First Bowling in Qatar at Gandolandia

I'll be spending my one and a half years in Qatar this June 22, 2010 but still there are lot of places in this country that I haven't visited yet.

Last  May 9, we explored Villaggio Mall and we found a theme park inside. It is called Gandolandia.We never thought that it does exist inside the mall. There's a Ferris Wheel, Roller coaster, other rides for kids and many more. As we roam around, we found what we're looking for--a bowling lane!

Boyet de Torres, Jemar Valenzuela and me

Angelo Timtim, Jemar and me

For only QR12 per game, you can play 10-pin bowling. The rate is inclusive of bowling shoes. You can’t play unless you wear the required bowling shoes. If so happened that you forgot to wear your socks, you have to pay another QR10.

Since, I didn’t play bowling for quite a long time, the much-awaited “strike” didn’t happen. Probably, I can do it on our next visit. I will.

We enjoy the night and agreed that we’ll come back to perform our “strike” and get highest scores, as the saying goes: Practice makes perfect.

AS1 Concert at Doha, Qatar

Superstar opposites rock As 1
By Peter Townson

Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano regale an appreciative crowd at the Al Ahli stadium.

Thousands of Filipinos turned out at the Al Ahli stadium on Thursday night (April 8, 2010) to see two of their country’s superstars. Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano performed ‘As 1’ on stage.
The concert was sold out and a large number of Qatar’s OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) got a chance to sing along.
Having been rivals for the majority of their careers, the two singers have been at the top of the charts in the Phillipines for years, but last night’s concert was part of the duo’s tour as partners and best friends.
With ‘Pure Energy’, Gary Valenciano being known as the Philippines’ Michael Jackson, and the ‘Concert King’, and crooner Martin Nievera drawing comparisons with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble, the difference between the two stars could not be more obvious. However, it is the fact that both occupy opposite ends of the spectrum that made Thursday’s concert such a success.
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I was there!!! But I didn't buy ticket. I was a volunteer.

My friend and officemate Jemar persuaded me to join the gang of volunteers.
It's our first time to do so. I couldn't believe that we pulled some of the 20 feet long carpets, laid it on the ground of Al Ahli Stadium where the chairs for "Yellow" and "VIP" ticket buyers will be placed. Arranged the chairs and numbered them as well. Yes, I did it because I was part of the volunteers for "manpower". My feet really ache before the concert begins so I decided to sit on the grass and watch as people pass by. Whew! I'm really exhausted and hungry as well.

I told myself that next time, I would be in the VIP seat so I can enjoy the show without thinking that I might be scolded because I forget that I am a volunteer. "Rule no. 1, as volunteer your mission is to serve. I don't want to see you being in the forefront getting autographs or pictures of Gary V. and Martin", that's the reminder to all of us by Kuya Roy Ocampo, the Head of the Security for the concert.

Anyway, all of my body pains, thirst and hunger went up to the sky when Gary V. sings "Take me out of the dark", "Babalik ka rin", "The Warrior is a child" and many more of my favorite songs. I danced with the crowd when he sings " Sa Yahweh" at "Ihataw ang galaw". I cheered, clapped also with the crowd when Martin Nievera serenades us of  "Be my lady", "Ikaw ang aking Pangarap" and more songs that I loved.

Mr. Peter Townson is right when he said that last Thursday concert was a success. I was there and we made it!



Source

Early Birds Catch Early...Real Chinese Foods :D

Last Thursday, I got a message from a dear friend from my Facebook inbox that says: "Be there at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant-Qatar for the dedication of my son, Zac. Be there at 12:30- 3PM. P.S. bring Ninong Marlon with you--Boyet"


I'm just wondering if anyone needs Chinese visa to eat in a Chinese Restaurant. I'm just kidding. Of course, what I need is an empty, not just empty stomach. We call it "pasal" in Batangas. Yeah, you should be "pasal", overly pasal. Don't ask me why? The restaurant offers "eat-all-u-can". Got it?

Tito Marlon and I arrived at the restaurant at 11:30am. We've got to be early. And we can't afford to be late- we are already starving! (Ssshh..Keep it secret). At the entrance we're greeted by the host, Boyet and his ever-gorgeous wife Miles with a warm smile and handshake and a respectful mano for Tito Marlon. Charming and bubbly Carmela (Zac's ate) was also there. 

The venue is adorned by Chinese lanterns and wood carvings. As I gazed upon the decors inside the restaurant, I can't focus enough because my hunger fangs keep shouting at me: "kain na tayo!". I'm trying to convince my pet, the 8-foot checkered Anaconda in my stomach to wait for some time because the host has not yet declared "sugod mga kapatid". 

Finally, the moment has arrived. The host just announced the good news: the buffet is ready! I noticed my pet leaped for joy.

Wow! I can't believe that the sumptuous Chinese foods in the buffet table are all mine! Lol. To keep you salivating, let me itemized what are the Chinese cuisines: soup, spring rolls, sweet and sour fish, turkey, fried rice, chop suey, fried chicken, calamares,  shrimps, and beef teriyaki. I found this orange-pancit-like menu. And there's also the white-pancit-like menu. Sorry I never had the chance to ask their names. But they taste good. Promise, from now on I'll get the names of the food before eating them. There's also the vegetable salad corner. I'm not used seeing onions in the salad, only lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, sweet corn and cheese but today, I can find onions but can't find the cheese...or maybe in middle-east version of salad, cheese has to take a leave of absence. I almost forgot the dessert table that is full of sweets stuff like cakes, green gelatin, fresh orange fruits, fruit juice and soft drinks among others. 

Boyet and Miles keep reminding us that we can come back for more. Oh, I almost forgot, It's eat-all-u-can!
Being sweet friends and loyal to the republic of Ala-eh, Tito Marlon and I keep coming back, till our tummy signals "full tank".

That day, I fully utilized the word maximazation. And I did. I maximize my time and my eating-capacity. Don't worry we didn't consume all the foods. There were lots of visitors from co-workers, church mates and friends alike who did the same strategy of maximization. I can't believe that what I ate that day costs only 38 Qatari Riyals (475 pesos)! I can only say one thing: It's worth coming back--to the buffet table!

By the way, Boyet and his family will go to Philippines the following day for the much-awaited vacation for mommy Miles, Carmela and Zac. By the way, cute baby Zac is certified Qatari! He is certified made in Qatar.

Good luck and happy trip to you guys!

P.S. for Boyet and Miles, includes us again next time on your list. Whether it's Zac's birthday or in any occasions that you need friends to eat all your food (lol). Promise, we will never be late.

Wanted: Father

I still remember when you sing
Country songs of your time,
While I'm on your lap watching your lips
Mimicking your rhyme.

At times when we gather woods
And cathing birds,
Taking a bath together
and rubbing each others back.

As the water on the clay jar
Runs out one day,
I'd come with you
With my tiny plastic bottle.

Now...
As I stand beside your tomb
Remembering the memories we had,
Indeed it was short but would not fade
No matter how I get old.

After twenty-five years of my journey
Without you at my side,
I'd never missed passing this way
To pray and lift my hope in silence.

Tomorrow, maybe...
If the high tides prevent me
From going here again,
 This is all I promise...
Your grandsons would know
And hear the songs you played.

One Little Rose

Do you have loved ones who just passed away? Have you ever felt a lump of guilt in your heart that you wished you could be somehow expressive of your love towards that person? Have you wished that if you could just turned back the hands of time and rewrite the past?

I would like to invite you to read the following poems that I've heard from one of Fr. Jerry Orbos' Oh! Some Moments. I've got this from http://pinoy.fm/song/5dc54fc89/one-little-rose

Please read and have a glimpse of a little issue in our life. I said little because this issue is really negligible but it does really matters more importantly when our loved ones are being called to eternity. Somehow this “little” thing in life is often taken for granted and its importance becomes too late to realize.

Here it goes...

One Little Rose

I’d rather have one little rose from the garden of a friend

Than to have the choices flowers when my life has come to end

I’d rather hear a pleasant word in kindness said to me

Than flattery when my heart is still and my life has ceased to be.

I’d rather see a loving smile from a friend whom I know are true

Than tears had around my casket when this world I bid a due

So bring me all your flowers today what a pink, or white, or red

I’d rather have one blossom now than a truckload when I’m dead.

So, what can you say or comment about the poem? Did it strike you bull’s eye as what it did to me?

Let me share you my story.

When my sister died three years ago, I still vividly remember how she looks like when I arrived in the hospital; her eyes was half-opened and she was cold lying on the stretcher inside the emergency room. She died 30 minutes ago while I was still on the bus on the way to the hospital. She seemed waiting for us: my mom, my older brother, and her eight children. I knew then that she’s not ready to leave especially her three-year old youngest son. As I gave my final hug and kiss to her; I whispered to her and said...”I’ll take good care of your children. Go in peace”. I touched her eyes and closed it slowly.

Deep inside of me, I was rejoicing. I’ll tell you why.

My Ate and I had not-so-good-memories especially during my elementary days. We fight most of the times because of so many reasons. Some were petty. Some were very serious that I was always left kneeling, with my both hands on the sideward because I was being punished by my late father. Most of the time, my father’s belt would always leave a mark on my hips. This was always been the scene every time we had a fight. My dad would always reiterate to me that I should not fight back because she’s my older sister. I felt devastated because I wasn’t given the chance to defend my side. I was just too young to understand that a boy shouldn’t fight a girl like her. Deep inside, I would always tell myself that I’d grow up someday and I’ll find ways to avenge.

My relationship with Ate got better when I decided to work in Manila after high school. Ate cried when I kissed her goodbye on that day. She cried because...it was my first time to kiss her or maybe, I would say she was overwhelmed of the fact that she would miss me.

Well, she has all the reasons to miss me. When Ate got married at an early age of 15 (I was 12 year old then), I have witnessed the battle she been through. I became her very supportive ally: a baby-sitter, an errand boy and an accomplice every time she’d left the house because she had a fight with her husband.

Anyway, I don’t have the choice but to stick to her side no matter what. Our father died already and our mother was not around because of work. In short, I must stay.

How did our relationship changed into a good one?

Did God make a miracle?

No.

God gave me a change of heart.

One night, I had this very bad dream about Ate. In my dream, she was being abused brutally in front of me...and I was so helpless! The dream was so bad that when I woke up, I was crying. The dream seemed very real to me. Since then, I promised to myself that whatever hurtful words that Ate would utter against me; I would not fight back. If she asked me to do an errand; I would do it willingly. Just the thought of losing her was terrifying.

The following day, I became his new brother.
I no longer see her as a horrible bitch; a villain; a witch.

I look at her at simply as my sister that very much in need of help.

I had a conviction then that a persistent act of little love would penetrate a hardened heart. And that’s what I did.

Every Mother’s day, I’d give her red roses or a chocolate.Every birthday, I had a gift for her no matter how cheap it was. Hair band. Set of kitchen utensils... etc. Every Christmas, I had her simple request made come true; to cook for the family on Christmas Eve. Of course, I would always have a surprise gift for her and for her family. Every time I leave her place, I would kiss her. Because I learned that I have to live everyday as if it is my last day. Who knows?

As I gazed upon Ate’s corpse, I’ve searched my heart and relived our memories together. She loved to write me wherever my work was. She called me utoy even I’m no longer a kid. She would share her pain about her married life, with her headaches in growing kids and in return, I would just be there to listen. She would always tell me that she envied me because I was able to finish college on my own. Every time I’d visit her family, she would always have a present for me: sometimes sumang-balinghoy, fruits in season, and so on. Her ways of telling me that she loved me as her brother...that she felt loved and so was able to give it back.

I was rejoicing because I knew that I was able to give her more than just one little rose, but a bunch of love that nothing in this world can contain during her lifetime. I have no more guilt feelings. I have no more frustrations. And I don’t need to turn back the hands of time because the time has been with me all the while.

Now that she’s in peace and no more pain to endure, I have another reason to celebrate.

My New Home:Qatar

"We're approaching Doha International Airport" the Stewardess announces over the intercom.

I feel anxious and excited at the same time. This is it! This is for real! I can't believe myself that I'm here. I can feel the chilling cold on the tarmac and even colder inside the Doha Airport. As we fall in line for the immigration, I began looking back. Now I'm on my own. I can vividly remember when I'm in Mumbai airport with my kababayans whom I just met and acquainted there. I told myself that I have no single reason to panic because God has proven His omnipotent guidance and love for me.

"Next, please" the Qatari airport personnel looks at me as he guides me to the immigration counter.

I stepped forward to the immigration counter and gave my passport, visa and other travel documents. Without questions ask, the immigration officer stamped my passport. I feel relieved because I thought it would be a difficult process as I heard before. I went to the Baggage conveyor to look for my baggage. Finally, after almost 10 minutes of searching, I found my luggage already on the floor. I got stroller, loaded my baggage and proceeded to the Arrival area to look for a curly hair, tall lady, wearing a green vest name Ms. Maria.

I went to the Costa Coffee shop as instructed by Ms. Rush, my agent in the Philippines where Ms. Maria would pick me up. The huge crowd waiting in the arrival area became my obstacle course as I began searching for Ms. Maria. Alas, I saw a lady sitting inside the coffee shop with the same description. I'm about to approach the lady and introduce myself when a heard a voice at my back speaking "bisaya".

"Dugay na me didto" the lady narrates to somebody over the cell phone.

When I looked back to see whose voice would that be, I saw the real Ms. Maria, the tall Spanish mestiza, very charming and beautiful lady. No one could possibly identify her as a Visayan Filipina.

"Nilo, I'm following you" Ms. Maria recalled.

"Paano ninyo ako nakikilala?" I asked her.

"Nakita ko 'yong bag mo na may pangalan mo" She pointed to my baggage with the bold letters of my identification.

We laughed together and walked outside the arrival area.

Ms. Maria called up a Karwa taxi. I loaded my baggage in the compartment and seated on the driver's side. On the way to my "new home", I was in awe looking on the different buildings, establishments, and night façade of Doha City.

At my back, I heard Ms. Maria calling Tim. She said the guy would be waiting for us in Sana Market. He would be my housemate. 5 minutes later, the taxi stopped at the front of Sana Market. I saw this guy maybe 5'4" tall; he wears a red bonnet and a jacket with a yellow stripe on the arm side.

Ms. Maria introduced me to Engr. Tim while the latter sits beside Ms. Maria at the back seat. I just said hello to him because I can hardly extend my hand for a handshake. Anyway, I would have ample time to know this guy. Two years would be enough maybe.