Kali : family

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Kali Travels: (2015) Year-End Family Vacation @ UAE

It doesn't matter how many times you visit the place...

what matters are the people you are with.

From Sharjah, Buhairah Corniche, Al Khan Beach, to Dubai, At The Top - Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village....

Visit to UAE will never be complete without experiencing the desert life...
Here's our Desert Safari adventure and ATV ride at Hatta, Oman!

Road to 35: Treasures Unfold

As the number of our years increased, number of people in our lives decreases...

I remember celebrating my birthday, full house... from friends, colleagues, high school and college classmates, friends of friends and friends of friends of friends.

Those were the days when strangers come over not to celebrate but to drink with other friends. When you just walk with bottle beer, checking on each group of people if they were enjoying... Party normally ends the following day.

As I think of it... yes, indeed those were the happy days.

And as I try to recall one or two of my "happy birthday celebration" and try remember the different faces who were there; it seems that most of them were just part of my past. Very few are still on my present...

People come and go. That is something that I learned from my mentor while I was still in broadcasting network.

But through the years, I learned that:

You can choose the people who will stay in your life and those that you will let go...

Being friends is not about being together everyday; even if you talk to a certain people daily, it doesn't mean that you are friends... and not talking or chatting everyday doesn't means you were no longer friends.

No time nor distance can separate real friends.

Lechon Paksiw

While having lunch, a colleague suddenly threw a question:

Ano ung pagkain nyo nung time na mahirap kayo?
What do you eat during the lowest (poorest) time of your life? (tama ba?)

At that moment, natigilan ako... napaisip and somehow yes, nagbalik ala ala yung darkest, saddest times of my family.

One answered: mantika at asin sa kanin... (cooking oil and salt mixed in rice)

While another one is asin... (salt)

I wasn't able to respond. I just answered them with a smile as I remember what it was...

One commented: Mayaman kasi to kaya wala siyang ganyang experience...

I reacted and said of course not... we were also poor and went through down moments.

However, I don't have memories of not having food at the table despite all the hardships that our family went through.

I remember seeing my mother mixing sugar on rice; maybe those were the times when we do not have enough; however she carried the burden alone and never allowed us to suffer. Her lame excuse was that she doesn't want the food...

Onwards and Upwards

Hello 2015!

I am looking forward to the bestest year ever...

I have my first-7-days reasons why:

01 Jan is FAMILY | This is the best place anyone can be... when we are with family.

After 7 years, I was able to celebrate New Year at home with all the "rounded" fruits on the table, colorful fireworks, loud firecrackers and a happy noisy extended family.

Desert Safari Adventure

Desert Safari is an experience that you shouldn't missed when visiting Dubai. Dune bashing, short camel riding, ATV bikes, belly dancing, tanoura dance plus the traditional Arabic food are just some of the highlight of this activity.

This is not my first time; I've done the dune bashing for countless times already with family and friends who visited us here in UAE. But the feeling is never the same; the excitement and fun differs, with the people you are with...

Sharing you the happy-best-day-ever-video of our desert safari adventure. Enjoy!

Fjords of Musandam

It's been a while...
The past months had been very fruitful.
I was busy at work and more work with my new baby Berks Production...

But of course, life should be balance; there some work work and work days and there should also be some fun fun fun days...

Here's my recent happy day:

I miss you guys..

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Germany's Fairy Tale Dream Town

Europe Journal 02.

I first heard Rothenburg ob der Tauber from my brother after his visit and he mentioned that Rothenburg appeared on several fantasy films including Pinocchio. Since I grew up watching Pinocchio and other Disney movies (80's), it seemed like another Disneyland to me.I want to see those places where my childhood days were mostly spent...

* Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town on the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Germany, about halfway in between Frankfurt and Munich. It is known for its medieval center (Altstadt), seemingly untouched by the passage of time, encircled by the undamaged 14th century town wall. It means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River.

I visited Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber almost a year ago as part of my 3 weeks Europe tour, which I will also share with you on my next posts...

This is actually 2nd to the last city that I visited from that journey, I initially posted my teaser when I fell for Eiffel; but since Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is my first choice, let me begin my Europe Photo Journal from this wonderful adventure...

From Stuttgart, where we stayed with my loving grand mother, we travel via train to Rothenburg; it was about 3-4 hours if I remember it right...

My colleague will be a mom again, for the second time. Her first will turn 2 on October. We are not close but we know each other good enough.

So she announced that the 2nd baby is on its way; and I congratulated her gladly. As expected, she teased me asking when can I have mine. I told her that I can't conceive alone :)

Today, I am celebrating my 34th.

Probably, I am stepping at the half stage of my life... more or less... maybe.

My FB account was flooded with greetings from family and relatives, friends, former classmates, church family, acquaintance and career connections.

Yes, even in people, there are categories, and that is the reality; as time passes by, I realized that there are different level of relationship for every people that surrounds us

As we grow more mature, our friends became less in numbers. Others became not just friends but family to us; they are those few who stayed all throughout... while others left when things get rough. As the saying goes, I'd rather have one true friend than hundred fake ones.

We've seen this on seminars and workshops. For me, I am not so sure how many times I heard this on company training, but yes, this urgent - important diagram is indeed urgent and important to share.

I consider last March as one of my busiest month, ever. The week of our church anniversary landed on the same week of a regional campaign. The celebration was successful but not the campaign; just as I shared at my Stand Firm story...

This New Year, Let Us Focus on Jesus

Has anyone written their New Years’ resolution? Any do’s and don’ts for 2014?

I have my to-do, and that is to diet and exercise again. I am hoping and determined to lose weight again and I planned to start it this New Year. Yes, I preferred to wait until tomorrow :)

I think this goes to everyone. Each of us has their own plans as the year starts.

Yes. I also have my don’t-do-it-this-time list on my mind; things that I should stop doing. One of those is to sleep late or not having slept at all… (let me try!)

As Christians, I know we should not practice this New Year’s resolution list anymore, we should be living a life pleasing the Lord and not according to this list (the above were just examples).

We look at New Year as start of something new and something great. This is the best time for new endeavors; to step in a new opportunity or challenge.And this is also the perfect time to leave the past behind. Those things that we want to forget; experiences and difficulties that causes us pain. We can all move forward to start anew.

Listening With One Ear

I've been sick for a month already.
As I mentioned on my previous post, The Adventure Begins...
I'm getting used to the buzzing sound from my left ear, though being deaf is a different thing. It's embarrassing at times, it is really difficult to catch up on conversations. But aside from the imbalance and headache... I am fine.

Though it is alarming that I am becoming comfortable in listening with one ear...

Last week, my brother and I flew back home for my medication. It was another test of faith as we were only chance passengers; the flight was full on our first attempt. We needed to wait for another day for the next flight.

On our way home, I prayed and claimed that God will give us seats on the next flight, may His will be done. But as we reached home, I went straight to the computer and search for some alternative routes. Malaysia first came to my mind. I checked flight details and the connecting flights. I even wrote them down; making it my 2nd option, if the Manila flight is full on our next attempt. Then I searched for few other options... but the Malaysia flight seems to be the best.

I asked my brother, who was sleeping then to check the details. He said it's fine, and he asked me back... I had second thoughts. Half of me is saying, go! while the other half seems to challenge my faith. Then I said, no, because I already claim that God will give us a seat on the Manila flight, the most convenient since it is direct flight.

The Adventure Begins

Yey! Just a day after my 32nd birthday, my adventure begun...

In the morning of June 5, my left ear started to hear a buzzing sound. In a spun of 2 hours, it seems like I'm totally deaf. I can no longer hear anything from that side... it seems blocked and felt numb.
Gradually, I felt the imbalance while I walk, dizziness follows, until I started to throw up...
It was after lunch when vomiting took over... when I couldn't fight any longer, I mentioned it to my colleague who immediately rushed me to the hospital.

My suffering continues, countless times of throwing up... I was so anxious, totally weak during those times at the emergency room. Everything is spinning, faster than you can ever imagine. The doctor said it is Vertigo.

Vertigo /ˈvɜː(ɹ)tɨɡoʊ/ (from the Latin vertō "a whirling or spinning movement" is a subtype of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary.The symptoms are due to an asymmetric dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as a balance disorder, causing difficulties standing or walking.

This sickness is very familiar to me, as my Nanay have the same... but I never knew and understand how hard and difficult it was, until I experienced it. At that time in the ER, I suddenly remember how she suffers, and that memory gave me the strength to fight. Her prayers were louder than the buzzing sound in my ear.

After the medicine took effect, the doctor refer me to an EENT as she said it has something to do with my ear...

Yesterday, I went to see the EENT specialist... and he confirmed the Vertigo and an infection on my left inner ear. He sent me to an audiologist to undergo an audio gram. That confirmed my hearing loss. The doctor mentioned that my left ear is very weak at this moment. He will try but he cannot guarantee a complete healing. I need to undergo a 10-day medication before we proceed to the next step.

He will try and we will wait... without the guarantee that I will regain my hearing.

One of my colleague asked how am I coping...

Yesterday, upon hearing the diagnosis, in all honestly, I felt shocked, but never terrified. I know that I have a big God and this is just one of the test of faith and I will survive... looking forward to His wonderful work in my life.

But on my emotional side, I also felt afraid... not for myself but for my responsibilities. Can I still work? How can I help my family? I have responsibilities to our church ministry, and a big part of that is video editing wherein hearing is crucial... how can I continue to listen to His Word, when I am not capable of hearing?

But above all my worries, God spoke to me, my heart hears louder than my ears...
I just have to be still and know He is God.
Our God who heals... Our God who make all things possible. With Him, I am safe.

In the midst of this not so good situation, God's love embraced me tightly. He never let me feel alone... He sent His love through my colleague, Hana, who brought me to the hospital and never leave my side. My best friend Erika who's taking care of me just like how my Nanay will do... Nhyit who looks after me. My brother Ernan who extends his support and love. And to all of my friends and family who keeps on praying for my recovery... With all these love, there is no room for pain, sorrow and fear...

As what I have said when I started the Chapter 32 of my life...
I will submit to His will and surrender fully to my God.
With or without hearing, I will give glory to His name.

PSALM 103: 1-5

¹Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
²Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Another Summer Passed...

It's a lovely day out there! Bright sunny day with cool breeze of winter wind.
Summer is finally over... just as quick as October.
Time runs fast; I have counted several summers here in UAE and have waited with enthusiasm for winters. This transition is significant for me. If you have noticed, I have written few blogs about this, annually -- when its almost winter.

What makes this time remarkable for me?
I guess, being in the Middle East, knowing that you are in the desert, having experience the heat of summer and have survived it, makes this time an extra special above the other phases.

During this time, it feels good to look back few months back... while you are covering yourself from the sun and the hot wind that blows on your face. The feeling of survival and victory that you have overcome the scorching heat of summer.

This year, blazing wind blew several times... I know its not only me, but many of us had a searing summer.

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

- Psalm 20:7

I lit this candle today for them...

Them, who was once with us in this journey

People who shared a portion of their life with us

They, who extended their love unconditionally

and touched our hearts wholeheartedly.

Star Light, Star Bright

The cool breeze is here again...
Summer of 2010 will soon be over; an unforgettable one for me, the best summer I had here in M.E.

Being excited for winter, I decided to take a walk along Buhaira corniche tonight.
And yes, its almost winter!

A for Effort

Few days back, I wasn't sure if I was just experiencing another 'holiday hang-over' -- but that was not the first time that I felt bored at work... it's all over my head and I felt that I do not want to create another job nor talk to anyone regarding work again.

I missed the thrill... the excitement in coming to the office everyday.
Everything seems monotonous... numbers and computation irritates me... not to mention some people who I felt were insatiable and so insensitive. I know it was alarming -- because I started to hate my job :(

I somehow felt depressed... but I have to drag myself to go to work. There are days when I will just sit and stumble at the net, replying only to urgent matters... the rest of the jobs... I just ignore them. My self-esteem was so low... thinking that this is not the job for me...

Everything changed after one phone conversation that I had with my Ninang.

It's 1AM.

I am so awake.

And sooo happy.

It's been 9 days since my parents arrived for vacation here in the UAE...

Cloud 9 for me and my brother. Every minute was so precious, so memorable...

I just can't shout loud enough to tell you how happy I am now.

This is their first travel out of the country.

A dream come true...

The happiness was really overloaded.
Our hearts were shouting for joy.
Giving thanks and praise to our Lord God who made this possible.

Indeed, He is an awesome God.
He fulfilled His promises to those who believe...

Tatay's Girl

I am my Tatay's favorite...
Being the youngest and the only girl, I am the only Tatay's girl!

I am my father's daughter... more than my mother's. My traits are from him.
Aside from the birthmark, there are a lot of my tatay's personalities that I can see in me.
As time passed by, I realized and recognized our similarities...

During first meeting, you will find us snob or quiet or shy :) (really!)
We do not usually join the crowd and chose to stay on small groups.
Our friends are few... yet they are all true. I've seen his peers since I was a kid, and I can see the same set of friends until now. And I hope mine too will last a lifetime like his.

Next is our wit.
He always smiles and makes us laugh. He's a joker. And as I was growing up, I became his side kick... we exchange punch lines! And now that I'm a grown up and he is older, I took the lead, and he is my back up. We love to irritate my nanay with our jokes... We both love to laugh.

We have the same tongue and stomach.
We love eating same types of food, yet he always asks me to eat first and took only what's left from me...

Our patience is long... and our pride is deep.
We seldom get angry and we just keep quiet when we're offended.
I never saw my parents fighting... not that I remember. I know that there are misunderstandings and petty quarrels, but I never heard any arguments. I know my tatay so well. If he is mad, he won't speak to you, until he is ok.

We live by the day...
At first, I took it negatively that he seems to be contented in what we have then... thought that he doesn't dreamt more and just satisfied with what was there... until such time that I was on the same shoes.
Then I understand that it's not that he didn't dream big at all but his dreams for us are bigger that he sacrificed his own. Our lives are his dreams... and he made every single day of it happy as happy as it could.

Making this post is like revealing a part of my personality...
I should stop now to keep some mystery :)

But I want to shout to the whole world that...
I am grateful, I am so proud, I am happy and I am blessed being my Tatay's daughter...