Last Hurrah For The 1st Quarter - 2013

I woke up early this morning not because I would do the usual routine of running but instead I joined with our company sponsored activities in Pulau Ubin. I was happy that it didn't rain. Moreover, the morning sun rose bright and clear.
 

We started our journey by traversing the narrow sea between mainland Singapore going to its wild life island, Pulau Ubin. We took a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which is near the Changi Village Hawker Centre.
 

After reaching the tiny island, we headed to the meeting place for final briefing and instruction from our Human Resource Department. Then we immediately grouped ourselves in to 4 teams with ten members each for Kayaking.

Kayaking was fun. It is also one of my favourite water sports. A little tidbit; Did you know that Kayaking is a 4000 year old water sport invented by the Eskimos? They needed a flexible craft to use so that they could hunt sea animals.

After three hours of doing the Kayak, we returned to our camp site to eat sumptuous meal. While we were eating the organizer of the event gave their instruction for the next activity.

Our group chose biking as the next activity. Climbing hills on a bicycle isn't everyone's idea of fun yet our group made it more fun by racing to each other and of course the activity would not be complete without taking photos in every move, if you live in a hilly area or you're traveling through hills. I did not experience a moment of silence. Biking  is a physical activity that contributes to well-being and as a form of exercise, this is becoming essential to have a good health.

Last activity hiking, which they called as wild bingo. This activity drained lots of energy.

We were very tired but happy.

Today is the last day of first quarter of 2013 and I am now looking forward to continue travelling around the globe; doing good at my workplace; giving & sharing more blessings to my family; doing a little charity work if time will permit me; shopping things that I like; engaging with people to know more people; attending social gathering to enhance my social skill and above all - praying & worshiping Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection On My Life's Equilibrium

I noticed again that time flies. I just realized today that I have been living for more than half year now in a foreign land. Two days from now, the first quarter of the year 2013 will be over. Hence, I can still mention that I didn't underperform because my productivity is still high. Consequently, I have equilibrium of good life.

Last January, I visited my parents and I attend my sister's wedding in the Philippines. February, I was able to visit the ruins of the historical city of Malacca and this month of March, I spent a short vacation with my new friends in Genting, the place which I describe as city in the sky. When it comes to sports, I was able to participate in two major running event here in Singapore. In terms of financial aspect, I thank God because my ledger is still balance. I am still confident to say that I can budget, plan, set financial goals, monitor my progress & most importantly, I can share part of my earnings to my family. Although I am living in a surrounding that offers luxurious materials and the city with too high cost of living, I still manage to buy things that I want and need without hesitation or breaking the planned budget.

It is also great to mention that my working condition is improving. I am still new in my current position in a logistics organization but I am learning a lot. I am experiencing progress and the work load is still manageable. I believe that the working environment should have good vibes and this is definitely something important because it will boost our confidence, productivity, teamwork and social skills. Moreover, I thank my colleagues because they have a good sense of team spirit.

Sometimes I also experience tumultuous days but  I can shift it with a good mood by joining social activities to regain positive energy. The level of success I have gained for the past years is already an extra mile for me. Many of the people are not experiencing the same thing that I have attained. I share this blog entry because I would like to inspire others to do simple things that will make them happy. I would like also to give my simple thoughts of cherishing every little blessing because it  becomes big when accumulated. Life teaches us more lesson that help us to think maturely.

Finally, I always thank our God Almighty for every little thing he has done for me because I received so many blessing.

Aunque a veces pienso que la vida no es justa o no es como yo quiero pero debo enfrentar los desafíos día a día.

Aromatherapy @ The Adelphi

I just redeemed my complimentary voucher from Go Run. I had a 60 minute full body massage. It was so relaxing. I got another package for myself because the offer is very affordable. :D

Knowing someone is intelligence and knowing yourself is enlightenment - Anonymous  

My Own Version of Bouillabaisse

When I was running this morning, I thought of what to cook for today. There were few ideas but I decided to prepare pork stew. After running, I decided to go straight in the grocery store to maximize my time. I went to meat section but suddenly I realized that today is Palm Sunday, the first day of the Holy Week of the Christian World. My illusion of eating meat faded immediately. I shifted cooking my own version of bouillabaisse. As soon as I finished my own bowl of bouillabaisse, I was relieve of hunger.

Cuidad de Genting: Una Cuidad en el Cielo

Mis amigos y yo disfrutamos el paisaje maravilloso y el lugar que es muy pintoresco. Fuimos la semana pasada a Genting Highlands. La visita de esta cuidad es como llegar al cielo en el que se pueden tocar y abrazar las nubes. La cuidad de Genting fue fundada por los miembros de las elites y comerciantes de Malasia en 1965 que está aproximadamente a 1.800 metros de altitude y alrededor de los bosques topicales.

The Sky

I love the morning when the sun is rising while the wind breeze is still cold. I love the sunrise because it gives you new hope. I love the sky because it will give you no boundaries. It is so gigantic for you to hide to no one. Above the sky, you can shout whatever you would like to say, those words that takes you lot of courage to tell somebody that you could not tell at all.

Next Stop - Genting Highlands

Dreaming of travelling above the sky.

Melaka River

This river has the most important role in Southeast Asia when there was an encroachment of Western colonial powers in Asia. It served as the hub of ships during the shipments of spices from Asia to Europe.



Melaka Malaysia

The Strait of Malacca/Melaka is a narrow stretch of sea between the island of Sumatra & Malaysia and it was one of the most important shipping lanes in the world from an economic and strategic perspective during the 15th century. In present time, Melaka is now one of Federal States of Malaysia. Previously, it was an independent Sultanate that had enormous power in Southeast Asia. When it was conquered by Portuguese & Dutch, it became the hub of seafarers, however when the British controlled the port, it was destroyed and eventually, the kingdoms prowess became extinct.

On March 2, 2013, I decided to visit the former Portuguese, Dutch & British colony. Coming to Melaka is like a journey back in time to witness the adventures and discoveries during its golden age. During my visit, I took the courage to walk into Old Malacca within our walls. I noticed that some of the old structures are preserve with fine example of a late 18th century two-storey building. Some houses look well maintained and it is like a exhibit for protection, conservation and restoration to encompass culture and history of early Dutch hybrid domestic architecture.

 

Jonker Street. I walked through the Jonker street which is a very attractive place in Melaka. The street is more alive in the evening especially Saturday and Sunday. During my 2 day visit there, I felt that I was lucky to visit the former centre of trade and industry. Of course, my visit would not be complete without buying many souvenirs.

Bukit St. Paul. I climbed the hill and on top of it, is an overlooking lovely town which showcase the century old structure and modern buildings. At Saint Paul Church, some portions of it remain standing. One of the highlights in climbing the hill is that, I had the feeling of going back from the past as I walk through the ruins. This is one of the major attraction in the modern city. The church was built in 16th century located on this hill. On top of the hill, there is a statue of St. Francis Xavier. Furthermore, there are many Portuguese tombstones displayed and each of their engraved are still in good conditions. It's a nice walk up a short hill and well worth because of the magnificent views over the city.