Nick Jonas - Chains

Ever since I heard Nick Jonas' first single I thought there was something in his voice or his song that caught my attention.

His latest single, Chains, is now on my playlist and is on repeat. I already find him very sexy just by closing my eyes and listening to the song. More so, when I saw the video on youtube. I did not quite catch the theme of the video though but nevertheless I'm hooked. Nick sounded very masculine which perfectly matched the beat and catchy tune.

A part of the lyrics goes: "You got me in chains for your love" which I imagine him as being super glued to his partner so much he cannot move away no matter what she does. I do not agree giving heart and soul and being obsessed too much works on love. I believe in it being freely given, patient and kind. 

On the other hand, this may mean he cannot look and treat another woman the way he does for her. He is loyal and willing to stay to make their relationship work. Such a rare one these days.

It's weird that I do not agree to the song lyrics but I still like the song. Anyway, this too shall pass. Even though I cannot relate to the song for now, it will definitely stay on my playlist until another Nick Jonas single comes along. 

Must. Love. Dogs

I grew up with cats in our house. Fondness with cats lead us to let them sleep on our chests while watching our favorite tv shows. I can still remember we had an orange one and a black one who multiplied their race with kittens. The sad thing is, because of their agility in climbing and getting on tables, they would most often steal our food. Opting for a peaceful environment, our parents decided to give them away.

I never really loved another critter until I met Cody. My sister bought him when he was yet a puppy . He is of shih tzu - poodle breed. I can still remember the first time I went home and saw him. He was very little and cannot even jump off our plastic chair.

With great care and a tremendous amount of dog food, he gradually grew to be a fluffy and cuddly dog. His silky hair, although not that very long yet, must have let him feel hot most of the time. He would often be found standing between me and our electric fan.

A playful puppy that he is, he bit most of our cushion chairs and left them ugly and in pieces. We also bought a lot of slippers because we often had either a missing pair or a ripped sole. This led me to make a fan sign of him biting a greeting note for my sister's birthday. Notice that the paper greeting almost did not make it.

I've become more of a dog lover now. I think dogs are loyal and not hard to please. When I was yet working in Cebu, I can remember how he scratches the door even when I am just about to open the lock and get into the room. He jumps and throws himself to us when we arrive. It feels good to have a dog greeting and makes his happiness obvious.

I also found these interesting photos that I agree with and made me love dogs more.

1. They have readable facial expressions. You'll know how to easily get into their vibe. Aside from this, I can attest that dogs are sensitive to human feelings.When I was feeling down, he tried to behave and just laid close to me as if to comfort me.

image taken from iwastesomuchtime.com

2. Unassuming and not hard to please. Almost anything makes them happy. As simple as having you around makes them high already.

image from pixshark.com

3. They have such a happy disposition. Watch how the kitty's expression makes you cringe.

image from jokideo.com

4. This made me laugh hard. Bathing a dog still leaves them cute.



image taken from 9gag.com

Aside from my family, I miss Cody too.Well, he is also considered family anyway. I hope to walk him in the park, just like my sister did, when I get home soon.

Praying for Nepal

According to irinnews.org, the capital city of Kathmandu and its surrounding suburbs of some 2.5 million people sit in one of the most seismically active areas of the world. Adding to this risk is the declining standards of construction and a growing population.

image taken from infoplease.com

The last great earthquake that shocked the nation was in 1934 wherein a vast number of buildings as well as lives were lost.

 

Yesterday, 25 April 2015, Nepal experienced another earthquake. The magnitude was 7.9 and toppled buildings, broke highways and triggered an avalance on Mt. Everest. Horrifying photos grazed the internet to inform everyone of what happened and urging people to pray for the country.

 

image taken from caravandaily.com

 

The guardian (www.theguardian.com) writes that more than 1000 people are now reported dead and rescue operations are working full time to salvage those who are trapped and needs immediate help.

It saddens me that a lot of century-old temples and historical buildings were affected too. The ancient Dharhara tower where kings were once crowned has now been reduced to its base.

image courtesy of guardian.com; Photograph by Pete Pattisson

 

With this catastrophy, a poor country like Nepal may have strains on their resources particularly on tourism. When I first heard the news, I remembered a friend who invited me to one day come to Nepal and try to climb Mt. Everest. Also, it is  my dream to visit and be at any UNESCO World Heritage site of which Kathmandu Valley is one of.

 

I am still hoping to one day set foot in Nepal. .As for now, I am joining the world in praying for its struggle to come out from this disaster.

 

image courtesy of seen.co

Penang Hill

Another business trip brought us back to Penang last week. 10 hours of travel by van was agonizing. Good thing we had extra time to explore another area of the city. This time we went to Penang Hill.

The locals call the place Bukit Bendera and is located about 6 kilometers from the city center of George Town. This was also coined as Flagstaff Hill because this is the place where the Brits raised the flag to signal that mail has arrived. We found our way to the foot of the hill by riding bus 204 from Komtar and paid 2RM (0.56 USD) per way.

There is a Swiss made funicular train that runs every 20-25 minutes. We paid 30 RM (8.39 USD) for the train to take us up and back.

As tipped by our friends who have been there before us, we raced towards the front part of the train. Unfortunately, there were teens standing in front of us so we did not get a nice shot. The ride was amazing, nevertheless. My ears started to pop with the change of pressure. The lush greenery was building my anticipation of what and how it feels to be at the top.

Things to do at the top:

1. See the nice view of Penang and GeorgeTown.

A lot of viewing decks are on top. There are even telescopes to see a closer view. Now I understood why a lot of tourists and locals come to this place. It is 830 meters above sea level and is literally cool. Such a refreshing place away from the heat and bustle of the town. Take a photo or two and feel being on top of the world (or the hill, rather).

2. Visit their lover's padlock area

I find these locks cute. Must have been a lot of lovers who've had dates here. I imagine them putting a love lock and saying they will be together forever (seriously, walang forever). :)

3. Discover the old train.

Take a photo or two of the old wooden train. Reviews says that this is the restored version of the original funicular train built in 1897.

Other interesting things to do:

1. Visit the owl museum

Entrance fee is 12 RM. Reviews said that this is South East Asia's first museum dedicated to owl themed art and craft. Must be interesting for those owl lovers.

2. Chill in the restaurants

A number of tea kiosks and restaurants are located here. Perfect for chillin'. There is also a food and drinks court that will greet you once getting out of the train.

3. Explore the other parts of the Hill.

It is said that the the hill boasts of an Indian Temple and a Mosque built side by side without racial conflict nor tension.

I believe there are still a number of things that can be done or explored on top but as we were tired from the trip, we just stayed for a couple of hours. Definitely another nice experience from this city.

In conclusion, sharing a couple of our videos from the experience. :) Not sure about 180 degree view blah blah that I was saying, though..

Songkran 2015

Wet and wild is one way that I can describe Songkran (most of the time). Songkran festival is Thailand's traditional New Year's day. It is celebrated from April 13 - 15. Some parts of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, celebrate it for a week. I'm thankful that in Phuket the celebration is at its peak only on 13 April. This means becoming wet from water fights is only on this day.

The traditional water pouring is meant as a symbol of washing away all of the sins and the bad. Therefore, being able to welcome the new year with a fresh new start. 

In the past tradition, Thais would pour a bowl of water to family and friends. Later on, as the festivity is shared to tourists, it became buckets, water guns and garden hoses.

Planning to come to Thailand to celebrate Songkran soon?

Here are a few of my tips:

1.Prepare to get wet all over, literally.

Don't think that just walking on the street and signalling that you don't want to get wet can save you from getting soaked. Leave things that you don't want to get wet at your hotel safe. No part of you would be dry once you hit the streets. When you get back to your hotel, you'll feel like you swam in a big pool or something.

2. Dress comfortably but not too revealingly.

I prefer a  light sleeveless shirt and shorts while going out. Although a lot of foreigners are liberated with their clothing preferences, still keep in mind that Thais are conservative and it is their country and their festival. Some prefer to wear light long sleeved shirts or rash guards.

3. April is one, if not the most, hottest month. Don't forget to put on that sunblock.

Last year, it was so hot but because we were so soaked we did not mind the sun. We discovered we had ugly tan lines afterwards. This time, we knew better and armed ourselves with 110 SPF sunblocks sprayed all over.

4. Don't forget your water gun. Choose a big one for more ammunition content (water).

A lot of water guns with different varieties are for sale. Bigger water guns hold a lot of water and will take less frequent to refill. It also gives a better chance to squirt a lot of water in full speed. Next Songkran, I'm planning to buy a small water gun with the water contained on a back pack styled holder.

5. Take care of your money and phone by buying a waterproof pouch.

Bringing money ensures you can buy food in case you get hungry from all the fighting. Some water refills are for sale for 10 Baht per refill. Water proof pouches are for sale everywhere almost as widely as water guns.

6, Bring a water proof camera.

To record moments and videos of what you saw and what you did. I saw a man bringing his Canon SLR to where the party's at. I pitied the camera's fate.

Shoot 'em!

5. For women, be careful in very crowded areas.

A lot of men will be or have been drinking the hours before. Drunk or not drunk men will sometimes take advantage to push you over or get a chance to glance or touch private body parts.

6. Watch out for melted chalk or powder wiped on your face.

The use of chalk is very common. This originated from the monks using chalks to mark blessings.
These chalks or melted powder can have colors too. They are wiped at your face, your hair or your shoulders. Get ready to be unrecognizable after.

7. Protect your eyes. Bring sunglasses or possibly goggles.

Yeah, wearing a pair of goggles is a good idea. Sunglasses get wet inside and outside. I have, at multiple times, removed my sunglasses to wipe my face and the lens only to be thrown water on my face again. Some people target your eyes so you cannot fight back.

8. Do not drink and drive.

A lot of accidents happen during the festival. Be careful from or becoming a drunk driver. Remember to be safe and arrive home alive.

9. With friends, strategize on how to "attack".

Have a group meeting. 

Armed and ready, proceed to where the target is.

Go! Fight! Win (?) 

10. Enjoy and keep your cool.

Some people will fool you and say its ok they won't shoot you with water, but still do. Some just pour the whole bucket of iced cold water on you. And I mean literally ice cold -- you'd think you were sent to the North Pole. Just keep cool and know that everybody's just trying to have fun.

Okay, kid. Shoot me while I'm taking your photo. I'm cool. Happy Songkran!

Elephant Trekking in Phuket

Kamille, Stephen and I booked for a 30 minute elephant trekking tour after our Upside Down House adventure. We chose to have this after we've had lunch.

If a lot of stray dogs are in the streets in the Philippines, one of the funny road signs in Thailand is somehow saying beware of crossing elephants.

image taken from pbase.com

The usual price for a 30 minute elephant trekking is 800THB (25 USD) each. But because we have friends who knew of tour companies that give discounts, we were able to get a discounted price of 400THB (12.5 USD). Pick up was at 2 pm at the hotel where Stephen stayed.

Upon arrival, the staff handed us stickers to put on our shirts. This enabled them to know what program we paid for. Immediately we were led to a little hut with a platform that allowed us to step on to the back of these elephants.

We were like happy little kids when we started to step and sit on top of the huge creature. The sun was unforgiving as it was early in the afternoon. Only later on that we realized we can borrow an umbrella that was tucked under our chair.

Our happiness was short lived. We observed that the elephants were not treated right. Our guide had this wooden pole with a sharp metal hook that he used to prick the elepant to walk in the proper direction. We were also not able to properly converse with the driver too because he only speaks a little bit of English.

There was a young elephant chained to a tree. 

Some tourists ahead of us bought bananas for 100THB (3 USD). We also bought a bunch of bananas to feed our elephant. Just a simple gesture to somehow make him happy after carrying our combined weight.

The road our elephant trekked on was not paved and the ride was very bumpy. I used to think that 30 minutes was a very short time but when I was on top of the elephant, it somehow seemed forever considering the small steps he is making to move his big body. I found it funny when he was walking along a steep elevated path. It was like riding on a very slow ferris wheel. Except it was very wobbly.

When Stephen alighted from his seat, he gave a small tip for the driver. The driver ordered the elephant to take it through its snout and give to the driver. It was fascinating that the elephant did not mistakenly eat the bill.

Next up was the elephant show. It featured a younger elephant showing off how he is able to do 3 steps on a stairs and balance himself. He also played a tune or two on the harmonica.The trainer asked who would like to be massaged by an elephant.  Supportive friends that we are, we volunteered for Stephen. He lied prone position on a mattress and was covered with a blanket before the feet of the elephant touched his back.

We asked him how it was. He mentioned that it was only a light touch because the trainer controlled the elephant's foot. Well I can imagine how he could be crushed if it was not!

Part of the package was to view an orchid garden that we were not able to do so because we were tired and it was hot. So we just sat down in the restaurant that they pointed to and ate what they served us -- fruits in season (still part of the fee).

After this, we were asked to board the car and was dropped back to the hotel. While on the road, we talked about how we somehow felt guilty for supporting this kind of attraction buy buying a package. We talked about how our animal lover friends may find us disgusting. I would not say it was a bad tour, but we were just disappointed on how the elephants were treated. Who knows what these people do to these animals when tourists are not around. I understand those people are just making a living but I still hope they treat them with kindness. Kamille has read somewhere that there was this tourist attraction where people can try feeding elephants, bathing them and caring for them. That sounds more like fun. Hopefully people will advocate this kind of business more.

Concluding the Holy Week with a Happy Easter!

So what have you been up to last Holy Week?

For me, this has been my second holy week while living abroad. Being in a Buddhist country, I can say I cannot feel much of it here. The holy days were much like ordinary days. Of course, since they have a different religion so I should not expect much. I just reminisced the days when I just stayed at home and watch the Lenten TV specials of Pinoy channels while eating the ever famous binignit. I also missed going to church for the Last Supper or  for the 7 last words. The memories of going to Bantayan Island to watch the procession and visit the church were still lingering in my thoughts.

Living abroad especially during these holidays made me terribly miss home. I am looking for a way to do my personal fasting. I cannot fast on food here because the food choices are way less. So what I did is to deny myself of something I liked: blogging and writing. I fasted from ranting a lot from my thoughts and writing down things about my most recent vacation. It may not be much that I have offered to Christ but for me, it is already a sacrifice.

I do not want to judge about other people going on vacation or doing their own usual  (or unusual things) on Holy Week. I believe you are accountable of your own because each of us has a personal relationship with Christ.

So much for my Holy Week rant. Today, Easter Sunday I did not plan to miss it for the world. The service was not held at dawn as what is usual in the Philippines.

I'm proud of myself for not being late. I have expected a lot of people will come. The Church was really full and some even had to stand outside. I loved the atmosphere of praise surrounding me.

To summarize the sermon today, the priest said that every time we sin, we deny the resurrection of Christ who died for us.

After Church service, the priest announced that there were Easter Eggs to be served. I did not expect this. The eggs were placed on a basket. Each egg has a piece of paper with something on it that I cannot understand. Nevertheless, I am happy with just getting one minus the hunting in bushes and other hiding places. These eggs symbolize a new life we have in Christ's resurrection.

 There were also Holy water in bottles given.

And of course the usual snacks after service.

And then He told them, "You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Those who believe and are baptized will be saved. But those who refuse to believe will be condemned. -Mark 16:15

Me and my friends here may not be with each of our families to celebrate this special occasion of our faith. We may miss out from the food, beach vacation and family bonding back home but in our hearts we celebrate this joyous day with you all. Happy Easter! :)