SG peeps strike back!
Days after insinuating that Singaporeans are not hospitable at all, suddenly, everyone seems so nice to me! First is the fruit juice lady whom I buy from every morning who asked me where I’m from and how I find Singapore so far. She even didn’t mind if I lack 10 cents one time. I totally forgot to go to the money changer so I had no more SG dollars in my wallet.
Then there’s a lady who greeted me when I bought an ironing board. I don’t know why, but she did. Maybe I looked funny carrying it around the mall. Oh well.
Then there's an Indian taxi cab driver who chatted with me and knew I just moved here because I was lugging an ironing board. He even gave me a discount in my fare since he took a wrong turn. He said it’s his fault. Weee how nice!
My officemates are a bit friendlier these days too. Although my boss keeps telling me to turn off my desk light. Gosh. But see, maybe it’s just me who’s judging them, watching their every move and comparing them to Filipinos. I better stop doing that and give them a chance to prove themselves. Anyone in any country can be warm and caring after all.
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In other news, I saw a group of middle-aged Pinoys hanging around during lunch a while ago. They were all holding a PSP! Haha talk about second childhood! But it’s always good to hear people speaking Tagalog or even cursing “'Tang Ina!” loudly from time to time. Such sweet music to my ears. :-)
3:31 PM
Friday, March 30, 2007
crazileee!
I did it! Woohooo! Now I gotta edit this whole thing, but it's okay. Weeee! :)
5:47 PM
Thursday, March 29, 2007
change is good
But darn it, I don't know how to do it! I want a new template but I'm so HTML-illiterate :S
4:32 PM
the real deal - month one
Today marks my first month in Singapore. They say it's the most difficult and loneliest month for anyone working overseas, and I guess I'd have to agree. It's not like I cry every day, because I'm proud to say I didn't and I still don't. I've tried to use my mind-over-matter tactic during my first 30 days in a foreign country. It works sometimes, but it gets tiring too.
Behind the photos of the trips and the exhilaration I seem to be having here lies a young OFW or expat (if they want to call it that) who's still going through a quarter life crisis. I miss the Philippines to death and still have gawking moments as I try to figure out why the hell I am here when I'm having the freaking time of my life back home. In fact, during my first two weeks at work, I'd almost always get lost or take the wrong bus or train. I'm just so lost, literally and figuratively. I looked for a job in Singapore because I told myself I will. That's all. It's all part of my being goal-oriented and aggressive. Yes, it's still about saving money and gaining job experience, but now that I'm here, I keep thinking if it's really worth it. I left my Mom, my boyfriend, a bunch of great friends and a beautful country with the most hospitable people. I'm young, single, not so materialistic, have no dependents, and here I am trying to tell the outside world that I need money. Well, guess what? Money doesn't buy that much happiness and memories spent with loved ones. The truth is, the first thing I want to do with my salary next week is book a ticket to visit the Philippines. Sounds stupid right? Going here to save up for a ticket back home. But it's true. At least that can prove that money can buy happiness - sometimes. I wonder if I'll eat my words when I get my first paycheck? We'll see.
Nonetheless, I never knew the true meaning of 'homesickness' 'til I stepped foot on a country similar to the Philippines - Thailand. I have no idea what their language is about, but I really felt the warmth of the people and the welcoming mood of the island. I don't feel that here at all. Or maybe I just refuse to. I think I'm going to turn into a cold and heartless workaholic if i don't go out of the city once in a while.
The night before we left Thailand, I was texting with Tatoff while watching 'Crash' on Star Movies. I remember watching the movie with him back home, and I don't know if it's just the whole depressing plot of the film, but that's when the loneliness really hit me. I felt 'homesick' to the bone and in another country. I went to the restroom to relieve myself of tears. A good 5-minute of it was enough for me. I'm grateful I actually got in touch with my emotions at last. I was on a vacation and good thing my defenses were down. I was starting to be a bit frightened that I'll turn numb after this whole ordeal. I even avoid blogging about my mishaps and dilemmas here. I don't really want to let everyone know about it, because I don't want to hear the "I told you so" remark. I'm full of pride like that. I need to stand up for this decision, and I don't want anyone pulling me down. Not when I'm still insecure and lonely.
So what have I learned for the first month? A lot, really. I've learned so much in 30 days than I've ever imagined. Independence sure does teach you so the most important things about yourself. Migration reminds you of your loyalty to your country and the people in it, no matter what other first world country says. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and those involved, much stronger. And finally, love is definitely the shortest distance between two people.
4:38 PM
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Krabi is the place to be! :)
Last weekend, I fell in love with the food, the people and the islands. See you again soon, Thailand!
Be part of the trip. Visit jeniegab.multiply.com for more photos. Enjoy!
11:18 AM
3rd country this month!
We're off to Krabi, Thailand tomorrow! Woohoo! We're having a company trip there til Sunday. I know they're not really the first people I'd choose to have a vacation with, but what the heck. It's free! And I haven't been there. I haven't even heard of that place, so I googled it right away. And look what I found:
Aerial view of Krabi island
Woooooohhhhhhoooooo!!! I hope it really looks like this hehe. But still, I can't wait! :-D
10:48 AM
Thursday, March 22, 2007
blusang puti
Once upon a time, I bought a white blouse. I finally unearthed it in my closet and brought here in Singapore. For some reason, I rarely wore it; maybe just twice in its 6 years of existence. And today, I remember why.
I buttoned my white blouse this morning, just elated that it still fits. Well, I admit that in the chest area, it doesn't. Half of the day passed by and I tried wearing the feminine top with grace. I took the bus and the MRT this morning and even shrugged off the tiny discomfort I was feeling. Was it my pants? No. My sandals? Not even. My bra? Maybe. But yes, it was my white blouse.
All these years, I still fail to squeeze into my in-denial brain that I'm not meant to wear these button-down blouses. It's either they fit my waist and my upper body properly but not my bust, or too loose for my waist yet just right for my chest. It always happens and I just can't accept it. The buttons in the center seem like they're dying to pop out.
So today, as I wear this tight white blouse with my breathing a bit restricted and the space between the buttons wide open for voyeurs (even if I tried putting double sided tape), I shall tell myself finally: I will never buy these tops ever again. It's just not meant for my body type. Period.
Finally, I decided to put matters into my own hands and get a quick fix after suffocating the whole day. No, I didn't take my blouse off nor unbuttoned it in front of my two male colleagues. Minutes before writing this entry, I wore a jacket, discreetly reached for my back, unhooked my bra with three fingers, and voila! I can breathe normally again. At long last.
But wait. Maybe it wasn't entirely my white blouse's fault after all. Darn. I think it's time to go shopping.
3:30 PM
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
25
Happy 25th Monthsary, Tatoy! I miss you sooo much! I can't wait for us to be together again.
I love you bi :)Kaya natin 'to!
yours, jenie
1:04 PM
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
KL Weekend!
I'm a new Petronas fan! With two brawny and gigantic phallic symbols, I'm sure gays will fall over heels too! Hahaha!
Check out jeniegab.multiply.com for the whole story :)
12:01 PM
SG dream
Let me jot this down before I forget about it again.
Last night, I dreamt that I was migrating to Switzerland from Singapore. Throughout the dream, the mood was melancholic and it's as if I was forced to move to another country again. I even went to the Philippines to get most of my belongings. When I got to Switzerland, snow poured and I was swept away into the road. I was talking to someone in my cellphone even if the intensity of the flowing snow dragged me so hard, it was like a tsunami of ice. In my dream, I was pissed for accepting the job because they didn't warn me about the snow. I didn't even bring proper winter wear. My dream ended once the 'tsunami of ice' stopped and I was standing in a street corner.
Meaning according to dreammoods.com:
Snow
To see snow in your dream, signifies your inhibitions, repressed/unexpressed emotions and feelings of frigidity. You need to release and express these emotions and inhibitions. You may also be feeling indifferent, alone and neglected. If the snow is melting then it suggests that you are acknowledging and releasing those emotions you have repressed. You are overcoming your fears and obstacles.
To see dirty snow in your dream, refers to a loss in innocence, impurity and uncleanness. Some aspect of yourself or situation has been tainted.
To dream that you are watching the snow fall, represents a clean start and a fresh, new perspective. It is indicative of spiritual peace and tranquility.
To dream that you are playing in the snow, indicates that you need to set some time for fun and relaxation.
To dream that you find something in the snow, suggests that you are exploring and accessing your unused potential, abilities, and talents. You have uncovered some hidden talent and ability within yourself. It may also indicate forgiving yourself or others.
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Paragraphs 1 is perfect, paragraph 3 not quite.
Lately I've been feeling numb about this whole migrating thing that after my boss asked me if I'm having fun yet, I couldn't give him a straight answer. I didn't know what I was feeling! Or if ever I was feeling anything. I'm not really sad, and I'm not ecstatic too. So that leaves me with the line "Steady lang." Well, Ithere's no way I can translate that to Singlish.
About the 3rd paragraph, I didn't watch the snow fall. It fell on me and dragged me away! So I guess having 'a clean start and a fresh, new perspective' and 'spiritual tranquility' are all understatements, if not, sarcastic remarks.
4:35 PM
Friday, March 16, 2007
KL, here I come!
I've only been in Singapore for less than 3 weeks and I'm itching to travel already! Woopee!
Since I only decided to go last minute, I had to panic and buy a bus ticket early this morning. After asking everyone for directions and getting lost twice, I finally got one. I'm taking the 6-hr. bus trip alone at 10pm tonight, then meeting up with Musmos peeps, who are in KL Malaysia for a stopover. They're leaving for Bali tomorrow. Then I'm going to Petaling Jaya to see Anna, a high school friend I've never seen for so long! She's staying at a posh Hilton hotel for work, and I'm so glad she let me bunk with her. Too bad I can't join my good college friends at the beach, and too bad Tatoff's not with them :( But anyway, I'd already be elated just being with people that reminds me so much of home.
I can't wait to see Pinoy friends in a country I've never laid my eyes on. Weeee! :)
11:06 AM
my new SG buddy
I finally got a laptop! Since payday's two weeks from now, I told my Mom to lend me some money before I totally pass out from lack of YM. Chatting in the internet cafe is too expensive and gives me no privacy as well.
Being my frugal self, I opted to buy a second hand Mac from eBay instead. I won a bid just hours after signing up for eBay for the first time! Lucky me! Anyway, good thing the iBook G4's only one year old and the owner seems to have gentle hands. He told me the specs, which I barely understood, and met up for the payment of only SG$800! That's around 25k in pesos. Woopee! Mabuhay ang mga kuripot! :-) Anyway, as he enumerated the gigahertz and the internal RAM jargon to me, all I asked was, "I can surf the Net with WiFi here right?" "Of course", he said. "Then consider it sold!" Well, I only said that at the back of my head.
So there, I got a new friend in Singapore and I can wait to 'use' him or her everyday. Whatever. I don't really put genders or names to gadgets. I'm just so happy I can communicate to the Philippines without leaving my room. Now, I need to get myself a headset and a webcam, and my OFW/expat life will be complete!
Well, almost. Not until the man in my desktop is beside me, for real. :)
10:58 AM
Monday, March 12, 2007
my first AIDS test
Freaky title isn't it? But yes, I had my first ever HIV test during my medical exam here in Singapore, and I didn't even know about it!
The doctor just had took a sample of my precious blood and a week later, I get a test result saying, HIV Test - Non reactive. So much for transparency. And so much for abstaining from 'green leaves' for almost 6 months!
Anyway, I realy didn't care about that til I realized how freaky it sounds to have yourself tested - for AIDS. Never in my life did I imagine myself going to a clinic to get myself tested. What got my blood (no pun intended) boiling more is the fact that only women take the test. Melvin, my fellow newbie in SG, just had to check on the boxes saying he doesn't have HIV and Tuberculosis. Wow. I need to keep telling myself that I'm in a country where women are still discriminated against. I also found out that only Filipinos have to get an Exit Pass from the Embassy when they leave SG. But that's another story.
Days ago, I was trying to get an answer from them why only women have to take the medical exam. As it turns out, they're more paranoid about women entering the country because of the possibility of pregnancy. Before my results arrived, my boss kept asking and teasing me if I were pregnant, and I kept shouting back with a big 'No!' of course. According to him, he needs to get a new copywriter and I'd have to fly back If ever I was carrying life inside me. Apparently, no woman holding an Employment Pass can get pregnant here. Well, not until she's a Permanent Resident. It's obviously part of their population control scheme. So, note to self. Don't get pregnant here, and anywhere else for that matter. I really don't have to worry about that now unless of course an immaculate conception is possible in this day and age.
Aside from that, I discovered that most working women are HIGHLY encouraged to stop working and stay at home once they bear and rear children. Our recently promoted account supervisor, a married woman, wanted to get a puppy instead because for her, being pregnant meant losing her job. In a way, I understand her side. It just annoys me that they discourage 'working mothers' here in one way or another. But then again, what if that was the path that all women should take? I really wouldn't know. All I ask is they test people from any race or gender, for HIV. Period.
So that's another one of my OFW stories. Things like this really stir up the feminist side of me. Stay tuned for more rants and raves from your new Singapoh correspondent. This is Jenie Gabriel, signing off.
Advanced Happy Woman's Day! :P
3:52 PM
Thursday, March 08, 2007
1st week in SG
I hate this transition part.
1)I'll be broke for the first month, til I get my salary at the end of the month!
2) I don't have a laptop and I have to chat in this cafe beside a resto where a lot of Pinay GRO's hang out.
3) The other half of my heart is still in the Philippines. (And I think will almost always be.) Looking at their recent outing photos isn't even helping.
4) I miss Tatoff. I couldn't help but weep while smiling when we talked for over the cellphone for the first time.
5) It's supposed to be our first night to chat via YM with a webcam and I'm in a public place. No tears, I hope.
6) Alcohol is too expensive. So there goes one of my emotional outlets, supposedly.
7) I'm looking forward to visiting the Philippines already. And it's only been a week damn it! I got hundreds of weeks more to go.
I'm dead.
7:57 PM
Monday, March 05, 2007
Aerial view of Krabi island
