mGa KuRo-KuRo Ni Ka UrO

"From Carabao to Sheep" Wins Print Journalism Award

2011-12-14T20:14:00.003+13:00

Email from CFO notifying AKLnzPINOYS that the migrant handbook "From Carabao to Sheep" is the winner of the Print Journalism Award:

Dear AKLnzPINOYS Moderators:

Greetings from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas!

We are pleased to inform you that AKLNZ’s publication “FROM CARABAO TO SHEEP” was chosen as the winner for the Print Journalism Award, one of the seven categories of the first Migration Advocacy and Media Awards. This year’s awardees were chosen for having raised public awareness on issues on Filipino migration, advocated the cause of Filipinos overseas, and promoted a positive image of Filipinos overseas, and migration and development

We hope that you will be able to receive this award during the Awarding Ceremonies on 15 December 2011 (Thursday), 5:30 pm at DM Hall (LandBank Auditorium), LBP Plaza, Malate, Manila. Should you be unable to personally receive the award, you may delegate a representative in behalf of your group to accept the award.

Please be informed that awardees are allowed to bring a maximum of five (5) representatives or guests during the Awarding Ceremonies. Kindly provide us the complete names of those who will be receiving the award (maximum of three), as well as your guests on or before December 10.

May we also invite you to participate in the different activities organized by the Inter-Agency Committee in line with the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos (MOF) in December and International Migrants Day on December 18. Please find attached the confirmation slip, which include the MOF activities, in which you could participate.

For more information, you may contact Mr. Frencel Tingga at telephone no. 552-4766 and at his e-mail address ftingga@cfo.gov.ph .

Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you this December.

Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

SECRETARY IMELDA M. NICOLAS
Chairperson

From Carabao to Sheep, An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand

2010-09-07T08:48:00.007+12:00

Mabibili na po sa

LOVE Electronics (SM Cubao)
Stall 2 SM Arcade SM Cubao, Quezon City. Ph. (02)912-5243 sa halagang P350 po lamang.

Or go to our online store: http://tinyurl.com/OrderCarabaoToSheep.

Why a new migrant’s booklet?
An inventory of the internet for materials catering to new migrants to NZ reveals a vast amount of information already available out there. From official advisories and step-by-step instructions from government websites to online guides and migrant packs from websites of private organisations. The amount of information is enormous such that it is very easy to be overwhelmed and end up being even more confused and lost.

Furthermore, most of the materials available publicly tend to be broad in scope; catering to all migrants from different parts of the globe. Some information are also most likely to be more applicable for those coming from the UK, USA and Europe, or Asian migrants in general. There is none written specifically with Filipinos in mind.

The main aim of this booklet is therefore twofold. First, simplify the complexity of settling in NZ; and second, tailor it for Filipinos. By only including the most important aspects in settlement, and by arranging the topics in more or less chronological order; from pre-departure to attaining permanent residency and assimilation with the community-- this booklet aims to provide an easy to follow and yet complete recipe a new migrant could use as a guide in the journey towards living a happy life in New Zealand. While a great deal of effort has been made to simplify the materials in this booklet, readers are nonetheless encouraged to do further readings by referring them to links to relevant websites all throughout this booklet.

Who is this booklet for?
Much of the information contained here was based from experiences and points of view of Filipinos currently living in Auckland. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that this booklet best suits Filipino new migrants intending to settle in Auckland. All the same, new migrants regardless of nationality and regardless where they want to settle in New Zealand should find most of the materials written here to be useful.

Who is this booklet NOT for?
This is not for visa or NZ Immigration applicants looking for tips and guidance on how to go about their applications. This is a settlement guide; NOT an immigration guide.

Migrants Handbook for Pinoys in NZ

2010-06-23T08:07:00.009+12:00

Excited ako na ibalita sa inyong lahat. AKLnzPINOYS is publishing very soon a migrants handbook for Pinoys in NZ. New migrants, as well as those still planning to immigrate to NZ will find this handbook very informative. The topics on pre-departure, arrival, housing and accommodation, childcare, driving, WTR to PR conversion, etc. were written by Pinoys who've lived in New Zealand for some time.

It took us six months to complete the write-ups, few months to lay-out the book. We had to sell bingo tickets and concert tickets to raise funds towards this project. Now we are completing the last section of the book - a Pinoy Businesses (in NZ) Directory (PBD) where any business supporting Pinoys in NZ can either list for free or buy a page or portion of a page to place an advertisement.

To see a preview of the handbook, go to http://tinyurl.com/migrantshandbook/
To have your business listed in the PBD, simply fill up the online form at http://tinyurl.com/pinoydirectory/

For Pinoy Migrants and Tourists to NZ

2010-01-01T12:03:00.000+13:00

I'm not resuming my blogging yet. However, I've considered Bogs's suggestion for me to compile all my previous posts that may be useful to migrants and tourists to NZ into a book. Sorry I don't have the resources to do that, but I'm doing here the next best thing. I've listed them below and tried my best to categorized each one.

Just a disclaimer though that any information derived from these posts should not be taken as professional or legal advice. Furthermore, some of the information provided may already be out of date and therefore could be inaccurate.

Still Deciding on Migrating to NZ

Migrants BEWARE!

Some Useful Information about NZ

Moving to NZ

Migrant Experiences

Life at Home

Interacting with Others

Cars and Driving Around

House Buying, Flat Renting

Kids and Schooling

Life in Auckland

Language

Buying Stuff

Cellphones, Calling the Phillipines

FREE SEMINAR ABOUT MIGRATING TO NEW ZEALAND IN MANILA/CEBU IN NOV 2009 - REGISTER NOW

2009-10-05T15:08:00.003+13:00

AKLnzPINOYS has organized a free seminar for migrants to NZ in Manila and in Cebu.

Co-organizers for the Manila seminar are CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas), CMA (Center for Migrant Advocacy Phil) and YMCA Philippines.

Manila Seminar

Nov 14, 2009

Saturday 1PM to 6PM (Session 1 starts 1PM, Session 2 starts 3PM)

YMCA Phil (Near SM Manila)

8th floor Hotel Indah Manila

350 A.Villegas St, Ermita, Manila

Cebu Seminar
Nov 21, 2009

Saturday 8AM to 11AM

3rd floor Don Sergio Osmena Building

corner Juan Luna and D. Jakosalem Sts.

Cebu City

The purpose of the seminar is

to give an explanation of the NZ Immigration process
help applicants do a self assessment of their chances of migrating to NZ
describe some of the important requirements for migrating, studying, or for working in NZ
explain what the WTR visa is and how to convert it to a permanent resident permit
give new migrants a clear picture of the challenges they will be facing when they arrive NZ
describe some pre-departure decisions, would be migrants should think about
describe the possible scenarios that could happen to migrants
give new migrants tips on how they can minimize risks and avoid common mistakes

It is NOT the intention of the seminar to

provide legal advice - nothing from the seminar should be taken as legal advice
sell NZ - this is not a marketing or sales seminar. If your intention is simply to know more about NZ as a country of destination, you would learn more by reading materials about the country from books or from the internet.

The seminar will be divided into two sessions.

Session 1 : Will discuss topics relevant to applicants

who don't know anything yet about migrating to NZ
who are in the EOI stage of their application via the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
who are Nurses planning to work in NZ
who are coming or planning to come to NZ with a student visa, work visa or being hired directly by a NZ employer/recruiter

Session 2 : Will discuss topics relevant to those who applied under the SMC, specifically those

who already submitted an EOI
who already received an ITA
who already received or just waiting for a WTR visa

These seminars are free and open to anyone. So please feel free to pass this invite to your friends and network.

TO REGISTER, go to:

http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=ONOJK_f714e2e1

Migrant Nightmares: Dreams Turning to Nightmares for WTR visa Holders

2009-07-28T07:46:00.006+12:00

The following is a letter from one of our countrymen in NZ. After spending all their life savings, selling their properties at home, in the pursuit of their NZ dream, the WTR visas they acquired are now about to expire. Because they failed to get their WTR visa converted into PR visa on time, they now face the prospect of going back to the Philippines, empty-handed.

Sadly, not only a few are experiencing or have experienced the same plight. Marami pa!

So my advice to all our countrymen planning on immigrating to NZ or anywhere else: huwag isugal ang lahat nang dahil lamang sa isang pangarap. Dapat parati kayong may backup plan para kung ano man ang mangyari hindi kayo magising na luhaan.

Hi Everyone,

Sa lahat ng mga makakabasa nito humihingi ako ng inyong pang-unawa at konsiderasyon. Alam ko pong may kanya-kanya tayong mga problema, magkaiba man o magkaparehas man, minsan depende ito sa nagdadala kung gaano kabigat at kagaan ito para sa kanya. Kung sa iba maliit at magaan lang, sa iba naman ay napakabigat at napakalaking suliranin sa buhay.

Sa 22 August 2009 na ang expiration ng aming WTR extension. Dahil sa nadecline kami sa aming residency application gumagawa kami ng paraan na makakuha ng work permit. Sad to say, hindi pwedeng ipangwork permit ang trabaho naming mag-asawa. Isa akong independent contractor as a Home Educator with PORSE at ang asawa ko naman ay Assistant Retailer sa $2 and More Shop. Tinulungan na rin kami ng iba nating kapwa Filipino upang makahanap ng bagong trabaho, kaso kadalasan walang makapag-offer sa amin ng job dahil sa kaunting oras na lang ang natitira sa aming WTR extension.

Masyado na kaming apektado sa problema. Hindi madali sa aming tanggapin na umuwi na lang ng Pilipinas dahil nawala na sa amin ang lahat. Naubos na ang aming pera, nalet go na namin ang aming mga ari-arian at wala na rin kaming trabahong babalikan. Kahit pamasaheng pauwi ay wala kaming magamit. Hindi na kami nakakatulog sa kaiisip ng mga paraan na pwede pa naming gawin. Unti -unti nang nauubos ang lakas namin sa paharap ng problema. Kahit gusto naming matulog, di kami makatulog sa sobrang bilis ng kaba ng aming dibdib. Di na rin ako makapagtrabaho ng maayos kaya nagdesisyon akong tapusin ang kontrata ko sa pamilya ng mga bata na I look after. Hindi na namin alam kung papaano kami ulit mag-uumpisa sa buhay. Di ko na rin maintindihan ang aming pakiramdam. Magkahalong kaba, takot, hiya, lungkot at kung anu-ano pa ang nararamdaman namin.

Sa mga may kakayahang tumulong nagpapakumbaba kaming mag-anak na pakitulungan niyo kami in any way na kaya niyong maitulong sa amin. Nagpapasalamat din kami sa mga tumutulong at nagbibigay na ng mga pamamaraan upang kami ay makasurvive. Salamat sa inyong pang-unawa at pagmamahal.

Migrant Tales - Kwento ni NB (Dead Man Walking)

2009-07-20T07:56:00.007+12:00

This is an update from NB, 16 months after his first narration (read Kwento ni NB in previous post) of the difficulties and challenges he faced in his attempts to start a new life in NZ. This time around due to the economic downturn, Noel's chances of getting employed had simply become bleaker. Real-life drama, the true ending of which is still in the making.

Dead Man Walking

[ Note from Your Loyal Batchmate / Schoolmate / Kabayan : could've written this sooner, but there would've been no happy ending. ]

For the second time in 16 months, I was Dead Man Walking.

Apologies for the drama, but for all intents and purposes, I no longer belong among the people I walk, for the simple purpose that I had lost my right to stay in The Land of Milk & Honey. ( Not any particular place, actually, just any environment where your desired future becomes more distinct and reachable. )

* * * * *

A DEPRESSION cum recession is never so treacherous as when an incumbent or sitting government defends itself for it, or looks around for excuses and scapegoats to deflect attention from itself.

As you may guess, migrants and and temporary workers are an easy target, once the local populace looks for the usual suspects for their lack of disposable income.

Just as a First World country welcomes its migrants, expats and seasonal workers in times of plenty ( as productive additions to its evolving workforce ), it sees them in hard times as pabigat, liability & usurpers of their natural resources. Namely, their right to the life to which they are accustomed, viz comfy homes, a pair of cars, and sturdy paychecks.

By way of explanation. . .

Like many citizens of the Third World, we set up camp via the time-tested and honored manner: the back door. This was the visit / tourist visa, then found a reason for overstaying legally. In my case, a helpful brother who'd been here the last 14 years produced for us the precious job offer that produced a work permit.

Welcome Noel, you accidental migrant you !

Unluckily, my employer ran into hard times as well and went bankrupt a few months into our new job. Redemption came in the form of another company looking for someone to train from the ground up, no skills necessary, just someone willing to learn, take instructions without question, and work for minimum wage.

Not that I had much choice, and it sounded good to me.

Well, stranger things have been known to happen, but the job kept us from leaving here. We learned the ropes, improved our work ethic, and allowed us to send home much needed foreign exchange in the meantime.

We were also able to start the first of a series of qualifying exams that would certify us in our trade, assuming we passed of course.

Eerily, early this year, the country began to suffer from one of its worst unemployment droughts in history, no doubt an aftershock produced by the worldwide economic downturn. Also, various industries the country relied on were taking a turn for the worse, the dairy industry not being the least .

The media wasn't much help, either. Headlines like Nine Filipinos Retained in New Plymouth While Locals Made Redundant were both race-insensitive and inaccurate, and only served to unfairly cast us in a (more) negative light. Was it our fault if we reported to work unfailingly, on time and volunteered for overtime work whenever? Sure, it made them (everyone else) look bad, but hey, don't know bout you, but I could certainly use the extra money. On the other hand, locals never thought twice about taking time off, weren't always tardy but sometimes cut it close when giving notice they were coming late, and were always on the lookout for a better job. Didn't look very good against the spectrometer of job loyalty.

Too, the usual 45 working day lead time for applying for a new work permit / visa no longer applied, not only because there were lots and lots more refugees reaching the gates of the palace, but also because each application was being scrutinized as new, never mind that you'd been working here a year or more, back to zero lahat. The waiting time to clear your papers now stretched to three, maybe four agonizing months.

I didn't want to rush the ops manager into producing an endorsement letter and supplementary form (where the employer provides additional information about your work details, something you can't furnish without being self serving) as he was presiding over, in no sequential order : potential redundancies , major repairs (the machinery was reliable but needed constant maintenance), visitors from the main office (we were sort of in the boondocks) and swiping business away from competitors. A work permit renewal, I thought, didn't rank high on a list like that, but I reminded him just the same. I couldn't blame him if the letter, a pro forma one actually, wasn't prepared till around two weeks later, but it was two weeks that was lost forever.

Then came the long wait. A total of five weeks passed before we were told, in a phone conversation ritual we held daily (Please, has my case been allocated to a case officer? Well, may I know when it will?) that Client Number 27948091 (that's me) had been assigned to an Immigration Officer, whose name I was familiar with, that person having handled a few Filipino applications here.

The ritual, however, didn't stop, in fact in only became more purposeful and frenetic as I was not only chasing a deadline ( I committed to attend my folks' 50th wedding anniv June ), I also didn't want a gap between the expiry of my old permit, and the issuance (if I was lucky) of a new one.

Turned out that that was the LEAST of my problems.

I would have found out later rather than sooner (by mail), but my persistence brought me the needed information first hand:

In light of the current (economic) situation, and the fact that your position doesn't meet the minimum Skill Level 6, I honestly feel your job should be given to a (local) citizen, and therefore I cannot issue you the work permit you seek.

Wow.

In those few words, as I said, I became Dead Man Walking. Frankly, throughout the 11+ months I was bundying in and out, I hardly gave a thought to working anywhere else, at the same time I hadn't been able to save a cent. The case officer's words came out in slo-mo, like an audio tape slowing down. I was hearing them, but belief was temporarily suspended. Life as I currently knew it was over.

She said that of course, I could still appeal or ask for a reconsideration, but not only was the issue pretty cut-and-dried, lots of Filipinos being in the same boat, there was also the trip back home, for which I hadn't been able to save. I should start worrying about that daw.

At this point, I must admit that from time to time, especially during my first long wait for a work permit, I took on casual jobs that were in the gray area of semi-legal, to keep body and soul together. Working in the same environment wasn't anything new for me, but for how long could I do the same?

First, I planned what I would do when I got home, where the prospects weren't many : my last jobs were in a law firm, a multi-national and finally a call center, where the dead end moods associated with the job / s became deader and deader. For my colleagues, mostly career lifers (in the first two gigs) and people half my age (in the last, who called me dad and tatay ) who were just happy with a job, the situation / s was OK, but for me, 40something and no easily marketable skills, how could you stay perky? Being an accidental migrant was the thing that saved me from an even more uncertain retirement, but obviously I didn't realize how lucky I was to stay here.

And now I was being asked to leave.

Back to the casual and semi-legal, I subscribed to the view that there is honor in hard work, and I joined the ranks of the day-to-day conscripts while waiting for good news from the case officer. Chinese takeaway, fruit stalls, weekend markets, whose exact locations will remain a secret forever locked away in my heart, were my sometime employers practical enough to take in manpower at a sidelong glance at my gaunt desperation, and Asian enough to look the other way when time came to ask for (any) documentation. We do after all come from the same continent, Comrade ? Hard-earned cash at day's end, no questions asked, just stay scarce when anyone gets too nosy.

A lifejacket came a few days later (although at the time we didn't know it yet) in the form of a brief email from our main office HR Advisor, who asked us: didn't you know that your item (position) has always been Skill Level 6, anywhere on either state (the skill level assessment scheme binds two countries) ? And why didn't u cite in your form that you took the first 2 exams of the Certification Course?

But I hadn't passed them yet, I feebly protested.

Well, start acting like you have! And winked at me she did, electronically of course.

It was too late by then, sadly. The manager of our out-of-the-way post had no choice but to cut me loose, as my Wapa (what a Kapampangan friend called his Work Permit) had finally expired. He had already cut me some slack by way of "neglecting" to attend to office matters the first 72 hours, but the risk was, like an infected boil, accumulating more pus by the day : a hefty fine, and censure on the firm (if I was discovered) hung above all our heads like Damocles' Sword.

With a heavy heart, I left midday with my knapsack carrying my safety gear, hi-viz jacket and workboots out of the factory, probably for the last time. Sad smiles and words of encouragement (we'll be waitin' for ya mate) was my sparse menu for the day, as I had little appetite to see what lay ahead.

But feeling sorry for myself were not items on my forced agenda, as I had an urgent email to write to the immigration officer. I had the required Skill Level, and (wink-wink) sat the exams on my way to certification. Wala pa lang nga results, though it was a real start.

** ** ** **

12 HOURS before the 6th of June (the olds' anniversary), when I had officially reached Day 8 of becoming a McDonalds bum, the e-mail came.

"Please collect your passport here asap Noel, as I am issuing a work permit and you will need a work visa if you want to go home soon? "

OMG. From down-in-the-dumps with aimless wanderings scheduled for the day, I instantly morphed into a Tasmanian devil with a jillion-and-one things to do without a clue on what to do first.

But what had just transpired?

The case officer obviously had on her own reconsidered, owing to the sterling advice our HR person had offered and the fact that I had already embarked on steps to qualify myself towards certification.

Just as obviously, me awa pa rin ang Diyos as she could've have just thrown my paper in the rubbish bin and consigned my fate to those of scores and scores of other nameless migrants sent back home as it was of course the politically expedient thing to do.

Just to show that not every bureaucrat was of the cold-hearted, clinical type, she told me :
It's not the easiest thing to do, take away a person's job as this sometimes has the effect of changing the lives of many more people back home (Top 10 Understatements for 2009 yan, Ate ! ) But all factors considered, and admitting that it is not that easy to train someone for a semi-skilled job like yours, and hoping that you will continue to work towards certification, consider yourself welcomed back to our country.

If I could kiss a government officer over - the - counter, I would have, just that protocol might not allow it.

** ** ** **

6 hours later, after last-minute confirmations, rushed goodbyes and listings of pabilin, I was sleeping on plastic benches in the cavernous waiting area of the airport, which, if you can believe it, was closed (as in doors locked and windows shuttered) between 11 pm and 4 am... not enough flights to keep it open ( I told you it was a small town ) . I was on my way to join 4 bros, 3 kids, and 4 nieces and nephews and catch the tail-end of my folks' 50th, which probably won't be celebrated in as grand a fashion till the 75th, a good quarter-century away.

From Dead Man Walking I was granted a reprieve, a new lease on Life if you may. Given all the sad news about recession related lay-offs, retrenchments, redundancies and closures of businesses, this was one scary tale that ended happily . At least for me, and not a local who might have, in his dreams , applied for my job.

Not for this makulit na Pinoy.

Thanks for giving me the time of day, everyone, and don't ever give up hope.

NOel

PostScript. Salamat sa Diyos, we passed the
first 2 exams. Kudos to Ross C, Rey G and Juanito C, and all
other compatriots who aced their exams with flying colors ! Mabuhay
Kayo!

Migrant Tales - Kwento ni NB

2008-05-26T08:15:00.000+12:00

With the expiration of his work permit fast approaching and still no firm job offer, NB begins to doubt himself and contemplates on going back home. One obstacle after another can often break one's spirit. It is during those situations that one feels it easier to give up than to carry on. But it is also during those situations that you'll find that some luck, a little support from strangers and a regathering of one's determination can often be the difference between failure and success.

Early this year I had a valid work permit running, as I do now, however time was running out on my employer. It was going through dire straits, and I was one of the few employees remaining in the office. Partly for loyalty and gratitude but also because, my WP being one limiting which employer I could work for, I didn't have much choice but to stay on.
My worst fears were confirmed when the company folded late Feb. Like some of our kababayan, my meager Filipino credentials were not suited to the Kiwi setting and though I have had a rich resume of varied jobs and work experience, I found myself turned down, one job after the other, nahilo ako sa rejection.

Redemption came in the form of a miracle referral, when a compassionate Pinoy who remembered me asking around for a job rang me, saying there was an opening in their company.

Incredibly, NO qualifications were necessary, since all training was to be provided, and even more incredibly, training included "guild qualifications" that, once attained, could be helpful in the event of an Expression of Interest under the Skilled Migrant Category. All I needed to do was show up and apply for the position. Wow.

It was here where a series of delays served to frustrate me and cast doubt on whether I could go through the gauntlet of staying in NZ beyond my WP's expiry.

First, I lost my passport. I went through the employer's application process and got accepted, and though the employer initially didnt see the loss as a problem, the prospect of reapplying for a new passport and the hassles associated with it raised issues later as the employer's admission procedure would be lengthened.

Fortunately, I found my passport a week later but all the same, a week had passed. I almost didn't start but, the training being extensive, started one week after i was hired.

Again, I just couldn't get a break. After only four days, it was found out that my medicals needed to be renewed under work permit policy, and more disappointingly, my immigration consultant warned me that until I had a new WP, I couldn't work for any other employer except the one that had already gone under. The egg couldn't come before the chicken, despite my new employer's best intentions.

So I left abruptly (midday) on just my fifth day with my new employer, almost crushed but still determined to get a new WP. This started the second delay. At least, I had time to take a new physical.

Incidentally, even before that I had already been declared good to go by the company's own physical. From their resume check, I also had no ACC claim pending, no criminal record, and didn't care that I had to join the union, all elements important to the employer. Too good to be true nga eh, on both sides.

Of course, I had to wait another 10 days to find out what I already knew: I was in good health, physically fit, and agile enough to hold up to the requirements of the job, which involved going up and down stairs, a bit of running from time to time, and prolonged periods of standing. Desperation and urgency are good incentives to keeping fit pala.

Guess what? After completing my physicals and submitting my WP application, my application papers were returned just a week after, with a note stating that I had no qualifications or experience necessary under NZ policy. The letter furnished by the employer offering to provide all training was ignored. Another week's delay.

Fortunately, a second and more enlightened V.O. took note of the letter and the fact that all of the employer's new hires did not require experience, and six weeks after I was engaged for work, I finally got my new work permit. The day I received the package, I was already starting to make plans going home, to disappointment of family and friends, and worse, to my own disillusionment. Amazingly, the package was even delivered by a Pinoy courier, who winked at me saying, "mukhang good news, kabayan."

During those six weeks, I admit I had my darkest doubts on whether or not I could stay here, and even though I had earlier resolved to stay under the most trying of circumstances, I never knew if I could ever stay beyond the 30th of June, the last day of my old WP.

It appears I have been given a second chance here. I join those AKLnzPINOY members who say that, for good or ill, we have been adopted (or are trying to be adopted) by this overachieving little country, and for as long as we stay here, we can say nothing bad about it. Otherwise, nothing stops us from returning home, in my case, returning to little or no opportunity.

That's my little tale. Pasensya na po kung medyo mahaba.

Mabuhay ang AKLnzPINOYs ! Kudos to the organizers and moderators, you do the Filipino community an excellent service. Probably more than you will ever know.

Migrant Tales - Kwento ni CB, isang CPA Lawyer

2008-05-16T07:47:00.005+12:00

It is a known fact that migrant lawyers, accountants and doctors are often under-employed in New Zealand. So why still migrate to New Zealand? Read what CB, a CPA Lawyer had to say about this.

I am a CPA Lawyer in the Philippines. Had a promising career back home. I even declined an offer to work as a Tax Lawyer for one of the top banks in the Philippines because they were much interested with my connections rather than my ability. I got disappointed and frustrated with the corruption. Up to now, it makes me sick.

I have always been an idealistic person. I have always wanted to be a lawyer since I was a kid. When I finally became one, I was shocked with the realities of law practice in the Philippines.

Corruption is one of the compelling reasons why my family and I decided to emigrate from the Philippines.

My family and I have been here for 7 months now. We received our residence permits late last year. We immigrated to New Zealand under the Work-to-Residence Permit (6 months).

Settling here was tough. But, we came prepared. Before coming here, we armed ourselves with "sensible" information and the right attitude. We knew that we will encounter challenges and difficulties. We also relied on our FAITH.

My husband and I both resigned from our work and decided to come here together with our son. We arrived in Auckland in July last year. We do not have relatives or close friends in New Zealand. We stayed for 2 weeks with my husband's former officemate. It was a big risk coming here all at the same time under a 6month-WTR.

On our first week here, my husband was able to get a job that satisfied all the conditions set by the NZ Immigration. We found a place in the North Shore and bought a car. We enrolled our son in a nearby public kindergarten.

Since most of our belongings were still on their way to Auckland, we had to sleep on an inflatable bed. We survived winter with no heater (we just all cuddled up under our duvet =)). We had no couch, no television. We just had a monobloc table and 4 chairs my husband bought from a garage sale for only $5. We rented out a fridge and washing machine from an appliance rental shop. I had to do most of the household chores. This was a big adjustment from having "assistants" back home. It was different from what we were used to in the Philippines. But, we never complained. It was one of the happiest moments of our lives.

Now, we have brand new furnitures and appliances. Some we bought in cash, some by installment. In the Philippines, you can only experience this if you're extremely rich or if you just got married (wedding gifts). We're also proud to say that we have gained new friends

When we realized that our medicine supply is running low, we scheduled an appointment with the nearest Filipino GP. It came as a surprise but I learned that I am entitled to subsidised consultations, laboratory exam, and even my blood test supplies for my blood sugar (I am a diabetic). They even have what they call "green prescription" where people get support(not financially) to be fit and healthy. My son is entitled to free vaccinations and subsidised consultations and prescriptions. One can avail more if they have a community service card. These are from the taxes we pay to the government. In the Philippines, do we have this?

From the email Anthony Taberna received from his friend, it was mentioned that doctors, lawyers and nurses are underemployed in New Zealand. This may be true. This is because there is still a need to get a license to practise their profession here. This information is not new. One can easily learn this by reading the immigration policy. BUT the email failed to mention that we already have Filipino lawyers, doctors, dentists, engineers and nurses who are practising their profession here. I have friends who are in the process of obtaining their license to practice law in NZ. I, for one, am taking steps in that direction. The professionals mentioned in the email are underemployed in NZ probably by choice.

There are so many things I miss in the Philippines. But the things I DO NOT MISS from the Philippines far outnumber the things I miss.

I am hoping and praying that one day, I will be able to do what I love doing (International Tax) without having to succumb to pressure from personal gain. It is just unfortunate that I will never attain this in the Philippines.

Migrant Tales From Pinoyz2nz - Kwento ni JD

2008-03-01T07:00:00.003+13:00

"And when I had an overseas call to my son, he asked me bakit ako naglilinis ng floor sa Mcdo? I told him we loved them so much that we are doing these sacrifices for them. - JD". Nabasa niyo na yong kwento ni Ivy sa nakaraang post. Heto naman ang equally inspiring at makabagbag-damdaming narration ng experiences ni Jun Dandoy in his own words.

Much is said about this topic "is it true,mahirap buhay sa Nz?" And we read different views and opinions both from people na "nandun na at mga papunta pa lang dun." Well for us who have experienced the "best of both worlds", we can only share our personal experiences in order for some Pinoys to have a glimpse of what's in store for "your decision to migrate" and leave your native land. And in order to lighten up the spirits of those undecided pinoys, here's my life story (buhay NZ, ika nga).

My wife and I started to entertain the idea to migrate to NZ sometime in 2003. But we only got serious in 2005 when (Immigration NZ) INZ replied to our queries and started to lodge our application. Si Mrs ang masigasig mag-inquire thru on line (since office work siya - madami siyang time and ako field work- Sales & Distribution-South Luzon Coke) and at one point I asked her, "baka scam yan?" We even tried the services of Mheta but since malaki-laki sinisingil nya, nagduda na kame and applied on our own. Year 06 Dec when we were interviewed by the famous Frrrannccesss Wuuu- hu-hu-hu? in Makati city (kase nag coup d'etat sa Thailand noon).
Got our WTR-2yrs last Mar'07 and flew to Christchurch (CHCH) July'07. We left our kids muna with my in-laws sa Ilocos Sur. Ang dalang baon namin bukod sa sang-katerbang damit, ay yung pinagbentahan ng auto ko (P85k), tibay ng loob, determinasyon at dasal sa May Likha. I didn't pay much attention to the forum (Pinoyz2nz) then (kase kanya-kanya opinion), tsaka gumugulo lang sa isip ko, eh.

We both stayed at my cousin's farm in Hokitika for 2 weeks and we met some members of the West Coast Filipino Community. They were all very hospitable & gave us microwave, iron, TV, plato atbp. Sang ka pa? Libre kagamitan. While staying in the farm doing nothing and watching the cattle fall in line in the shed to have their precious milk extracted, we applied on-line announcing that we are already here in CHC. We received several mails (telling us that our appli is unsuccessful), so we went to Greymouth and tried our luck there. Kumain lang kame sa McDo Greymouth at nag-dare-ran lang na what if we apply here? We asked the service crew if they have job openning & was referred to their owner/manager (Indian guy) & after some very short chat, he asked if we can start right away!?
Dito na nagsimula ang kalbaryo namin to have a "local experience". Since baguhan lang ako, these kiwis always pick on me & told me to do this & to do that? Utusan ako. Habang nag-mop ako ng kitchen, halos ma-iyak ako (kase di-katulong ako sa Pinas). And when I had an overseas call to my son, he asked me bakit ako naglilinis ng floor sa Mcdo? I told him we loved them so much that we are doing these sacrifices for them. There is also an instance wherein I was tasked to collect/pick-up the rubbish inside & outside the Mcdo premises. Gigising ako ng maaga para pulutin lang mga upos ng sigarilyo at wrappers ng mcdo. Sa isip-isip ko, pinag-aral ako ng mga magulang ko sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas, tapos yayo lang ang work ko d2? All this for an $11.25/hr job, not bad kung mag-coconvert ka. Siempre, mega-compute kame how much kikitain namin for a week, for a month, etc. We tried to save our small earnings by not buying unecessary things. Dahil hindi sanay hindi kumain ng kanin, nagsimula kaming mag-bread na lang para tipid.
I aso applied & was hired as grocery assistant at Grey New World supermarket. Yung work na hindi gagamitan ng college degree, mag-fill ka lang ng grocery shelves (merchandizer). Tanung ko, pang-PR na ba ito? Sales ako sa Pinas, eh merchandising work lang ito? So, parang malabo maging skilled work? Bale pan-dagdag na lang ito sa CV as local experience. We celebrated my wife's bday last Aug'07 without our kids by our side and it made our journey more lonely. Lungkot ang kalaban mo. I had these two odd-jobs until Oct'07 because lady-luck struck & gave me a break last Sept'07.
I was shortlisted by one of the companies I applied for in the newspaper. It was an Australian firm doing business in NZ & soon I found myself booked for a business trip(training) in Melbourne, Australia & another week in Auckland Sales office, then back to Chc (last wk of Oct'07). And during that business trip to Melbourne, last Oct10'07 is my youngest son's bday. Nasa ilocos silang magkapatid, nasa Greymouth asawa ko('coz she's still working sa Mcdo Grey) at ako naman nsa Melbourne for my training. Hiwa-hiwalay kaming mag-anak. Diba nakakalungkot? Pero kasama sa sacrifices natin yan. Dasal ang ginawa ko and wished we will be re-united with our beloved kids soon.
After serving and proving my worth to the company for three months, I was confirmed as a regular/permanent staff. So, I submitted my third month payslip requirement of Immigration NZ and received a letter of approval (conversion of WTR to PR). Then we submitted our passports and have it stamped last Jan.23'08 (barely 6 mos upon arrival last Jul25'07). Together with our passports, they send also our CD interview with Frances Wu. So I pressume whatever you declared during your interview, dapat yun ang maging permanent work mong i-declare sa immigration officer assigned to you dito sa Chc. So, kung tugma yung sinabi mong gusto mong work na a-applyaan at yun na ang present work mo, the Ofcr will probably grant your conversion (WTR to PR) without questions asked. Tinawagan lang nila employer mo just to confirm your status with the Company, then yun na- tatak kaagad ng PR passport mo.

Along the way, we met a lot of nice and supportive friends in Chc who helped us adjust to our new life here. Meron dyang patutuluyin ka ng libre sa flat nila, kase pinag-daanan nila ang dinadaanan mo ngaun. Ganun lang talaga buhay ng migrant, handang mag-sacripisyo sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay. Wag ka nang mag-inarte dito. Iwan mo sa Pinas mga di mabubuting ugali.

Lastly, kukunin na namin mga anak namin next month at hindi na sila dadaan sa ahensya ng gobyerno, para wala ng kuskos-balungos. Para wala ng pahabol s'men gov't. Thank you sa mga tumulong regarding this issue.

I do hope this experience of ours will inspire others who seek this so-called "New Zealand dream". Kung kaya namen in less than 6mos, kaya nyo rin yan mga kababayan. Konting tiis lang at pasencya at buo dapat ang loob mo-tutal ginusto mo itong pag-migrate in the first place, di ba?

Indeed, the Lord knows how sorely we miss our kids back home. Kaya He made all these things happening to our lives.

Goodluck to all!

Jun Dandoy
CHC

Migrant Tales From Pinoyz2nz - Kwento ni Ivy

2008-02-25T11:34:00.007+13:00

Sari-saring mga experiences ng mga new migrants ang nababasa ko sa Pinoyz2nz. Malungkot man o masaya, lahat pwedeng pagkunan ng aral, impormasyon, at inspirasyon. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit naisipan kong ibahagi ang ilan sa mga kwentong migrante dito sa aking blog. Uumpisahan ko ang series na ito sa kwento ni Ivy.

In my personal experience sa pakikibaka in migrating to NZ, madami din po akong pinagdaanan na struggle. Pero sabi nga ng karamihan sa atin, dasal lang and eventually you'll reap the fruit of your labor.

Para na ikaluluwag naman ng loob para doon sa mga naghahanda pa lamang na makamtan ang NZ Dream, ako ay isa sa mga magpapatunay kung ano ang naidulot na kabutihan sa aking ng NZ. Hindi po sa pagmamayabang (im sharing this para naman mabuhayan ng loob ang mga desidedo talagang makarating dito sa nz). Again, my experience may not be applicable to Juan nor to Maria

Here is my story:

1. I visited NZ sometime 1996 (KU: correction, I think this should be 2006) as tourist. At that time, it was 12 months in the waiting ako sa application process, just lodged ITA. I was only granted with LPV. I tried my luck in applying jobs. Got several interviews but wala akong swerte noon. Hindi ako natanggap, tho, muntikanan na. Alam ko may kulang pa ako na skills...skills of good NZ english communication (ang hirap intindihin kase salita nila) and what nz employers want to hear from job applicants. Kaya uwi po ako ng Pinas bago mag-expire ang 1-month
visitors visa ko.

2. After 1 month back sa Pinas, I was scheduled for interview by my VO. We were the 1st batch na sa Pinas nagconduct ng interview ang mga Visa Officers. Take note, hindi po ako nagresign muna sa job ko when I left for NZ. So tama ako, may binalikan pa ako na job.

3. After a month, I got AIP-PR, biglang PR baga. Hindi ko po ini-expect yun. Luck nga kaya yun? Seguro, since si ML ang VO ko, na sabi nila mabait & very considerate si ML. Ano raw ang factor why I got outright PR? Kase, nag-visit daw ako sa NZ, so na-i-relate ko ng maigi sa VO ko yung how well am I prepared to migrate to NZ. Sipag din seguro, kase nag-research ako sa tulong
ng madaming members dito sa group na to, sila ang nagbigay sa akin ng tips (lalo na yung kelan lang na-grant nya ng outright PR before me). Eto yung sinasabing, "do your homework".

4. One month after, fly na po ako with my daughter sa NZ. Wow! exciting! Sa wakas wala ng balikan ito!

5. Naku, almost 2 months na po ako dito sa NZ noon hindi pa po ako makahanap ng work related to my job. Bakit??? Sa kagustuhan kong may pagkakitaan, nag-apply ako ng mga temping job. Yun bang on-call ka kung may need na odd job sa mga company na hawak nung agency. Hayyy, minsan tinawag ako for a job. Sa isang big wholesaler store. And ang work ko for the week? Magpupulot po ng emptied cartons sa shelves! Grabe...naiiyak ako dahil sa Pinas manager
po ako ng malaking warehouse! And now tagapulot ng carton? Sabi nung friend ko, bakit ko daw sobrang pinababa sarili ko. Basta pray lang ako.

6. At last, may tawag sa akin for interview in the same industry where i was working back sa Pinas. Nag-research ako. Sabi ko, this time, I should be accepted. And tama ako, I got Job offer. A big Luck? seguro, kase hindi ko inaasahan yung salary offer sa akin na mas mataas as to what I was expecting.

7. In 2 month's time working with the company, I got pay rise. Unexpected din po ang % increase ko. Praise to God!

8. Monetary wise, in less than 3 months working, I was able to save money katumbas ng nagastos ko sa pag-aapply sa NZ. Aside sa nakabili din po ng kotse. Yung, 15 years ko po sa pagtratrabaho sa Pinas, naipon ko lang po dito sa NZ in 3 months time. Baka hindi po kayo maniwala pero totoo yun. (Kase mahirap po makaipon sa Pinas, un ang totoo...)

9. In 12 month's time, nakabili po ng sariling bahay.

Sana po huwag panghinaan ng loob ang ilan sa atin na nasa Pinas pa. Try your luck, do your homework. Kung may hirap....may ginhawa na naghihintay sa atin.

cheers and more strength to hold on for those who are in struggling times
now....

ivy

The Traveller Rests

2006-12-29T11:23:00.000+13:00

Two years of blogging with 268 posts, I believe I've said about everything I've wanted to say and have accomplished lots of things I never even planned for. When I first started this blog back in December 2004, I thought of it as a journey with no specific destination. Where it was going to take me, I have not the slightest idea back then. I first intended it to be mainly a journal of my thoughts and ideas, in the hope of leaving something to the people I love the most. But the journey had twists and turns. And just like the "Little Prince", the journey took me to places I never imagined before, met new friends, rediscovered old ones, and even got me involved in civic projects and organizations.

But now it's time to take a rest from this journey; perhaps to fully appreciate the view before I embark on another. For now, I wish to thank all those I've met along the way. And I'm just happy to have touched the lives of other people (hopefully in a good way), and I thank them for having touched mine too. You all made the journey an enjoyable and memorable one. Wishing you all the very best for the coming new year and years to come and hoping to meet you all again someday... somewhere.

Pagiging Totoo - When it becomes an Excuse, not a Virtue

2006-12-18T12:25:00.000+13:00

“Kapag galit ako sa isang tao, pinararamdam ko”, “Nagpapakatotoo lang ako”, “Hindi ako plastik”, “Totoo akong tao”. Madalas kong marining/mabasa ang mga pananalitang ito mula sa ibang blogger kapag sila’y may nakaka-samaan ng loob dito sa blogosphere. Para sa mga blogger na ganito ang pananaw walang masama kung murahin nila o magbitiw sila ng mga masakit na pananalita laban sa mga taong kagalit nila. Kaya daw nila yon ginagawa dahil “nagpapakatotoo” sila sa tunay nilang nararamdaman. Ang pagiging totoo ba’y sapat na dahilan upang makasakit ng kapwa?

Para sa akin, ang makasakit ka ng ibang tao kahit sa pamamagitan lamang ng pananalita ay hindi tama. Okay, maaring nauna siya. May nasabi siyang hindi kanais-nais na kinagalit mo. But you have choices. 1) restrain your anger or 2) retaliate. Unfortunately, some of us seem to equate choice number 2 to “pagpapakatotoo”. Without knowing it, “pagpapakatotoo” becomes an excuse for being rude and disrespectful. Justifying a wrong-doing by trying to appear virtuous.

If your definition of “pagpapakatotoo” (being genuine, not fake) is unrestrained expression of anger then I suggest a carefully look at your values. Perhaps, a few sessions in anger management may help too. Or, simply think of the times you’ve done something wrong that made your parents angry. I'm sure you'ld rather have them forgive you, than see them “nagpapakatotoo”, do you?

Anger can be restrained or vented freely. Free-will means you're free to do whatever you want. But if you choose to do something negative, you must be mature enough to admit to it and not rationalize the action using an excuse that you're doing it out of virtue. Better yet learn to control your anger and be civil to everyone including those who caused you anger in the first place.

You don't have to act fake, plastic or sarcastic towards people you detest. All it means is that you avoid being rude and disrespectful. Actually, it's not difficult. If you see a comment that annoyed you, don't reply immediately. Sleep on it first. The following day or days, when most of the anger would have dissipated and you're less emotional, any comment you write would then be more logical and constructive.

Peace and goodwill po sa inyong lahat. Susunod na Lunes, Pasko na.

Thoughts about The Lake House, Soulmates

2006-12-13T12:01:00.000+13:00

We watched this movie, The Lake House, on DVD last week. It stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

Plot: A lonely doctor (Sandra), once occupied an unusual lakeside home begins exchanging love letters with its former resident, a frustrated architect (Keanu). What’s extraordinary about the story is that Sandra’s time is 2006, Keanu’s 2004, but still by some sort of magic were able to correspond in real-time and the two fall in love.

I’ve read lots of negative reviews about the movie saying the plot is ludicrous, lots of nonsense, illogical, incredible, cheesy, corny, and insultingly dumb. Pretty sure it was a flop.

However, I must admit I did quite enjoy watching it. Probably it depends on how one chooses to interpret the details. If one interprets the story literally, then yes, it is incredibly hard to believe. However, if one interprets it figuratively or metaphorically, then it's easier to appreciate what the director may have wanted to convey.

For instance, for the house by the lake, one may think of it methaphorically and not a physical address. It could be virtual, imagined or even an address in cyberspace. In the movie, Sandra and Keanu exchange letters magically via a physical mailbox. Yes, that’s hard to believe. Yet nowadays, it's ordinary to receive emails in our inboxes in almost real-time.

The two-years gap between the two lovers could symbolize age difference. Or the director’s way of conveying how two people can be in love even when it is impossible for them to unite physically. Impossible maybe because of present circumstances beyond their control, or because of events that transpired in the past and affected the present.

Oh well, like the movie or not, I simply think of it as the story of two soulmates finding each other no matter what.

Speaking of soulmate, is there really such a thing? Are there souls literally fated to be mates to each other?

When we think of a soulmate, we normally associate the term to someone’s true love, or someone that affects another person in a positive, loving way. But checking Wikipedia, I found out that it is possible for a soulmate to also inflict injury to their twin flame.

Soulmate Emotional Destruction Theory
Ultimately the consequence of this notion is the unfortunate reality that soulmates often possess the ability to inflict serious emotional injury unto their twin flame, greater than any other being could. This often results in the separation of idealized love, due to the severe emotional impact. Many soulmates are destined for an eternal search, not for lack of meeting, but rather lack of acceptance. The encounter is often analogous to the collision of matter and antimatter, a violent explosive reaction will occur, but if held through to completion only pure energy, and thus harmony, will result. Unfortunately few encounters are held through to completion. - Wikipedia

I thought that was quite interesting. Whatever the case maybe, I’m sure of one thing. I’ve found my soulmate.

Bullying in School

2006-12-11T23:07:00.000+13:00

Bullying is when someone, (could be one person or a group of persons) repeatedly does some mean things on another person in order to have power over that person. These could be by saying or writing nasty things about them, harassing them, threatening them, hitting them, not talking to them, stealing from them, damaging their properties, making fun of them, humiliating them, spreading lies about them.

I remember during my high school days (many decades ago!) bullying wasn’t that vicious. A lot of the things we did, we did mostly as a joke to make others laugh. It was normal for us to call each other names like “doro” (laki kasi mata), “barag” (mukhang lizard), “kokak” (mukhang palaka), “baluga” (maitim kasi), “Tange” (look alike nung comedian na si Tange), “bagsik” (mabagsik kasi ang B.O.).

I think the meanest thing, a group of my classmates did back then, was to steal the sandwich baon of one classmate. These group of mischievous juveniles would slip out of class before recess and ransack the bag of another classmate and eat his baon. They kept doing it for days. Until finally, this classmate whose sandwiches were being stolen decided to put some “flavoring” in his sandwiches. He put in some “butiki droppings”. Only then that these group stopped harassing the poor guy.

Talking to my daughter lately, I’ve realized bullying nowadays like most things have gone high-tech. People now stopped passing pieces of paper containing nasty messages about someone else. Instead they leave nasty TXT messages or leave malicious remarks on the website of the person they’re attacking.

Also just recently I came to realize that bullying is not only among students. In fact a most likely victim of bullying nowadays is a teacher. Especially if the teacher comes from a different cultural background, has a thick Asian accent or has difficulty with the English language. Students can be so mean to a teacher without realizing that they are already bullying the teacher.

I felt sorry for one of my daughter’s teachers who my daughter said was really a good teacher. What happened is that a group of pupils, acting like spoiled brats, were often disruptive, disrespectful, and made fun of the teacher’s Hongkong accent.

The poor teacher eventually quit his job and decided to go back to HK; never to teach children anymore. It’s sad when one’s vocation, especially that of being an educator to the youth gets stifled for no good reason. A casualty to a despicable social behaviour we should all do without.

Prize Giving Ceremony

2006-12-08T15:13:00.000+13:00

Last night we went to my daughter’s school to attend what they call “End of Year Prize Giving Ceremony” for the senior school (Years 11, 12 and 13). This is when the school gives out awards to students who excelled in academics, arts, sports, music, etc. during the year. It is also the last official school function to be attended by the Year 13 students. Year 13 is roughly equivalent to 2^nd year college in the Philippines. After Year 13, students move on to University. Si Fidez, Year 11 pa lang. Kaya lang siya kasama kasi may award siya.

Sa atin ang ang katapat nitong ceremony na ito Graduation. Maraming pagkakaiba ang graduation nila dito compared sa atin. Dito walang fanfare. Students come in their usual school uniforms. Kahit yung mga Year 13 na gagradweyt, naka school uniform lang, hindi naka-toga. Parents and visitors come in their usual everyday office or business clothes.

Students who are bestowed awards are given certificates or plaques, or cups (parang trophy). Walang sinsabitan ng medals. At kapag tinawag ang estudyante para kunin ang award siya lang ang aakyat sa stage. Hindi kasama ang parents. Kami nanonood lang at taga-palakpak. Wala ring mga paparazzi na nagkokodak sa harapan.

Wala ring mga magarbong intermission numbers na kung saan may sasayaw, kakanta, tutula nang mahabang-mahaba. Ang intermission meron lang kagabi, tumugtog ng classical music ang orchestra, tapos may isang nag-flute na solo. Very dry, simple lang. Kaya naman in 1 hour and a half tapos na ang seremonyas.

Fidez was one of those in Year 11 who were given Academic Honours Award. It’s the highest award given to those who got 90 and above across 6 subjects. For this award, she received a certificate and a $30 book voucher. She was disappointed. She would have preferred a beauty products voucher instead. Mana talaga sa akin. Yung talino lang ha, hindi yung hilig sa beauty products.

Why is it Brilliant?

2006-12-06T11:03:00.000+13:00

I felt suddenly sentimental hearing this song over the radio. However, reading/listening to the lyrics closely, I do really wonder why the singer could say life is brilliant. Because if it was me in the situation, I'ld say life sucks, or love hurts. What do you think?

You're Beautiful
by James Blunt

My life is brilliant.

My life is brilliant
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yes, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flyin' high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last 'till the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

La la la
la la la la la la

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

The song is dedicated to my "long lost but now found" friend.

News Flash: NewJobz leaves migrants short of $600,000

2006-12-04T11:37:00.000+13:00

I knew something wasn't right about this company when I wrote about it in this blog. See Bagong Raket ni Kaloy. When I wrote about it, nag-re-refund pa sila ng mga ibinayad ng mga members. Ngayon, sorry daw sa mga nagbayad. Wala ng refund.

Reference http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3887200a11,00.html

Recruitment company leaves migrants short of $600,000
04 December 2006
By MARTIN VAN BEYNEN

A Christchurch recruitment company owes 229 potential migrants about $600,000, after reneging on its refund policy.

Stu Macann and Associates Ltd, based in New Brighton, closed last month, but two of its three directors continue the migrant recruitment business under a newly formed company, Skills New Zealand Ltd.

Local creditors have also missed out, but 229 potential migrants, many from Third World countries, are owed $600,000 in refunds.

Stu Macann and Associates Ltd started in 2003 with the aim of giving potential migrants an online service (newjobz) to help them secure a job offer in New Zealand which would help them gain residency. It claims to have helped settle 225 migrant families in New Zealand. Clients paid a fee of about $3000, which was fully refundable if a suitable job offer was not forthcoming.

About eight months ago, the company hit financial trouble, and last week Stu Macann and Associates Ltd ceased trading, although the operation, with a reduced staff, has carried on under Skills New Zealand Ltd.

Skills New Zealand Ltd is owned and run by Christchurch businessmen Keith Lightfoot and Stu Macann, both of whom were also directors and shareholders of Stu Macann and Associates.

Suresh Antil, a pharmacist, 50, who lives just outside New Delhi, in India, was one those caught up in the company failure.

In August, he asked for his money back he paid a $3000 fee of which $2000 was refundable and in October, Lightfoot sent Antil a letter promising to pay by December 15.

However, on November 22, Antil was informed Stu Macann and Associates had ceased trading, and that the new company continuing the business would not honour the refund undertaking.

Antil's daughter, Mahima Sahrawat, who emigrated to New Zealand with her husband, Arun, three years ago, said her father had borrowed the money for the fee, and would now struggle to pay it back. The $3000 fee was equal to her father's yearly salary.

"It's very much money for my father. He is still paying very heavy interest on the loan."

Lightfoot told The Press the original company was facing liquidation, because of financial troubles, and it had taken legal advice on how it should proceed.

The refund policy had undermined the company, and made it unsustainable, he said.

"We said we'll get you a job or your money back, which was a fantastically charitable thing to say, looking back. But we did, and we have been very successful in placing a lot of people into New Zealand.

"Eight months ago we realised the policy was causing us some problems, because people were taking advantage of it. We were paying out money to people who had used our services for 18 months. They used our time, our energy, our job-searching programme, and then asked for a refund," he said.

Some had been offered 17 jobs, but had turned them all down, and some turned down a job and then moved to New Zealand to take up the job. A total of $1.6 million had been refunded to 667 clients, he said.

"We understand why you are talking to us. We have lost personally. We believe we are doing the right thing by the migrants and always have done. We don't feel in any way we have done anything wrong except we understand we wrote a contract which we did not honour and that's that."

He agreed it was not a good look for New Zealand, but "we do not feel we have let the side down".

"We are extraordinarily unhappy about what's happened here. It's been an emotional drain on us all."

Skills New Zealand Ltd would continue to work for the clients who wanted to stay with the firm but no refunds would be given.

A statement on the company's website that it was a "registered immigration agent" was not misleading, despite the fact the firm was not on any immigration agent register, he said.

"We are registered as much as anyone else is registered. The process of registration is going through right now with Immigration New Zealand and we're part of that registration process."

Immigration New Zealand was happy for firms like his to call themselves registered immigration agents, until the "certification" was sorted out, he said.

The Labour Department's deputy secretary, Mary Anne Thompson, said: "As there is currently no authority that oversees the registration of immigration advisers, agents cannot call themselves regis-tered agents."

The Immigration Advisers Licensing Bill, which was wait-ing to be passed into legis-lation, would create a licensing authority within the Depart-ment of Labour to administer a licensing regime, she said.

Lightfoot said local creditors were also left owed money by the company change and 21 staff had been made redundant.

Bernard Walsh, chairman of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment, said his organisation deplored any actions that brought the nation's immigration system into disrepute. "Certainly, what has happened here will reflect very badly on New Zealand."

Any person who has information relevant to this story is asked to email martin.vanbeynen@press.co.nz or ring 027 220 4453.

Remembering The Little Prince

2006-12-01T14:57:00.000+13:00

He was standing before a garden, all a-bloom with roses.

“Good morning,” said the roses.

The little prince gazed at them. They all looked like his flower.

“Who are you?” he demanded, thunderstruck.

“We are roses,” the roses said.

And he was overcome with sadness. His flower had told him that she was the only one of her kind in all the universe. And here were five thousand of them, all alike, in one single garden!

“She would be very much annoyed,” he said to himself, “if she should see that ... She would cough most dreadfully, and she would pretend that she was dying, to avoid being laughed at. And I should be obliged to pretend that I was nursing her back to life--for if I did not do that, to humble myself also, she would really allow herself to die...”

Then he went on with his reflections: “I thought that I was rich, with a flower that was unique in all the world; and all I had was a common rose. A common rose, and three volcanoes that come up to my knees--and one of them perhaps extinct forever... That doesn't make me a very great prince...”

And he lay down in the grass and cried.

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The little prince went away, to look again at the roses.

“You are not at all like my rose,” he said. “As yet you are nothing. No one has tamed you, and you have tamed no one. You are like my fox when I first knew him. He was only a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But I have made him my friend, and now he is unique in all the world.”

And the roses were very much embarassed.

“You are beautiful, but you are empty,” he went on. “One could not die for you. To be sure, an ordinary passerby would think that my rose looked just like you--the rose that belongs to me. But in herself alone she is more important than all the hundreds of you other roses: because it is she that I have watered; because it is she that I have put under the glass globe; because it is she that I have sheltered behind the screen; because it is for her that I have killed the caterpillars (except the two or three that we saved to become butterflies); because it is she that I have listened to, when she grumbled, or boasted, or ever sometimes when she said nothing. Because she is my rose.

And he went back to meet the fox.

“Goodbye,” he said.

“Goodbye,” said the fox. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

“What is essential is invisible to the eye,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”

From Chapters 20 and 21 of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

On average, men are expected to live ‘til age 70. That’s 25550 days total. If one meets just say 10 new people, on average, everyday, after 25k days one would have met over quarter of a million people. If you’re 35 years old now, that means you would have met around half of quarter of a million. Now, if someone asks you to list down all the names of all the people you’ve met from childhood to the present day, do you think it will be near the 125,000 mark? If I did that, I’m sure my list wouldn’t even reach a thousand.

Because the truth is, although we meet lots and lots of people everyday, only few of those meetings we put any degree of significance. And just like the Little Prince who meets a hedge of roses, glowing in beauty and radiance and all vying for his attention, his affection remained on one particularly obstinate, lowly rose, left behind in a far away place.

I feel like we are all Little Princes and Princesses moving from place to place, searching for knowledge, meeting lots of interesting and not so interesting people, experiencing various emotions, looking for home, searching for love, ... hopefully ... finding that unique rose.

Being Indispensable

2006-11-30T09:56:00.000+13:00

In the modern era, a lot of businesses wouldn’t function properly without the support of an IT (Information Technology) infrastructure. IT people, me included, are often in the backroom somewhere supporting, enhancing, and maintaining mission critical systems that keep a business going. Some systems are so vital that any malfunction could amount to millions of dollars in losses or even the business to collapse.

It is not surprising, therefore, for lots of IT people to feel important. A developer of a business application program knows the ins and outs of the system. Knows how it works and how each piece ties together in order to deliver a solution. That knowledge sometimes makes a developer feel god-like. Sa isipan ng programmer, hindi aandar ang sistema kung wala siya o sibakin siya sa trabaho. This is one reason why some programmers have that air of over-confidence in themselves. They feel secured na hindi sila basta-basta sisisantihin sa trabaho. But is this over-confidence warranted?

I’m afraid not. The fact remains, no one is indispensable. The business may suffer momentarily with the loss of a staff member critical to its operations. But that’s only temporary. The business have ways to circumvent difficulties. Should the computer program that you wrote and supported for years cease to function, the business will simply try and find other programs that will do the same thing. Worst case, things can be done manually. Slow maybe, but still the business will cope and survive.

I say this because I once had that attitude that I was indispensable. Until one day, because of a contract dispute, the boss simply fired me along with a few others. So what happened to the IT projects we started? Nothing. It’s like they just reformatted the hard drive. The company hired new people and started all over again.

The moral of the story is do not over-rate yourself to the point of thinking you are indispensable. No one is. Not even George W or GMA is indispensable. Ooops, bad examples. But I’m sure you get my drift. Be humble with your accomplishments and not feel superior to others. With or without you, life will go on.

PS. Today I just handed in my resignation to join a company over at the Northshore early next year. My boss said, he was reluctantly accepting my resignation and wished me well in my future work. See what I mean, hindi man lang ako pinigilan. Sabihin ko kaya sa kanya na nagbibiro lang ako?

This could happen to you!

2006-11-27T10:36:00.000+13:00

I felt my bladder about to explode as I came barging into the nearest toilet. At the doorway I began unzipping my fly as I felt a few drops started to trickle through my underwear. Finally, I was standing in front of this white porcelain urinal holding my member; allowing the faint yellow liquid ooze freely down the drain. Ohhh what a relief!

I must have drunk a lot 'cause I noticed it was taking an incredibly long time to drain my bladder and a queue of people started lining up patiently behind me. But I don’t care. I was taking my time and I even closed my eyes to further relish the sensation.

It was in the middle of enjoying this private pleasure when all of a sudden, my cellphone started ringing. Soft ringtone at first but progressively getting louder and louder and annoying at that.

I could sense the people around all staring at me. Somehow I could read their thoughts. One guy was thinking: “is he going to stop and answer the phone?”. Another guy was asking himself: “can he answer the phone by holding it in one hand while the other holding his penis?”

My eyes were still shut when the guy behind me remarked: “Perfect timing!”. Then I heard the people around me started to chuckle... A few moments later, it erupted to roaring laughter.

That’s when I turned around, opened my eyes and realized to my relief - thank goodness it was only a dream. By the bedside was my alarm clock ringing and not my cell phone. Pheeew! I thought that would have been embarrassing. Now just one small problem -- explaining to mum why the bed is wet.

Ang kwentong ito ay kathang-isip po lamang at ang tanging layunin ay upang balaan ang mga kalalakihan sa posibleng magananp kapag ang cellphone ay naka-on habang jumi-jingle.

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.”

2006-11-23T20:26:00.000+13:00

The post below was a comment I received in VFSMovement from a reader named Peter Vajda. It is such an incisive analysis about blogging and the reasons why some bloggers are disrespectful, negative and uncivil, that I thought it would be a waste if I don't share it with other bloggers. I thank Peter for allowing me to reproduce it here. Peter G. Vajda, Ph.D. is Co-Founder of SpiritHeart, an Atlanta-based company dedicated to “Essential Well-Being” for body, mind and spirit.

Blogging, Incivility and Negativity

Social scientists, socioeconomists, and social psychologists are increasingly pointing to the fact that the social mood in the United States, and across the world’s culture and civilization is turning bad and that overall social mood is going to get a lot worse before improving. Research graphs and diagrams, such as the Elliot Wave Principle, underscore the finding that there is a natural ebb and flow of social mood (positive vs. negative) and that darker times, socially and politically, lie ahead of us, creating increased tension and negativity. Nowhere is this negative mood more evident than in the blogosphere where incivility, disrespect, meanness, bullying, and demeaning behavior rule the day, and the posts. What is it that accounts for this negativity among bloggers and what can be done to perhaps soothe and diminish their high degree of vitriol, rancor, meanness, incivility and disrespect?

I've followed the negativity of blog discussions mainly from the perspective of being curious about the nature of the interactions where the behaviors are as interesting, if not more so, than the content.

There’s no question passion drives many a blogger’s interactions. Unfortunately, passion is often used as an “excuse” (it’s never a “reason”) to treat another blogger disrespectfully or in an uncivil manner.

Curiously enough, research also points to increases in the number of heart attacks, cancer incidents, obesity rates, diabetes, suicides, spousal abuse incidents, etc. What’s the connection?

Whether it’s an increase in incivility or in life-threatening illness and disease, these statistics do not mean that I have to engage in anti-social or self-destructive behavior.

I can choose what behaviors support me to live a healthy lifestyle and which don't. The same reasoning is true for whether I choose to be civil or uncivil, respectful or disrespectful, hurtful and harmful or compassionate and understanding in my relationships and interactions, on blogs, that is, in how I choose to show up in the world.

Shakespeare said, "An event is neither good nor bad, only thinking makes it so." So, why is one’s "thinking" so negative? What belief systems, mental models of the world and people in the world, assumptions, misconceptions, misperceptions does one have hard-wired into their brain that bring one to reactivity, to negativity in the face of just, well, “words”?

So, with respect to how I show up in the blogosphere, the bottom line is the degree to which I am "conscious" — whether I am consciously aware of “how I am” and “who I am” while blogging, and relating to others in a blog community, or am I “unconscious”, being reactive, with no conscious thought of how I am behaving.

In our current culture in the U.S. where most folks are obsessed with ego needs for control, recognition and security, it's no wonder that most folks' thoughts are "killing thoughts" as opposed to "healing thoughts." The mantra underlying most of our interactions and interrelationships is: “It’s all about me! Out of my way!”

Moreover, in a culture where many folks gain their sense of identity ("who I am") from a direct association with their "knowledge and information" (the database in their brain), it's no surprise that much of the incivility and reactivity on blogs comes from the perspective that: "When you disagree with my information, well, you disagree with me", and because such disagreement is just too much of a hit to many folks' egos, they react (fight, as opposed to flee or freeze). Agreeing to disagree and engaging in constructive dialogue are fast becoming a lost art forms in Western culture.

When folks are "unconscious" of “how they are” and “who they are”, when folks are unable or unwilling to engage in self-reflection, their tendency is to associate and behave with a herd mentality — witness the vitriol, the high-pitch ever-escalating level of disrespect, sarcasm (in the guise of "humor"), mocking, bullying, that is taking the place on blogs.

Much of the negative and disrespectful exchanges in blogs has to do with how one relates to another human being. Life is relationship — the manner in which one chooses to, consciously or unconsciously, relate to, "meet", "see" and accept another person. What’s happening in the blogosphere is a manifestation of a blogger’s internal conflict that manifests as a failure to relate to another individual in an accepting, compassionate, respectful manner that transcends simple "exchange of knowledge and information."

So, while the research is what it is, that does not mean one cannot consciously choose how one wants to be in relationship, in dialogue, in conversation when blogging.

So, how does one become more conscious of one’s blogging behaviors? How does one become conscious of what’s driving one’s negative blogging behavior? By consciously considering what’s underneath one’s need to be uncivil, mean, disrespectful, and demeaning.

There are two underlying drivers for much of the negative interactions on blogs. These two drivers are characterized as: (1) "It's not about the information or content”, and (2) "It's all about the information or content."

1. It's not about the content

From this perspective, what is occurring is the need for an individual blogger to resort to a verbally abusive and bullying approach in an effort to make a "connection" with another person. For other bloggers, the need is to first engage, and then disengage, then engage and disengage, as in a "love-hate" relationship, in order to stay in the game.

In the arena of psychodynamics or ego psychology, both of these behaviors are referred to as "negative merging." In some relationships, the only way two people can "merge" or have any semblance of “connectivity” (e.g., mental, emotional,, psychological, social, etc.) is by fighting or arguing. Without the fighting or arguing, there would be no connectivity, no relating. Thus, the need to bully, argue, demean, find fault, nit-pick, etc., supports a blogger to feel engaged and “merged.” It gives the blogger a sense of “belonging”, being psychologically and emotionally connected. It really has nothing to do with the "information" being discussed or exchanged.

Rather, the negative and uncivil behavior is about connecting and needing to feel "seen" and "heard", in other words, to feel that the blogger is actually “somebody” as opposed to being a “nobody.” Unless the blogger feels they are somebody, they feel they have no sense of value or worth. The only downside is that playing out of this need to be “seen” comes from a deeper place of anger, fear and negativity.

In “negatively merged” relationships, real and true, mature, heartfelt acceptance, approval, and satisfaction are lacking. So, the only way the two or more bloggers can experience any “false” connection at all is from this place of negative engagement, often it's in the form of poking, being disrespectful, being uncivil, nit-picking, finding fault, etc. .

In “negative-merged” relationships, such back-and-forth behavior, and childish emotional acting out, becomes the sole source of contact between bloggers. The bottom line is that in negative-merged relationships, negative contact is better than no contact at all.

So content aside, two or more such bloggers are no different than a couple who, lacking any real heartfelt, mature, adult-level connectivity, resort to arguing and fighting over how to stack the dishes in the dishwasher, fold the laundry, or vacuum the car, or slice the turkey. At the end of the day, for negatively merged bloggers, it's never really about the "content". It's about the need to be "seen" and connect when there's no true feeling of connectedness.

Until and unless a “negative-merged” inclined blogger expands their awareness and explores what's really "underneath" their need to be negative, uncivil and disrespectful, (i.e., by consciously exploring their limiting self-images, beliefs, preconceptions, "hard wiring" about how they view their self vis-à-vis being in the world and relating to others), there's probably never going to be any change or transformation of that blogger’s behavior. So, they'll fight, lick their wounds, go away and come back to fight another day on another blog, always at another's throat, always argumentative, bickering, poking, criticizing. Why? It's the only way they know how to "connect."

2. Content is everything.

The ego-personality is driven by one's Inner Judge and Critic, the inner voice that continually creates drama and upset in our lives, that never allows us to truly feel at peace with ourselves. The inner judge and critic is driven by three major ego needs: control, security and recognition.

Driven consistently and relentlessly by these three needs, many of us derive our identity, that is, "who I think I am", and "who I take myself to be" from external things, as opposed to experiencing ourselves with integrity and authenticity that arises from being in touch with our Inner Nature, our True and Real Self, from what’s "inside".

One of the externals from which people gain a sense of their identify is their “information.” For these folks, their mantra is "I am my information." In other words, my identity, who I am, is defined on what I have in my brain, my database. I live in my mind, and my mind defines me as a person.

Coming from this mental place, then, in a blogging environment, what happens when someone disagrees with an “information identity” blogger, is that the “information identity” blogger is unable and unwilling to see the other’s response as a simple perspective, or point of view, or as just “different from me.” Rather, the “information identity” blogger has a need to react, to become defensive and critical and take the other’s information as a personal affront and as a personal and “attack on me.”

In our culture of right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, win vs. lose, me vs. you, for many bloggers there is little to no room for acceptance of differences, i.e., "different information". Rather, there’s more of a need for many bloggers to engage in some type of escalating “ad hominem” attack so that the “information identity” blogger can survive, live, and not lose their identity. The “information identity” blogger survives by meeting their need to “be right" in some way, shape or form.

And so when these “information identity” bloggers feel attacked because another blogger has presented "different information", or disagreed with them, they emotionally feel out of control, insecure, and unrecognized, unseen. Their internal, unconscious reaction is: "My God, I have no identity if my information is "wrong'. I need to fight back and save my self.”

In this state of (often unconscious) reactivity characterized by anger, fear, worry, resentment, defensiveness, feeling "small", unseen, invisible, unrecognized, unappreciated, being resistant, defensive and agitated, and feeling a loss of control, recognition or emotional security, some bloggers act out so they can feel and see themselves as big, large, as “somebody” with an identity.

”Information identity” bloggers might be surprised if they were to explore why they need to act out and sting, poke, demean and bully others, why they need to attack, defend and counter-attack, why they are so caught up in identifying with "my information."

What happens in the blogosphere is really no different from what happens between and among individuals and couples every day, at work, at home and at play, i.e., occurrences of the same behaviors that manifest when folks allow their ego-personalities and "comparative-judgmental minds" to get in the way of a healthy relationship, a healthy dialogue, a healthy interaction. The dynamic here with the “information identity: blogger, is that they are being by their need for control, recognition and security as opposed to allowing their self to coming from one's inner plane where one can be perfectly comfortable with who one is and where one is without needing to be right and without depending on one’s information as the source of who they are.

The poking, the disrespect, the vitriol and incivility are all about resistance, denial and projecting. It's all about not being "consciously conscious of "Who I am" and "How I am" in relationship; so the negativity comes from one's locking on to cruise control, being "unconscious" and simply reacting to everything happening "outside". It's about needing to look "outside" for what's lacking "inside."

While some may view ad hominem attacks, rudeness, disrespect, poking, bullying and negative behaviors as "common" in today’s discussions and relationships, they are not, neither for children nor for adults, and sometimes, in the blogosphere, it's hard to tell the difference. Reactive elements cause mental, emotional and even physical pain, and discomfort and for the actual and lurking "ringside" participants and observers, even though they may not even be aware of it. The discord does take a toll, one way or another.

Where some lurkers would honestly and sincerely like to offer their perspectives in a safe environment, they are often wary of doing so as they don’t want to come up against bloggers whose need is to "take it personally" and who react to "different" takes and information in a negative, poking, rejecting manner. It’s the “information identity” bloggers who make many blogs unsafe for so many others who have worthy contributions to make.

So, The negativity is an attempt to fill this hole of deficiency, thinking that spending time and energy being critical, judgmental, demeaning and disrespectful of others will somehow make me feel "better" at the expense of those who I am stepping on and over in my attempts to get to the top of some ladder (financial, social professional, etc.) that will make me feel like "somebody."

So, what can bloggers do to ensure a more inclusive, safe, mutually-respective container for adult-adult dialogue and reduce the intense degree of negativity that permeates so much of the blogosphere?

Perhaps bloggers can envision and then act to create an environment where one can notice, accept and appreciate the uniqueness of another blogger’s perspective without automatically jumping on the "me vs. you", "right vs. wrong", "good vs. bad" "expert vs. novice", “intelligent vs. stupid” continuum.

Perhaps bloggers can take some time to move out of their intellectual zip code of ”It’s all about what I know.” and explore the perhaps, more foreign, landscape of non-violent communication to enhance the quality of some of their interactions, even approaching discussions with the curiosity of a “beginner’s mind”, a neutral mind.

Perhaps bloggers can take a deep breath, sense into their bodies and experience their feelings and emotions, before responding to a post and consciously ask themselves, “Why would a reasonable, rational, decent person like me consciously choose to be disrespectful, uncivil and harm another person simply because their "information" is different from my "information."

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” So, if you are engaging in uncivil, disrespectful, demeaning behaviors as a blogger, don’t wait for others to change their tone and tenor. It starts with you.

As Rumi says, "Out beyond right doing and wrong doing, there is a field; I'll meet you there." Come from that place in your blogs and interact from that part of yourself that is respectful, accepting, compassionate, empathic, and inclusive.

Bloggers can choose to play in that field with their colleagues; or they can choose to create and fight in a battlefield of words, of ego, hostility and lost identity. One brings happiness, collegiality, contentment and well-being; the other brings pain and suffering, mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Incivility and negativity are all about "resistance" to someone or something “out there” with which one feels uncomfortable. Incivility and negativity are all about being "unconscious” of how one is in relationship. Incivility and negativity are all about the ego’s need for control, recognition and security and being unwilling to go “inside” and explore why one needs to hurt, be verbally abusive, and disrespect another. Incivility and negativity are largely about the mantras: “I’d rather be right than happy." Or, "I have to be somebody at the expense of being seen as a nobody."

Life, after all, is choices. Do I choose to be reactive, hurtful, negative and uncivil? Why? Really, really, really, why?

(c) 2006, Peter Vajda, Ph.D., C.P.C.

Bloody Stupid!

2006-11-20T09:38:00.000+13:00

Warning: Stupidity can be hazardous to your health!
A man goes inside a gun shop. Takes out a machete hidden in his jacket and demands the shop owner for guns threatening to attack him with the machete. The owner then pulls out a gun from underneath his drawer and warns the man to put down the machete or he’ll shoot. Instead of backing off, the intruder tried to advance and consequently was shot once in the stomach.

The man didn’t die. Unfortunately! He was later charged with assault with intent to rob. For his stupidity I say he deserves to be shot 10 times in the head to spill his useless brains out of his thick skull. How much more dumb can a person get? Holding up a gun shop with a machete! He might as well have used a fly swatter. At least that would have caused the owner to die laughing.

Warning: Stupidity can be communicable!
If you think the man was stupid then you don’t know anything about (in)justice NZ-style. Listen to this, the owner of the shop who shot the intruder was charged by the Police with unlawful possession of firearm. Yes, you heard it right. A gun shop owner, while inside his own shop is charged with possessing a firearm! Maybe, dealing with stupid criminals also makes the Police stupid.

Good citizens, even when attacked are discouraged from harming the attacker. Kiwis can be so kind and compassionate to a fault. But some (only a few) just plain stupid.

Read the news story here.

Of Equal Treatment

2006-11-16T11:35:00.000+13:00

I’ve read the story of Edgar Padlan, the Immigration Officer who allowed a foreigner to jump the line of passengers at the NAIA queuing in front of the Immigration counters. Luli Arroyo, GMA’s daughter, then noticed this and asked Padlan why the foreigner was being given special treatment. Padlan, not realizing it was the President’s daughter he was talking to became arrogant and rudely embarrassed Luli in front of the other people in the area. Hence, today, Padlan is out of job.

Then I read, a post in myePinoy’s blog. And myePinoy is right. The Padlan incident is not a one off. Such things (Immigration Officers giving special treatment to others) happen daily at NAIA. Yet it remains un-noticed and un-publicized because those being overtaken in the queues are ordinary citizens; not sons or daughters of well known politicos.

Now I have a confession to make, kasi medyo tinamaan ako ng post ni myePinoy. You see, I was once a former employee of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). I was with their IT department though and not in the front line. Just want to make that clear lest I be accused of being an Edgar Padlan myself. As a former BI employee I still know a few people working at NAIA. And I’m now ashamed to admit it but whenever I come home, I’m usually one of those who jump the queue and get special treatment.

Is it my fault if a former friend at BI asks me to advance forward and overtake those in front of me? Yes, it is. Because the decent thing for me to do is to decline the invitation and say that I don’t mind waiting in line like everyone else. It is easy to complain and demand for equal treatment when we are the aggrieved party. But when it is us who gets the advantage it’s another story. It's like when a vendor short changes you. Immediately you complain "kulang ang sukli niyo!". Pero kapag may sobra sa sukli, you keep quiet and walk away.

It is very easy to give in to the temptation to accept favors, especially in a society characterized by palakasan, graft and corruption, lagayan, and power-tripping of those in power over the powerless. Yet if we think more of others and lesser of ourselves it should not be that difficult to do the right thing. And each individual who does the right thing contributes in our country's reformation. A conscious effort to be considerate of others is a start. If we want fair, equal treatment, one must himself/herself be fair.

So next time I come home, I’ll decline any special treatment. Promise.

Ganito kami noon (ang karugtong)

2006-11-14T09:20:00.000+13:00

(second and final part na ito nung Ganito Kami Noon)

Bagamat mas madali noon ang maging residente, mas mahirap naman ang mag-umpisang mamuhay sa NZ.

Unang-una, nung time na yon mahirap makahanap ng kakilalang Pinoy sa NZ. Sinong tatanungin mo? Hindi pa uso ang email at internet. Di katulad ngayon na sa pamamagitan ng Internet madaling makipagkilala at makipagkaibigan sa ibang Pinoy kahit saang lupalop ng mundo.

Dumayo kami papuntang NZ. Wala ni isang kakilala. Baon ang karampot na naipong dolyares, lumipad kami papuntang Auckland. Hindi namin alam kung ano ang dadatnan namin at kung saan kami matutulog sa unang gabi ng dating namin. Wala kaming pre-arranged accommodation. Bahala na, sa isip namin. Pagdating sa airport dun na lang kami magtatanong ng matutuluyan.

At ganoon nga ang ginawa namin. Sa airport may nakita kaming mga naka-paskil na advertisements ng mga hotel. May nakita kaming mura, yung backpackers. Tinawagan namin at nagtanong kami kung papaano puntahan. Sabi sakay daw kami ng Airport Shuttle papuntang Auckland CBD. Pagdating dun sa backpackers, e hindi naman pala pwede ang may kasamang bata. So itinuro kami sa malapit na hotel. Hila-hila ko ang dalawang malalaking maleta paakyat sa Upper Queen Street kaya’t kahit malamig ang hangin, pinagpawisan pa rin ako. Mabuti na lang may available rooms pa yung hotel. At dun nga kami nag-stay ng isang linggo.

Kung iisipin namin, maswerte na rin pala kami at walang sumundo sa amin sa airport. May naka-kwentuhan ako na dumating din dito nung 1990’s. May Pinoy pala noon na ang racket ang manundo sa airport ng mga bagong dating. Ginawa niyang business at $250 ang singil niya sa pagsundo. Another $250 naman para ituro lamang sa bagong dating kung papaano kumuha ng IRD number. At $250 na naman para ituro kung paano mag-open ng bank account. $750 lahat ang total. Lintek na Pinoy yon o, grabeng maka-taga!

Mas mahirap din maghanap ng flat na mauupahan nung time na yon. Mas marami ang naghahanap kumpara sa mga bakanteng housing. Kadalasan noon kapag nabakante ang flat pagpunta mo sa flat, may tatlo o apat pang nag-aabang. Lahat kayo magfi-fill-up ng application form. Tapos, nasa landlord na ang decision kung sino ang pipiliin. E siyempre disadvantage ka kung bagong dating ka pa lang at walang pang trabaho.

Nung 1990s mas may kamahalan din ang mga second hand na sasakyan. Pano kasi may importation tax pa noon. Lately nalang tinanggal ito kaya’t biglang nagbagsakan ang presyo ng segunda-manong wheels. Naalala ko noon nilakad namin ni esmi mula Newmarket hanggang Greenlane (3km siguro yon). Inisa-isa namin ang mga car yards na madadaanan para maghanap ng murang sasakyan na shoot sa aming budget.

Nung bandang 80s and 90s maraming Pinay ang dumating ng NZ sa pamamagitan ng pagaasawa ng Kiwi. Dahil dito ang image ng mga Pinay, lahat mail-order-brides. Madalas nga noon na kapag may bumating puti kay esmi ang karaniwang tanong sa kanya, "is your husband a Kiwi?". Pabiro naman niyang sinasagot na, "no, he's African". Maitim kasi ako.

Lastly, mas malungkot ang buhay sa NZ noon. Lahat ng shops sarado na pagdating ng alas singko. Sa weekend naman, lahat sarado na rin maliban sa mga supermarket. Kung bibili ka naman ng beer o alak, sa mga liquor stores ka lang makakabili at lunes hanggang sabado lamang. Bawal kasing magbenta ng alkohol na inumin tuwing linggo.

Ma-bo-bore to death ka talaga noon. Lalo na kung single ka o kaya hindi mo pa kasama pamilya mo. Walang mga gimik. Mararamdaman mo ang kalungkutan at ka-homesick-an lalo na’t sasapit ang pasko. Ang mga shops walang mga krismas decors. Ang mga bahay walang mga krismas lights. Tuwing maririnig mo ang mga Pinoy krismas songs tulad ng “Pasko na sinta ko” ni Gary V, o “Christmas in our hearts” ni Jose Mari Chan, naluluha ka.

Lately na lamang nauso ang mga palamuti at ilaw na pampasko dito sa NZ. Nag-extend na rin ng mga shopping hours ang mga malls. At maraming shops ang nagbubukas na rin kapag weekends.

So many things have changed in NZ during the past 10 years. There are lots of things that are easier and more convenient nowadays. Most of all, there seems to be more Pinoys in NZ today, making it easier to feel more at home. I guess there are lots of things, new migrants here should be thankful for.

Events that Stop a Nation

2006-11-08T13:56:00.000+13:00

Kahapon katatapos lang ng Melbourne Cup sa Australia. Ito ang pinakasikat na karera ng kabayo sa Australia, held every first Tuesday of November. Dahil sa sobrang kasikatan, Australians everywhere in the world stop to do what they are doing to watch this race. This event really stops a nation.

Sa America, meron din silang “event that stops the nation”. Isa dito yung Superbowl, yung championship game ng NFL. Malaking event ito sa Tate.

Dito naman sa Kiwilandia, wala akong maisip na single event na katulad ng Melbourne Cup or Superbowl. Probabaly, the closest will be a game of NZ’s national Rugby team, the All-Blacks in a tournament such as the Rugby World Cup.

Sa mga Pinoy naman, anong event ang nagpapahinto sa ating bansa? Ano pa, e di ang mga laban ni Pacman. Sabi nga nila kapag may bout si Manny Pacquiao, walang trapik kasi walang mga sasakyan sa daan. At wala ring krimen, kasi maging ang mga holdaper, snatcher, magnanakaw lahat nakatuon and panonood sa laban.

Ba’t nga ba ito ang topic ko? Simple lang naman. Kasi bilang isang migrante na nakarating na ng US, Australia at ngayon kasalukuyang nasa NZ, I feel strange whenever the nation around me “stops” and yet I remain unaffected. Nung nasa US kami, lahat ng bahay nanonood ng Superbowl, pero kami patuloy lang sa aming pang-araw-araw na gawain. Nung bago pa lang kami sa NZ, nagdadalamhati ang mga Kiwi pagkatapos ma-eliminate ang All-blacks sa World Cup quarterfinals, pero kami, wala kaming na feel na lungkot.

The sad thing about being a migrant is that sometimes one feels like a fish out of the water. Your feelings are ambivalent. You’re neither here nor there. When I stop to watch a Pacquiao bout, the Kiwis around me wonder what the brouhaha is all about. And when they talk passionately about their Rugby or Cricket, I feel left out.

The best term to describe me is that I am a Kiwinoy or Piwi, part Kiwi, part Pinoy, but neither one nor the other. Ano ba yan? Parang Shokoy, part man, part fish. I feel like I'm having an identity crisis.

Ganito Kami Noon (part 1)

2006-11-04T11:11:00.000+13:00

Kuha sa SM City, December 1994, huling taon namin sa ating bayan.

Mahigit isang dekada na ang nakakaraan ngayon nang maisipan naming lisanin ang inang bayan. Marami ang nagulat noon sa aming desisyon na sa NZ manirahan. Bakit daw NZ? Ni hindi nga naman nila alam kung saang lupalop ng mundo matatagpuan ang NZ. Ang akala ng marami malapit ito sa Switzerland dahil hawig ang pangalan. Marinig pa lang nila ang “Zealand” giniginaw na sila sa pag-aakalang nababalutan ito ng yelo katulad ng Swiss Alps.

Bibihira noon ang nakakakilala sa NZ bilang isang destinasyon ng mga Pinoy. Mas kilala nung time na yon ang Australia kaya pirming mahaba ang pila ng mga aplikante sa harapan ng Australian Embassy sa Makati. Sa di kalayuang building naman, ang NZ Embassy. Walang security guard. Kasi wala naman pila. Pwede kang mag-walk-in anytime para humingi ng application form. Maswerte ka na kung may makasabay kang ibang Pinoy sa reception room ng Embassy.

Napuno na siguro ako sa magulong buhay sa atin. Time ni Cory noon at puro na lang kasi coup d’etat. Kaya naman nung may mabasa akong article sa isang pahayagan tungkol sa NZ, maliit nga ngunit progresibong bansa din katulad ng Australia at Canada at higit sa lahat mapayapa at tahimik, nagpasya akong puntahan ang NZ Embassy upang humingi ng karagdagang impormasyon.

Sa elevator may nakasabay akong puti. Napansin niya yung binabasa kong newspaper clipping kaya’t tinanong niya ako “are you planning to visit NZ?”. Sabi ko I’m thinking about it. Sagot naman niya, “NZ is very beautiful. Very green. Lots of open spaces, no pollution, not crowded, lots of sheep. I’m sure you’ll love the place.” Naisip-isip ko, sign siguro yon na sa NZ talaga and destiny ko.

Noon pa man, may points system nang ginagamit ang NZIS sa pag-assess ng mga aplikante. Ang kaibahan lang parang mas madali noon ang makakuha ng sapat na points. Basta college grad ka at may work experience ka na at least 2 years, almost sure ka nang papasa.

Mas madali din ang proseso noon sa pag-apply. Wala ng Expression of Interest (EOI), Invitation to Apply (ITA) or Work to Residence (WTR). Submit ka lang ng application at tapos hintayin ang result. Usually wala na ring face-to-face interview. Pagdating ng result either decline or approve na ang Permanent Residence mo. Isa pa, sa Makati lang ang submission at processing ng application. Hindi katulad ngayon, sa Bangkok pa.

Medical examination ang unang step sa application. Which I thought was good. Kasi kung bagsak ka sa medical, di ka na papag-aplayin, so di ka na gagastos pa. After makuha namin ang resulta ng medical exam, na pasado naman, kinalap ko na ang mga required documents. Katulad din ngayon, kailangan ng NBI clearance, police clearance, employment certificates, birth certificates, transcript at diploma. Nung kumpleto na ini-lodge na namin yung application for residency sa NZ Embassy at binayaran yung lodging fee na kung di ako nagkakamali P5,600 nung time na yon.

After about 6 months, dumating na yung sulat mula sa Embassy. Approve daw ang application namin for Permanent Residence to NZ. Hinihingi na ang aming mga pasaporte para matatakan ng residence visa.

Kumpara sa ngayon, lubhang napakadali noon. Di tulad ngayon, magastos na, mahirap na para kang sumusuot sa butas ng karayom, at wala pang garantiya na makakamit mo ang Permanent Residency (PR). Ang kadalasang ibibigay lamang ng NZIS ay yung tinatawag na Work to Residence (WTR) visa, which is basically just a work permit. Kailangan mo munang makahanap ng job related sa natapos mo bago ka bigyan ng PR. Kung hindi mo magawa ito, mapapauwi ka. Sayang lang lahat ng nagastos mo.

Bagamat mas madali kumpara sa panahon ngayon ang dinanas naming proseso sa pagpunta ng NZ, marami din naman mga balakid at paghihirap kaming naranasan.

Itutuloy...

AKLnzPinoys sa Diaryo Filipino

2006-10-30T09:56:00.000+13:00

Yan po ang frontpage ngayon sa Diaryo Filipino. Isang local newspaper para sa mga Pinoy na naninirahan dito sa New Zealand. At eto naman sa baba ang writeup ng diaryo tungkol sa AKLnzPinoys. Big thank you to J and N Gregorio for this article and their continuous support for the group and the Pinoy community.

As reported by Diaryo Pilipino

Welcome Home! The egroup AKLnzPINOYS held its fourth get together last October 1 at the St George Presbyterian Hall in Takapuna. Around 300 people were in attendance and majority comprises new arrivals in the last few months. A true evidence that the Filipino community is rapidly growing as NZ is becoming a preferred place of diaspora.

The egroup was formed by a group of Filipinos whose desire as mentioned in their website is to help kababayans here and coming to Auckland meet old and new friends, expand one's networking, compare notes and share experiences on job seeking, settlement, visa processing, etc... so new comers will always be on track.

What is admirable in the group is that they have no official set of officers, no policies and procedures and yet they can still have the job done in true "bayanihan" spirit.

Kudos goes to the moderators who made this group very successful - Jun Dolon, Ervin Lllacuna, Carlo Jaminola, Ka Uro, Beah Ulama, special mention to Jesse Enriquez. And lastly to the new Pinoy/Kiwi we say: WELCOME HOME!

Filipina in need of Help here in Auckland

2006-10-24T15:35:00.000+13:00

Last week may natanggap akong email with the above title. According to the email may isang Filipina ang na-confined sa Auckland Hospital at na-diagnose na may terminal cancer. Pero thanks to God, later napag-alaman na hindi naman pala terminal cancer.

Binisita namin ni esmi yung kababayan nating Pinay sa ospital last Thursday. Ang nangyari pala biglang may lumaking tumor sa tiyan nung Pinay. Pagkatapos i-scan at i-ultra sound, ang initial findings ng doctor, cervical cancer at malala na. Pero pagkatapos siyang operahan at tanggalin yung tumor, healthy naman ang kanyang ovaries. Sa madaling sabi hindi naman talaga sure kung cancer. Right now hinihintay pa ang resulta ng biopsy para ma-confirm kung may cancer nga o wala.

Very depressing ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ng kababayan nating ito. Talk of a string of bad lucks. Una, maaga siyang nabiyuda. Namatay ang asawa niya pagkapanganak ng kanilang second child. Kaya siya na lang ang naiwan para mag-alaga sa dalawa nilang anak na pito at siyam na taong gulang lamang.

Dahil nagiisa na siya at hindi na sapat ang kinikita bilang ordinaryong empleyado sa gobyerno naisipan niyang mangibang bansa. Lumapit siya sa isang immigration consulting agency sa Pilipinas na nag-specialize sa NZ. Sa pamamagitan ng ahenteng ito nakakuha naman siya ng tourist visa. Opkors, pagkaraang bayaran ng malaking halaga (don’t know the full amount, but from what I hear around it will be at least $5000). Halagang inutang lamang at hanggang ngayon binabayaran pa.

Iniwan niya ang kanyang dalawang anak at nagpunta siya ng NZ. Pero pagdating ng NZ, walang magbigay ng trabaho sa kanya kasi wala naman siyang work permit. So lapit na naman siya sa isa pang consultant (Pinoy din!). Siningil na naman siya ng malaking halaga (again don’t know how much, but some say $3000) nitong bagong consultant na ang tanging ginawa lamang ay ang papuntahin siya sa South Island ng NZ at sinabing doon maghanap ng trabaho. Mas madali daw kasi doon makakuha ng work permit. Apparently halos wala namang naibigay na tulong ang consultant dahil siya rin mismo ang naghanap ng employer.

Di ba nakakalungkot isipan dahil luray-luray na nga yung tao sa hirap sa atin, pinagsamantalahan pa siya. Di lang ng isa kundi dalawa at kapwa Pilipino pa!

Anyway, mabalik tayo sa kwento niya. So nagpunta nga siya sa South Island at doon nakahanap ng trabaho at eventually nabigyan siya ng 1 year work permit. Okay na sana at kumikita na siya. Subalit makaraan ang ilang buwan sinamang palad naman na nagkaroon nga siya ng tumor sa tiyan. So balik na naman siya sa Auckland para magpagamot. At dahil 1 year lang ang work visa niya, hindi siya entitled sa libreng pagpapagamot. Yung mga may 2 years work visa at mga NZ residents lamang kasi ang libre.

Ang sabi sa kanya ng mga doctor na baka kailanganin siyang operahan ulit at i-chemotherapy kapag may nakitang cancer sa biopsy. Additional treatments that will cost around $30-$60 thousand in NZ. Kaya nga nasabi niya (with tears in her eyes and a sense of resignation) “uuwi na lang ako sa atin para makita ko pa ang aking mga anak”.

Unforseen events caused by nature and that which we cannot control, with complete surrender, we learn to accept as God’s will. Harsh and miserable conditions brought about by man’s greed and utter disregard for their fellowmen are sometimes harder to comprehend and accept.

Sometimes I wonder why some people, fellow kababayans even, can be so mean and exploitative. Makes me angry. But then I think of all the other people, also kababayans, hundred times more in number who extended their sympathy, offered prayers, gave and solicited donations to their kababayan in need. And that makes me smile. Sabi nga ni Grasshopper: "[although] we are often reminded of the existence of evil, we should never lose faith in the goodness of man".

PS. Nakalabas na ng ospital yung Filipina at kasalukuyang nagpapalakas sa bahay ng isang kamag-anak sa Auckland. Nananawagan pa rin siya na ipagdasal na sana'y maging maganda ang resulta ng biopsy at totally walang makitang cancer. Nagpapasalamat din siya sa lahat ng bumisita, tumawag, nagdasal, at nagbigay ng abot ng kanilang makakaya.

“There are lots of jobs around, but migrants are too picky which is why they can’t find jobs.”

2006-10-20T10:49:00.000+13:00

I saw this comment in a “letter to the editor” in one NZ paper the other day. Although there is some truth to this statement (in certain cases), I have to say that it is misguided and unduly puts the blame on the migrant. Readers who see this statement and who know nothing about NZIS rules and regulations might be quick to agree when in reality it is not the fault of migrants if they are choosy when job hunting.

Some migrants are choosy because they have no choice. I’m referring to migrants who arrive NZ with a 6 month Work-To-Residence visa. What this means is that they only have 6 months to find a job related to their qualifications. Meaning, if one is a teacher, he/she must find a teaching job. It cannot just be a job at the supemarket or at McDonalds. If it is not a teaching job, the 6 months visa won’t be converted to a Permanent Residence Visa and therefore their validity to stay in NZ expires.

It used to be that WTR visas have a validity of 2 years. Okay pa sana kung 2 years. At least pwedeng tumanggap ng kahit anong trabaho during the first few months “just to get by” at habang naghahanap ng ibang mas angkop na mapapasukan. But with NZIS cutting the time to just 6 months, that luxury of time is gone.

Kakainis nga ang NZIS, parating binabago ang mga rules. Ang masaklap yung rules parating pahirap sa mga migrants. Parang laro ng basketball. Nung una, 12 minutes ang bawat quarter. Napansin yata na kapag mahaba ang playing time nakakahabol ang kalaban sa second half. Kaya pinalitan ang rules. 3 minutes na lang bawat quarter. Running time, walang timeout, at wala ring substitution.

But that's the good news! At least one is allowed to play. Because the bad news is, bukas makalawa pwede nilang baguhin ulit ang rules. O kaya naman, baka maisipan na lang itigil lahat ng palaro.

Afraid of Heights

2006-10-13T16:06:00.000+13:00

There is a quote that says “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”

For some people, this way of thinking works. They prefer to aim high. Have grand objectives. Nothing wrong with that. In fact most of those who do so are probably high achievers in their fields.

But not me. I prefer modest goals. Kasi kapag masyadong mataas, there is undue pressure because of the greater likelihood of failing. And failures lead to unhappines. And life is too short to be unhappy, even for a day.

One person’s goal might be to save a million bucks by age 50. Others, like me are content to save a few bucks every month. The main difference I could see is that the former is more likely to be disappointed if the money falls short of a million by age 50. What’s worse, during the period leading to age 50 the person might have been too obsessed towards achieving the goal, that he/she becomes miserable and stressed during that time.

That’s what happens when you’re too focused on the destination. You fail to see the beautiful scenery.

Like for example nung una akong nakipag-sapalaran sa Tate nung 90’s simple lang ang pangarap ko. Hindi ko pinangarap ang magkaroon ng mamahaling sports car o ang maging sikat na action star sa Hollywood. Dahil nasa IT ako at bihira pa ang may PC noong mga panahong iyon, masaya na ako kung makabili ng sariling PC. Isang no brand na computer 486, 66Mhz, 640KB memory, 20MB hard drive ang nabili ko. Laking tuwa ko na noon. Sa sarili ko kahit pauwiin na ako ni Uncle Sam, masaya na ako dahil may maiuuwi akong pyuter.

I’m not saying that my approach to setting personal goals is superior. In fact I’m sure many will criticize it as one that results in mediocrity. I don’t disagree. But I’m too old to change mindsets now. I’m content to do it “one step at a time” (credits to Kadyo). And I prefer to enjoy every step of the way by achieving small but many victories. Rather than big but few ones. Coz there’s truth in the saying “the higher the leap, the harder the fall”. Yet it’s also true “the harder the fall, the higher the bounce”. Maybe that’s why I don't like heights and I prefer just to roll.

Success is having one of this...

2006-10-06T15:40:00.000+13:00

For Pinoys who’ve settled overseas like us, a symbol of success is owning one's house. It doesn’t matter kung hindi pa bayad ang mortgage. Ang mahalaga home-owner ka pa ring matatawag.

Para sa akin hindi rin mahalaga kung malaki, maliit, bago o luma ang bahay. Ang mas importante pangalan mo ang nakalagay sa titulo ng iyong tinitirhan.

Hindi rin mahalaga sa akin kung ano ang laman ng bahay. Kung kumpleto ng appliances o hindi. Kung may Plasma TV, home entertainment and latest electronic gadgets o wala. I don’t envy those things.

Pero merong isang bagay ang para sa akin, kung meron ka nito, I consider you a truly successful home-owner. Inggit ako kung meron ka nito, kasi very few houses in NZ have this.

Si esmi, matagal na niyang hinihiling ito. Para sa ating mga Pinoy, hindi kasi kumpleto ang bahay kung wala nito -- the most used but often underrated part of a Filipino household -- ang dirty kitchen. Para sa ating mga Pinoy kumpleto lamang ang bahay kung may dalawang kitchen. Isang regular kitchen na kung maaari pan-display lamang at isang dirty kitchen na kung saan nagpiprito ng isda, naggigisa ng bagoong, at nagpapakulo ng buto-buto na pambulalo.

So para matuwa naman si Esmi at makapagluto ng masasarap na pagkain dapat pagbigyan ang hilig. Kaya lang dahil kapos sa budget, so naisipan ko na lang siyang igawa ng kanyang dirty kitchen. Here’s a picture of my DIY dirty kitchen I fondly called “The Phone Booth Kitchen” dahil nakakulong na parang phone booth ang lutuan para hindi makalat ang talsik ng mantika. At present kinukuha ko ng patent ang aking design. Heheh

Cost of building Jean’s Dirty Kitchen:

Burner with stand - $15 sa garage sale
Gas bottle – free, bigay ni Pareng Dennis at Ammie
Panels and wood – free, napulot lang
Stainless Kitchen Sink - $10

Total Cost: $25.
Masarap na luto ni Esmi: Priceless!

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.—Anonymous

2006-10-02T12:18:00.000+13:00

Yesterday we had a meeting of AKLNZPinoys. Grabe po, ang daming nag-attend. We originally estimated around 80 to 100 people to attend but close to 200 showed up.

Ang saya po ng get-together. I hope, especially to those who just recently arrived in Auckland and are still settling in to the NZ way of life, na sana nag-enjoy kayo ang found new friends during the meet. Yan naman po ang main purpose ng group natin, that we remain friends. And that we continue helping one another and caring for each other.

Marami pang challenges ang haharapin ng mga bagong dating sa NZ. Lalong-lalo na ang mga may WTR na 6 months. Medyo pressured sila dahil sa short period na meron sila to find a job. But I think with a little help and encouragement from some of us who’ve been in NZ longer, and with God’s grace, they will manage and achieve their purpose for coming here.

Sabi nga ng Beatles, “we get by with a little help from our friends”. Sagot naman ni Stevie Wonder, “[because] that’s what friends are for”. Corny, ano? But truly, yan po ang feeling ko (parang gusto kong kumanta kahit sintunado) when with friends. Lalo na Pinoy friends who are one in caring for each other.

Speaking of friends, nagugulat na lang ako kapag may lumalapit sa akin at nagpapakilala na matagal na raw silang nagbabasa ng blog ko. They talk as though they know so much about me na parang matagal na nila akong kakilala at tinuturing na kaibigan. Pero sila, first time ko pa lang ma-meet kaya medyo feeling awkward ako kasi di ko alam kung paano mag-react.

Lalo na nung may magbigay sa akin ng pasalubong galing pa sa Pinas. One couple sinadya pa nila na ipagdala ako ng plastic tabo. Nabasa kasi nila yung post ko about my multi-purpose tabo. Kahapon naman may nagbigay sa akin ng box of Cloud 9 chocolates na all the way from SM (alam ko kasi nasa isang blue SM plastic bag). At si J naman pinasalubungan ako ng isang music CD. Dahil yata alam niya na 60’s pa ang alam kong music. Yung iba naman, they go out of their way to approach me and thank me personally. All of these from people I’ve never met before (or maybe once pa lang). Nakakataba ng puso. Sometimes, I wonder if I deserve any of these attention. All these for simply putting my thoughts into words on the internet. In any case, taos puso akong nagpapasalamat. At sana ipagpaumanhin ninyo kung di ko ma-recall ang mga names ninyo. Mahirap kasi ang tumatanda.

Qualms about Kiwi Justice

2006-09-27T09:39:00.001+12:00

Halimbawa may magnanakaw na pumasok sa iyong bahay. Nakita mo’t nahuli sa akto. Anong gagawin mo?

Kung nasa-Pinas tayo, malamang bugbog sarado ang salarin. Sa atin ang mga pick-pockets, snatchers at shop-lifters kapag nahuli sigurado gulpi muna. Parang SOP yata sa atin yon. Kung hindi man ang mga nakahuli ang gugulpi, mga pulis sa presinto na ang gagawa noon. Kung sabagay, hindi man dumaan sa korte ang kaso para masintensiyahan, dahil sa sakit ng pagkagulpi malamang madala na ang magnanakaw. At least hindi kasing lupit sa Saudi kung saan pinuputulan ng kamay ang mga magnanakaw.

Dito sa NZ, nakakapanibago dahil kakaiba ang kanilang hustisya pagdating sa mga petty criminals compared sa nakasanayan natin sa Pinas. Dito, kahit magnanakaw may human rights. Kapag may pumasok na magnanakaw sa iyong tahanan, hindi mo pwedeng i-manhandle. Di pwedeng saktan. Pwera na lang kung self defence at ikaw ang unang in-attack. Dahil kapag nasaktan mo siya, pwede ka pa niyang ihabla ng assault causing physical injury. Ayon sa mga Kiwi, material na bagay lang naman daw ang ninakaw. Mas mahalaga raw ang buhay ng tao at hindi dapat ilagay sa alanganin kahit buhay ng magnanakaw.

Parang ang hirap yatang hindi gumanti sa isang taong sapilitang pumasok sa iyong tahanan at nag-violate ng iyong privacy. Ibig yata nilang mangyari pagbukasan ko pa ng pintuan at gate para siya maka-eskapo ng maayos!

Heto pa ang isang bagay na hindi ko maintindihan dito. Yung mga shoplifter o snatcher kahit nakita mong ibinulsa nila ang ninakaw nila, kapag nahuli ng may ari hindi sila pwedeng kapkapan. Ang pwede lang gawin, tanungin sila kung nasaan ang ninakaw at pakiusapan na sila mismo ang maglabas ng laman ng kanilang bulsa. Kung ayaw nilang umamin, maghintay ka na lang ng pulis.

At heto pa. Kung menor de edad ang salarin, halimbawa 16 years old lang, malamang bibigyan lang ng warning at hindi ikukulong. Sabi nga ni Pareng Ramir, parang mga isda. Dito kasi kapag nag-fishing ka at undersize ang nahuli mong isda, pinakakawalan, para lumaki pa at dumami. Ala eh, kaya yata dumadami din ang mga minors na gumagawa ng petty crimes. The sad thing is that most of these minors tend to become repeat offenders and graduate to more serious offenses like rape and murder.

Dapat siguro, kung menor de edad, bigyan ng warning sa first offense. Kapag umulit pa, ikulong na… kasama ang mga magulang.

Ginisa sa Sariling Mantika

2006-09-22T13:26:00.000+12:00

Napag-uusapan din lang ang sari-saring raket ng pagpunta sa NZ, eto pa ang isa. This time ibahin naman natin ang bida, este kontra-bida. Masyado nang nagiging star si Kaloy. Meet Gors (as in Goryo), pinsan ni Kaloy sa pagiging raketista.

Ganito naman ang MO ni Gors. Sa halagang $6000 for processing ikukuha niya ng visa papuntang NZ and aplikante. Student visa nga lamang. Kasi mas madali daw ang makakuha nito compared sa work visa o tourist visa.

I-eenrol ni Gors ang aplikante sa isang school sa NZ. Nga pala, hindi pa kasama sa binayad na $6k ang tuition fees. Iba pa yon, kasi depende sa course at sa school. At dapat bayaran in advance ng aplikante and tuition fee for at least 6 months. Malamang nasa $5k, at least, ang halaga nito.

Legal naman lahat ang serbisyo ni Gors. Siya ang makikipagusap sa school at magpapadala ng bayad sa tuition fees. Tapos, ginagarantiya niyang makakakuha ang aplikante ng student visa. Soli, bayad kung walang tatak ng visa sa passport.

Balita ko, marami nang napaalis si Gors papuntang NZ sa ganitong paraan. Ang karaniwang sinasabi ni Gors sa kanyang mga na-raket na madaling i-convert into work visa ang student visa at kung may work visa na pwede nang mag-apply ng permanent resident visa. Meron nga lang siyang mga ilang bagay na sadyang kinakaligtaan banggitin sa mga nabiktima niya. Una, hindi ganon kadaling makahanap ng job-offer na related sa course. Pangalawa, kung si Gors ang maghahanap ng job offer para sa aplikante, additional na bayad na naman. Kada utot nga ni Gors, may-bayad.

Ilan sa mga nakilala kong nabiktima ni Gors, napabalik na sa Pinas sa dahilang wala silang nakitang trabaho pagkatapos nilang mag-aral. Yung iba nama’y patuloy pa rin na nag-eenrol para lamang ma-extend ang kanilang student visa at hindi pauwiin. Pero wala pa rin katiyakan kung anong mangyayari kapag sila’y nakatapos ng kanilang course.

Heto pa ang masaklap. Ang hindi alam ng mga nabiktima ni Gors na actually, hindi nila kinailangan ang isang katulad ni Gors upang makakuha ng Student Visa papuntang NZ. Pwede naman kasing sila na lang mag-isa ang naghanap at nakipag-correspondence sa school at nagbayad ng fees. Madali naman gawin ito online o via email o internet. Hindi na kailangan ng agency pa. Tapos kapag nakabayad na ng fees at may resibo na, i-present lang ito kasama ng kanilang pasaporte sa NZ Embassy para matatakan ng Student Visa.

Kung alam nila yon nakatipid sana sila ng $6k. Minsan di ko alam kung sinong dapat sisisihin. Ang manloloko ba o ang mga nagpapaloko? Mabuti pa nga ang mga loko-loko, di na naloloko. Ah ewan.

Babala: Bagong Raket ni Kaloy

2006-09-12T09:30:00.000+12:00

Naikwento ko na kung paano naging milyonaryo si Kaloy sa pamamagitan ng Pyramid Scheme. Heksuali, maliban doon may iba pang raket si Kaloy. Nakaka-bilib ang isang raket na ito ni Kaloy dahil raket nga na masasabi pero legal pa rin. Basahin ninyo. Nawa’y may matutunan kayo. Huwag na lang sanang gayahin.

Doon sa lalawigan ni Kaloy, marami siyang na-meet na gustong mag-migrate sa NZ. So ang ginawa ni Kaloy, pinag-aralan niya ang proseso ng pag-migrate papuntang NZ. Napag-alaman niya na ang isa sa pinakamadali at mabilis na paraan para makakuha ng work visa o residence visa sa NZ ay ang makahanap ng Job Offer (JO) mula sa isang NZ employer.

Ang kaso, hindi madali ang makahanap ng employer na willing magbigay ng JO sa mga overseas applicants. Karamihan kasi ng employers gusto nila ma-interview muna nang harapan ang aplikante.

So naisip ni Kaloy ang magtayo ng isang job placement agency na siyang maghahanap ng JO para sa aplikante. Ang singil niya, $300 for membership, tapos $3000 down payment para simulan ang paghahanap ng trabaho. Tapos kapag nasa NZ na ang aplikante, additional $3000 uli. Para naman may peace of mind ang mga aplikante, ni-promise ni Kaloy na kapag hindi sila naihanap ng trabaho, pwedeng mag-quit ang member anytime at 100% money back guarantee.

Fair naman ang proposal ni Kaloy, di ba? Soli bayad, kung hindi satisfied. Minimal risk para sa applicant. Dahil dito marami ang sumapi at eventually naging profitable ang raket ni Kaloy. Kahit may mga members ang nagku-quit at humingi ng refund, meron pa rin naman mga bagong sumasapi. Imagine na lang na kung isang libo ang members at any given time, that is 1000 taymis $3000 equals $3 million in the bank! Bongga, di ba?

May napapaalis naman ba si Kaloy papuntang NZ? Maybe only 1 out of every 1000 applicants. To Kaloy, it doesn’t matter because he’ll continue to make money even if no placements are made. Dun lamang sa interests nung mga perang ibinayad sa kanya, kita na siya nang malaki.

Recruiters use this scheme to make money, not from the number of applicants they are able to place successfully, but by simply signing up lots and lots and lots of applicants and collecting money from them in advance. Imagine, if there are 100 applicants for every 1 job opening. Collect placement fees of P10,000 each from the 100 people; that’s P1 Million. Put the money in a term deposit for say 5% interest for 3 months. After 3 months, give the job to 1 person (usually kamag-anak pa!); refund the money to the other 99 applicants, para hindi mag-complain at walang mag-habol. The recruiter still ends up with the interest from the 1 million, which is 5% or P50k. The recruiter can continue operating this way and make money without breaking the law. Hindi ko alam kung may batas laban dito.

The last I heard about Kaloy’s raket is that he has gone global. With a few partners from NZ and a good web designer, they set up a new company with a website that actively recruits members from all over the world, promising job placements in NZ. Ang pangalan yata nung kumpanya nila NewJobz.

Anong nationality ang madali or mahirap pakibagayan sa NZ?

2006-09-08T11:27:00.000+12:00

Na-grab yung attention ko nung tanong na ito ng isang groupmate sa Pinoys2NZ. I'll try to answer the question by enumerating what I think about each nationality found in NZ.

European – Majority ng mga tao dito sa NZ, mga European na galing ng UK. Pakeha ang tawag ng mga Maori sa kanila. Mabait ang mga Pakeha, lalo na yung mga matatanda. Kapag nasalubong mo sa daan, ngingitian ka at babatiin pa ng “Good morning”. Pero meron din mangilan-ngilan ang ayaw makisalamuha sa mga hindi puti. Sila yung mga hindi pabor sa mga dayuhan lalo na sa mga asyano.

Maori – Sila ang mga natives ng NZ. May mga Maori, sa physical appearance pa lang matatakot ka na. May mga tattoo, rough ang dating at parating pagalit ang mukha. Kung magsalita lahat ng sentence nila may “F” word. Hindi mo sila masisisi kasi ganun ang environment na kinagisnan nila sa kanilang mga magulang. Pero napansin ko na kapag nakilala mo sila personally, okay naman sila. Sa tingin ko medyo aloof din sila sa mga asyano. Kaya dapat lang na tayo ang unang gumawa ng move para makilala nila tayo.

PI – o Pacific Islanders. Ang mga PI yung mga galing sa mga maliliit na Polynesian islands na nakapaligid sa NZ, katulad ng Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, etc. Ang pinakamaraming PI yung mga galing ng Samoa at Fiji. Madali naman pakisamahan ang mga Samoan. Yung kultura nila parang sa atin din. Close sila sa mga pamilya at marami din sa kanila ang Katoliko. Yung mga galing naman ng Fiji, dalawang klase. May Fijian Indian (FI) at may native na Fijian. Yung FI, mga galing India na lumaki sa Fiji. Marami nagsasabi na okay ang mga native Fijian, but not the FIs. May naging opismeyt nga ako na FI. Napansin ko nga na makwenta sila sa trabaho. Parating late at absent, tapos ma-complain pa sa trabaho. Maraming nagsasabi na tamad ang mga PI. Siguro dala ito ng relaks na lifestyle sa mga islands kaya pagdating dito gusto rin nila pa-relaks-relaks lang na trabaho.

Chinese – sa mga asyano naman, ang pinaka marami ang Chinese. Wala akong problema sa pakikisama sa mga Chinese, except mahirap intindihin kasi mostly hirap mag-english. Most Chinese ang tendency nila, sa kapwa intsik lang sila nakikihalubilo, kaya limited lang ang prendship ko sa kanila.

Indian - Katulad ng mga Chinese, ang mga Indian marami din business dito. Marami may ari ng maliliit na tindahan at fastfoods. Ang mga professional na Indian mabait, masipag at madali din kaibiganin. Madaling kausap, kasi magaling sila sa inglis.

Koreans, Malaysians – aside from fellow kababayans, eto ang mga favorite ko sa mga Asians kasi very friendly sila. Siguro dahil kapareho rin natin na mga immigrants at mostly mga professionals din. At katulad natin, masisipag din at hindi makwenta sa trabaho. Katulad din natin, yung mga Malaysians, may mahilig din sa tsismis at sila-sila kung minsan nagkakasiraan at nagkakainggitan. Di yata mawawala yon kahit anong nationality.

Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese – karamihan sa mga ito pumasok sa NZ as refugees. Most of them are not professionals, pero marami nakapagtayo ng mga business dito. Mabait at masisipag din sila at madaling pakisamahan.

Kung anuman ang mga nasabi ko, base lamang ito sa aking limited na experiences at sa mga naririnig na mga kwentong barbero dun sa hairdressing salon ni August (matching plugging pa!). Ang ating pagkatao ay hindi lamang nahuhubog ng ating kultura o bayang pinanggalingan. Malaking bagay din ang edukasyon, pamilya, relihiyon, mga kaibigan, past experiences, past girlfriends, at mga personal choices natin sa buhay. In other words, we are all unique. We all have the power to be different or the same as the people around us. Kaya sana don't take everything I said as generalizations.

Facts/Myths About Life in Saudi Arabia

2006-09-01T09:31:00.000+12:00

I was once an OFW, way back in the 80s. I worked with Societe Auxiliare d’ Entreprises (SAE) in Saudi Arabia. Sandali lang naman ako doon, less than two years lang. Kaya kung ano man ang alam ko tungkol sa lugar at mga tao doon hindi ko masasabing lahat totoo. Maaaring impression ko lang base sa mga nasagap na kwento-kwento mula sa mga taong na-meet ko doon. Heniwey, heto ang ilan sa mga natatandaan ko tungkol sa Saudi. Hopefully, ngayong naisulat ko na ang mga ito, may mga mas nakaka-alam ang makapagsasabi kung alin dito ang facts at alin ang myths.

Hindi nagbabago ang conversion rate ng pera nila sa US dollar.
Super init sa summer, malamig naman sa winter. Walang season na in-between ang lamig at init.
A foreigner driver is always the one at fault in any car accident, kahit kung siya ang binangga. Ang logic nila dito, kung hindi ka pumunta ng bansa nila, hindi ka sana nila nabangga.
It is a crime to attempt suicide. Kung nag-attempt ka na magpatiwakal at hindi ka namatay, makukulong ka. Nasaksihan ko ito nung mag-slash ng sariling leeg ang isang kasamahan namin. Di siya namatay. After sa ospital sa kulungan naman.
They use a different calendar which is around 600 years younger than ours. Sa ating kalendaryo 2006 na. Sa kanila year 1427 pa lang.
Umpisa ng week nila is Saturday. Biernes doon, walang pasok. Parang Sunday sa atin.
Kung magsulat sila from right to left, except when writing numbers, which are written from left to right same as our way of writing.
Bawal mag-usap ang babae at lalaki na hindi mag-asawa sa public places.
Bawal din tignan ang babae na may kasamang asawa. Pwede kang bugbogin o isumbong sa pulis.
Censored ang lahat ng palabas sa TV. Maging ang mga magazine. Ang mga advertisements halimbawa ng shampoo o sabon na may picture ng mga babae na litaw kahit legs lang, sinusulatan ng pentel-pen.
Wala akong nakitang sinehan doon.
Sa mga buses nila, ang mga lalaki nasa harapan. Ang mga babae nasa likuran. May division ang mga bus para di magkakitaan ang babae at lalaki.
Bawal pumasok sa mga tindahan ng mga alahas at ginto ang mga boys. Babae lang ang pwede.
If you want to meet girls, dapat magpa-ospital ka muna. Kasi doon maraming nurses.
Delikadong maglakad nang nag-iisa ang mga lalaki lalo na kung gwuapo, maputi at walang facial hair. Bakit kaya?
Bawal ang sugal doon. Pero may jueteng. Mga Pinoy ang kubrador at jueteng lord.
Marami na rin sa mg Arabo ang marunong mag-tagalog. Pagpasok mo sa kanilang tindahan babatiin ka ng “magandang umaga, kabayan”.
Heto pa siguro ang natutunan nila sa mga Pinoy. Tumatanggap na rin daw ng lagay ang mga highway patrol. I haven’t witnessed this though.
Kapag nahuli kang gumawa ng krimen, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent.
Kapag nahuli kang nag-nakaw, puputulan ka ng kamay. Kung adultery o rape naman, puputulan ka ng … ewan.

Mahirap ang buhay doon. Yet I admit I enjoyed my stay there in spite of the harsh environment. I enjoyed the place because I was in the company of friends -- fellow kababayans. Goes to show that more often it’s not the place that makes a home, it’s the people you’re with.

Milyonaryo na si Kaloy

2006-08-28T11:14:00.000+12:00

Nagsimula lamang si Kaloy na isang pangkaraniwang mangingisda. Ang kaibhan nga lang siya’y nakapag-aral at may nalalaman na bagong sistema ng pangingisda na nagdudulot ng mas maraming huli. Sa lalawigan nila, si Kaloy lamang ang nakakaalam ng bagong sistema. Bagamat parating mas malaki ang huli ni Kaloy kumpara sa iba, hindi pa rin siya kontento. Gusto niyang yumaman, maging milyonaryo.

Isang araw naisip ni Kaloy ang isang raket kung paano siya yayaman. Naisip niyang magtayo ng isang samahan. Ang gagawin niya, ituturo niya ang bagong sistema ng pangingisda sa mga sasapi ng kanyang samahan. Pero mag-chacharge siya ng membership at training fees. At karagdagan doon may kontrata na kakaltasan niya ng ilang porsiento ang anumang kikitain ng mga na-train niya.

At yun nga ang kanyang ginawa. Nag-train siya ng tatlong tao, si Kulas, si Pepe, at si Toti. Naging hit ang kanilang samahan at lumaki ang kita nilang lahat. In fact, si Kaloy, hindi na kinailangan mangisda. Dun lamang sa mga training fees at porsiento ng kita nina Kulas, Pepe at Toti, buhay na siya. Kalaunan, napansin ito ni Kulas. So lumapit siya kay Kaloy at nagsabing: “Bossing ayaw ko na rin mangisda. Gusto ko katulad mo tambay-tambay na lang.”

“O sige”, sabi ni Kaloy. “Ganito ang gawin ninyo. Bawat isa sa inyo, mag-recruit ng tatlong tao na pwedeng mangisda para sa inyo. Bawat ma-recruit ninyo dapat magbayad din ng membership fee sa ating samahan at bibigyan din natin ng training sa bagong sistema ng pangingisda. Tapos kung ano man ang kitain ng inyong mga recruits, may porsiento kayo, at siempre meron din akong hati sa porsientong tatanggapin ninyo”.

Brilliant idea! Sa ganitong paraan, kikita rin sina Kulas, Pepe at Toti kahit hindi mismo sila ang nangingisda. Bawat isa sa kanila’y nakapag-recruit ng tigatlong bagong members. Nang maging productive yung mga recruits nila, pati sila sitting pretty na rin at di na nangingisda. Meanwhile, si Kaloy, lalong yumayaman. Nagpagawa pa ng bagong mansion. Napansin na naman ito ni Kulas at kinausap uli si Kaloy. “Bossing gusto ko rin magpagawa ng sarili kong mansion at yumaman na katulad mo”.

“O sige”, sabi ni Kaloy. “Ganito ang gawin natin. From now on every member must recruit 3 more members. And for everything a member earns, the person senior to them gets a small percentage. In other words, everyone more senior gets a small percentage, including me. And like everyone before, all new members pay a membership fee and receive training.”

And so started a business model known as Pyramid Scheme. Some companies use fancier terms like Multi-Level-Marketing or Networking, but in essence the method is the same. I.e. Become rich by recruiting more people and let the people below you do the work for you. In fairness, the scheme made a few millionaires, like Kaloy, Kulas, Pepe and Toti. But only a few. Most of the members have been promised that they too will become rich. Many years past, they are still waiting.

Fixed versus Variable, or Split

2006-08-22T16:04:00.000+12:00

Isa na namang nagbabagang tip. Hindi, hindi po tip sa karera. Tip ito kung paano kayo makaka-menos sa pagbayad ng interest rates sa bangko sa inyong mga mortgages. Banks won’t tell you about this, unless you ask them, because it is not to their advantage.

When you borrow for a home loan, the bank will ask you what interest rate you prefer –variable rate or fixed rate. Kapag variable ibig sabihin paiba-iba depende sa prevailing rates. Sa kakalukuyan, 9.55% per annum ang prevailing variable rate. Bukas makalawa maari itong magtaas o magbaba depende sa market conditions. Kaya maaaring paiba-iba din ang dapat mong bayaran monthly. Mahirap mag-budget. Ang adbantahe naman pwede kang mag-advance payment anytime without penalties. Normally, variable rate is good if you have no intention of keeping the property longer than 6 months, because you can pay off the bank anytime with no penalty.

Most people, however, choose fixed rate. Fixed rate dahil nakapako yung rate within a given period. Sa kasalukuyan, eto ang fixed rates ng karamihang bangko.

Fixed for 6 mos 8.50%
Fixed for 1 year 8.40%
Fixed for 2 years 8.10%
Fixed for 5 years 7.75%

Ang advantage ng fixed rate, una, usually mas mababa siya sa variable rate. Pangalawa, fixed din ang payments mo, kaya madaling mag-budget. Pangatlo, may protection ka kung sakaling magtaasan ang bank rates, dahil di tataas ang amortizations mo. Flipside nito, kung magbagsakan naman ang mga rates, lugi ka, kasi di bababa ang payments mo. Fixed nga eh. Isa pang disadvantage, di ka pwedeng mag-advance payment ng lump sums without incurring a penalty from the bank.

Halimbawa, ang utang mo $200k. Karamihan sa mga bangko papipiliin ka lang ng isang rate. Looking at the above rates, 5 years ang lowest. Ok sana ito pero disadvantage naman nakatali ka sa 5 years contract. Kung sakaling bumagsak ang mga interest rates bago matapos ang 5 years, hindi ka makaka-avail ng bagong rates. Isa pa di ka basta makakabayad ng lump sum within the 5 year period. Kung pipiliin mo naman yung 1 or 2 years fixed, it means you'll be paying (unnecessarily) a higher interest rate.

The SOLUTION: Something your banks will NOT tell you about, is to SPLIT your loan into different rates. Halimbawa:

$100k fixed for 5 years
$80k fixed for 1 year
$20k variable rate

What are the advantages of splitting?

Mainly, flexibility. You can take advantage of the lowest rate which happens to be the one for the 5 years fixed and at the same time by putting some money into variable or fixed for lesser number of years, you have the option of paying lump sums in advance and taking advantage of any lowering of interest rates. In the above split, maaring iniisip mo na kaya mong bayaran soon yung 20k. Eg. You expect to sell some properties overseas. Iniisip mo rin na after 1 year baka bumaaba ang interest rates. Therefore after 1 year kapag expired na yung contract for the $80k you can renegotiate for a lower interest rate.

Splitting your loan into different rates allows you to take advantage of the best possible combination of rates and gives you more flexibility to handle your repayments. Malinaw ba? Okidokes, split na muna ako.

Kwentong Pinoy sa Abroad

2006-08-17T10:14:00.000+12:00

Si Esmi kausap sa phone yung salesman ng isang meat shop. Nagagalit kasi ayaw nang tumanggap ng cheque yung shop.

Esmi (galit): “HOW COME YOU WON’T ACCEPT MY CHEQUE? YOU NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CHEQUES BEFORE, DID YOU?”

Salesman: “I’m sorry but that’s our new policy. We only accept cash or credit card payments now. Would you still want to go ahead with your order miss?”

Esmi (galit na galit): “AH FORGET ABOUT YOUR HOTDOGS. I’LL LOOK FOR HOTDOGS SOMEWHERE ELSE”, sabay hang-up ng phone.

Ako: “wisheart, di ba "sausages" ang tawag nila dito, hindi "hotdogs".

Esmi: “ay oo nga ano? Mali! Hihihihi”

Hay naku, si Esmi talaga, lakas pa man din sumigaw sa phone. Wrong use of words naman. Hehehe.

*****************************************************

Kausap ko sa phone ang isang Kiwi. Tinatanong ng Kiwi ang direction papunta sa bahay namin.

Ako: “…turn left to Mt.Wellington Highway. Then when you reach the second stop light, turn left again.”

Kiwi: “Sorry. What light?”

Ako: “The stop lights at the corner of Penrose Road”

Kiwi: “Sorry, still don’t know what you mean by stop light.”

Ako: “STOP LIGHTS! ...Grrr! You know red for stop, green for go, yellow for go faster. Hehehe”

Kiwi: “Ahh ya mean traffic lights, mate?”

Ako: “Yiiis!” (namputsa naman tong mga Kiwis o. ”stop light” lang di alam. Hmmp!)

Esmi: “O kitam, di ikaw rin pala nagkakamali!”

Ang mga kwentong ito ay hindi kathang-isip lamang. Anumang pagkakapareho sa mga tunay na pangyayari ay sinasadya ng may akda.

It pays to pay off your mortgage early

2006-08-14T12:25:00.000+12:00

Hi KU,

Kabibili lang namin ng bahay. Ano ba ang pwede namin gawin para mabayaran namin kaagad ang utang namin sa bangko? Ayaw naman namin umabot ng 60 at nagbabayad pa rin ng utang. Masarap di ba ang mortgage-free na sa ganong idad?

Sinsirli yors,
Ano ni Mouse

Mr. Ano ni Mouse,

Madali lang ang problema mo. Holdapin mo yung bangko. Corneeh! Hindi, seriously ganito yon, let me give you a short lesson about mortgage loans. Buti na lang present ako nung itinuro ito sa class. Don’t worry, madali lang.

For example, you borrowed $100k from a bank at 8% annual interest for a term of 20 years. Unang tanong, how much money would you have paid at the end of 20 years? Para madali ang computation, assume na lang natin na once a year ka kung magbayad. The answer to the above question and the calculations are shown in the table below.

Year 0, 100k ang utang mo. End of year 1, 8000 (8% ng principal) ang interest. Nagbayad ka ng 10185. Kaya end of year 1, 97815 (= 100000 + 8000 – 10185) na lang utang mo. So on and so forth until end of 20 years, wala ka ng utang.

If you continue paying $10185 yearly (except for the last year which is $10 more), you would have paid your loan in 20 years. If you add up all the payments, the total amount you would have paid will be (drum roll please) $203710. Which is about twice the amount of the loan! In other words kumita ang bangko ng $103k from you.

Going back to your question, ano ang pwede mong gawin para mabayaran kaagad ang utang mo? The answer is to minimize the interest payments. You can do this by paying a little bit more yearly. How much? It doesn’t matter how much as long as it is more than the minimum repayment. The table below shows an example where you pay $14903 yearly or around 50% more than the minimum repayment of $10185.

Adding up all the yearly payments, the total repayments will be (drum roll again) $149029, or a savings of $54681 compared to the previous $203710. Not only did you save $54k, you also paid off your loan in only half the term, sampung taon lang. Ang maganda pa, after the 10^th year, you don't have to pay $14903 anymore. It's like having extra cash na pwede mong gastusin sa ibang bagay. Yheey, bakasyon na!

Ako naman ang magtatanong sa yo ngayon Mr. Ano Ni Mouse.

How much should your repayments be if you want to pay off the loan in only 5 years at magkano ang mase-save mo?
If you pay 8000 yearly, how many years will it take for you to pay off your loan?

O, ayan ang homework mo. Tanong ka nang tanong eh.

An "Elitist" List of Schools

2006-08-09T12:02:00.000+12:00

NZ Immigration uses a points system to assess an applicant's suitability to migrate to NZ. The system awards points to a number of factors. One of which is an applicant's college education. For example, if you have a doctorate or masters degree you get 55 points. A bachelor’s degree gives you 50 points.

However, before you can claim points, the school where you graduated from must be in the list of recognized schools by NZ Immigration. The NZ Immigration website maintains a list of recognized schools in the Philippines.

Here’s the current list they have (as of Aug 2006):

Ateneo de Manila University, Manila (1959)
De La Salle University, Manila (1911)
University of Philippines Diliman (incl. attached regional campuses (colleges at Baguio City, Cebu City, Clark Air Base & Tacloban City)) (1908)
University of Philippines Los Banos
University of Philippines Manila
University of Santo Tomas, Manila

Assumption College, Manila
Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City
Ateneo de Naga College, Naga City
Ateneo de Zamboanga College, Zamboanga City
Cebu Central Colleges, Cebu City (see University of Cebu)
Central Luzon State University, Neuva Ecija
Central Philippines University, Iloilo City
College of the Holy Spirit of Manila, Manila
Divine Word University of Tacloban, Tacloban City
Far Eastern University, Manila
Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila
Maryknoll College Foundation Inc (see Miriam College)
Mindanao State University, Marawi City (& General Santos City)
Miriam College, Quezon City (formerly Maryknoll College Foundation Inc)
Pamanasan ng Lungsod ng Manila, (University of the City of Manila)
Pamantasan ng Xavier (Xavier University), Cagayan De Oro
Philippines School of Business Administration
Phlippines Normal College, Manila
Saint Louis University, Baguio City
Saint Paul College of Manila, Manila
Saint Scholastica's College, Manila
Saint Theresa's College, Cebu City
San Beda College, Manila
Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
University of Cebu (formerly Cebu Central Colleges)
University of the City of Manila, (Pamanasan ng Lungsod ng Manila)
University of the East, Manila
University of the Philippines in the Visayas (Iloilo City)
University of San Agustin, Iloilo City
University of San Carlos, Cebu City
University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City
Visayas State College of Agriculture, Leyte
Xavier University (Pamantasan ng Xavier), Cagayan De Oro

If your school is not in the list, you can still claim points but in a more difficult way. You have to submit your transcript as well as a prospectus from the school to a NZ agency called NZQA who will then make an assessment and final decision as to how many points you can get. More often than not, it is zero points (I hope people who've gone through NZQA can correct me if I'm wrong). Which means that if your school is not in the list, it's practically sorry for you.

Whatever the case may be, in my opinion, having a list of recognized schools is kinda “elitist”, un-PC (politically correct) in an indirect way. For who can afford to go to the schools listed above? It’s mostly the well-to-do, middle to upper-class I’ld say. Therefore having such a list is tantamount to excluding other Filipinos who graduated from lesser known schools but who may otherwise be just as intelligent, if not more intelligent.

I believe that NZ Immigration can improve their selection process by NOT only limiting applicants from a recognized set of schools. They could do so by granting suitable points to any board-exam passer, or anyone who has passed tests/evaluations given by the national government or reputable private institutions, regardless of the school they graduated from.

For example, the case of computer programmers. The best programmers do not necessarily come from Ateneo, UP, La Salle and the like. In fact, one does not even need a degree to be a good programmer. Mr Gates, was a university drop out, wasn't he?

So instead of recognizing only computer science grads from selected schools, NZ Immigration can give out points also to those who passed certification exams given by Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Sybase, or a national body such as the National Computer Center (NCC).

I know it’s not a perfect solution because some professions don’t have regulatory board exams. But at least it widens the playing field a bit by providing a window of opportunity for the equally bright but underpriviledged who also have dreams of going to NZ.

Ang kuro-kurong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng "Boy Bawang Kornik" at ng "Jaja's Spicy Longganiza - It's so good, you can taste it all day!"

4/5 + 1/5 - 1 is not 0

2006-08-07T09:18:00.000+12:00

Isa na naman formula ito na pagkaka-kwartahan. Hehe. Unlike the previous 1+1-1 formula, mas madali pagkakitaan ng pera itong scheme na ito. Yun kasing 1+1-1 kailangan mo pang pahinugin ang investment mo bago ka kumita. Dito sa scheme na ito, maiksing panahon lang pwede ka nang kumita and requires a smaller investment too.

4/5+ 1/5 - 1 stands for: Buy a “do-up” house (kaya 4/5 lang), renovate it (add 1/5) , then Sell (-1). You don’t have to buy a really run-down house. Find a house that is structurally sound with no major defects or deficient only in minor things like cleanliness and aesthetics. Yun bang konting pahid lang ng paint at palit lang ng mga carpets magmu-mukhang bago na. O kaya mabaho lang siya dahil kulang sa linis. Sabi nga ng iba, the more smelly the house, the better. Dahil alisin mo lang ang smell, pera na. What others see as a neglected house, can be a potential goldmine!

If you are handy in fixing things yourself, got a good eye for redecorating, and some free time, this scheme is perfect for you. Make the house tidy and appealing both inside and out. Tidy up the lawn and driveway. Put plants, flowers in strategic locations. They help camouflage imperfections. Hang framed paintings and put basic furnitures para mukhang very liveable. Yun bang unang kita pa lang ng would be buyers, feeling nila they want to move in na.

After just a few days of renovation and redecorating, you should be ready to sell the house. A $300k house you bought initially, plus a renovation cost of even below $10k, should easily sell for $350k plus. Between $30k-$50k return is attainable.

Imagine, magawa mo lang ito dalawa o tatlong beses sa isang taon … you won’t need to work the rest of the year! No wonder lots of Kiwis keep moving from house to house. Buy, renovate, sell. Buy, renovate, sell....

A word of caution: If you do this as your main source of income, you will have to declare the profit as income and therefore need to pay tax.

Sweet at 16

2006-08-03T11:35:00.000+12:00

(Fidez, at 12 yrs old)

Babatiin ko ng maligayang kaarawan ang aming one and only dawter, unica hija sa araw na ito. Happy Birthday! Sweet 16 siya sa araw na ito. The past 15 years were very memorable. Ang bilis talaga ng panahon. Parang kailan lang...

Nung ilabas ka ni Mama, two weeks kang premature. Kaya napakaliit mo’t napakagaan. Kalbo ka pa noon. Mahigit isang taon ka na nga, manipis pa rin buhok mo. Kaya naman parati kang sinusuotan ng head band ni Mama noon.

Nung baby ka paborito mo iyong kinikiliti at nilalandi ka. Tawag mo doon “landian”. Ang problema nung may nagtanong sa iyo kung ano ang ginagawa ni mommy at daddy, ang palagi mong sagot “landian”.

Nung pumasok ka sa pre-school, mag-dadalawang taon ka pa lang. Saling-pusa ka pa lang sa school, pero paborito mo nang laro ang mag-titser-titseran. Gusto mo ikaw parati ang titser. At nung pre-school graduation nabigyan ka ng award na “Most Delightful”.

Nung pagkatapos mong napanood yung pelikulang “Home Alone” nagiiyak ka, imbes na magtatawa ka. At nung tanungin ko kung bakit, sabi mo “awa ko sa boy kasi iwan siya mommy at daddy niya”.

Nung ilang beses ka namin isinugod sa emergency clinic. Una nung hating-gabing nilagnat ka at tiningnan ni Mama ang iyong temperature. Pagbasa niya sa thermometer, nasa 100 ang iyong temperature. Eh ang alam namin kapag 40 mataas na. Kaya naman nag-panic kami at nilusob ka sa emergency. Yon pala Fahrenheit yung thermometer, hindi centigrade. (100F = 37.8C)

Nung mahulog ka sa trampoline at mabali at sinemento ang iyong kaliwang kamay. Tapos tumalon ka naman sa pader at paa naman ang mabalian. Minsan kumakain ka lang ng cereals at napalaki yata ang buka ng bibig mo, lock-jaw naman. Pagkatapos minsan mag-swimming, pinasukan ng tubig ang isa mong tenga. Kung ibang bata yon, isang araw lang wala na yon. Pero bakit ba naman sa yo, 2 weeks na bingi ka pa rin? Naglalaro ka ng cricket at ipapasa lang ang bola, na-dislocate naman ang isa mong balikat.

Joskopo naman anak, ba’t ba napakahilig sa iyo ng disaster? Kinakabahan tuloy ako kapag tinuturuan kitang mag-drive.

Kahit maraming disaster, marami rin naman kaming kinatutuwa at kinagigiliwan sa iyo. Siempre ang pagiging consistent na mataas na mga grado sa school. Kahit mahal ang bayad sa matrikula, alam namin na sulit naman.

Lalo na nung manalo ka ng $100 na award sa regional science fair dun sa science project mo na pinagtulungan nating gawin. Sinundan pa nang magkasunod na taon na first prize sa speech contest sa school niyo. Mana ka talaga, kay Mama…Madaldal.

Sana maging masaya ka sa araw na ito at sa mga darating pang araw. At kapag ika’y tumanda pa nang ilang taon at tuluyan nang mawalay sa amin, at kami'y matatanda na at puti na ang aming mga buhok, nawa’y ~~huwag mo kaming itapon sa resthome~~ iyo ring balik-balikan ang mga magandang alaala ng ating pagsasama... ikaw, ako at si mama.

1-1+1 equals 1, but 1+1-1 equals more than 1

2006-07-31T10:11:00.000+12:00

I’ld like to share the above formula. It’s a very simple formula for making money out of buying and selling houses. Especially applicable in NZ, where house prices are constantly rising and no capital gains tax is charged for selling a property. Let me explain.

1-1+1 equals 1
1-1+1 stands for Buy house, Sell house, then Buy House. For instance, you buy a 2BR house today say for $300k. Then wait for 3 years. The price of the house would have gone up by then. If you sell the house you'll most likely gain some profit. Let’s say $100k (just to exaggerate). But it is only profit if you don’t buy a new house. Because if you do, $300k won't be enough to buy another 2BR house anymore. Prices of all properties in the area would probably have gone up by $100k too. In short, you won't end up $100k richer at all because you would have used that too towards buying a new house. So 1-1+1 is still 1.

1+1-1 equals more than 1
This second approach is the one that will give you returns. It involves, Buy, Buy, then Sell. Here’s what you do. You buy a 2BR house say for $300k. After 3 years, you would have paid part of your original mortgage. That plus the increase in house prices would have increased the equity on your property. A higher equity puts you in a position to borrow more money for a second mortgage. So with a second mortgage you buy a second property. Rent out the property for a few months, years, whatever. It doesn’t matter. When the timing is right, sell either your house or the rental property. After you settle the mortgage for the sold property and after all expenses are accounted for you should end up with a profit. Let's say $100k (again to exaggerate). Therefore, 1+1-1 is greater than 1 because you end up with one house plus $100k more in your pocket.

Conclusion
Not all buying and selling of real estate properties is profitable. Use the right buy and sell technique. I tell you this is easier than winning Lotto. If you know how to play the property game, the profits alone could pay off your original mortgage...and maybe more.

Pahabol
(Done 1+1-1, once so far. In six months time between the +1-1 cycle, we made a profit of $35k, which we put in to pay off part of our existing mortgage. We are now in the +1 cycle again having bought another property last January. In a few months or years when we come to the -1 cycle, we're hoping to realize another profit. In short, if this formula worked for us, it should also for you.)

Mga Istorya sa NZ Embassy sa Makati

2006-07-24T15:48:00.000+12:00

Usap-usapan dun sa Pinoyz2NZ ang mga hekspiryens ng iba nating mga kababayan sa NZ Emabassy sa Makati. Maraming may complaints dahil rude daw ang mga visa officer (VO) sa nasabing embassy. Pero in fairness, marami din naman nagsabi na very pleasant naman daw ang kanilang naging hekspiryens. Siguro, tiempo-tiempo lang. Malas mo na lang kung mapatapat ka sa mga VO na walang manners. In fairness pa rin, yung ibang kwento matagal nang naganap. Noon siguro, baka andun pa yung bastos na VO. Pero lately mukhang bago na ang mga VO at may improvement na rin ang sistema sa NZ Embassy. Di tulad noong araw ayon sa kwento ni Noel. Heto ang kanyang masaklap (pero nakaka-aliw) na karanasan sa NZ Embassy natin sa Makati.

... "Talent Work Visa for an Accredited Company". Yun ang sabi ng employer ko dito na sabihin ko when I am making an inquiry sa Embassy. Pinapunta ko ang wife ko to ask for the forms necessary for my application. Dun sa guard pa lang, sinabi niya yung magic word na "Talent Work Visa for an Accredited Company". Ang sagot sa kanya ng tao dun sa window with a smirk, "Ano ba ang talent ng asawa mo?". Sa loob loob ng Mrs ko, napakarami ho. Gusto niyo hong isa-isahin ko. Uumpisahan ko ho sa tatlo na ho ang naging anak namin kaya very talented po talaga siya etc.

Pero ang totoong sagot niya with full conviction para tumigil nang pang-aasar yung mama dun sa reception, "MICROBIOLOGIST" ho ang asawa ko at may nag-offer sa kanya ng work sa NZ kaya ako andito. Saka pa lang siya sineryoso ng kolokoy na sekyu nila dun.

January ko na na-file ang Work Visa Application ko dahil napag-sarhan ako ng application dahil Christmas break. Mga three days ako pumila para lang matawag ang pangalan ko.

Funny thing is walang sistema sa embassy. Hindi ko lang alam kung nagbago na since then. The applicants themselves created a list para masunod ang "first come, first serve" basis. Nung dumating na kami eh may existing list na. Pang-66 ako sa list noong first day dahil yung list was created noong last day before Christmas break.

Twenty applications lang ang puede i-accomodate per day pero we had to wait (more than a hundred kami dun) until the processing for those twenty is over dahil kailangan namin marinig kung ano ang instruction noong sekyu (who we call Richard dahil tuwing lalabas siya dun sa pinto eh nag-tatayuan ang lahat para lumapit sa kanya...ala Richard Gomez ba). Ang hinihintay lang namin na instruction ay kung itutuloy lang kinabukasan yung existing list or bagong listahan na naman.
Imagine ninyo na hundred people are waiting for six hours just to hear an announcement like that. Marami na sana kaming nagawa nun kesa tumambay lang dun sa lobby ng BPI building.

Kaya yung second day eh 6 am kami pumunta dahil baka biglang magbago ang isip ni Richard eh at gumawa ng bagong list. Maigi na yung maaga kami. Itinuloy naman yung list noong first day. Pero marami na yung di na nagtiyaga kaya na-pa move sa 42 ang slot ko. Pero 50% more yung dumating on top of me compared nung first day. Same story naghintay na naman kami for 6 hours just wait for the announcement kung itutuloy yung list. Shocking is noong second day sinabi ni Richard na hindi siya sigurado kinabukasan kung itutuloy yung list or bagong list na naman. Depende daw yun dun sa itaas.

Third day eh 4 am na kami pumunta dahil di nga namin sure kung ano ang mangyayari sa list. Kami ang first sa BPI Building kaya we created another list in preparation sa kung ano man ang i-announce ni Richard. Pag-dating ng 7 lumabas na si Richard at siyempre kaming mga fans niya eh nag-tayuan na rin. Itutuloy na lang daw yung list kaya scrap na yung chance na mauna kami. Kaso binilang ko yung slot namin eh pang-22 ako. Kung twenty lang yung kayang i-accomodate eh di hindi pa rin ako pasok. Panay na ang dasal ko na sana ey may ma-late dun sa list.

May na-late na isa kaya miss na niya yung chance. Yung girl in front of me in the list na nakaibigan na namin for the last two days for six hours a day eh wala pa in sight. Tinawag na yung name niya eh wala pa siya. Laking tuwa ko nang napa-move ako sa 20th position. Bungkot pero pasok pa rin ako for that day.

Noong andun na ako sa loob at sinubmit ko na yung papers ko. Sinabi nung nasa reception na wala daw sa list ang occupation na "Microbiologist". kaya ako pa ang nagbuklat ng page sa kanya na sigurado akong andun yun. Tapos yung magic word na naman na "Talent Work Visa". Ipinasa niya yung papel dun sa isa niyang kasama at sinabi, "Talent Work Visa?" Hindi ko alam ito. Tapos eventually eh tinaggap din yung papers ko dahil tinawagan na pala sila nung NZIS dito na contact nung employer to process my papers fast dahil umalis na yung papalitan ko.

Within 10 days eh nakuha ko yung visa ko at after two days eh lumipad na ako dito.

PAHABOL

Nung kinausap ko yung NZIS contact dito sa NZ. Sinabi niya na mali daw ang ginawa ng Embassy sa Manila sa application ko. Bakit daw hindi isinama sa application ko ang family ko para Work Visa na rin ang Mrs. ko and student ang mga anak ko? Dapat daw hiningi din ang papers ng family ko. Buti nalang dala ko na lahat dito sa NZ at dito ko na pin-process lahat. Noong una sabi pa sa akin a papuntahin ko daw sa Embassy sa Manila at pakuhanin ko ng Work Visa yung wife ko at Student yung mga anak ko. Pero sabi ko sa kanya na dala ko lahat ng papers nila for PR application. Kinuha na lang niya sa akin ang lahat ng papers ko. Nilagayan niya ng Work Visa yung wife ko and Student yung mga anak ko. Tapos siya na rin ang nag-forward sa Thailand for PR. Siya na rin ang nag-follow-up kay Chayamarit at nakuha namin ang PR namin ng August which was 6 months after we were able to finally submit it. Ang bait nila dito compared sa Pinas. Ako pa ang tinatawagan nung Visa Officers dito to update me on what she already did to my application and asking me if I need any other help.

End of my long story. Sana ay may natutunan kayong aral.

Noel

Nagpapasalamat ako kay Noel at binigyan ako ng pahintulot na ilathala itong kanyang kwento.

Secret identity

2006-07-20T13:58:00.000+12:00

What would you do when someone has threatened to reveal a past secret of yours that you never wanted anyone to know about? Something about your past that you’ve tried very hard to hide until now. Pinakatago-tago mo ito dahil nakakahiya at maaaring makasira sa iyong reputasyon, subalit ngayon may taong nakakita ng mga lumang potograpo at binantaan kang ipa-publish sa internet para sirain ang iyong dangal.

Isa lang ang pwede kong gawin. Uunahan ko na siya. Ako na mismo ang magpa-publish ng mga nakakagimbal na pektyurs. Mga pekturs na matagal kong itinago sa madla. Dahil sa takot na mapagkamalang isa ako sa Apo Hiking

Ay mali, Tito, Vic and Joey pala.

O sige na nga, Tatlong Itlog.

Isang hirit pa. Simon and Garfunkel (in Pilipino, ReyCards duet).

"Mura na, X dollars lang per week" Trap

2006-07-18T09:08:00.000+12:00

Nakatambay ang magkumpareng Tibs at Onyok sa parking lot ng simbahan ng Good Shepherd. Heto ang usapan nila:

Tibs: Uy ganda ng bago mong 4x4? Anong modelo yan? Mahal siguro yan ano?

Onyok: Terrano, Nissan. Hindi murang-mura lang. $2000 down, tapos yung balance pina-finance namin. Bali, $53 lang ang hulog namin per week. 5 years to pay. Okay na di ba?

Tibs: (pinindot-pindot ang calculator sa CP) : $53 times 52 weeks sa isang taon times 5 years equals $13780. Plus yung $2000 na down payment mo equals $15780. Magkano ba yung cash price niyan?

Onyok: $12000. Naku, laki pala ng kita ng finance company halos $4 thou. Yung kotche mo magkano?

Tibs: Yung Corolla? $1800 lang sa TradeMe.

Onyok: (Hindi na umimik. Nagmuni-muni na lang, habang nakatitig sa kanyang 4x4. Sa isip niya $4k, halos 4 months na rent sa apartment or dalawang Corolla tulad nung kay Tibs).

Moral of the Story:

Be careful when buying items priced at weekly/monthly installments. The price may look cheap, but when multiplied by the total number of installments it could cost you an arm and a leg.

Misconceptions that Hinder People from Buying a House

2006-07-14T11:49:00.000+12:00

Kapag may mga nami-meet akong mga kababayan natin na matagal na sa NZ (5 years or more) pero til now nag-re-rent pa rin, hindi ko maiwasan na magtaka at tanungin sila kung bakit. Pano kasi ako ang naghihinayang sa opportunity na nasasayang. Considering that I know people who receive lesser salary than them were able to buy a house within just a year or two. I even know a couple, who owns not one, but three houses! The other two, pinare-rent niya. And both husband and wife, they don’t have high paying jobs.

Nakakapanghinayang, kasi every year, tumataas ang halaga ng mga properties sa NZ. Some keep waiting for the right time to buy a house, thinking that they’ll be in a better position to do so in the future. But that time never comes.

So when is the best time to buy a house? Tanong ko dun sa real-estate agent namin. Sagot niya, there is no best time, because the best time is NOW. Actually, second best time lang ang NOW. The best time was yesterday or years ago. But yesterday is past, tapos na, kaya tama rin siya.

Talking to our kababayans who told me that they actually wanted to buy a house for a long time but still haven’t, I’ve found out that the real problem is less to do with financial but more to do with their somewhat flawed way of thinking. May dalawang misconceptions silang pinaniniwalaan na aking napansin that hinders them from taking their first step towards buying a house.

Una, the belief that “You will live in the house that you buy for a loooooong time”. Pangmatagalan. In our country this is so true. Once you buy a house, expect to live there for as long as you live. If this is your thinking it's hard to be satisfied with buying a house that is less than your dream house. Gusto mo siempre perfect, kasi sa isip mo pangmatagalan eh. However, you should know that in NZ, it’s not uncommon for Kiwis to buy and sell their houses every 3 to 6 years. Therefore my advice is instead of thinking that the house you’re buying is for the rest of your life, think of it as just a temporary residence for the next 3-5 years. This way it doesn’t matter if the house you buy isn’t your dream house yet. For now, be content in buying a 2BR house. After 3 years, move into a 3BR house in a better suburb. After another 3 years, move into a 5BR house by the beach. That's how you get to own your dream house. One step at a time. (Tama ba fafa KD?)

Pangalawa, the belief that “You have to stay/live in the house that you buy”. Forget about this. Just because you bought a house doesn’t mean that you have to live in that house. Usually, if you are renting a flat and decide to buy a house, your first objective is to look for a house to live in. That's ideal, but may not always be feasible yet. The houses you want to buy in the areas you prefer may be priced beyond your reach.

If you can't afford the houses in the suburb you prefer, heto ang gawin mong diskarte. Buy a house or property that you can afford now, kahit sa malayong lugar. Tapos ipa-rent mo. Yourself, dun ka pa rin tumira sa flat na ni-rerent mo. Okay lang yon. Then after a few years, when house prices have appreciated, sell the property. If you keep doing this, you would have accumulated enough equity/cash to buy the house in the suburb that you want for yourself. I assure you that you will be in a better position if you do this than if you simply waited and put your savings in the bank. Ask yourself, are you able to save $20k in a year? I don't think so. But with buying and selling a property, there is a greater chance that you'll get that much money and even more.

Owning a house/property in NZ, one must not think of it as wishful thinking. It is very achievable, even on your first year in NZ. In fact, once you’ve done it once, masasabi mo, “ganun lang pala kadali”. Buying your second, third, fourth house? Mas lalo pang madali.

Continuation of the Dinner Buffet Saga

2006-07-10T12:30:00.000+12:00

After a few emails to the restaurant detailing my dissatisfaction (see previous post), I got this reply from their operations manager. What should I do now? Accept the refund? Or continue pursuing a case against them until they are fined for breaching NZ Fair Trading Act? Ano sa palagay niyo mga kakosa ang dapat kong gawin?

We are very aware of the details of the Fair Trading act. As you are aware our website has been changed to reflect the Oyster situation for the $19.95 Monday to Thursday promotion. We serve Oysters with our Full Dinner buffet Friday, Saturday and Sunday as per the Oyster shot on the right-hand side of our website as you sent me on Friday.

Our new Franchisee has agreed to give you a full refund under the circumstances and as I stated to you on Friday, he is extremely apologetic and the situation was not intentional but an oversight as previously stated with our Pakuranga restaurant on the night you dined.

To enable us to refund you the full amount spent at our Pakuranga restaurant could you please supply me with the name of the booking and the total amount spent on the night you dined?

Once I have the information I will have your refund processed immediately.

When is a Promo, Not a Promo? When it's a Rip off.

2006-07-06T14:40:00.000+12:00

I have to apologize for ranting today. I just felt the need to get this out of my chest. When you buy something being promoted at a discounted price, you expect the quality of the item to be the same as though you’re buying it at full price. Shouldn’t you? Unless there was any notice to the contrary, you would feel cheated if you get something inferior.

This is the situation I felt last night after having dinner with some friends at a popular buffet restaurant in Auckland. Jean’s birthday is tomorrow, but we decided to celebrate it last night. With a handfull of close friends, we decided to book dinner at this restaurant because they were having this promo for $19.95 per person for buffet. The normal price was $29.95. The restaurant is Valentines Restaurant in Pakuranga.

This restaurant is popular for its buffet, particularly their seafood menus consisting of fresh oysters and prawns. Most people go to Valentines specifically for this. I for one would never eat there if not for their oysters and prawns. As far as I remember, oysters and prawns have always been a part of the restaurant’s dinner menu. So I thought! Because last night was an exception. No oysters, no prawns. In fact the menu selection was a total let down. Nowhere close to the 120 selection they advertise in their website (www.valentines.co.nz). My wife even commented on the way home that she could have prepared more dishes herself had she wanted to. And even those on display looked like rehashed left-overs. The steak was so tough my false teeth almost fell off. And the desserts were pathetic to say the least. No fresh fruits whatsoever.

Everything was dismal. Had it not been for the occasion, I would have walked out and took my friends to the fastfoods across the road. I didn't want to make a scene and spoil my wife's birthday dinner so I just pretended as though I was enjoying the food. I now wonder maybe my other guests were just being polite and were pretending too.

I’ve dined in Valentines many times before and was quite satisfied, but last night was a huge disappointment. The only reason I could think of is that they were cutting costs just because they were charging less as a result of their promo. So to cut costs, they removed the most expensive dishes in their menu and used the cheapest ingredients available (like tough beef). I could bet my bottom dollar that once the promo ends, oysters and prawns will be back in their menu and the steaks will be a lot more tender.

I’ve sent letters about this to FairGo (a TV program that tackles consumer issues) and to the Commerce Commission. I believe that Valentines violated the Fair Trading Act by misleading customers into believing that they are getting a discount when in fact they are being ripped off. Let’s wait and see what’ll happen next.

Update: 7/7/2006
I sent a letter to Valentines Support Office and they said only oysters are excluded from the menu, not prawns. Sad to say there were no prawns either. I still think that said exclusion should have been stated somewhere in their advertisement, even if it was in fine print. Also, the screenshot below from their website clearly shows oysters. If that's not misleading, what is it then?

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins - Benjamin Franklin

2006-07-01T16:12:00.000+12:00

Note: This is my reply to Randy's email which I posted in my previous post.

Randy,

Sana maunawaan mo na magusot ang pumasok sa ugnayang iniisip mo. Ano’t anuman ang mangyari tiyak na may masasaktan. Mahal mo man siya, subali’t may asawa na siyang nagmamahal din sa kanya. Tanungin mo ang iyong sarili kung tunay na pagmamahal nga ba ang nararamdaman mo para sa kanya. Ang tunay na pagmamahal ay mapag-bigay, may pang-unawa at higit sa lahat hindi makasarili.

A story in the Bible comes to mind. May dalawang babae ang nag-aagawan sa isang sanggol. Sabi nung isa, baby niya yung sanggol. Sabi naman nung isa, kanya yon. So lumapit sila kay Haring Solomon para siya ang humatol sa kaso. Sabi ni Solomon, kumuha ng tabak at hatiin ang bata sa dalawa para ito’y paghatian. Pagkarinig nito, sabi nung tunay na ina, “Hindi ko po siya anak, ibigay niyo na lang sa kanya, huwag niyo lang patayin.”. Then Solomon knew who the real mother is because of the way she loved the baby.

Not only is this story applicable to a mother and her child. It is also applicable to a man and a woman. Like in Solomon’s story, the person with the greater love, is the one more willing to give up the child. So if you really love this woman, give her up. Stop her from being any more close to you. Put distance between you and her, for she already belongs to someone else. Making her love you the same way she loves her husband is like cutting her into two. It will destroy her and in the end neither you nor her husband gains anything from it. So don't ask her for something she can't give or for something both of you may later regret.

So my dear friend, think of what you are getting into. Love and passion can be easily confused. Raw passion is a very powerful emotion. Like rain water gone wild and uncontrolled it can turn itself into a torrent wave that wrecks havoc to eveything in its path. Please don’t let that happen. Avoid putting yourself in a situation when that could happen. Avoid being alone with her. It’s not too late yet to rectify the situation. Don’t make the situation any worse than what it already is. For once it gets to a point of no return, then it’s like a dam bursting in the open. The damage becomes permanent and disastrous to everyone.

Sometimes we think that life is cruel. Na para bang napaglalaruan tayo ng mga circumstances beyond our control and we feel powerless. But are we really? Wala ba talaga tayong magagawa sa sitwasyon? You seem like an intelligent and decent person who knows right from wrong. Just that now you’re being carried away by passion. I pray that with God’s grace you find the strength to choose the right decision.

Anonymously yours, Randy

2006-06-30T20:06:00.000+12:00

What would you do if the person you love is already married? This is the situation Randy (not his real name) found himself in. He sent me an email about his dilemma. I've changed some of the details so as to protect the true identity of the sender. I'll post my reply later. Meanwhile, readers out there, baka may maipapayo kayo kay Randy. Here's what he said:

Ka Uro, pagkabasa ko nung liham ni Linda at nung inyong sagot sa kanya, napagpasyahan kong ako naman ang mang-istorbo sa inyo. Pasensiya na po. Wala po kasi akong ibang mapagbalingan ng aking problema.

Beinte siete anyos at binata pa po ako, pero may GF sa Maynila. Plano na nga po namin magpakasal sa Disyembre. Engineer ako at madalas madestino sa iba-ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas.

Nagumpisa ang problema ko nang madestino ako sa Mindanao. Doon po may nakilala akong kapwa engineer na babae. Madalas po kaming nagkakasama sa mga site inspections at dahil dito nakagaanan ko siya ng loob. Mahal ko naman po ang aking GF, pero sa umpisa pa lang parang iba na ang naramdaman ko sa babaeng ito. Ang sarap niyang tumawa at napaka-malambing po kasi niya.

Minsan ginabi kami sa project at kami lang dalawa ang naiwan sa opisina. Habang kami’y nagkukwentuhan napasandal siya sa aking balikat. By instinct siguro bigla akong napa-akbay sa kanya. At nang masamyo ko ang kanyang perfume, hindi na ako nakapagpigil pa at naramdaman ko na lang na naglapat ang aming mga labi. Doon po nagsimula ang lahat. Magmula noon marami pang beses itong na-ulit. Subalit, hanggang kissing at petting lang po naman.

May dahilan po kung bakit nagpipigil kaming dalawa. Siya po’y meron nang asawa’t isang anak. Naging close pa nga po ako sa pamilya niya at ginawa pa nila akong ninong sa binyag ng kanilang anak. Yan po ang malaki kong problema. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan kami makakapagtimpi at maitatago ang aming ugnayan. Katoliko po ako at alam kong mali ang aming ginagawa, pero tao lang po ako. Marupok.

Kung papayag siyang hiwalayan ang kanyang pamilya at sumama sa akin, nakahanda naman po ako. Pero pinag-iisipan ko pa kung tatanungin ko siya tungkol dito. Sabi niya mahal daw niya ang kanyang asawa at anak, kaya ayoko naman siyang i-pressure. Naguguluhan ako Ka Uro. Di ko alam ang dapat kong gawin. Napamahal na rin po kasi siya sa akin, bagamat mahal ko pa rin ang aking GF. Sana po, mapayuhan niyo ako sa aking suliranin.

Anonymously yours,

Randy

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around does it make a sound?

2006-06-27T14:30:00.000+12:00

I remember our Psychology 101 teacher asking the above question. A lively discussion ensued. Each student giving a different answer. I remember giving out a somewhat scientific answer about sound waves, blah, blah, blah.

Now 25 years later and 17 years of marriage bliss, I’ve come to the conclusion that the answer to the said question is both Yes and No. From the tree’s and air’s viewpoint, yes, sound was produced. But from a person’s viewpoint, since no one was there to hear and record that sound, it was total silence.

To give more relevance to the question allow me to interpret it in everyday context. Sa opis, o sa bahay, kung may nagawa kang maganda, pero wala naman nakaalam nito, nangyari nga ba ito? Sa viewpoint mo, siempre, nangyari ito. Pero sa viewpoint ng iba, parang walang nangyari. Others may benefit from what you did, but since no one knows you did it, you don’t get the credit. Worse, others may even grab the credit. Other people's impression of you remains unchanged.

You see, perception creates impression. You are liked or disliked based on what people know about you. If you want to be liked, make a favorable impression of yourself. Such truth can not be discounted in a husband-wife relationship. Therefore, the husband should always try to make a good impression on the wife.

For instance when doing housework, always make sure that your wife is made aware of what you did. If you washed the dishes or did the laundry without her knowing it, then it’s not counted. Wala kang pogi points kapag ganoon. If you want pogi points, you have to let her know about it. The more pogi points you have, the more likely will she continue to like you. And the best way to let her know about your accomplishments at home is to announce it. You can say “honey, paaandarin ko na ang washing machine”, “love, magsasampay na ako”, etc. In other words, don’t just do the work. Reinforce it by words, to make sure the work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Another secret I've discovered about our wives is that sometimes, enough na na maging thoughtful tayo. Big deal para sa kanila na magpakita tayo ng ating pagiging maaalahanin. Thoughtfulness is not only remembering important dates. Thoughtfulness can be manifested daily.

Let’s say your wife is busy preparing dinner while you are idle, doing nothing. Go over to her and ask her “Sweetheart, anything I can do to help?”. Naks, di ba? Very gentleman ang dating. Wala ka pang ginagawa, may pogi points ka na kaagad diyan. At kahit alam mo naman ang dapat mong gawin, ask ka pa rin. Because by simply asking the question, you’re making sure that whatever happens next, makatulong ka man o hindi, nag-register na sa mind niya na matulungin at thoughtful kang asawa.

Finally, if you are sincere in lending a hand, ask her the question while she appears starting or in the middle of doing the housework. Kung hindi ka naman sincere, hintayin mo kapag patapos na siya sa kanyang gawain bago mo siya tanungin... And hope she doesn't notice. Hehe.

Lessons from a Garden Hose

2006-06-19T12:11:00.000+12:00

Below is a picture of a garden hose. The tap is closed kaya walang tubig na lumalabas. What do you think will happen if someone opens the tap? Hindi po trick question ito? Common sense lang. The hose nozzle if it’s open will discharge a jet of water and if left unrestrained will move backwards and side to side in erratic fashion.

If you are holding a hose with water running through it and the hose has no nozzle, how do you make the water eject a farther distance? Simple lang di ba? You try to reduce the opening at the end using your fingers. By reducing the opening, the flow velocity increases, thereby making the water discharge a farther distance. Now, there is a proper technique of doing this if your objective is to cause the longest trajectory. Done improperly with one’s fingers, water will jet out in scattered manner as in the picture below.

Now where is this post going? Ganito po kasi yon. Minsan sa isang gathering, narinig kong naguusap si esmi at ang iba niyang amigas. As usual, favorite topics nila ang kanilang mga mister. More specifically, ang mga kapalpakan at mga complaints nila sa kanilang mga mister. Sabi ni Amiga 1, “Hay naku, sawang-sawa na akong maglinis ng toilet. Yan kasing si E, kapag umihi, daming patak sa bowl at sa floor.”. Second the monyo na man si Amiga 2, “Oo nga, kakainis. Ba’t kaya ang mga lalaki hindi nila mai-shoot ang kanilang ihi sa bowl?”.

Hindi na ako sumabat sa kanilang girl-talk. I could see how they were relishing those moments whenever they talk about the faults of the male species. Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa kanila na kaya matalsik ang buga ng wee-wee ng kanilang mga asawa ay dahil mali ang technique nila ng pag-wee-wee. Kung sasabat ako, baka naman ipa-demonstrate pa sa akin. Hehehe. So nakitawa na lang ako.

So papaano ba ang tamang technique ng pag-wee-wee? Kayong mga babaeng mambabasa, i-eksplika ninyo sa inyong mga asawa, boyfriend, at mga anak na lalaki para hindi kayo umuupo sa basang toilet seat. Sa mga lalaki naman, be considerate to your wives or mums, especially kung hindi naman kayo ang naglilinis ng toilet, by following these rules on the proper way to pee.

Rule number 1: Always hold your “thingee” properly. If you don’t hold it, it will be like an unrestrained hose spewing liquid everywhere. At the very least, hold it so that most of the liquid is aimed at the center of the bowl.

Sometimes, rule 1 is not enough to avoid wayward droplets. Yung iba kahit anong gawing pag-aim sa bowl, may talsik pa rin. This is because the opening at the end of the “thingee” is actually not round, but elongated. Imagine a miniature vagina placed at the end of a man’s penis, ganun yon. Kaya yung buga ng wee-wee, usually elongated din, hindi bilog. Minsan sabog tulad nung nasa picture sa taas. This is why, men need to follow Rule number 2. ALWAYS.

Rule number 2: The proper way of holding the “thingee” is to slightly pinch the top end of the head’s opening with one’s fingers so that the opening is slightly restricted. (Sorry po, wala akong picture nito. Gamitin nyo na lang imagination nyo. KD, baka naman pwede mo akong gawan ng graphics nito). By pinching the top end, you are in effect making the opening smaller and less elongated. Thereby, causing the wee-wee to be more convergent. Hindi sabog.

Rule number 3: Pagkatapos jumingle, tap the “thingee” slightly, or ipagpag ng marahan para mahulog yung last drops. Do this gently para ma-shoot din yung huling patak sa bowl.

Yan po mga kaibigan ang sekreto ng tamang pag-wee-wee. I won’t be surprised if lots of men only follow rules 1 and 3, but not rule 2. Tanungin niyo man ang mga mister niyo. Or better, panoorin niyo kung paano sila mag-wee-wee. If they don't follow the 3 rules, pitikin niyo mga b*yag nila. Sabihin niyo utos ni KU. Ako, I only realized Rule 2 after finishing a class in Hydraulic Engineering. Hindi naman po kasali yan sa curriculum. Basta natuklasan ko lang minsan habang pinapanood ko ang sarili kong wee-wee at nag-iisip ng practical applications ng fluid mechanics. My last advice for men who can’t follow Rules 1, 2, and 3: Refrain from urinating in standing position. Just do it sitting down (but not in public, ok?).

My BBM Part 2 (Rated PG)

2006-06-14T13:34:00.000+12:00

(Paki-basa muna ang Part 1 sa baba kung di pa ninyo nabasa)

“Mamya, punta ako sa Khobar, sama kayo?” yaya ni Arnold sa akin at sa ka-opismeyt kong si Tolits. “Sige” sabi naman namin. Huwebes yon ng hapon. Sa Saudi kasi, Huwebes ng gabi ang umpisa ng weekend, at Biernes ang day off ng lahat, not Sunday. May kotche si Arnold at nakakapag-drive siya sa Saudi. Kami wala, kaya kapag may nag-imbita sa amin, call kami kaagad. Yun lang ang libangan namin sa Saudi kada weekend. Ang magpunta sa Al Shula mall sa kalapit na bayan ng Al Khobar, kumain ng Thai food, at mag-window shopping.

Pagkatapos mag-malling dinala kami ni Arnold sa kanyang tinutuluyan at pinakita ang kanyang quarters. Sa dingding, nakadikit ang mga letrato ng kanyang misis. Sa gawing sulok naman may bench press at isang set ng bar bells at dumb bells. Yon daw kasi ang hilig niya, mag-body building.

Pagkaraan ng ilang oras, inihatid na kami ni Arnold. Tumuloy na si Tolits sa kanyang quarters. Si Arnold naman, dahil malayo-layo din ang uuwian, tumambay muna sa aking quarters at doon nakipagkwentuhan habang nanonood kami ng TV. Hindi namin namalayan ang paglipas ng oras. Aba, alas nuwebe na pala. Sarado na ang gate ng site at hindi na siya makaka-uwi. Bilang pagmamagandang-loob sinabi ko na doon na matulog at bumiyahe na lang ng madaling araw.

Okay naman sa kanya. Sa kama ako at siya nama’y sa lapag. Binigyan ko siya ng kumot at unan at nagpatay na kami ng ilaw. Madilim ang room pero may sinag ng buwan pumapasok mula sa nag-iisang bintana. Nag-start na akong matulog. Naiidlip na ako, nang ...

Maya-maya’y may naramdaman ako sa aking hita. Napamulagat ako sa kadiliman. Ano yon? Tumingin ako sa ibaba, sa gawi ni Arnold at naaninag ko ang kamay niya nakapatong sa aking hita. Binale-wale ko yon. Baka naman nananaginip lang. Marahan kong tinanggal ang kamay niya sa pagkapatong sa aking hita.

Nag-emote na naman ako sa pagtulog. Maya-maya’y naramdaman ko na naman ang kamay ni Arnold. Aba! Hindi na sa hita. Sa may itaas na ng hita! Pinakiramdaman ko kung siya’y tulog at nananaginip lamang. Subalit, nawari ko na hindi siya tulog. Dahil narinig ko ang mabilis niyang paghinga. At pagbalikwas ko para tingnan siya, shock ako sa aking naaanig sa dilim. Ang tarantadong ito, hawak-hawak ang kanyang naghuhumindig na baston at ako pala’y kanyang pinag-seseks-tripan! Kinabahan akong bigla. Anong gagawin ko? Pano kung maniak ito at rape-in ako, pagkatapos sakalin na lang ako? Mas malaki siya sa akin. Hindi ko siya kaya.

Isip, isip. Nanginginig at nanlalamig na ako sa puntong ito sa nerbiyos. Di ko alam ang aking gagawin. Bahala na. Nilakasan ko na ang loob ko. Tumayo ako, sabi ko iihi muna ako, labas lang ako sandali. Hindi siya umimik. Lumabas ako at tumakbong paaalis. Ginising ko si Tolits, sabi ko dun muna ako makikitulog at bukas ko na ipapaliwanag. Nanginginig pa rin ako sa takot. Kinabukasan pagbalik ko sa aking quarters, wala na si Arnold.

Yun ang huling pagkikita namin ni Arnold. Hindi na rin siya nagawi pa sa aking cubicle sa opis mula noon. Hanggang nung time na lisanin ko ang Saudi, kami lang ni Tolits ang nakakaalam sa lihim ni Arnold. Bakla kaya siya o maniak na dahil sa sexual deprivation kahit katulad niyang lalaki’y kanyang papatulan? Naisip ko ang kanyang asawa. Kawawa naman. Ano kayang mararamdaman ng misis ni Arnold kung malamang mahilig din ang asawa niya sa talong?

Isang taon at walong buwan lang ang inilagi ko sa Gitnang Silangan. Hindi ko na nga tinapos ang dalawang taon kong kontrata. Ayoko na, baka pati ako maghanap na rin ng talong.

My BBM (Rated PG)

2006-06-12T13:15:00.000+12:00

Nung nakaraang linggo may nagpahiram sa amin ng DVD nung pelikulang Brokeback Mountain (BBM). Heto yung pelikula tungkol sa lab istori ng dalawang koboy. It’s a story about homosexuality. Marami itong natanggap na awards sa nakaraang Oscars, kaya medyo naintriga ako. Ano nga ba ang nakita rito ng mga critics at nabigyan ito ng mga papuri?

Isinalang ko ang DVD at inumpisan naming panoorin ni esmi. Pagdating sa eksena na kung saan yung dalawang koboy ay matutulog na sa loob ng tent at nang akapin nung isang koboy ang kapwa niya koboy, at pormang maghahalikan ang dalawa, yikes! Very disturbing! Bigla kong in-off ang DVD. Di ko ma-take. Ayoko nang makita pa ang mga susunod na eksena.

Bakit kaya ganon, ano? For me (and most men, I’m sure), it’s a turn on to see two females doing it, but not two men. Makes me wonder if women feel the other way around. Do women prefer to see two males instead of two females together? Or are they turned on too seeing two gorgeous females doing their thing?

Anyway, I’m digressing here from the title. My BBM, because I wanted to share my BBM moment. I describe a BBM moment as one where you unexpectedly receive a sexual advance from someone of the same gender as you. It’s so unexpected because a) the other person is like a barkada to you, and b) outwardly, that person has never manifested any gay inclinations before.

Saan ko sisimulan ang aking kwento? Ganito yon, Ate Charo, taong 1989, nung ako’y madestino sa Gitnang Silangan. Nagtrabaho ako bilang computer programmer sa isang malaking construction company sa Saudi. Lahat ng nagtratrabaho sa job site puro lalaki, walang chicks.

Ang mga office staff na tulad ko at mga engineers, may sari-sarili kaming kwarto na gawa mula sa mga cargo containers. Bawat container nilagyan ng pinto, bintana at aircon. May kama, mattress, at maliit na mesa at isang upuan sa loob. Isang tao lamang kada kwarto. Komportable naman ang aming tulugan. Kada alas-siete ng umaga sinusundo kami ng bus para dalhin sa opisina at ihahatid naman sa hapon pabalik sa aming mga living quarters.

Isa sa mga naging kaibigan ko ay isang consultant engineer, na itago ko na lang sa pangalang Arnold. Ibang kumpanya ang pinagtratrabahuan ni Arnold. At pumupunta-punta lamang sa aming site araw-araw bilang consultant. Kapag nagagawi sa aking opis, nakikipagkwentuhan at madalas napaguusapan namin ang aming mga pamilya sa Pinas.

Nauna sa akin mag-Saudi si Arnold. Walong taon na siya sa Saudi. Ako, isang taon pa lang. Nung taong iyon, kababalik pa lang ni Arnold galing sa bakasyon sa atin upang magpakasal sa kanyang kasintahan ng limang taon. Ipinakita pa niya sa akin ang mga pictures ng kanyang kasal at pinagmalaki ang kanyang magandang misis. Maganda nga naman. Bagay sila. Matangkad si Arnold, siguro 5’11” ang height niya at dahil mahilig siyang mag workout, macho ang dating niya.

Macho sa labas lamang. Sa loob pala’y may kinikimkim na damdamin. I don’t know if that feeling he possessed was caused by hormonal imbalance or by basic animal desires. I’ll never know for sure. All I know is it happened unexpectedly...

To be continued muna, Ate Charo. Next time ko na lang ikukwento ang nakakarimarim na pangyayari. Sa ngayo'y hihingan sana kita ng tulong para ang kwento ko'y makarating sa iyong mga kakosa sa Hollywood. Harinawa'y mabasa nila at gawing basehan ng BBM2. Umaasa, ang iyong lingkod. K U

Seeing things from a child's perspective

2006-06-06T12:14:00.000+12:00

Nung huling uwi namin, September, last year, 15 years old na ang anak namin. Limang taon lang siya nung una kaming umalis ng Pinas. Yung first uwi niya since then 9 lang siya, kaya medyo vague ang mga memories niya tungkol sa bansa natin.

Nakakatuwang makita ang amazement niya sa mga ordinaryong bagay na komon sa atin pero para sa kanya kakaiba.

Tulad nung unang gamit niya nung toilet sa bahay namin sa QC. Sira kasi yung flush nung bowl. “How am I going to flush my poo?” tanong niya. Sabi ko, “you fill up the timba with water, then buhos it” with matching gestures. Ginawa nga niya yon, kaso hindi mabuhat ang timba. So in the end, ang dakilang ama rin ang nag-flush para sa kanya.

Kinagabihan naman, pasok uli siya sa toilet. Binuksan niya ang ilaw. Maya-maya biglang nagtitili at patakbong lumabas. “There’s something crawling on the wall” ang sigaw niya. Tinignan ko. Meron nga. May La Coste. Butiki!

Finally natapos siyang mag-toilet. Mag-shower na raw siya. Pinihit yung left knob, yung right knob. Hinipo yung tubig. “Dad, why is there no hot water?” she asked. Paliwanag ko, “anak wala talagang hot water dito mainit na kasi sa Pilipinas”. Itinuro ko sa kanya kung paano maligo. Sabi ko punuin ang balde tapos gamitin ang tabo at ibuhos sa ulo at katawan. Ok na raw, gets na niya. Gets na nga niya, kasi maya-maya narinig namin kada buhos. “LAAMMMIIIIIG!”.

Nakakatuwa rin nung unang sakay namin ng jeepney papunta sa bayan namin sa Pampanga. Pagsakay namin sa jeep, kami ang una kaya andun kami sa pinakamalapit sa driver. Nung mapuno na ang jeep at may mga nakasabit pa napansin niya na wala na nga naman madadaan ang pasaherong gustong bumaba. “How are we going to get off?” tanong niya. “Through the window” pabirong sabi ko naman.

Pagdating sa bayan pumara kami ng tricycle. “How are we going to fit inside?” tanong na naman niya. Tapos nakita niya na umupo ako sa likod ng driver. “Ahh, that’s how” sabi niya.

I found it very amusing and refreshing seeing things from our daughter's eyes. But what’s more note-worthy was the fact the she never complained about the inconveniences she had to go through. She accepted the bad, the ugly, the yucky with the same gusto as she did the good ones. I guess that was one reason why she thoroughly enjoyed her stay in the Philippines.

I believe, children in general adapt to their environments much easier than adults. Maybe because they have no pre-conceived notions of how things ought to be and therefore they are more receptive to unfamiliar things. When faced with something different from what they are accustomed to, first they ask questions, then they learn to adjust to it. We, adults, especially when moving in to a new country, should learn from children. We should learn to see new things from a child’s perspective. Accept things as they are. And quit complaining if things are different. Then like children it becomes easier for us to be happy.

Sagot ko sa liham ni Linda

2006-05-31T10:37:00.000+12:00

God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.

Hi Linda,

Lubos akong nalungkot sa iyong liham. Most times I’m too naive and too trusting of people and I have a tendency to romanticize things. But your letter jolted me back to reality. That life's not perfect. I now think that your case might just be the tip of the iceberg. That there are others with the same predicament as you. That there are more Filipinas like you who feel abused and unappreciated. They feel like captives of their husbands and don’t know where to turn to. They can’t get any help from the system like NZIS, because the slightest hint of their troubles can in fact be used by their husbands and NZIS to deport them.

Due to the lack of external support and no one to talk to, you feel helpless. Katulad ng sinabi mo para kang lumulubog sa kumunoy. It is bad to feel helpless, but far worse to feel hopeless. So Linda, sana huwag kang mawalan ng pag-asa. Makakaya mo yan.

In your current situation, to be blunt about it, I can say that you are practically a prisoner of your husband. But I tell you, even if he puts you in a cage, he won't succeed in locking your mind and spirit. UNLESS you allow him to. Conversely, if you allow him to control your mind through his threats, then he doesn’t need chains to bind you. Because practically, you’re already his slave.

So where to now Linda? You have a number of options.

One option is to get out from the relationship. You can do this two ways. Una, basta lumayas ka na lang. Bad idea (unless you feel your life is threatened) because if you do it this way, he has no recourse but to report you to the authorities. The other way of getting out of your relationship is by mutual agreement, or amicable settlement. Who knows baka yun din ang gusto niyang mangyari. If you split as friends, there is a greater probability that he'll still be supportive of you staying in NZ. Either way, with option 1, you won't get a residency visa via the Partnership Policy.

Another option, if you think you can qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is to transfer your residency applicaton from Family Category (partner policy) to SMC. If you go through the SMC route, your relationship with your husband becomes irrelevant. However, if you leave him prior to your getting a WTR or PR visa via the SMC route, NZIS might still give you a hard time. So this option, just to be sure also requires some waiting game.

The last option will be to stick it out with him. If you could make him change and make your relationship work out so much the better. In 12 months, you can have your work visa converted to a permanent visa.

Once you have a PR visa and you decide to divorce him, will you be safe then? Hindi na ba pwedeng i-revoke ng NZIS ang PR mo? The bad news is that pwede pang i-revoke ng immigration ang visa ng kahit na sino if that person misrepresented themselves, lied, falsified documents or committed any form of dishonesty.

May mga precedents na kung saan na-revoke ang visa kahit matagal na sila dito. In a partner relationship, Immigration must be satisfied beyond doubt that the couple are living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. Should your husband file a complaint against you that your relationship wasn’t genuine even after you've acquired a PR visa, then there is a possibility that your PR could be revoked. Of course, your husband will need to substantiate his allegations.

There was a case about 5 years ago of a Filipina who was deported. She was married to a Kiwi. The Kiwi was maltreating her and she wanted to get out of their relationship. The Kiwi found a letter from the Filipina to her mother saying something like she was having a hard time with her husband and that she intends to divorce him as soon as she gets a PR. Tagalog o Bisaya pa nga yata yung sulat. The husband brought the letter to Immigration and had it translated. In the end, NZIS used that as evidence to deport the Filipina saying that their relationship was not “genuine and stable”; that the wife was only using the guy to acquire residency. Kawawang Pinay, kinaladkad papuntang airport kahit siya’y buntis nung time na yon. Walang nagawa kahit mga abogado.

So my first IMPORTANT advice to you, if your objective is to only to acquire a PR, to not put that in any form of writing, kahit email, because that could be used as evidence against you. Kung may email, i-delete mo. Maging yung Recycle Bin at Deleted Folder sa Outlook, i-empty mo. Also don’t mention your intention to anyone.

My next advice is for you to find a job, kahit part-time. Tama ang sabi ni Troskybee dahil kung may job ka kahit papaano makakatakas ka sa bahay for short periods. At kung may sarili kang pera, hindi ka basta-basta pwedeng sigaw-sigawan ng asawa mo. You’ll get your self-esteem and life back at magiging mabilis pa ang paglipas ng mga araw. Having your own income and savings is good for your security and also gives you a certain level of independence. Hindi ka kailangan umasa sa asawa mo for everything.

My last advice, huwag muna kayong mag-anak. Hopefully, wala pa nga.

If you really assess your situation, hindi pa naman grabe (I hope you agree).

1. Hindi siya relihiyoso. Maybe the reason why God allowed you to marry him is for you to win him back to God. Ipakita mo ang kabutihan ng Diyos, but don’t be preachy about it.

2. Totoong common ang marijuana sa ibang Kiwi. But it is also common kahit sa iba nating mga kababayan. Again, andiyan ka siguro para ikaw ang magturo ng tamang landas para sa kanya.

3. Siguro kaya niya nailihim na may anak siya nung nililigawan ka pa lang niya dahil mahal ka niya. Inisip niya siguro na baka hindi mo siya ibigin kung ito’y hindi niya inilihim.

4. Baka naman mahiyain lang siya kaya ayaw niyang maki-sosyal sa ibang Pinay. Okay din yon, baka agawin pa siya ng iba, di ba?

5. Ako nanonood din ng porno. Komon lang yon sa mga lalaki. May time din na nahilig akong magpunta sa mga malalaswang site sa net. Noon, dahil sa pakikisama, madalas kaming nagpapa-umaga sa mga beerhouse at nanonood ng mga “shows”. Pero ngayon sawa na ako. I’m sure, ganon din siya. Magsasawa din yan.

6. Kung "disrespectful" siya sa kanyang magulang, ito’y gawa ng pagpapalaki sa kanila. Komon yan sa mga puti hindi lang dito sa NZ. Culturally, iba kasi ang upbringing nila kumpara sa atin. For them all adults regardless kung parents nila have same social standings as them.

7. If you have your own income, hindi kanya basta-basta pwedeng sigaw-sigawan.

8. The way you sounded it is as if you’re only relying on him to provide you the future you want. Mag-asawa kayo, so you two should work together as one for that future. Sa mag-asawa, dapat teamwork, di ba?

Sana makatulong ito sa iyo. Mag-iingat ka. Be strong and pray always.

k u

Liham Galing Kay Linda

2006-05-28T13:36:00.000+12:00

Nagpapasalamat ako kay Linda at binigyan niya ako ng pahintulot na ilathala ang kanyang liham. Ito'y para daw malaman ng ating mga kababayan and kalagayan ng katulad niya na isang Pinay na nakapag-asawa ng Kiwi.

Dahil mahaba na ang liham ni Linda, sa susunod na post ko na lang ito sasagutin. In the meantime, kung may payo o word of encouragement kayo para sa kanya o sa iba nating kababayan na tulad niya huwag mag-atubiling mag-iwan ng comments. I'm sure sa NZ, sa Tate, sa Aussie, sa Canada at Europa marami pang Linda.

hi ka uro,

madalas po akong nagbabasa ng blog nyo pero ngayon lang ako nagkalakas ng loob na sulatan kayo. sa ngayon kasi, litong lito ako. ang pakiramdam ko po para akong nalugmok sa kumunoy at di makabangon. hindi ko alam kung makakaahon ako. nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa.

ako po’y isang pangkaraniwang probinsiyana. maayos naman ang buhay ko sa atin at mataas na rin ang katungkulan ko sa ahensya ng gobyerno na aking pinapasukan. mapagmahal ang aking pamilya at hindi naman kami mayaman at hindi rin naman naghihirap.

subalit ano ba itong napasukan ko? nakapag-asawa po ako ng isang kiwi. nakachat ko cya and naging kaibigan. matagal kaming nagkasulatan usually sa email. nung ako’y kanyang nililigawan pa, napaka-ideal nyang tao. mabait cya kaya nagtiwala naman ako at cya'y aking minahal. pero ngayon nalaman ko na balat kayo pala lahat. puro po cya kasinungalingan.

1 unang una po eh sabi nya relihiyoso cya and sumasama pa na magsimba sa akin sa pilipinas nung una nyang visit. ang totoo pala di cya naniniwala sa diyos and lagi nya kinecurse ang diyos kapag nagagalit cya.

2 gumagamit cya ng marijuana. nung nililigawan pa lang ako sinabi nya na hindi na cya gumagamit nito. pero ngayon nalaman ko na regular user pala cya. at ang kinakasuka ko sa mga kiwi, di ko nilalahat pero halos lahat ng nakilala ko, eh nagamit and parang wala lang sa kanila as in part of normal life. yun pong kapatid at mga pinsan niya, lahat pushers ng marijuana. puro addict, walang mga trabaho at dakilang naghihintay lamang kada linggo ng biyaya sa gobyerno.

3 lately nadiskober ko na meron pala siyang anak sa dati niyang partner. nalaman ko lang through my mader in law. tinago nila pareho sa kin during our relationship. close po ako sa byenan ko at regular kami nagsusulatan at nagtatawagan nung nasa pinas pa ko at wala naman sinasabi sa akin kahit nagtatanong ako. feeling ko niloko nila ako pareho. kaya ko lang nalaman nung tanungin ko ang biyenan ko kung sino ang babaeng iyon na laging tumtatawag sa asawa ko. pinagtapat sa akin ng aking biyenan na anak nya yon sa previous partner nya. til now laki ng hinanakit ko.

4 ayaw nyang makipag-usap sa ibang pilipina na nakikilala ko. wala daw cyang interes at bahala daw ako makipagkaibigan. syempre po gusto ko naman mamuhay ng normal na maging friends namin pareho ang mga friends nya and ganun din sana sa akin.

5 mahilig ang asawa ko sa malalaswang bagay like porno. siguro po dahil lumaki ako sa relihiyosong pamilya kaya di ako sanay sa ganito. although alam ko naman po normal naman sa lalaki yan. pero di naman po siguro sa kagaya nya na bago matulog nakikita ko na puro kababuyan sa net ang pinagtitingnan. paggising ganun pa rin. nasasabi ko na lang sa sarili ko wala kasi cyang diyos kaya walang guilt feelings sa mga bagay na yan. though di naman po cya baboy sa bed at di naman mahilig na walang nang inisip kundi sex. masasabi ko po na normal naman cya (sori inuna ko na po baka kasi isipin nyo na ganon ginagawa nya in actual).

6 disrespectful po sa magulang kung makasigaw and magsabi ng mga words sa nanay nya like c*nt, sl*t, b*tch etc. wala cyang pakialam sa kanila. kung di cya tawagan wala lang. napakabait naman po ng trato pala sa akin ng biyenan ko.

7 mainitin po ang ulo nya. simpleng bagay eh madaling magalit at ako lagi inaangilan.

8 wala po akong nakikitang future sa kanya. nagtapos po cya pero wala lang. nung nakilala ko sabi nagwowork ng "ganito" so iniisip ko responsable naman pero nalaman ko na lang na part time lang. umaasa din sa benepisyo sa gobyerno.

mahal na mahal ko naman po cya at di naman po ako sinasaktan. at binibigyan naman ako ng pera. ako pa nga po nahawak ng atm card nya pero di nya ako nirerespeto and lagi nasigaw sa akin. nasa akin nga ang bank card pero daig pa po ang auditor kung i-audit ako. di ako pwedeng mag-spend nang hindi nya alam.

siguro naiisip nyo na bakit ako nagtitiis. walang nakakaalam sa pamilya ko ng tunay kong kalagayan dito. ang akala nila masayang-masaya ako dito. wala rin akong masabing kaibigan dahil na rin natatakot ako sa kahihiyan at baka isumbong sa atin at naaawa ako sa mga magulang ko. baka atakihin ang nanay ko. kinokonsider ko din na mahal ko cia pero parang di rin magtatagal baka mapuno ako.

ang situation ko po ngayon eh wala po akong trabaho. kalahating taon na ako ngayon dito sa west auckland, pero recently lang nakakuha ng working permit. bale may 1 year working visa ako. dont know what next if na-expire na. kung minsan parang gusto kong tumakas and magwork kahit ano pero di ko alam if paano at saan pupunta. gusto ko sana dito sa nz na muna kung tatakas ako. sayang din ang visa ko kung uuwi ako sa pinas. at doon di rin ako sigurado kung makakakuha ng work agad. kung aalis ako dito kahit anong work papasukan ko to survive.

sa palagay nyo po ba tama ang balak ko na umalis dito kasi po di ako peaceful at lagi na lang akong umiiyak. di rin ako nakakatawag sa pinas. nakakausap ko lang pamilya ko pag sila ang tumatawag sa akin. nakakapag-internet lang ako kapag nasa work na ang asawa ko. kapag nakakaramdam siya na nagbabalak akong lumayas tinatakot nya ako na ipapadeport nya ako sa nzis. kahit po ba me work visa ako pag ba sinabi nya na tumakas ako from him babawiin ba ng NZIS ang visa ko? di ko matanong ang NZIS since magiging suspicious sila sa situation namin.

sori po kung naabala ko kayo, pero talaga lang pong wala akong malapitan at mahingaan ng mga problema ko.

maraming salamat po sa pagbasa,
linda

Palaisipan

2006-05-26T12:04:00.000+12:00

From these words and shapes you can derive familiar English words and phrases. For example, the first one stands for "Seven Seas". Yung second is "Split Level". See how many you can get without googling for the answers or clicking on Comments (kasi may answers ng ang iba). Have fun. Enjoy the weekend.

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."

2006-05-23T11:46:00.000+12:00

3^rd year college, 1^st sem sa UP College of Engineering ang worst sem ko scholostically. First my mom past away. I lost the only adult person left who could put restraint and direction in my life. Napabayaan ko nang husto ang aking studies nung sem na yon. Nightly, nag-iinuman kami ng mga ka-board mates, kaya puyat at parating may hang-over kinabukasan. Kadalasan tuloy absent sa first class ko sa umaga. Heto rin yung time na una akong nanligaw kay wisheart. At first time din akong ma-basted. Huhuhu. Emotionally, I was a mess.

Out of 6 subjects, apat lang ang naipasa ko. Yung dalawa ni-drop ko. Dun sa mga subjects na naipasa ko, dalawa pasang awa pa.

Kaya no surprise, na nung sumunod na sem at mag-request ako sa aking adviser na mag-overload ng subjects, ni-deny niya ang aking request. Gusto ko kasing maka-graduate ng maaga. Instead of 5 years, gusto ko 4.5 years lang matapos na ako. Pero sabi nung aking adviser, paano ko raw maipapasa ang pito/walong subjects kung apat na subjects lang hirap na ako? Hindi raw kaya ng aking limited brain cells ang makapasa sa UP. Marami pa siyang sinabi that humiliated me in front of my peers. Umalis na lang akong nakayuko. Walang naisagot sa sermon niya.

Ang lekat na matandang yon, pinahiya ako. But I controlled my temper and actually took everything he said as a challenge. Sabi ko sa sarili ko na I’ll have my revenge by proving that he’s mistaken in his assessment of my capability. Ipapamukha ko sa kanya na mali siya.

I didn’t give up. Nilapitan ko ang aming Dean at sa kanya ko pinapirma ang listahan ng subjects na kukunin ko. Pinirmahan naman niya, kaya nung second sem, hataw ako sa bigat ng load. Ganun pa man lahat ng subjects ko naipasa ko. Fourth year, hataw ulit at pasado na naman. Fifth year, after the first sem, I became one of maybe less than 10 students from the college of engineering to have graduated in less than 5 years.

Sometimes unlikely events happen in our lives that make us feel bad. Sometimes things don’t always turn out the way we wanted. Sometimes when other people humiliate us it’s easy to be bitter and angry. It is a test of one’s character, how one reacts to overcome a setback, a humiliation. Sulking or doing nothing, or worse doing something destructive is an acceptance of defeat. “There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win.” ika nga ni Elie Wiesel, isang sikat na writer at nobel peace prize winner. To succed we need to transform losses into gains, defeats into victories. With guts, determination and a positive attitude it can be done.

Sabi naman ni T2Onit, na katulad kong trying hard maging writer:

“Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsan nasa ibabaw minsan nasa....vulcanizing shop”
“Ang umaayaw ay hindi nagwawagi. Ang nagwawagi nagbabalato.”
“When God closes a door, He opens a window. But don’t use the fire exit.”

Hehe, have a good day!

NZ dream, NZ nightmare

2006-05-17T13:20:00.001+12:00

Kahapon may na-meet akong Pinoy na kararating lang dito sa NZ. One week pa lang sila dito kasama asawa niya at naghahanap pa ng trabaho. It’s typical of new migrants coming here. Most come here without job offers. Pagdating sa NZ dun na lang sila naghahanap ng job. Most Pinoy migrants come here through the normal Skilled Migrant Category application process. A lot of them are able to acquire Work to Residence Visas by simply following the steps outlined in the NZ Immigration website with no assistance from immigration consultants. Sariling kayod lang kaya sila nakarating sa NZ. Minimal lang ang nagastos nila -- pamasahe at standard processing fees.

Pero itong Pinoy na na-meet ko kahapon, nakaubos daw siya ng 600 thousand pesos sa pagpunta dito! Ibenenta raw niya lahat ng kanilang ari-arian para lang makarating sa NZ. The immigration consultant they hired charged them 5000 US dollars. The consultant promised to help them acquire a permanent residence visa. Instead they are now in NZ on a student visa. With a student visa, pwede silang magtrabaho legally ng upto 20 hours a week only. Pagkatapos kapag nag-expire na ang student visa nila which is only valid up to the time they’re enrolled in school, problema na naman. Kailangan nilang mag-enroll ulit o kaya makahanap ng employer na willing mag-sponsor sa kanila ng work permit. In any case, hindi ganun kadali na mai-convert ang visa nila into a permanent residence visa.

Sabi nung Pinoy na nakilala ko, hindi lang daw siya ang ganun ang kaso. Siyam daw silang dumating ng NZ with a student visa. Lahat sila nagbayad ng 5000 US dollars dun sa agency. Ayoko pang sabihin na naloko sila nung agency, dahil hindi ko naman alam ang full details ng kontrata nila with the agency. But what I know so far may mga agency sa atin, at mga kapwa Pinoy pa man din natin ang aktibong naghihikayat sa mga kababayan natin na pumunta ng NZ at pinapangakuan sila ng residence visa kabayaran ang limang libong dolyares. So far, marami na rin anecdotal evidences na hindi lahat ng pangako ng mga consultants na ito ang nasasakatuparan.

Sa ibang kwento naman, may nabalitaan din akong ilang Pinoy ang napunta naman ng South Island, NZ. Dumaan din sila sa isang Pinoy agency na tumulong sa kanila upang makakuha ng work visa. Ang problema nga lang ang trabahong ibinigay sa kanila hindi related sa kanilang education at work experience. They were hired as kitchen hand, waiters, crop pickers when they are college graduates in the Philippines. Sabi daw sa kanila nung agency pagdating sa NZ dun na lang sila ihahanap ng trabaho na mas tugma sa background nila. Ang problema, hindi sila maihanap ng bagong trabaho nung agency. And the worst part, nagsara yung kumpanyang nagbigay sa kanila ng initial na trabaho.

Kaya ngayon pakalat-kalat sila sa South Island, walang trabaho, walang tiyak na patutunguhan. At sa oras na mag-expire ang visa nila malamang ma-deport sila. And that’s after they spent thousands of dollars, sold their properties, and most probably borrowed thousands of pesos from friends and relatives back home.

No wonder, may ilang cases ng mga kababayan natin dito sa NZ ang nag-suicide during the last few years. I’ve heard it was because of disllussionment because their dreams of a good life in NZ turned out to be their worst nightmares.

What can be done to prevent our gullible kababayans from being exploited by unscrupulous consultants? (I’m not saying all consultants are dishonest, but there sure are greedy ones). For a start, I hope all Kiwi-wanabees join the yahoo group Pinoyz2NZ. From the group they can get heaps of sound advice from well-meaning people with no vested interests. At the very least malalaman nila kung okay ang consultant nila o hindi. It's highly probable that some members have been victimized by the same consultant. And it doesn’t cost anything to join. Membership and all advice are free.

It will be very sad if a country like NZ, beautiful, clean and green to most, ends up a land of broken dreams to some.

Whose Farts Smell Worse? (Conclusion)

2006-05-09T10:36:00.000+12:00

Now let me reveal the results of the fart experiment. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, paki basa muna yung Part 1 sa previous post.

Salamat nga pala sa mga nag-iwan ng comments at nagpahayag ng kanilang sariling opinyon sa napakahalagang katanungang ito. Ang masasabi ko lang, lahat ng inyong sagot may kanya-kanyang amoy (pun intended). Hahaha. But if I was to judge the answers the one with the best smell came from LIW because it validated the results of the experiment. Sabi ni LIW mas mabango daw ang amoy ng utot ng vegetarian kasi parang hawig din ng amoy nung pagkain na niluto niya.

Participants: Two girls who work in porn and a male model. Si pogi ang aamoy ng farts nung dalawang girls.

Heto ang resulta ng experiment.

First round: Both girls wearing jeans.

Naunang umutot ang carnivore. Walang sound. Itinapat ang kanyang wetpu kay pogi. Sabi ni pogi:

Sa utot ng Carnivore: “It smells like autumn leaves. Or nuts. I have to say it doesn’t smell bad at all.”

Palakpakan ang audience.

Si herbivore naman ang sumunod na umutot at wala rin sound. Itinapat ang wetpu kay pogi. Tahimik ang audience. Hinihintay ang sasabihin ni pogi. Eto sabi niya:

Sa utot ng Herbivore: “Mmm. This is like candle wax. Like candles melting after a meal. Or paper burning. Yes. This is not bad at all. Not like a fart at all. I definitely prefer this fart to the first.”

Panalo ang Herbivore sa round one. Palakpakan ang audience.

Second round: Boths girls only wearing skimpy underwear this time.

Lalong na-excite ang mga nanonood. Tahimik silang umantabay kung sino ang susunod na uutot.

This time unang nautot ang vegetarian. Wala pa rin tunog. Medyo disappointed ang crowd. Inilapit ng binibini ang makinis na wetpu kay pogi. Aba, si pogi, talaga naman tinutok ang mukha nang pagkalapit-lapit sa butas. At with feelings pa na suminghot! Parang na-high yata si pogi. Ika niya:

Sa utot ng Herbivore: “This is more like rubber, or a burning tire. I can’t tell what food it is. Well, it’s probably a bit cliché to say this, but I’d go for sprouts.”

Applause, applause na naman ang crowd. Tapos tumahimik muli para hintayin ang utot nung pangalawang binibini. Medyo natagalan. Nag-e-emote pa ang babaeng carnivore.

Sa wakas lumabas din. Pero wala pa rin tunog. Very disappointed ang crowd. Itinapat ng binibini ang bilugang wetpu kay pogi.

Talagang sini-serious ni pogi ang kanyang part sa experiment. Ayaw niyang may makatakas na hangin. Parang addict kung makasinghot. Lalo yata siyang na-high dito sa pangalawa. Sabi niya:

Sa utot ng Carnivore: “This is like a cigarette. It… smells like fire… a cigarette… a burning fire. This is more pungent, this one… than the first one. And yes, there’s no noise at all. No audible sound. Still, I have to say that my favorite fart is the first.”

Panalo na naman ang Herbivore sa round two. Palakpakan. The crowd went wild.

Conclusion: (Not mine, but the magazine’s). - Meat eaters make stinkier farts than vegetarians.

My Own Conclusions:
1. Delikadong umutot ang mahilig sa karne. Dahil kung amoy yosi ang utot, posibleng may nicotine din ito.

2. Kung ututin ka, magpantalon ka na lang. At least may filter, hindi gasinong mabaho.

3. There is a high probability that those who work in porn fart with no sound.

Whose Farts Smell Worse? (Part 1)

2006-05-05T12:57:00.000+12:00

Carnivores or Herbivores?

I came across this article in a magazine and I thought I'ld write something about it here. Very valuable na kaalaman and mapupulot dito. Hehe. In an experiment to find out the answer to the above question, two girls who work in porn were asked to fart on the face of a male model. Each girl was asked to fart twice. First time wearing jeans and second time wearing very revealing underwear. (Para bang it makes any difference kung ano suot). Yung isang girl, carnivorous, yung isa naman vegetarian. Sino kaya sa dalawa ang may mas mabahong utot?

Nakyutan ako sa wetpu nung nasa piktyur. Yun naman lalaki, hindi ko alam kung nakapikit o inaaninag lang ang nakakubli sa likod ng underwear nung girl. Masasabi niyo bang swerte o malas yung male model na naatasang lumanghap nung masamang samyo? Kayo, papayag ba kayong makilahok sa ganitong eksperimento? Ako, papayag ako. Basta anything for the advancement of human knowledge, kahit tiisin ko ang amoy. Hehe.

Ano kaya ang resulta ng eksperimento? Gusto niyong malaman? Pwes, ilalahad ko sa isang condition. Sabihin niyo muna sa akin kung ano sa palagay ninyo. "Carni" ba o "Herbi"? Siyempre sabihin niyo na rin kung bakit. For now ang masasabi ko lang, ako, kahit ano ang kainin ko mapa-gulay, prutas o karne, pare-pareho lang mabaho ang aking utot. Konti na lang radioactive na!

Big OE

2006-05-01T08:22:00.000+12:00

Overseas experience or the Big OE as they call it here in NZ. This is something really foreign to us Pinoys, but is a common thing among Kiwis and Europeans aged between 25 and 30 years old. What it is is that after they graduate from the university and after working locally for a few years and just before they get past 30 years old they leave the country and just roam, backpack and go out in the world for work and adventure. Usually they go to other commonwealth countries like Canada and

Last Friday, I got a farewell email from an officemate who decided to leave for his OE. Below is his travel plans. It'll give you an idea of a typical OE.

Arrive in Singapore on the 13^th
Backpack through South East Asia
Depart from Hong Kong, and arrive in London 19^th July
Arrive in New York sometime around Sept
Backpack around North America for 3 months
Work in Canada for 6 months
Work in the UK for 12 months

Sa atin mga Pinoy, mukhang ang hirap yatang pakawalan ang ating mga anak na mangibang bansa na nag-iisa, palipat lipat ng pupuntahan at tumitira sa kung saan-saan. Wala sa kultura natin eh. Sabi nga ni esmi kung mag-decide daw ang anak namin na mag-OE sasama daw siya. Sabi ko naman, aba, ako rin sasama. Alangan naman magpaiwan ako, di ba?

But seriously, right now (kasi di ko alam kung magbago isip ko when the time comes), masasabi ko na papayagan ko ang anak namin kung sakaling mag-decide siyang mag-OE. Para sa akin, magandang paraan ito para makita at ma-experience ang ibang mga lugar. Be independent and broaden her horizons ika nga. At age 25 to 30 I'll have to trust her decisions. Kayo papayagan niyo bang mag OE ang mga anak niyo?

Hirap mag-ispits

2006-04-26T15:17:00.000+12:00

It happened to me twice. First time during a speech last year in Megamall in front of members of Pinoys2NZ. Then yesterday again in another meeting while I was talking about the difficulties we experienced during our first weeks in NZ. It’s not really stage-fright. I don’t think so. Because if the subject matter is something technical or something happy, I'm fine. But if the subject matter is something dear to my heart like my family, my parents, love of country, friendships, I become overwhelmed by my emotions.

When I talk about sentimental topics, I become emotional that I find it very hard to let words out of my mouth. Kahit nga binabasa ko na speech ko, ayaw pa rin lumabas ng mga salita. Hindi naman ako kinakabahan but I start to get teary-eyed and my lips tremble na parang tuluyan akong maiiyak. I only experience that though when I’m talking in public. Many times, I rehearse my speech in my mind and never felt emotional at all.

Bakit kaya? Hindi naman ako iyakin na tao. Although, I’ld admit sentimental din ako. Gawa kaya nang kapapanood ng mga pelikula nila Aga, Claudine, Piolo, Regine, Kristine, at Juday? Dapat siguro, ibahin na ang mga pelikulang pinapanood ko. Isalang ko kaya ulit yung mga dibidi ni da King nang tumigas ang aking loob? O mas maganda pa siguro kung tigilan na ang kaka-ispits at mag-blog na lang? Anong suggestions niyo mga kablogkada?

Tagay ni Bigdaddi

2006-04-23T15:16:00.000+12:00

Rules: List of seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre. Whether or not they have words or even if they're any good, they must be the songs you enjoy right now. Post this instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs then tag 7 people and see what they are listening to.

Heto ang aking listahan. Puro luma. What would you expect?

1. Here Comes the Sun ni George Harrison
Peborit ko yung live version kung saan kasama ni George si Eric Clapton at Ringo Starr.

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Little darlin' it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darlin' it feels like years since it's been here

2. Lovin’ You ni Minne Ripperton
This brings back kilig memories nung high school ako. Yung mga perslab at mga pers dance.

Lovin' you is easy cause you're beautiful
Makin' love with you is all i wanna do
Lovin' you is more than just a dream come true
And everything that i do is out of lovin' you
La la la la la la la... do do do do do

3. Southern Man ni Neil Young.
Yung live version na kasama si Crosby, Stills and Nash at 15 minutes yata ang haba. Pampagising ko ito kapag inaantok habang nagdra-drive.

Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man

4. Both Sides Now ni Joni Mitchell
Kinanta rin ito ni Mega, pero iba ang dating nung original. Isa rin ito sa mga songs sa movie Love Actually na aking nagustuhan.

Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the
air
And feather canyons ev’rywhere
I’ve looked at clouds that way

5. How Can I Tell You, kinanta ni Lani Hall. Lyrics naman ni Cat Stevens
Hay, kakain-love.

How can I tell you that I love you, I love you
But I
can’t think of right words to say
I long to tell you that I’m always
thinking of you
I’m always thinking of you, but my words
Just blow away,
just blow away
It always ends up to one thing, honey
And I can’t think
of right words to say

6. Say You Love Me by Patti Austin
Isa pang pampain-love.

Don't you know that I want to be more than just your friend
Holdin' hands is fine, but I've got better things on my mind
You know it could happen if you'd only see me in a different light
Maybe when we finally get together, you will see that I was right

7. Muli ni Ramon Jacinto.
Brings back memories of DZRJ and Pinoy Rock during its infancy years - sina Pepe Smith, Wally Gonzalez, Mike Hanapol... Op kors you probably haven't heard of them. Mga kasing idad ng Rolling Stones kasi.

Sinasabi ko sa 'yo
Na wala kong daramdamin
Kung ikaw ay lumayo
At hindi na ako mahalin
Sa paghulog ng luha
Ako ngayon ang may dusa ...

Now, ipasa ko naman ang tagay sa mga sumusunod. Kiwinoy, T2 Onit, Felix J, Atoy, Donald, Royce, Tanggerz.

If a man dwells on the past, then he robs the present. ~ Master Po

2006-04-18T15:22:00.000+12:00

Parang kailan lang; napakasaya ng samahan ni Pilo at ng kanyang unang asawa. Subalit sa di mapaliwanag na mga kadahilanan at di rin malaman kung sino ang dapat sisihin, nagkasundo na lamang silang maghiwalay. Naiwan kay Pilo ang pagpapalaki ng tatlo nilang anak.

Kaya naman laking tuwa ni Pilo nang makilala niya at ibigan siya ni Theya. Kahit papaano’y may makakatulong sa kanya sa pagpapalaki ng kanyang pamilya. Dahil may kaya sa buhay si Theya, niyaya si Pilo at ang mga bata na tumira sa kanyang condo. Malaking tulong ito para sa kanila kaya naman di nag-atubiling sumang-ayon si Pilo.

Subalit, minsan pala hindi lahat ng pagbabago sa buhay madali at masaya. May mga pagbabago pala na maaari ding magdulot ng pait. O kaya minsa'y di madaling tanggapin. Mabait si Theya. Mahal niya si Pilo at ang mga bata, subalit hindi maiiwasan na may mga alituntunin at mga kaugalian siya na iba sa mga inaasahan at nakagawian nila sa unang asawa ni Pilo.

Minsan umaangal ang mga bata at nagsasabing kung ang tunay na ina nila ang kasama, hindi niya gagawin ito, o kaya ganito, ganyan ang magiging pagtrato sa kanila. Kesyo mas masarap magluto si mommy, mas magaling mag-aruga ng bata si mommy, mas masaya sila sa dating apartment nila, etc, etc. Sa madaling sabi, parati nilang kinukumpara si Theya sa kanilang tunay na ina, ang buhay nila ngayon sa buhay nila noon. Tuloy, kahit anong gawin ni Theya, para sa kanya, kulang pa rin at hindi kayang punan ang invisible na agwat dulot ng alaala ng babaeng pinalitan niya. Dahil dito hindi sila lubusang maligaya sa isa’t isa.

Ano sa palagay ninyo ang dapat gawin ni Theya? Anong dapat gawin ni Pilo at ng kanyang mga anak para mapabuti ang ugnayan nila kay Theya?

Siyanga pala, ang buong pangalan ni Theya ay Aotearoa. At Pilipinas naman ang ngalan ng unang asawa ni Pilo.

Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone - Anthony Burgess

2006-04-15T11:52:00.000+12:00

Medyo papalamig na dito ngayon sa Southern Hemisphere. Hindi pa naman malamig na malamig. Para lang nasa Baguio ka lalo na sa gabi. Kaya sa pagtulog kailangan makapal na kumot na ang gamit. Kadalasan gamit dito yung tinatawag nilang “duvet”. Sa Tate naman tawag nila dito “comforter”.

Sa mga bagong dating sa NZ o mga nagbabalak pa lang pumarito, may tips ako sa inyo sa pagbili at paggamit ng duvet. Kung bibili kayo ng duvet, bilhin niyo yung mas malaki kesa sa size ng inyong bed. Halimbawa, kung queen size ang bed niyo, bilhin niyong duvet yung king size para may allowance at hindi lumabas ang paa o ano man parte ng inyong katawan kung sakaling maghilaan kayo ni esmi.

Ang isa pang rason kung bakit mas maganda ang mas malaking divet ay para mai-fold mo ang upper part ng duvet katulad ng nasa larawang ito.

By folding the upper part it’s like having two blankets over your upper body. Sleep well, good night and don’t let the bed bugs bite. Ngork! Ngork!

Unhappiness is best defined as the difference between our talents and our expectations - Edward De Bono

2006-04-10T10:48:00.000+12:00

Dearest KU,

Mahigit 2 months na kami dito. Maswerte naman po kami at sa tulong ng mga relatives namin dito nakakuha agad kami ng mga trabaho kahit hindi related sa aming background. Okay lang naman, at least may kinikita pambayad ng bills at makakuha ng local experience. Pero lately, medyo depress kami, feeling disappointed siguro dahil mataas ang expectations namin. Parang gusto na nga namin bumalik na lang sa Pilipinas. Gusto ko sanang humingi sa inyo ng advice kung ano ang dapat namin gawin.

Mrs. Dazed and Confused

Dear Mrs. Dazed and Confused,

I can only guess that your disappointments are mainly caused by the fact that you and your husband haven’t found your ideal or preferred jobs yet. Yung mga trabaho niyo ngayon ibang iba sa dati ninyong mga work sa atin. Ang mga posisyon mababa sa ini-expect ninyo considering your previous education and work experience. Malamang bago kayo pumunta dito, nasa-isip ninyo na madali kayong makakakuha ng trabaho na katulad ng dati ninyong work. Sa dati ninyong work maaaring mataas na ang inyong mga posisyon. Maaaring managers na kayo o kundi man may mga tauhan na kayo na under sa inyo. May mga taong tumutingala na sa inyo at tumatawag sa inyong Boss, Sir o Mam. Hence mataas na rin expectations niyo.

That impression of easily finding a preferred job, na maguunahan ang mga employers to hire you, may have been perpetuated by your relatives here in order to convince you to migrate to NZ. Don’t blame them for giving you that slightly incorrect impression. Their only desire was for you to live close to them and because in their hearts they know you’ll have a better future here. Also if they ever gave you that impression, they are not totally wrong. For eventually you would find the job that you really want. It just takes a bit of time.

Nung grumadweyt kayo sa college at magsimulang mag-trabaho, mataas ba kaagad ang posisyon ninyo? Hindi di ba? You had to start from below and slowly go up. It took years to go up the ladder. The same here in NZ. All your prior work experiences and masteral degrees if not gained in NZ are not worth anything unless you’ve proven their value. You first have to gain the respect of NZ employers for them to trust your qualifications. You have to give them time, just as you give yourself time.

I remember when I first started here. I started as a junior programmer kahit naging manager na ako sa Pinas at may US work experience pa ako. But I didn’t mind kahit junior programmer lang ako. Lalo kong ginalingan. After a year, nakita ng employer ko ang aking kakayahaan and it was only then that my employer had a second look at my previous experiences and gave me a promotion. Nalaktawan ko ang mga nagmamagaling lamang.

Marami akong kilalang doctors, lawyers, CPAs, dentists, engineers, office managers who came here and initially got disillusioned because they couldn’t land the jobs they wanted. They ended up as taxi drivers, dental assistants, phlebotomists, accounting and office clerks, janitors, casino card dealers. Everyday they go to work, they're ordered by supervisors younger than them, have lower education than them (yung iba HS grad lang), have less experience than them. At times that could be humiliating.

Sa bahay naman, dati-rati sa Pinas may sasalubong na maid para kunin ang mga gamit mo sa kotche. Uupo ka na lang sa hapag kainan para kumain, tapos manonood ng TV at magpapahinga. Ngayon pag-uwi mo kailangan mo munang magluto, pagkatapos magluto at kumain, magligpit at maghugas ng pinagkainan. Habang nagpapahinga pinapaandar ang washing machine o dryer. Habang nanonood ng TV, namamalantsa. It’s a totally different lifestyle. Napapaisip ka if it is worth it. Minsan may mga napapaiyak because of self-pity.

Ano pwede nating gawin para hindi ma-disillusion o magkaroon ng self-pity?

The first thing you have to learn is to unlearn. You have to unlearn most of the things you’ve been accustomed to. You are in a new place, think of it as starting out from scratch. Kalimutan mo ang mga matataas na expectations mo because it’s a different ball game. The rules are different.

For example, if your profession is one that requires certification, it means you won’t be able to practice your profession here until you successfully sit a certification exam. The first challenge for you if you really are keen in practicing your profession is to pass that exam. There is no short cut to it. Period. You cannot expect NZ to adapt to your demands and way of thinking, you have to adapt to theirs. The sooner you realize this, the sooner and easier you’ll be able to adjust.

My last comment is with regards to self-pity. Here in NZ, there is no humiliation in doing house work. There is no stigma in being called under-the-saya. Mahirap ang magluto, maglaba, magsampay, mamlantsa, maglinis ng bahay at toilets. But if you think of them not as sacrifices but as a labor of love, then you can be proud of your achievements.

Have faith,
K U

Many attend school to seek knowledge, yet very few find wisdom

2006-04-04T14:54:00.000+12:00

Driving around the city one day, I saw a sign to one of the schools here – Auckland Normal Intermediate School. It made me recall the countless number of times I’ve passed by Philippine Normal College in Taft Avenue when I was still working in Intramuros. Back then everytime I passed by the PNC campus I can’t help make prying glances towards their students. Inaalam ko kasi kung gaano nga sila ka-“normal”. Hangga ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano meron ang isang “normal” school. Bawal bang pumasok sa PNC ang mga may sayad sa utak o may disability?

Paki-explain naman kung ano ang Normal school. Tagal ko nang gustong itanong ito eh. Minsan kasi may mga ordinaryong bagay na hindi natin naiiintindihan at nahihiya tayong magtanong dahil baka tayo pagtawanan. Halimbawa yung school na Don Bosco (my HS alma mater, btw), ang akala ng marami pangalan ito ng isang mayamang Don. Actually “Don” stands for “Father”. Don Bosco was founded by St. John Bosco, an Italian priest who also founded the Salesian Order of priesthood.

Incidentally, nung high school ako, muntik-muntik na akong pumasok sa pagpapari. But that’s another story for another day. For today, what I’ld really like to say is that there is no shame in admiting that you don’t know something. Kahit nung nagtuturo ako sa college I was never afraid to say “sorry class I don’t know” (sundan ng “that’s your homework, find the answer to your question” hehe). But seriously, in life it's impossible to know everything. And we should not pretend to know everything either. Ika nga ni Grasshopper: “seek not to know all the answers but to understand the questions.”

Feijoa

2006-03-25T09:37:00.000+12:00

Pasensya na po at wala akong maihain sa inyo ngayon. Naubos na kasi ang San Mig at Boy Bawang. Pagsaluhan na lang natin ang mga pinulot kong prutas ng Feijoa sa aming bakuran.

Ang Feijoa ang siyang bayabas namin dito sa NZ.

The Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana, synonym Acca sellowiana), also known as Pineapple Guava, is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern Brazil and northern Argentina. The pulpy fruit is green, chicken-egg-sized, and ellipsoid-shaped. It has a slightly tart taste, and is not fully ripe until it falls to earth in autumn. This plant is monotypic in its genus. Like the guava, the fruit pulp has a gritty texture which is utlised in some natural cosmetic products as an exfoliant. - from Wikipedia

Eto ang picture ng Feijoa sa puno. Normally, hindi ito pinipitas sa puno. Hinihintay lang itong mahinog at kapag hinog na kusa lang nahuhulog sa lupa. Kaya ang pag-harvest nito, hindi na kailangan umakyat pa sa puno. Pinupulot na lang ito sa lupa.

Kinakain ang feijoa sa pamamagitan ng paghiwa cross-wise at pag-scoop ng laman gamit ang kutsarita. Hindi kinakain ang balat kasi mapakla. Ang laman nito'y parang bayabas din pero walang mga buto at malambot na parang atis. Kaya ang lasa'y parang pinagsamang atis at bayabas. Dahil walang umaabot na atis at bayabas dito sa NZ, ito na lang Feijoa ang pagtiyagaan natin.

Siyanga pala. Meron din ako ditong nakatagong Feijoa wine. Vintage 2003 pa yan. Home made nung kapitbahay kong si Ken. Tagayin na natin, gusto niyo? Sabihin niyo lang kung gusto niyo para mailabas ko na ang pitsel at yelo.

Have RIDE will Travel

2006-03-17T08:50:00.000+13:00

Dearest KU,

May question po sana ako. As a new migrant to NZ, when is the best time for me to buy a house?

Ang inyong masugid na tagasubaybay,

Newbie in Auckland

Dear Newbie in Auckland,

Sa aking opinyon at base sa na-experience ko nung bagong dating din kami sa NZ, ang masasabi kong best time para bumili ng sariling bahay dito sa NZ ay ASAP, ‘as soon as possible’. Ang timing ng pagbili ay di nasusukat sa haba o ikli ng panahon. If it’s possible, then do it now.

When do you know it’s possible? You know it’s possible once you’ve acquired a RIDE. As soon as you have a RIDE, consider buying your own house right away. The sooner you invest on a house, the easier it will be for you when you’re older. If you start early, by the time you are in your late 40s or early 50s, mortgage free ka na. Wala ka nang binabayarang utang. By that time, paholiday-holiday ka na lang.

RIDE are the requirements to be met in order to be able to buy a house. Heto ang ibig sabihin ng RIDE.

Residency – Eto ang unang requirement ng mga banks. Hindi ka kasi pauutangin ng pera ng bangko kung hindi ka Permanent Resident. Baka nga naman takbuhan mo sila, di ba?
Income. Dapat may stable job o source of income ka na. Sa estimate ko kapag may combined income kayo na $60k annual, pwede na ito panimula.
Downpayment. Normally, 5 to 10% ang nire-require ng mga bangko. So sa $300k na halaga ng bahay dapat may pan-down ka na at least $15k.
Extra. Dapat may naitatabi kang at least $100 kada linggo (mas mataas mas ok siempre) . Instead of putting your extra income in a savings account or just wasting it for non-essential items, you should seriously consider using the extra money towards a mortgage. Say, if you are already paying $300 weekly for your rent, tapos may $100 kang sumosobra weekly, think of buying a house where in you’ll pay $400/wk para sa amortization. Isipin mo para ka lang nag-rerent ng bahay sa bangko with the difference na magiging iyo ang bahay later on.

Ngayon kung wala ka pang RIDE at gusto mo na talagang makabili ng sarili mong haybols, isa lang ang alam long paraan. Dapat may PNB ka – Pambayad Ng Bahay. Dapat bayaran mo ng cash ang bahay para di mo na kailangan ng RIDE.

Medyo mahirap magkaroon ng PNB, except na lang kung marami kang hacienda sa atin o kaya tumama ka ng lotto o kaya tanging tagapagmana ni Don Atoy Velasco. But for most Pinoys in NZ, my advice is for you to aim to acquire RIDE the soonest possible.

Sana nasagot ko ang tanong mo.

TNT and CFN

K U

Halina, Tagay Muna!

2006-03-11T13:02:00.000+13:00

Mga fafas, mga mamas, mga ka-kosa, tuloy muna kayo. Weekend naman, relaks muna tayo. Eto, tagay muna kayo. Masarap yan San Mig Strong Ice, the strongest beer in NZ. $2.20 bawat isa niyan dito. Para sa inyo, nagbukas na ako at nagpalamig na sa pitsel. May matching Boy Bawang pa tayong pulutan.

Ewan ko nga ba ba't nagtataka ang mga nakakainuman ko dito. Mas masarap daw ang beer ko. Kakaiba daw ang pait. hehehe

Multi-tasking Tabo

2006-03-09T18:30:00.000+13:00

Na-impress ako ng husto sa picture nung tabo ni fafa Atoy. Pano kasi bihira ang ganung tabo sa NZ. Ganun pa man hindi patatalo ang mahal kong tabo. Yung tabo ni Atoy isa lang ang role sa buhay. Ang aking tabo'y versatile. Kapag maraming bisita nagagamit ding panimpla ng juice. Talented siya, di ba?

Yung mga naging bisita ko sa bahay, isipin niyo, nasarapan ba kayo sa juice?

Sa aking pagmumuni-muni sa loob ng banyo...

2006-03-07T12:12:00.000+13:00

Kanina habang ako’y nakaupo sa toilet, napalingon ako sa paligid ng banyo. Malinis, maputi ang mga dingding. Sa tabi ng toilet bowl ang isang kulay dilaw na plastic pitcher, originally timplahan ng juice pero ngayo’y na-demote at ginagamit na lang na tabo. Napaisip ako, bakit nga ba dito sa NZ walang nabibiling plastic na tabo? Tayo lang bang mga Pinoy ang marunong maghugas ng wetpu? Lumingon-lingon pa ako sa aking paligid at nagisip kung ano-anong mga gamit na pangkaraniwang nakikita sa banyo natin sa Pinas ang hindi nakikita o nabibili dito sa NZ. Eto ang mga naisip ko. Lista ko, para kung pupunta kayo dito alam niyo ang dapat at di dapat dalhin.

Tabo – Naalala ko sa amin noon, lata ng pineapple juice ang ginagawang tabo o kaya yung plastic na lalagyan ng motor oil.
Batong panghilod – Huwag mo nang dalhin dito ang gamit mong batong panghilod at baka ipukpok pa sa ulo mo ng Customs Officer sa airport. Isa pa, problema mo pa kung ano isasagot mo kapag tinanong ka ng Customs Officer kung ano yon. Ano nga ba yon sa English?
Drum ng tubig – I suppose hindi na kailangan ito dito kasi di naman nauubusan ng tubig pampaligo. Although pwede itong gamitin na imbakan ng tubig-ulan para pandilig ng mga halaman.
Shampoo at conditioner na naka-sachet – Wala nito sa mga supermarket.
Baretang sabon na panlaba (katulad ng perla, ajax, mr clean) – Eto rin wala pa akong nakita dito nito.
Batya – Meron nito dito pero karamihan plastic nga lang, di tulad sa atin na aluminum. Natatandaan ko gamit namin noon korte pang higanteng tansan.
Arinola – Kung pala-ihi ka sa gabi at malayo room mo sa banyo magdala ka nito at wala nito dito. Diaper marami.
Palo-palo na gamit sa paglalaba – Huwag ka nang magdala nito, moderno na tayo dito, washing machine na gamit ng lahat. Pero kung mapilit ka, bumili ka na lang ng cricket bat, marami nun dito. Pwede na yon i-substitute.

Wala na yata akong maisip. Kayo, may maidadagdag pa ba kayo?

Estimating Your Cost of Living and Finding Out What Salary You'll Need to Sustain Your Lifestyle

2006-03-01T10:10:00.000+13:00

I found this cool site that helps you calculate how much you'll need to live in NZ. Go to this link below to estimate your cost of living using the calculator that's provided.

http://www.emigratenz.org/cost-of-living-in-new-zealand.HTML

For an idea as to how much you’ll need to pay for rent, go to this link

http://www.dbh.govt.nz/housing/tenancy/Market-Rent/market%20rent%20region.asp

If you are going to rent a flat or apartment, you can put $0 as the estimate for “house maintenance”, “house insurance” and “council rates”, as those only apply if you own the house you’ll live in.

Looking at the estimate for fuel, I feel you might want to add a few more dollars because of increasing oil prices. You’ll more likely consume $50 to $60 worth of petrol weekly with today’s prices.

Ang isang item na hindi nakasama sa listahan ng mga kailangan i-estimate yung “padala sa pinas” or “sustento kay inay/itay”. Aba, malaki-laki din ito, di ba?

Once you’ve estimated your weekly expenses, the calculator will find out for you how much salary you’ll need to sustain your chosen lifestyle.

Tapos kapag alam mo na ang kailangan mong sweldo, punta ka naman dito sa link na ito para makita ang typical annual salaries ng iyong occupation. http://www.emigratenz.org/Work.html

Natural dapat mas mataas ang salary kesa sa expenses. If not, you might have to cut on some of the non-vital expenses, o kaya baka kailangan mag-work din si esmi kahit part-time lang.

Insights from An Extraordinary Man

2006-02-27T08:54:00.000+13:00

The other day someone sent me an email containing this very inspiring speech of John Gokongwei he made in Ateneo a few years back. Actually, yung speech niyang yon ang nag-inspire naman sa akin para sulatin ang previous two posts ko.

Kapuri-puri ang buhay na pinagdaanan ni JG dahil nanggaling siya sa pagiging mahirap at ngayo'y one of the most successful businessmen in our country. Sabi ni J.G. nagumpisa lang daw siya sa pagtinda-tinda sa palengke.

I would load my bicycle with soap, thread, and candles, and then bike to neighboring towns to sell my goods. On market days, I would rent a stall, lay out the goods from the bike, and make about 20 pesos a day, enough for me to survive and to buy even more goods for next time. - JG

Hindi instant success ang business ni JG. Nagumpisa siya sa maliit at unti-unti niyang pinalaki ito. However, it was only after he got a break that his company really made it big time. His break was in the form of an UTANG, a loan. Kaya nga nasabi ko sa past post ko “borrowing money to generate more money” ang secret to success.

I needed capital. That was not easy. I was 30, had no big company success to back me up, and I didn't know any bankers.

Thankfully, Dr. Albino Sycip, then chairman of China Bank, and DK Chiong, then president, gave me a clean loan of P500,000 to start my business. He would be asked later why he did that and he said something about knowing a good man when he saw one. (Maybe he knew something I didn't.) Anyway, from there Universal Corn Products, the predecessor of Universal Robina Corporation, was born. - JG

Mr. Gokongwei is indeed a very remarkable man; whose life we can get lots of inspiration from. The way he tackled and emerged triumphant against mighty competition is truly inspiring.

Remember the story of David and Goliath? Every industry has its Goliath. But every David knows that all giants have their weaknesses. Every weakness is an opportunity.

… But I chose to live my life unafraid even during times when I WAS afraid. I discovered that opportunities don't find you;/ you find your opportunities. - JG

What really impressed me about JG was what he said in another speech on the importance of treasuring one's family.

And never forget your families! Your parents denied themselves many things to send you here. They could have traveled around the world a couple of times with the money they set aside for your education, and your social life, and your comforts. Remember them -- and thank them. When you have families of your own, you must be home with them for at least one meal everyday. I did that while I was building my company. Now, with all my six children married, I ask that we spend every Sunday lunch together, when everything under the sun is discussed. As it is with business, so it is with family. There are no short cuts for building either one. - JG

It’s funny because when I was growing up I did have a contempt against people in business. My image of them is that of vultures and crocs (buwaya) out there to take advantage of the masses in their quest for profits and more profits. Tumatanda na talaga ako, because my perspective on business has totally turned around. Like JG in his last words to his audience, I now advocate more Pinoys to go into entrepreneurship.

I hope that many of you in this room will some day choose to be entrepreneurs. Choose to be entrepreneur because then YOU create value. Choose to be an entrepreneur because the products, services, and jobs you create then become the lifeblood of our nation. But most of all, choose to be an entrepreneur because then you desire a life of adventure, endless challenge, and the opportunity to be your BEST SELF. - JG

Point of Clarification

2006-02-24T09:21:00.000+13:00

I think I might have misled others in my previous post so it’s important that I set the record straight. I hope I have not influenced anyone the wrong way when I encouraged people to be in debt.

For me, I consider borrowing money into two types. There is irresponsible borrowing and responsible borrowing.

When you buy a 50” plasma TV on installment at 20% interest that’s irresponsible borrowing. When you borrow money to buy a $30,000 dollar car, when you can make do with a $6,000 Japanese import that is irresponsible borrowing. When you use your credit card to buy designer clothes and only pay the monthly minimum payment that is irresponsible borrowing. In other words if you borrow money to buy something that will not generate income and only puts you more into debt as a result of interest payments, that is being irresponsible.

If I loan money to buy a rundown house with the intention of renovating it and then either reselling it or having it rented, then that’s responsible borrowing. Because even though I’ll be paying interests on the mortgage, I am still in a position to make more money from the investment. If I borrow money to buy a van to start a “food on wheels” business, that’s responsible borrowing (provided of course you've made a feasibility study that it will make money). On a larger scale, if I borrow money to open a Jollibee franchise in my hometown in Pampanga, that's not a fantasy. It's a probability. And it's borrowed money that won't be wasted.

The type of borrowing I’m advocating is only the responsible type. Borrowing for the sake of borrowing is folly. Paying interests for borrowed money that doesn’t generate income is not being clever. Kung gusto mo ng plasma TV, pag-ipunan mo, huwag mong utangin. Use your credit cards, but always pay the amount owed in full para walang interest. Lakasan niyo ang loob niyo na mangutang especially if it is for income generating ventures. It's a benefit/cost thing. If you think the benefits will outweigh the costs, go for it, mate!

The Secret to Getting Rich

2006-02-22T16:32:00.000+13:00

Noon ang akala ko masama ang umutang. Kasi naman di ba nung bata tayo iniiwasan natin yung mga kaklaseng palautang? At kapag ika’y nautangan ng isang kaibigan, malamang simula yon ng inyong pagkakagalit. Dahil dito pumasok tuloy sa isip ko na hinding hindi ako mangungutang dahil ayokong magkaroon ng kaaway at ayokong ako’y iniiwasan. Ang akala ko rin noon ang mga mayayaman walang mga utang at ang mga may utang mahihirap lamang. Salungat pala ito sa katotohanan.

Lately ko na lang na-realize nung nasa 30s na ako na kabaligtaran pala ang palakad sa capitalist world. Dito pala, hindi masama ang umutang. Impak, mas may advantage pala kung ang tao’y may utang. Katulad na lang ng bangko ko. Noong wala pa akong utang andami kong binabayarang banking charges. Ngayon may home loan na ako sa kanila, ni-waive lahat ng transaction fees dahil isa na raw akong “preferred customer”. Ngayon kabi-kabila ang pre-approved credit cards na aking natatanggap. Noon ni isa walang gustong mag approve ng credit card sa akin.

Ngayon ko natanto na ang sikreto pala para yumaman ay ang umutang. Mas malaki utang, mas lalo kang yayaman. Ang kailangan nga lang alam mo kung saan gagamitin ang perang iyong inutang at kaya mo itong i-manage. Dapat tantiyado mo na sa bawat piso na iyong ibabayad sa nagpautang sa yo, kikita ka pa rin ng higit sa piso. Kung kikita ka ng sampung sentimo sa bawat piso, sampung sentimo pa rin yong ibubulsa mo tubo ng perang hindi naman galing sa yo.

Kaya pala ang mga mayayaman lalong yumayaman. Ang isang businessman real estate developer kayang umutang ng milyon-milyon sa bangko. Gagamitin ang perang inutang para bumili ng murang lupain, patatayuan ng mga bahay, pagkatapos ibebenta ang mga ito ng mahal. Malaki kita niya. May inilabas ba siyang pera? Malamang wala.

Kadalasan, mas mayaman, mas maraming utang. Yan pala ang katotohanan. Kaya nga masasabi kong isa na ako sa matatawag na mayaman, kasi malaki na utang ko. Pakita ko sa inyo ang online bank statement ko as of 22 Feb. 2006. Baka akala niyo nagbibiro ako. Yung may “OD” sa unahan, utang yon. May isa pa nga akong bangko, $250,000 naman utang ko don. Kayo na lang bahalang mag-total.

Dapat ba akong mabahala dahil sa laki ng aking utang (almost $800 thou)? Hindi naman, dahil tantiyado ko na, na in about 15 years bayad ko na lahat ito at may matatawag pa akong mga assets na ang halaga higit pa sa initial na utang ko.

So my friends, my challenge to all of you, (walang halong biro ito), is to have the courage to borrow money and put it in something that will make more money or will open the door for you to borrow more money. A good example of the latter is borrowing money to buy your own house. Because having your own house provides you the opportunity to borrow more money that you then can invest somewhere else. Don’t borrow money just to buy expensive cars, jewelries or clothes para lang may maiporma kayo. That’s just money down the drain. Use borrowed money to generate more money – that’s the secret!

Milyonaryo na ako!

2006-02-21T14:07:00.000+13:00

Got these email from a certain British Lottery HQ.

WINNING NOTIFICATION

We happily announce to you the draw of the British Lottery
International programs on behalf of the South African 2010 world cup lottery program on the 14th FUBRUARY 2006 in London. ... blah blah ... which subsequently won you the lottery in the 2nd category.

You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of £1,500.000.00 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand British Pounds)... more blah, blah.

Hanep, milyonaryo na ako! British pounds pa!

Eto naman reply ko.

Dear Sir,

I am very grateful for the prize award. I would like to donate all my prize winnings to charity. 50/50 equal split to the Philippine Red Cross and to Bahay Kalinga Orphanage Philippines. If you wish to discuss this with me, don’t hesitate to call me on 0900xxxxx (calls cost $2.95 per minute only).

The Driver and the Two Old Ladies

2006-02-17T08:43:00.000+13:00

When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. - anonymous

A few days ago may binili kaming queen size bed para sa sis ko. Me and my wife went to pick up the bed using our minivan. We decided to pick it up ourselves para makatipid sa delivery. Kasya na sana yung frame sa van, nadi-disassemble kasi. Pero yung mattress di kasya so we tied it on top of the roof of our minivan.

Hindi pa kami nakakalayo sa place na pinagbilhan namin nang medyo naramdaman naming bumibigay ang taling humahawak sa mattress dahil sa lakas ng hangin. Tumabi kami sa isang side street para ayusin ang pagka-tali. But still naisip namin hindi kakayanin at delikadong mag-travel sa highway.

Di na namin alam ang aming gagawin. Medyo sa may looban pa naman ang side street na napuntahan namin kaya wala halos dumadaan. All of a sudden, may dumaan na delivery van na may dineliver na parcel sa isang bahay malapit lang sa aming kinalalagyan. Nilapitan ni esmi ang driver at sinalaysay niya ang aming problema. And to make the story short, nagmagandang loob ang driver na ideliber ang mattress doon sa flat ng sis ko.

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Sanlaksang job interbyus na ang napuntahan ni Jack. At sanlaksang rejection letters din ang kanyang natanggap. Dalawang buwan na nga siyang naghahanap ng trabaho with no success. Na di-depress na nga siya. This time may job interbyu siya ulit at alas-tres ng hapon ang kanyang appointment.

Ang problema mukhang di siya aabot on time. Kagagaling lang kasi niya sa isa pang job interbyu sa isang recruiter. Medyo napahaba ng konti ang interbyu kung kaya’t naiwanan siya ng bus papunta sa kanyang 3PM interbyu. Kapag na-late siya garantisadong rejection letter na naman ang tatanggapin niya sa mail.

Habang hinihintay niya ang bus may dalawang matandang babae ang dumaan at nakipag-chitchatan sa kanya. Tinanong ng dalawang matanda kung saan ang punta ni Jack. Aba’t what a coincidence, pareho pa pala pupuntahan nila. Niyaya si Jack na sumabay na sa kanila para hindi siya ma-late. Sumabay naman siya.

Good news, hindi nga na-late is Jack sa kanyang interbyu. More good news, after the interview, Jack was offered the job.

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For the skeptics, the presence of the driver and the two old ladies, were mere coincidences. These people were just ordinary people who happen to be there at the time when someone needed their help. Others would go so far as calling them angels. Myself, I don’t think they were angels in the spiritual sense. But in these two incidents I definitely couldn’t help tell myself that they were “hulog ng langit”. Come to think of it, maybe angels do exist but in human form. Siguro totoo nga ang mga kasabihang “we are each others angels” and that “all God’s angels come to us disguised”.

My Balentaym’s Story: Ang Aking Perslab

2006-02-14T03:34:00.000+13:00

Naka-asul siyang blouse na may kulay puti sa collar ang manggas. Terno sa suot niyang puting pantalon at beige na sapatos. Unang kita ko pa lang sa kanya, nasabi ko na sa aking sarili na siya na ang babaeng dadalhin ko sa altar. Siya ang nais kong makasama hanggang sa aking pagtanda. Wala nang iba.

Ang problema, di naman ako marunong manligaw. Kaya nung siya’y aking ligawan, hindi man ako naka-pers base. Basted kaagad. Di raw niya kasi ako type at sobrang tanda ko raw para sa kanya. Limang taon lang naman ang pagitan namin eh, pero tingin niya sa akin lolo na. Bakit kaya? Dahil kaya 4^th year college ako at 3^rd year high school lamang siya?

Dinamdam kong lubusan ang pag-basted niya sa akin. Siya pa lang kasi ang kauna-unahang babaeng aking niligawan. I was broken-hearted, because I knew I poured all my love for her. Huhuhu! Pag-uwi ko noon bumili ako ng kalahating case ng beer. Nagkulong sa kwarto at sinumulang ubusin mag-isa ang beer. Masakit ang masawi sa pag-ibig, pero masakit din ang sumuka at ang hangover ko kinabukasan.

After that pinilit ko siyang kalimutan. Nagsumikap na lang akong makatapos ng maaga sa college. Mabilis lumipas ang dalawang taon at ako’y grumadweyt na. Subalit iba pala talaga ang perslab. Mahirap kalimutan. Kaya’t nagpasya akong bumalik sa buhay ng aking perslab. Niligawan ko siyang muli. This time she was more mature. At least hindi na Lolo ang tingin niya sa akin. After a few months of relentless courting nakamit ko rin ang kanyang matamis na oo. Yheeey!

Alam ni kumander ang lahat tungkol sa aking perslab. Alam niya nung una akong mabasted ni perslab 26 years na ang nakaraan. Alam niya dahil 10 years later, perslab and I got married. And from then on perslab became my wan-en-onli lab.

More Kiwi Terms

2006-02-12T03:32:00.000+13:00

Some everyday items are hard to find in NZ supermarkets and shops. Not that they don’t exist but simply because they are known here by different names. If you are new to New Zealand, it is worth your while to familiarize yourself with the terms below before going out shopping. Otherwise, you may get quizzical looks from the locals when you ask for these items. (E.g. If you ask where the nearest drug store is, they might suspect you to be a drug addict)

Chemist or Pharmacy – drug store
Chips (or sometimes pronounced as “cheps” or “chups”) - french fries.
Coffee whitener - coffee creamer. My friend J found this out on his first day at the grocer. BTW, this item may be hard to find in smaller grocery stores. This is because Kiwis prefer fresh milk instead.
Connection Pack – SIM card
Cotton buds - Q-tips.
Dairy – sari-sari store
Duvet – a thick blanket commonly called comforter in the States
Petrol - gasoline
Petrol station - gas station. Here we have Shell, Caltex, Mobil, BP, Gull, Challenge
Ice block – popsicle
Jersey – sweater
Jumper – also sweater.
Lemonade - Sprite or 7-Up.
Lolly – refers to all candies, not only the lollipop we know
Lucky Dip – quick pick in Lotto. A Lucky Dip costs $6 and consists of 10 lines.
Mobile – cell phone
Nappies – diapers
Rubbish – trash or garbage
Rubbish bin – where you throw rubbish
Sausages – hotdogs
Tissue or Serviette – table napkins
Togs – swimsuit
Tomato sauce - catsup. Note: you have to pronounce “Tomato” the way it is written “to-ma-to”, not “to-mey-tow”. That’s funny because, “potato” is pronounced as “po-tey-tow”.
Torch – flashlight
Tracksuit – sweatshirt

Finally, “Kiwi” either refers to a New Zealander, the kiwi bird, or the kiwi fruit. You have to determine which one from the context that it is used.

Kia Ora!

Si Lyn, ang aking first

2006-02-07T11:54:00.000+13:00

Rated R18: Not suitable for audiences below 18 years old. Contains sexual references.

Nung mabasa ko sa archives ni Ella yung post niya tungkol sa kanyang naging unang customer biglang nanumbalik sa aking alaala ang sarili kong karanasan. Halos, katulad kasi ng istorya ni Bhoy, yung first ni Ella, ang istorya ng una kong sexperience.

18^th birthday ko noon. Wala pang experience pagdating sa opposite sex. Kung baga sa driving, puro theory lang alam ko, from watching xxx betamax and reading adult magazines. Pero sa actual, zero. Napagkasunduan ng mga barkada na dapat daw akong binyagan. So nagpunta kami sa isang sauna sa West Avenue, QC. Sa may likod ng Delta, Mabuhay Massage Parlor. Pasok kami sa loob ng parlor at umupo sa may waiting area. Ang natatandaan ko P35 ang bayad sa masahe. Perang naipon ko mula sa aking allowance.

Sa Mabuhay, pipili ka lang ng numero ng masahista. Di mo makikita ang mga itsura nila. Kung wala kang tip, tsambahan na lang. Pumili ako ng mataas na numero. Sa isip-isip ko (tama o mali, di ko alam) kapag mataas ang numero, malamang baguhan lang at bata pa. Pagkatapos pumili at magbayad pinapasok ako ng isang mama sa isang madilim na silid at sinabing maghubad at humiga sa kama at hintayin daw ang aking masahista.

Pagkaran ng limang minuto may pumasok na babaeng naka-white uniform. Simple lang ang ganda niya. Siguro nasa mid 20’s ang idad niya. Maamo ang mukha na hindi ma-make-up, mahaba ang kanyang buhok at chubby siya ng kaunti. Very friendly naman siyang kausap. Lyn daw ang pangalan niya.

Tinanong ni Lyn kung dati na akong nagpapamasahe. Sabi ko perstaym lang. Naniwala naman siguro siya dahil pagkaraan ng ilang sandali, habang ako’y kanyang minamasahe, tinanong niya kung virgin pa ako. Sabi ko naman oo, (na siya namang totoo). At this point, nag-ibayo ang kabog sa aking dibdib in anticipation sa maaaring maganap. Maka-score kaya ako? Tanong ko sa sarili ko. Nagkapag-asa ako sa sumunod na tanong niya.

“Gusto mo ba ng ‘all the way’?” tanong niya sa akin. Pagkarinig nung magic words “all the way”, I swear parang nag-jumping jack sa tuwa si manoy ko. Sabi ko sa boses na nagmamakaawa “gusto ko, pero wala akong pera dito eh, nasa barkada ko ang pera ko”. Sa totoo lang, wala naman akong pera sa barkada ko. Katunayan beinte pesos na lang laman ng wallet ko. Husto na lang na pan-taxi. Sinabi ko lang yon para siya ang unang magbigay ng presyo. At kung beinte lang, call ako, kahit maglakad na ako pauwi.

Hinihintay kong magbigay siya ng presyo pero imbes na sabihin niya kung magkano lalong nagiigkas si manoy ko sa aking narinig. Parang si Paquiao na nanggigigil bitiwan ang final blow kay Morales. “Pagbibigyan kita, cute ka naman. Pa-birthday ko na lang sa yo”. OMG! Di kaya't makakalibre pa ako! Hindi na ako nagsayang ng mga sandali at baka magbago pa isip niya. Nanginginig ang aking mga kamay na hinagilap ang mga butones ng kanyang uniform at nagmamadali ko siyang hinubaran.

To make the short story shorter, for it was indeed short, after no more than 10, no not 10 minutes, just 10 motions, it was all over. Naramdaman kong medyo na-disappoint yata siya kaya tinanong ko kung okay lang na isa pang round. Hindi na siya nakasagot. Nakuha na lamang niyang ngumiti dahil pagkaraan ng ilang sandali may kumatok nang malakas sa pintuan ng silid. Time’s up na raw. Langya, sa isip-isip ko, galing naman ng timing. Ba’t kaya nila alam na tapos na kami?

Bumalik na ako sa waiting room para hintayin ang ibang barkada. Ngiti sa aking mukha abot hanggang tainga. I felt invigorated. At that very instant, I felt my journey to becoming a man was complete. No more would I be ridiculed by my buddies because of my lack of experience. ‘Ika nga, “I’m the Man!”

Hindi ko pa ito na-ikwento kay esmi, because I don't know what her reaction would be. So my question to the ladies out there, curious lang ako. Please be honest. Mababawasan ba ang pagtingin ninyo sa inyong mga asawa o boypren kung malaman ninyong siya’y nagkaroon ng experience na tulad nito?

Being an Ideal Guest in a New Zealand Setting

2006-02-02T15:41:00.000+13:00

So now, alam mo na kung ano ang Tea, Dinner at Supper. Ano naman ang mga common protocols na dapat sundin kung ikaw ay naimbitahan dumalo sa isang kainan sa ibang bahay? You would want to project yourself as an ideal guest, siempre. Dahil kung hindi maganda ang impression sa iyo ng iyong hosts, asahan mong hindi ka na mai-invite sa uulitin. Sundin ang mga sumusunod.

Huwag ma-late. Huwag pairalin ang Filipino time. Try to come 5 to 10 minutes early. And if you’re gonna be late for more than half an hour, give the host a ring.
Huwag mag-sama ng iba na hindi naman invited. Kadalasan, tamang tama lang ang food na naka-prepare para sa mga invited guests. It’s a very awkward situation for the host kung may kasama kang isang banda, tapos ang nakahandang sinaing e isang rice cooker lang.
Corollary to the previous rule, if you are not invited, don’t come. This is true in most children’s parties where only the children are invited. Malalaman mo ito kapag may naka-specify na drop off at pick up times for your child sa invitation. Kung walang naka-specify, ask. Huwag kang sumali sa children’s party, dahil usually wala naman nakahandang pagkain para sa adults. Sumali ka kung naka dress up ka na clown.
Magdala ng drinks or food. This is optional pero kung malakas kang uminom better bring your own, a six-pack or bottle of wine. If you don't drink, bringing something for dessert will give you pogi points.
Take your shoes off before entering the house. This is a common practice in NZ homes as a sign of respect and consideration for the house owner. Wala naman kasing maid dito na pwedeng maglinis ng sahig later. Pagkatapos mong hubarin ang iyong sapatos, ayusin mo sa isang tabi nang hindi ito maapakan o makatisod ng ibang guests.
Make an effort to introduce yourself to other guests. Medyo hirap ako dito kasi likas akong mahiyain. But lately, I try to approach other guests, introduce myself "hi, I'm Brad, Brad Pwit" and shake hands with them.
Offer to help in the kitchen. This will definitely give you more pogi points at tiyak na matutuwa ang iyong hosts. NZ households don’t have the luxury of domestic help, hence, they appreciate the slightest gesture to offer assistance especially in the kitchen.
Restrain your kids. There is nothing more annoying than out-of-control kids running inside the house, spilling food and drinks on the floor and carpet. The sight of carpet stains, a sure thing to make your hosts’ blood boil or give them a heart attack. TIP: If you are the host and want to avoid carpet stains, offer only water or Sprite or 7up for drinks. No coke or red wine.
When it’s time to eat, huwag makikiuna sa iba. Paunahin mo muna ang iba. Minsan nauna ako sa pagkuha ng pagkain; susubo na sana ako nang biglang nagsalita yung host: “Mag-pray muna tayong lahat. In the name of the Father and of the Son….”, pahiya ako, gusto kong maglaho nung oras na yon. ... Amen.
Be considerate of the neighbors. After 10pm lalo na kung may pasok the following day, most people will already be sleeping. Ibaba ang volume ng karaoke or close the doors and windows. Patulugin niyo naman ang mga kapit bahay. Otherwise baka ma-report kayo sa noise control.
Know when it’s time to leave. A party normally lasts around 2 to 3 hours. If you notice your host yawning or says something like “hay naku pasukan na naman bukas” o kaya nagpatay na ng TV at entertainment unit, it’s time to say goodbye. Kapalmuks ka na lang talaga kung hihintayin mo pa silang maglabas ng banig at kulambo.

Follow these simple rules and you’ll be assured for people to invite you again on the next occasion. Unless….if you never bother to invite them or reciprocate the favor, eventually makakahalata sila. Dahil bakit ganoon? Sila na lang parati ang naghahanda, ikaw, you don’t invite others to your home kahit, pa-skyflakes lang at pa-kape. Huwag madamot, paminsan minsan ikaw naman ang magpa-lunch or dinner.

Tea, Dinner, Supper?

2006-01-31T09:04:00.000+13:00

In NZ, if someone invites you for morning tea or afternoon tea, it means morning or afternoon snack or merienda. Walang kinalaman dito ang ang tsaa. Don’t reply “sorry but I don’t drink tea” na katulad ni kumpareng Ramir at baka mapagtawanan ka.

Kapag naman na-invite ka sa gabi for Tea, it means dinner or evening meal. I’m just guessing here, but I think the English called it Tea because it is their custom to drink tea or coffee after dinner.

Note that unlike in our country, over here dinner or hapunan is not the same as supper. Supper is usually a late evening snack. So kapag may nagimbita ng supper make sure kumain ka na ng hapunan. Huwag kang pupunta doon na gutom na gutom.

Finally, when someone invites you to a party and asks you to “bring a plate” it means you come to the party bringing with you a dish to share with other guests. Don’t come to the party literally bringing only plates. Dyahi yon. Nung una kami dito, muntik ko nang ginawa yon. Isip ko pa noon kulang siguro ang mga plates nila o baka tamad lang silang maghugas.

“When you meet a man, you judge him by his clothes; when you leave, you judge him by his heart”

2006-01-25T14:49:00.000+13:00

Gusto ko kasing iparating sa inyong lahat na ang mga babaeng bumubuo ng tinatawag nating “red district” ay mga taong gawa rin sa dugo at laman. They live, they love, they cry, they laugh, they hurt. But mostly …they hurt. I came to know them and ended up admiring them.- Ella

It is not too often that I stumble upon a blog site that captures my overwhelming interest that I begin to read its every post. Post after post after post, I found myself wanting to read more. I was hooked to every word she wrote. And after finishing each post, I even dug into the comments. She had a way of putting down her experiences, (a lot of them with sexual references, so warning “For Mature Readers only”) in an entertaining, light-hearted way and using words that are neither offensive nor vulgar. Not surprisingly a publisher had offered to publish her blog in a book.

While reading, I sometimes can’t help myself think if she is indeed real and not just a figment of the imagination of a professional writer. It’s also hard to believe that she is only in her 20's.

The blog I’m referring to is “Confessions ni Ella, No.88 Blog ng Isang Masahista”. Ella’s occupation is one that is not held in high regard in our society. It is one that is looked down upon by most. However, while reading Ella’s blog, I have nothing but respect and admiration for her. For here is a person who is making the most out of the hard and sometimes dog-eat-dog surroundings she’s in. She, through her writings, projects herself as a genuine, often naive person, and a sincere, caring friend to her co-workers and her readers. Her writings exude intelligence, wit and wisdom way over her age.

Meet Ella, Pinay. To see a person based on biased notions and stereotypes would be the epitome of shallowness. Maybe if we can learn something from TG (Ella's bestfriend) when he said “Ikaw ang kaibigan ko, and you are not your job!”, then maybe the world will be a friendlier place.