Juan : The Winning Life Survivor

         "His name is Juan. He was raised in a not so well-off family. His father is a farmer in the province and his mother worked as a house servant. They are struggling in their daily meal. He feels that they are helpless. They know that he can't finish his studies but he is persistent. His father is opposing him to go to school because they lack of financial means but he is not giving up. He is fighting for his future, and for his family too. He went to the city to rear up himself with full of convictions. He knows that he can survive the trials they are facing. He knows that still there is an ample light in the middle of the tunnel and he will use it to lighten up the way till he reach the end. He is an optimist. A life activist. He will painstakingly do everything to survive the battle. He knows he will survive. That was 20 years ago.

   His name is Juan. He was raised in a not so well-off family but he never lose hope. He strove hard to attained the life he wanted to achieve. Now he is going back home to his country. Taking all the labor of his hardships.  He went abroad for work. It's been awhile since he left and he never seen his family for few years. They may not recognize him anymore because he has changed.  He knew it was hard, but he made it. He was emotionally battered but he won over all those different predicaments in life, alone. He was tortured, emotionally, so he knows now how to deal with them. He is like a soldier who withstand all the battle. He can say that he is so strong like a warrior. An invincible. He defied trials. He is a battle survivor. "

    

    Being an expat worker, like Juan, who were struggling in life, giving up is not an option. We have to motivate ourselves and try to uplift our spirits to liberate ourselves from the bondage of poverty. Take a big leap forward. I know, it's hard sometimes, but once we stumble and fail, try one step backward and push yourself up forcefully. Then the rest  depends on the Almighty. Most of us gave up easily when problem strikes us hard but being an individual who has faith with Him, everything is possible. Everything can be obtain with His Grace and Glory. Just trust Him and everything will be as  smooth-sailing as we wanted it to be.

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Disclaimer: The photo used are not owned by the author. These photos are conspicuously scattered all over the web, I assume I could use them for my blog. If I offended you please lemme know

Thank You

Dear Readers,

      Thank You for visiting my blog. I do really appreciate all of your efforts & overwhelming pms and comments every day(crossing my fingers haha) I am going to change the theme of my blog from personal to something more meaningful. I will dedicate this blog to signify my status as an individual. I am a  Filipino currently working abroad. So I will make this blog more essential to me as an Expat. To make this helpful to other Filipinos worldwide expect more substantial post about life abroad, tips, funny posts, advise and some ice breakers. So I will be updating this every week and I hope that you'll enjoy all of my postings.

    Thanks so much and Mabuhay!!!

Just for fun: My Top 10 Favorite Animated Film Character

JUST SHARING

       Films play vital part in the growth of human society. It preeminently depicts on how human deal with their daily lives. It could be in different genres depends on the audience they entertain. Nowadays, one of the best genre of film is Animation. The advanced application of technology successfully dominated the current trends of film making hence, most of the animated film shown are box office locally and even internationally.

      The best part about animated films is that it entails lessons that suited for younger age. Moreover, the themes of these films endures the consciousness and the cognitive development of the young viewers. Each character leaves different impression to the audience. They could be in a form of human, animals or any unparalleled entities that sometimes resembles the qualities of the real human being. So, I have listed down Ten of my favorite animated film characters I adored since childhood.  I never forget most of them now that I have reached this age and perhaps until when I get old.
     
       This is not a film review cause I am not good at it (LOL). I just specifically defined each character and the reason why I like 'em. So here they are. Hope you like them too.

1. Chihiro/Zen (Spirited Away; 2001) - a young girl who possesses great characters. Her parents was turned into pigs as a punishment by Yubaba, a witch & a bathhouse owner in the spirit world. With Haku, she explored the magical rendezvous of spirits, witches and some earthly entities. She shows bravery, courage and love to get back her parents and returns to the human world. This film is one of the best animated film ever created and Chihiro (Zen) is on my top spot.

2.  Merida (Brave; 2012) - a free-spirited young Scotland princess who wants to follow her own path and do what she thinks is right. She loves horse back riding and archery that shouldn't be the interest of  a princess though. She completely objected the tradition of marrying the Prince of the firstborn son of nearby clan. With her archery skill, she defeated them that causes conflict with her mother, the Queen. And that's where the adventures started on.

3. Donkey (Shrek Films) - oh my favorite, the hyperactive, loyal and boisterous friend of Shrek. His epic funny lines caught my heart  so far. I love the way Eddie Murphy played the character. His voice is awesome indeed that matches the qualities of this peculiar and odd looking creature hahaha He is also the reason why I am watching Shrek and will continue to pass it on to my kids by the near future. darn out of the topic lol  ^,^

4. Master Shifu (Kung Fu Panda)  - A Kung-Fu master who mentored and helped Po to become the "Dragon Warrior". He's like an inch tall that possesses the full strength and power of a hundred men (seriously, an inch tall? lmao). He unexpectedly entertained the viewer by his wit, a bit sense of humor and a bit of seriousness that brought his companions closer.

 

5. Remy (Ratatouille; 2007) - Seriously, a rat in the kitchen, are you kidding me?  Oh no not Remy, because he seriously knows how to cook. He is gifted with a sense of taste and smell unusual to domestic pest like him. He even swept away all the best chef in the famous restaurant in France by controlling the movement of a young man by pulling his hair while hiding inside the toque. I hate rats though but when I watched this film, I begun to wonder and think if rats can really cook.. darn... wish to have a smart rat like that at home. LOL

6. Russel (Up; 2009) -  a young devout wilderness explorer that accompanied Carl Fredricksen to get to Paradise Falls. Despite his youthful innocence, he is full of convictions and so brave enough to handle obstacles along their journey. I really love his character in this film. darn! how I wish I was more of like him when I was a kiddo... LOL.. He's a true winner , who wouldn't love him though?! 

7. Minions (Despicable Me; 2010; 2013) - I love Minions  simply because they look harmless and cute  ^,^  Their careless actions seem so humorous and their endless loyalty to Gru is so impressive  how I really want to purchase collectibles of them.  ^,^

8. Cruella De Vil ( Dalmatians; 1996)   - She's a villain with finesse. Her name is an equivoque of the words cruel and devil <booooo>. A fab and glam woman like her, kidnaps dalmatian puppies to make herself a coat made of fur and add them to her collections. gosh She is so intimidating hahaha
     I remember my teacher way back then we called her Cruella because she was a terror teacher (literally she was) in our batch but she was sexy and too lovely to be hated.. geeeez!





9. Coraline Jones (Coraline; 2009) - she's curious, smart and resourceful young girl whose curiosity opened the small door leading to the Other World which is magically paralleled to the Pink Palace occupied by the duplicated tenants of the lodge including her parents. She felt really depressed and neglected by her parents so she started to wander and love the other world with her "Other Parents". This is so creepy  and slightly scary but I still love her adventures and of course, the voice behind her. ^,^ my ultimate crush - Dakota Fanning. yey


10. Maleficent ( Sleeping Beauty, 1959) - At first I doubted if Maleficent should be on my list but when I watched again the film, I realized how she worth a spot.  ^,^ The story started when an evil fairy got mad when she was not invited in the christening of Princess Aurora. The celebration turns out to be a disaster as she cast a curse to the princess but the last fairy who hasn't give the gift yet, somehow weakens the curse. The story ended up with the famous ending line - " .. and they live happily ever after"

     She's one of a kind evil fairy Godmother. Though she's a jealous fairy, I still love her strong-willed personality, standing against what she thinks is unfair, and her authoritativeness that scares people around her. Indeed it's unfair not to be invited to a kingdom-wide banquet, who wouldn't feel embarrassed and upset in her case?! My sympathy is on her though. hahaha

   

         Obviously I am a fan of animated films. Surely, I am enjoying watching these films again and again. Each moments gloriously rejuvenates me and helps me feel the rare joy of being youth.  Naaahh! by the way, thanks so much for reading and how I wish you like them too.

    And oh I forgot, the latest addition to my favorites is Olaf the Snowman ^,^ from the recent box-office animated film FROZEN. Darn! I laugh out loud while watching this film. I giggled most of the scenes because of his humorous acts and lines. His waggish behavior is truly appealing though. hahaha. 





   And that's it for now, hope you like it. See you in my next post.

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Disclaimer : All photos used are not owned by the author. These photos are conspicuously scattered all over the web, so I assume I could use them for my blog. If I offended you, please lemme know. - 

The Expat's Boss

JUST SHARING  

       When 'the expat' heard the news that his boss is leaving, He jumped out of his chair and felt relieved. At last, his 'pain in the butt' burden in the office is about to end because his boss is stepping out of their office. He was not the only one who is 'celebrating' but almost all of employees. All victims of his not so-good attitude.

        Their company is dominated by "KN Nationals". (Just to keep this people private I will just use some abbreviation and some slang term.) They came from the region near where Filipinos came from. They have intimidating looks with white-smoothed skin and most of them have good-shaped physique. They are hardworking clan of warriors as what they claimed. And his boss - He prefer to call him Mr. D. Nobody knows that he call him that way because  he wanna keep it himself privately. It isn't his intention to diminish the reputation of his boss but he would just like to express what he feels towards him.
          'The Expat is new in the company for just 8 months now. He knows it's radical in his part to give 'a**-hole' comments about his boss because they barely knew each other. They haven't even spoke a lot. Actually, He will never try to again cos he feels cold and aloof to him. Why? It happened on his first day at work.
      He remember the first day when he spoke to his boss about one issue they encountered with certain users in their support.  The boss's reaction while he was talking was indescribable. He told him about the problem because he needs help from his boss. While talking, his boss smirked and rolled his eyes and raise his right palm. (Like he was doing a face palm). His boss made a signal that he wanted him to stop, then his boss said: "STOP". He startled. He didn't know why his boss did that. It's like he is disrespecting him or something. He  didn't know if his boss understood what he said. Then the boss asked him to go back after few hours. The boss may not understood the situation after all. Why the heck he made him to stop talking? He was so furious about the gesture of his boss. So he just waited and let the hours passed.
        'The Expat' never tried to talk to his boss again but there are scenarios in the office that led a conversation to him. But he really needs to consult his boss for certain issues that they encounter in the office. He have seen how his boss approached some of his colleagues. How he sometimes shows dissatisfaction with their accomplishment. It's like they are feeding his insatiable appetite with his endless hunger. When he speaks, they should listen closely or else they  can't barely understand what his boss was saying. The fact that he can't express himself clearly by English language is also frustrating though.
       Moreover, he figured out that his boss is not trusting his expertise to the job when one day, instead of asking him to do the job at work the boss asked somebody else to do the job. His boss knew that the expat is free that time but he insisted the other person to do it because they might be better than him, possibly. That's insane he thought. In this job, nobody is better that anybody. That's why they hired them. To contribute and to help them out. Not to stick his ass on the chair.
        He can't even stand both of them inside the elevator together. Sometimes, when he find his boss inside the comfort room, he usually turn his back and walk away. If he's around  he could feel the pressure and discomfort. He is not rude. It's just that, He's not comfortable with him anymore.
      He is a tough guy. He had been into different companies and he knows how to deal with bosses and seniors, but in this case, he should have been given up. Well, not in this time because his boss is vacating the office and he is looking forward to that. In few weeks time,They will be free with his ill-mannered attitude.



           

I will be better tomorrow

 Just Sharing:    

  Spending your time alone helps you think and ponder things out. Last night as I worked on my computer in my room. I realized how important for an individual to make plans. I never had any plans for the past years, that might be the reason I haven't attained the goals that I've wanted to achieve. Funny it seems but it is a serious matter for an expat like us who basically have limited time to stay in a country we work in. It is necessary that we plan not only for ourselves but of course to our loved ones. Moreover, in my own personal view, planning has something to do with changes. We couldn't carry out plans unless we do changes to what we are and what we have. We should hold plans and changes together to meet whatever we want to achieve. If plans can't be carried out because of some reasons. Do minor changes then apply it for the better execution of your plans.     

       I would like to share you the changes that I wanna apply to become a better expat worker. These are the Top 5 on my list that I really want to practice this new year, and hopefully to take the full responsibility by standing it fairly. This may not catch your interest but try to read and go on. This might help you somehow.

      So there you go...

1.  Be more Optimistic. Positive outlook in life repels negativity. They say that 'smile is contagious' so why don't we give it to others to spread positive aura to them? Whatever problems we have, just face it and for sure, it will just pass by.  So why worry? Don't let negativity succumb you. Just smile and let God lead the way. As what the song says "Que Sera Sera" (Whatever will be, will be). Besides, nothing happens unless permitted by the Almighty.
2. Just be Myself.  Hiding my "real me" affects my personal development as an individual. Sometimes I noticed myself trying to be somebody which is far from being the real me  and it affected the decisions I made in the past. That may not be a good thing though. Besides, I know how difficult it seems to me to be like "this way". So, why should I keep hiding if I could flaunt myself and show others the real me? I am sick and tired of living inside the chest.
3. Go to Gym to workout. Before I had planned to go out for gym. I  was too lazy to spend even an hour for workout hahaha. Our work starts in the early morning and ends approximately 6 pm in the evening, with some of my colleagues, we go to the gym almost everyday. Now, I have already listed it to be one of my "must do" in 2014 .
4. Eat Healthy Food. I believed that the best way to practice patience is to control yourself from eating much food. The more fatty the food is, the more delicious it may seem to our tastes. So try to restraint yourself from eating those high cholesterol and fatty food. That may lead you to obesity and  gives you serious diseases. I read that fiber rich food may also help you maintain good metabolism and burns fat and cholesterol in our body. Well, if eating too much is a crime, I may be one of the world's sought after criminal.
5.  Save! Save & Save. The four-letter word that is so difficult to do. This may be at the top of my  priority this year. It has been 5 years since I started working abroad but now I haven't got any  investment for my future. I realized how really important to leave some amount in my pocket for savings. Besides, nothing is permanent in this world while we're young we need to work hard so if the retirement age has come, we can settle back to our country without hesitation and worries. I figured out that "one who saves for the future is the one who has the most-matured ways of living" it means that they know how to spend a single penny from their pocket.  So if they can saved, why can't I?             

 
    I am looking forward to make these things happened but it is still depends on my own perspective if i will be going to pursue this changes for myself. Changes may not always be equated with improvements, indeed, but at least we have tried. It could be for the better or for the worse but with prayers and determination every single plans that we want to accomplish will be carried out the way we want it to be. And of course with the aid of the Almighty, everything will be as smooth and as simple as it should be.

 
      

Some Time In My Life

   I could still remember the first day we've met. I was so happy that time. Before I was stuck in a reality that I am a loser, no one really likes me. They say that I am nothing. But because of your comfort and advice, I moved from sunken spirit to the top. You taught me how to fight so I learned. You taught me how to stand on my own. Then we became close friends. You said, you'll never leave me. We're like brothers. Perhaps, like a twin. I am so grateful to have you, as my best friend.

   Time passed by, I never thought that our friendship would end up this way. A drastic truth unfolded that you were diagnosed positive to leukemia. I was shocked. I never failed to visit you to the hospital. I saw you physically drained. You became pale and thin. It hurts me seeing you like that. But despite of this, I still saw the real you, humble, kind and most of all, God-fearing. I still remember your soft voice saying " Don't forget me my friend, have faith with God always. Just stay with Him and I will stay in your heart. Don't cry when I'm gone." Those were the last few words you told me. Then your eyes began to close slowly as if you would only want to sleep. I ran out of the hospital because I knew you left me already. I cried a lot. Now, I'm alone.

     Two years had passed, but I still long for you. My tears began to fall again . I am reminiscing the last few months we've been together, before you left. Those times that we shared while we were taking the long journey of life. It is a very special memory from a friend like you. I am so lucky to have met you, some time in my life.

  

Here I am again...

  There you go, new year has started already but still I am here in front of my loppy. Thinking. Pondering things. Jumping from one moment to another. I haven't figured out where and how to start my blog. It's 2014 and I should have started my year with wonderful plans. Like a blast of fireworks last New Year's eve. Well, I haven't come up one yet but i'm not sure if it'll still come. Better late than never.

   I envy those people who have set their plans ahead of time. As what others say " A dream without a goal is a wish. A Goal without a Plan is just a Dream." Well,  I have a dream and set goals to attained it. But if I succeeded in reaching out my dreams depends on the Divine Providence.