Part I: Bicol Captain

Part I: The Captain

They call me all sorts, boss, Ray, Raymond... but to them, and also to me, this is one of my best achievement and pride of them all... they call me the captain here.

Me, being known as a Liverpool fanatic, to whom some of my engineers are too, they label me as their captain, the one similar to the Kopite's favorite... Stevie G. To me, nothing can ever compare to that being nicked Captain. It is a great honor for me to be called that... and I was absolutely overwhelmed when one of my engineers gave me his favorite jersey with the name, Gerrard, at the back.

Its an honor to be named after the Liverpool captain, and the jersey means a lot to me as it is to you, thanks Panlop!

Part II: My Pride: Naga Office

Huawei Satellite Office: NAGA City

The first time I was chosen to lead in the region, I was skeptical. Didnt know what I was getting myself into, I ventured into a rebel infested region and told myself, this is what I am here for... the challenge. And 4 months later... this is the office that I have set up with my team, with my own effort, with only the 6 of us: Nonilo Robles, Panlop, Thanachat, Don Moralina, Joel Nallos, Jonathan Badong.

The Contract, The Keys, and the Compass... hmmm... why the compass huh?

The main door to the office with the Huawei logo, and the stairs leading up to the mezzanine.

As soon as you get to the mezzazine, there's the reception area, the restroom, a secluded area which is partitioned off by cabinets, the office of yours truly, and then the conference room towards the far right of the picture.

The secluded area, specially made table, sectioned off by a cabinet and a network map of the sites in Bicol.

The conference room with the chairs and white board

The fact is, the office is still at its infancy as there were many a times I just couldnt find time to bother about it. I bought everything you have just seen in those pictures. Actually, it still feels quite empty but I am slowly building it up, making it more comfortable and cosy. It feels like an office now, but, can be better.



However, this is still one of my best and its my pride, to be the first to set up an office for Huawei in this region. Now, many personnel from other projects are requesting to use the office. It really feels good to be honest and this is one of the best events that has capped my stay in BiCOL.

Part III: Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, Albay, BICOL

Mayon Volcano, a super volcano likened to Mt. Pinatubo, still in its active and glory days, paints the landscape of BICOL from as far as IRIGA all the way through Camalig and Albay. The mere glimpse of it is simply breathtaking... if you are lucky enough to view its entire glory. At most times, it is not clearly visible due to the rain and fog but on sunny spells,... it takes your breath away.

A Piece of landmark, and beneath it, lies the town of Legaspi.

En route to the viewing point from the mid section, lies the usual intimidating vegetation that can never leave your memory

On most evenings when it turns foggy, the sight takes you to a 3 dimensional black and white backdrop that personifies its might and strength.

The eerie backdrop whispers in our ears, and the cold breeze sends a chilling note, as though telling us, the end is nigh...

Spewing ashes and sulphuric gases from its top, it has never failed to mesmerize locals and tourists alike

Vulnerable it may seem, locals tend to their daily chores hoping that, maybe, just maybe, they wont live to see the eruption in this lifetime.

Part IV: Quezon National Park

Quezon National Park

The Quezon National Forest Park is a national park in The Philippines. It is situated between the towns of Pagbilao, Padre Burgos and Atimonan, in the province of Quezon. The park covers the western end of the isthmus of Luzon.

The Tourism highway, known locally as the "Old Zigzag Road", passes through the middle of the forest park. This highway has many blind corners and hairpin turns, which are monitored by volunteer traffic directors. Buses and large trucks are not allowed, partially because of the steep grades. They are directed to use the "New Zigzag Road", which is part of the Maharlika National Highway, between western Atimonan and eastern Pagbilao.

Hundreds of flora and fauna species have been discovered here. This was where the Filipinos declared revolution against the Japanese on World War II, on Mount Mirador, village of Pinagbanderahan.

*taken from wikipedia

The park actually boasts many habitats and its quite serene to be in, however, it has been so badly maintained that there's virtually nothing to be mesmerized about.

Badly maintained signboards

The Quezon National Park was inaugurated in 1969

One barren patch in the lush green forest

There were some really fascinating sights though...

But apart from that... I would say, this can be a 'miss'.

Part V: Philippines Landmark

Philippines: Makati and Greater Manila

That's HW's other Satellite office right in the middle. Situated in Ortigas, it houses the DIGITEL project team.

Edsa Motorway. The route I once took last year everyday to the office Ortigas. It is usually jam packed. Fortunately when this picture was taken, it was on a Sunday.

One perspective of Makati city in daylight. Makati, the financial and business hub of Manila, is about 5km away and about 10 minutes without traffic. With traffic, it can take up to about 1 hour.

StarCity: About 15 minutes from Makati, located on reclaimed land, is the solution to mini Disneyland for the kids in Manila.

The city landscape at night. It reminds me of KL and how much, home is still, sweet home.