The Rise of Philippine EPC: WHEN??

A contact in Twitter retweeted the article below in Arabian Oil and Gas website about the rise of South Korean contractors. True, our company has actually lost a couple or two projects to South Korean contractors where one (or two) was a project owned by our company's long-time Client.

Sure, they pose a threat to other competitors, especially to our company (or at least my husband's, since I have just already recently resigned). But then foremost in my thoughts is the question: When will Philippine EPC have its own rise?

Our engineers and professionals has been highly appraised worldwide. My husband even attended a lecture recently, held by an esteemed Japanese lecturer with international credentials under his belt, where that same lecturer has talked highly of the Filipino people having a lot of potential and being very capable.

And yet, "The Rise of Philippine EPC" is near impossible at the moment. Brain drain does the job. We gather enough experience here at home and when we have enough, our wanderlust, our longing to prove our mettle in the bigger field, our wanting to have better salaries, makes us want to pack our bags and be part of the working force of other countries.

I myself am guilty of this. And if truth be told, I don't want to spend the rest of my life working here in Manila - the city stresses me out (it's not the same story with other cities though). But if each engineer or professional thinks in exactly the same way, give or take a few other reasons besides, then I do think we will not ever witness "the rise of Philippine EPC". Not in our lifetime anyway.

http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-8505-the-rise-of-the-south-korean-contractor/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

severe repercussions

I had a number of errands to attend to late this afternoon (I already have my international driving license yey!) hence it was only after talking with Cashiew that I learned about the grim news of an ex-police officer who took the passengers of a tourist bus on hostage.

I believe Mendoza has his issues and his problems. But his problems had clouded his better judgment hence he acted dumbly, clearly not thinking of the severe repercussions his action will do to the Philippines and his countrymen.

Right now, all key words relating to the incident are trending in Twitter. I have read about a lot of people from other countries blaming and damning Filipinos and our country; collectively judging us because of the dimwitted action of one man. Right now, Hongkong Security Bureau has issued an "Avoid All Travel" to Philippines because of "severe threat".
http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/index.htm

I bleed for my country. I bleed on how we are wrongly judged now. I bleed for those who died on this incident. I bleed on how this will lower down our tourism business and possible investments hence worsening our current economic plight. Yet most of all, although this may sound a bit selfish, I bleed and worry on how this incident might affect my dream wedding - a wedding where my loved ones and the family of my fiance would gather to witness the union between me and my betrothed. I fear that this may not come to pass anymore because of fears in security of our family...

driving lessons day 1

I know I'm a bit old for this. But ey, each in his own time, right?

I was late on day 1 actually. I woke up with very bad colds and I was debating whether I should go or not. But cancelling the lessons on the actual day itself is not excusable; it's already considered as rendered service by the instructor hence I had no choice but to go still despite my bad condition.

And am glad I did! Well actually, I was surprised when my instructor just pulled at the side of the road and said we exchange seats - that I take the driver seat now. And I was like, what? here? now? I thought we will have our first lessons on a big parking lot. But no, it was on METROCOR; albeit an area with very low traffic but still HAS some traffic. The moment he told me to turn on the ignition, my foot was full on the break pedal (haha!) making it sure that the car won't go any further.

I got some high later on though when I finally got the courage to put on gas. I put on gas so much so that my instructor told me to put on some brakes else we'll speed up (to heaven..haha!) It was exhilirating! Reminds me of skiing. There were tight situations though where my heart stopped - situations where there were cars both on my left and right. But other than that, it was swell.

I thought as well that parking, both on the front and on reverse, would be very difficult. But, judging from my instructor's reaction, I think I aced it. hehe!

Looking forward to the next session and mastering driving some more.

you'll be blessed

My friend is now currently assigned overseas at site office hence he wouldn't be with his ladylove this Valentine's. Thoughtful as he is, he thought of ideas on how to surprise her on lovers' day which of course included asking favors from friends. I was tasked to buy flowers and chocolates.

The flowers were easy as they can be delivered to the office tomorrow by Designer's Bloom. the chocolates were a problem. I need to wrap them. Gift-wrapping section (with pay) in SM is already closed for the day and the only other open service is exclusive for those "Premium" card holders only. I didn't bother to apply for a shopper's card so I don't have that. Hence I can't avail their free gift-wrapping service. My dilemma is that I really suck with gift-wrapping. I can sing, I can dance, I can even do voice-over acting. And I'll write. But anything related to handicrafts, anything related to arts crafted by my hand is a total disaster - even as simple as gift-wrapping. So giving my friend's ladylove a chocolate giftwrapped by me was worrisome.

My dilemma must have been written all over my face that the clerk in the gift-wrapping section offered to wrap my gift for me, for free, using their resources (he even asked me to choose what wrapper would I like! and of course it wasn't illegal since I also bought the chocolates on the same store) and even wrapping it with such careful and artful detail that I can't help but deeply thank him and give him a really big smile while saying an incredibly genuine "you'll be blessed!".

I wanted to give him a tip but he wouldn't accept as (he said) they are forbidden to receive tips from shoppers and customers. Now THAT's great customer service. Bless him.

H2S and Benzene

I got really angry with this conversation. But since I was the only one who felt most passionate with it and i'm the youngest to boot at that, having the youngest experience at site, and we were really talking with one of the higher ups, I just held my peace during the meeting. But really....!!

This was during a meeting after we just got back from our site walk-through:

Us: We were not able to thoroughly check those areas which were strictly marked as H2S and Benzene areas since we don't have the required PPE and detectors.
Boss: But were there any evacuations that occurred at that time because of some leak? There were none? So it was safe.

I was definitely fuming with that. I wanted to retort and tell him to go to site himself and check on the place without the necessary PPE and detectors. With the kind of mentality he has, let's see if he'll come out alive. I want to shove to him the news about the death at that particular site just two years ago because of H2S related death.

I am most definitely not gonna risk my life just for that!!!! Grrrr!

my cover on Yuki no Hana

hello world!
i'm sharing with you my incomplete (and yet to be perfected) cover of Mika Nakashima's beautiful "Yuki no Hana"

Salisbury Steak

When work just seems to be too much and you need friends to be with you but that that seems to be not possible at the moment, one can always turn to one's comfort food. I have a number of food in mind which I can call my "comfort food". But tonight, when work and people just seemed too much and friends are faraway they can't be with me, my Salisbury Steak brought a smile to my face. Thank goodness for Red Ribbon's uber delicious, juicy Salisbury Steak.

Red Ribbon

I got out of the office, late and alone this evening hence, I decided to treat myself to a Salisbury Steak at Red Ribbon. Too bad though it's not available anymore but good thing is, the Bangus (Milkfish) meal is still up so I bought it instead.

While waiting for my meal, I listened to my IPOD and people-watched outside the glass window. And then I saw Red Ribbon's banner. Under their popular Black Forest Cake, was the phrase:
...You brighten up my day...

Made me smile. IT did remind me of someone.

Bikram Yoga

Finally, I got to experience Bikram yoga today. Bikram yoga is actually a form of Hatha yoga, only, the stretches are done under a heated room where temperature is controlled at 38degC!

Now, I never am one for saunas. I couldn't really stay longer than 5 minutes in a sauna heated at 47degC, even if i'm just sitting there, trying to breath. Hence, the heat was my main problem. For the first 30min, I almost fainted five times! Almost, being, that state when there's a black cloud creeping its way in front of you. So, whenever that happens, and as advised by our instructor Tristan, I just drop whatever pose I'm in and just stand still or sit down and keep on breathing. The first time it happened, I thought I'd just remain seated for the rest of the 1 and half hour session. But seeing my 30+ classmates (yes, this by far is the largest class I've been in) magnificently stretching their muscles, I got up and worked out.

I was able to adjust with the heat later on though and when I did, it was just great! I think I must have sweated out a liter or more! Also (giggle), when I saw THIS GIRL's POSTURE HERE months ago, I thought I wouldn't be able to do it or that it would take me months of practice before I can attempt to do it. But lo, I was able to do it on my first try!! Was able to do it with my right foot on tiptoe, then later on left foot on tiptoe and then twice over as we had to repeat the poses twice. I was practically grinning to myself in front of the mirror in the classroom. =D

I just wish though they have a class here in Alabang...Makati is just so far for me who doesn't have her own car (yet hehe).

100lbs to 200lbs

My neighbors who live on the unit in front of mine must think i'm hermetic. On the one and only occasion that one of them talked to me, she asked me if I live alone on my unit. And I replied a curt "yes". And I can see in her face the same question that I have for them - Why? She must have been wondering why I live alone. And for the life of me, I also wonder why the five of them live on a place that I think could fit in only three people. I don't think money's the problem, judging from the talk I hear from them.

And yes I can hear EVERY inane conversation they have, what they're watching on TV and what station in the radio they're listening to. That's cause their front door is open ALL the time. Don't get me wrong. I grew up in a house where the front door is open from sun-up to sundown. And I loved how the sunlight comes streaming in through the front door and how the fresh gentle breeze is such a refreshing treat especially on hot afternoons. But here in Manila, where the probable thing that would come streaming in your door if you keep it open is dust and ROBBERS, one would have to opt to have their doors shut all the time.

This afternoon, when I opened my door momentarily to hang my newly washed laundry near my front door, I can hear the prattle of my neighbors since as usual they have their door open. One of the girls complained that she knew of a soon-to-be-bride who was so picky in her requirements with her bridesmaids that they need to have the same hairstyle. And that if they're fat, they need to loose 100 to 200lbs. And for the life of me, my self-control wasn't able to stop myself from laughing out loud. They fell silent with that. And was still silent as I hurriedly went inside my room and locked it. Gosh they must have thought I ws crazy. But I don't really care. It was hilarious, and to think she talked like an expert. I weigh about 100lbs. And if I was required to loose it, then I would cease to exist.

a happy news at last

Terrified from the events last Friday night, i know that I wouldn't be able to sleep on our apartment alone again. Our next-door neighbors, frightened of the experience they had last Friday, decided to go back to their respective hometowns. So really, it'll be foolhardy for me to stay ALONE on my apartment for the rest of the weekend.

But I know I am blessed with kind and good friends ^^. Thankfully, J and D lives nearby and they were kind enough to have me stay in their pad last night. When we woke up this morning, J told me that the owners were cleaning out the room two doors up. We checked it and voila, I fell in love with it. Tatay, the owner-parent said the place was vacant. Wonderful! So right there and then I said I'll take the place. The apartment has no room for a car's parking space though but for now, having a car is soooo far off my mind. I just need a SECURE place, a place where I can sleep soundly and peacefully. And well, a CLEAN place at that. Little did Tatay know that his son had already agreed to show the pad to two prospective tenants that very noon. So see, I am really blessed and lucky to have been able to talk to Tatay and not to the son cause then, I was able to have the place for myself. ^^

It was like everything just fell into place. Our apartment being broken into (attempted, that is). My sleeping over at J&D. And the apartment next door being vacant. And me talking to Tatay and not to the son. It all fell into place. A happy thing isn't it?

I wanted to personally discuss my moving out of the apartment with my roomies. But I need to tell them of the frightening experience I had last Friday ASAP so we just talked on the phone. I hope though that they understand....Really, I don't think I can take living in our old place alone again.

But nevertheless, I now have a new apartment and it's gonna be a busy busy week with the moving out and moving in. And oh yeah, J & D are still my hosts this evening hehe. D is actually sleeping on a hammock outside their room. And i'm even leeching on D's internet. hehe. Such a nice couple, they are. And i'm really lucky they're nearby! =D

Anyways, tomorrow's gonna be the first day at the office. First official office day in Manila after almost four years. Ganbarre to me!

break-in

I wanted to blog a more lighthearted entry, a happier topic. Like how I am reminded now of what I loved in my room years ago; which is waking up to the chirping of the birds. Or how the uber-cute phone trinket that Kayoda san gave me matches my new passionate red W705 Sony Ericsson phone.

But I had a sleepless night last night. I am all alone in our two-bedroom, two-storey apartment. I couldn't sleep because everytime I hear a footstep or a bang of the door, I would jump and my heart would be hammering in my chest that I could almost hear the palpitations. I thought of my unpacked baggage on our living room - my other suitcase containing all my electronic gadgets (thankfully my laptop is with me in my room) and my other bigger luggage containing all my clothes, and yet another suitcase containing all my shoes. If somebody breaks in, it would be easy for him to haul it since they are still intact in its respective suitcase. I still haven't unpacked since I'm still clearing and cleaning my room and cabinets.

I thought I was just being paranoid. But when I went outside, my kindly neighbor told me that he did see a robber trying to break into our house last night.

I am scared. Truly scared now.

icky slug

There's a slug in our bathroom and I don't know how to get rid of it.

Slowly, i'm making some slight progress in making our apartment more habitable. I've wiped some parts of the walls that's either been blackened or browned by dust and cobwebs. The sink is a bit better though it's still far from being A-okay. The bathroom..well..this place is the one place in a house that I am most meticulous of; it-should-be-clean. But I can't clean it because of this one TINY thing on it.

There's a slug on our bathroom.

Friends advise that I could dissolve it with rock salt and poke it with a long stick to put it on the trash bag. But...~shiver~...just the thought of even the end of my stick touching the slimy body of the slug...uggghhh!! IT gives me the chills, the goosebumps, raising the hairs on my body. I'm so totally grossed out that i'm freaking out with this slug. ~shiver~

I just might have to ask my housemates to dispose of this slug. But they went to their hometowns for the weekend. So it's just me and the slug alone on the house for the weekend. Eeeekkk!!! Really, I think i'll go mindless just thinking of the icky, yucky, goooey, slimy slug.

I-need-help.

back in manila

Three months shy to four years - it's been that long since I've been assigned overseas. And so I do expect some major adjustments in the next few days.

My room's a mess and i'd probably be spending most of tomorrow cleaning, throwing old stuff i've left behind, and buying myself new things to get by. I'm trying not to think too much of how I miss Japan and how I want to be there. For one thing, I miss my clean room - a far cry from my room now. But anyways, i'm here now so I just have to make the most of things and try to be just as bubbly as always.

Okay, enough blogging now. First, get a new mobile phone number and then inquire about internet connection.