vogue! and I love it. So, one morning, I just had the urge to cut my own hair.

But since my fringe didnt look good with my uber dry and wavy hair, I had to go to the salon and had my hair rebonded. Thanks to my friend, Munich for bringing me to a chinese salon in Deira and introducing me to Jenny who did a very good job on my hair for only 250 AED. I first had my hair done a year ago at a very flash salon in dubai which cost 800 AED. A total waste of money!

Anyways, in the beginning I didnt like my fringe maybe because I never had it for such a long time and I was not used to it. I just had to put up with it instead of feeling miserable. Besides, hair grows so why worry right?.

But after few days, I started to appreciate the same old me with my new look. It actually feels good to have the courage to re-invent yourself even just by giving yourself a new do!

Try it! =)

PGMA at Fairmont (Dubai) Hotel

2009-04-13T11:40:00.000+04:00

Yesterday morning, one of my colleagues told me that her excellency President Macapagal Arroyo was at the Fairmont Hotel. He was showing me the photo he took from his mobile while he was telling the story. He didn't know the reason why and how long The President will stay so I kind of felt bad of missing the chance to see her face to face for the very first time.

After work, I decided to stay at the lobby and called my boyfriend to pick me up because it was too windy when I went outside the hotel. I totally forgot about PGMA's visit until a group of Filipina went up to me and one lady asked me if I am going to see The President? I told her I am working at the hotel and was just waiting for someone. I did asked her for details and found out that there's a convention going on for OFWs with PGMA at the 33rd Floor. And since I really wanted to see her, I went up to the 33rd Floor only to find out that I need an invite to get in. Boo.

Today, I saw my very nice colleague rushing towards me and told me that The President is about to leave and a lot of Filipinos are waiting at the lobby until she goes down from the 31st F where she stayed. We both went down and waited by the red carpet along with Filipino staff of Fairmont Hotel. I had my camera ready and as soon as she went out of the lift, everyone took photos and PGMA. She was kind enough to pause and pose for a photo with the Kababayans...including myself :)

Lift me up!

2009-03-15T04:07:00.002+04:00

I have this habit of taking photos of myself inside the lift (elevator) whenever I feel like I am all glammed up for work - with or without make-up! Mind you, its a good way to start a day, it keeps my [fashion] spirit pumpin'.I know what you're thinking. I am oh so vain. Hah! =)

Love Me @}----

Amazing GOD

2009-03-11T03:52:00.000+04:00

Kaninang umaga ko pa gusto mag blog. Parang ang dami kong gustong i-share like yung magandang topic namin sa mid-week service na "One another-ing" which basically means to love one another (napaka-importante nyan sa panahon ngayon), or dahil gusto ko mag-THANK YOU kay Lord. I feel so blessed dahil nandito pa rin ako at nag-ta trabaho to think na ang daming nawalan ng trabaho ngayon. For this week alone, i have tons of friends who got laid off from their jobs. I am praying that GOD pour them with new and better opportunities their way
Sa dami ng gusto ko ipagpasalamat sa kanya di ko na nga alam pano ko sisimulan ang entry ko.

I started my day at work praying and thanking HIM. Ngayon natuto na talaga ako mag focus kay Lord and really count on Him kahit na sa pinaka simpleng prayer ko na pumasok ang boss ko ng hindi mainit ang ulo. =) I prayed for my boss and for our company.
Its a wonderful feeling when you're praying knowing that its not for your own desire.

As expected, my day went on very smoothly. My boss was unusually calm and in good mood the whole time he was in the office. I was already on my way home nung maalala ko na my boss called me before I left the office and told me to ring one of the applicants he interviewed para sa kailangan naming PR Assistant, probably to officially hire him tomorrow. It actually made me smile thinking how he described the applicant for him to remember the name. "He's the only Christian I interviewed".

And I was thinking, wow! you can actually see or feel or hear that the Lord is working in our lives everyday if only we are paying attention. He is an amazing God and I am happy that He allow me to get to know Him more and more.

I love you Jesus.

A Special Night

2009-02-16T07:02:00.000+04:00

I had a very lovely evening when I celebrated Valentine’s Day yesterday with my significant other. We had dinner at J.W. Marriot. The food was great and the whole valentine atmosphere was so amazing but it’s NOT the fancy things that made the night really special. And NO, he didn't propose yet. =) I am just so happy that in the middle of our conversations, he mentioned about being worried with his actions towards some situations. Is he too blunt? or did he deal with things in CHRISTIAN way to ventilate his point of view? For the longest time that we're together, I always want the Lord to be the center of our relationship. Sabi nga nila, "If a guy is not comiitted to the Lord, what makes you think he would be committed to you?" Well, I have never felt the importance of my partner's relationship with the Lord until I realized how significant God is in my life. So if you're going to ask me now, YES, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that my partner have a personal relationship with the Lord like I do. It is GOD alone whom I depend on when it comes to keeping us together. It is GOD alone whom I turn to even in the slightest problem we encounter. It is GOD alone who gives me strength just to make this relationship work especially during those times that I thought I wanted to give up. It is GOD alone that I give all my gratefulness for keeping us happy together. Last night, I was just a listener and I was delighted to hear that he wants to know if he actually dealt with some situations in a CHRISTIAN manner? I believe that he is GOD's work in progress and gradually he will realized how significant the Lord is in his life. Twas such a special night and I thank the Lord for being part of it.

2008-10-05T00:44:00.000+04:00

My boyfriend and his friend, Richard wanted to meet at the Aviation Club for a tennis match. I decided to go because I was thinking of taking nice photos of them. (I am enjoying my camera too much haha). Little did I know that I'd fell in love with tennis the moment I did my first attempt of hitting the ball at nakalimutan ko na mag-take ng photos nila. hahaha.

Basta, I enjoyed it too much that I ended up borrowing Richard's racket and planned to keep it until Saturday for another game. He's a good guy, he said alright! Feeling ko naman marunong talaga ako haha! Well that's the whole point. I want to learn it! Sabi ng aking "coach" who used to be an Internationl Wimbledon Tennis Player, I have a good ball sense (galing sa motivation? haha) We'll see. I think I need to save up for my own racket and a nice tennis skirt!

A day with Lucy

2008-07-03T14:12:00.000+04:00

Who is Lucy?

I keep hearing her name eversince I started working at Sky 24. I was thinking she's the youngest daughter of my boss and imagining her like a cute little girl with beautiful eyes, a mixture of Irish and Arab.

I found out later that my boss doesnt have any child and Lucy is her pekinese dog. sheesh! Today I saw her face to face. I had to wake up so early just because Lucy has an appointment with the vet to have her hair cut (???) or whatever you call it haha. Me and the driver was just doing extra errand for boss while she was in Ireland. That was to send Lucy to the vet!

I am not really a dog lover but Lucy's just adorable!. She didnt even give me a hard time or bother me for one second in the car!. She was just sitting there and was always ready to pose for my cam.

Sharing you her before and after photo.

Passionately Pink

2008-06-28T10:45:00.000+04:00

I found out from the newspaper yesterday that there's going to be a breast cancer awareness party to be held in July. I have been a supporter of the breast cancer awareness program eversince we've conducted one free seminar sometime last year in my previous job. So, I was telling my roomate last night to check out our schedule so we can go to the party called PASSIONATELY PINK!

The Passionately Pink Party’ will take place on Saturday the 5th of July at Dubai’s newest night spot ‘alpha’, in what is set to be the event of the summer. The party is being held to raise awareness of cancer amongst the UAE’s social generation, the 21-35 year olds who make the Dubai social scene tick. On the night, ‘alpha’ will be turned into a huge pink wash created by the high tech LED lighting system, with high definition visuals around the venue defining cancer awareness and showing images and video of those involved with and support the global awareness campaign for cancer. Dubai’s hottest local DJ’s will be in charge of the ‘Passionately Pink’ beats and bass lines with the likes of Pillow Talk, Gregstar, Gareth Jones (ITP), Brian Scudder (Switch) Richard Round, Charl Chaka and Matthew Charles!

The ‘Passionately Pink Party’ will also be offering out ‘gifts in kind’, where all proceeds will be donated to the Red Crescent Organization in Dubai. The lucky winners will have a chance of either a 2 night stay in the Raffles Deluxe Suite (including breakfast!), a shiny new Samsung mobile phone, extensive and expensive beauty treatments and many more wonderful prizes.

Finally, an event for Dubai’s socialites, specifically procured to RAISE THE AWARENESS OF CANCER in the UAE!

Mercato Mall

2008-06-28T09:30:00.000+04:00

I went to Jumeirah few days ago and had my boyfriend's watch fixed and bought him his wine opener as a gift in one of the nicest malls in Dubai, the Mercato Mall. I just love the structure! I am like in the other part of the world. The only thing is, its too expensive here! everything is just costly. But no surprise, its Jumeirah anyways. Jumeirah's like the home of rich people in Dubai. =). I've got a few snaps from my mobile.

Pampering Myself

2008-06-17T12:19:00.000+04:00

It feels good to be back! Yes, I am back in Sharjah now after my 3 days stay in Oman. I have got the privileged to spend my days off at the very luxurious, Aviation Club courtesy of a good friend of mine. But this time is like a perfect timing to pamper myself and freshen up after my Oman trip. Of all the clubs I have been to, The Aviation has become my favorite so far because of the very warm welcome at the reception, the very nice pool, complete equipped gym, good food at the sports bar and the free internet service.

Across the Border

2008-06-12T11:26:00.000+04:00

I am here at the border of Dubai and Oman for another visa change. If you are an OFW working in the Middle East, going to Kish Iran, Oman or Qatar, to do visa change is definitely not new to you. If you are not lucky to get a good employer, you will have to travel every two months to renew your toursit visa which is a total hassle! I am telling you! I opted to go to Oman by land which is about 45 minutes drive away from where I live. Not bad. In fact, it is actually a lot better than going to Kish and boarding on a very small and crappy plane. Sorry, but I just had a very bad experience indeed.

This is the Oman Immigration office. A 20 minutes ride from the hotel. We had our passport stamped by one of the immigration officer to be able to exit Oman border and go back to Dubai again.

This is the Al Salam Hotel lobby in Oman. Customer Service is really bad or I don't think they have customer service at all. I had an argument with one of the Front Desk people. The General Manager ended up hiring me. Haha!

Photo with a new friend, Gilda at Al Salam Hotel.

And of course, group of Filipino's walking along Buhaimi Road. Enjoying each other's company while waiting for the visa.

Sandstorm in Dubai

2008-06-12T11:04:00.000+04:00

I remember everytime there's a sandstorm in Dubai (like today) I would always ask myself "is it winter?" and my alter-ego would say, "that's sandstorm!" are you crazy?" haha. Sandstorm here in Dubai is just unbelievable! You can hardly see the roads and the surroundings are too gloomy even at noontime, just like the photos I have below.

but sometimes it can get worst than that!

The two pictures above shows the kind of sandstorm that hits Dubai. Take note na ang mga buildings sa photos at more than 50 floors high.

W.W.J.D.

2008-02-03T10:14:00.000+04:00

I wore my first WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelet in Korea way back 1996. I remember, every time my niece, Chloe would arrived from school, she would always show me the bracelet her teacher gave her for getting high grades in school or just being a good girl (she's attending International Christian School then) and I would pick all the colors I want.
I wore the bracelet with NO meaning at all. I just want to wear one, period! Maybe I was just thinking of how cool the bracelets were and how lovely it was with different colors especially when I saw a lot of teenagers in Korea wear the same bracelet.

But come to think of it, "What would Jesus do" is actually entails a big responsibility.
How can we brag about knowing Jesus when our actions are not pleasing to Him? How can we tell the whole world that we love Jesus when all that matters to us to is to fulfill our material needs and ambitions?

We should never ever miss out on simple things and always ask ourselves What Would Jesus Do? in situations in our lives. It maybe a very simple phrase but it means so much to the Lord if we do all things according to Him.
"I just wanna be able to confidently wear a wwjd bracelet", you know what I mean.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." COLOSSIANS 3:17

Mood : so blessed

2008-01-30T14:33:00.000+04:00

I was preparing to go out for coffee date with a friend (ahem!) last night when my GM called me and told me to listen to radio (103.8 Dubai Eye). Apparently, Dj James Piecowye was onboard for the Nightline show and was talking to a guest name Suman Manning. I found out from the net (since I tuned in late) that..
Suman Manning and her 5 best friends have put together something amazing!A valentine charity dinner! What is amazing is that they have done this because it needs to be done, in their spare time! The Fred Hallows Foundation and the Little Wings Foundations will receive all proceeds.395 dirhams gets you food, drink, prizes,dancing all at the Four Seasons Golf Club and you are helping line the pockets of a charity not a hotel!
Basically, my boss just wants to be part of the Valentine Charity by donating a His and Her's Full Body Relaxation Massage for 2! So, I sent out the message and even went on air and talked to James and Suman live on air! (part pa raw ito ng pagiging Programs and Events Coordinator ko) while 2 of my bosses are listening..(pressure ito!) haha! - will post an update para sa event.
I told my boss that prolly my "date" would not go out with me again coz I was wearing my headset instead of talking to him. And he replied "You're probably too good for him anyway. He is lucky to be out with a radio star" hahaha kulit ng boss ko.
It's all good. I had fun coz it reminds me of my short (but memorable) stint sa 100.7 MIX FM doing Blaster Mix with Dj Ice. =). Na-miss ko nman ang radio.

Crazy Clojojojo

2008-01-29T14:40:00.000+04:00

I was force to re-apply my vacation leave dahil uuwi ng 'Pinas ang makulit kong pamangkin! (may mas kukulit pa ba sa batang ito na nagpapa-picture sa display na crib sa mall?) hehe.

Excited na ako! sana in God's will ay matuloy na ako this time. Miss ko na ang family ko sobra. At shempre gusto ko makita ang batang ito bago man lang sya ikasal (dahil feeling ko malapit na hmmm) haha..Yay, she's engaged! Naunahan pa ako..

Haymishuuuu Clojojojo!

MY ARMENIAN BESTFRIEND

2007-10-02T19:49:00.002+04:00

After two looong months ay babalik na rin sa Dubai ang bestfriend ko a.k.a. mommy dxb. Grabe, na miss-ko naman sya sobra. Siguro kasi nasanay ako na every single day magkasama kami at na miss ko ang walang katapusan diskusyon namin sa bahay. Well, first off, there are a lot of things to talk about dahil nga magkaiba kami ng pinagmulan. Filipina ako at Armenian sya. Pero feeling ko mas marami sya natutunan sa kin when it comes to Filipino food and stuff. I really never imagine na magki-click kami pero yun nga when I moved to her place…puro FUN & CRAZY memories lang talaga…until she got married at kailangan na nya lumipat ng house.

Anyways, share ko lang mga nakakatuwa at interesting experience living with my Armenian bestfriend in Dubai J

v Tinuruan ko sya mag-saing sa rice cooker pero later on…mas magaling na sya sa akin kasi mas marunong na sya mag-saing sa kaldero at ako hanggang rice cooker pa lang din haha!
v Shempre pa favorite nya ang aking chicken adobo at beef nilaga.
v Adik na sya sa Mama Sita sweet and sour sauce…at nagpi-freak out sya dahil wala syang mahanap na mama sita sa Ukraine hahahaha..
v Mahilig na rin syang mag fried/garlic rice at lagi pinagmamalaki sa mga kapatid nya at mom nya na marunong sya magluto nun. Nye!
v Fave Filipino breakfast namin ang garlic rice, pritong talong, sunny side up eggs…at again Mama sita para sa kanya!
v Mahilig nya i-partner ang Mama sita sweet and sour sauce sa lahat ng kinakain nya…mapa-lebanese bread, Doritos chips, rice, salad, or whatever!

Mga bagay na sobrang na-appreciate ko sa kanya…

v Di ko ka kailangan magsalita kapag may prob ako lagi nya nase-sense yon at di nya ako iniiwan sa ere…lalo na kapag prob sa ex ko haha..
v Kahit na sobrang hindi sya boto sa ex ko hinahayaan nya ako mag decide pero laging may mga pangaral.
v Pinagpa-plantsa nga ako ng uniform dahil talent nya yun!
v Kahit na hirap sya sa English sinasagot nya mga letters ko sa kanya. =)
v Tinahi nya sa kamay mga uniform ko dahil maluwag sa kin!
v Palagi nya pini-fix schedule nya before according to my sched para sabay kami lagi pumasok at umuwi
v Kapag off nya at early morning naman shift ko..at 5:30am pinagda-drive nya ako to work at sinusundo ako kapag uwian na.
v Sobrang love nya ang sister ko =)
v Maraming bagay ako natutunan sa kanya about life, love, relationship and GOD.
v Nakatira kami sa isang 3-bedroom flat. Pero she preferred to share her room with me…para mas okay ang bonding!. At ang room ko bakante lang.lol
v Marami din kami bagay na salungat…pero we always end up as friends pa rin.
v Nung pumunta ako ng Iran, dahil sobrang ayaw ko mag byahe…sya nag-empake ng stuff ko. Hinatid pa nya ako sa airport.
v Nung naaksidente ako sa Iran, pagbalik ko sa Dubai inalagaan nya ako at natuto sya sa pag-gamit ng efficacent oil para i-massage ang paa ko dahil hindi pa rin ako makalakad.

Fun and Crazy things…

v Wala kami Cable sa house. So ang bonding namin ay movies!!!..Tagalog, English and Indian movies. =)
v Ang first Filipino movie na napanood nya ay “Kung ako na lang sana” ni Sharon at Aga Mulach..na sobrang nagustuhan nya =)
v Galit na galit sya sa kin nung pinanood namin ang Close to you ni Bea at John Lloyd kasi natatamad ako mag translate! Hahaha…
v Palagi kami kumakain sa labas…pero later on naisip naming magtipid kaya pareho kami natuto magluto.
v Dahil 3 lang kami sa house, paborito nya ako pa-SCREEEAAAAMIN…lalo na kapag wala ang housemate namin at walang tutulong sa kin…gusto nya pa naka video!
v Ang panget ng mga Filipino words na unan nya natutunan ...(hindi ako nagturo)
v Mahilig sya makipagkwentuhan sa mga “pinay” sa grocery store na palagi syang niyaya pumunta sa pinas para mag-artista…hahahaha…
v Ayaw nya magpa-istorbo kapag naglalaro sya ng snake sa mobile nya.
v Mas matanda ako sa kanya pero tawag ko sa kanya ay mommy at anak ang tawag nya sa akin hahaha. Mukha kaming tanga!
v Madami syang mga crazy/ funny videos ng friends sa mobile na puro sya ang kumuha.
v Alam ko ang password ng mobile nya pero bawal malaman ng hubby nya!
v Lahat ng pics ko sa mobile nya ay nka save dahil pinakita nya sa family sa Ukraine…esp sa kapatid nyang si Arthur para gawin daw ako gf! Haha..Eh 12 yrs old lang si arthur.
v The best way to wake her up ay ipagtimpla sya ng kape at yung kape ilalagay lang malapit sa kanya para maamoy nya ung scent ng cofi haha..magigising na sya nun.

Ilan pa lang yan sa mga kwento ng fwendship namin. =) Can't wait sa kanyang pagbabalik heehee...

MORBID THOUGHT!

2007-09-29T19:42:00.000+04:00

sobrang pagod ako kagabi! ikaw ba naman magwork 6am til 11:00pm with a measly 1 hour and 15 mins nappy time!...so obviously ngarag na ako pagdating ko sa bahay. As usual wala pa rin ako kasama dahil ang roomie ko ay nasa 'pinas pa pra sa kanyang grand vacation hehe...ayoko matulog..or should I say sobrang antok na ako pero natatakot ako matulog...ewan ko ba sobrang kapaguran eh feeling ko pag natulog ako hindi na ako magigising...weird weird ng feeling...I had to double check kung naalis ko ba yung room key sa doorknob? I was thinking kung hindi na nga ako magising at andun yung key shempre hindi nila mabubuksan yung door using duplicate key..at kailangan pa nila sirain ang pinto... sayang naman! hahaha...I SWEAR! MY PARANOIA'S EATING ME ALIVE last night...hindi nga ako nag-music na usual kong gnagawa to put me to sleep...takot talaga ako matulog kagabi weeeiiirrdddd!!!!...Ayoko ng mag-isa!

SWEET SURPRISE

2007-07-17T19:38:00.000+04:00

One of the nicest members ng club showed up the other night after being away for too long. She told me that she wants to cancel her membership and all..but I know she was just fooling around. I was assisting some clients so she decided to check out the Jewelry display we have at the female lounge. Few minutes later, she told me na gusto nya daw bigyan ng going away present ang friend nya so she asked me to choose from the display. Since, i recently love hoop earrings, yon ang pinili ko haha..but before that shempre I asked her muna kung yung friend nya ba mahilig sa earrings, bracelet or watever ..pero sabi nya "if you like these hoop earrings then kalas, I'll buy it" ...she wanted to put the earrings in a nice box so I sold one purple gift box for her haha..And so she made the payments...after few seconds she gave the box to me saying "this is for you my friend" haha...Crazy girl but so sweet.

IT FEELS MAGIC

2007-06-02T19:32:00.000+04:00

How can I forget that I can actually listen to Magic89.9 online? (Im listening to Mighty Mike right now. REQUEST SATURDAY!! coolness!). Haaay grabeh sarap mag reminisce..at ilan lang ito sa mga bagay na nami-miss ko at naaalala ko ngayon..

ang pag tambay sa booth kapag on board si Tina Ryan (a.k.a. cuz. mama tins, inay)
ang Girls Locker Room topics ni Tina, Miles & Crystal every sat night
ang premiere night bonding namin ni Donna (a.k.a. mommy doinks), Rachel and Les kapag may RBO. (Radio Box Office)..habang si mama tins ay naka board (too bad) for Night Time Drive Time.
ang starbucks session after ng premiere night sa strata
Magic street parties (malate baby!!!), anniv parties,
the coolest friends i have from magic (masyadong madami kaya hindi ko na isa-isahin..magic peepz you know who you are! =)
Free gas free wash!
Tunog Kalye every Sunday...
ang acoustic gig ni cuz sa Bistro 110...habang ang camera man ng MTV Its my Life ay nkasunod sa kanya san man magpunta hehe
meeting some of my fave bands and local singers
ang official magic club parties sa limits, 8th day, mars
mga free concert pass mula kay kuya Gary da Pogi
the "magic" sticker ..para sa 1 to sawang san mig at pulutan sa game room bar with Rache, Doinks, Kuya Garry and Dj Benny.
ang mga huling kita kits sa Cafe Havana Eastwood.
ang mga pasalubong na t-back ni Tina from the states (bwahahaha)
Food trip sa Goodah!
ang kwento ng mga (haha) love life ni mama tins hehe
ang 24 hours na chat sa magic chatroom hahaha...
ang 13th year anniv party ng Magic sa Ayala
ang Millennium party ng Magic *wink*
ang love notes ni Joe d' Mango every friday
Magic Shows : 3's Company, Breakfast Club, Night Time Drive Time, Early Returns, Tunog Kalye, POW (Party on Weekend) Sunday Slowdown...
ang Mga Magic Djs, Tina Ryan, Crystal, Miles, Big Daddy Jake, Lil Joey, James Bang, Joe d' Mango, Flush masters Benny & Logan..
ang year end countdown
my list will go on...at kukulangin na ang araw ko...haaay tama na ang pagre-reminisce kailangan ko na mag -work! haha mag edit na lang ako kpag may naalala pa ako...lol

OVERWORK!

2007-06-01T19:29:00.000+04:00

Kamusta naman? June 1 na andito pa ako sa club para tapusin ang month end report..haaay...It's supposed to be my off today...I just spent 6AM til 11PM yesterday sa work ..gusto na nga ako dalhin ng mga workmate ko sa mental institution dahil na ku-krung krung na ako sa dami ng work! haha. Plus pressure pa ako sa Summer Camp promo dahil exactly 23 days na lang at mag start na kami. I need atleast 24 kids (for each week) to register to complete my final list...nakikinita-kinita ko na ngarag ako for 7 weeks! gudlak! huhuhu...Kailangan matapos ko na ang yearly calendar of events namin pra makauwi ako ng Pinas by December!...eerr...I need to take a break to keep me sane sheesh!!!

FIGHT HUNGER WALK

2007-05-12T19:24:00.000+04:00

I'm so excited because our Club is supporting the “FIGHT HUNGER’ walk on May 13th with help the of Emirates & Dnata Airlines.The walk is described as the biggest in the world with other walks happening spontaneously all over the world. I'll be going to the event with my GM and fitness supervisors. I'm so looking forward to it. I know its going to be freaking hot (even if the walk starts 5pm) ...but I don't mind walking for an hour because its for a good cause. We'll see...Kwento ako after ng event. ciao!

Continuation...

Such a disappoint sa bagong Supervisor!...I got a call from work at sinabi na lang nila sa akin na cancel yung event namin. Impossible ma-cancel yung event coz twas such a big thing (nag-research kasi ako sa net the day before). Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ako na-inform early ng manager ko regarding this event..at ang Italian supervisor na ang pinahandle nila dito. The club manager went to India for visa change so wala talaga ako idea..until the last minute. In short, dahil mejo hirap mag-ingles ang Italian female fitness supervisor namin tinanggal na kami sa sponsorship dahil hindi yata sila nagka-intidihan ng organizer. Badtrip!...gandang opportunity sana yon for marketing our club and summer camp...shuhada!...napailing na lang ang GM ko. tsk tsk. bad.

KOPIKO

2007-05-06T19:19:00.000+04:00

Sobrang busy ng araw na ito, which is actually good kasi hindi ko naiisip ang mga problemang hindi naman dapat isipin haha!. I received a wake-up call from the Front Desk Supervisor. Pinapasok ako ng maaga ng GM ko dahil may meeting daw kami ng 12:30pm regarding programming. In short! naputol ang tulog ko...I just took a quick bath at nag-taxi na papunta sa work. Sobrang ngarag ito!. I went to the meeting with the GM and the Club Manager. Hindi ko na nakuhang mag-breakfast or magkape man lang. Sabi ko na lang "goodluck kung gagana ang utak ko". haha! Nasa middle kami ng meeting sa office ng GM at feeling ko hilong-hilo na ako..information overload + kulang sa tulog...may nakita akong mga Kopiko candy sa table ni GM...hmm??!!!...I really had to interrupt him to say "Can I have one?" . He laughed and said "Oh yeah sure, I will have some too" and he also handed one Kopiko to the Club Manager. So natapos ang meeting na lahat kami alive, alert at enthusiastic dahil sa kopiko nyahaha!!!

TRABAHO TO THE MAX

2007-04-23T19:16:00.000+04:00

Kung kahapon sobrang wala ako sa mood mag-work dahil na rin siguro sa pagod at antok, ngayon sobrang ready na ako tapusin ang tambak kong trabaho haha! I'm done setting up "promotional table" for Summer Camp. Internal memo is ready to be send out for all the staff para i-update sila regarding the promotions and programs ng Club. Coordinated with Parents Magazine pra sa ads ng Summer Camp. Lapika, the person-incharge was so kind enough to extend deadline dahil nagka problema kami sa printing ng 4000 copies of inserts for the mag, it will takes us 3 days before it gets done (whew!) Salamat talaga or else me and the Marketing Manager will gets our butt kick by the GM kung hindi namin ma-meet ang deadline. Contacted IT Dept and bugged Rashmi to update membership rates on the website since we've been getting lot of calls. Nakakahiya na sabihin na "hindi po updated website namin" Emailed Rashmi Number 2 to help me with the Thumbay Logo and convert it to an illustrator file ver 8 or 9 (which i dont really have an idea kung ano yon? haha) so I can send it to one company whose helping us out marketing the Club as well..

Nagkaron na rin ako ng time i-promote ang Table Tennis at Snooker Club evening sa mga members namin. Kailangan nalang ayusin ang sched at siguraduhin nasa afternoon shift ako every Mondays and Wednesdays so I can personally take care of the event.

We have a meeting at 2:00pm today, tapos na rin ang Agenda at minutes ng meeting from last week (mahirap maging secretary at the same time! habang nagugulo na ang utak mo sa pag promote ng Club)...Buti na lang enjoy pa ako! I'm so looking forward to Summer Camp! sana mAdami kids mag join weeeh!

STARBUCKS TAYO?

2007-03-07T20:03:00.000+04:00

Got an sms from a friend saying “Miss you mace, Starbucks tayo?” Hindi nya alam na nasa Dubai ako coz I haven’t seen her for the longest time. Nag-text lang sya sa smart roaming. Na-excite naman ako kaya lang I know its not gonna happen dahil shempre wala nga ako sa ‘Pinas. Ang “Starbucks tayo?!” ang favorite line kapag mejo matagal kami hindi nagkita ng friend ko at meron kami kwento sa isa’t isa.

Naalala ko tuloy ang Starbucks escapades sa ‘Pinas with friends.

Starbucks Timezone (Glorieta) : ang favorite meeting place kapag may gimik kami. Fave spot ang couch sa left corner haha! I wonder why?

Starbucks 6750 Ayala : kapag late na – meaning sarado na ang Glorieta at hindi pa kami makapag decide kung saan pupunta. Heh.

Starbucks Strata (Ortigas) : memories ko with mommy Doinks and Rache after manood ng movie premiere at ayaw pa umuwi.

Starbucks Megastrip Megamall : memories with friends from qc,,dito ang “meet me halfway” place namin haha…

Starbucks Enterprise : home of convergys peepz? Haha..I hardly go here though..dami kasi nagyo-yosi..lol.

Starbucks ELJ abscbn : obviously, d2 kami kapag friends ko from abscbn ang kasama ko kasi walang choice dahil ang program nila ay midnite.