Serendipity

Living here in China gave me the opportunity to meet new people but what's the best thing Im grateful for are the friends whom Ive met in China and still kept in close contact with them. Just like this, "FINALLY" a couple now friends.

I'd have to agree with Jowell that his encounter with Ginger is indeed a "serendipity." They've crossed paths for the longest time all these years. They were 'cheatmates' when they were still in nursery (I cant recall having the memory of cheating when I was still in my pre school years!). They've studied in the same college and formed part of the same organization, bids an occasional hi and hellos in the university. Then again, they crossed path again in Beijing. Their first 'encounter' was during a mass in the Australian Embassy in Beijing. Jowell silently told me, "I know that girl, why is she here?" After mass, we ended up having dinner together. Memories back in college went back and they were in sync again. But nothing happened. She went back to Manila, Jowell kept on his busy work in Beijing. Then, Jowell finally said one day, "Marie, Im gonna go home to Manila for good." It wasnt a surprise to me but then, Im sad too because Jowell has been more than a just a friend but like an older brother to me when I was still residing in Beijing. I was his house sitter and usual dinner and after Church bud. I end up going to the Grand Hyatt Beijing with him after week nights to drink tea and listen to Filipino band singing. How boring life we had then??

To cut the story short, Jowell surprised me again by saying that he's 'dating' Ginger in Manila. I was happy. I actually told him...FINALLY..why just now?! They were just here over the weekend in Shanghai. They are my best couple to date. Quite an ideal couple. They'd make a powerhouse resume if I were to itemize their credentials and why they are simply the 'best'. She was in for the right guy at the right time at the right place. They compliment each other. Sharing with me how they spent their Christmas is like an 'awwww' moment. Both of them made a list of the things they want to get for Christmas from China. It's just more than just a GIFT. There was a 'challenge' and waiting time and the thrill if theyre gonna get it. What Jowell did was get all these things for a REAL BARGAIN price much much lower than its retail price. Things that u wont normally see or get in shops in the Phils. How they did it is our "secret". Speaking of creativity and romance.

Being romantic is a passion in itself because u pour out all ur effort even if it is cheesy and unconventional. It doesn't have to be expensive (as what most people would think). Creativity is free as long as we put in time to think how we'd carry out a special something for someone. Little details like remembering what the other person needs. Always thinking of what the other person "might" want, need or appreciate everyday. This is a ritual I usually find very 'normal' to couples. Very thoughtful people. As couples, I think we should be responsible to be passionately romantic. I know ALL MEN would hit me in the head for 'requiring' this. But if u truly love someone, a note or two saying ';good morning' or 'hi' is indeed romantic. I've seen older couples who have kept being romantic in its full sense. Not just pulling off a whimsical romantic dinner or get away or a bed of roses. It's more than that, being romantic is being consistent to be mindful of the other persons' likes and dislike even to your discomfort at times. Passion is consistency.

Sometimes I wonder, can I just be that thoughtful? My best friend always tell me that i have a chronic 20s symptom ofhttp://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=26567005&postID=117566756910713029# an Alzheimer's disease. I guess I'd be thoughtful when I want to be thoughtful. But for this couple, it's 24/7. To think that they are on an LDR kind of thing right now. Maturity is a recipe for this to work. I think they'll go a long way with their creativity in romance. They were lucky that theyve had many chances to bump into each other and finally realize that they can be a couple after all.

pet owner vis a vis pet lover

Being immersed in this pet food industry made me understand that there's a big difference between a pet owner and pet lover. I've never made such a distinction not until now I've been in interaction with so many pet lovers. Unfortunately, I think Im the only one who fits perfectly to my definition as a pet owner. For clarification,

a pet owner is someone who takes care to the minimum living requirements of a pet; it means simply giving food and water, administering weekly (once or twice depending on free time) baths

a pet lover is someone who cuddles, plays and dotes their pets with what i call "luxury" for a pet's life; it means buying your pet some treats, accessories, toys; administers weekly grooming, walks and plays to your pet.

Sounds tiring, huh? Well, for a pet owner like me, YES, it sounded very tiring but for pet lovers, it's a fulfillment.

A visitor/friend of mine was here to help me brainstorm last December shares to me his experiences as a pet lover. He's a hobbyist. Im impressed that for his age, he knows a lot of things from investment to stocks, dog faqs, model cars collecting, beauty tips, what's hot and what's not, traveling, steel, tires, guns, how about germs (ive not ask this...he fits the book of Jared Diamond then)upto horticulture and orchids.For now, his interest is shifted to playing golf and i think he's so busy practicing to tee.

Very interesting and insightful guy. Actually, quite memorable meeting him. I learned 3 important things from this guy.

First, how to say the right words at the right time. For the first time in my life, did anyone dare say that I'm pathetic, ruthless and ugly (in a nicer way but it meant this way). A really funny incident indeed. I had a bad pimple breakout when they were here due to erratic weather pattern here in Shanghai at that time. It always happen to me when it gets colder. Im so much uglier. hahaha! Anyway, he said that Chinese believe that a clear skin is a sign of a good and sound businessman/woman. It didnt register to me not until he repeated it again...so i said, 'wait, wait, maybe he's referring to me...' thus, my ego got into it's war mode. I'm never a good active listener. But then, he said it right. I'd have to say, i need to learn how to say what i want to say directly!

I've realized that appearances really give a good first impression. Good thing when I interviewed for this work, i was much nicer looking, have a really flawless skin and much healthier and fitter, unlike now. Going back, I'd have to agree with him re: physical appearances. We want to be simple but not to appear so dull and boring. However, sometimes to achieve this, we need to accessorize,jazz up a bit thus might go to vanity while we build up on not to appear dull and lifeless.

Second, how to keep up with your interest. I envy this guy how he managed to keep all his senses open to the little details on the stuffs he knows. Information overload?? He's almost like "answer.com" put to life...though I'd be impressed if he can translate different words to different languages. hehhe! too much to ask. Just kidding, if u happen to read this! He's just passionate!!! (3 exclamation point) When he puts his heart into something, he's not gonna cease knowing about it. I thought his interest on Fibonacci Principle is just a 'fly by night' and 'ice breaker' sort of thing to try to make a conversation, but when i went back to Manila, he's got a book about it. I wouldnt spend so much time understnding that concept. Perhaps an overview at answer.com would suffice my interest but he's impressive. He can talk for hours about it. Just as he did when he gave me an overview on how to invest at the stock market. I'm almost gonna give him a seed money to play around...tsk tsk tsk. Quite a salesman! As I've mentioned in my previous blog...Im a jack of all trades master of none. THis guy is just a mini jack of all trades and can pull it off to be a master of all!

Third, how to be serious and playful at the same time. My first impression of him is just one serious guy who doesnt want to smile. Maybe this is so because we met as business acquaintance. I've always have a hard time appearing to be business-like. Everyone thinks Im just so cheerful to the poiint of not giving so much proper decorum during business negotiations. That's how i feel. But when he was there to negotiate in my behalf, i want to make a life size cardboard of him and use it as an ad when i do my negotiations. He has mastered to skill of being serious businessman when needed. That i'd have to learn. Maybe because he's so much vain compared to me. hahahaha! Geez...when will i start! On the other hand, he knows how to put off his mask and simply be himself. He's very down to earth. I put him to the test to eat in a not so fancy chinese restaurant. He has survived it. He has shared a bit of himself . It was fun knowing him. I've learned a lot about myself too and how to improve myself as well. I just wish i can prolong my passions longer and really be truly passionate about it. I put my heart in my sleeves, and I can't change hats easily. U know when I'm sad, happy or angry in an instant. But in business, like Sun Tzu's Art of War, u can't be too obvious. U have to know when to be in battle and retreat. For me, my 'enemies' already know my moves. I'd wish I know how many battles he has won in his emerging stint to life in any of his endeavors which is he passionate about!

Xiamen Getaway

Last Chinese New Year, I visited my high school classmate in Xiamen. It was my first time to visit that very nice city. I couldnt understand why so many of Filipino Chinese businessmen and overseas Chinese would kill to have their retirement in Xiamen. I could only be skeptical not until I finally made a visit.

Coming from Shanghai, fair and warm weather in Xiamen was gladly appreciated. I dont have to deal with putting on layers and layers of winter clothes. I'm sure much of a the people who knows me have been to Xiamen. But I want to share with you my food trip pictures. I find eating around China is a creative, adventurous and fun experience more than going simply for sight seeing.







Isn't it just appetizing? I'll leave it up to you to decide.

This personal visit ended up a very insightful business visit. I was very lucky to meet the owner of the big fast food operator in Xiamen (Xinshitai Fast food). I've realized that one of the important strategies in a company (big or small) is how you take care of your people. The owner is very personal and shares intimate relationship with his employees. It is very humbling to see how down to earth he was considering the status he has as the owner. He was in his normal shirt and jeans. Making toasts, singing and dancing like the rest for their company celebration via KTV (how else do do think Chinese celebrate aside from eating. My high school friend is on the brink of hysteria since the owner insisted on having a party despite the situation that they're just starting up, no cashflow and profit. I just realized, sometimes the heart just have to give in for the long term goals of the company. This immediately wins you loyalty and trust (VERY VERY HARD to get here in China). Perhaps too, Xiamen ese are more in touch with their humanity rather simply being too consumerist and materialist in their orientation at work. Everyone was happy that night. I think i'd have to learn how to sing and give a toast for my employees in the future.

Back to the Groove

My last post here in my blog is last december. It has been a while and work has gotten most of my creativity juices running. It has been an exhausting first quarter for 2007. Im gaining weight, I'd want to believe that it's stressed induced. Weather is to be envied back home. Everyone in the Philippines now is enjoying warm and hot sunshine. As for me, I've just developed a frost nip in my right hand. Im typing/working in my laptop with gloves. How pathetic?

I've met interesting people in the past 3 months and I'll try to recall and write about them in the succeeding weeks.