Back to my Portal

Now I became the Epitome of Sorry. 'Was sick, bedridden, not working, not blogging, neither reading nor replying to you for days. SORRY!

Dear Folks, AJ's not (and will never-ever) giving cold shoulder to your kind calls and messages. This what happened: A gadget-freak buds and I went to a jump-packed Mall and sweat in the building's carpark for an hour or so to find a legal parking. As we moved in and out of the car under a temperature thats oh-both extreme!, our back's turned wet, dry and wet. To make the story short, It was me who were affected thereafter. BADLY!

Getting stabbed by migraine is agonizing; but having it with fever, sore throat and vomiting is as thrice as painful. When I thought I was about to perish, I reckon, -in between raw pain- like an Old man who reminisced life's heydays. My screwed up brain had shooed away obscene, err., vile thoughts and chided me to barter it fastly to a Holy Mode (duh)? I'm a natural born whiner cum jester - so if my sick pictures and/or rants verbatim is too much for you to bear then SORRY (tao lang po!). In dangerous times, I highly recommend mind renewal & spiritual confession. Seriously.

The end of torturous sickness days isn't over ..and i yet to rub off the sleep in my eyes. After the sudden hiatus, 'AM BACK! RESSURRECTED ...and will manage to pull off again [hopefully] the impossible.

Let me thank the FF for the newfound strength that saved yours truly in the nick of time:

1.My "marathon" Doc who accused me of burning candle at both ends. The expensive antibiotics and Med. certificates he signed does help, anyway.

2. PRAYERS and GET WELL SOON's by family and social circles. For my mother's binahang "lugaw" na di gawa sa malagkit. (Yacky mum can't take it, but TY, she's more sickly than I am yet, she get up to tend for me night or day)

3. Baby Yom & Jen's (My 2 & 3 yr olds made-in-Dubai Pamangkins) cherubic faces and angelic laughter sans their Royal Rumble Acts. It kept their eccentric-ageing Tito awake and absentminded of his internal menace.

4. And for this wow! email from a loyal-global reader in New Delhi?, India. Great Maximo, you're one true Pal I regretted letting go. A portion of my dude's letter quotes:

"My Dearest Friend Josh,

Finally my workshift changed and i got enough time to go thru your blogs starting this June. Boy O boy...... you've grown by heaps...! I Enjoyed each and every word of yours .

I bestow on you the Title Sir.... From now on i'll call you Sir for your amazing work and progress on your Blog. Keep the good work going.....Cheers.!! Now that i have saved your blog in my favorites , i can open it as i get time. I'll keep you updated as i get a chance. ...! Give my love to the little angels, and regards to all at home and all your friends that i met. Miss you all a lot. Take Care, you're missed. Max"

Even my infected tonsil remains hurting, can't hold-down my jaw to smile-wide. That was the first time he return to counter-attack my blogs (after moving it from Friendster - Blogspot last June 07 (what?? I'm on my first year in B.S.?). As a courtesy, I had this Ma'as-sala-am (GoodBye) Entry for the guy, hope you'll check and see.

Getting closely-acquainted with non-Pinoy is one of the many perks of working in a place that's a melting pot of cultures. Max has proven to be one of them. The same goes to all my virtual buddies who showered me with warm-cool thoughts in my sickness or in health. You're too many to mention, but let me do the catching-up someday! I got an alarming advices to mellow my eyes from reading, writing or using the computer. "A friendly way" of saying Let the life get out of you!..GRRR!! So, when time comes i'm not as visible here as I was, it may only mean I went well w/ the saying.

Pero kung ano daw ang bawal iyon daw ang masarap eh. With great peeps like you who complement the blogosphere's charm, tell me ... how could I resist the mighty calling? May the No. 1 Author/ Editor/Provider upthere entrust me with some more blogtasks to do ( I'll b wholesome!), good eyesight & vision, bettter vigor & guts, global readers & cyberkada the most! And I'll say the same wishes to you!.

Summer sickness and blues aside, I'ts great to be back in my Portal. My next home.

Ten Name Tag

Note: To those who Tagged me earlier, I'M GRATEFUL (bec. that means I'm loved, yah?) SORRYFUL at the same time because it took me ages to reply.

This one came from mum sheng, my chair of eggs awardee. (Lakas ni Kaiden talaga). The Game’s Iron-hand Rules as follows:



1. Name 10 people you can think right off the top of your head.
2. Don't read the questions underneath until you write the names of all 10
people.
3. Randomly list the names first. No cheating. (I doubt this)
4. Repost this with the same title and tagged the rest.
5. DON'T LOOK AHEAD UNLESS U FILLED UP THE TOP! (i doubt this more)

After weeks of hibernating, the FF names came up.
1. MY EX
2. Su-WON & HAN-KOO
3. SHERWIN "EINSTEIN" MADRID (of man of moods)
4. JELEN R.
5. CLAUDINE BARRETO(yes the Actress)
6. FR. UTOY (of brother utoy saves)
7. TEACHER DES
8. MADAM QUORA
9. DADDY RUDS (of Inside The Mind of a Single Guy)
10. YOORIN (of happy fool)

Half of them I just met. The other half I long-missed. They were never (or slightly) mentioned in my past entries so its the job for SuperAJ (me) to bring 'em here.

The Tag's Q & A Portion:

Q. How did you meet number 10?
A. We are housed by the same condo’..err, Building in Sharjah (UAE’s 3rd yawning Emirate). We became good buddies after that.

Q. Do you have a crush on anyone up there?
A. Ah, siempre… (puppy luv lang naman,nyahaha)..si nos.…
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Q. What would you do if you hadn't met number 1?
A. My freaking life would not been this wretched...(btw, do I sound and look like one?)

Q. How did you meet number 8?
A. Thru an Engr/GINgineer dude from Al Futtaim Dxb. We were car-lifted by the same "limo'"; work, and dine at the same City Center; detest a common smell (underarms of hairy mortals here) and guffaw at the nerdiness of now Texas-based fellow (we’re bad!).

Q. Is No. 2 one of your best friends?
A. True. They are among the bestest! (Annyong ha shimnikka (Hello) Jack & Rook - the duo's English name)

6. Whose number 9's best friend(s)?
A. His laptop, digicam and beers I supposed..(oh did I mentioned his ex-wife?)..lol!

Q. Have you ever dated number 1?
A. Yes naman, Ex ko siya e.

Q. Do you miss number 2?
A. Yo! Badly. In fact, my tears jerked when they gone back to Seoul.

Q. What do u think of number 6?
A. If Balweg is rebel priest, Fr. Utoy is blogger priest. (his portal would tell you that laughter too is a food for the soul.)

A. What do you think of number 7?
A. Female version of No. 3 and Philippine version of No. 8. Mam D's more of my image consultant. She'd thought me the right technique to chew a bubble gum, and its good effect on my I.Q.

Q. Who does number 3 like?
A. Batang Promil. A loner, a heart-robber, a serious buffoon. Lots of Talent under his belt, but he'd rather keep those flair under wraps. Man of mystery and adventure in one. Like yours truly (throat clear). Mr. Riddle is also an Expat-blogger from Dubai.

Q. Have you ever been inside number 8's house?
A. Yes. Isa yata ako trusted advocate niya. I’m blessed to be among the very few chosen to eat, drink and be merry there. So divine, comfy and generous.

Q. Do you love number 4?
A. Yah. (my heartbeat ran fast tuloy). She was once my call-center kaluv team who is happily married now. So no more tears. (*sniffed*)

15. Ever been in the same bed as any of the numbers?
A. Naughty question: "SECRET" na lang po.

Q. What about no. 5?
A. Clau is my ultimate crush..!! She's a regular in my [too good to be true] dreams.

Q. Do you trust these people?.
A. Grave Misunderstanding to a few of them aside? Yup.!

Q. Would you date no. 5?
A. 101 % yes. Minus the action star hubby en kiddoes.

Q. Love em' all?
A. Yah. And MY HEART WILL GO ON FOR THEM. (TITANIC inspired)

Xtra Note: AJ also acknowledge Twinkle/and my Tagger for being one of their picked names.
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Q. Who will I Tag in return ? A. Bloggers who got ten fingers.

The Cyclone is a Clown

My Email Inboxes has been pestered with constant barrage of Hurricane warnings to ensue this weekend. It aim towards the Gulf from Indian Ocean, report said. The bubonic-plague inspired advices, has brought panicked and paranoia to the cyber-prying public esp those living/working in the Mid-East.

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Thus, the 2007 flood-hit OMAN (the first target of the Cyclone/Hurricane) will reconcile anew to a catastrophe that swears to become more barbaric. To ratify the news, dark Images of sandstorm "yesterday" rampaging upon Oman's sleeping land and occupants, were ensnared by the concerned as follows:

(Excerpts as told by Al Riyadh News Letter, KSA)

"Hurricane coming from the Indian Ocean hit the Gulf island" (and God knows)
"The U.S. Navy expected the arrival of the hurricane to the Sultanate of Oman and then to the Saudi capital Riyadh where it will be at it's most power. The anticipated Hurricane will be directed towards the Arabian Peninsula until it reaches Riyadh and the eastern region, expectations of rain to hit Riyadh is 70 mm esp in the south, warned by meteorology person Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Awad.

There are three possibilities for the path of the hurricane around the Kingdom in the way to the North between the Riyadh region and among eastern region, and second path to be derailed over the waters of Arabian Gulf , the third possibility to beat the Sultanate of Oman and then go strongly to the UAE and south-west Pakistan.

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(UAE, QATAR and BAHRAIN ): Heavy rains with strong winds may be accompanied by thunderstorms and hail on Friday and Saturday.

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Aren't the news and photographs horrible? My hearsay-dependent peers can't seem to help but forward the grave info from one email account to another. But Not AJ. (He/me just learn the value of self-control the other day). For this reason, I went to consult Google's theory first. And to my consternation, this I found out: no link history was ever-registered to push the sources' credibility over the issue, except of course some livid statements of readers. However, the images of w/c are valid. Valid some years ago!. So this is just another bogus invites brought to us by another prank-maniacs.

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Damn these pranksters, they are everywhere!

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I dedicated the next photos to you e-thugs. Maybe tragedies are what you want eh. Go ahead!, made your fellow-human's day!. Feel free to choose between the hurricane's sheer savagery to properties....

or this more mortifying scenario...

OK. I forgive you now. Let's mellow a bit.

Hang-yourself in the tree!

Ooopss..Sorry Guys, I dont' intend to end the weekend this way. Have a Good One, anyway!! :)

Points to Ponder (from a Father)

Its Father’s Day!..

Did you greet your Dad? How about the Tatay and/or “Tatay-Tayan” around you? If you think they've been one to someone, Please do. Believe me, they would appreciate.

As for me, I just roughdraft a special entry vis-a-vis my 66 yrs old weak-in-the flesh but strong-in-the spirit Father. However, I'll get the piece published on his 67th bday come this August. I am confident, beside my 5 siblings abroad, he'd be reaping warm greetings too, by cluster of freaking sheeps he dutifully served. Ah, Its been 3 years I'm not home. And I missed Pastor Jimmy - My Tatay, My Mentor & My Truest friend.

****

Season writer H. Jackson Brown, Jr., is the brain behind the small wonder book "A Father's-Instructions to Life". Reads familiar, isn't it? Rightly so. The same was printed long before the reign of computer and mobile, and was re-produced for the common good of new generation. The mini-book's approach is Timeless. The meaning: Humane. The wisdom: Powerful.

The 1st volume of the book lives w/ me for barely twelve (12) years now. Though the bullet-pointers are easier said than done, I would'nt want to let it go. And as I allowed Sir Brown to edify me like he's my own Dad and I'm his own son, I became meeker and wiser. It is a helpful roadmap w/c guides me practically well to a journey called LIFE. See the difference for yourself. LEARN from the book's fatherly preaching, and SHARE it with the people you LOVE.

Here's something for us to Ponder today,

• Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
• Compliment three people each day.
• Say "please" and "thank you" a lot.
• Treat everyone you meet as you want to be treated.
• Live beneath your means.
• Buy whatever kids are selling.
• Donate some of your blood every year.
• Make new friends but cherish old ones.
• Keep secrets.
• Don't waste time learning the "tricks of the trade". Instead learn the trade.
• Admit your mistakes.
• Pretend to be brave even if you're not. No one can tell the difference.
• Choose a charity in your community and support it generously with your time and money.
• Use credit cards only for convenience, never for credit.
• Never cheat.
• Learn to listen.Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
• Pray not for things;but for wisdom and courage.
• Never take action when you are angry.
• Have good posture.


• Enter a room with purpose and confidence.
• Don't discuss business in the lift.You never know who may overhear you.
• Never pay for work before it's completed.
• Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war.
• Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all he or she has
• Don't gossip.
• Beware of the person who has nothing to lose
• When facing a difficult task,act as though it is impossible to fail.
• Don't agree to do too many things at once. Learn to say no politely and quickly.
• Don't expect life to be fair.
• Never underestimate the power of forgiveness.
• Never walk out on a quarrel with your wife.
• Regarding furniture and clothes: if you think you'll be using them five years or longer,buy thebest you can afford.
• Street musicians are a treasure.Stop for a moment and listen; then leave a small donation.
• When faced with a serious health problem, get atleast three medical opinions.
• Wage war against littering
• Don't be afraid to say "Sorry" and "I don't know".
• Make a list of 25 things you want to experience before you die. Carry it in your wallet and refer to it often.
• Phone your mother.
  
  (* These are just a few. There are more to read in there. The highlighted ones has given me a tremendous impact. What'r yours?)

(photocredits: www.tubal-reversal.net/carribean-media.info)

Bayanihan,Kantahan,Sayawan, ATBP

In the Government's histrionic attempt to help combat OFW's battle with homesickness, self-pity and financial distress, 2 major events will be held in Dubai to cool the "Heroes" boiling senses this Summer.

As Phil-Independence Day Celebration kicks tomorrow, expect lots of hormone-infused teenagers running-off their guardians for new bunch of textmates and BFF (bestfriends forever) at the scene; yuppies and oldies will be partying and prancing too, like theres no work and kiss-my ass bosses waiting the next day. Non-Pinoy "Uzis" or Usizeros of all motives and backgrounds may tantamount last year's gate-crashing episode and chaos-making as surprised celeb' back home and promising startlets locally, are said to be well-geared in bringing the aging house down there in Al Nasr LeisureLand. Job fairs, Games, Raffles and Free-call to Philippines are among the Program's highlight.

On the ff weekend at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Tutuban and Greenhills inspired Expo, Tiangge freaks and wannabe entrepreneurs, will vent their frustrations in two dangerous ways: Shopping & Investing - and paying the cost of their bloody purchase through the nose. While to practically pull and eager artista-loving crowd, ABS-CBN, the giant promoter behind, will plane-in Balladeer Christian Bautista (of Bayang-Magiliw-scandal), together with Accoustic Diva of the BrokenHearted Nina. For the last-leg of 3 straight days of Baratan aka Baratillo, Pop Idol ng Jeprox na Kabataan - Yeng Constantino will provide the entertainment. Yeng in my 100% guess, will implore the public na magHawak-Kamay at Huwag Maglaglagan during this "belt-tightening times" caused by the shitty fall of the Dollar. Dra Vicky Belo and Ms Korina Sanchez will also be gracing the centerstage to reveal the secret way to fountain of youth, riches and glamor.

I beg you my excuses had this entry vilifies my own “Bahala na si Batman” community...

But Im not. Im no-male clone of Malu F or Teri Hatcher (or not really) so PLS do not attempt to boycott me here. I am just mouthing last year’s too “ultra-organized” occasion where one of our most tarnished flaws [our tardiness next to our recklnessness] - were once again immortalized by both Audience and Artist alike - to the disbelief of my wide-eyed friend from here in Arabia who heckle: "Filibini, not good!..always late"... shame! (The prayerful playboy has called to inform me, he can't compromise this time his "3rd-wife" hunting sked outdoor). who cares? he he..

The road to international acceptance is long and hard, But what the heck! We are doin' our best, aren't we? We'll be there for real only if we beat our Achiless heels - our ugly weakspots w/c denied us of due promotion we, - the diligent, pleasant and skillfull people of the Philippine Islands deserves.

Been there. Done that. Much 'am pond having fresher sights and sounds, I may be absent. I just had this divine oath with my head that I'll put it to rest during my one-day OFF, and to my credit cards that they wont be swiped again, till they're paid. (I'm a change man, whoho!) For the meantime, singing Ka Freddie's "Ang Bayan Ko" over the lavender-flavored bubbletub to be prepared by Inay, is also a good idea. What do you think?

A Tall Tale

The Burj

I was passing through its site yesterday, and as my nape bent itself backward, I asked: "Who would imagine that the Tallest Building in Planet will rise in a formerly-barren land?

Because the country's pre-historic desert was said to be Dead as a Nail, and there's no grass nor green pasture for ambitious foreigners to find, the answer (if u agree) is NOBODY.

Yet not till American Architect Adrian Smith came in the picture, conquered by the land's gigantic potential, and upon naming his-tall-as-the Burj-price, spearheaded the $4.1 Billion, 3,281 ft. Skycraper that will also feature the world's fastest Elevator.

Years prior to The Burj's completion, the monumental brainchild of his, and his equally well-paid cohorts have effectively: 1. infused a record-breaking mark in the tower-making saga 2. epitomized the City's new-found glamour 3. help magnified tourism all year round. With money, ambition and imagination, nothing seems impossible these days hah. So you may doubt no more the structure's panoramic photograph here with the Clouds ..

or this snapshot vista of the Earth's actual Rotation when someone (who are you?) scaled its uppermost beam - just exactly what those fearless slave' experience out there (excuse the term, but yeh, those construction guys are!).

The BirdMan

A freaking structure so special which heightened too, the adrenalin and human curiosity of this Base-Jumper from U.K. to visit Dubai for that sole purpose, snooping his way to the building premise, disrepecting the heavily-snoring Guards on-duty - and from the top, in the wee & fatal hours of may 21 '08, - executed his virtuoso act for Guinness' sake.

(reenactment photo: courtesy of Reuters)

In lieu of the above, His Attorney should win the "by-passed" lawsuit slapped to him by the plaintiff Emaar , so he won't be landing badly in the "No-to-Parachuting" Cage of the Emirates and remain jumpless there for a year or so, sans paying the hefty fine. (tsk! - an aide memoire' of my Drinking Dudes )...

In his quiet moment how he may wish, - the tallest building was not built in this region - where law is not just Tall and Dark but also Impossible to rule.

*****

And speaking of Tall, what is this Kuwait's plan to dethrone UAE's Burj in their more budgeted, more elevated [3,284 ft] Burj Mubarak al-Kabir? . Is Dubai willing to lost her crown to a neighboring rival that easy?

LA! (arabic's notorious NO!) She's not the loser and "rest-in-laurel' type. Another supertall skycraper w/ 3,937 ft - the Al Burj of Al Nakheel, is likewise in-the-making here to replace her older sister in due time, and it promise to restore the nation's symbol of excellence, riches and glory. Many of us will no longer be surprised if this newborn project will stretch its limit to the Sky and/or cost them the moon or the stars.

how limitless greed and fame can get! ...

But a frightening fact linger: the foundation of the towers' high and might are all still rooted by the sand...

photocredits:CoraDimayuga of Al Futtaim/Google

The Wedding

The faved month of switching ” I DO’s” is here again. Had since I've gotten number of writs to behold/begrudge theirs, you too my cyberbuds, are invited to witness AJ's - at your own (usual) risk.

There’ the rhyme -

As she marches in grace and splendor

My knees shiverred,

heart leaped in candor

My lovely bride, Love of this Life

Together we’ll make our battles few

MY SWEET EMBRACE SHALL FORTIFY YOU.

Mom and Dad sobbed softly on Altar’s sides

Whilst pals & throng of tribes

In bliss reunite, amidst long-chaotic-ride

Finally,

DEAR ONE's LENGHTY WAIT ARE HERE TO SEE.

Felt so good in my dazzling white suit

Entourage too is stunningly gorgeous

Aisle sealed w/ roses is awesome

Choral serenades the lonesome

Verily,

GLORIOUS MOMENT OF THEN POIGNANT ME.

Cling, clang!

After cake & toasts of wine

Came a riddle of chirping rhymes

Hmm,.. - sign that summons our lips to kiss?

Aroused by vivacious applauses and cheers

Sincerely,

WE GAVE SPECTATOR's RAVED IN ALACRITY.

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But Lord of surprises!

Morning clock is the trespasses?!

like Adam who gnawed the outlawed fruit

Suddenly,

MYSELF TURNED NAKED, DERAILED BY CERTAINTY.

There will never ever the same Eve to me

When she had forsaken me for somebody,

I’m now a lifeless body hovering a sad sea

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And for the next part of “My Wedding”,?

I’L GO BACK in SLEEPING, .... AND in DREAMING.