just thinking out loud

In January I had the chance to be back in Palawan and visited my relatives. I feasted on sweet bananas that I had missed so much when I was in Thailand.

February, I witnessed the Panagbenga 2008 or Flower Festival in Baguio City and it was such an unforgettable experience as I got reunited with old acquaintances.

March, I got my visa on the first week of the month and a couple of weeks later I flew to England. Having to travel for almost 24 hours was not something I would want to do over and over again. But God’s protection was with me and I was in awe as I beheld the vast sky and over the horizon I marvelled at the sight of the demarcation line between night and day.

April got me getting acquainted with the local church that I love so much.

May, I met my long-lost friend here in the UK.

June, my boyfriend, now my husband, took me to a village in Suffolk to see his friends. Then I got busy preparing for my wedding.

July was when the big day took place.

August was a crazy month as well as I had to look for the right information about my visa alteration. All of the people I asked and who gave me information were the wrong people because their case was different from mine. Finally, I called the Home Office and asked what type of application I need. Bingo!

September, I started to be more useful. I volunteered in a charity shop and it helped me get to know more people in the community. Then I got a letter from the Home Office saying I can now seek employment in the UK. So I started distributing my resume to schools.

October brought some good news as I got a part-time job and my husband bought me a laptop.

November, I got another job in the hospital, catering for the patients, but after two weeks they asked me to stop because I haven’t got my passport back. Somehow, I still got that job in the winery which makes me occupied.

December, I ventured on other internet jobs and hopefully it will come up with favourable result for this coming year 2009.

Yesterday I came up with a site that I discovered through my other paying sites. It’s about an article submitter that allows you to submit articles to hundreds of directories with just one click of a mouse. You heard it right.

Some of you might have probably been aware of this thing but I really found it very amazing.  Well, I’m not using the article submitter with just one click as it is not free. But I got the free version wherein you submit your article to the sites one by one one but still it’s far too easy as the software fills in all the necessary details for you. The only thing you have to do is pick a category and click submit. That’s it. Then you can go to another directory and submit the same article by clicking only a couple of buttons.

Well, I’m not sure if Today.com allows us to submit our articles to other directories but some of them allow you to put your blog URL and the html version of your article anyway, so I suppose it’s a  good way to drive traffic to our site.

For the next several weeks, newspapers always contain aftermaths of the tsunami not only in Thailand but also from other countries hit by the tragedy. As the number of casualties rose to hundreds of thousands, aids from all over the world especially rich countries started pouring in like a rain.

But what was disturbing was that despite the huge amounts of donations, those who were affected didn’t get proper help immediately. Instead, the government of Thailand prioritized on restoring the resorts and tourism industry especially that Phuket alone generates 40% of Thailand’s tourism income.  Months later, those who were dislodged by the catastrophe were still living in tents with no enough clean water and a proper waste and disposal system.

It was really very sad that the people’s donations were not used properly.

So in our school we raised funds for these less fortunate people and our students handed foods and other donations to those victims directly.

Looking back now on that fateful day I can’t help but still cry by what I had just witnessed. Truly, our life could be beset by unexpected adversities. Some are lucky, some are not. And we stand in awe as these calamities wreak havoc. And during these times, all the people of the world seemed to get united, the arrogants are humbled, and in general people’s life change.

After the Tsunami

 I had not been asleep for an hour when my phone beeped. I got a message from my cousin in California. She heard what had happened in Phuket and she also knew I was there. So she sent me a text to check on me. I replied I was all right and back in Bangkok. I couldn’t contain my tears. They were flowing as I sent her my reply. I still couldn’t believe I and my coteachers escaped the tragedy. It was past midnight so I went back to sleep. But an hour later I got another message from my cousin again. Apparently she was not receiving my reply and by the tone of her text I could tell she was very much worried and nervous. I sent her another reply.

That day, I just spent the time by myself. I have also sent the message to my mother to tell her that I was back in Bangkok.

The next day, I went to see my friend, Karoline. They were so scared and nervous about me getting killed by the tsunami. There was a newspaper and I couldn’t bear to look at the photos of the casualties in Phuket. It made me cry again. I was too overwhelmed by the tragedy.

A couple of days later my mother arrived from the Philippines. It was her first time in Thailand and she almost cancelled her flight upon hearing what had just happened.

Anyway, I was glad that she came to see me alive. But at the same time I felt sorrowful about the people who were killed. I couldn’t watch the news on TV, I couldn’t read the news on the paper, I couldn’t listen to anyone talking about the calamity.

Tomorrow is the last part.

One of the casualties was the king’s grandson. Stories were told that he just came back from surfing and was on his way back to the hotel where his mother was waiting for him. Unfortunately, the wave caught him. That year there was no countdown at the World Trade Center in Bangkok and not fireworks to celebrate or welcome the new year. The whole country mourned with the king and the family.

This is rather one day late. I completely forgot about it until I realized what date it is today. Four years ago, I went to Phuket with my colleagues to do a-carolling. We were helping the church raise fund for the orphanage. There were only five resorts and hotels that were assigned for us to perform to. It was also my first time to go to Phuket after about three years in Thailand.

Christmas eve, that was Friday, we went to those resorts and hotels assigned for us. Garbed with a white gown with red vest, we do looked like traditional carolers. There were so much fun. Mostly foreigners were our audiences and in every place there was a Santa Claus who gave out confectioneries to kids right after our performances.

I think it was the third place we went to where a band was performing when we arrived and the vocalist was currently singing “Tragedy”. I thought it was rather inappropriate to sing that song on a Christmas eve. Anyway, the fourth place we went to was a resort by the beach called Patong Beach Resort. The stage was built just a few meters from the sea we could hear the sea breeze. And then we went to our final destination–a beerhouse atop the hill. The owner, who was British, couldn’t stop his tears when we sang “Silent Night”. I know it’s such a sweet song that brings back old memories–memories that are tear-jerker.

In all of the places we went we sang “We wish you a merry Christ…”

The next day, Saturday, we went back to Patong area and watched the sunset. The beaches were full of happy people enjoying the sun, the sea, and the sand.

Sunday, 26th December 2004, we were so excited. There were plans to go to James Bond Island, or at least back to Patong Beach to enjoy the view. But our tour guides took us to a remote beach in an island west of Phuket. We were so disappointed and were complaining all the time. A few hours later, the water went away the men had to push the boat back into the water. I was standing under a small tree and all of a sudden the water came to me up to my knee. Confused and bemused by what happened, my friend said it was a flash flood or a tidal wave. But I shrugged it off because there was no giant wave on sight. Then a man from the other side of the island came and was taking pictures. We asked what was happening. He said that there was an earthquake, Phuket is flooded and many people have died. Upon hearing that I felt a warm air like a blanket wrapped me and I burst in tears as things flashed into my frontal lobe. I imagined the scene the day before. The happy people on the beach sunbathing and children playing in the sand. Suddenly a giant wave flashed them into the sea. It was a thought I couldn’t bear to imagine. Undeniably, I felt God’s hand guiding us through.

Anyway, events turned to panicking as we all ran uphill because the water level kept rising. Luckily the island was hilly. We wanted to get back to the boats but they were too far now and the water was getting high. Suddenly, the water disappeared again and we all haste to get to the boat. On the way back the floating restaurants were destroyed and we could see the troubled water because the sand was stirred.

As soon as we got back on the pier, we noticed some planks of woods were already dislocated because of the impact of the waves and part of the pier was already under water. People were flocked at the dock curious about our safety.  I was still trembling and crying in fear. Earlier I and my friend planned to meet somewhere in the beach. But because we were in an unknown island I didn’t get a chance to meet her. I was calling her but the lines were always busy. I was afraid that she went to the beach to wait for me and got caught by the wave. Then I heard someone shouted at us to get in the van. The people at the dock were also running away for safety. There was a second wave and it was much bigger than the first. Good thing it didn’t come while we were on the boat, otherwise, it would have burried us into the sea. Well, in our part of the island there was no big wave but we saw the water went higher.

We left the place at once and headed back to Bangkok. On the way we met some other vans apparently holiday makers who might not have heard about the disaster that had just occured. Too bad their holiday was spoiled but more on a blessing because they escaped the tragedy. Oh yea, remember the song in one of the hotels we went caroling? But I was more guilty when I remembered what we sang to them, “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. Good tidings of Christmas and a happy new year.” 

On the way back to Bangkok, I wanted to text my mother what had happened and that they didn’t have to worry because I was safe with God’s help. But I thought that it might make them worry at the thought of the tsunami. My cousin who was in Bangkok called me when were half-way and again I cried as I told him how we escaped the tragedy. About twelve hours after leaving Phuket, we arrived in Bangkok at around 11 pm. Back in my apartment alone but safe, I cried again before dozing off.

I went out to grab some bargains today and all stores have those “Sale” posters trying to attract costumers. Some posters say up to 70% off but when you go inside you will find most items have only 20-30 % off and the ones that are supposed to be more than half reduced were actually the ones that nobody wants to buy.

One store was covered with stickers with the word “sale” from top to bottom and you can’t see anything through the window anymore.

In fairness I did find some bargains but I didn’t really need them so I didn’t bother buying them.

On my way back home, I passed by a bookstore with the best trick of all of them. It says, Everything Must Go. I got curious so I went to check what’s in store. When I got near I saw the small print saying, “Selected items only”. How can everything be selected items only?

I happened to be a very practical buyer and I only buy what I need. So these propagandas really don’t appeal to me much.

Sitting here by the fire with my husband. He is watching TV while I am doing what I usually do–blogging. The sky was not clear today and the sun didn’t appear a bit unlike yesterday.

When I was in Thailand I thought Christmas was such a lonely day in that country because they don’t celebrate it. I always missed Philippine Christmas which is very, very festive. Stores don’t close on Christmas day. There is celebration everywhere.

Last night I made a rice cake and messed it up because I put a chocolate on top and it got burned. It was not the cooking type of chocolate. It should have been better if I put the chocs after I had baked the cake.

Today, I am planning to make arrozcaldo later. I wanted to make haleya or ube jam but it’s too late to find a yam. Well, it’s not really that bad. I have chocolates to feast on. But I miss Philippine Christmas and all the foods we eat.

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If you believe in Christmas then this greeting is for you, otherwise, it is not. Well, I’m aware that some people out there don’t celebrate Christmas but at least everyone of us have something to thank this season for. We get long holiday breaks especially students, teachers and all who work in schools except the guards. For consumers we get many discounted goods from the shops. Well, of course there are also those who get bad news like the employers of Woolworth when their shops finally fold by first week of January 2009.

But I want to set aside all unhappy thoughts and focus only on the more positive ones. Christmas is definitely an important ocassion for me. It is a time when I and my cousins come together not really to celebrate Jesus’ birth but since it’s the time when most of us get long holidays and so it’s a perfect time for reunions.

Although I don’t believe that Jesus was born on Christmas day or December 25 but still the fact that He was born–no matter when it is–is indeed a reason to celebrate.

May everyone feel the essence of Christmas.

Went out with hubby to see this movie which is rather late because we watched it a week later but I must say it didn’t matter when I watched it as there was really nothing very special about the movie to make me rush into the cinema when it was first shown.

Well, in fairness, the movie is OK. I might not give it a rating of 10 out of 10 but I think 7 will do. Although it has a very important message for earth dwellers but I think the way it was delivered is not impressive. It is too bold and shallow as if they are addressing primary kids. So it would be good for kids I think to teach them the lesson of taking care of the environment.

Oh by the way, I want to give a special mention to Jaden Smith. The first time time I saw him in the movie he did with his dad, The Pursuit of Happiness, he was still a baby and now he’s a big boy and I think he played his role very well.

My husband is a huge, huge fan of organic stuff from fruits and vegetables to toothpaste to skin care products. He would always be attracted if a product is labeled “Organic”.  Since we eat almost anything organice, one time I told him that rice is not organic because farmers need fertilizers to boost their production. But that was just my “intelligent” observation.

Finally, today on the news I found an article to back up my claim. Farmers in the southern Philippines are resorting to organic fertilizers in the form of decomposed water lilies with other natural stuff which they discovered to be more beneficial not only to their crops but to the soil as well and on top of that it is more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers.