Happy New Year 2009

As usual, the year came and left in whiff… I am not too sure about others but for me, the year went by extremely fast this time. It was like in a blink of an eye. People say time passes by more quickly when you are enjoying it… I guess it’s true.

Last year, I enjoyed myself in the Philippines… apart from work, I think I am benefited from the perks that came along with my job. Even though ridden with stress and hellish hours, I thought my task here was pretty secured and one which was sustainable. This year, would be a wee bit different. Although not much of a change will take place, my position as an expat will be more precarious than last year. I will have to employ a more sustainable approach and strategy to tackle the boardroom antics and politics. In fact, I hate playing these games but when it comes to survival, its game on.

Had a family BBQ yesterday at the garden, it was all close knitted friends etc. I even had invitations and free tickets to parties around town, with which, would have been a dream during my younger days in college. However, I turned all of them down to stay at home. Sign of aging? NO~!!! It’s a sign of maturity!! Hahahaha… it just felt as though getting to town itself was a bane, never mind the crowded bars and foam spraying kids trying to riddle you with their fashion and antics! Hence, I became a good boy yesterday.

Tomorrow, I will be leaving back to Phils for another couple of weeks before flying back to Ipoh for the CNY celebrations. This time around, it will be quieter than usual because of the economic crisis. Hence, I will have more time to close my current project before the new phase starts. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the towers I ordered before Christmas are already here in the Phils when I return.

I had a look back at what I asked for 5 years ago in January 2004, and now, 5 years on, I am glad I have already obtained 50% of my answer.

Anyway, it’s the New Year and honestly, I cant wait for it to surprise me! Happy New Year!!

Welcome 2008, Goodbye 2007

Yes. It has been donkey years since I have updated my blog. Nope, wasn’t involved in Facebook whatsoever. Now back in Malaysia for the first time ever to celebrate New Year’s Day since 10 years ago. This is in fact, a great feeling I must say. In those faraway places, its only me, myself and Raymond. Here, its almost the opposite.

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Philippines have been fantastic. Christmas has been the pinnacle of my mood last month. Never have I imagined another better place to celebrate than in Philippines itself. The atmosphere, shopping, yes, especially when I am not a shopaholic, I was induced and tempted to shop as well, the neon lights that litted up streets and alleys, the exchanging of gifts, the parties (the most in my life I would say… ), everything was almost perfect.

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Boracay was super excellent. 3km of sandy white, fine powdery beaches, filled with bars, pubs, restaurants, water sports, babes in bikinis, ppl, clear and crystal blue waters, excellent corals, it was a dream come true, not to mention the party nights! It was truly awesome, what made me better was the sunset that as far as my meomory stretches, it was the best I have ever seen. There’s only one catch… the place’s a bit pricey.

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Puerto Galera was fantastic. I would call this a party place! The place’s wicked with young adults partying all out throughout the night in swimsuits, bikinis, beers, cocktails and most of all, the barbeques. White Beach was the destination and I wouldn’t mind a second visit although Boracay seems to be a better one for a bit of both worlds.


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Baguio City was too much of a hype. It wasn’t as great as I anticipated but it was cool to see the place. More like the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia surrounded by hills, valley’s and vegetation. BBQ on a chilly night perched on top of the hill with 20 other boys and girls, all colleagues, was super cool.



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Calatagan was the first beach in Philippines that I went to. Quite pricey for a so-so beach. However, what was unique about the place was that its' shores stretches out 1.5km and its still knee deep waters only. It was stunning!



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Talks of relocation is becoming more obvious now in my AP office in KL. There’s a high probability I will be relocated to Thailand office. Probably high time for me to reevaluate the market?

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Exactly 9 years ago on New Year’s day in 1998, I was in Atlanta, sitted on a fence between Alabama State Uni and Louisiana McNeese State Uni. I wasn’t able to get clearance to my UK credits and I was told to endure 2 additional years in a US university.

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Exactly 6 consecutive years on New Year’s day from 1999 to 2005, I was in both London and Liverpool celebrating New Year’s day either: Working and slogging my ass off, or painting the town red.

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Exactly two years ago on New Year’s day in 2006, I was on my Lonely Planet Trip in Bandung, Indonesia, with Jovi and co, and I was down with food poisoning throughout the night. However such, it was such a lovely trip.

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Exactly one year ago on New Year’s day in 2007, I was on my Lonely Planet Trip in Lahore, Pakistan, with Aszman wandering around the busy streets at 1230am, without any place to go or stay. We later bunked at a cheap motel near Pizza Hut.

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Exactly yesterday, New Year’s day in 2008, I was sitted at home with my family and some close friends, Eunos and wife, having a few drinks over BBQ in Ipoh, Malaysia. I decided against going out as I was too tired. First time after 10 years, I have managed to find time to spend my New Year’s day in Malaysia. Thank GOD.

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The End of 2007. Welcome 2008.