coincidence or fate!

Today is actually two months since I wrote here in my blog! What a coincidence!!!! It's so surprising how the past 3 months out of work has been a whirlwind for me. So many changes, big and small, has been happening.

Id want to share how life surprises me these days and Im baffled whether this is just sheer coincidence or fate controlling me. It has been good. Altho I'm penniless without work now, Im so much happier these days. Why is it when u have less money u are happier and vice versa? Paradox of life!

I would want to make a distinction between coincidence and fate. Coincidence is two events happening in the same instance. Just like now, Im writing my blog, EXACTLY, one month since I wrote my last entry. IT was a coincidence.

However, fate is something I experienced last Aug 15 2008. It is a day to remember...INDEED. I have never imagined what it will bring me. This is fate. Fate is something that unfolds right in ur face where events from the past suddenly become meaningful and worth remembering. I cant help but daydream for the last 3 months how things from 10 yrs ago will be all coming back to me. It was like fitting in the puzzles and gives me a dazed stare today. Im sure everyone experiences this once in a while. You just cant believe it. Therefore, miracles do happen without us expecting it.

I met Javi (Mr. Javier Gamboa) that rainy Friday night in Shanghai. On my way, I thought, I wanted to pass by the church in Chongqing Road coz it was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. However, I didnt want to be late so I didnt pass by anymore. It was pouring rain so it's quite difficult to walk around Shanghai that nightI hurried to the restaurant which was always fully booked. Moreso, it was a friday weekend so it was a real hassle getting a seat. I was early and secured a seat for the two of us. Little did I know I'd be waiting more than 1.5hrs for him to arrive!!! :P I could have let someone use our table and the resto gets extra profit for it. What the heck! WE occupied the seat until 10pm! hahaha!

I'm excited to meet him coz Ive never seen him for the last 10 yrs since he was my Chemistry professor. HE is Spanish. This was enough reason for me to go through the hassle of traveling downtown to meet him since I planned to be in Spain for my MBA. I wanted to see and know more about Spain and how Im going to prepare for my next plan in life! I had a great night talking to him and knowing more of him rather than be my 'boring' professor back in those days. I told him I'll keep in touch with him for the fact Id be visiting my sis in Singapore this coming December. All's well that ends well...so I thought!

3 days after I received a message from Facebook as a follow up. He sent me a link of a Spanish poet, Antonio Machado, entitled, "Last night as I was sleeping"

Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt -- marvelous error!—
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart.
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me,
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?

Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt -- marvelous error!—
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.

Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt -- marvelous error!—
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.

Last night, as I slept,
I dreamt -- marvelous error!—
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.

This is the first time someone sent me a deep and heartfelt poem which can be interpreted in so many ways. Then, fate started to flash back into my memory. What is happening here?!?!?!?!?!!? I recalled that Friday night and realized how this poem had to be sent to me. Then, I concluded it was FATE! We met on my last weekend in Shanghai which could not have happened if he was not Spanish! :P Considering how impatient I am and very particular with keeping time, I waited for him for 1.5hrs. This is a FEAT! It was meant to happen. I had to wait so that I would no longer wait for a guy that was prepared for me. What's 1.5hrs anyway if you knew he will be ur future bf! :P

Everything happened so fast. IT was as if we knew each other since 10 yrs ago and we are simply catching up with our stories and people we both knew! This is a happy moment in my life.

Sometimes we think career, work, study, glory are all important and will make one happy but I realized the true meaning that Love conquers all. I abandoned my backpack plan and MBA plan which I thought would guarantee me peace of mind and happiness. I wouldnt know now if it will. However, Im certain that Im not worried being jobless, penniless and traveless (if there is such a word). What I know, someone loves me so much that all these doesnt bother him at all. On top of which, I cannot cook, disorganized like rampaging gorilla in a room, driving people nuts and crazy with the thoughts that I have which are out of this world. What a FATEFUL day? Im so much happy it had to come now.

words of wisdom

I'm finally home once again. I always feel relieved and happy whenever I go home. There's no place like home. Especially so I miss the good home cooked meals of my mom. I'm posting here some nice thoughts my dad shared to me and my siblings. I took this out from his email to me.

What is the meaning of genuine success in life ?

To me that consists of a few features and ideas :

1. Has knowledge (learning should be a lifetime process)

2. Has experience(through work and interaction with all walks of life)

3. Has wisdom (including love, and handling of human relations)

4. Has ambition (this is a very personal feeling, mostly due to one's character)........this factor alone will determine how rich you would be.

5.Has determination (including hardworking spirit)and finally ,somebody is more successful because he (no. 6 ) has Luck .

So,success in life has both materialistic and spiritual portions/meanings to consider.

What do you think? I feel that there's so much wisdom in these six points.

happy family

It's been a year since I wrote in my blog. There's a reason why I was prompted to write a post here (even if no one really reads this! hehe!). I posted an entry earlier regarding two foreigner friends I have here in Shanghai whom I accidentally introduced to each other. After a year and a half, theyre married and now they recently got a bundle of joy, Leila. I just want to share to you the fruit of their love! Im so happy to have been part of this momentous moment.

It was a funny love story. It all started when I messed up my appointment and I mistakenly arranged to meet two separate friends on the same day. I fetched Flo in the subway stop to take him around Shanghai since he was my guest from hospitality club. Then, Asel called me up to remind me of our rendezvous! Oh noh!!!! I completely forgot I have a lunch meeting with her. So, I requested if they dont mind hanging around all at the same time since I cant meet them separately (as if they had a choice! :P) Anyway, it was a very long day. I took them around all over the scenic places in shanghai. I think Flo really enjoyed it but not Asel. After we had dinner, Flo still wanted to go out for drinks. Unfortunately, since I live in a DISTANT suburb in Shanghai, i cant hang out longer than 9pm ( I beat out Cinderella on this! At least, her curfew is 12mn) I asked Asel if she can take Flo to drinks. She was completely hesitant because she didnt like Flo at first. So with booze and dancing something got into them and the next thing I know they are so much into each other already. After a couple of months, I got an invitation to attend their wedding in Germany but I didnt go because I went to Taiwan.

Here's the culmination...they have the very cute and pretty Leila in their lives. It feels so much better to know that somehow I was instrumental to this love story. I played the unconscious cupid! Love happens in the most unexpected places and people. So, this gives me so much hope that I'd see this guy for me in the nearest future. I also want to have cute kids pulling and making me raging mad. It's being completely human to feel different emotions. I want to be as human as I can be and share all the love I have in me! hahaha! If there's this deserving guy :P

Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Here are some pix during the independence day celebration of the Philippine Consulate here in Shanghai.

love for pets

Last monday, I was processing document papers in one of the big state owned trader here in Shanghai to hasten the shipping documents I need. I was invited to join for lunch at their building canteen. It was actually his third time to invite me to have lunch but I declined for the first two incidents. Unfortunately, I felt obligated to join him because this will be my third time to decline him. It was a real experience.

It was very clean for Chinese standards considering that the building is actually state owned. hehe! People were orderly qeued and waited for their turn to choose their meal buffet. It was a LOT of food, for 7RMB you get to choose one square rice, 3 veggie dishes and 2 meat dishes with overflowing soup. However, I opted to take the 'ban mian' which is actually boiled noodles with sesame oil and soysauce to swap for my rice. With this I only get 2 veggies and 1 pork dish but I also get to have the buffet soup. We were eating our meals and the old man beside me, he started putting in his stainless steel container with newspaper left over of his fish bones. My counterpart started to speak in Shanghainese. He asked me if I understood, from the looks of it, I knew what it was for. It was for the pet kitten. We were laughing because we were just discussing about my dog food. I was giving him an overview and here it was in actual setting. Seeing someone put their pets while they are even away from home. It is very interesting how people value their pets as if they are humans. I think this is a result of the one child policy. Everyone gets lonely without anyone to play around. Especially so most of them have their kids leave their homes at a very young age for boarding school or college or work. I dont think i can ever develop the love for pets. I'm too practical to dote.

san fran friend

I have a friend from the Philippines who dropped me a line saying she's heading to San Francisco for a business trip. It was a light bulb moment. I thought of asking my good friend in San Francisco to take lady friend to go around town since it was her first time. San Fran friend didnt fail me..indeed a true friend.

It's so surprising how generous people can be with their time despite the fact that you haven't given time or gotten in touch with them for the longest time. San Fran friend is truly one of a kind. I never thought he'd take the 'job' of being the tour guide for a day.

What does it mean to be a true friend? I think San Fran friend is one of these true friends I have considering how brutal I was when we were physically together.

San Fran friend is a passionate Math teacher. I've seen how he developed this love for teaching because we used to be teaching English to chinese students back in Beijing. He was not as confident then as I think he would be now. I knew that he can make it because I've seen how dedicated he was trying to make himself better as an English teacher then. I feel so embarrassed I'm not putting much time preparing for the classes we have then. He's very competitive. I think this is one of his hallmark for future success. More than all of these good qualities, I fail to see the wisdom he shared to me at that time.

He coined me a 'princess,' which I refused to admit before but I realized that I WAS. He tried to make things hard for me but I took it against him when in fact he wants me to build character. I said, "i always get what i want" which now I realized how selfish I was for saying it. Thus, he made it difficult for me to have things that I want. He was very patient for my bratty ways. He never asked anything from me and here I am annoying him. He never failed me but I always fail him.

San fran friend is a true friend. He's there for you to tell you what are ur defects and try to help you correct it. He never asked anything in return for all the small but many favors you always ask. He always extend help when needed at the most unexpected times. He brings you small no ocassion gifts because he knew you liked it. He still posed that happy smile despite the fact that he hates taking silly kiddie neoprint pictures.

No time and money shall ever return such a big heart of unrecognized friends. I just wish I will have the opportunity to return the many favors I had from him. Sad to admit, I'd have to say, thanks to ur not giving in my bratty ways because you made me a better person today. I just wish I can visit San Fran friend soon or vice versa.

random act of kindness

Looking back at how I've spent my two years in Shanghai, I've come to realize that Thomas Hobbes' philosophy that man is evil by nature is not true. I'm very lucky to have had a lot of incidents that made me conclude that man still has a good side after all.

Here are some of these so called unexpected act of kindness from people:

1. I consistently received pictures from a traveling friend from wherever he's been to for the last two years. It always surprise me how this really makes me happy every time I receive it.

2. I received free muffins from Wagas because the head supervisor thought I am a loyal customer.

3. I received free dessert and another welcome drink when I took a foreign tourist to visit Corregidor because the head chef was from my high school alma mater. (Note: we werent close. She just recognized me.)

4. I got invited by an acquaintance to attend an Italian cookout get together.

5. I got a 1rmb discount from a taxi driver because he liked my smile.

6. I got free foot massage because I accompanied a colleague to hear mass and go grocery with her.

7. I got a free management handbook from raytheon couriered to me directly after sending an email that I want a copy.

8. I got free entrance tickets to attend the Shanghai Auto Show (very expensive entrance tickets) from a friend.

9. I got free admission at the Old Residence of Gen. Zhou En Lai

10. I might get a free trip to Taiwan soon from a new project.

I think if we really keep a positive attitude and show a good heart, people unconsciously return the favor without an effort. Try practicing to smile for no reason in the subway. I feel that the subway is infested with grumpy, ugly and lonely-looking people. I do this exercise sometimes, just smile and check how it affects others. These small things make life more interesting. I hope you do urself a favor from time to time.

end of poverty

It's been a while I havent updated this site. I'm really demoralized on how the progress of my project is going. TOUGH road ahead but I'd have to hang on until this is up and running.

I happen to attend a very interesting talk given by Mr. Jeffrey Sachs. I was so excited because I have a copy of his book, "The End of Poverty," and I was able to have it signed. I felt so star struck having the chance to come up to a very renowed economist of the millenium. I just had my 30 second brief introduction to get my book signed.

He was visiting Shanghai to attend the talks of the Chinese and African government with an observer status how deals will materialize for loan grants to alleviate poverty in the African region.

There were a lot of things discussed. I learned a lot of new technical terms especially as regards the environmental issues daunting our generation. I learned words like carbon capture technology, carbon credit system, energy efficient automobiles using ethanol, etc. Some are too technical for me to remember. After being so immersed with the pet industry, this is really a breather.

He said a lot of these big banks are caught up with internal politics and prejudices regarding how to address complex issues in Africa. Africa receives little funding from the developed nations having all the excuses that Africa is corrupt and it's impossible to get them out of extreme poverty. I admire his optimism on the plight of the African nations. Indeed, he was very impressed how a country like China, not having entirely gotten the 'developed' status is already trying to extend help to Africa while the so-called rich nations are being very greedy and snobbish of the issues. As I've read his book, his propaganda may sound rubbish to us because as we see how terrible the situation is in Africa, we become discouraged to help them. But he mentions a lot of reasons why this will work. The politicians may be corrupt but the people have the pain and hunger to get themselves out of their situation. We've seen how seemingly impossible things happen in this world and I think Mr. Sachs will achieve what he put on as his agenda in this world. I wouldnt be surprised if he will be read in the history next time.

Here's my attempt to take a pix of him during the talk:

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.