the other side of malaysia

Written on 12:18 AM by wanderer


I had so much fun on this trip. I was able to see and explore some remote part of the world. I was able to extend my being a tourist and explorer to the next level. To a level where I could see myself learning and improving in so lots of different aspect. I had this realization that the world is not just a whole lot round in shape but it has all the significant dimensions where we could find the reality of our existence.

Enough for that …. anyway ….

The shopping. Gosh, from village market to signature items, name it. It has all what you want and wish for. Window shopping at Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and even the newly built Metro Jaya made me wishing to be so super fabulously rich shopping every thing my eyes can see.

The food. I love all what they have got. I could say that Asian cuisine is truly one of the best cuisine in the world. From rich spicy to moderate continental palate are just rich and super yummy. You can even smell every bits of herb added to it. I also tried some of their Chicken, beef and fish dishes and all are worth 30-36 cm waistline and not just that, they also have the best Chef in the world. How could you resist not to taste those marinated Salmon fish with their own home made kikkoman sauce on the top of their own fried noodles?

The culture. Emerging to the culture and tradition is always a highlight of my "every" trip. Malaysia is truly amazing evolving to a more modern and highly civilized country yet keeping their very authentic culture and traditional practices. Women on fully Islamic traditional clothing while men always on the top of their very own hierarchial system, meaning, the dominant one, the one who got the voice over women. Every single historical bits of this country were all kept and integrated well for tourist can understand on how Malaysia evolved from history of war and British colonization. So much of lovely temples, traditional display of the primitive life, exotic yet very rich Malay heritage. Its a real neighborhood I was craving to explore.

The people. I encountered so lots of diversified yet very friendly/some were rude people. The kind of accommodation I got from hotel receptionist to bus drivers were just amazing. Its also like becoming more of a Chinese invasion where you can see Chinese everywhere from stall markets to busy rushing business associates to Anime looking individual. The kind of people I met were all like a living MAP, they will always tell you the right direction when you are lost. I also meet new friends whom are Pinoy and am so proud of them, its just worth and right for Sen. Defensor Santiago to defend our title of not being just a plain low grade DH but a kind of race who got awesome, amazing and jaw dropping talents [Sheila, Eden and Jun].

The Language. English are highly spoken no matter where you go in Malaysia though people speak their native language to their own citizen but they always try to speak English to tourist like me though I cannot deny the fact that most of them speak Malay/Chinese/Indian and stuff like that to thinking that I am also Malaysian. “No malay, Philippines, from Philippines” has always been my introductory line every time I meet locals. Sometimes, Its here where I see myself good in charade like gestures. Sounds really funny but so cool to experience.

The experience. Its whole lot unforgettable.

I thank all the chances Ive got to again enrich my sense of being myself through learning what the world truly is all about.





welcoming 2009

Written on 6:27 AM by wanderer



2009 will be just a matter of counting days on fingers and by now, its already wrapped with many paranoias and questions on what lies ahead for us. I can imagine how shiny mirror balls are as of the moment and fortune tellers activating their extra senses or “3rd eye” trying to see how will things work out for us.

According to my Zodiac Sign – Scorpio, my year will be fierce and ready to face any situation in life. I have the intelligence and the full capability to be the winner in life. I will sometimes act mysterious and can handle pressure with ease.

So good to be true.

I will now start crossing my fingers for what astrology got for me will come true. On the contrary, I cannot deny the fact that I am not going to live just by predictions, some says thats predictions belong to the family of failure. So I will do my best to make my 2009 worthwhile, productive, enjoyable, peaceful and healthy. I will try everything I can to make my 2009 as hilarious as Les Miserable show. I will stick to what and where I stand and I need not to change my self but improve on my field and I will make myself more hungry for improvements.

Its also a fact that 2008 worth a monumental statue considering of so many things that I had been through. How I sacrificed every single drops of tears and smiles which I suppose to enjoy. Its been like a roller coaster for me, a ride that will never come to a stop. Its been like a curry for me so full of hot spices that I can barely swallow. A kind of 2008 that sometimes makes me nauseated.

But despite of those challenging events, nobody else but myself who could be so proud that I have surpassed and made this 2008 worth and amazing. I have met new friends whom I thought I could have never encountered in this whole wide world. I became frugal and practical in everything. I have learned lessons that I cannot find in the book of Confucius and I came to a realization that life is so beautiful.

So I will welcome my 2009 as an awakening, a new morning that brings the morning breeze from the ocean of dreams, inspirations and hopes straight to my window. This will be year for me to shine like a star, on my own show and drama that never unfolds. I will treat each threat of destruction and bad gossips as savory to my morning breakfast, as how Chef of paragon prepares the best Fishmonger Salmon Fillet.

So you .... are you ready to welcome 2009?


immigration 101

Written on 10:37 PM by wanderer


This time, I will tell you my bad experience when I passed the Immigration counter at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

I was on the 4th lane with skinned head- Hitler looking immigration officer wearing Vintage labeled eye glasses and not even looked at me when I was approaching the counter. I simply hand him my valid and legal passport with legibly Immigration filled card on it and yet am not getting any single comment from him. After a few seconds-almost a minute, he then asked me in a very low toned - wondering voice asking me my purpose of getting out of the country and I answered him back with proud chin yet with a very typical pinoy smile that I will be on vacation [
to a multiple destinations in Asia]. After hearing such "rich and famous" like answer, he then looked at me with a not so sharp but sharp vision straight to my cornea down to my digitalis trying to dig out if i have some hidden agenda down under my nerves. he was like questioning my capacity to travel abroad maybe because of several factors: maybe because I was only on a pair slipper, ukay-ukay the USO checkered short pant and looked haggard from the heavy traffic and falling on a roller coaster line of passengers, or I don't know, it maybe because we Filipino has this CRAB MENTALITY that we all cannot deny to any human races. He also asked me if I can afford to travel, whats the nature of my job in the Philippines, why travelling alone? if i have credit cards or something the fact that I have showed him my ROUND TRIP TICKET and HOTEL CONFIRMED BOOKINGS. He even asked me a personal below the belt question that I was pretending not hearing anything at all and asked him to repeat the question before he gave up and allowed me to go to my gate. Such a crazy attitude.

On the other side, its all the other way around when I reached my first foreign destination. I stood up in front of the Immigration counter for like 15 seconds only without any questions asked plus an ear to ear wide like smile welcoming me to their land.

This is really a comparison for me to see something unlikable about Filipino.



traveling tourist

Written on 7:18 PM by wanderer


i arrived in penang at around 10:00 pm, so i got nothing to see much but to pigged out at one indianish restaurant just across from the hotel where i booked, and only had the usual singha beer. met some group of English guys so had to activate my harry potter accent, wheow that was hot.

the following morning, i only stayed at the pool side and read books, can you imagine that am on vacation but reading NCLEX book? but anyway, i hope my being genius will paid for at the end.

on the other side, i can see some freaking weirdo unfair way of life here, where can you see a full pool but none is wearing any appropriate suit? women are swimming with all their body covered and clothed, as in from head to toe, how could they feel the comfort the pool can give them?

another thing, this is an Islam country but i hear Xmas song all over the place. so i always mimic songs like that and am glad at least its something i can understand.

but anyway, its a part of their culture and tradition, i think they cannot complain for it. so i must not complain also.

i will be going to Georgetown tonight, i hope i get to see and enjoy my stay there.

away for vacation

Written on 4:46 AM by wanderer




i am now packing up and ready to go.
ill fly with PAL and Singapore airlines through and through my flight IT.
excitement is building up and
cant wait to experience the one of the best vacation that i can ever have
guys, just stay put out there and wait to see my photo blogs when i'm back
merry christmas to all of you and
advance happy new year.









beautiful people

Written on 10:35 PM by wanderer


















these photos were taken post midnight at the mall downtown right after we had xmas party. we supposed to go bar hopping but ended up sitting on this blackish comfy sit-free couch without choosing even a single menu. those glasses and mug at the table were not ours, we did not bothered the waiter to fix the table as if we ordered something and those were from customers prior to us. when we are together like this moment, we usually have chit chat on so many varied things on earth plus awful laughters. we are like taking our time to bond and enjoy our company for the mean time that we are still around for each other because it wont be too long for us to have our own separate ways after schooling. but for sure, wherever we go, our hearts will always be filled with so much memories, value and love for each other. more power to us.


tips on how to travel safely ..

Written on 6:56 AM by wanderer

i have been traveling abroad for the past 4 years and I always get too paranoid on things to prepare for vacation like how soon my passport valid or expires, how much i have in cash, and stuff like that but i think am now a bit learned on what to do and prepare to avoid a hustle-stressful yet enjoyable vacation. here are some tips on how to prepare for a healthy and safe vacation.





Prepare: this is all about preparing yourself for vacation, consider your total safety, welfare and good health. leave all your stressful life soon as you depart your doorstep to your ultimate destination. always have yourself fit and in good condition mentally, physically and financially wherever you go. always consider and prioritize your total health and welfare no matter how short or long you go for vacation. always have this "safety, healthy and enjoyable sense of awareness so that you will get to experience the best vacation you can possibly have. motivate yourself to list things you want to do and have. do not be somebody who keeps everything in mind. if you have medications along with you, consider it as "must have" for vacation. do not jeopardize your vacation by getting an awful flu or LBM. try to have PRN "if needed" over the counter medications as every country has different and sometimes weird medication system and components, you cannot have biogesic in thailand for high temp or metoprolol for elevated BP, they usually have something different for a typical fever and other illnesses. make a checklist before you leave like for things you want to bring, digicam, cards, cologne though not really advisable to carry on board, mp3, notepad and pen. of course, consider your passport with validity to travel, credit cards if you have, roundtrip tickets unless you intend to "TNT", hotel reservation and list of people to meet.



Be cautious
"always expect the unexpected" check the foreign exchange market on the place where you want to visit, always have enough cash with you in case any of your card wont work or system failure occur. take time to browse embassy or immigration websites of the country where you are visiting, print some guidelines on do's and dont's as tourist. its too hard to settle with any violations committed set by immigration unless you have power to hypnotize the authorities and allow you to go away without price on your head of something. make sure you have list of phone numbers to call in case of emergency, assault or violations from local residents or co-tourist.






Verify:
if you have it ....verify what your travel insurance policy covers while in another country. some insurance policy only covers the first 10 days while in another country. so make sure that all these are verified.


@r0n

spare me that wine

Written on 6:39 PM by wanderer




first sip to bottomless (2.5 glass or 200 cc)
its what happened when a very close friend of mine ANGEL and I decided to have wine first thing in the morning after duty. though am not a winey person but i still want to give myself a chance to have one, just today. its been a year since I had my first wine and that was red wine, i swore, cursed and promised not to have it again, it was like drinking 70% isopropyl alcohol. and the experience was like burning my esophagus with a liquified fire. but the one i had today was white wine, it was like a yucky-sour-yummy-one more glass please taste.

Label


Brand : May
Ingredients: Grape Juice, Carbonation
No preservatives
Non alcoholic
100% Sparkling White Wine
75 CL
Product of Belgium


its only today when i had comparison between the taste of red and white wine. i think i will go more of white wine than red one. aside the fact that its not alcoholic, it also taste like a vintage-antique wine stored in a barrel hundred times ago. the aroma is a lot more invigorating and inviting. though, wine is not a typical kind of drink i used to have, but i consider it now as "something nice to have once in a while".

for medical matters, some researcher said that wine can help to reduce the risk of acquiring cancer and other cardiovascular diseases due to is component like flavonoids and anti-oxidant but some opposed that wine and alcohol contributes detrimental illnesses to people, i think IF TOO MUCH INTAKE.

here are some facts about: effect of wine and alcohol to the body.

What about red wine and heart disease?

Over the past several decades, many studies have been published in science journals about how drinking alcohol may be associated with reduced mortality due to heart disease in some populations. Some researchers have suggested that the benefit may be due to wine, especially red wine. Others are examining the potential benefits of components in red wine such as flavonoids (FLAV'oh-noidz) and other antioxidants (an"tih-OK'sih-dants) in reducing heart disease risk. Some of these components may be found in other foods such as grapes or red grape juice. The linkage reported in many of these studies may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol. Such factors may include increased physical activity, and a diet high in fruits and vegetables and lower in saturated fats No direct comparison trials have been done to determine the specific effect of wine or other alcohol on the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Are there potential benefits of drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages?

Research is being done to find out what the apparent benefits of drinking wine or alcohol in some populations may be due to, including the role of antioxidants, an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol or anti-clotting properties. Clinical trials of other antioxidants such as vitamin E have not shown any cardio-protective effect. Also, even if they were protective, antioxidants can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables, including red grape juice.

The best-known effect of alcohol is a small increase in HDL cholesterol. However, regular physical activity is another effective way to raise HDL cholesterol, and niacin can be prescribed to raise it to a greater degree. Alcohol or some substances such as resveratrol (res-VAIR'ah-trol) found in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together. That may reduce clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. (Aspirin may help reduce blood clotting in a similar way.) How alcohol or wine affects cardiovascular risk merits further research, but right now the American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain these potential benefits. The AHA does recommend that to reduce your risk you should talk to your doctor about lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough physical activity and following a healthy diet. There is no scientific proof that drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage can replace these conventional measures.

so what will be your stands now? to have or not to have.

i think there is nothing wrong to have wine or even red wine as long as its in moderation. you should consider and be responsible to the effect you will acquire at the end, if you will take it too much or beyond body requirements. you should be aware on the do's dont's, advantages and disadvantages in everything you want to have to avoid any complications, and those complications are sometimes, fatal and may cause death.

for me, i promised myself not to have wine maybe after 6 months, and realized that am not really into wine---ing, not really interested to it, something I dont consider as good as having dark choco milky drinks, lol.

so ... spare me that wine after 6 mounts, and the countdown starts now.

@r0n





trying hard

Written on 3:50 AM by wanderer


it was only a week ago since i got myself interested on blogging. actually, i have tried blogging several times already but it never became successful, always run out of ideas to post, topics to talk, template to choose and etc. i got my senses on this time killing hobby again since I encountered my friend's blog site and for me, that was impressive, i realized that it doesn't really matter if you are a geek in writing, grammarian or even a linguist, blogging is about free expression and it doesn't need to be proofread by critics.

anyway, just like what the photo is saying above, trying hard is not good enough, i think i am trying too hard to create or post something but i think it could be a good exercise for my brain to function well and recall those figurative speech i had on my high school days, apply it here and catch readers attention. i find it difficult but interesting. i believe that i will become good on this new career (lol) as long as I continue exercising my very "3 minutes" english, after 3 minutes, I collapse.

so mate, readers and friends, bear with my writing, post and ideas. i am not just trying too hard but also pushing my limits.

@r0n

my 10 wishlist for xmas

Written on 9:44 PM by wanderer





1.) Peace and unity

2.)Good health for everyone
3.) Mac Air (Laptop)

4.) Blackberry phone

5.) Trip to Malaysia and Singapore

6.) Star City rides

7.) Free medical mission to less fortunate fellowmen.

8.) Beach escapades

9.) Bottle of champagne

10.) Xmas dinner with family and folks.

noontime reflection

Written on 8:49 PM by wanderer


is bloody
complicated
______________________________
Time: 1:29 pm
"life is complicated" ... is what I always get to say everytime I feel down and discouraged. I just cant think of anything to cover up from any feelings of desperation in life but to acknowledge it. Some people say that the more life becomes complicated, the more it becomes challenging. But why is it that sometimes, we tend to surrender and realize that life is nothing, endless trials and sky scrapping problems. Does life has to come always with all these complications? I could say yes and so so so. I may sound pro/anti life on this matter because based on my experience, I have proved that life is complicated but also undeniable true that all these complications have brought me to what I am now, being On early adulthood enjoying life to the fullest, sour graping to anything I am not able to attain, hoping that life will be a lot better and continuously believing that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. So many things going on with me right now, and I like living with it.
So to speak.... my life is a journey full of complexities and its what making life a more worth and wonderful to sojourn with.
Thank you.

realizing christmas

Written on 5:15 AM by wanderer


According to the Holy Bible: Xmas is the birth of Jesus Christ and we recognized it as SPECIAL/Most Awaited season of the year. It is undeniable true that Christianity says lot of things about it. For me, Xmas is just like an ordinary day of the year whom anyone from all walks of life has to experience. Its when people becomes crazy and overly excited for gift giving, lighting of xmas tress, cooking for noche buena and even recognizing the presence of godsons and daughters. But nowadays, people are taking advantage out of this so called "special holiday" instead of realizing what xmas is all about, instead of doing what the Bible says like forgiving to those who have offended us, but we are now like very particular on what we can possibly get from anyone.
Here is a conversation from a friend of mine named Dang (a childhood friend/enemy....a friend rather) about Xmas.
Dang: Ron, xmas is coming, have you wrapped your gift for me?
Me: What? I dont celebrate xmas gurl.
Dang: I dont care, just give me my xmas gift.
Me: I dont have money for gift thing for anyone. On tight budget here.
Dang: Why not take something from your budget and buy a gift for me.
Me: I cannot do that.
Dang: Hmmmp your bad (lain lagi ka ron) Ron .....
Me: Sorry dang
Dang: Hmmp I wont talk to you until you wont give me a gift.
Dang has just logged off. (without any notice of disconnection) hehehe.
From that experience, it then came in to my inner senses that some people are excited to celebrate xmas not because of being whole....ly devoted Christian but for material meaning xmas has to offer and i think this is violating the theme xmas supposed to convey, for people to love each other, accept and respect each other, forgive those who have offended us and maltreated us, a time to unite and share values of humanity and lots more.
At this point, I conclude that the essence of xmas is becoming a matter of "escape goat" to cater human "greed" and much earthly desires from anyone who are truly devoting themselves to what Xmas is all about.

phuket ... pearl of andaman.

Written on 4:51 AM by wanderer

Map of Phuket
very amateurish photos taken by @r0n
------------------------------------------------

no words could ever explain how ecstatic and excited i was upon confirmation that i will be staying in Phuket for 15 days. I was actually anxious that time thinking of so many things like if tsunami will happen again during my stay there. but choosing phuket as one of my destination was never a regret but full of excitements, experiences, laughters and self acceptance no matter what you are, who you are and where you from.

so in terms of a must place to visit? i strongly recommend :PHUKET:

Its been a year now since I was in Phuket and no wonder why I wanted to go back again and again. I would love to stay there longer than just 15 days because Phuket is not just a place for the so called "flesh market" but its a place where hidden beauty of nature lies in. From white beaches, huge waves, colorful vintas and so adorably friendly Thai people. They offer one of the best pallatabe cuisine in the whole wide world. It is diversified as how everyone from all walks of life smiles at you genuinely. Forget being stranger, forget being a tourist ...

just be yourself

show respect


be courteous


smile to everyone



and PHUKET will bring you to a journey of a lifetime.

facts about coffee ...

Written on 4:44 AM by wanderer






















I basically have maximum of 6 Tall size of coffee a day.
Its invigorating, boosting up my senses, keeping me alive and over the top sometimes.
Its no longer an OXYGEN to me, but a must HAVE everyday.





How does coffee affect memory?

Memory can be divided in Short Term Memory (STM), working memory (the part that is using active information) and Long Term Memory (LTM). Coffee helps mainly with STM and the working memory when normal amounts of information have to be dealt with

Coffee helps to improve alertness, attention and wakefulness and by that means it facilitates learning. In other words, coffee helps optimise the energy sources you have for learning**.

It also compensates fatigue by increasing the level of alertness. The benefits are found mostly during the course of a long exam or test, when you get tired.

Will coffee lead to better focussed attention when studying?

Yes. Drinking coffee helps to focus your attention to the main task, when there are many things around needing your attention. It draws attention to what you need to learn and leads to less distraction although doing different things at the same time may in itself be stimulating enough.

However, drinking more will result in over- stimulation and that may impair your learning and attention.






Is it sensible to drink coffee while doing exams?

Doing exams is an energy - and attention demanding activity; coffee may help to sharpen your mind, assuming that you are a regular coffee drinker. Since, coffee is used as a mood optimiser, it may help to find the most appropriate state of mind to make a success of the exam.

If you are not a regular coffee drinker, then coffee may not be your best choice. So, in that case, stick to the drink you are accustomed to.

If I feel my concentration is fading, is coffee helpful in refreshing it?

Yes. Although concentration is also a question of putting effort into what you are doing. If your concentration slips away, take a break with coffee and this change of mind may help you to concentrate again.

my "about me"

Written on 4:43 AM by wanderer

Coffee is oxygen to me.
I travel
I live life to the fullest
I make sensible friends from all walks of life
I am educated (economist/nurse)
I can run a business
I can nurse anyone
I am out going, open minded and down to earth
I am worry free
I am rational
I make no dull moments.
I spend a lot.
I love green, blue, and red, black and white.
I wear slippers.
I can’t survive without my phone.
I like veggie diet.
I am OC sometimes.
I am generous.
I am very nocturnal.
I play badminton
I swim
I love beaches, Phuket is the beach.
I am a 22nd century lover - without any rules or hang-ups.
I’m a typical guy who is curious about everything I haven't tried.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My tastes and attitudes are totally futuristic. I am very adventurous and curious about everything. I am not possessive or materialistic - and I make my own rules. My personality is between exotic and unique. I love to talk about life, economy, travel experiences and anything under the sun anytime, anywhere. I enjoy hearing about other people's adventures. I reached independence and maturity at an early age. Above all, I aspire to become better and better in my field. I love to experiment on wide variety of stuff around me. I have a preference for the most exotic food Korean, Japanese, and especially Thai. I take lots of deep breaths every time I hear bad gossips. I listen to music. I look at the star when I feel sad. I exercise. I meditate. I look at my old photographs. I make funny faces in the mirror. I love coffee and tea. I dance. I always plan a trip abroad. I go to museum. I always try to learn words in a foreign language. I visualize my perfect place. I sometimes make a list of 10 things to do when I am bored. I kick ass if you are a gossip mongers! Serious who takes life and relationships seriously, but also approach them with a childlike enthusiasm and energy. I seek and expect authenticity and depth in my personal decisions, and will put forth a lot of effort into making things work out. I am warm, considerate, nurturing, and highly dignified. I have excellent interpersonal skills, and am able to inspire and motivate others to be the best that they can be. Energetic and effervescent, I inspire who is sometimes smothering in my enthusiasm, but is generally highly valued for my genuine warmth and high ideals. I am dominant in decision-making and I like to control my life in general. I am so intense in the sack that none of my friends will ever forget me. I am an amazing friend, because I always like to have an equal amount to give and take. A total multi-tasker, I have a wide variety of talents. I am very versatile and able to change at a drop of a hat. A free spirited craving for change and adventures. Clever and quick witted, I can convince anyone of anything. I can do anything I desire... though sometimes it gets me in trouble! I always think of new ways to entertain and amuse my friends and loved ones. I tend to be erratic and scattered - sometimes. I often find myself in a state of flux with constantly changing interests. I view myself as a strongly motivated individual who hits a lot of speed bumps. I have limitations in life, but I'm always looking for new ways around my current problems, which in turn usually open a handful of even newer problems! Life is a paradox, but I wouldn't trade life for the world. My viewpoint on life is that you honestly only get one life to live, so I try to never waste a single day in hopes of doing something more important the next day... and the next... and the next... and the next... I'm the type of person who wants to excel in what I'm doing in life. I would be very happy in something that utilize my level-headedness, and allow me to work mainly on my own. I want anything that allows me to stimulate my senses and my mind, without having to be involved with lots of people. I am very practical, and only act after thinking things through. I don't like being forced to answer quickly. I have to evaluate the situation completely. I make decisions based on what I can verify with my senses. I like being involve deeply in one or two things at the same time. I like to be behind the scenes. I am very logical and fair and I believe that I should be honest with others at all costs. I trust what is certain. I only like new ideas if they can be practically applied to the situation. I value what is real. I use my common sense. I like to utilize the skills I have and interested in learning new ones. I try to be specific and detailed when I write and talk to others. I follow directions well. I like decision making. I don't like things to be left in limbo. I like to know what am I getting into before I commit.