I didn’t expect that half of the mission in Glenda of Oodles of Goodles’ entry to my birthday/blogoversary giveaway pertains to me.
(Each notecard comes in set of five)
August, 2009 Monthly archive
(Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi)
I wrote here my hesitation to register for absentee voting, to quote:
Don’t get me wrong. I love Philippines. Not that I’m being lazy either. But there’s this initial not so optimist feel of what for? The governance that I’ve witnessed after each election is vicious. I remember one discussion with the locals here. They’re giving praises as to how educated the Filipinos they meet are, and they wonder why the househelpers and cashiers (in the malls) they meet are seemingly educated. “Most of them are college graduates. But maybe they find it necessary to leave Philippines for a while for a number of reasons. Not always the major reason, but for the better pay.” I said. “But what is your government doing? Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, what’s wrong with your government?,” they asked. OMG, Prez GMA help! Kidding.
(The embassy is open during the weekends, Friday and Saturday, to accommodate more registration. Only those full of excuses won’t be able to register. Haha. I used to be like that.)
Believe it or not, (though my family are/used to be Marcos loyalists) Prez Cory touched me in a way that I (finally) registered for the absentee voting few days ago. Kudos to the people in Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. They are efficient. I filled out the required form, gave a photocopy of my passport (you may provide a copy of labor card or its equivalent), signed in the signature pad, photo taken (they’re using an old Canon Powershot A300) , fingerprints scanned, briefed about the coming elections and availability of the voters ID, etc.
While waiting for my turn, I regaled myself by counting the number of desktops they have (i.e. there are seven PCs visible from the counter), looked at two Panasonic photocopiers, a no-name 14-inch television with TFC subscribtion, Prez Arroyo’s photo on the wall near the cashier, Vice-Prez De Castro’s photo near the photocopier, walls painted cream of white, at least a dozen blue monoblocks, (unintentionally) eavesdropped at other registrants’ conversations – hot topic: the lavish dinnner in the US (at this point some registrants sarcastically looked at Prez Arroyo’s photo near the cashier; hey, why is it near there? malicious question, heehee, coincidence of course), etc.
Registration is until August 30, 2009. More information here.
The only time I voted was during the 1998 presidential elections. I was too excited then, I even brought a list with me to the precint (first time kase). Who to vote for this time?
The monetary aspect came as a secondary consideration when I decided to work overseas. I’m at the point wherein this is where the wind blows for the type of profession/field I’m in. I have a considerable amount of risk appetite and even the point of which job offer from which country to take involved too much risk taking already. I prayed hard to be led to where I should be. That time I didn’t know exactly why I chose to come to UAE over heading to the more popular countries. But not too long, the One up there showed me the reasons. In life, there would be decisions and indecisions like that – you don’t need a reason at the moment, but that would feel right. Sooner or later you’d say, “Ah, You really know better.”
That day I had no assurance that I’m going to like it here or not. There are too much information from the net and a number of people. But I wouldn’t really know until I got here. I’m braving myself secondary to prayers, by thinking that I can always return, anyway, in case the situation is totally hellish. With corresponding cost, of course. That night the plane landed, there was this certain air that embraced me telling me that I’m in good hands.
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The branches of Chili’s in Abu Dhabi are normally jampacked. We were lucky to catch its branch in Khalidiyah in its quiet state when we dined there after the English mass on an early Friday. (That’s the official prayer day in UAE. Hence, that forms the weekend + a Saturday. Workweek starts on a Sunday.)
I was craving for Pancake’s taco that moment. We ordered Chicken Club Taco. Semi-wrapped are grilled mesquite chicken breast, chopped crispy beef bacon, diced tomatoes, mixed cheeses and lettuce, with chipotle-ranch dressing.
(The tattoo extends to her arms almost reaching shoulders. I forgot to take a photo of her palm, more intricate artwork there.)
While I/we admired my first henna tattoo last June, I was in awe when a colleague showed hers. They held the traditional henna party few days before her sibling’s wedding (like a bridal shower). The activity itself gives an opportunity for women of both families to bond. Some popular beliefs related to (wedding) henna party:
(a) A dark henna stain is said to be a sign of strong love
(b) The stain on the body for the next few weeks is a constant reminder of the special events surrounding the wedding day
(c) New brides are traditionally excused from housework until their henna patterns fade away
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