Thank You

...for all the things (whether it's good or bad) that happened in 2013. Family members are all well. Although our parents have medical conditions, I can still say that 2013 was good good to us as nothing serious happened, no medical emergencies. Health-wise to me, 2013 I think I was more fit and healthy (a lot of people said I lost weight hehe). Faith has been steady. Every step I take I have always felt the Lord guiding me. The best thing that ever happened to me is the change in role and change in leadership.  The journey was tough the past 2 years. It really taught me so many things and this year, finally I'm back on track, 

Thank you for friends, for family and for mentors. I look forward to 2014.

Excited to be Home

Oh yeah, it's that time of the year when it's a MUST for us to be home with our families. If you think about it, there is actually a lot of good places to go to to celebrate this season without work interruption. My husband is officially on leave while my company is on shutdown (no operations, no work).  But as I repeatedly say, our parents are already old and my nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. I don't want to look back to this day in the future and say "I should have spent more time with them".

Enough of the drama!  

So, I"m making a list of my to-do's prior to going home.  Here are my priority activities and need to make sure I have evrything with me:

1. Do bank transactions. You know how crude our banking system -- everything has to be printed & filed in your branch of account, even as simple as updating your address. 

2. Visit an OB and a specialist -- hopefully 2014 will be "the" year

3. Go to a dermatologist -- the last time I had my facial here, it left me a big scar in the middle of my forehead. So NEVER EVER will I try it again here

4. Meet up with special friends --  I said special because during this time of the year, parties, get togethers are left and right. So let's see who will allocate time for me :-) Ergo,I need to buy gifts for these special people. 

7 days to go....tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock....

Flexible Work Arrangement

Who would have thought that my blog entries "Benefits of WFH" and "Cons of Working from Home" will eventually lead to an invitation as a guest speaker in CAMFEBA's 3rd HR Symposium. Can anyone guess which topic below was assigned to me? :-)

Anyway, here are some pictures taken during that event.

When I was invited to share my experience FWA, it seems that the issue of flexibility is becoming everybody's interest and needs which is actually good. Although based on my observation, basing it from the questions I got from the audience, most companies here may not be ready for it yet. But one has to start somewhere, right? So, it's good that they asked, it's good that others shared their experience, 

My interest in FWA is simple, "Being able to worm flexibly makes me happy, makes me enjoy the work that I do and therefore it helps make a difference. 

Postcard

I was already working when we  had our first landline installed. Not because we can't afford it but simply because the technology in communication was not yet advanced that time (cellphone was not even a known word) and sad to say, private companies and the government were not investing on it as well. So only a few houses in our street will have one. If you need to make a call, go to your nearest pay phone booth. Oh yeah, I remember back in college when I had to drop several 25cent coins just to make sure I don't get cut as I was asking a classmate of a lesson I missed. She was even laughing because she can hear tricycles in the background. 

When it's summer time, the only way I get connected with friends is by writing letters. I have 3-4 classmates I write to regularly. We exchange letters almost every two weeks (because ordinary mail takes around 7 days). And take note, these are handwritten letters that are 3-7 pages (back to back yellow pad). 

Fast forward the time.....just last week, I received a postcard and saw it in our doorstep. From afar, I can see the postcard and I initially thought the apartment was giving away free postcards. But I noticed the airmail stamp and suddenly I felt excited that someone actually sent me a real postcard. The feeling reminded me so much of what I shared earlier --- writing long letters, going to the post office to drop it off then waiting for the mailman to arrive after a week or so. In this day and age, I am not sure if there are still people sending handwritten letters/postcards. 

For someone who used to write, send and receive handwritten letters/postcard, this postcard is very very much appreciated. appreciated.  

Another topic about Rain

I grew up in the city and strong rains never really bothered me at all.

I remember my father, sister and I would usually walk, literally walk, amidst the flood in my neighboring hometown. Little did I know that that activity will soon come in handy. Yes, when I learned how to drive and it's traffic in the main road, I usually take the inner streets. Back then flood water wasn't that "dirty." I mean I can still see the road and I remember kids playing outside, under the rain.

When I started working, I still enjoy it when it's raining. In fact that is the time I would usually invite friends for a lunch out or go to a nearby mall (which was Greenbelt). I just love walking in the rain -- no sweat, no sunburns! Just the cool air touching my skin. 

But now....na-ah! Just the sight of flood water makes me think of all the possible diseases I can acquire. Going outside the building scares me of the worse traffic scenarios. Lastly, the accidents -- falling branches of trees, falling billboards. 

Oh how I miss how life was simple and 'cleaner' then....

Passionate about Passion Spa

I talked about how much I like and am enjoying their services  in this post.  So, let's take a peek on what's inside...




The big facade with their name of course. So you won't miss it. 

For swedish and aromatherepy massages, you will be asked to choose your preferred oil scent

For facial services, the products they use depend on your skin type,  (imported & known brands)

 

Towels everywhere and I can see where they are stacked. so, I am assured that they are clean and if I request for one, they have a supply 

 

They have so many rooms, depending on the service. This one is for the traditional Thai massage. 

 

And after a relaxing massage (body or facial), here's fresh salabat for you

Baguio (Late Post)

The last time I was here was year 2004 with my friends in MBA school. The last time I was with my family was way back college graduation. Now, it's more fun as we have kiddos, my pamangkins, with  us.

<backtrack>

When I went home last April, my sister told me their family is going to Baguio early May and since the vacation house can accommodate more people she floated the idea of us (me & my parents) joining them. It was a no for me as my return flight is scheduled that same weekend and SG airlines flight for the following week was already full. But persistence is the key. I don't know how my sister did it but an hour after, she told me that she was able to rebook my flight. I even thought it was a joke because I've been calling for days but it only took her like 5 min. My doubts were confirmed when I received a confirmation email of my new sched.

So, the next question -- how to get there.   Do we bring our own car,  ride with my sister or just take the public transpo?  Both my parents are discouraged by their doctors to take long road trips (in the Philippines). Driving on our roads is like driving on the moon. For someone who has heart problems, that is not advisable. My parents and I decided to take the bus....yes, Victory Liner at its best. They have a "1st class bus" that has wifi, tablet (which you can borrow in case you don't have one) and reclining seats!!!!

Yeah, that's me enjoying their 1st class service. We got the 1st row seats so there was really a lot of leg room. Not to mention, they offer snacks (junkie, cupcake & bottled water)

It only took us 4 hours as it was an express ride. No need to stop-over as they also have toilet inside the bus. I think we it was a good decision as it was totally hassle-free. You just sleep and when you wake up, you're already in Baguio!

We went to the usual places and my my my....it really has changed a lot. Like in Mines View Park, I was surprised with so many market stalls. I can still remember it was only along the road where people would sell their stuff.

Anyway, my new escapades in this trip include the following:

Strawberry shortcake from Vizco's which is really worth a try. Calamansi cake from a Mongolian (buffet) restaurant.

They say Baguio is not complete without stopping by Choco-Latte de Batirol.

 It is a hot, thick bittersweet blend with a distinctive texture

I don't have pictures inside SM Baguio but that's another new to me. Well, I really hope we can go back there again this time with my hubby. Let's see...what about spending Xmas there.....

Rainy Days are here again

I am just thankful that we moved to a different apartment. In the old one, everytime it rains continuously for 2 hours, expect knee-deep floodwater outside which extends up to 50 meters. I am so scared everytime I need to go out or when I am out. Just the thought of the car not suddenly moving and that I have to go down to push it really scares me lol.

Anyway, I am thinking of having this set-up near our front door. I think it will be helpful to prevent mud sticking on the floor. But it also made me ask ... so who is going to clean the container or the stones after? Like can I just leave it unwashed? because what is the difference if I place a mat instead? but that's just it...mats look very ordinary and with these, it adds some design/character to the house. Oh well, let me think more on this...hmmmmm....

Updates

My sis told me to update my blog so here it goes...

I was not able to update my blog, and I just can't find the time to do it, when we went to the PHL Compared to Phnom Penh, Manila is not yet wired. There are still few establishments that offer free wifi. Even in Starbucks, you need to buy a prepaid card to be able to connect. That said, I seldom bring with me gadgets when i step out of the house. When I am home, I am multi tasking with work and time with family. 

A week before my departure, unfortunately the hard drive of my laptop crashed! I wasn't prepared for it so the last back up was some time in April of 2012. One year of files were gone, just like that. I was in a week of denial, hoping that our IT folks can still recover my files. Two weeks before my deadline for a BIG project under my NEW boss awakened me from that denial. Two months worth of research I have to do it in two weeks but this time it should include my analysis and recommendations. I was literally in a Do Not Disturb mode. To make it short, I was successful in my deliverable. If the content makes sense, let's see next week when the legal team gives their feedback. 

It was just really last week when I felt I was back to normal. My boss was on leave the entire week so it allowed me to catch up with work -- respond to backlog emails and recover lost files. Oh, and I also got sick the past two weeks. Although it was just dry cough but still, it made me feel weak. Add that to the work pressure. But what is life without these adventures. Sometimes we need it to add spice to our lives! 

Passion Spa

I am a sucker for massages. During my singlehood days, I would normally go 2x a week for a massage. I feel so relieved after as if I gained new energy. Even when I travel I make it a point to have one. After a day of walking and walking and walking....ooohhhh, what a relief to have your whole body being pampered.

Here in Cambodia, spa/massage places are everywhere. Prices range for as low as $2 to as high as $100. It all depends on which place you go to and the kind of service you want. But on the average, it will cost you $25 for a full body massage if you go to a "modern/western"-looking spa. It is very unfortunate though that my experience are NOT good. Sometimes I even feel tired as soon as I step out. I prefer hard massage and I guess their interpretation of "hard" is "bugbugin ang katawan."  It totally defeats the purpose of why I'd go there. I've tried a few of those recommended by friends but still no good. Then I read in Phnom Penh post (a newsletter type) a physical therapist talking about most of his clients complaining about the massage here. He even shared that it's because most of the masseuse are not really trained the proper way. Owners ask if they have 'experience' and they're hired.

From then on, I stopped exploring. Anyway, I go to Manila almost every now and then so I's rather wait than spend money on useless things.  Until one night, I met the owner of Passion Spa and Salon and gave me a discount coupon.  I always pass by the place as I live in the area but I've never tried as it looked expensive hahaha. One long weekend we tried going and lo and behold. The service reminded me of my experience at The Spa (in Manila) except the big hot jazzucci pool. But the way they knead your body....exactly the way I want it. The facilities are very modern/western. It's very clean as they use white carpet so one would easily notice dirt. I even liked their salabat and pandan water :-)

I am very happy with this discovery. Just a few meters away from the house, price is reasonable, salon services are cheaper than where I usually go to. 

Great Memories

...I have from our last vacation in the Philippines. It was a good timing that it's a long weekend here in Cambodia so even if my husband's stay was short, I am glad he really had time to spend with his parents. Not like me, who was still doing work from home on weekdays EXCEPT during my birthday.

Our first stop was at Davao City, hometown of hubby. It was a simple dinner celebration with my parents-in law and family of one of my brothers-in law. We ate at Cafe Ronaldo's which surprisingly has good food.  Especially their roasted chicken which is what I ordered. I heard it's owned by a famous chef but I guess not that famous as I forgot the name hahaha...

Next stop was in Manila this time with my parents and my sis' family. It was a 2-day event I suppose. We checked in at F1 hotel at Bonifacio Global City. I personally chose that hotel as I wanted it near the shopping area :-) It was seither that or Seda Hotel. I read that Seda has an ongoing construction inside so I don't want to be bothered in the middle of my sleep. That night, we ate at Cue Modern Barbecue. The food was sooooo good but at the same time life threatening. Talk of baby back ribs, lamb belly, beef belly, bone-in babrbecue chicken and more...I think if I count the calories I ate, that will be like 10,000 calories!!! I was actually worried of my parents and asked them if they brought their meds.  The following day we had lunch at PF Chang still, to celebrate my birthday.

Ohhh so good memories.... I just got back almost 2 weeks ago. I have really been very busy with work and not because of the work load but something happened. That deserves a separate entry. For now, I'll just reminisce everything that happened during my vacay.

Shopping in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh may not be your city of tourist spots but compred to Vietnam and Bangkok, I am proud to say that shopping is way better. Like example with North Face bags, people buy them at Vietnam but really the original but cheaper ones are in Cambodia. A price of a Class A there, you can get an original one here. Same story in Bangkok. I ask friends the cost of a Class A branded shirt and yes, it's the same story.

I guess it's because more tourists visit those countries I mentioned so naturally word of mouth is what makes it more popular. And I have no problems with that. In fact, I like it that way. When people around the world start to flock this city, then these items will not be cheap anymore....

Just to show you a sample how our visitors go gaga once we bring them to these stores....

April is My month

Yes, April is my month be uase I get to celebrate my birthday...yehey!!!! A year older, a year wiser as they say. Since I will be celebrating it in the Philippines, I'm being asked to make my wish list. I only have two things in mind and I am specific to the brand/s because they are tried and tested. Yes, I subject my clothes/things to various tests and I really observe them hahahaha...

I already have one but I need a THICKER mat this time...and yes, it has to come with either a strap or a bag. I only need one so if you plan to give me, please let me know in advance hehe...

I only have 1 pair of socks remaining. Imagine that?!?!? Well I have a few which if I use doing speed running, My foot ends up half-naked

Yes, I need these as well. I discovered lately that I don't have white and colorful tank tops. I only have 3 and they are all black.

Happy Easter!!!

I just want to say Peace be with You all and may the season remind us of God's love to mankind.

It's something to celebrate so off we go to hear mass officiated by Bishop Olivier. It is my 1st time to see him. I thought he is old but for a bishop, he looks young. After which we headed to Sofitel to try their Sunday 'Brunch' buffet and Easter Egg Hunt. The selections are way better than their dinner buffet. And their dessert section...ahhhh...to die for! It was complete as they have japanese, italian, chinese and other western food. 

My friend Nicky wanted to bring home the mushroom decors while I want to take home the giant easter egg chocolates. My husband told me it's only for decoration until I saw two tables taking home those gigantic chocolates...hmph! 

Burger King!!!

Finally, another American fastfood in town! Although I still prefer Mike's Burger (local burger) but still, a good very good option to have. I luuuv Burger King especially their Whopper which is what I ate :-)

Burger King is located in airport, immediately outside the arrival area. It's in front of Cafe Fresco. I just arrived here last January but in 3 months time there are like 2-3 new restos I think in the airport. Going back to Burger King, inside there are high stool bars or chairs...in case you are a single traveler  and wants to mingle with others. 

There are also comfy seats inside and outside

Good thing this is located not within walking distance or else.... say goodbye to diet! 

Cons of Work From Home (WFH)

The last time I posted the pros of a WFH arrangement. So this time let me share what I think are the disadvantages. I can only think of 3 things:

1) Social Network - in the professional environment will be limited. You won't be able to attend company parties, events. You're not part of the day-to-day pantry chit-chats (hopefully you are not the topic). And usually during big events, that's the time you can get to talk to other co-workers maybe on a more personal level thus building relationships.

2) Visibility - to top management is a challenge. So when they talk of promotions or other career opportunities, top of mind are people that they see everyday. Because they get to literally see the challenges and hard work that an office person goes through. Like being able to present in front of management, staying late at work to meet deadlines, if person is not in his/her desk you can assume that s/he is in a meeting therefore 'busy', harassment look in their faces when piled with a lot of work and when they are able to get through then it creates a very good impression. As opposed to WFH,  what they see is only the output - -finished product. The key here is to have a very good relationship with your manager who can really represent you and talk about how you;ve done all of these things.

3) Airconditioning - hahaha. I live in Cambodia so this time of the year it's really not cool to WFH. Electricity bills will go high for sure.

WFH is not simple as you think. One has to ask the question, what type of work environment would I thrive in?

Yellow Lights

I just  don't like it or any dark lighting! I really can't stay long when I go to bars. I also don't appreciate restos with yellow lights to create ambience. There's only one place where I would appreciate having one --- in spas. For some reason, yellow lights make me fall asleep. Suddenly my energy gets absorbed by these lights and all I want to do is sleep sleep and sleep. That's very difficult for me especially when I am out with friends in restos. Sometime they ask me why I am silent and they find it amazing everytime I say it has something to do with the lights. Sad to say most of the restos here in Phnom Penh (and even street lights) are in yellow. 

So, all the lights in the house I had it changed to white lights except for this one that you see in this blog. Sometimes you need it if all you want to do is rest, listen to calm music and eventually fall asleep....LOL

Law of Supply & Demand

When people hear of Cambodia, they expect things to be 'cheap'. When we were relocating back in 2011, we asked people how much is cost of goods and basic services and everyone said "it's cheap." My biggest mistake was.....I asked the expats, Europeans to be specific! And you know, for them a dollar is like one peso equivalent to PHL currency. If you compare how much things are in their countries, definitely it's way much cheaper here in Cambodia. But if I compare Cambodia to PHL, it is more expensive here. Like riding a tuktuk, the shortest distance can be $1-$2 one way. In the PHL if I have Php80 I can ride a tricycle (which equals the tuktuk) then Metro Rail and be able to pass 2 cities. Ergo, it's a matter of perspective. 

I started wondering why my budget for food/groceries is higher here and my opinion is this -- for basic goods its because most of them are imported (shampoo, soap, lotions, canned goods etc). Following the law of supply and demand, since Phnom Penh is where the expats are and they are willing to pay for these basic goods so it's easy for supermarkets to charge more. At the end of the day, people will buy especially for products that only have limited stocks. Same law applies with the cost for riding a tuktuk. There is no other alternative if you are traveling as a group (3-4 pax). If you want a cab, you have to phone them. Of course if you are in a hurry, you don't have the time to do that and wait for the cab to arrive. 

Now i learned my lesson and next time we relocate, I will have to brush up on my MacroEco....LOL

Happy Valentine's

Valentine's day is an event we celebrate as a family. That is why I really don't associate this day to just "romantic" love but love in general. I remember always haing dinner outside with my parents and sister even if it's traffic. Yes, traffic is horrible and at its worst during this day. Yeah....like 1 hour from Ayala Ave to The Fort area which on a normal day may take you just 15-20 minutes. 

Last year, aside from being away from my family, my husband was also in a business trip. But of course he did not forget to send me flowers. This was unforgettable because the flowers were in a vase that doesn't match its colors and it was raining that day so I almost cannot read what was written in the card. But this year was great! I love the flowers, I love the buffet dinner and just the fact that he is here with me....I am so happy! Here are some pictures of our valentine's date with our friends at Regency Cafe, Intercontinental Hotel.

Fitness

After 3 months of no exercise, I'm back! This pool is 25 meters, I think. So let's see if I can make it to the end or how many laps I can make....ulk, good luck to me!