jump 4 joy

jump 4 joy
Originally uploaded by matanglawin (oyee)

Floating in the air, one of many Photoshoot of Gulf Photographer's Network Qatar. Shot taken by a colleague Mr. Oyee

My first Christmas outside the country.

Its my first time to celebrate christmas outside my beloved country, I will surely miss many things that christmas in the philippines has to offer. The smell of Puto-Bumbong, Bibingka (Phils Delicacies), the simbang gabi, The busy streets of divisoria, quiapo, cubao and the jampacked malls. Plus the non-stop partying and food tasting from every corner of the land.

But, what will I surely miss is the gathering of family, relatives and close friends and exchanging of gifts and greetings of Merry Christmas.

Although I will not be that homesick, because my lovely wife and kids are here with me to celebrate Middle eastern style.

We all know that Middle East do not merely celebrate that occasion for christians, We are lucky to have a kind and considerate country like QATAR. They even allowed the Dec 25 and Jan 1 as a non-working holiday for all. God Bless Qatar for that and his Highness the Emir.

We are still looking forward to this festive season. Its cold here and atleast we are experiencing the Winter.

So to my kababayans Maligayang PAsko at Manigong Bagong taon!

The Great Flood . . .Wrath of Typhoon ONDOY!

It was a saturday morning when I saw the devastation in the news of the Typhoon ONDOY. (Facebook) thank god for Facebook, The news is faster and more accurate than the mainstream. Because it comes from the people itself.

I immediately called my brother that time, But the line is not available, Maybe because they are busy rescuing people in our local BRGY. Unfortunately, he was also a victim of this flood, their house was also under the water. It never happened before, So I cannot imagine the scene, whenever you look around there is water.

Manila was a Waterworld. Every corner of it was like an ocean, Its a Floating City (Literally) Here are some photos posted in our forum http://www.pinoyvolunteers.org/ by one of our members M18, Thank to you bro, I was able to see some disastrous pics.


Note: Viewwer Discretion is Advised.

Last day of Eid

Yesterday was the last day of Eid here in Qatar, and I guess in the whole GCC region. After a 5 day rest day, 2 weekends and 3 Eid Holiday, I am back to work mode. Its so nice to experience the Eid Holiday! (My First time) also last monday we had a sumptous meal and kiddie party for our family courtesy of our beloved company. Its also a very nice expereince.

I have gain so much this holiday, So I need to get back in shape asap!

So much for food, fun and party, Now its time to go back to work!

Yesterday was the first day of Ramadan

Yesterday was the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, So our brother muslims have their first day of Fasting. I learned that the word "Iftar" is their breaking of the fast and that they celebrate it with a feast. So what we did is we stayed at home for the weekend.

My scheduled for driving test was became early, instead of Aug. 30, It was scheduled on Aug 27. 430am.

So I will expect to drive soon after. Hooray!!!! I miss my car! And I wanna bring him to my officer next workweek!

Thank God!

Ramadan is Coming.

With the incoming of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Some malls are already gearing up for the coming festivities. They are showcasing the country's Local Cultures thru lifesize models and statue. This is qatar long before the luxurious cars roam the road. They have horses and camels going around the city.

And also they have showcased some Local Qatari Traders. Its been a warm welcome to the people of qatar to show us Expats their history and cultures. And that is also the reason why I love to travel to all differenct places. To see and feel their cultures.

Most probably that this is an Arabian Horse!

Filipinos in Doha

I am always amaze to see filipinos "kababayan" who works in every field. Specially here in Qatar. I took some snapshots while they were at work. Here are some. . .

Working at the City Center Ice Skating Rink.

Displaying his pride, The Philippine Flag

Another one in Cinnzeo, He is the master baker.

Mabuhay tayong mga Filipino, "The New Movers of the World"

5th, 6th,7th day of Driving.

I am now just practicing all the techniques in driving here in Doha. And also learning from the news and Qatarliving some road experiences of our Kababayans and some expats. Because making a mistake over here is too costly. You should be better prepared and inform than spend money on those idiotic violations. Its about taking risk. High Priced Risk. Hehehe, But driving is a part of my life.

When I started driving back a decade ago, I told my self that I will be the best driver (for myself) Hehehe.

4th Day of Driving

Yesterday was my 4th day of driving. And we review the last days technique in Roundabouts, and then Hanging and Pocket parking. And I was told that my test schedule will be on the Aug. 30th at 430am in the morning!

So I will prepare for this test and will pass it.!

Can't wait for it!

3rd day of Driving

On the 3rd day of ny driving we tried the Hanging and L-Parking and Pocket Parking, I passed it all! After 10 years of driving?! Well, atleast I found driving again more interesting and fun.

And atleast I can guage my driving skills.

I love driving, road trips, cars everything!

So now im looking forward to the day I drive my own SUV!

2nd Day of Driving (Roundabouts)

Yesterday was my 2nd day at driving school. It was fun (for me) but, the instructor; He was boring. He cannot speak straight English an smells Hmmmm never mind . .Anyway for me it was fun learning. Specially the roundabouts. Here in qatar there are few intersections and lots of ROUNDABOUTS.


Its dangerous, but once you learned it, it will be easy. I think we negotiated around 10 roundabouts in different sizes.


Today will be my third day and according to the guy I will learn the L parking. Piece of cake! Hahahaha!


Goodluck for me!

1st Day of Driving

Yesterday was my first day in Driving school. I took it with the Al-Rayyan Driving school near our accomodation. I had the full course, hoping that after my 10 days I could get the test and pass it.

Just a positive sign, I had a car coded 18, 1 (January) 8 is my day So 18 is really a good number for me!

9 more days to my target!

My New Buddy . . . Mr. IP (Iphone)

Yesterday I recieved Mr. IP, Its a sleek 16gb 3G Iphone. I bought it at a very reasonable price, thanks to Mr Jeff Javier. Also Thank god for the opportunity of having the most elite Smartphone on the planet (As of the Moment) So many apps, its just like may Palm Zire days! I think and it become!

http://store.apple.com/

Finally . . .Driving School

At last, I was able to enroll on my driving class. Driving Class? You might ask. Yes! Because here in qatar all expats who wish to obtain a driving license has two options. (One) is to present their country's license and take a direct test or if you do not have any license or if it is expired you are required to attend a driving school. that is the 2nd option.

So since my Philippine License is already old and the number on the license was erased beyond recognition. I do not have any choice but to get my license thru the hard way. 40 days of driving school! (WFT) I am driving for almost 10+ years now and I still need to get into schooling?! Hmmmm!

But, I guess, I have to! since this is their law and I must abide to it. Also another thing, The cost of their license / school here is way too high compared back home. It cost here around 30k pesos. I could buy an Iphone for that! or 2,350 qatar riyal. Yes, it is that expensive!

Imagine in the phils you can get your license for only 750. If you do not want to go directly to the (LTO) Land Transportation Office, they also have a no appearance price! Yes! Its for VIP! at 1500 only.

And for a driving school like A1 you can have it at 5,000 pesos for 5 days. And after that you are ready to drive like hell in Metro Manila roads. Me I got my lessons from my previous job. I even learned from a right hand drive truck! Yes, from a TRUCK! thanks to Tito Boy!

So now back to reality. I am eager to drive my own car (SUV, Dodge Durango) I wanna feel the power in my own hands!

So Goodluck for me!

My First Ramadan

Ramadan the holy month for Muslims all over the world. It will kick off on either Aug 21 or 22, The first sighting of the new moon. Before I just read it in the news back in the phils. Now me and my family will experience it here in Qatar.

Announcement has been made by our Managing Directors preparing us for the holy month of Ramadan. Its fasting time, meditation and sacrifice for our muslim brothers. I am amze by their committment and dedication to their religion. They pray almost 5 times a day and every year they reflect on their higher self and their life as muslims.

I have high respect for these people, they endure a month of sacrifice and they push their mental and physical limit once a year.

Qatar Islamic Center

First Fire Alarm . . .

Here in mannai tower, It sounded at around 10:21am in the morning as I browse my blogs, Hehhehe. The alarm goes off!

So I immediately respond to that fire alarm, luckily it was a false alarm. It triggered the first floor heat sensor. Maybe because the AC is not working properly and it is because its hot and humid outside. It cause some hot air from the outside to sound that alarm.

Grocery Car(t)

We were at are Lulu hypermart last few days ago, and it is been our second time here. The price here is very reasonable. That's why we will always buy out stuff here.

And it is also because they have a child-friendly grocey cart. My son loved it!

Dress Code for Qatar.

I just received the news that there will be a strict dress code for this coming ramadan. And also because last week they caught some women on a tank top and skinny jeans/shorts.

It has been the culture of many Gulf countries to be conservative in the dress specially the women. And I believed in respecting their cultures. This is a wake up call to other Expats that are on a foreign country, That they should respect the local culture.

This is also a wake up call to our "Kababayan who works and live here in Qatar. We are here to work and not to do fashion shows. I just hope that no filipino will be caught on wearing minis.

Qatar may not too strict in terms of society's hip culture, but still we must respect their culture and religion.

Goodbye Tita Cory.

Goodbye Tita Cory, It has been a year now since she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. She fought for it courageously. Corazon Cojuanco Aquino is the Philippine Former President after the President Marcos's 2 decade term.

Pres. Corazon Aquino is also First Woman Philippine President, the mother of People Power, Her leadership is based on her ability to raised good and disciplined children. She is a plain housewife as she says. Her husband is the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino who was assasinated in 1983.

The filipino people will surely miss her!

Water Treatment

See how dirty our waters nowadays? On the extreme right is from our bottled water. Imagine that! the middle is from the faucet and the extreme left is the Water treated with filtration system.

Since because it is very hot here in the middle east, the plastic bottle was heated for many times because of transportation, keeping it in warehouse that has no air conditioning to cool off. So it is very difficult to trust your friendly water bottle.



Water tester

GMANews.TV - 2 passenger jeeps burn in Mandaluyong City - Video - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

GMANews.TV - 2 passenger jeeps burn in Mandaluyong City - Video - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

Shared via AddThis

I am very proud of my Brother and our group, freedom fire and rescue volunteer!

Boring? Find something to do on a weekend (Family)

I always think of ways to delight my family here in Qatar. Because let's face it there not much here in Qatar its only the sea and the sand. The rest are shopping malls and I do not want to spend more, I know there are still ways, cheap ways to be more fun without spending a dime.

So in a place like this you really need to find a way of doing things to keep us busy and forget the loneliness and homesickness of being away from your friends and family back home.

Here are some of the Ways I do and intended to do for the rest of our stay here in the land of Sand dunes.

1) Visit Museums, Trade Exhibits.
2) Join a forum qatarliving and join a group.
3) Find something to do (Volunteering, feed the hungry, give something to charity)
4) Visit restaurants, fine dinings, hotels and Have a photos of each.
5) Socialize, as in network to other filipinos and also some foreign friends. Learn their language, cultures etc.
6) Surf the net!
7) Play board game (Educational)

So, as I think of new things I will add up to this list. If you know or suggest something please, I beg you let me know!

Another Dusty Thursday . . . (SandStorm)

Another day of dust in the wind, Although I really like that song. But the reality really sucks. When I got out of our flat this morning, I barely see the rays of the sun. I thought it was just the clouds. But it was not.

It was the dust coevering the whole city. So nobody is out today, everybody is inside. Some locals did not even go to work. Hay! (Filipino expressions) this is life working on Middle East. It is the Sun, Sea and Dust!

Phil. Embassy in Qatar

Yesterday me and my friend, Alvin went to the Phil. Embassy for some inquiries about my License. Its so nice to see that our embassy is housed in a mansion (HOme-Office) embassy of other countries are also housed there (West-Bay Area) Its like a higher class suburbs.

Pics later I took it on my 5310 cam-phone.

I need a certification of my Driver's License, Unfortunately they need the receipt from the LTO in which I left home (Philippines.) So there is no chance for me to get that certification. My other option is to send my documents in the phils. and get a new one.

Getting a license here in Qatar is very difficult, you have to really pass the exam and go thru a series of test including a pocket parking and L parking. Plus the fee is so high!

So driving here in qatar is very expensive. But, it is rewarding!

Pinoy Taste in Qatar Part1

I would like to call this blog "Pinoy Taste in Qatar" Because you will always see pinoy in every corner of qatar.

Makati Express delivery, Anyone?

Well soup number 5 here is defintely a worldclass!

Buhay OFW . . .

Many have said that the life of a Filipino OFW is very hard. It is true indeed, And I came to realize that today. Althought my problem is just a minor against many fellow OFWs who suffer from physical pain, abuse, rape and extreme depression. My issues are just a tiny drop of water compared to their ocean of misfortunes, whom many are still suffering as of the moment.

The reason I wrote this blog is for me to realize that Life here abroad is really difficult. Why is it difficult?

1) If you run out of money (Simple) you cannot turn to anybody to borrow because it might turn it against you. Even to your fellow Filipino they might turn away from you.

2) No relative to turn to if problem arises. Some are lucky to have their parents, siblings around but for those who do not have. Where they can run?

3) Abuse, If they were abuse relative issues like Rape, Physical Abuse, Moral Abuse, Verbal Abuse!

4) Families having problems back home. And upon hearing the bad news they cannot do anything to alleviate their families suffering.

These are just the few hardships that our OFWs are suffering. And yet they still endure all of this because of their love for their families back home.

I hope that our country should really think more about them.

So the sulution? BE STRONG! BE independent! Have Faith! Be Opptimistic all the Time!

Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!

From Barriosiete
Its people power once again! But not to oust a dictator or to revolt, But for prayers for our former President and Only Female President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. He has Colon Cancer and now fighting for his life against the illness. As a Filipino "Proud one" I am also a part of this history "the 1986 Poeple Power" The bloodless revolution.

Cory have endured all coup attempts in her regime and successfully finished her term as president. Cory will also be an icon of the Philippines. She is another Martyr for the country.

Let us together pray for her recovery.

Saving . . .Stop the Bleeding!

I have seen many sites that talks about saving and the big benefits of it. I guess, I did not learn it from an early age that's why it is so hard for me to get into it. But, I thought that it is not too late for me either to start saving for the future. In fact I am now in the right place and the right time to do it. As well as training my kids in doing the same.

I am now reaping the benefits of spending too much and not thinking of the Future. Even now that I am earning double than my previous salary. Still there is no money left on my pocket.

I am always living paycheck to paycheck. Zen Habits Tips

I always think of spending may last money on the last day of payday. What a loser!

So today I am writing this blog to blurt out my feelings about my money. I should stop this bleeding. There is a bright future for me I know there is! But just like in first aid, I first need to stop bleeding!

Just like today, I only have enough money on my pocket to get a cab on the way to the office. If the money on the bank (Salary) did not come today. I will walk home!

It is true that CASH is King! Although I have all the stuff a rich person has, Car, 40inch TV, Laptop, Ipods etc. But no cash at all. Life as it Happens.

I guess this experience is lesson for me to Watch over my money carefully. And again the Law of Attraction should be brought out again. The feeling!

Its Thursday again!

Another weekend is coming and its payday week. August is fast approaching. After that its ber time and the cold months is also on the tracks. We have not bought some winter cloths. And we are all excited for the cold months. Me specially. I am a winter guy.

Lunar Eclipse (Tommorrow July 22, 2008)

Tomorrow is the date, July 22, 2008 this will be once in a lifetime experience but, I do not if it is visible here in Qatar. But it was reported that it will be visible in Shaghai China, and the Rest of Asia.

My Wish for this Year. A MacBook Pro

Rejected License.

Shit! My License was rejected by the traffic dept. Because they cannot see the License Number! What the )*(*&^! I am driving for almost 14 years now and because of that *&&^%$ number they rejected me!!! WHAAAAA!!!!

So now I need to get a *&^%$ full course, what a waste of Time and Money!!!!

And I still need to get my documents in that far place! Darn! So now what will I do??? Do I change school and get my luck? The guy told me to another thing I can do is to go to the Traffic Department in Madinat Kalifa to check for my license. For what?

Inhale . . .Exhale . . .Inhale . . . Exhale . . .

PLus the fact that I still did not have my money. Hay, Life! Anyway maybe this thing is working for good reason. I just don't see it in a clear glass.

Maybe I can get a better price for other School. Let us wait and see!

Al-Khor Facilities (Gym, Pool)

Last friday we went to Al-Khor Community, It is our company accomodation and where in most of our colleagues lived there.

And they also have the best and the finest facilities in Doha. And its free! (For Employees only and family) Swimming pool is big (But not olympic size), And the Gym has the state of the art equipments plus trainors.

I also got the chance to run in AKIS's Oval. So from now on, I will come there to workout, run and swim!

No photos are allowed inside Sorry!

Hepatitis Shot.

I just got a Hepatitis B shot via our company. Its really good to be in a multi-national company, everything is free.

Imagine how much do I have to spend for this back home. And I will need to get my second shot next month.

Courtesy of our Medical Clinic in our tower. Thanks also to those filipina nurses. They are simply the best!

IP Man

As of the moment it is my second time to watch this Movie. It is a very good epic movie of a chinese who used his skills in Kung-Fu to beat the Imperial Japanese Soldier and regain their freedom from its colony.


Starred by HK's great actor Mr. Donnie Yen.

Watch this movie, It two thumbs up!


Here are some review of the Movie http://www.beyondhollywood.com/ip-man-2008-movie-review/

Visiting Malaysia (Petronas Twin Tower)

I still remember this great place. Last year when I was called for an overseas interview by my current company we had an opportunity to visit malaysia. It was such a nice place!

I also got the chance to visit the 3rd world's highest building. The Petronas Tower, or also known as the Menara Tower.

Petronas TowerLocation : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Constructed : 1992-1998

Height : Antenna/Spire 452.0 m (1,482.9 ft) ,Top floor 375.0 m (1,230.3 ft)

Floor count : 88

Floor area : 395,000 sq. m ,4.25 million sq. ft ,

Elevator count 78

World's Top 10 Countries to get Kidnapped From

Wow, I stumbled upon this blogsite saying that the Philippine is the 5th most notorious kidnapping country in the world. Although he specifies what place in our country, Mostly in the south. Mindanao Area and its far from our capital Manila. Philippines is still the most desirable place for tourist. We have alot of tourist destinations like Boracay, Baguio of the North, Pagudpud of Ilocos. Palawan's Prestine Beaches. And our Capital Manila.

This photo above is in Bicol region which is fairly safe for tourists. That is the Mayon Volcano, world's perfect cone shape volcano. And it is an active one.

Excerpt from this site ; http://jassyworld.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-10-13T01%3A59%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=1

Turtles

Dusty Tuesday (July 14, 2009)

When I came out this morning, I could not see the sun. It is because that Doha was blanketed by the dust. Oh what a day! And yet I need to wait for about 15 to 20mins outside to get a cab. I cannot breath the air Its so full of dust. Not a good day for me!

And also waiting for my travel and shipping allowance. So that I can enroll and get my driving license.

Its so hard to live here in doha if you do not have any transpo of your own, and always wait for a cab for 20 minutes, sometimes more.

Turtles

Feed my turtles!

Qatar and the Qataris

When I was still in the Philippines, I heard so many things about the arabs, about having a terrible attitudes, bad manners etc. I guess I am just seeing those in the eyes of filipinos who had a bad experiences in the middle east. And most of them are from Saudis, Not in Qatar.

So when I got the chance to work here in the middle east. (Qatar) I have a mixed emotions of fear, excitement, anxiety and with a big expectations of things. Like, what it will be like? How will I deal with them. But, as time goes by my anxiety and fear went away and was changed for fun and hospitality of the Qataris and Qatar. I found most of them very friendly and professionals. Specially when I met our superiors. They are very warm and soft spoken.

I was also amaze when I see some of them speak out our native language (Tagalog) like "Kamusta ka Pare" or "San punta?" And that things made me confident and at ease with them. I guess because almost all of food establishment and stores here in Qatar hires filipinos and filipinas.

Plus the fact that I always see our kababayan's everywhere!

The place is awesome. In Qatar they only have two seasons, the Winter in which it is very cold and the Summer with extremely hot.

So for those who are first timers like me. Relax and take your time. You will surely love Qatar and its people.

When you see Qatar in the middle east map (Use Google Earth) It is just s small land mass pinching out of KSA. (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)