Whirlwind weekends

Just 3 months ago, I was talking about getting my diving course done.

In an unexpected turn of events, I did.

And what an unforgettable experience it was!

I wish I had more time to reflect on the whirlwind events that happened since July....

Leadership Residential Program

Experential Learning Program (Camp)

Diving @ Malapascua

Mad rush of lectures and homework and lectures and homework

Activity-filled weekends

Moon Party/BBQ @ John's private roof top

Macau holiday @ Presidential suite in Venetian

And I'm about to embark on a new adventure soon.

Can't wait!

the Manila mania continues

The drama didn't stop at the airport.

1) We were early and did not check in until 2pm. When we eventually did, it turned out to be a Junior suite - with single beds placed next to each other. =.= We suspect they didn't understand when we said we wanted a two-bedroom suite. Heng the latter is still available, though it's on a smoking floor.

2) So of course, we were late for the first interview at 2pm. To add to the drama, the company had shifted office and the address on their website is not updated - so we were at the wrong location!

3) We were SO tired after the drama on Wed morning that we didn't explore the city at night - plus, it rained. =.=

4) Thursday night dinner was buffet - Filipino style and Jap and Western all in one. I was so FULL I had indigestion and I puked at 630 am the following morning. It was a relief to be rid of the bloatedness but it was horrible puke!! There was simply too much food to eat!!!

5) We had planned to club on Thursday night. Checked with concierge what's the nearest happening club in Ortigas City, was told it was Alchemy.

We must have asked at least 20 taxi drivers outside the hotel if they knew how to get to the Alchemy on Julias Vergas Street. None of them knew.

We hopped into a cab - the driver seemed to know, but we drove around in circles around the same area - until we stopped him, paid, and got off.

How can the local taxi drivers not know this happening club???

So, we flagged down a couple more taxis, walked around the area, and finally met our saviour..... who drove us to the nearby police post.

Of course, the police would know... their favourite huants to crack down junkies.

So we were happily on our way! Hip hop music blasting in the taxi, driver was damn happy he found us the place, and we can't wait to shake our booties!

But... the moment we got off the taxi, we knew something else was wrong. There was no blasting music or drunken bodies outside the club. Time check = past midnight.

"Hey, Alchemy's closed ...." This dude called out, and took our cab and left.

What the....

Totally unsatisfied, we headed to whichever bar which is still opened at this hour to have a couple of drinks before knocking out at the hotel.


6) And as if we hadn't learnt our lesson for being early at the airport, we just made it in time for the flight bound for HK.

Well, amongst all the drama, there're some good and extremely enjoyable moments of course.

1) the three amigos at the buffet restaurant - you'll see what i mean when you view the video clip.

2) Short day tour to Intramuros - Manila's walled city, with pages of history on those walls, holes in walls made by canon bombs and how strong life is.

3) Interesting Manila food and lovely Filipino friends - Charlotte, Sonny, the three amigos and 78 yr old taxi driver Nick!!

Am starting to dream of a holiday in one of the Filippino islands, sipping pineapple juice, listening to Spanish tunes, already!

Drama ma ma goes manila!

I think my life is getting too dramatic.
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0630

Tom gave me a morning call. Fell out of bed.

0700

Dumped all toiletries, facial cleanser stuff, PJs and misc into the luggage and locked it.

0715

Standing at corner of Lan Kwai Fong desperately trying to flag a cab with tiny raindrops falling on my head.

0730

Reached HK Station, happily queued in line to check in before I get on the Airport Express. I should have sensed something wrong when there's no queue for online check in passengers. Text Tom to inform him to check in at the airport first since I'm still in the Q...

0755

After a long wait, I was told, in a super calm manner by the CX staff that ... I'M LATE FOR MY FLIGHT!!! and the next Airport Express is leaving at 8am. My flight is 910am, Boarding time is 20 minutes before, airport express would take 30 min to reach airport... so you do the maths.

0800

Nabei, CX staff bluff me. The Airport Express train left at 0758 and the next one is arriving in 12 minutes. Tom is calling me from the airport... because... he cannot check in.... because I had booked the air tickets with my credit card and they need to see me in person with my credit card!!! holy moly!

All this while on the train, images of how we (Mr Goh, Wx & Jz) almost missed our flight in HK last dec flashed. We had missed the check in timing, BUT luckily, the flight was delayed... and Mr Goh's "C'mon, you gotta get us on this flight!" somewhat helped...

I CANNOT miss this flight - the next one is at 2pm and I would have missed my scheduled interview at ... hurr 2pm.

0835

Ran for my life, in 3.5 inches heels, rolling luggage, swinging hangbag to counter B23...only to find out.....

THAT I HAVE TO THROW AWAY THE LIQUIDS IN MY LUGGAGE COS THE CHECK IN GATE IS CLOSED!

my toiletries! my entire facial cleansing regime! Poof!!!! They are expensive shit! and I only started using one 2 weeks ago! It's not even utilised for more than 10%!!

What would you do, tell me, what would you do...

0840

In line to pass the customs - Had to pick the shortest line! but...

Officer: (flipping my passport)- Is this REALLY you?

FAINT - Look very different MEH?

Dramamama: (sweetest smile) Yes, and sorry, but could you hurry up cos I'm rushing for my flight (again, sweetest smile)

Officer: Sure, I'm trying to find your date of entry to HK stamp. So.. your surname is LUO?

Dramamama: =_=

0850

CX lady staff brought me to the line for flight crew to scan luggage and walk through the detector thingy.

I'm SO GRATEFUL TO THIS LADY! She looked more worried and anxious than me! She's been such a GREAT help!

Officer: I'm sorry, but all these items are more than 100ml and you cannot take them on board.

Dramamama: (pained look) but these are all very expensive.... can I pls keep.. this .. this .. and this... (tries very hard to imitate puss in Shrek)

Officer throws back one tube which is 125g. ^ ^ but took out all the rest. BAH.

0855

Ran for my life. Tom was waiting at the boarding gate.

Hooray! WE MADE IT! My cells have never felt this alive before.

= Ninoy Aquino International Airpot - Mabuhay (Welcome) US! =

= The clear sky strong juxtaposed with the clustered buildings below =

= We're transformed to mini millionnaires with Pesos! =

More sights and sounds tomorrow!