The SightSeer

commit

2010-08-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

a friend once told me "you know what, you've got commitment issues".

I just realized after watching the classic "Breakfast at Tiffayn's", that i actually do.

The Sauna Connection

2010-04-06T02:29:00.000-07:00

I could feel the sweat oozing from my pores. It was relaxing. I knew I had to do this before I started my week.

There were a few people in the sauna, conversation exchanges in the background as I closed my eyes. The old Chinese man in the corner was impressed with the Malaysian's ability to speak Mandarin and even learn 4 other languages. Isn't it amazing how much you can learn from a stranger's background in a place like this.

An old big-bellied Kiwi guy, who I often see, entered the room and sat beside me. I wanted to say, "Move over"...it was just a bubble thought. He checked out the girl in the other corner and started a small chat. I wanted to poke his eyes because of the way he impolitely stared and stared and stared at her. The girl was apparently from Thailand and have lived here for 10 years. She's been working as a waitress in the JAsmine RIce Thai REstaurant along Remuera Road. He was definitely hitting on her.

ok ok ok. Jowe, stop listening and relax. Focus.

The door opened and another character entered the scene. I saw him earlier, handsome in his white shirt and blue boardshorts.
He sat one level below me.

When all of the others left the room, the only noise that filled the air was my breath and his. HE learned forward and clasped his face with both hands, deep in thought. AFter a deep sigh, settled back to his old position and leaned on the edge of the bench.

I said, "relaxed now?". He looked up at me, smiled and said "Yeah". Cute.

He was a Kiwi who bought tickets and finally decided to move to London, come May. So he's got 4 weeks and a half remaining. We talked about travels, why the move, transferring countries, etcetera. I found it funny how the conversation just went spontaneously and no awkwardness.

We talked about life and decisions to be made. The "why New Zealand" cliche question, answers that seemed to have been said over a gazillion times. But the exchange was fluid.

He sat beside me during the second sauna session. We continued on about our travels, and choices of places. And still about life.

AT past 8, he said "that's me", and said goodbye.

I said, "Goodluck".

And that was it.

"Katuwang"

2010-04-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

I learned this word from a friend of mine. "Katuwang".

It's impact surprised me. I found myself sobbing in tears.

"Katuwang". A filipino word meaning "Companero" or Partner.

Partner in crime. It would be a nice thought to have one.

The Corner of 4 years ago

2010-04-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

Dorchester St., corner St. John's Road.

Buses 007, 625, 685 collect people from the bus stop in front of Purewa Cemetery.

The crackling sound of the cooking oil as the fish wrapped with flour sizzle into brown fills the fish and chip shop.

The Indian lady smiles at me across the counter of the dairy shop where I usually top up my Go Rider bus card.

Portofino sleeps through the day, quietly anticipating the catchup dinners and laughter at night.

I sit on the edge of the colour gray bench, my favorite spot. The breeze is cooler than a few weeks before, signs of autumn and winter approaching. I take my first bite off the tip of my Nestle Caramel flavoured ice cream while grasping everything around me, enough to feed my hungry senses. I want to take this with me forever.

This is where it all started for me. Meadowbank Suburb, Auckland Region, 2006. Dorchester St. corner St. Johns Road. I feel nostalgic.

Simple. Defined.

I loved the silence of that life 4 years ago. When responsibilities were things of the future and places were yet to be explored. Things were simple back then. To buy a bottle of milk in the freezing cold of winter wasn't much of a big deal. We didn't have a car so we decided to buy a cheap stroller bag to carry our weekly grocery from the far away bus stop. Dragging it up Gowing drive was always a challenge, until it gave up on us. It's last day of service was a hilarious scene of me running after the wheel that got loose.

Weekends were filled up with household chores, lazy sundays and library moments. That was the routine. Plain and simple. No hang ups, just full of dreams for the years to come.

We just lived in a 1-bedroom apartment that was damp and chilly in winter, but we never complained. The electric stove seemed to have stood there for centuries but it still cooked fine. We only had a small 4-chair table covered with cheap linen. The receiving area was small but cozy, designed with a sofa which actually served as a bed. All of the furnitures were second hand, bought by my sister from the amazing world of Trade Me.

We actually lived in the garage floor of a 2-storey house in Meadowbank. A chinese couple upstairs seemed to have always acted as our silent guardian. When rain started to pour, Lee (the wife), would pack up our hanging laundry in our absence. And during the harvest season, she would knock at our door with her lovely smile, giving us a few of her husbands delights from their garden.

Simple. Small. But enough. We had our privacy, and we had our routines.

Now and again I revisit that corner. I labour my mind with the memories. I lavish my thoughts with the simplicity and how I actually would want it to be that way again, knowing in the back of my mind it wouldn't be. Or perhaps in another country? or in another lifetime?

How come it's turned complicated this time?

.... I rest my mind..

The Last Days of Paul

2010-04-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

The last time I was in that DVD shop, I was staring at the shelves but had wandering thoughts. That was me during my heartache days.

Today I Decided to pass by that same DVD shop and find something to inspire me. Maybe a movie with a plot that would give me a better insight in "writing" about travels.

My eyes settled on the cover of the box entitled "The Last Days of Paul". It had 2 guys with a backpack, walking on white sand. Looked liked the one I'm looking for.

Charlie and Cliff.

Exercise 5 - Travel Writing (lonely planet)

2010-04-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

Try to write a compelling beginning.

Remember the following tips:
- move on if you can't find a compelling start to your story. don't waste too much time.
- if with difficulty, try making na list of important experiences you had on that trip and then organize
- the structure of your beginning if your calling card to editors and your one change to inspire him/her to read on.

My sample:

His eyes were closed as his fingers fluidly played on the keys. The color of his skin was a good contrast against the bronze body of his saxophone. I stood in front of him and dropped a few quarters, my first time to have Aussie money. He heard the coins land on his basking case. He gave me a nod of acknowledgement and smiled, as he continued on to play to the tune of "What a Beautiful World".

I just arrived in Sydney.

The lively atmosphere on that Friday night gave me my first taste of the Sydney kind of lifestyle. Couple walking along the port comfortably chatting, held on to each other hands and found their way through the rush-hour of the afternoon. Yuppies in their smart work attire seemed so beautiful and handsome albeit the need to catch the next train ride. Impressively professional compared to the fashion sense here in Auckland.

Vibrant. Alive. Huge. Adjectives that purely described this city. the small alleys offerred a lot to explore, pubs or shops. The aura was more European to me than American. I guess that's why I felt like I was in London.

I found that I liked it there. The "hugeness" swallowed my "smallness", made me anonymous in the crowd. Although for some, Auckland's defined cityscapes is enough to keep them calm, safe and laidback.

Exercise 4

2010-04-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

In Media Res - "in the middle of things" -
Practice how to begin a travel writers article on a recent travel you've made.

I choose my trip to Sydney, Australia, last January, 2010.

- It looked like a picture-perfect postcard with the glowing moon on top of the sharp white contours of the Opera House, although, this time it was for real. I didn't expect to be on the rooftop of a YHA backpacker in the heart of Sydney just a stone throw away from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

The Rocks area has been claimed to be the birthplace of Sydney.

The Continuation of "Not Meant to Be"

2010-04-03T02:38:00.000-07:00

I reviewed this blog and realized my last entry was October 2009.

Today's April 3, 2010. Time flies. Cliche? yeah. I've written that statement more often than I should be.

What has transpired between October 2009 and today can be described a series of "dramas". Looking back I can't believe I've allowed myself to be part of it. Yet, these dramas in a lifetime sets what you are now or maybe in the future. Makes you realize a lot and equips you with more when you go through the same dilemma again.

I welcomed 2010 with tears. MAde me scared for the first 2 hours after midnight. Fireworks were sparking and booming, yet, ironically, I was crying. For a while I thought, OH NO, this might mean a year of more heartaches and rejection. I remembered Mom telling us when we were kids to jump up as high as we can so we'll grow taller.

As I write this now I guess I can say I'm stronger. I can filter my emotions, my desires, my wantings...better. or perhaps, the best word to use is, i'm tapering off a few of unnecessary things in my thoughts or heart.

However, I can also say I've added more cushion. AS a friends once told me, if I had a "wall" before, now it's grown to be "The Great Wall of China". made me laugh. That was the best way of describing it.

Bottomline is, everything happened because..I wasn't meant yet to be in a relationship. The odds were against us...or maybe just me. IT just wasnt meant to be.

Bottomline is, if someone really loves you, he'll do everything to win you.....over and over again. that's it.

SAVE ME

2009-11-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

I found this on draft mode. Why? Can't really remember.

Save Me.

A 2-word suppressed sentence yearning to shout the emotions behind the heart ache and frustrations. That was me during the last quarter of 2009.

Today's April, 2010. Am I still in the same state?

maybe not on the heartache aspect.

but maybe on the fact of acknowledging the weakness of "neediness"

my prayer for mr.right

2009-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

a friend of mine once told me to write it out to the universe. a prayer that would bring out the woes that we have deep inside... the need and the desire to have the right one by our side.

and so here it goes.

i pray that he receives me in my entirety, as i will accept him too. with no hesitations nor doubts. with no complacency nor just out of convenience.
i pray that he has the commitment to a relationship, to walk through this life with me, towards a goal that would serve Him better.
i pray that he has the will to understand my tantrums and my moods.....hear my thoughts and try to rationalize any senseless emotions ....
i pray that I would see through him too, and he would walk this life with me, as we journey to the sharing of souls.....of heart...of mind.......
i pray that he risks everything in his life...with me..and me alone........ not giving in to temptation......not just giving in to a moment...but giving in because he loves me........my entirety...as i am to him.
i pray that he gives the relationship a chance at any point when there are challenges, fights, misunderstandings.......
i pray that it works, until we get old.....sitting bteside each other.......
i pray that if someone in the relationship has done a mistake, that the other doesn't want to take revenge, but rather work it out

Trippin'

2009-10-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

In times when you know you're under the influence of alcohol, floating and speeding are 2 things that pumps up the adrenaline.. which brings you to the notion of gripping on to the wheels and flying along the highway.

i think i drank too much last night......

The Best Part of Me was You

2009-09-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi7kHvM-ivI&feature=channel

and....had this reflection...

the part where he said "the best part of me was always you" made me smile....
not because it reminded me of someone, but because i'm so glad i'm not feeling that emotion or sentiment.

after the trip, i've never felt so alive...and thankful that i'm single. :)

Backpackers

2009-09-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

My first experience of backpacking alone was the ultimate feeling for me...of being ALIVE. It's been stressful a few days before I headed for South America...most to be blamed on what to and what not to bring ... in my 60L North Face Blue Backpack (my beloved travel buddy).

And so, here's a list of the stuff I've brought with me and a link which inspired me to travel light :)

http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm#Essential%20clothing:

1. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING -
- the main key is....RESEARCH...do lots of that. read a lot about where you're going and be conscious of the weather and climate during that time you'll be in your target destination.

2. CLOTHING -
- pack light...means...DO NOT BRING YOUR WARDROBE ALONG WITH YOU!!!
- i would usually bring one week's worth of tops (shirts and long sleeved tops)..which would imply, you can do some washing during your trip. (i did this during my 2 month south america trip)
- weather conditions will dictate your clothing apparel. when it's winter/chilly...the secret to this would be..LOTS OF LAYERS. I invested on heaps of icebreakers and thermal wear. And just brought with me a fleece instead of a downey jacket just to avoid the bulk. if you're going to a country that has cheap clothing, then it's worth buying from there. remember, it's always recommended to start your travels light.
- others prefer not to bring jeans at all. it's a personal preference. i brought mine and 2 other cargo pants. 1 of which that can be used as either shorts or trousers/pants.
- always bring a decent top in case you're going to a more than casual kind of night out or event.

3. MEDS / VACCINES
- and again..RESEARCh.... check what's required in the country you're headed to. it pays if you read a lot about it and the latest travel advisory. better safe than sorry.

4. FOOTWEAR
- some recommend not to bring hiking boots...but i always wear one when on a trip. that's just to protect my ankle and in case we're going for heavy duty hikes/treks. some would prefer sneakers or trainers. all depends on how comfortable you are and a serious break-in(test) of your footwear is essential. remember, your trip would depend on how sturdy you'll be able to explore the places. you won't be able to have fun and adventures if you're stuck with a sore foot.

5. KITS/EXTRA
- always remember to pack stuff to the smallest that you can. my technique of packing is to roll the clothing so that it wouldn't eat that much space.
- often times i would buy a few small containers and put a month's supply in it (for those who have allergies this is what i recommend). then the extra supply is hidden in my main backpack.
- always bring a poncho to protect you from the rain, in case you don't have a rainproof jacket.
- flashlight or lighthead gears would be essential most especially for night or early morning walks...or call of nature (meaning toilet call in the jungle or campsite).
- it's been always an issue if you'd bring your towel or not. i've bought em a micro fiber which is easy to dry and doesn't eat that much space.
- scissors, lighters..... these you need to bring

6. SLEEPING BAG OR NOT?
- i still brought mine...but also brought along with me a silkliner. now if you're renting one during the trip, the silkliner is the best tip i can give you :)

there's still a lot i need to revisit to add to this list. but for now, here's all i can remember from my trip. wil update soon. :)

2009-09-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

they say know your product before you sell it. (as said by my cuz).....

each and everyone of you in my email list have traveled places outside the Philippines. And through each exploration and experience, I know you've brought along memories of the environment, structure, landscape, maintenance, etc.

What I would like to ask from you is to email me back any suggestion you have in mind to further improve the tourism in the Philippines. I've been researching lately, trying to compare the standards that we have in terms of national parks, hiking, backpacking, etc... unfortunately, we have a long way to go. If you see something that you come across with during your travels, maybe here in NZ or another country (Missy Foy i know you've got a lot to share on this one).....then please take note of this.....

Last week I've been reading the news and found that the Department of Tourism will try to set our standards at par with the other Asian countries....setting 2015 as the target year to materialize all of the plans and missions.

I know the Philippines is a little bit underrated in terms of tourism, as compared to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia. But we've got a lot to offer.... one step at a time. It would be great if people from different countries would have the courage to explore not just our beaches, dive sites, wreck sites but also our sierras (mountains) and other landscapes.

As I've read once, "It would be great if everyone can travel, then maybe the world would be a better place, because people would be more tolerant".

We are all guilty of ignorance at one point or another. (Site for example, I didn't know people from Chile have more German influence). In exploring and trying to understand the culture, you get to experience the exchange of knowledge. I beg you to be a traveler and not just a tourist....don't just take pictures for the sake of saying you've been to that place.....don't be afraid to extend to the locals and continue learning...for travel is an exchange. We learn from them, and they on the other hand learn from us too......and everytime, I try to add more to their knowledge of the Philippines.

From my 2 months away....traveling the different countries in South America......going back home to the Philippines is the culmination of this all. Never have I been more appreciative and more proud to be a Filipino. Yes, we've got a long way to go...but we've got to start somewhere right?

~ Jowe

Impacts of Climate Change to Philippines Marine Ecosystem

2009-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

excerpt from http://www.oceanheritage.com.ph/

Impacts of Climate Change to Philippines Marine Ecosystem
Seventy percent of Philippine communities are located in coastal areas thus The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The increase in temperature is already is causing irregular monsoon and extreme weather events in recent decades that devastate the fishery sectors.
The warming of sea water often associated with El Niño episodes have [...]

2009-09-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

Through the realizations i've had during my not so long ago travels, this...here...starts my own awareness and small way of introducing such.....

http://www.childprotection.org.ph/

Though unofficial, this is the first website that features organizations in the Philippines, both state-run and non-governmental, that work on the issue of child protection. This is a project supported by the Arci Cultura E Sviluppo, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, and UNICEF Manila with the participation of 8 more organizations. This undertaking aims to present to the world the situation of abused children and the roles of these organizations in addressing the issues through the World Wide Web.
If you are an organization or individual involved in the same field in the Philippines or even outside the Philippines but providing services to Filipino children, you definitely belong to this site! Be a contributor -- articles, data, studies, photos or literary pieces. We believe an official website is timely, or should we say long overdue. Please let this effort be the link in uniting individuals and organizations to help the Filipino child.
THE PROJECT. In mid 1997, several child-focused organizations in the Philippines began to independently consider the internet as a useful tool in research work, advocacy and networking. Several organizations felt that so much work had been done in the Philippines in the area of child protection, and that a collection of these initiatives may benefit a large group -- from direct service workers and child care workers to policy makers, funding institutions, government agencies, researchers and other interested individuals and groups.
Consultations were conducted among government and non-government organizations. A steering committee was eventually formed which was responsible for the conceptualization and the development of the web page and data base project. Members of the committee include The Advisory Board Foundation, Arci Cultura e Sviluppo, Ateneo Human Rights Center-Adhikain Para Sa Karapatang Pambata, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse, Council for the Welfare of Children, Department of Social Welfare and Development, ECPAT-Philippines, Child Protection Unit, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, UNICEF-Manila, and the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Psychosocial Trauma & Human Rights Program.
The project provides a comprehensive view of the situation in the Philippines and the status of the program development work in addressing these issues. It features various programs and practices administered by both the government and non-government organizations. Secondly, it will collect volumes of research work that can be shared remotely by downloading via Internet and incidentally minimize duplication of research initiatives.

The Return

2009-09-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

The 2 months and a half that I've been away, life has taken its turn. Moreoever realizations has materialized and I really hope would be sustainable.

And so it begins....

2009-02-26T00:45:00.000-08:00

In my effort to wander the premises of countries I've never explored, here I am starting up a blog of my travels.

I've never been good in keeping an online post of each adventures i've been through. But this will be my first attempt to scribble down all of my research in preparation for my upcoming South America trip.

And so it begins....