A small prayer

Even I'm here in the desert... dry and somehow comfortable.. I feel I'm all soaked up, cold and wet.. like those kababayan I saw in the videos/pics, the victims of the typhoon Ondoy. I felt their pain and sufferings as if I am physically there. Although, I know I can help by just small means, I still feel helpless. I am not so religious person but I pray for those unfortunate souls who lost their lives so abruftly.. may they rest in peace together with their maker.. there.. there will be no more sufferings and pain. And to the families they left and the survivors , may the new morning gives them hope and peace.

I had a very similar experience and I cant stop writing it here.. hoping it will gives hope to other people out there. Back in 1998, I was still a sophomore student.. there's a typhoon brewing up and the rain did'nt stop pouring since morning, the university declared "No classes" at 3pm but I guess its too late since its already flooded. I walk from mendiola to morayta, my reglar routine everyday. However, when I arrived in morayta area.. there are no jeepneys, fx or taxi since its already flooded in the quiapo area. I stood there for quite sometime.. expecting a miracle? when I noticed that everybody around me were now braving the muddy water of Espana... I said to myself that the're no other way but to walk forward.

The muddy water was knee high, it was dark and threatening. As we move deeper in the streets of Espana.. the water also become more deeper. I dont have umbrella, with me that day was just my hard bound notebook I put it in my head not to get wet(try harder hehe) I dont usually bring bag those days since I leave my things in the locker. To minimize getting wet, I and most of the other students walk near the store and establisment on the side. Although, we are all wet and having a hard time, everybody were quite happy and some even make fun and throw away some corny jokes. Its fun! Its actually dangerous to walk in a flooded water since you cannot see if theres an open manholes or waterways. When we arrived in the bluementritt area, we were grounded when we approached a nearby lampost, probably there's an open wire or something. Good thing we did'nt get electrocuted. Hayy student's life!

I was wet, I am tired, nearly got electrocuted and worst I dont have money that time, I really never felt so down my life. I was wet, tired, hungry and broke that day. I remember I was so hungry then, but I have less than hundred pesos and my allowance will arrive after 3-4 more days, Western Union is not that popular those days or probably there's no branch yet in our province. Oh God! That was the hardest day in m entire college days. I walked through Blumentritt, Rotonda and Sto. Domingo Church... all the vehicles were not so moving not just a centimeter. Then, I saw a chinese restaurant. I remember, our ex- maid currently works there since we visited her few times there. I just drop by to rest and to say Hi.. good thing she noticed that I was so tired so she told me to rest a while, she also gave me a hot soup and siopao. That was great! That's the time when.. simple people like can be angels to others.

After resting a few minutes, I gave our ex-maid a warmest thanks and I headed again to the rainy streets, now I have umbrella also lended by our friendly ex-maid. Even, I was having a hard time that day. I felt, happy because somebody shown me real kindness and sincerity. It was cold and still raining outside but I felt warm inside.

After almost several hours being wet and deep in the dirty flooded streets, I finally arrived at the SM north edsa. Good thing, the traffic there was quite moving. I board a jeepney and after few more minutes and finally at Im at home. That was the most unforgettable experience I had in college. I will never forget that for sure. I just walked from Morayta to SM North Edsa. I dont know how many kilometers it is, but what important was I arrive at home safe.

Remembering those days, feels being good to be where I am now. Now, I am quite thankful in a way that I experience that kind of experience because it made an impact on me that I thrive and force myself to be the best that I can be. If I di'dnt experience hardship in life then... probably I am not here. Its not the best place on earth but I am thankful to be here.

To those people (specially students) who are still out there cold and deep in the water.. called obstacles.. maybe the warm and dry place is not yet in sight. But just pray and make your current situation as your inspiration, dont let bad situations pull you down but instead make it as your armour. The fight is not over until you give up... never give up! Then after several years, when you go back and remember it.. I'm am sure the pain is nowhere, but just smile! Hope you like my story.

Practicing boundaries and limitations

With the latest controversy and brouhaha..(ok im exagerrating a bit here) me being the prime actor in it. I am quite appalled on how people can just barge with other people's private life as if its just a normal thing to do. Its been more than a week now since I arrived from my short vacation in Thailand. Short vacation it seems.. but the story get to big and people made buzz, gave personal comments and the small story has been blown out in proportion.

Ok, I have a mistake not telling about them my plans even to the last minute.. but hey.. Its my prerogative btw. I just want to leave the country without much buzz and to much attention that's it, but I told a close friend about everything and I got plans telling "them" later on when I am back.. I di'dnt tell them because I know that they will make an issue about it, so I'll end up sour and my vacation will be ruined, and I dont want it to happen, so I just made a decision not to tell them.

But a thousand miles away while I am sunbathing and having fun in the lovely beach of Thailand.. these people made a big issue about it and even my personal and private issues has been brought up... Oh God!

If it's the price of fame then.... I dont wanna be famous! I mean, I am very private person and they knew that. I dont hide anything scrupulous but I just want my private life.. mine! They just cant plain accept it. Why? I dont know.. maybe they just soo into me? I dont know probably! If I am some popular actor then I can accept the facts, but I am not... so I behaved quite not myself when I first heard about it. I am bad btw.

I dont know if I will believe it or not.. that these people got some connections in the Immigration and they ask their friends to check the details of my travel, how long, when and where.. everything! I guess, I can do trouble if I wanted.. but since they're my so called friends then I just let it be. Actually, knowing them... I know that their reaction is quite normal if I may say. But the thing is if you dont tell them, then they'll just repeat it. They should know the meaning of " Boundary" I dont barge into their privacy.. but they just want to barge into mine. It should be just a plain and simple vacation.. but they made controversy with it. Well, I am expecting they will make a fan site for me in facebook. Now, that's a joke!

I was definitely pissed off and I post a shoutout in my facebook in total dismay- I'ts quite direct forward and everybody was quite shocked. I mean, I can be the coolest guy, friendly and the laid back type and I do practice sarcasm to a minimum..only if just needed. However, If I practice it, its not just plain sarcasm.. but a bold sarcasm. But since I "still consider" them as friends.. I still have some consideration.

Well, probably it hit them hard and still they dont have the guts yet to show up. I dont need their explanation by the way. Well, I'm awesome and Im doing great. Peace to all mankind!

A simple realization

I missing my vacation in Thailand so much... This is the feeling I hate the most when I come back from a vacation... I feel really sad each time! I dunno maybe because I'm just staying here just for the bucks and my heart is somewhere.. My reality is not here! This is not the place I dreamt of... but the money is here, so I should stay for the meantime.

The problem is that, when I come back from a vacation it does'nt matter if its short/long.. I got hard time getting back to reality that the vacation is over and I am already here again, in this place! I think It'll take another week for me to function again, it's odd since I just been away for just 5days and my reaction is like I've been gone for a month or so.. I figured it out that Im not really happy in this place.. by the way who is happy here? Everybody just makes a living and its just plain it!

I tried to fool myself and I tried to practice being optimistic.. I am forever an optimist by the way, then I came here, and my optimism been eroded minute by minute. I am happy I am here in this place and not one of those overworked/low waged employee back in my country.. I said I am happy but I am not contented. I remember exactly this feeling.. this is the feeling when Im still in the Phil. I really wanna go out.. and experience the world, and fate brought me here! Now, I wanna get out of here.. off to somewhere I always dreamt of.

Vacation, is invented for us to be refresh from our daily routines, job, responsibilities... But it is not a vacation when you come back at home feeling sad and you just wish that you're still in that vacation spot rather than here. Sometime I had this thought that, I wish I just did'nt take that vacation and I'll be just completely fine.

Im so discontented... I wanna be away from the desert. Gotta sleep now hoping that tomorrow will be a great day!

Photogenic Thailand

Im a fan of teachings and ideologies of Buddhism and I wanna know more about this religion.

BUDDHA
Using Nikon D60 with tamron lens f2.8.

The famous reclining Buddha... 46meters long if I remember it right.

@ the grand palace

another buddha

Some mythical creature decorating the temple at the grand palace.

Thailand getaway

Since I am a fan of the teaching of Budhhism... Thailand is the place for me, of course it's also famous for its nice beaches in Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi etc. We've planned a gazillion times to go there.. but it seems that its not in our stars to go there together.. :(

However a friend of mine, invited me a week ago if I wanna join them in Thailand. I really wanna go.. of couse, why not! but I cant say yes right away since there's alot of things to consider.. 1st my job, Its Ramdadan and I dont know if the manager will going to approve it. 2nd is my finances, Im currently trying to save as much a I can nowadays.. (fyi- The Desert Prince is planning to move away from his desert probably next year :( I know its sad... but that's life, There's a saying that "The only constant is change" That's why I save as much as possible.

However on the other hand, I also think that if I finally decided not to renew my contract next year.. and yet I never visited another country then sayang naman. My friends already visited, Egypt, Dubai, Australia etc. So, again I balanced the pro's and cons and finally able to put a decision on the matter.. YES. Sure I will go.


My manager approved my leave since its just a 4days leave, then also suddenly I received something Im not even expecting... we received some bonus from the company the day I leave to thailand. Oh God! That's a sure sign.

I'll trt to post some of the pics... I have difficulty trying to resize it because blogger only upload 8MP. Btw, I got a total of around 500 pics in just 4 days. If I can then I'll post them all in my multiply but really I cant. So time consuming really.

When people think about "VACATION" its spells excitement, fun and happiness, but for me there's only two which is extremely happiness and depression, quite a contradictory right? Im not crazy hehe! Happiness in the vacation is just temporary.. but when we come back.. then the reality bites again.. Now, I'm missing the place... friendly people, the climate which is so the same with pinas, the foods( dimsum, thai curry, the endless buffet brekafast, lunch or evening, the beach and probably just being there, if you know what I mean) My problem is- If I go on a vacation and when Im already here- in this place, then I feel very sad! That's is also the main reason I dont want to take vacation, I got easily distracted and I have difficulty focusing on my goals if I know that there's alot more good place than here... But still I dont have a choice but to stay. Im trying my best to hold on and be more patient.. but I know that there will come a day that I can say that I can move on ahead. Right now, I just to hold on.

In one of the palace's

At the grand palace... what a magnificent architecture this old city got.

Lotus flower

The ancient Ruin of Ayuthayya

Pattaya Beach...Tried parasailing, wakeboarding, got a henna, and most of all.......... I wore a trunks ( the guts hahaha, not in this pic btw, I cannot post it hehe)

Thai mask, Now Im mad why I did'nt buy one of this. By the way I bought, head of buddha a warrior or something, a jade elephant and there's another one also a buddha but smaller.

Just looking at this pic- makes me somehow relax, very peaceful and quiet, just wishing Im in this place right now.

I get Groped in Thailand

For adults only" hehe!

Had a great time in Bangkok, Super! For 4 straigth days.. we're so busy, usually we start roaming the streets of Bangkok at around 7am and we usually arrive at around 12 midnight.. its fun but soo tiring. So during our last day I proposed to have an authentic thai massage to ease our aching body, btw thai is famous for their massage right?! Good for us since the Spa center located in our hotel currently have an offer.

Its a nice posh place and you can see that they offer quality service. So we decided to get that package which includes.. body scrub, 2hr massage, facial, hair spa and pedicure, actually we dont need the manicure and pedicure.. but its in the package so we just enjoyed it.

We had a body scrub 1st on the list... I had a body scrub in Manila eons ago so I'm expecting it just quite the same. So when I entered the softly lit room with nice minty scent, the spa attendant told me what to do.. which is to get naked.. which I did, I left my boxer briefs but she says all....

Oh God! I was so embarassed, Im not used to it exposing myself unless that person is my partner. but I guess this people are so used to it so there's "no need to be shy". So I finally stripped to my bday suit. I'm just thinking now, that it will not be an issue if the lady attendant is young and goodlooking.. but instead staring on my naked body was a quite fat and not so quite a good sight hag. I wrap around a towel on my waist and headed towards the dry sauna and after 15min she ask me to come out and lie on the table.

Now that my protective towel is gone.. I feel so vulnerable really hehe, God only know and that old hag how red my face in embarssment. She draped a towel on me as she giggle. I guess she's so enjoying the view... Oh God! wag po manang!

After finishing my whole back, legs, she ask me to lie on my back to which I obliged. Again she draped my front with a towel. She start to scrub me on my upper body downwards. However, I experience something any man could relate with when we undergo a full body massage(actually its not yet the massage but body scrub) something been awakens... Oh Gawd! What the F**K

She noticed it and I heard she giggles and I felt stupid. I do expect she'll be professional since she's working in a nice and decent spa. But to my astonishment, she gently brush the towel covering my groin and she did take a peek, not once but twice. Then I heard her again giggling, sounds like she's so happy or something.. (now im just hoping she's happy not the other way around haha) I was dumbfounded and cant believe what was happening.. (its a decent and professional spa that's why, my reaction) Eventhough, I was quite embarassed, I just brush it off since there's nothing to lose by the way. Again I just lie there and just totally relax, also praying that my ***k will calm down hehe be a good boy! Again I was so shock when she grabs my hard ***k.. she holds it while she's applying those foamy beads on my thigh.. Oh God! Then after the scrub its time to shower.... Oh God.... I got huge problem... indeed a huge problem, my thing is not yet down, I never been so embarassed in my whole life.. Well she seen it already so there's nothing to loose. She helped me rub of those beads while I shower.. When I turn around, she just cant turn her eyes off my semi-hard C**K. She got a real show and infact she should pay me.. Lucky Thai bitch!

I'm so naive and did'nt know that it is the "kalakaran" in Thai massage spa. But my point is that- its a decent spa and not just ordinary spa somethere in the metro, also its inside our Hotel. I finally found out when I was finished with my massage when the old lady ask me if I want a hand job, while she touch my thing. As if its just so normal to them touching man's private parts. That was a revelation.

I also remember its not the first time it happened me being groped, the first time was- when we went to a stripper show during our 3rd night. Its the show where thai girls put some odd thing in their parts and do some crazy shits/stunts. They open a beer bottle with it.. shot pingpong balls to the audience, write name, and alot more. So when we paid in the counter.. the mama sang( dunno what the english term) check us if we have cellphone which are not allowed since we can take pics what's happening inside.. she check first my 2 friend and nothing lewd happen. But when its my turn, she check my pants back and front etc. and fi nally grabbing my groin. I was not expecting it since she did'nt do it on my friends.. She's just joking though so I di'dnt get offended, by the way she's a slut so what do I expect right!

Back to the old lady and her offer, I glady decline her kind offer. She's much nicer and more professional than the other attendant btw so I gave her a tip. I tell the whole story to my friends and I was shock when they told me that their spa attendants gave them an underwear during the body scrub then I felt stupid and abused hehe! They just keep laughing all the way to the hotel. They said thai girls like me because I look like a thai.. Duh! they're not even girls they're old sluts, if they're pretty and younger then I will not mind at all. The old lady masseuse also told me that they're not full time worker in that spa.. they do part time... so that's the answer. As if my embarassment is not yet finish... when we walk out of the spa, I saw those pretty girls in the counter looking at me.. and they giggle like hell! Probably that old bitch told them what had happen... she's really a damn bitch!

Anyway, just wanna share my odd and sick story!