Month: June 2004

Greetings from LONDON! I’m finally here. After so many years of planning and what not, here I am. I would love to say that I am instantly in love with the place and that I’m all excited, but… I’m HOMESICK. I miss my family! It dawned on me as I boarded the plane in the Philippines that I wasn’t headed for home as I would normally be after such a trip. Instead I was going to an unknown country where I know no one. I FREAKED OUT. When we got to Bangkok for refuelling, all I wanted to do was jump on the plane headed for home. At the age of 25, I never wanted my MOMMY more. After a long and crowded flight to Frankfurt, my nerves did not ease and the urge to burst into tears every 2 seconds stayed. When I finally arrived in London and was in one of those cool Black Cabs, I felt a little excited. Much to my relief the dorm room was clean and secure enough. However the dawning of ALONE-ness remained and once again the tears began. Talking to my At’s for ages made me feel a little better, but I couldn’t shake my homesick-ness. My sis was quick to point out that I was still jet lagged, and that my emotions still on a rollercoaster because of the chaotic four weeks in the Philippines. I promised to head to bed early in hope to sleep off this mood.

Speaking to my sis early the next morning, I sounded a little better and I had a day planned. EXPLORE, that will surely snap me out of my FUNK. So I visited the awesome St Paul’s Cathedral, and rode the red bus. I would love to say that it made me feel better, it did, but only a little. Mostly I wished that my family were with me as I checked out the cool sceneries. After a few hours I had finally had enough and headed for home. What’s to be my home for the next 3 weeks.

Tired of moping around, not exactly knowing what to do next I decided to walk around the vicinity of the dorm rooms, in hope to find a job. Like it was ever going to be that simple…I walked around, got a few numbers, and at one of my last stops I struck it lucky. Though there were no positions available in that company, I met a lady who was incredibly nice and was nice enough to talk me through a few options. She gave me a few names, and she even called a couple of agencies to ask them for procedures on my behalf. For the first time since I arrived, I thought I was making some headway in my inward battle of being homesick.

I talked to my sis and told her about my discovery for the day, and agreed that it was a good thing. I still felt homesick, and the tears came again while we talked, but I felt better after hanging up the phone. Slowly I am learning to take each day as it comes. That as scary as this is, I can get through it. That as much as I would like to head for home now, I know deep down I’m not ready to go.

That night when my Mom called me, I could speak to her without bursting into tears, which was a biggie!

I knew this was going to be a challenge, I just under-estimated the emotional challenge. I realise just how much I am reliant to those I love. Not just for practical stuff, but for emotional stuff. I miss my sis, mom, and bro’s hugs. I miss being able to hug them and jump all over them, as a youngest always does.

I wanted a place with no safety nets, and I got it. Though I have to say without my sister as my lifeline via phone, I would be on a plane back right now…well maybe not, but it sure is tempting at times.

I know once job security is on hand, a place to stay is definite, and I’ve made a few friends, it will be easier. At this point, each day is getting easier. All I can do is take in one day at a time.

Ann pointed out the reason why I am in such a loss is because I am such a PLANNER, and I have set out in my mind how it should be, and because it isn’t. I’m finding it difficult. It’s true. I assumed because I have wanted this for so long, that I would be excited, and when I wasn’t, I fell apart. I hate that I am not as excited as I wanted to be. That I’m scared more that I am excited.

But only time will tell. I have a committment with myself to stick it out till at least November. Till I have to be home for Mer’s wedding. To give myself those four months to really give it my best shot, and decide from there what to do. Until then I am just praying to survive each day without bursting into tears. It’s disappointing that I am this emotional about it, and that it’s taking ages to shake off, but I guess once I settle down in my own time, I’ll be able to look at this in a more non-emotional kind of way. Hopefully a week from now I can chuckle at my SAD entry.

Must go, look for jobs and accomodation, make new friends. =) I hope everyone is well. You’re all often in my thoughts. I miss you all very much.

Love Much

Lis/Cookster

Greetings all. It’s 5:09am (Philippine Time) and I am sitting here at the hotel, wide awake! (Geez Banan, those bottomless ICED TEA does wonders!)

I’m not quite sure when I last posted, or what I posted. This past week has passed in much of a blur. More time with family, shopping, so on and so forth.

Oh my gosh! Before I forget, my brother, Mom and I experienced something incredibly hillarious on Monday night. We caught a cab to the hotel, which isn’t a biggie, however we managed to get the worst one. When I say worst I am not by any means aiming at the driver or his driving skills, but at his vehicle. The moment our butts hit the seat we thought UH OH! Our worst fears were confirmed by the rattling noise it made as it drove on. It was like it had not only one screw loose, but many. It felt like it was being held together by elastic bands. We honestly did not breathe the whole time. My Kuy and I were messaging each other via phone. Him from the front of the cab and I at the back. (At P1.00 it was doable) The conversation went on as follows.

Kie/Lis: “Um, am I the only one who has major doubts on our making it back in this heap? I’m refraining from breathing in fear it’ll collapse and we would have to walk home.”

Kuy: “I have the same concerns.”

(Meanwhile the cars stops. It makes that sad coughing sounds as he tries to start her up again to no avail. He picks up a screwdriver and starts to head out the door, but attempts one more time. Alleliua it starts. Texting begins again…)

Kie/Lis: “Dammit Kuy! I told you not to breathe!”

Kuy: “Wait till I fart!”

After awhile we finally arrived at the hotel and though the ride only came to P87.00, my mother hands him P200 with the parting words of…

“Have it, have it all…”

We rushed to get out of the cab in fear it would just fall apart as it had come to a halt. It was hillarious, I have to say we were in hysterics for quite some time, and it still cracks us up.

Tonight we had our little get together to say goodbyes. It was pretty much full attendance by the while clan, nieces and nephews included. And no…I didn’t cry. Though I have to say when I was saying goodbye to my Ate Ma, I welled up a little.

Ate Ma, has been my Ate Ma for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up we saw her the most, and I have grown up loving her as my sister. Now she’s married and with kids, it’s still the same. Though we can’t sleep in the same bed any more, I can’t drag her to wherever I am, she’s still my Ate Ma, hence the welling up as we said our goodnight. *sigh*

I can’t believe it’s here. In about 12 hours…since it’s about 5:30, I’ll be inside the airport, ALONE. Unfortunately they don’t allow loitering as they do at Sydney Airport. Which is probably a plus, since I will probably be inconsolable. I have a fresh batch of letters and cards to read. I sorta didn’t really pass the memory book around.

London here I comes! yIKES! I’ll let you guys know how I go once I get there. Till then, take care and Peace out!

PS. I haven’t read emails yet and will do once I get a chance. The best way to get in contact with me, once I leave here (instantenously) is via text. +61410583784

Tuesday 15th June 2004 – 12:15AM

Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIPO!!!! You’d be pleased to know that I have purposely forgotten just how old you are…even though I know what year you were born and all that. That’s my present for you this year. I hope you got my birthday message via text. If not, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My wish for you remains as it was from the first moment we met and that is may nothing but the very best come your way! Your presence in my life has brought much by its mere existence. You have been a vital part of my growth these last few years, your support, encouragement, your annoying errrr endearing psycho analysis for every stage of my progression, or in some cases REGRESSION! This is a mere thank you and reminder of your special place in my life. – Like that scar you get when you hurt yourself, and it’s there to remind you constantly of its annoying existence. Hehe. Just kidding!!!

As previously posted, I stayed the whole week with my cousins in Quezon City, and I had a blast just hanging out with them. EATING, SLEEPING, EATING, SLEEPING!!! A lot of LAUGHING! It was great! Most of my cousins were home therefore we got the chance to hang out. Talking and cracking up during meal times. I was also glad to spend some time with my Tita Mariely.

I missed my Tita Nette, because she was my companion in San Pablo. Not to mention Art, but he got busy….which was alright, I spent the first week with Art so that I have had the time with him. That and I know he has been making sure we actually spend some time together. I am hoping to see him tomorrow.

On Friday I was dropped off at Sta Mesa (thanks for the lift Kuya Jet) to spend time with my other cousins in San Pablo where I got to spend some quality time with my cousins Ate Ma, Ate Cita, and Ate Ella. Not to mention my nieces and nephew. It was so good to spend some time with them. In my trips home, I usually see them the least and I am glad I got the opportunity to spend time with them. My nieces and I were up pretty late on Saturday night just talking, which is one of my favourite memories of this trip. I can’t believe how big they have gotten and how fast time is passing. Excuse the nostalgia. Look the last time I saw them they were flower girls for one of my cousin’s wedding okay! On Sunday they took me with them to Tagaytay to visit their first cousins (on the other side), it was a good day trip. The view was excellent on the drive up (the parts that I saw, because I was admittedly asleep for a good portion of the trip!) After a lot of EATING we went for a drive to explore Tagaytay. We checked out the sights, the kids went to the zoo, then we headed home.

I was dropped off at Quezon City again so that I could pack up my stuff for my move to the hotel the following day with my Mom and Kuy! That night we were all up with my Aunt and Uncle hacking into an extremely LARGE pizza. All my cousins were home, and we sat around the HUGE pizza box stuffing our faces in. I told you guys this trip is like one huge FOOD FEST!

I spent most of Monday lazing around with Jet and Sol till I had to get ready to pick up my Ma and Bro….which I was extremely looking forward to. When we finally got to the airport, it not only rained but it POURED!!! Let’s just say it didn’t do much for my growing reputation of always being followed by rain and thunderstorms. The airport actually lost power at one stage. It was sooo bad! Anyways after an hour of waiting at the airport they finally came. It was great to see them again. We had dinner with Tito Pepe, Tita Mariely, Ate Ma, and Papa Lon at Max’s.

The hotel room fell a lil short on the whole 5 star thing, but it’s alright. The Westin Philippine Plaza was a little disappointing. The service ain’t all that, the fridge keeps dying, and I can swear that I have been bitten by mosquitoes more in this hotel room than anywhere else in my last two weeks and a half.

Today we had lunch with Tita Rory and Co. From there we shopped for the rest of the day before heading over to dinner at the Oconer’s which was fun as always. Now we’re back here at the hotel where both my Mom and brother has passed out from the exhaustion of our day.

Anyways…I’m not far behind so I’ll sign off. I hope to post this later. Till next time. Hope all is good. Take care… Peace out!!!

Hi All…

Well it’s only a few more days and it’s time for me to head on over to LONDON! OH MY GOSH! How time has flown by so fast. I can’t say I have done all that much, but I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with some of my cousins. Who are hillarious. I’m going to miss you Ate Nelle and Ate Sol. I laugh so much when I’m at your house.

This weekend that has just passed we as a whole CLAN (with the exception of Art and Ems)went to Subic. We left very early Saturday morning, like 6am. We visited the Zoo at Subic, and headed over to the houses we rented to pass out. We had three houses for the 35 people who came for the reunion.

We ate a lot and hung around. Karaoke was had…enough said. We headed home around noon, did the whole lunch thing, and the long drive home preceeded by a huge dinner.

In case I haven’t thanked my Posse friends for their voice tape, thank you. It was HILLARIOUS!!!Nice rendition of ‘I Can’ it had me in tears… of laughter mostly. Hehe.

Anyways… I’m at a mall doing this so I best sign off. Hopefully I will be able to log on once more before I go. If not, I’ll catch you guys from the other side.

Take care and Love lots!!!

I had such a long entry and I can’t use it! GRRRRR!!!! If onlymy short term memory was useful huh?

Anyways…I spent most of last week with the Oconer Clan and I had a blast with my cousins and Aunt. They’re soooo funny.

The weekend was spent in Sta Mesa with my other cousins, nieces and nephews. Whom I have to say are the one of teh cutest bunch of kids I have ever met…and no I am not biased at all.

My Mommy and Kuya are finally here and we are now at the Westin Hotel for the duration.

I can’t believe that I have less than two weeks to go. Am I ready? Heck no! At the same time I am getting more and more excited.

Having my Mom and Kuy here make me less homesick, but I still miss everyone so much.

Thank you to the Posse for my voicetape. I have yet to listen to it. I need to see if anyone still has a walkman.

Val, how’s your first week of work?? Hope it’s all good. As for everyone who’s been e-mailing. I have just gotten them and I will reply ASAP. Unfortunately I am accessing e-mail at hotel rates and even though the conversation ain’t that bad for an hourly rate, well, there’s london to think about…hehe!

This weekend we’re going to Suibc with the WHOLE Napiza clan, and I can’t wait to see the rest of the family.

Well I can’t think under pressure so I’m going to go. Hope everyone’s well and hopefully I can post the other entry, which is a lot more informative than this.

Peace out y’all!!! MuWAHHHH!!!

It feels like I have done nothing but eat these last two weeks. The sight or mere mention of food has me nauseous. Breakfast, shortly followed by lunch, shortly followed by SNACK, shortly followed by dinner…and there is always midnight snack somewhere in the midst! Oh my gosh! Words can’t express!

First and foremost…before I forget, and I most probably will! CONGRATULATIONS to VAL, on her very 1st job in S-Y-D-N-E-Y! Congratulations girl, I knew it wouldn’t be long. She’ll be in Circular Quay, working with Captain Cook Cruises. LUCY (Jeswina), you and Val can do lunch now. Since you’re both only a stones throw away from the Rocks. Take her to the Candy Kitchen.

I’m here at Sta Mesa spending time with my nieces and nephews. It’s been fun. EXHAUSTING, but fun. Tomorrow we’re going to Tagaytay for the day, which will be good. I’ll be taking Pics for sure. Will send once I can.

My Mommy and Kuy arrives on Monday! Yay!!! I can’t wait! I miss everyone so much already! Especially my Ats of course! We had our phone fix the other day and I think in the end it made us sadder. Not to mention she HAD to point out that I only had two weeks to go before I go….now how rude was that? Bursting my bubble of denial.

Anyways…I’ve had a mental breakdown and I don’t know what else to write…so with that goodbye all.

Take care…MWAH!!!

You know what’s more frustrating than the never ending rain and on going traffic? Going shopping when you are fully aware that you CANNOT shop! I mean I’ve had to bring my whole life with me in a backpack! Where am I supposed to squeeze in the shopping I so want to do! Oh well…I’m doing well so far. It’s like a 12 step program at the moment…more like 3 steps.

On Sunday I was picked up by my Tita Amor and Kuya Chad. We went to visit one of my many nieces in Alabang, Mikah, who like the other nieces and nephews, are incredibly adorable and cute…and no that is not biased opinion.

From there we hung around the mall, (MALLS MALLS MALLS) watched a movie (AGAIN) and they dropped me off to Quezon City to be with my other cousins. It has been fun. My cousins are home so I get to spend some time with them. Unfortunately I am proving to be a distraction to my cousin Sol who is studying for her MEDICAL BOARD EXAMS. Yesterday we went to…are you ready for this??? THE MALL, and watched a movie. We watched SHREK2 and it was hillarious. It gave the first one a run for its money, but I still love the first one for sentimental reasons. Hehe…

Today my cousins played Badminton, which is really big around here. We were there for like 3 hours. It was pretty fun…and all I did was watch in the sidelines. I also got to meet my Kuya Joel’s girlfriend Noreen, who was extremely nice. After lunch my cousins and I went to Greenhills (another mall) with my Aunt, and I am EXHAUSTED!!! I think I’m over MALLS and SHOPPING. I’m sure it’ll be different when my Mom gets here. Nothing like shopping with Mommy.

On Friday I’ll be heading over to Sta Mesa to spend time with my other cousins. Talk about busy schedule….anyways….I miss everyone!!!

Talk soon…. Take care… Peace out!!! MWAHHHHH!!!!

Today after dinner, my cousins Art, Ems, Ate Meanne, Kuya PeeJay, Jayvee (future cousin in-law) *aherm* and I went to a BAR-ish place around here. It’s like a stone’s throw away. It’s actually a KARAOKE bar…now before you guys start rolling your eyes and laughing, I will remind you San Pablo is not Manile and there is a limited number of places one can really hang out.

Anyways, before I lose all train of thought. It’s called Q5, and Art had been promising to take me there since my arrival, since Ate Meanne, Art and I have a history with Karaoke’s…I so am not going into detail. Tonight we went after dinner and had a blast.

Ate Meanne, Ems and I ended up being dubbed as DoReMi, since we sang together mostly. Certain songs will haunt me forever. It was such a good night. It was just fun to hang out, talk and laugh.

I can’t believe a whole week has passed since I left Philippine/Europe bound. I miss my family and my friends. I don’t remember much in those last days. All I know is that I did a lot of cramming. Trying to squeeze everyone in, making sure I at least saw everyone. Even if it were briefly. All I remember is feeling a lot harassed with last minute things I had to do, worrying about things I may not have done.

It’s hard to believe that was a week ago. How time flies. Soon I’ll be off to London….YIKES…till then I have every intention of making the most of my time here. Spending time with my cousins, especially those who’ve made such an effort to be with me.

Anyways…seeing as it is after 4am…I’m going to attempt SLEEP. Gnight!

After what seems like forever, I am finally online. It feels so weird not to have that constant contact. Better get used to it I guess. I am here in San Pablo, with the Arambulo’s. Having a great time with my 2 year old Godchild Gelo, who gives CHEEKY a whole new meaning.

Yesterday Art, Tita Nette (Aunt), and I went to Alabang and had our very own Movie Marathon. We watched “All my Life” and Harry Potter – The Prisoner of Azkaban. Mut, you’ll like this movie.

Today was spent recuperating and hanging out with Gelo. I’m not sure what the next couple of days entails but I’ll be in Manila early next week to hang out with my other cousins in Quezon City.

I can’t believe that it’s almost been a week since I left. Anyways… more later. Take care everyone! Hugs and Bubbles!

Hi all!!! It’s Sunday 30th May 2004! Day one of this trek shall we call it. Hmmm. I’m not sure when I will be able to BLOG this so I will just keep each entry dated and BLOG the minute I get a chance. Anyways…after a very emotional goodbye at the airport, I boarded the plane puffy eyed and almost inconsolable…that moment I kept saying that I hadn’t reached because I was numb, well let’s just say I reached that point at the airport. Blubbering mess I was, I was.

Arghhhh!!! I miss my broadband! Well Kuya’s broadband. It’s Tuesday (I think), 1st June 2004. I still haven’t been able to log on to check my e-mail and BLOG. Not that I have been writing much. My bad! I hope everyone’s well.

It’s been a good few days. After getting picked up at the airport by the whole Arambulo clan, including my cute inaanak (godchild) Gelo. He’s sooo cute. Anyways, I’m drifting off the point…like I had one…After dinner we headed over to my other Aunt’s house in Quezon City where I saw all my Oconer cousins. My Ate Alma and Kuya Lon were also there with my other gorgeous godchild Angel. At, she’s soooo cute! It’s like looking back at old photos. Lilo! Except she’s tall and skinny.

I digress again. Sunday was spent in the Van. Literally. You gotta love the traffic around here. We were stuck in the car for about a total of 5-6 hours. No exaggeration. At the end we turned back around and headed home. By the time we got home, Gelo, who has been sussing me out since my arrival finally gave in and decided I was a new playmate. So by Sunday night he was following me around. We’ve been playing ever since.

Yesterday I spent most of it with Art. We headed for Manila at 4:30am. In sheer hope that we beat the traffic, unfortunately there was yet another accident blocking the roads. So Finally at 7ish we were having breakfast and McDonalds. In nothing less than my GYM clothes. Most of you would remember what that look would entail. Hey! To my defense we were supposed to go from one house to another where I was to resume my sleep. It’s a good thing I actually changed out of my pyjamas. Not that I really cared, I mean like who was going to see me. After breakfast my cousin Art dropped Ems and I off at hers and Mela’s condo apartment, where we found Mela fast asleep. After exchanging pleasantries, we both passed out again. Late morning Art came to pick me up. We went to Makati Med to drop stuff off and say hi to Tita Rory and Tita Glo. From there we headed for Alabang Town Centre….big big big big mall. We had lunch at Fridays. YUM YUM! Then while Art checked into work for about an hour I went out on a mission to work on Mer’s invite. When that was done Art played hooky for the rest of the day and we watched a movie. We ended up watching “The day after tomorrow”, which was alright. What’s a ride home without a trip to Starbucks and major traffic. It took us more than 2 hours to get home. Which was okay, Art and I had a blast in the car. He made me laugh so hard.

Today we have plans on visiting Duty Free after lunch. From there we’re going to watch ‘All my life’ with Aga Mulach! I’ll tell you all about it Banans! Hopefully the traffic won’t be so bad. Sitting in a car for long periods of time has become somewhat an acquired taste.

Now that I’m here the thought of “Hey I’m not going home after this” is SLOWLY sinking in. I mean WOW. This is where I say my goodbyes. After this trip, I’ll be going to another country, where I know no one. YIKES! However, in saying that, I am still looking forward to it. The adventure it holds.

Oh well. I think that’s it for me for the time being. It’s frustrating to be in front of a PC and not be able to surf, or check my e-mail. Regards to all. Take care! Peace out! Nanu nanu!

PS…Big Hugs and Kisses to my Inaanaks, Miss Cheeky Aleissa and Ashlee Rose! Mwahhhh!!! Ninang misses you!