http://solaceandserenity.blogspot.com/ |
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| Wednesday, March 28, 2007 |
| Cozy night @ Skybar (Traders Hotel) |
 "I lead a life where each person I meet touches my life and I search for the experience and the effect each person that comes across my life brings. Often times, I meet people who in that short period have brought so much joy to my life. These are people whom I love to stay in touch with and hopefully share future adventures."As I've mentioned on my previous post, my friend Eric went back to KL last Saturday. Monday night, I received a voice message from him inviting me for a drink. I tried to call him late night but he's not answering, probably he's already sleeping so I just sent him a message that we can meet on Tuesday. Early this morning, I received a text message from him asking for the place and time. And he called me to confirm. Needless to say, we decided to meet at Traders Hotel tonight at 9pm.
At exactly 8:26pm, Eric texted me that he's already there waiting on the Skybar! Too early huh? So I hurriedly fix myself up so I won't keep him waiting for long. Since the hotel is not that far from my place, I left our unit 15 minutes before 9. I took a cab from Titiwangsa to Traders Hotel and arrived on the place just on time. 
Skybar is located on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel somewhere near KLCC adjacent to Petronas Towers. It is a two floor opened-air area with a minimalist swimming pool in the middle which gives vibrant cozy impression. Not to mention the breath-taking view of Petronas Towers and the resplendent city lights at night. The ambiance is all but perfect for people who just want to unwind and relax after busy work. Or chitchat with friends in a vastly tranquil atmosphere. Greatness! *sigh
BUT! Despite the beauty of the place, sad to say, their service is ghastly. For one, my friend ordered an orange juice before I came, but they only served it after 2 hours! Second, he ordered a gin tonic and was served on time. But! There was no ice on it! Funny, right? They served a warmed gin tonic!?!?!!? My gracious goodness! But lucky for me because my virgin pina colada and fruit punch served just right. Dude, maybe they just didn't like you! Hahaha just kidding…=)
We stayed there for almost 3 hours gazing the beauty of the blissful night, feeling the serenity of the site, talking about our lives and catching things up in general. After 2 drinks each, we called the night off.
Dude, it was great seeing you again and nice chatting with you as always. Have a safe t rip to Hong Kong. Have fun there! See you soon! (* in the gym? hehe)
Oh before I forgot, thanks for the Belgian chocolates. Lovely… =) Cheers! Date Scribed: March 27, 2007
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posted by Joseph @ 6:57 AM  |
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| Saturday, March 24, 2007 |
| Feeling Ecstatic! |
I've been swamped by work these past days. I was doing 3 urgent tasks at the same time; one is related to the major project, second is an enhancement ticket, and third is a production issue caused by my previous install. The latter one has already been finished yesterday. The second one is almost done and will be installed on 1st week of April right after the freeze period. And the first one is still on-going. That’s one of the reasons why I feel ecstatic.
Finally, my friend Eric from UK was back in KL early this morning! FYI, he's the one who introduced me to KL's night life! He texted me and invited me to hang out one of these days… Sure dude! Let's meet on Tuesday night! See you there... just one of the reasons why I feel ecstatic.
Early this week I received a package from my friend Steve all the way from Spain! By the way, he is Neil's special friend *wink *wink. Dude, thanks for the DVD! Gracias! It was awesome! I am speechless hahahaha. Gosh, I wish I can see them for real! haha... another reason to feel ecstatic.
The other day was my friend Martin's birthday. Happy birthday dude! I hope you celebrated it with a blast! We haven't talked much lately because he's always busy or maybe he really doesn't want to talk to me much... but! I was able to talk to him last night... just another reason why I feel ecstatic.
Then yesterday afternoon, my manager called me for a meeting together with 2 of my regular officemates. He then officially informed us that 3 of us are chosen to handle one of the major projects of Maybank to date. We will be responsible in overseeing the project, doing the impact analysis, designs, and programming. In lieu with that, he verbally told me that they will be renewing my contract which happens to end on May 29 because the project estimated timeline will last for about 12-14 months. He wants me to be there with the project from start 'til end. Now, this great news makes me feel more ecstatic!
I've been waiting for this opportunity in my career life here in KL. Since I came here, most of my tasks were petty. I never had a chance to work in a major projects or enhancements nor had a task that touches our system’s modules (Cardlink). All of my tasks were in-house enhancements. Because of that, I somehow lost my drive to work and find it already plateau for me. But just in time, He gave me what I've been praying for! I will be involving in a MAJOR project that will test whatever skills I have right now hahaha. I can’t hide the excitement in me because I know I will learn A LOT from this...
However, my manager already cautioned us that this project ain't easy to deal with as it's a very high profile project. He also forewarned us that the assigned PM (project manager) is a deadhead and very hard PM to work with. He also mentioned that the upper management has so much expectation on us and he just hopes that we can live up on their expectations (so do I). Despite of the nerve-wracking and intimidating expectation setting/meeting, I am still so excited and really looking forward working on this project... can't wait to start the work proper!!!
Thank God for all the Blessings!
Date Scribed: March 24, 2007
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| posted by Joseph @ 9:48 AM |
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| Saturday, March 17, 2007 |
| Blood Diamond |
 While I am still emotional here after watching the movie Blood Diamond, let me tell you something about it… Blood Diamond is a intense, action filled, political and emotional movie about the dark side of the diamond industry in Sierra Leone starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou. Out of boredom, I decided to watch this DVD late this evening. My housemate bought this 2 wks ago and recommended me to watch it over the weekend. But since I was so pre-occupied with surfing, chatting, and other things for the past weekends, I ignore it 'til just earlier.
I never had any idea what this movie is all about. All I know, it was a nice movie since it already won several awards from different award giving bodies in US. Nor I am a huge fan of Leonardo but I must admit he is becoming better and better these years. I rarely watch movies but I must say that this is one of the first-rate movies that told a story that will grip you and move you.
Every part of the movie is brilliant. But there is one dramatic scene which I really like most… where Danny (Leo) made his promise to call up Maddy (Jen)…the moment before he died. "I am looking at an incredible view right now, I wish you were here, Maddy". I know it's so mushy but you have to watch the entire movie to feel it. I bet you will…
So if you not have seen the movie yet, you better should…
Date Scribed: March 17, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 11:32 AM |
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| Restless and Bored... |
Right now, I feel like I am in a state where I'm doing fine yet at unexpected times, solitude hits me like a pouring rain in a sunny sky… and I can't figure out why it is happening and where it is coming from.
These past 2 weeks, I suffered from wakeful nights staying up too late in the morning, wide awake and can't find sleep, heading to bed around 2-4am, forcing myself to sleep just because of work.
Probably, I know by heart what is missing… but do I have the courage to move? Do I have the power to go? I am still confused…
As my status message goes, I am still finding my way back to sanity….
Apologies for this melodramatic post… maybe I am just RESTLESS and BORED…=(
Date Scribed: March 17, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 7:30 AM |
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| Thursday, March 15, 2007 |
| Stress Test |
This is FUNNY! *** I am not sure exactly how it works, but this is amazingly accurate. Read the full description before looking at the picture.
The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at St. Mary's Hospital. Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study revealed that, in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins. The more differences a person finds between the dolphins, the more stress that person is experiencing. Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may want to take a vacation. 
No Need To Comment : I'll be on Vacation What's even funnier, my friend Rye took this seriously! Don't deny it!!! hahaha. |
| posted by Joseph @ 8:05 AM |
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| Tuesday, March 13, 2007 |
| My Beloved Sistah! |
At last! After almost 2 years! I have finally seen my sister, not in flesh though, but in webcam! I haven't seen her for nearly 2 yrs now except in the pictures. After I left to US for a 6 months onshore assignment last July 2005, my sister flew to Dubai the following month. When I came back home on January 2006, she wasn't already there. I felt so gloomy without her on my side. She's not just a sister for me; she's more of like a mother and a good friend. Most of you might probably know that I grew up without our parents with us. Both of them worked and are still working in Saudi Arabia for some demanding reasons. As part of the Filipino culture, as the eldest, she had to take good care of us. She cooks for us, she always does the household chores, she does the budgeting, etc. She's a very domesticated sister so to speak especially during those times that we don't have nanny with us. But time is running out for her. She can't just stay at home looking after us. She has to work and find herself as well because sooner or later, she'll be having a family on her own. She chose to work in Dubai, UAE because she thought that it would be easier for her to find work there and my cousin may help her find a job as well. So we took a risk and bought her a tourist visa hoping that she could be able to find an employer there the soonest possible time. But it didn't turn out that easy. She struggled a lot and took her 4 months after getting a permanent job. There were a couple of opened jobs but not related to her course. She was then looking for something fits to her skills as a therapist since she took up B.S. PT. Now, she's working as massage therapist.  I wouldn't say that my relationship with her has been smooth ever since. I remember when we were still on teenage years; we keep on fighting almost every day. I still have scars that remind me of those troubled days. But when we got older, we became so close to each other. I began to respect her as my older sister. I began to love her even more. There were still moments that we argue but no more hitting and beating like I used to do to her before. Probably the maturity in me made me realize how important she is to me. We also treated each other as good friends. We shared a couple of common friends especially her school friends whom eventually became my friends too because they always slept over our house before. We even watched porn movies together with our friends! Of course none of us was serious, we’re all just laughing about the movies as they’re comparing the sizes! Hahaha. But it was a funny experience. I felt that I've always been a big influence on her love life. Or should I say a big hindrance? Haha. She had her first boyfriend at the age of 15 named Jet (Thomas). He was a good childhood friend of mine. They stayed together for almost a year I guess. But apparently, my parents didn't like her to have bf that time so they broke-up. Her second boyfriend was Julius. If I am not mistaken, they stayed together for almost 5 years. They were classmates in internship back in college. At first, I really really don’t like him. I didn't allow him to step inside our house or even phoned my sister. I will hung up the phone when I hear his voice, and likewise. It was just on their latter years when I learned to accept him. But then again, for some appalling reasons, they didn't stay together for good. Currently, she has an Arab boyfriend named Hassan. I talked to him once and I was surprised that he can speak Tagalog. He even called me kuya (older brother) where in fact he's older than me! Haha. He’s already 36 by the way. This time, I am letting her to decide. If she thinks he's the right guy for her then no problem with me. If she thinks that she already wants to spend the rest of her life with to this guy, then go. I don't stop her from doing so. I will just be here to support her for all her decisions. Last Monday morning, around 2am here (10pm in Dubai), I saw her online in Yahoo. She was still in the clinic (evening shift) and just testing the computer. We didn't talk for long because it was already closing time for them. But she said she'll go to a nearest computer shop so we could talk more. And when she came back online, we chatted for like more than an hour with webcam! I really missed her so much! And an hour of conversation seemed so fast because we never run out of topic and stories to tell. I can't explain the happiness that I felt seeing my sister again after such a long time. It's very tedious to explain the feeling as I ran out of words to describe it. I can’t wait to see her on May!!! But somehow, it makes me ponder how times goes by so fast… really fast… LOVE YOU ATE WHENG! Date Scribed: March 12, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 8:07 AM |
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| Sunday, March 11, 2007 |
| My Music |
As you have noticed, I recently changed my blog skin with a very picturesque serene photo designed by QQ. In addition, I added some of my favorite videos and the lyrics of my favorite slow alternative song “The Distance” popularized by Evan and Jaron.
I wish I could squeeze in all my favorite songs in my blog but due to space restraint, I decided to just post here my ALL-TIME favorite slow alternative/slow rock songs to date:
Evan and Jaron - The Distance
Lifehouse - Breathing
Switchfoot - Dare You to Move
Lifehouse - Somewhere in Between
Keane / Lifehouse - Somewhere Only We Know
Semisonic - Act Naturally
Splender - I Think God Can Explain
Dishwalla -Angels or Devils
Kid Rock - Only God Knows Why
Coldplay - Yellow
Better than Ezra - Desperately Wanting
Howie Day - I Collide
Matchbox 20 - Unwell
Creed - My Sacrifice
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go
Edwin McCain - I’ll Be
Lifehouse - Just To Be Where You Are
JUST TO BE WHERE YOU ARE
I will not stop searching till I am where I want to be cause all I have is nothing without you right here with me I wont stop chasing after you it doesnt matter how far cause everything that I need is everything you are and I would wait right here forever just to be where you are and I would trade it all in a second just to be where you are and I would wait right here forever just to be where you are and I would trade it all in a second just to be where you are dont have all the answers but one thing I know is that where you are going is where I want to go dont have all the words to tell I know cause Ive already tried all I know is that when you are here you make me feel alive just to feel to feel you here with me just to hear you whisper the words that are priceless to me just to know you more to be with you to lose myself in you is all I want all I want just to be where you are and there is nothing that I wouldnt do just to be where you are and there is nothing that I wouldnt go through just to be where you are |
| posted by Joseph @ 3:45 AM |
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| A Day full of FUN! |
Friday is the day where most of us are really looking forward, of course because it kicks in the start of the weekend. After long boring hours in the office, I headed straight away to gym. I missed it for 4 days due to appalling reasons so I said to myself that I must go this time. I did everything that I can think of doing like I attended 90 mins of strenuous cycling class, ran like crazy in threadmill, did resistance training and a little bit of weight lifting, and lastly had a chitchat with some of my gym acquaintances inside the sauna bath. I didn't notice that I stayed there for more than 4 long hours hehe. There were this small group of more of less 10 people in the cycling class that always go out for a dinner and might go for party afterwards almost every Friday night and they invited me to join them but I wasn’t in the mood that night to stay up late as I really wanna go home and have my body rest so I didn't join them. Maybe next time…
That same night I stayed online 'til 2-3am surfing and chatting with friends. I also tried c2c with Anai to try her newly bought webcam (stayed up late looking for her perfect angle! Hahaha). We we’re supposed to have a video conferencing call with Rye in Manila that night but apparently, he didn't make it because they had production issues at work. Anyway, there's still had some other time.  The following day, Saturday, we (Anai, Gen, Minnie, Agri, and I) went to Green Box karaoke bar. We stayed there for 3 hours singing out loud 'til death there. It was fun and hilarious! Agri did an awesome job of entertaining us! 3 mic for 5 people, every one of us had our moments to sing! But no doubt, she's the star of that moment! Haha. Despite of flats and sharps here and there (Simon is that you?!?! Bwahaha) she still managed to stay sexy! Hahaha so so funny!
After 3 hours of singing (damn too short! Wished we could extend more next time! About 6 hours would do I guess! hehe), we roamed the place for a bit having Anai buy her headband. Then we decided to separate ways… Gen and Minnie stayed in Sungei Wang, Agri went to the office, whilst Anai and I went to Mid Valley.
We decided to go to Mid Valley to watch the movie Dreamgirls. We've been waiting for these for long after hearing all the wonderful reviews and comments, not to mention that Anai love musical and I am too eager to watch Jen Hudson, we never have to miss this one! And just in time, Anai had a "buy 1 free 1" movie coupon. Wonderful! Before going to a long queue of people buying tickets, we indulge ourselves with Haggen Daz ice cream!
Ok this is it! After watching the movie, we were both amazed with unbelievable vocal prowess of Jen Hudson (Effie) especially when she sang the song "And I Am Telling You.. I am Not Going" and "I Am Changing". I almost got into tears... really. I felt her in those scenes. Her acting was just subtle but her voice alone is more than enough for you to feel her character in the movie. It was a superb performance. Kudos to her! That’s all I can say… Unbelievable voice… Ok, Beyonce is also good when she sang the the song "Listen" but obviously she was overpowered by Jen and her acting is not good either.
While we're still both struck, Anai accompanied me to buy my gym training gloves and socks. Afterwards, we both decided to eat in Oh Sushi restaurant; cozy and nice ambiance place to dine in with family and friends. I ordered Teppan Salmon and maki which were just OK for me (Anai I forgot what you ordered hahaha). We stayed there 'til 10pm talking about everything that happened the whole week; a one on one conversation like a Q&A segment hehe. Again, thanks Anai for being so understanding! =)
I arrived at home past 11pm already and I immediately opened my pc as it's about time to had a webcam session with Rye and Anai (haha d naman tayo sawa sa isa't isa no? umay na umay ka na cguro sa pagmumukha ko hahaha). Another Master Showman (Walang Tulugan!) session! Haha. It was really cool. It was like talking to them face to face… Of course, we never fail to laugh at one another especially Rye's cam (1x1 photo).
While chatting with them, I was also chatting with Gilbert (one of my college barkada) about PBB! and also a little bit of myself on the side. Little did we all realize that it was already almost 4am! As much as we would like to continue chatting like as if there’s no more tomorrow haha, we called it off then.
To wrap it up, it was a loaded Saturday for me with so much fun activities but I really had so much fun… Yes, again it was tiring but all worth it. And can't wait to do that again soon! Love you all guys!
Cheers!
Date Scribed : March 11, 2007
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| posted by Joseph @ 1:27 AM |
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| Wednesday, March 07, 2007 |
| Oh, What A Day It Was! |
As I blogged on my previous post, my friend Martin and I had a little argument or should I say misunderstanding yesterday morning. Since it happened, I can't concentrate on my work thinking why we blew it out of proportion. It was so unnecessary and uncalled for. Because of that I didn't feel well the whole day still thinking what have I done wrong? All I know is that I just told him what I feel that very moment and why I am pissed off when we talked the other night. Then suddenly, he bursts out like an outraged volcano, leaving me this notion that I am becoming a burden for him as he said that I don’t understand him and his situation.
I've been trying to be very understanding to my friends on my best way possible. I am the type of person that will do everything for my friends to please them even sometimes I feel like stupid of being neglected. At the same time, I am also sensitive, temperamental, and sometimes becoming egocentric unintentionally.
I talked to some of my "concerned" friends the whole day seeking for advices and also to have someone's shoulder to lean on as I was really feeling down with what happened. Almost all have the same pieces of advice, which is to let it go and give space.
At the end of the day, I realized my mistakes. I should have listened to him first. I should have let him explain first before reacting oddly. But deep inside I know that wasn’t just solely my fault. Even so, I eagerly want to speak with him to talk about it and to say sorry as well.
After long hours of popping messages every now and then, asking him to talk to me, waiting him for hours… finally, past 12am, he talked to me. I didn't waste any time and took the moment to apologize for everything that I have said and done. Likewise, he said sorry too. It was just a brief yet noteworthy conversation with him. Not much promises, we called off the night reconciled and wishing that hopefully it won't happen again. What a day it was!
Date Scribed: March 7, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 8:52 AM |
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| Tuesday, March 06, 2007 |
| Elated yet Ruined |
Yesterday and early this morning was one of the moments in my life where I dealt with some personal matters. I had this kind of serious chat, talk, and exchanging of emails with some of my closest friends. It was the time where I tested the water, a time where I found out the deepest meaning of our friendship. I am so happy to know that I really have true friends in you. Thank you. Because of that, I feel so elated.
But before the day ends, I felt sadden because I had a little argument with a friend late last night and early this morning. I wish I can write everything here in details. I just feel so stupid… I shouldn’t be going thru this if I just listened to my concerned friends. I shouldn’t be feeling this way if I didn’t push myself from the very first start. I shouldn’t be confused if I know where to stand in the first place. Now I know what they keep on telling me. Now I understand. But now, I am ruined.
I always tried to understand you and your situation… I hope this time, try to understand me…
Date Scribed: March 6, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 3:57 AM |
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| Monday, March 05, 2007 |
| Am Back Again! |
Finally, after eons of time, I manage to update my blog. I don’t really know why but these past weeks, I really can’t find my rhythm. I can’t find the right words to start my blog with. I started a couple of entries back but can’t find the exact words to close them the way I like it. Even up to now… so I better leave them as they were and start a new beginning.
I was very busy at work for the past weeks. I had and still doing urgent tasks which shadowed my blogging moments. I can’t find time to blog because my mind was already stressed out from work at night. I know I shouldn’t be complaining as this is how programmer life goes; always dealing with codes' issues and abends. But doing this often made me think twice if this is really what I want… haha excuses excuses…
In addition to that, we finally got our own internet connection this week! So instead of spending my spare time blogging, I spent it chatting with my friends. So as you would have thought, I can’t sqeeze my time to blog.
Since I am still anxious and too excited to use our connection, I spent and devoted my weekend at home. I did nothing but chat, surf, and listen to music. It was a damn lazy weekend to admit. But I liked it! It was fun doing it once in a while and not to mention that I am really, with all honesty, a chat addict hehe.
Sunday, after attending the mass, I went to Subang Jaya with some of my Filipino officemates. My manager invited us for a lunch on his house (Open house for CNY). So after mass, we headed straight away to his place. We took STAR LRT to Bandaraya, then took KTM Komuter to Subang Jaya station. From there we took a cab. It took as more than an hour to get there.
We were really starving to death while on our way. We thought of like he’d probably be serving us dimsum, shiomai, etc since my manager is a Chinese; just talking about those Chinese delicacies made us even more hungrier. When we arrived in the place, we’re surprised! Pizza for lunch! (Come on, it was lunch so of course we expect a meal at least! Hehe). But I actually loved it. Though it’s not a heavy meal like what we Filipinos normally have for lunch, but it’s still fine with me. After all, it’s for free so we should be thankful in the first place! After lunch, we played cards with the locals but we didn’t stay there for long. We headed back home mid afternoon but before we separate ways, we ate first in Chicken Rice! (obviously, you know why ahahaha)
I was supposed to play tennis with my friends last night but rain stopped us from doing. So I just jumped straight off to my pc and chat to my online friends.
I really missed this chatting habit I have in me. I remember, I used to be a founder and operator of several channels in MIRC way back college years. I was always up late to chat with my friends and never complained nor get tired of it. I just lost momentum when I started to work. But now that I have more time at night, I think I can get back that old habit of mine hahaha.
Date Scribed: March 5, 2007 |
| posted by Joseph @ 9:02 PM |
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