Arbitrary Mind Picks #8

venting * ranting * peeved * sigh *

1) My sleeping pattern was all good in the hood until... last night. Back to the old nocturnal ways. I don't know why, but i really do function better at night. My creativity comes into play, i'm more at ease, and i just overall feel better.
The other day, i got up at 7am, and went to bed at 9pm. What i got done that day was something that would normally take me 3 days to do. So i guess being up during the day like a normal person makes me more productive (although it helps that everything is also open at that time).

2) I went shopping... and i haven't cleaned my room yet. Just staring at the mess gives me heart burn. I'd take a picture and post it up, but it's just that messy that i'm utterly embarrassed. Hmm... maybe that'll motivate me to clean it... err, not.

3) The reason i went shopping though is because i've been doing so well at the gym. I feel like i have but i'm not quite sure the results show... so i dunno. I make up for how bad i feel by eating whatever i want- i doubt that helps though, does it?
Jesus. I can never win.

4) I can't seem to concentrate on whatever book i've been picking up. So far, in the past 5 weeks i've finished 2 books... and barely started 2, and quit on one that i was trying SO HARD to get into. That's 3 unfinished books just chillin on the side of my bed- and i doubt i will ever finish them. I need a good read. I'm bored to tears with reality sometimes.

5) I really need to make a trip to the Squeezy and buy me some DVDs. I've missed out on ALL the movies i've wanted to see in a theater due to lack of movie buddies. =( *grumble*
I've also been wanting to catch up on all the series i used to watch, that everyone keeps talking about, that i'm obviously outdated with.
It's just been brought to my attention that i'm very serious when it comes to my TV Series. I'm a religious follower and avid fan. This lag is unacceptable.
I don't watch any TV at all whatsoever at home. I only see television when i'm at a friend's house or at the gym. I watch my Series on DVDs- that usually leads to lack of sleep, but it's totally worth it.

6) No matter what anybody says- Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. We don't speak the same language and you can't expect them to fully understand. Patience is a virtue that's virtually kicking my ass. Long distance can work but i'd never recommend it to anybody. Love is tricky but Stress is trickier.
I really just wanna climb to the top of a mountain and scream bloody murder to vast cliffs and never-ending space.

6) I would like a vacation very much please.

Here's a little stress reliever i found on Jason Mraz's blog that i absolutely love (i obviously like him/his vibe a lot).
It's an amazing example on how even the strangest of us can move, inspire, and motivate.



Kudos to him, man.
I need to be moved, i need to be inspired, & i hella need to motivate.

Have an awesome long-ass weekend.

Question:

Have you ever felt your heart break?

i have...

i HELLA want one!!!

From Smashing Magazine:

The Disturbing Beauty of Oversaturated Pictures & Lomography.
By Vailancio Rodrigues

“Lomography” is a term quite unknown to most of us, but many practice it. The name was inspired and derived from the Russian “LOMO” cameras. Lomography not only refers to photographs taken with the LOMO camera, but can also apply to casual photography taken with any ordinary camera.

The characteristics of Lomo photographs are oversaturated colors, extreme optical distortions, rainbow-colored subjects, off-kilter exposure, blurring and alternative film processing, all things usually considered bad in photography. In short, Lomography is the act of taking photographs without thinking, and ignoring the established rules of “good” photography.

***end***

The perfection in imperfections. Sounds about right.
What could be more glorious???
The look of it- how it radiates, the feel it gives out, the freedom it exudes- it's absolute perfection...


My birthday is coming up soon... maybe i'll get lucky. =p
Universe, hear me out... again!

I'm itching to create beauty...
I HELLA want one!

[credit: Smashing Magazine
Photographs & Artists can be found here. I strongly suggest you check em out]

For more information on Lomo Cameras, i found this site to be very useful.

small FiSh, massive OcEan

It's always good to know that someone out there, without a shadow of doubt, truly, always has your back... and loves you deeply, unconditionally, no matter what.
Some people hit the jackpot... others aren't so lucky.

Which one are you?

[credit: Photographs from Deviant Art]

A typical MOndAy.

Spent 12 hours at Starbucks. 12 HOURS!!! (3pm-3am)
Did about 8-9 crossword puzzles.
Played "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" on an in iPhone.
Made a video to Congratulate Miki & Walter on their Wedding (Since i couldn't be there).
I had a Venti Dark Raspberry Mocha Frap (Found out it was coffee based which is awesome!), a French Baguette with 8 types of Cold Cuts, and a huge mug of Ice Water.
I stole some chips off Ginger.
Ate Chowking Congee. eh.
Gossiped with folks. Caught up with the peoples. (Reena, Krystle, Ginger, Brian, Rondale)
Laughed.
People watched- my favorite past time (next to sleeping)
Got scared of a Rat that looked like a Cat but man could that thing RUN. Ugh!
Got a really good offer for a gig... i hope it pulls through (or even better- that it's actually a good gig in essence).
I realized that i really do need to grab my own Serrato. =( Needles too. *sigh*
I miss Ian.

It was a really good day. =)
Happy Monday indeed.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jodicke.
I love you guys.

<3 t.

Parental Units

2 things:

I can't believe i'm turning 26 in about 3 weeks.
I can't believe i'm the PARENT at Kiddie Parties. (and i've been a mom for 5 years)

Wow.

Life really does happen in the blink of an eye.

Majority of my friends are married or getting married. They're starting families. Our kids are growing up together. We're looking up schools and deciding where the kids should go. We implement sleep time and put limitations on their sugar intake. We encourage sharing as well as vegetables- most of the time we are met with failure... or a really bad mood.
We practice our right to say "No". We make friends through play dates scheduled because our kids became friends at a party. A trip to the Toy Store when we're at the mall is practically routine... so is ice cream. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a staple. We find toys in our bags- when we're at work! (Personally, i think that's really cute. I get all warm and fuzzy when that happens)

I remember being a kid of around 5 or 6 and running around playing with other kids at these kiddie parties. I always wondered what my parents would be doing while we were causing mayhem and havoc, running to no end, getting sweaty and dirty etc. etc. etc.- well, now i know.
We talk about normal shit that kids know nothing about. In all honesty, we still feel like kids ourselves. We tell "grown-up" jokes in whispers to make sure none of the children hear it. We swear and then stop ourselves and then look around to see if one of the younglings might've accidentally overheard. We laugh at things we do, stuff we've seen or anything we've heard recently that could possibly be of any interest to anyone.
Our conversations only go on hold when one of our mini-me's come up to us asking for something. It gets easier the older the kids get- you don't need to keep an eye on them (they prefer it that way), they don't need so much attention, and they can already take care of themselves (they know how to ask when necessary).
I always notice the mothers of newborns, or any toddler below the age of 2, are constantly stuck to the child and can barely carry a straight conversation. And usually the conversation is about babies. I totally remember those days. Taking Dylan to functions are so much easier now. *phew* I've paid my dues. haha!

When i was a teenager, being a parent was an idea so far-fetched for me. I also believed i wasn't a motherly type. It's amazing how that stuff naturally kicks in.

I was in awe finding myself at the "grown up table" yesterday. Dylan and i attended Ananda's 5th Birthday Party. They've been friends since they were babies. Her mother and i were pregnant at the same time. Looking around, it was crazy for me to believe that WE were the adults. WE were the responsible ones. WE were the Parental Units.
My life is unraveling so fast, i can barely keep track. I'm already at a certain phase that some people my age can't even begin to imagine. Although, being young parents seem to be the fad of this here's generation. *sigh*

So yes, i am a parent. I know a lot of people who meet me and don't believe it (just like they don't believe i was born and raised in the Philippines). Shit, i have friends that forget i'm a mother every now and then too. I must make somewhat of an interesting character.

I find myself at a pivotal point in my life. I am making life changing decisions based on not what i need, but what is necessary for what i believe is right in raising Dylan properly. My schedule is based upon available babysitters, in which i am happy that i have the best in the world- my own family.
And although this isn't something i expected or saw myself doing, let's say, 10 years ago- i couldn't imagine a better scenario. Being a parent is a lot of hard work, i'm still learning as i go along, and this is still my first time no matter what. But it's worth it, and you get back so much more.

My life is an array of colors because of the life my parents have given me. I only hope i can do just as well, if not better, for my own son. Even though i feel like giving him away every now and then (which is normal, i can assure you), i love him with my entire being and believe with all my heart that he is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Besides, in its entirety- being a Parent effin rocks! =p

M.U.S.i.C.

They say if you listen to music when you're pregnant, it does wonders for a child's development.
When mothers sing their children to sleep, that lullaby stays with them all their lives.
The most common and basic part of a curriculum in pre-school is song & rhyme. It's effective, contagious, and the easiest way to learn.
Your knowledge of music, or lack thereof, somewhat defines you. YOu can tell a lot about a person based on the genre of music they listen to. The more specific you get, the more personal it is.

I have a soundtrack for every significant moment/phase in my life. I have music tied in with the people i know. There is a song for every high moment i've ever had and there's definitely a single related to the lowest experiences i've ever gone through.

Literally, MUSIC is my life.

When i was 3 years old my parents enrolled me into ballet. We would sit for lunch or dinner with the radio on. I had a favorite song (like any other kid does), and when that song would come on, you can bet all your money that i'd get up from that table, run into my room, and start dancing. That's how infectious it was to me.

I dance when i hear music. Even if it's just a bounce, a sway, or a head nod. Music literally moves me.

When i'm going through something great or something that i would deem meaningful and you see me in a daze either just sitting there or standing- i'm most likely taking it all in and listening to everything that's going on around me. Without a doubt, there's a song tied in there somewhere. From that point on, every time i hear that song, that moment will play back in my head. Even if it's just for a split second.

The only 2 jobs i've ever held seriously- music related. Dancer and DJ. Go figure.
Because of music, i have traveled all over the Philippines and just recently- beyond it. I have experiences to write about and memories to gush over because of the opportunity i was given... i was just in a dope hotel and a kickass bed, tasted the best steak of my life- and music brought me there.

Music has seen me through some of the craziest moments of my life... the best and the worst. It's been there for all my glory, and was there to soothe me past my ugly cry...
It has been the reason behind how i support my family and also my main source of income for the past 8 years.

With that said, I LOVE MY JOB. I am where i am because of all this... and if anything has been the main driving factor in my life and has been a constant- it has always been music. And for that, i will forever be grateful. Forever be in love. And a constant #1 fan.

Arbitrary Mind Picks #7

1. "Mother Nature won't let us have any fun".
Monsoon Season is officially here. It's been raining since i got home. The streets are flooding up. I need to invest in rubber boots. I'm glad i bought a dope ass umbrella (even if it cost P700. It was worth every peso- yeah, it's THAT fresh). I haven't even worn some of my "summer outfits" yet. I hate that my flipflops are going into hibernation.
I seriously forgot just HOW MUCH it could rain out here. It can rain A LOT. I know we've had worse than what we've experienced this past week... i just forgot.

2. After a week of hangovers, a week of being sick, a weekend out of the country, and half the week sleeping, i finally made it back to the gym. Yes!
It was awesome.

3. Dylan is incredibly attached to my Dad. I don't blame him. My Dad is quite fresh. I think we're all attached to him, actually. But i wonder how he'll be when we move to Baguio and my Dad stays here? =(

4. My Dad ordered me a new plug for my laptop!!! =) See, i told you he was dope. It arrived last week before i left for Qatar. How convenient.

5. I'm itching to shop. BUT- i promised i wouldn't until i had someone to go with (to restrain me and knock some sense in my head with certain key items, of course) and until i cleaned out my closet and got rid of some "just in case" pieces. You know what i'm talking about:
*Just in case it comes back in style.
*Just in case i lose weight, i'll fit into it again.
*Just in case i feel like wearing this "style".
YOu get the idea.

6. I absolutely suck at the cam-whoring game. It's not part of my personality to be snapping away at everything i see or everything of ME. I'm more of the "i appreciate it in the now" kind of person. Therefore, my documenting sucks, and when the experience is over, i am filled with regret. Boo...
I need to work on that.

7. After the incredible sleepfest i've had this week, my body clock is slowly reseting itself near normal. About time. Just trying to get back to normal feels like a ton of work...

8. The move out of the Metro is slowly drawing to a close. There's anxiety, for sure... but plenty of excitement as well. But before that- i have a birthday to celebrate. But before THAT- i have to throw a birthday party for a very close girl friend... and we have absolutely no idea what to do. Erk. =/

9. Three months ago, i felt like my life was in complete order and i knew exactly what i was doing. These days, i find myself looking for signs to tell me which direction to take. Ah, the vicious cycle of life. I should start applying the "Law of Attraction" back into my life- that made all the difference, i swear. But that's a whole other story. I also need a vacation. Like a REAL bona fide vacation.

10.I have a love-hate relationship going on with my hair. Just when it gets to the length i like, it's time to get a trim. If i want to keep it healthy, i have to do it. But every single time i get a trim, they cut it too short. It's as if they don't know what the meaning/definition of TRIM is. So by the time it gets to the desired length, i only have to cut it again. It's pointless.
And then there's the color. I don't know if too light is right for my face/skin color. I don't wanna look cheap/hella fake, but i definitely wanna look different. I'm not exactly sure what i'm trying to project, but i know i want something DIFFERENT. If i color it dark, then it just looks normal. That's boring. Why'd i even get it colored in the first place?
Geeze! This is what stylists are for except the ones i keep getting have no idea what the hell they're doing and i've been all over this city!
Okay, this is hopeless.

...I have nothing else to talk about. I think that's it.
I'm gonna go read a book now.

Goodbye Heatwave. Hello Precipitation from the Sky.

I want one!

Metrofarm DJ Decks

From Berlin Germany, Metrofarm Studio has produced a number of stunning, custom built DJ Desks. Having released a concrete DJ table a couple of years back, the new desks, in folded stainless steel and wood painted black and neon orange demand attention. But they’re not just for finely tuned vinyl slingers looking for the perfect ergonomic ratios to heighten their musical flow. They’re for anybody with a musical mind and an eye for detail, looking to add spark to a lounge room, club or gallery. It’s art for the DJ’s sake.
By Nick Christie

***
A girl can dream, can't she?
Universe, do you hear me?

credit: The Cool Hunter

Generation _?

Dylan just asked me if he could use the internet.
???
Holy hell, he's 5 years old!
I know this is the age of technology and i'm sure some children far younger than him are probably able to operate heavy machinery... but seriously?

I don't think i even knew what the internet was until i was 12 or 13? And i know that was during our time... but my childhood was all the better for it.

What is this generation called? Is there a name for them yet? I know the late 90's was Generation X. The New Millenium kids were a little strange, they were called Generation Y. What are our kids gonna be called? What is this new generation tagged as?

What kind of childhood will it be when all they do is compare video games or talk about who's seen what on the internet/tv? Kids are rarely seen outside riding their bikes. It's not something that they do. You know what i mean? We went out every single day to ride our bikes and play with the neighbors. It was a thing. That's what we did. Kids these days ride their bikes out if they feel like it. If someone is using their computer or if they're frustrated with a level they can't get past.

We all played with our imagination, made REAL friends with other kids, got dirty and scratched up. It was experience. It was living. It's what being a kid was all about. We ran til we couldn't run anymore. We played til our limbs were sore. There was no such thing as getting too dirty or being too sweaty. It was part of being a child. You get to clean up and worry about that when you grow up... and at that time, growing up was light years away. Unfathomable. 24 years old was deemed OLD.

Television was there. Sure. We had our programs and we watched our cartoons. But we didn't make a day out of it. We also couldn't sit still for too long because we'd see all the other kids playing outside and we wouldn't wanna miss out on all the fun everyone else was having. It worked out great.

I miss being a kid. I would gladly jump into a time machine and go back to being 10 years old. That was the life. All i had to do was do my homework and clean up after dinner. Do well in school and be nice to my siblings. Damn. If that's all i had to do these days, i'd be happy as a clam. Wow.

And all the drama you went through as a kid? Think back and see just how none-crazy all of it really was... it's really not that serious, right?
Parents have a way of just knowing when something is wrong. There was a time i was going through some kind of ordeal (can't recall what it was anymore- i guess it wasn't that terrible), and my Dad said, "It seems like a lot right now. But you'll realize it's not so bad... if i had to go back to high school, i'd be able to do everything all over again with my eyes closed".
I didn't get it then... but i certainly do now. I'll most likely be giving Dylan the same advice sometime in the distant future.

I brag about it all the time. I had the most incredible childhood. I am and will forever be grateful to my parents for giving me that. It has set my standards for happiness and it's the same thing i strive to provide for my very own son. Yes, to me, it's THAT important.

A childhood isn't a childhood if not for the real life adventures. The cuts and bruises and learning to use your human mechanics for all the glory it was meant for. The energy you were given at such a young age that slowly burns out with the years- don't waste it. It won't be there forever. The old and elderly are looking at the youth, shaking their heads and wondering- what happened?

It's just not like how it used to be.
I know these things are inevitable. Sure, it's part of evolution and you can't always control what happens in your kids' lives. I'll want to buy them a pair of shoes for quality and endurance that will last a few years at the least- and somehow, they'll insist on the latest fad that will probably break into shreds in about 2 and a half months. That's just how it goes. I know i did that when i was a kid.

I never thought i'd ever think of myself as old fashioned. I always thought i'd be very "with it". I guess as the times change and your values stay put, the world evolves and you become just that- old fashioned. I wonder what our grandparents think and how the elderly of the world feel? I'm only in my 20's.

I've always stood by my beliefs and taken pride of my values. I hold these very near and dear to me. I believe it's a part of building good character. And even if good guys finish last, and tales of heroism are at a minimum, and good people are hard to come by these days... it doesn't mean that we succumb to the ways of the cruel world just like that. You fight for it and stand up for it because this is what inspiration and admiration are made of. And if you give up now and let everything you dislike and disagree with take over... then what of your legacy and that of your children?

This is life. You have one chance to live it. One chance to make an impression. Why not make it a good one?

Everything begins with its foundation... i reckon it'd be a good idea to start there.
Don't you think?

***

The following was an e-mail i received months back. I remember it left such a good feeling with me that i even forwarded it to my dad to share it with him and at the same time thank him and let him know that he did an awesome job.

Some of it is written in Tagalog. It wouldn't be as good if it wasn't written that way, so i'm leaving it be. This is for us anyway... and growing up on this island was hands down, the dopest dope you have ever smoked. =p (grabbed that one from Sabrina. Thanks chicka. She's down with the jungalyness too.)

[it was originally printed in BOLD, size 32 font. Dunno how to do that on here, so bare with it]

FOR THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1950's, 60' s, 70's and early 80's !!


First, some of us survived being born to mothers who did not have an OB-Gyne and drank San Miguel Beer while they carried us.
While pregnant, they took cold or cough medicine, ate isaw,and didn't worry about diabetes.

Then after all that trauma, our baby cribs were made of hard wood covered with lead-based paints, pati na yung walker natin, matigas na kahoy din at wala pang gulong.

We had no soft cushy cribs that play music, no disposable diapers (lampin lang), and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, no kneepads , sometimes wala pang preno yung bisikleta.

As children, we would ride in hot un-airconditioned buses with wooden seats (yung JD bus na pula),or cars with no airconditioning & no seat belts (ngayon lahat may aircon na)

Riding on the back of a carabao on a breezy summer day was considered a treat.(ngayon hindi na nakakakita ng kalabaw ang mga bata)

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle purchased from 711 ( minsan straight from the faucet or poso)

We shared one soft drink bottle with four of our friends, and NO ONE actually died from this.Or contacted hepatitis.

We ate rice with star margarine, drank raw eggs straight from the shell, and drank softdrinks with real sugar in it (hindi diet coke), but we weren't sick or overweight kasi nga......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, and get back when the streetlights came on. Sarap mag patintero, tumbang preso , habulan at taguan.

No one was able to reach us all day( di uso ang cellphone , walang beepers ). And yes, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our wooden trolleys(yung bearing ang gulong) or plywood slides out of scraps and then ride down the street, only to find out we forgot the brakes! After hitting the sidewalk or falling into a canal (seweage channel) a few times, we learned to solve the problem ourselves with our bare & dirty hands .

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 100 channels on cable, no DVD movies, no surround stereo, no IPOD's, no cellphones, no computers, no Internet, no chat rooms, and no Friendsters. ...... ...WE HAD REAL FRIENDS and we went outside to actually talk and play with them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no stupid lawsuits from these accidents.The only rubbing we get is from our friends with the words..masakit ba ? pero pag galit yung kalaro mo... ang sasabihin sa iyo... "beh buti nga !"

We played marbles (jolens) in the dirt , washed our hands just a little and ate dirty ice cream & fish balls. we were not afraid of getting germs in our stomachs.

We had to live with homemade guns " gawa sa kahoy, tinali ng rubberband , sumpit , tirador at kung ano ano pa na puedeng makasakitan. .pero masaya pa rin ang lahat.
We made up games with sticks ( syatong ), and cans ( tumbang preso )and although we were told they were dangerous, wala naman tayong binulag o napatay, paminsan minsan may nabubukulan lang.

We walked, rode bikes, or took tricycles to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them to jump out the window!

Mini basketball teams had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't pass had to learn to deal with the disappointment. Wala iyang mga childhood depression at damaged self esteem ek-ek na yan. Ang pikon, talo.

Ang magulang ay nandoon lang para tingnan kung ayos lang ang mga bata, hindi para makialam at makipag-away sa ibang parents.

That generation of ours has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, creative thinkers and successful professionals ever! They are the CEO's, Engineers, Doctors and Military Generals of today.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had failure, success, and responsibility. We learned from our mistakes the hard way.

You might want to share this with others who've had the luck to grow up as real kids. We were lucky indeed.

And if you like, forward it to your kids too, so they will know how brave their parents were.

It kind of makes you wanna go out and climb a tree, doesn't it?!

PS - The big letters are because your eyes may not be able to read this if they were typed any smaller (at your age).

***
I wouldn't change a thing.


me, Aix, & Javy * My Dad built us that "house" * It was awesome!!!

...and no matter what anybody says- that sh*t was FUN.

[i realize after looking at the post as a whole- that is THE most jungaliest photo i have, but i absolutely LOVE IT. hahaha!]

What's YOUR favorite childhood memory?

Jet Lag?

I was in a country 9 hours away, with a 5-hour time difference. This isn't jet lag... this has to be something else.

When i said i was going to hibernate, i wasn't kidding. I slept for 3 days straight. Waking up to eat, clean up, harass Dylan and beg for attention- only to fall back asleep a few hours later. I was able to talk to Ian a few times. Check my Facebook (of course. haha). Upload a few pictures. Oh, and check my mail. But majority of the time, i was seriously asleep. I woke up today and i thought it was only Monday, when it was really Tuesday evening.

[i woke up Tuesday 8pm. It is now Wednesday 8am. It's STILL Tuesday evening to me. Yes, i'm one of those people wherein "tomorrow" doesn't start until after i wake up.]

It's Wednesday!!! I got back Sunday afternoon. Where did Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday go? Mother of Elmo, i think i've hit a time lapse.

On the other hand, i also feel like i've gotten the rest i've been yearning for and also fully deserve. The past 3 weeks have been insane. The week of hangovers, the week of being sick, and then the weekend out of the country with the crazy time difference and no sleep. My body really needed this time-out.

Now, the only crazy part is- i'm awake when everyone is asleep, and i'm asleep when the whole house is awake. Poor Dylan has to keep quiet while he plays in the room. ANd i can see him waiting for me to wake up. He pounces on me as soon as i open my eyes.
Poor baby...

I need to set this clock straight.
Oh, i hear the buzz of the city. This means everyone's starting to wake up.
This means it's time for me to go to bed and get some shut-eye. =p
I REALLY need to fix this.

Good night Manila... or... Good morning, actually.

The Desert Storm

*Fast Facts:

A free trip is a good trip.

Qatar's population is 70% male, the minority are the pure Qataris (who don't work at all), and 1/3 of the entire population is Filipino.

There are no street names. Just a few main ones, i guess. But the streets don't have names so directions are given with landmarks.

All the buildings are either white or sand. There is no color.

There is Sand Storm Season. 2 months out of the year.

If you are caught stealing something in Qatar- they chop your hand off.

There is a Religious Police- you're in their country, you follow their religious laws. You break it- You will never see your family again. LOL! just kidding. They do some mean stuff though...

500 people were turned away from our event due to lack of identification. =( New law was implemented a week before. Lots of people weren't aware. Otherwise, that party would have been even more bananas.

There were over 1,300 people at our event- a record for Qube. It would have been better if nobody was turned away though.

A ticket to our party sold for about 1,500 pesos.

Average sale is about 10 tickets per day- with our party, they sold 46. Record! =) YAY!

I got kicked off the stage for dancing. Apparently, i was attracting too much attention. Whoops. haha!

The dancing in Doha is... different. Jena was in heaven. She didn't know where to look and where to start criticizing. LOL!

The heat is something else over there. The wind burns. It's literally like being in an oven.

The food is awesome. Excellent. Incredible. I loved it.

The amount of Pinoys in that country was astounding. I was walking around the mall and i felt like i was still in Manila. haha!

***

Day 1.
Departure.

I had no sleep from the previous day, i decided to go to a crazy party, and i had a bit to drink. I had to rush packing, rush to the airport, and i was battling a hangover and fatigue.
I got to immigration and the lady at the counter couldn't understand my visa. It said 5 year VISIT. But Business TYPE. Anyway, she started yelling at me because i didn't know what was going on. We had to take it to the manager or whatever the guy was. It wasn't a good start. She was mean.

I wanted to throw up before we even took off. I think i was also experiencing sympathy pains- Jena's pregnant and she's in the morning sickness phase.
The flight was ok. The food wasn't too bad. I slept maybe 2 hours total. Jena and i talked pretty much the whole way there.

Arrival.

We arrived at 2:55pm Qatar time. 7:55pm Manila time.
We were lined up at the Immigration counter. I got through. Jena was detained. I waited for what seemed like forever. I couldn't even leave the terminal because Jena had the stub for my luggage. 20mins passed and i saw her stroll into the baggage claim area- she had to pay for her Visa on arrival. She didn't have any money. *phew* Thank goodness that was it.

We were greeted at the exit by our main babysitter and the guy that booked us for the event- Josey Kray. The driver took our bags and lead us to our car. We hopped in the Mercedes and was driven to our hotel.

The Ramada Plaza was awesome. It was a beautiful place. Jena and i were issued separate rooms. We settled in and went down for our naps. There was no way we were gonna be doing anything else. I'm talking straight up exhaustion.

After a 2 hour nap, we got up at 8pm Qatar time. 1am Manila time. We were taken for dinner at a restaurant in the hotel. Incredible Indian food. I absolutely loved it. Afterwards, we went to check out the club we were gonna be playing at- Qube. We hung out there for a little bit and had a couple of drinks. By 1am (6am Manila), we had to retire. We got a feel of what music they liked, how the crowd was, and how the pace would be. We did our research. I can honestly say, we were just excited. There was nothing to be worried about.

Day 2.
Shopping!

I expected a lot more. But due to lack of rest and a confusing exchange rate- i failed miserably. I couldn't get into the spirit of shopping. I just couldn't.
But i did get to see the window at Virgin Records where they had a ginormous poster for our event up! =)



SOund check.
Jena and i were told that we weren't gonna be doing a duo set anymore. They said the venue didn't have sufficient space and they also had only one mixer. So we shunned the idea and were set on playing separately. We were wrong.
They made space and found a mixer. We didn't practice. We didn't even talk about it. LOL! We were gonna wing it. We got about 3 songs in at sound check to see if we could pull it off. Comes in handy playing with someone you really vibe with- it was cake. =)
So we messed around with the decks a little bit. Set up our monitors. Got the feel of the tables. Everything was set.




"Practice".
We went up to the rooms and talked about what we were gonna play for the duo set. haha! Whatchu know about being lazy? We came up with 5 songs and said we'd wing it past that. Done. haha!

Dinner.
We were brought to some Spanish restaurant by the Manager of Qube- Wayne. Awesome guy. He's Scottish. =)
He had to go back to work so he pretty much just left Jena and i there. So we ordered. Turns out- it was more of a wine and drinking place than a dinner place. We were picking out our dinner off a menu that was offering starters and appetizers. We're pushovers who never complain, so we ordered 5 dishes.
The staff was mainly Filipino. Jena's pregnant- she wanted rice. There was no rice in the area. NONE. But they made their way to another restaurant and brought us 2 bowls of rice.

We ordered:
1 Salpicao
1 Garlic Shrimps
1 Stuffed Jalapeno
1 Salmon Skewers
1 Humus with Olives

2 orders of rice. =p

The food was seriously incredible. Jena started dancing and claimed it to be "orgasmic". Everything was cooked to perfection. Absolute perfection. Jena mentioned that it's crazy how you can't describe this. If you see something beautiful- you take a picture. If you hear something great- you record it. How do you explain something that tastes incredible?
Our hats off to the chef who was staring at us while we made complete retards out of ourselves. Laughing and smiling and looking at each other like we had never been fed before.
When Wayne made his way back, the chef noticed he was sitting with us and decided to come over to check up on his two most peculiar customers. He had told us that he asked himself "Why are these girls getting so much attention?". We were walked in by the Manager, and we were conversing with the staff. For a restaurant with only 5 tables occupied, i guess we did draw a lot of attention.
Mid-sentence, after we had told him how his food had made our trip, how we loved every bite and he had introduced us to heaven, he glanced down at the table and asked, "Where did you get your rice?"
Jena and i were instantly horrified. Jena asked if it was okay. He simply said that it was very Filipino and that it was fine... he just wanted to know where it came from. Haha!

That was the best dinner of my life. Thanks Syler. =P
[Jena and i are convinced he could possibly be related to the Villainous Hero we love to hate- Syler.haha]

I hated myself for leaving my camera in the room. =(

Party time.
The gig as a whole, was cake. Jena and i killed our duo set. We had incredible solo sets. It was obvious the crowd was having a great time. But we were given a 30minute break before we closed... strange.



I was kicked off the stage for dancing. I didn't drink much at all. Jena was offered to be bought for $1000 US by some strange man. A lady in her 40's requested for ACDC. Some gorgeous lady told Jena and i we were doing an incredible job. Filipinos all over the place showed their love and support, and were so happy to be there.



It was a fun night.
Marvin and Laura brought Jena and i for after-party snacks- McDonald's.





The gig was cake. If anything, it felt rather short. I could have played longer. Oh well. No complaints over here. We got the job done. =)

Day 3.
Pool it.

Breakfast at 8am. Gorgeous. Smoked Salmon on tap! It was a beautiful buffet. That hotel was awesome. Standards are being set as i type this and relive the whole experience.
Pool area 9am-11am. Got a tan. Ordered a shake. Talked a lot. Swam a bit. Awesome morning. =)





Pack up.
Got ready in less than half an hour. Headed downstairs for "lunch". We really only had soup and then got ready for check-out.

Departure. Or so i thought.
We said peace out to our Babysitters- Jaymin and Josey.
On our drive to the airport i said, "the only thing about this job is we don't get to see much of the place we get to visit. Because we play at night and we rest during the day... we're really here to just play. I wouldn't mind another day here..."
Jena says, "Yeah... but home sounds really good right now."
"i guess."

Little did i know that my fate was already set even before i left the Philippines.

Delay.

We make it to the airport 20mins late.
I line up for check-in.
Jena goes to a different line, i'm asked to step forward to a different desk. I tell him (check-in-counter guy. Later to be known as Pillow guy. Concluded to be named Youssef), "She has my ticket". He says it's okay.
He looks at me and then back at my passport. I'm guessing he's wondering about the picture coz i look very different. So i smile, like the smile i do on my passport photo. He asks, "This is you?", i tell him "Yeah, my hair color is different". He laughs. He asks me what i was doing in Qatar. I told him i was playing music. I have a bright idea of giving him one of our flyers. He asks why he wasn't invited. I told him i didn't know he was here. He should have known though- the party was well advertised. We sign the flyer. He notices my neck pillow and asks to see it. He likes it a lot and continues to ask for it. I tell him i'd be more than happy to give it to him if he bumps me up to first class. He says Business is possible. I laugh. Jena comes to my desk and says that i should give my pillow and we should both get Business. He laughs.
We say goodbye and leave.

We walk over to the Passport Counter. The line is empty so Jena and i go at the same time. The lady looks at my passport. She checks the computer. Jena leaves the counter and walks ahead. The lady sets my passport down on the counter. She states, "No exit permit."
I show her my visa.
"No exit permit" She says again.
"I don't know what that means." i tell her.
She looks at a man that stands around the Passport Counter area. He looks at me and takes my passport. He speaks to the lady. He says, "No exit permit".
I tell him, "I don't understand. What do i do?"
He walks off. 7 feet away from me, he turns around, and as if irritated, waves at me to follow him. I think he even made a sound of some sort.
He hands my passport to a security guard. He leaves.
I ask the security, "What do i do?"
He says, "No exit permit."
I say, "I know that now, but what does that mean? What do i do?"
He's irritated. As if i was nuisance and i just made his day worse, he shoos me off and tells me, "Information". He then ushers me off the area as if i was taking up valuable space and i didn't belong there.
I'm worried. Nobody is explaining anything. There's something wrong with my passport and i don't know what it is or how to fix it.
I walk to information.
I ask, "I need an exit permit? How do i do that?"
The man says, "No exit permit. You go outside."
I'm confused. "What???" I'm frustrated. "How do i get one??"
He says, "You get sponsor. Tell him come here."
So i ask, "can i use your phone?"
He simply states, "no."
So i ask "I have a friend past immigration. She has all our contact information and a phone that works. Can i talk to her?"
He says, "No."
I ask again, "Is there anywhere here i can use a phone?"
That did it. He's annoyed. "YOu go OUTSIDE!!!"
He shoos me off too. With the hand wave and everything. I think i even got a "tsk". I head for the exit. I'm royally screwed now.
I sit on a bench. I need to look for a number. I grab my laptop. I have 5% left on my computer. I turn on all my chat applications. I look for a number on Facebook. I leave 4 messages on my AIM. My laptop dies.

I wanna cry. I wanna collapse into a mess on the floor and cry.
My plane boards in 20mins. I can do this.

I walk over to customer service.
The lady is on the phone. She doesn't even look at me. I wait. Patiently.
I ask how to use a phone. She says i need a Qatar Card. Can't get one of those at the airport. Or at departure, anyway. I ask her, beg actually- can i please use the phone. The number i found on the internet doesn't work. I'm dead.
She sees i'm beginning to panic. She asks me what i'm trying to call. I tell her i'm trying to reach the Ramada Plaza. She calls for me. I ask for Mr. Wayne's number. Shit. I don't know his last name. They have it. It's his cel. They hang up.
I ask the lady- can i call this number? She says, "No. Landline only"
So i ask her to call again. She's irritated, but she does it anyway. I ask for Wayne's landline. He doesn't have one.
I can't call a cel. Panic sets in like a mothertrucker.
I hold back tears.

I look around the airport. People of every kind walking around, talking, sitting, minding their own business. Who'll help me? I can't do this. What am i going to do?
I see 3 guys sitting on a bench. They look Filipino. They'll help me.

I approach them. I look worried, i know i do. So i said, "Hi. I really really need your help. I need a phone but i can't use one." They stare at me. "Ayaw nila ako pauwiin" (They won't let me go home).
They say, "Aaaaaah! Nag-English ka pa! Sige, tulongan ka namin!" (Oh! Why'd you even speak to us in English? Of course we'll help you)

Finally.
They dial Wayne's number. I get through. I tell him what happened. He says, he'll check. He hangs up. I'm panicking. My newfound friends tell me to sit down. They explain to me the exit permit and even shows me one. Wayne calls back- There's been a mistake with my visa. I was given a 5 year working visa. I need a permit from my sponsor to leave the country. I can't have that right now. "You're not getting on that plane" he says.
I need my luggage. There's no way in hell that plane is leaving with my luggage. If that bag leaves, i'm never seeing it again.
I go all the way back to the entrance and do the whole routine over again. I line up, have my bag go through the x-ray machines and i sprint to the check-in counter. I mean, i sprint. Like, i ran like i stole something. It was ridiculous.

The guy at Check-in (Pillow Guy) sees me in line. He's wondering what i'm doing there. I'm sure the look on my face was also a bit curious. The line was long. I was at the end of it. He's attending to 2 men. He calls me forward anyway.
I tell him, "I'm not getting on that plane. I need my luggage back."
He says, "Ok. Let me finish up here and i will help you."
He works with the computer. Makes a phone call. He tells me that it's ok. My bag is being located and i can pick it up at arrival.
I thank him and i leave.
I don't know how to get to arrival.
I walk back to the check-in area.
He sees me and laughs. His co-worker tells him to walk me to arrival.
He points me in the right direction. I see where i have to go. We part ways.
I make it to Arrival. Lost and Found. They say that the guys at Check-in lie all the time. They don't have my bag. My heart sinks.
I walk back to departure.
It's HOT as hell, by the way.

I run into Pillow Guy. I told him what happened. He says i have to wait a few minutes before they deliver my bag over there. Everything is fine, i should just wait. I ask him if there's a designated smoking area. He says no. I light a cigarette.
"Very big problem? No?" His accent is heavy. He's from Morocco.
I learn his name is Yusef. He's been in Qatar for 4 months. He doesn't like it there. But his job has awesome benefits. We walk to the parking lot. He wants a cigarette too, he's just not allowed to smoke it there. I light another one.
I'm exhausted. I just wanted to sleep. I don't know what's going on. I don't know who's coming for me. I don't know how long it'll take to fix this. But if i get my bag back, i'll be fine.
Yusef's co-worker joins us at the parking lot. We talk. We smoke. They try to make me feel better about my situation. It helps a little. It's not bad, i guess. I have nothing to do. I'm just really tired.
I tell them about what happened... they explain to me that nobody cares because i am a woman. No offense, but it makes sense. Even the women don't like women. I have more freedom than they do and they hate it.

We walk to arrival to wait for my bag. Mr. co-worker gets back to work. Youssef's already done so he says he'll wait with me and keep me company. I appreciate it a lot- i don't like being by myself. We sit at a coffee shop and i order coffee. 27 QR the barista says. That's over 400 pesos!!! For coffee that didn't even taste good! ugh!
I feel like it's just not my day.

I find out i have to wait til the plane leaves and then 30mins after departure til i get my bag. Great. I'm gonna be here for a while. I make conversation with Youssef. He's quite a pleasant character. Conversation was easy.


Youssef

Jaymin finds me and tells me he's gonna sort out my ticket.
He gets back and orders food. Youssef gets up and says, "You have companion now, i will go." I look at him and thank him wholeheartedly. I almost gave him my pillow. I joke about it, but he says i'll be needing it.


My 40 minute wait after my rejection at Immigration with my 500 peso coffee that wasn't even good.

My bag is released 40mins later.
We leave the airport and Jaymin gives me a tour of Qatar. The place isn't that big so i saw everything in one drive. I tried to take as many pictures as i could... but it was really just buildings and sand. I got a kick out of everything in Arabic... but that's as far as anything cool went.

We go back to the Ramada Plaza. They ask me to leave my Passport there and it would be a few hours til they fixed it. The next flight out was in 10 hours.
What the f**k was i gonna do for 10 hours?? I'm already delirious... what am i gonna do?

I kill time for 10 hours. That's what i did. I kicked it with Jaymin. I kicked it with Marvin. I saw a bit more of Qatar. I ate more Indian food. I saw a massive house... i'm talking MASSIVE. It looked like the size of a small mall in the Philippines. I asked what they had in there and Marvin told me it was the Mayor's HOUSE. He lives in there. Insane.
Kicked it at Laura's house and watched a little TV.
Kicked it near the pool area in their neighborhood. Gorgeous.




By the time i felt like i was about to die, it was time to leave for the airport.
Marvin drove me out with Laura, his neighbor. They're both awesome, by the way. I'm glad Marvin was out there.
I say my Goodbyes, we joke around about it being for real this time. I take down Marvin's number JUST IN CASE.
I roll my way in to Departure for my 8th time that day.

I get to check-in and the line is long. I stand there. I'm delirious. I feel like i've smoked numbing weed. I can barely keep my eyes open. I must look like hell. I can hardly move. Ugh. Shit.
I get to the counter. The guy tells me, "Madam, please wait on the side. The flight is full, you're going to have to wait".
I'm too tired to get mad. I'm too exhausted to cry. I step aside and i wait. Why did they book me a full flight? This is ridiculous.
I watch as people check in their luggage and claim their boarding passes. I watch the line come and go. I see families traveling together and random strangers on their own. I get a glimpse of different passports. I notice that Indians in Qatar don't give a shit about lines. They will cut that line like a motherfucker. I notice an upset Japanese man. There's something wrong with his passport. I see a young man, clean cut, well-built, good posture. He must be part of the military. Or so i think to myself. I see a chick from the Netherlands. I like her scarf.

The man at the Check in counter calls me back.
I drag myself there. I give him my ticket and my passport. I kindly ask, "Do you think it would be possible if i could get a window?"
He looks at me and says, "I'm sorry. The flight is full. You're gonna have to test your luck." A moment later, he hands me my boarding pass- he gave me an aisle seat. It was the best he could do, he said, and it's still 2nd best. I thank him and say, "It's been a horrible day." He tells me, "I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you have a good flight". I murmur, "Me too..." and i walk away.

I make it past the damn Passport Counter. I look around for a souvenir shop. I couldn't find one. At this point, i couldn't really be bothered anymore. I wanted a magnet though. I always get a magnet from places i've been to. It's like this thing i've decided to do. I give up and walk towards my gate. I sit there and i wait. I wait forever.

The line starts and everyone gets up. I sit still. We're all getting on that plane. Please. Why do people insist on rushing?

The line is relatively short, i get up and i line up. We inch our way towards that gate. I get there, i hand the lady my boarding pass and my passport. She checks the computer and changes my seat number. I see her do it. She informs me that my seat has been changed. I ask her why. She tells me it's because the flight is full and i had to be moved. I just smile and nod.

I don't care. I'll be knocking out no matter what.

We hop on a bus and we're taken to the plane. We inch up the ladder/stairs.
I look at my seat number. 6j. That's up front. Great. Why the hell did i have to come up from the rear? I walk. I'm pushed and bumped. I do nothing. I keep walking.

After the craziest day and a wild experience at the airport, i didn't really care anymore. I was exhausted. I don't know if you will ever be able to imagine the magnitude of stress and exhaustion i experienced that day. I would rather not go through that again... ever.

So the Higher Beings decided that i had put up with enough bullshit and that i handled everything with as much grace and dignity as i could muster up. I was therefore rewarded for my good behavior.



BooYAh!!! Bumped up to business class!
And it couldn't have come at a better time.
I was also lucky enough to sit down next to a man so nice that he let me sit next to the window. I told him my story and what i had gone through that day and he simply said, "well, charge it to experience."

That's exactly what i did.

The flight was pleasant. The food was okay. I slept great.
I got home. I've been out of it for 2 days now. Today should be fairly normal.
I'm ready to get back into the swing of things.
It looks like i'll be staying put for a little bit.

Special Thanks and Extended Gratitude:

*To those 3 random strangers at the Airport who were more than willing to help a Kababayan out. I don't know what i would have done if you guys weren't there or how much worse that situation could have gotten. THANK YOU. Magkitakita nalang tayo sa The Fort. =p

*To Check-in guy, aka Pillow Guy, aka Youssef- for extending a helping hand without hesitation and making me feel at ease when i nearly broke down in tears. I see that whole scenario play out differently if i had lined up at a different desk that day. THANK YOU. Couscous is awesome and so is Moroccan Coffee. =) But i will always be a fan of HipHop. Rave on though, buddy. =P

*To Mr. Rene. My seatmate at Business Class. They say that picking your seats on a plane is like the draw of the lottery. You either win or lose- you can either sit next to the perfect candidate or be cursed with the annoying ones. I got lucky and you only made the way home better. Thank you for your consideration and your pleasant presence. It was all greatly and wholeheartedly appreciated. Hopefully your kids will know about HipHop and know about the next time i fly out to Cebu. =)

*To Marvin Flemming- am i ever glad you were in the most random Middle Eastern country that i didn't even know anything about til 5 days ago. You are a Godsend and a half. THANK YOU for your hospitality, your friendship, and for caring. haha! I owe you. Next time you're around this way, i will see you for sure.

*Josey & Jay- You guys get the award for best babysitters, so far. Thanks so much for the awesome experience and for tolerating my touristy-tendencies. haha! Next time, we break ridiculous records. So, woh-eva blood.

*Wayne- I don't know your last name but the Ramada understood me when i said Mr. Wayne so you have to be a big deal of some sort. =p You're awesome. I feel terrible that you have to put up with Josey and Jay everyday, but that's what you get for bagging a great job with benefits. Please remember to hit us up when you're on our island. Stay sober! haha!

***

Home sweet Home

Made it back...
-after being left stranded, alone and helpless in a city i knew nothing about- with no contact numbers, no phone, no internet, nobody i could reach, and nobody at the airport giving a flying f**k (with a few exceptions that turned out to be lifesavers!)
-i tolerated sexual/religious/racial discrimination at the Doha airport
-with minimal sleep
-fighting hunger, dehydration and fatigue
-after a missed flight, a faulty visa, no exit permit, and then a 10 hour waiting period til the next flight out.
-without being able to tell Jena what happened so God knows what she was thinking.

"Charge it to experience", said the man i met on the plane.

What a story.

I think i'm gonna crash for 2 days straight and write in full detail about my crazy desert experience later.

I'd be happy to never have to go through that again.

[To those 3 random Filipino strangers that took pity on me at the airport and was more than willing to help a kababayan out- THANK YOU. I don't know what i would have done if you weren't there.

To the check-in guy that was nice enough to help me out- the ONLY one in that whole airport nice enough to lend a hand- THANK YOU. I would have been a mess if it weren't for you.]

You'll all know what i'm talking about soon enough.

13 hours of sleep TOTAL in the span of 4 days. With work, travel, and socializing part of the equation.

Good night World. See you on TUesday.
Over and out.

Qa-FAR.

9 hour flight.
No sleep.
Hangover.
Flying 9 hours with no sleep and a hangover is not a good idea.

Qatar is hella far.
The heat is intense. The desert is really something else. I am in awe.
I absolutely love the fact that i'm HERE. =)

Time to nap. It's 9:29pm Manila time. It's only 4:29pm here. Weird. Gotta rest up and get up on time to experience a Thursday night in the Middle East. =)

Laterrrrrrrrr.

Arbitrary Mind Picks #6

1. I'm feeling much better than i did 2 days ago. That's good. I'm still sick... but not sick enough to stay home. =p

2. To drink or not to drink. That is my dilemma. There's a huge party going on tonight. It's the last time i will be seeing my good friend Samwell til... well, i'm not sure exactly... but it won't be for a looooong time.
It's a few other people's despedidas too.
Oh no. I'm gonna end up drinking, i know it.

3. I leave at 10:25am tomorrow for Qatar! =) YaY!!!
On that note- i must pack before the chaos that is tonight begins.
It is 106 degrees over there of straight desert heat. Women aren't allowed to wear anything revealing- no shorts, no tank tops. But even if we were allowed- we'd have to cover up anyway. A few minutes under the sun is enough for us to burn.
The Philippines is 5 hours ahead. The flight to Doha takes approximately 9 hours. So we leave here at 10:25. Land at 7:25pm Manila time but 2:25pm Qatar time. I love how how i get 5 hours of my life back. =) haha [only to lose it on my way back to Manila, i guess]

Jena and i are gonna have so much fun. I can't wait.

4. Ian and i celebrated our 4th Year Anniversary. Well, we didn't really do anything... but we crossed our 4th year mark. That's longer than an average marriage in the United States. Nyerk.

5. Incompetence annoys me. I absolutely hate how you can have 12 people hired to help you in a department store and they're really good at gathering around to chitchat... but when it comes to helping you- they're ALL absolutely USELESS.
Robinson's Place Ermita, Department Store, Men's Section in the old wing- i'm looking at you.

6. I'm in love with my son. He's just incredible like that.

*Peace out. Wish me luck.
Desert Sun and Dunes of Sand, away from Manila, here i come. =)