MY GRAND INDOCHINA TOUR

INDOCHINA: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA

 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - Không Có Chi -Welcome! Cảm ơn chị/ Cảm ơn anh-Thank You(Male/Female)!
Interesting Facts of Viet Nam as per Wikipedia: Vietnam is approximately 331,688 km² (128,065 sq mi) in area (not including Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands), larger than Italy and almost the size of Germany. The combined length of the country's land boundaries is 4,639 km (2,883 mi) and its coastline (excluding islands) is 3,444 km (2,140 mi). The topography consists of hills and densely forested mountains, with level land covering no more than 20%. Mountains account for 40% of the area, with smaller hills accounting for 40% and tropical forests 42%.

Vientianne/Paksi, Laos - Sa-bai-Dee - Thank You!  Boh pen yang - Welcome!
As per Wikipedia the term "Laotian" does not necessarily refer to the Lao language, ethnic Lao people, language or customs, but is a political term that also includes the non-ethnic Lao groups within Laos and identifies them as "Laotian" because of their political citizenship. Laos has the youngest population of any country in Asia with a median age of 19.3 years.Laos' population was estimated at 6.8 million in early 2009, dispersed unevenly across the country. Most people live in valleys of the Mekong River and its tributaries. Vientiane prefecture, the capital and largest city, had about 740,010 residents in 2008. The country's population density was 27/km²

Siem Reap/Phnompenh, Cambodia - Muhn ay te or Unjuhn - Welcome! Aw ko-oon - Thank You! Bong - Mate!
Interesting Facts about Cambodia : The civil war and neglect severely damaged Cambodia's transport system, but with assistance and equipment from other countries Cambodia has been upgrading the main highways to international standards and most are vastly improved from 2006. Most main roads are now paved.
Cambodia has two rail lines, totalling about 612 kilometers (380 mi) of single, one meter gauge track. The lines run from the capital to Sihanoukville on the southern coast, and from Phnom Penh to Sisophon (although trains often run only as far as battambang. Currently only one passenger train per week operates between Phnom Penh and Battambang.

Of Buying a Property

Before, I was so pessimistic enough not to buy a property especially that I am single and no plans of settling yet. Now that my siblings have their own properties, they encourage me to buy one and that's why I bought one for myself.

I dunno what's the good thing of buying a property but somehow I made some realizations now that I am getting older and wiser(char!) that to buy a property is to invest for the future and also the pride of ownership - of owning one's house and this means that I can paint the walls of my house any color I like, turn up the volume on my CD player anytime I want, attach permanent fixtures and decorate my home according to my taste. Home ownership gives me and my family a sense of stability and security.

I do not know what will be my next investment but so far Investing on Travel gives me the sense of fulfillment and happiness hahaha;-)

Photography - I am loving it!!

This is the hobby that I told you my dear followers, Very creative indeed! After researching and canvassing about DSLR camera on whats the best and durable, etc;  I  finally bought a Nikon DSLR camera D3100. In one of the blogs that I read and I quote that "Nikon D3100 is one of the best DSLR for a beginner". And that sums up all my decision of buying one.

Photography really push you to the limit especially your creativity. It somehow helps you how to hone your creative skills because I just know now that even you do not have that creativity yet but when you try and explore eventually it will come out. Its a matter of practice actually. Anyways, here are my sample of my photographs. Enjoy my works!

Working with a Start-Up Company

To my fans and followers, I am so sorry for not updating this blog. Well, because I was busy with my new work, secondly I had this new hobby that I cannot resist holding on and last but not the least, I really forgot that I have something that I owe it to you guys and that is of telling you what's on my mind and what's up on my personal and career life(char:-)!

Well, well anyways here's my first entry which is obviously in the title. I am like 3 months or so now with my new company and so far so good. I am little bit busy sometimes and sometimes not, my new company is new to Abu-Dhabi , its actually a start up company. But then there is a mother company that is based in US which provided the funds, logistics and the people in order for  my new company to compete and survive here in the middle east. For confidentiality, I will not disclose my company's name because the nature of it is something sensitive.

Let's go to my work and the people - for a few months I really pity myself because I have a bit of loads whilst other don't have than just sit and do face book for the whole 8 hours. Its something unfair but then its their work ethics plus it infuriates me because this kind of employee is really incompetent, he even doesn't know how to operate basic excel that's why he keeps bugging  and ask me how to do this and that. Shame on Him but then he is not really learning even to the point that I tell him straight to his face that I am not your teacher to teach you on how to do that, It is highly expected of you the fact that your getting 5 figures and even higher rate than me. But right now, I am okay and happy in a way because I have other colleague now who in away knows about his job and even can help me how to lessen my work through initiatives and techniques. We are team work in a way. GOD is good all the time!

And to end this entry, I can say that working in a start up company has to sides of the story, its either you lost or you contribute/help. If you have that solid experience and know your job very much, probably you can help the company how to structure the path and the process but if your just a nuisance and just got lucky ending up with this job, you will wait for something to happen because you afraid to share and contribute to the company. Also, I believe in Employee Working Attitude - even if you have a little bit of experience but if you are raring to go and do the extra mile stuff, eventually you perfectly do your job.

New Job, New Challenge

To God be the Glory! After working for about 3 years and 5 months with Halcrow, I finally got a new work and a new company. It really feels good and I am very excited to meet my new boss and my new colleagues. I really hope I can eventually blend/connect with them. Adjustment period is really one thing to consider the fact that we are from different backgrounds and nationalities. But based on my previous job Expats from Europe, UK and Canada are easy to deal with and the same thing that I'm expecting with the people that I will be working soon.

Well, It's really a new adventure and a new challenge but the best thing to deal with is to ride it well and if ever there is bumpy roads along the way then I just have to deal it with accordingly. Good Luck to me anyway:-)

Appreciating Lomography

 

I dunno but I guess most of us loves Photography either plain photography or taking photography as a serious art. Anyways. I just found out recently that there is a synonymous term for Photography, they call it Lomography. Lomography as per its website is a magazine, a shop or a community dedicated to analogue photography. Analogue photography means its a manual photography that needs manual camera not that what u think as DSLR and it needs a real black film back when our cameras are battery operated not digitalized. But these models of camera are enhance to suit the taste of modern times etc. Below is a sample of unique, fierce lomograph camera:

 As per history of Lomography and I quoted that "It began with a fateful encounter in the early 1990s, when two students in Vienna, Austria, stumbled upon the Lomo Kompakt Automat – a small, enigmatic Russian camera. Mindlessly taking shots from the hip, and sometimes looking through the viewfinder, they were astounded with the mindblowing photos that it produced – the colours were vibrant, with deep saturation and vignettes that framed the shot – it was nothing like they had seen before! Upon returning home, friends wanted their own Lomo LC-A, igniting a new style of artistic experimental photography that we now know as Lomography!". Thus, millions of people are taking interest now of this hobby and I one of those over gaga of this hobby.

(Note : Photos courtesy of www.lomography.com)

Revisiting Kuala Lumpur

This article is so delayed, I revisit my photo album in FB today and just realized that I need to blog this. Anyway, I actually plan to go Hongkong but due to time constraint, I was not able to go to HK and so I opt to go here in KL. But then, I will really need to go stop over KL as per my itinerary.

I once visited this city twice before and now after two years, things are just the same here. Well, the city is really develop way back then. Good thing of this trip, I was booked in a hotel where I haven't been so for me its interesting the fact that the area is new to me. I sauntered the whole place and then back to the areas where I am very familiar and its so refreshing remembering the old and good times when I was here way back. Anyway, cheers to the old times and welcome to the new experience of KL.

Playing CityVille

I may run out of article to blog about but the fact that I am really addicted playing this game in Facebook, I need to write this about. For everybody's information,  CityVille is game being developed by Zynga Gaming Software Company who made the famous Farmville, Farmtown etc.

What makes cityville different from the other games is that If you are a visionary or maybe a frustrated urban planner/architect, you can create a city out of your own creativity. In this case your strategic planning etc will be of use here. Cityville makes me de stress from daily work and even after work. I am really hook that even late at night I am still working or planning on on how to expand my city and being creative. This game is not just an ordinary game, You have a goal to follow in order for you to attain certain level or bonus, you need to work out or cooperate with your neighbors by sending them gifts or you make a franchise business with them. In this way your City will become bigger, brighter and prettier.

This game for me will eventually your inspiration if you have the money to build houses or flats or condominiums or even if you become a city mayor in the future. It will test on how you are creative building the city, descongesting and makes it like a real one. I really love playing this game totally. Here's some print scroll of the game.

On Pinay Stardom

Everytime I see and read about a Filipino or Filipina rise from Stardom through winning or sheer determination, I am always proud and loud. International Modeling is not really the cup of tea of Pinays or as they say not even a dent of Russian Dolls of which they are the one maneuvering this field. But now, the rise of young and new generation Pinays, there is a flick of hope that we can have a fair share of limelight for this Industry.

I guess, it's about time for Elite, Ford, Marilyn, DNA to book these gorgeous, stunning Models in Every Runway or Fashion Week in the world. After all, we are the Best color or skin in the entire planet. Some Europeans infact even paid for sun bed or fake tans just to achieve this elusive, radiant skin. Charlene & Danica werq it werq it baby!!! We are so proud of U.

On Different Gay Mindset

Fortunately, I am not really that Gay! Why I say so because I am not a vampire looking and searching for every beefy men just to hound or suck their bloods even in broad day light. I don't agree to some doings of spineless gay bitches, Its ka-cheapan but anyway to each its own, I do not care as to how many men he suck or in bed. But to some Homosexuals, It's an honor and privilege them to count in their fingers and brag it about. But to hell with that that's why I don't friends Real Gays. They are just really out of this world and they want to be in the center of attraction.


I always believe that you can be yourself without shouting it to the world that I am Gay and please look at me. Yuck No wonder some gay racist people killed or hanged them with out mercy. It's actually about conformance - Conform to what your society dictates but of course there is always an exception to that rule because even the society obviously see it but they are just blind enough. Our society is double standard and that you just live with that. That's why Drag Queen should live and stay to a society where there is no rule, where majority are gays and that everything they do, people just don't care because in a society wherein to co-exist and adjust, they are just being simply ignored and laugh about.

In memory of my Dear Friend Camille

For the last 8 years I made several friends here in the UAE be it in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. One great friend that I have found in Dubai was a woman named Camille. She's actually my  regular guest as well as her husband Kuya Vince in my previous job which I was a Store Supervisor in a major coffee shop. Thus, that's where we build our friendships.

We partied, talked anything under the sun especially Cammy. She's a talker and we have the same vibes or wavelength, likes etc.  In fact, even without her husband she always come to my shop, look for me then beso beso and have a short conversation. She's really a bubbly person inside and out.

Circa 2007, when I realize to moved Abudhabi and fortunately got a hefty offer with my new job - This was the time we disconnected from each other but good thing Face Book was there na - so we communicated in FB. Then suddenly Middle of  2009 her husband told me via FB that Camille is suffering from Cancer now thus shes not replying to my message or even chats which I was dismayed and sad enough to hear that. For me she's so young and full of life - and that time still I cannot accept nor comprehend about what happened to her but then again I have high hopes that eventually she will be cured.

Then come this December (2010), I was so excited to go home. I booked my flights and prepared every thing for my departure even its a rough and tough for me esp with my career. But what can I do that's life so either by hook or by crook I need to face that adversity and Be Challenged. So, prior to my flight last Dec. 18, 2010, during those weeks  and one fine Friday afternoon - I was alone in the house and I woke up very late. So what I did, I made my late lunch- I cooked, ate and browsed the internet. Then suddenly I felt someone is looking or gawking at me like a shadow looking behind me - I was really scared that time so I stopped from what I'm doing and went straight out of the house. I thought that was just my weird, bizarre feelings for that day but then I was wrong, It was start pala of my encounter with omom. And during that week, every time I'm home especially in my bed, I really felt some one is embracing or touching me because my hair skins were really moving and I even talk to him or her to stop scaring me. In fact, I told my sister & her family about it so that this ghost will moved out or vanished but then those trying weeks this Casper did not vanished instead stayed in silence and comfort me.

That Night(Dec.18) in an ungodly hour and while waiting for my car lift to pick and send me to the airport, I chance upon to browse FB then suddenly a shout out revealed from Kuya Vince Del Rosario: "My beloved Camille is in the hands of the Lord Now"- and this give me shivers and knowing more that Camille was died last Dec. 16, 2010 - It really stricken me of what I heard from other people stories about coincidence, chance encounter with the ghost and of such fate is really really True and Now I believe.

To my beloved friend Camille Del Rosario - Thank you for visiting me for the last time though I did not see you in your silhoutte or halo I really felt the sincerity of your visit, of knowing and informing me that we are true friends inspite of any circumstances either death or eternity. And that your legacy, memories and experience that you have shared with me will always reign in my heart. And I will quote Kuya Vince that "Your gone, yes it's true, but your memories will forever live in those with whom you have touched". And I'm one of those, with that I am very much honored.

Of Wedding, Vacay and Rampage

Finally, I went home this Yuletide season. For the last 6 or 7 years, I have not experience celebrating Christmas with my family and finally this last year 2010 I did. It is not actually a big deal but then again Christmas in the Philippines is way way better period.


Of Wedding - This is one of the main reason why I went home this year. April & Jeff - the couple has been my friends since immemorial char! actually about 5 or 6 years now since we were flat mates in Dubai. I have witnessed their struggle from being Neophytes here to now a well-stabled career and loving couple. They have carved their own niche here thus no wonder God's Grace has been so good to them thus being blessed they have transcended once step higher their relationship by tying the knot. And it was one hell of a wedding indeed. Such Elegance, Glamour, Fun and Vekiness. I Missed Gavgav actually!

Of Vacay - Its a worthy going home last Christmas. Seeing my family and relatives is enough reason of coming home. In fact, I have been jetsetting back and fro to Manila and my home province. But I never complained because this is once in a life time chance of coming home, reunite and celebrate. Money is not a question here but tired and sleepless nights/days just to catch early flights etc. But then its part of the experience, I will  never forget definitely.

Of Rampage - This year is the most eventful vacation I've ever had. Manila with lots to offer, I sauntered, discovered every nook and cranny of its Nite life Scenes from the posh Serendra to all walks of life MOA, to gay friendly Malate and to Libis Call Center haven- I have never complained but enjoy and savor every minute of it. There is so much to enjoy, celebrate in Manila. It is just I have so little time and spce