http://solaceandserenity.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Farewell My friend!
When I first came here in Malaysia, it was kinda disorienting. It looked like a mass of dots, all jumbled and disconnected. The moment I step my foot in the ground I know my life wouldn’t be the same, it wouldn’t be that easy. I was pretty much sure that I will be facing a rough road…

I live in a place where I know no one, not even my housemates. I just met them when I arrived on our place. All my friends are living and working from other state so I don’t know someone nearby.

Honestly, I emotionally struggled during my first few weeks. It was so hard to deal with homesick and boredom. All night I was just staring at my wall. Just kept myself busy chatting with my friends online. I was always alone and lonely most of the time. It even came to the point that I almost gave up and wanted to return back home. I felt lost and can’t find myself back. I felt like I was in an empty dark room and can barely breathe. No place to go except my room. I was like a prison on my own place. But little by little everything turned out to be OK when I found my new buddy.

One night, while waiting for the elevator in the lobby, an Arab guy approached me and asked the very usual and communal question that people throw me. “Are you a basketball player?” I just answered, “I used to, but not anymore”, Then I asked him if he was. He replied, he’s not, instead he’s a swimmer. It was just a short and brief conversation.

I go to gym regularly after office hours. It’s my outlet of my boredom and homesick. I’ve met new acquaintances in the gym mostly Chinese and Indians but we never talk much. One afternoon, after I finished my gym, I saw a familiar face waiting in the elevator. Honestly, I am not sure if he was that guy because I just met him once. We’re just the two of us at that time but both of us we’re not talking until I broke the silence by asking if he was the swimmer guy whom I talked in the elevator a few weeks back. He replied yes. It was another short and brief conversation but everything, our friendship, started there.

His name is Shan, 18 yrs old, born and raised in Oman. All of them (family and 15 of his relatives) are here in Malaysia to spend their holiday. Every holiday season, they travel to different places. But this is already his 3rd time to visit Malaysia. He’s the eldest among 4, two guys and two girls. I’ve already met his parents and talked to his father once. I’ve already met his younger sisters and played with them in the pool. But I haven’t met his younger brother yet because he is not with them. He’s currently competing for a swimming tournament in Australia.

Swimming is one of their passions, other than traveling of course. He and his brother are both swimmers on their own rights. His brother is representing the Arab Gulf and already won several competitions internationally. His brother is not only being supported by their country but also by the whole Arab nation. On the other hand, he is also a professional swimmer. He represented his country internationally and also won several competitions. Jack of all trades as I describe him because he won gold medals on almost all strokes. But unfortunately, unlike his younger brother, he was not chosen to represent the Arab Gulf yet (maybe in due time). Who knows, maybe he will compete in Olympics in the future.

It was on the gym where we had our first long (2 hours) conversation. Pool is also where we love to go and just bathe in the warm water in the Jacuzzi. From then on we used to see and talk more often than before. We talked about anything under the sun: movies, religion, cultures, traditions, experiences, and a lot more. Name it and surely, we’d already talked about that. We never ran out of topics to share. There’s really no dull moment with him. Sometimes we argue, but just a friendly debate on some moral and religious issues. But none the less, we always smile and laugh.

Yesterday, August 31, 2006, they all went back home. Actually, 2 weeks prior to that he already told me that they will be leaving soon. He needs to go back home to prepare for a lot of things like school, swimming team, etc. For his last 2 weeks here, we spent more time bonding together, swimming and talking ‘til 12am Ha-ha. Then a night before their flight, while we were on the pool side, he told me that they will finally leave the next day. I was not surprised that much as I know that time will come soon. I have already prepared myself for that. He took a paper in his pocket and gave it to me. The piece of paper has his real name, home address, cellphone #, and email address in it. Since it was our last night together, I took the opportunity to thank him for everything especially the kindness that he has given me. I went up to my room and too the little present I bought, just a token of appreciation for our friendship, together with the letter that I wrote for him. In return, he gave me a present as well. We promised to each other that we will still continue our friendship even far distant. He gave me all his contact info and I gave mine too.

Honestly, it’s really painful to see my friend go but that’s life, full of surprises. I still remember my H.S. friend told me, “In life, there are series of meeting and partings. In a particular event we meet a friend, and for some demanding reasons we part ways. But I’ll always look back at the event that has somehow helped me grow. “

Last night, I went down to the gym, pool, and jacuzzi. And I can’t stop myself reminiscing all the good memories we’ve shared together.

Dude, thanks for the time that you’ve given me; the memories are all and will always be here in my mind… ‘Til next time…


EXCERPT from my LETTER:

Bro, I won’t be dismayed at goodbyes because I know you and I will meet again when we’re least expecting it.

Go knowing that you have touched a life and have been important here. Go knowing that you choose your own trail and that what ever trail you follow, no matter which way you try to go, you will come to the place where you are supposed to be in the final moments.
Thank you for the moments we have shared dude.

“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. Trips do not end when you return home--usually this is the time when in a sense they really begin.”
posted by Joseph @ 10:57 PM   1 comments
Sunday, August 27, 2006
My Last Week's Schedule

MONDAY – August 21, 2006

07:00 AM – 08:20 AM : Prepared myself for work
08:45 AM – 06:00 PM : WORK hours (including lunch time)
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM : went to KLCC to buy Ochie’s magazine
08:00 PM – 09:00 PM : went to gym to do cardio exercises
09:00 PM – 10:00 PM : went to pool alone for relaxation
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM : took shower, had dinner, and wash dishes
11:30 PM – 12:30 AM : listened to music and did nothing, went to bed and sleep

Finally, I bought Ochie’s magazine Popolo Sept 2006 Issue. But still, I haven’t decided what to but to my friend grrrhhh.

Date Scribed: August 22, 2006


TUESDAY – August 22, 2006

07:00 AM – 08:20 AM : Prepared myself for work
08:45 AM – 06:00 PM : WORK hours (including lunch time)
06:00 PM – 07:00 PM : watch TV (news)
07:00 PM – 08:00 PM : went to gym to do cardio exercises and a lil weights
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM : went to pool with my friend
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM : took shower, had dinner, and wash dishes
11:30 PM – 12:00 AM : listened to music and did nothing, went to bed and sleep

I find it very relaxing to bathe in pool after gym session. Of course you have to shower your body first to remove the sweat and everything before soaking yourself in the water hehe. Another bonding time with my friend…

Normally, every Tuesday night, I always go to night market to buy fruits but it was raining hard last night so I’ll just do it next week.

Date Scribed: August 23, 2006


WEDNESDAY – August 23, 2006

07:00 AM – 08:20 AM : Prepared myself for work
08:45 AM – 08:30 PM : WORK hours (including lunch time)
08:00 PM – 09:00 PM : just rest for a while
09:00 PM – 11:00 PM : went to pool with my friend
11:00 PM – 12:00 PM : took shower and had dinner
12:00 PM – 1:00 AM : listened to music until I fell asleep

I hate this day because I worked ‘til 8! Damn, I missed my gym. I was running our batch and I kept on abending. I can’t easily figure out the issues because it was my first time to run the WHOLE batch train… No one was even assisting me or helping me! But on the other hand, I am learning…

Another day in pool with my friend… Actually, it’s only open ‘til 10:00 PM but what we normally do is we stay there until the caretaker or the guard will force us to leave hehehe.

I can’t get internet signal within my range for 3 consecutive days now! This is not good! I badly need to connect!

Date Scribed: August 24, 2006


THURSDAY – August 24, 2006

07:00 AM – 08:20 AM : Prepared myself for work
08:45 AM – 06:00 PM : WORK hours (including lunch time)
06:00 PM – 07:00 PM : idle
07:00 PM – 08:30 PM : went to gym
08:30 PM – 09:30 PM : went to pool
09:30 PM – 10:30 PM : took shower and had dinner
10:30 PM – 11:00 PM : my mom phoned me, copy the whole season 1 of Prison Break in my laptop
11:00 PM – 11:30 AM : listened to music until I fell asleep

Work -> gym -> pool -> music -> sleep… This is my normal everyday routine.

As always, I spent the night in the pool with my friend. Truly, I just went there alone. I thought he won’t show up. But then again, after a few minutes he came down and then we talked. He didn’t bathe; he just stayed on the side while we talk.

I am kinda excited to watch the first season of Prison Break… my officemates always talk about this series during our break… Of course I was always OP (out of place) because I haven’t even watched a single episode yet haha. I got curious if this is really nice so I asked them to give me a copy. My foreigner friend also has a copy of this and he also recommended me to watch this. Hmmm. Probably I will this weekend…

Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh I still can’t connect to the internet! Actually I was, but after a second, when I was about to pop my friends, I got disconnected... waaaaaaaaahhhhhh. I don’t know until when I can bear this… waaaaaaaahhhhhh…

Date Scribed: August 25, 2006



FRIDAY – August 25, 2006

07:00 AM – 08:20 AM : Prepared myself for work
08:45 AM – 05:30 PM : WORK hours (including lunch time)
05:30 PM – 07:00 PM : watch TV
07:00 PM – 08:30 PM : went to gym
08:30 PM – 09:30 PM : went to pool
09:30 PM – 10:30 PM : took shower and had dinner
10:30 PM – 11:30 PM : watched the first episode of Prison Break
11:30 PM – 12:00 AM : went to bed

Friday is usually the time for winding down with friends, but not in my case here. After work I went home straight away. I went to gym and pool afterwards with my friend.

I watched the pilot episode of Prison Break and it was really really great! I just feel sleepy that time so I didn’t play the next episode but to be honest it was really nice series. No wonder why a lot of people really eager to look forward on the next season.

Date Scribed: August 26, 2006


SATURDAY – August 26, 2006

09:00 AM : wake up time =)
09:00 AM – 11:00 AM : had our breakfast and watched TV
11:00 AM – 03:30 PM : internet internet internet!!!
03:30 PM – 06:30 PM : went to Kota Raya to send some important documents to Phil, had my hair done, had my dinner.
06:30 PM – 07:30 PM : watched TV
07:30 PM – 08:30 PM : went to gym
08:30 PM – 11:00 PM : went to pool
11:00 PM – 01:00 AM : listened to music until I fell asleep

Saturday afternoon, I went to Kota Raya to courier some important documents to my mom in Philippines via LBC. Then after that, I had my hair done in one of the salons there. Actually, I didn’t expect much. As usual, I don’t like how they done my hair. One thing I noticed here, they have a lot of salons but only few can know how to do the real CUT. I think as long as you know hot to hold comb and scissors then you can be a stylist here, not that important if you’re good or not haha. Anyways, I am not that disappointed like the first one as I’ve said I don’t expect much hehe. Better not to expect at all next time hahaha.

As usual, gym and pool are always part of my everyday routine. I went to gym to do some cardio and light weights. Afterwards, jump straight away to pool.

Finally! After 48 years, I was able to connect! Hehe

Date Scribed: August 27, 2006



Last week was not just an ordinary week for me as I spent most of my time bonding with my new found friend. One of these days, I will post something about him solely. Sadly, he’ll be leaving so soon, probably this week or next week. But still, I am happy that our paths have crossed along the way.

posted by Joseph @ 6:54 PM   0 comments
Monday, August 21, 2006
My Yesterday's Schedule
SUNDAY – August 20, 2006

08:30 AM – 10:00 AM : Prepared myself for Sunday Mass
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM : Watched TV (Fear Factor)
10:30 AM – 12:00 NN : Attended Mass
12:00 NN – 04:30 PM : had Lunch and went to KLCC with Anai and Mars
04:30 PM – 07:00 PM : took shower, watched TV (US PGA) and napped for a while
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM : had dinner while watching TV (Hallow man)

MONDAY – August 21, 2006

09:00 PM – 12:30 AM : went to Jacuzzi/pool with a friend to relax and unwind swim
12:30 AM – 01:30 AM : took shower, went to 7-11 to buy load, and called-up my mom, called-up my friends in PJ.
01:30 AM : went to bed and sleep

I went to KLCC to look for the Japanese magazines that Ochie wants me to buy for her. Also, to look for a book that I can give to my friend as a token since he will be leaving soon. I saw one of the magazines but the other one was already sold out. I also saw interesting books for my friend but quite pricy. I didn’t buy the magazine yet because I need to confirm first if it was really the magazine but I will be back tomorrow to finally buy them. I hope I can make my dear friend Ochie happy then hehe.

Funny because my friend and I didn’t notice that it was already late and yet we were still in the Jacuzzi. It was very relaxing to bathe in warm water, aside from that, it was also our bonding time together because he will be leaving so soon and he will be back in his country Oman. I wish you all the best in your future endeavor dude!

I was also ecstatic to talk to my friend Vera who just arrived last night and will also be working here in Malaysia from now on. She was one of my batch mates and barkada in AMEX-Triumph. Welcome to Malaysia!

By the way, Tiger Woods won the US PGA Championship AGAIN! It’s his 12th Major titles already!, and if I am not mistaken, it’s his 52nd titles all in all including minor tournaments. AMAZING!

Date Scribed: August 21, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 2:01 AM   1 comments
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Midst of Nowhere
I am in the middle of choosing whether to move out or not. If you were on my shoes, what would you choose?

I am currently living in Vistana Condo in KL just 15 to 20 minutes away from my office. The place is very convenient as it has cafeteria opens until 12am, nice gym to workout, and pretty neat Jacuzzi and pool to swim. The place is also surrounded with convenient stores and hawkers (term we used for small canteen). Downside, I don’t have close friends living here. I just met my housemates here the moment I arrived because my employer was the one who set-up my accommodation. But they’re good and nice people so no regrets. It just that we’re not that close. I’ve met new acquaintances, new friends, inside the condo whom I talked to regularly. But some of them already moved back to their own countries while some will be moving back soon too.

My friends Anai and Mars are both living in Menara Jaya Condo in PJ. The place is nice, clean, and comfy. It has gym and pool as well. But the place is not surrounded with any convenient stores or hawkers. You need to walk a ‘lil farther just to get to the nearest store. They have available vacant room in their unit that they are offering to me. I really want to occupy the room but my big concern is the distance. The place is an hour away from my office. If I’ll be living there, I need to wake up too early just to be on time and will be home a ‘lil late because of the travel time obviously.

Ease wise, my current condo is pretty convenient but I also need to take into consideration the time spending with my friends after office hours and weekends.

Somehow, I am already attached in this place. I already have a couple of nice memories with my new found friends here whom I will miss dearly. But actually, few weeks from now, my life would not be the same as now as my friends will be leaving soon. I’ll be going back to the old days, alone and no friends to talk to. So that’s why I am thinking living with my friends in PJ.

I don’t know, I just don’t know yet. I am still in the midst of nowhere. But I have to decide by end of this week. I wish I’ll choose the right one for me….

Date Scribed: August 16, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 2:43 AM   2 comments
Can Hardly Sleep

For 3 consecutive days now, I can hardly sleep well, a lot of thoughts lingering in my mind.

“Tuesday 3am, once again I am wide awake waiting for time to mend this part of me that keeps on breaking. Newspapers I threw away and washed the dishes in the sink. 3am on Tuesday, I have too much time to think and I could call up to heaven, or I could crawl down to hell. Nothing will change the way things are and nothing ever will…”

“All my life I’ve looked for angels, all this time I’ve searched for signs. Now I’ve turned at the corner, you’re standing beside me, you’re not what I thought I might find.

I’ve never been shaken, never been confused. Always protected all my affection, only direction I choose. All my intentions and all my best plans now come to rest in your hands.

If I could fly, if I could soar, if I could rise up to heaven and unlock that door, I might finally stop this world spins around, I would just to be with you now.

If I could find the key into your heart and unlock that door, I might finally stop all the spinning around, if I could just be with you now.

I’ve never been shaken, never been confused. Always protected all my affection, only direction I choose. Always believed I was solidly grounded, all my assumptions come tumbling down…”

Ochie and Neil, two of my best friends, thanks for always being there for me. Thanks for the time. Thanks for always listening to all my burdens and help me carry them in your own little possible ways. I know I can weather this storm… I love you guys…

Date Scribed: August 15, 2006 (3:00 am)

posted by Joseph @ 2:40 AM   3 comments
Jam-packed!
After attending the Sunday mass, I went out to see Anai and Mars who just arrived the other day and will also be working here for 2 years. I’ve known Mars from my previous work so she’s not new to me anymore. I accompanied them to Mydin, the cheapest store here in KL just like Uniwide in Philippines, to buy their things like kitchen utensils and stuffs. After that, we headed straight back home on their new rented unit in Menara Jaya Condo somewhere in Petaling Jaya. Lucky for them to finally get this nice unit. It’s spacious, nice, and so clean. Apart from that, all if not most of the furnitures are brand new! But since they still don’t have T.V yet we have decided to go out and see the on-going PC fare.

Yesterday, August 13, 2006, was the last day of PC Fare held in KLCC. As expected, it was jam-packed and crowded! Anai bought her new baby!. She’ll probably post it on her blog so just check hers to find it out. I was supposed to buy pendrive and accessories for my digicam but I can no longer stand the crowd! I’ll just buy them some other time.

That’s all for now…

Date Scribed: August 14, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 2:39 AM   0 comments
Thursday, August 10, 2006
BonVoyage dude!
BonVoyage dude!

Yesterday was the last day of my officemate Ronnel. He was the most senior (by experience not by age) Filipino consultant here in Maybank. He was the most knowledgeable among us when it comes to our system as he was already using this same system even on his previous work in Philippines. He was very keen and effective player. After a long 2 years of working, his contract here has finally ended.

Actually, I haven’t had the opportunity to work with him in a project or something as I just started a few months back and still haven’t given more challenging projects yet. But time to time, I was able to pick-up something from him. He was always available to answer all my stupid questions hehe. He provided me guidance to lead me to the right direction and helped me on my tasks on his own little way.

Yesterday, merienda time, we (all Filipino consultants) have decided to gather and have a small chitchat all together at Starbucks. Just in time, our Malaysian employer visited us in our office and surprisingly treated all of us hehe. We are about 10 Filipinos left here minus Ronnel so we’re now only 9. I am the newest member so they always teased me that I am the luckiest because I am still doing petty tasks as of this moment hehe. God is really good to me! Anyways, it was a fun afternoon merienda with them.

For the short span of time working with him, I have already learned something from him. Dude, thanks for everything. Good luck on your new undertaking and God Bless you and your family. Keep it touch.

You might be wondering where he will be going, well he just found a new permanent job in New Zealand! Isn’t that cool! Wish you all the best dude.

Cheers!

Date Scribed: August 10, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 10:32 PM   0 comments
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Different people from different walks of life
Living by yourself away from your family is not that easy. How much more living outside your home country? with the absence of your family, relatives, and friends… It’s tough to survive in such but it will definitely make you stronger in whatever aspects of life.

I’ve been somewhat independent before when I was still in Philippines. For more than a year, I rented a unit by myself but I used to spend weekends with my family. When I was in US, I was also away from my family but I was with my friends which I also considered my family as well. So it wasn’t that hard for me really. But this time around, it’s really hard and different. I struggled on my first month looking for emotional stability, looking for someone who can talk to and spend the rest of the days with. But I am ok now and manage to survive hehe.

One of the factors that helped me overcome my homesick is the friendly and gracious people that I’ve met along my way. Malaysia is a multi-racial country so expect that there are lots of people from different races: of course the Locals (Malay and Malay-Portuguese), Chinese, Indian, Europeans, Americans, Arabs, and Asians. I was surprised that they even have more foreigners/tourists here compare to my homeland. Everywhere you go you will find different skins. And it’s beautiful…

When you’re new to certain places and don’t know much, you will try to find someone whom you can talk to… a friend so to speak for an obvious reason. And I think it’s already innate to us Filipinos to mingle with others and make friends. I’ve already met some Filipinos who are also working here…introduced by some friends, or friends of friends, and likes. But I have also met people from different races under different circumstances. Just in the condo where I live, I met new friends and acquaintances mostly Chinese guys and gals, Indians, and Arabs. Even in the net where I found new chat mates either still living here or been here in Malaysia. It’s funny, but then again, it’s beautiful…

To all these new acquaintances, new mates, and new friends that I’ve met along my journey here, thank you for sharing your life, cultures, and experiences to me. Thanks for giving me pieces of advices and for always keeping in touch with me. And most especially thanks for the joy that you’ve given me. Friends forever. Cheers!
Date Scribed: August 9, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 7:10 PM   0 comments
Friday, August 04, 2006
Regular Exercise: Making it as a Habit

Would anyone imagine me doing regular exercise? Haha. To those who know me personally, maybe I am freaking you out… but come on, give me a break! I am now enjoying doing that for real. I am really into it right now. Hehe

I actually started doing this stuff a month ago. It was just another damn boring Saturday afternoon where I don’t know what to do in my pathetic life until I finally convinced myself to give it a shot. There’s a small gym in the condo with pretty much good equipments especially for beginners like me. I went there alone and tried it once. Gladly, I enjoyed it and decided to do it on a regular basis. I am now doing it 5 times a week every night.

So far the result is quite astonishing for me. I feel active and energetic so I am trying to make it as a habit. But hopefully, 6 months from now, I will be able to achieve whatever goals I set to myself.

Cheers!

Date Scribed: August 4, 2006

posted by Joseph @ 1:04 AM   0 comments
Despair and Sorrow

Coincidentally, 3 people close to my heart are now suffering from heartaches, sadness, despair, and sorrow but this section is purposely written solely for my biological brother Ramon.

Before I flew to Malaysia, I think he was in a happy relationship with his girlfriend. We never had a chance to talk about his love life. Actually, we never talked about our personal lives at all. We have two very different worlds. He has his own life and I have mine. Admittedly, we are not that close as what supposed to be like brothers do. Maybe because of what happened on us from the past… Maybe because of the jealousy between the two of us, or most likely because of the big fight we had from the past that led to an awful incident. I guess, I will never ever forget that incident which almost led us to a disastrous affair with a sharp object but I have already forgiven him. After all, he’s still my brother.

Anyway, I’ve found out from my mom that they were no longer together. The girl decided to end their relationship. For what reason, I don’t know… All I know is that (this is just hearsay), my brother had a “filthy affair” with a “Japayuki” girl where he just met in the neighborhood. I am not sure if this is true as I never confirmed this with him nor confronted him about this. If that’s real, then he became unfaithful to his girlfriend then. But as I’ve said, this was merely so far hearsay for me because I don’t believe until I found it out by myself. My mom told me that my brother is sincerely asking for forgiveness and wanting to win her back but the girl refused to talk and wanted him to stop all this shit.

Frankly speaking, I was not that close with his girl. I just don’t know, maybe it’s my personality to be sometimes rude and snob especially to any persons engage to my siblings. Like in my sister’s ex-bf’s case, I was not also close to her boyfriend. I was so rude to the extent that I always hang up whenever he phoned the house. I became so rude even to my sister that I didn’t allow her to talk much on the phone with him. I was the worst brother you could ever imagine, really! In fact, it took years before I accepted him in our family. It took years, before he was able to step inside our home. But sadly, they didn’t end up together. Going back to my brother’s girlfriend, I know that she loved my brother very much. She gave everything to him. She supported him all the way. She even spoiled him with everything… On the other hand, I know my brother loved her too.

Honestly, I don’t know what to advise to my brother. I know he’s man enough to handle this kind of situation. I know he can surpass all the challenges and trials that come along his way. He’s the best fighter in our family. Bro, if you need our help, just let us know and we will surely be there for you. My mom told me that he once cried in front of her. Crying in front of your mom is the gracious thing a man can do. With that, I am so proud of you.

Date Scribed: August 2, 2006

posted by Joseph @ 12:26 AM   0 comments
Thursday, August 03, 2006
My New Baby!

Finally, I have my new baby! Hehe

There was a factory sale last Friday, July 28, 2006, somewhere in Petaling Jaya. I went there with my officemates. Honesty, I didn’t plan to buy one that time. We went there just to see the gadgets and I also joined with them on Friday night just for a change as I normally just stayed at home every Friday night hehe.

It strikes me the moment I saw this Sony T9 black camera. There was a connection and I know that it was really the one meant for me (haha funny). Seriously, I really like this cam and I am now happy to have my new baby with me.

Welcome to the family! Haha.

Date Scribed: July 31, 2006
posted by Joseph @ 9:58 PM   1 comments
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