They say the last few months will be the hardest, when you’re about to end your stay in a foreign land and go back home. Overall, my stay in Saudi Arabia was uneventful. Sure, I’ve been to a number of interesting places, met a few interesting people, gained some friends, and immersed in a foreign culture.
I really felt I belonged to this close circle of friends I learned to trust. In return, I have been a loyal and helping friend to them. In the grand scheme of things, it is my hope that I will remembered as a good friend to those I’ll be leaving behind.
A few weeks before I decided to approach the office manager to give my resignation letter, I harbored mixed feelings. I am happy to be just a few weeks away from going back home to family and friends. At the same time, I felt a bit nostalgic knowing that many Filipinos in Saudi Arabia do not have the luxury of making decisions or choices given me. Many Filipinos do not have the luxury of choosing jobs, and many still are literally stuck in a foreign country to toil until better days come for them. And many of these Filipinos are my friends.
The economics are really simple. A Filipino worker is better off working in a foreign land where there are many job choices, if one is not too picky. And this does not apply only to Filipinos with menial jobs. Professionals in Saudi Arabia will have a difficult time leaving their jobs, knowing fully-well that high-paying jobs are too few in their homeland.
Some even had to bring their families to Saudi Arabia, resigned to the fact that they will be staying there for a really long time. As for me, I guess I am fortunate to have friends and colleagues who are eager to work with me again. I do not call it luck, but rather choice. I chose to work back in my home country knowing that I will be leaving behind a lucrative job.
The night I was about to leave, I bid a happy, but sad, goodbye to my friends. It will be an image that I will remember for the rest of my life. There they were, waving, some shaking my hand, some heckling, some laughing, as I boarded the company car to take me to the airport.
After a few more hours of anxiety, I boarded the plane to take me back to Manila. Unlike the first time, the hours whizzed past and before I know it, the plane was touching down. I was back in the Philippines, back home, at last.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Dupinga River
Dupinga River is located in Gabaldon, one of the more remote towns in the vast province of Nueva Ecija.
According to accounts, the river was merely a source of water from the scattered communities around Gabaldon. Traditionally, locals, most often penitents during Holy Week troop to the river after traversing the numerous churches and chapels along the way.
But the river, with its clear and clean water, begun attracting a slew of visitors.
Soon after, locals eventually erected a few nipa huts and started renting them out to visitors. A sari-sari store followed, a
nd more nipa huts eventually mushroomed around the edges of the river.
Today, Dupinga River is a favored location of picnic goers, mostly out-of-town visitors.
For a modest fee, one can rent a hut near the edge of the river and take a dip in the cold water.
The river is still one of the best kept secrets of Gabaldon town. Seeing its rugged beauty, one can’t help but wish that it remains a secret.
According to accounts, the river was merely a source of water from the scattered communities around Gabaldon. Traditionally, locals, most often penitents during Holy Week troop to the river after traversing the numerous churches and chapels along the way.
But the river, with its clear and clean water, begun attracting a slew of visitors.
Soon after, locals eventually erected a few nipa huts and started renting them out to visitors. A sari-sari store followed, a
nd more nipa huts eventually mushroomed around the edges of the river.
Today, Dupinga River is a favored location of picnic goers, mostly out-of-town visitors.
The river is still one of the best kept secrets of Gabaldon town. Seeing its rugged beauty, one can’t help but wish that it remains a secret.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
My Saudi Arabia sojourn (Part II)
It was the onset of the summer season of 2009 when I got to Saudi Arabia to work for a year. I immediately felt the suffocating heat whenever I went outdoors.
Thankfully, I did most of my work from my computer in a moderately large office cubicle I share with a few other Filipinos. The first few weeks allowed me to adjust to the working conditions and office culture.
The company employs many Filipinos, as well as Saudi Arabs, Palestines, a Venezuelan, a Nigerian, and quite a number of Indians, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani, among others.
To my relief, the company is a bit lax when it comes to office formalities. There is no bundy clock, but office workers do follow a more or less 7am to 5pm schedule. Employees, especially when not busy on a project, are free to mill around.
I soon found out that the “work cycle” involves a lot of free time, but when work does come in, everyone would be busy. It is also good to note that the company is output oriented.
I am not good at ranting about work, but I found it fascinating how some office employees, particularly those in the lower rung, tend to emphasize their perceived importance in the company, which I think is only natural.
The weekend starts on a Wednesday, when work is only half-day, until Thursday and Friday where there is no work at all. Interestingly, the work week starts on a Saturday.
Most foreign workers have to make this adjustment because as a Muslim country, Saudi Arabia observes Thursday and Friday as its rest days.
My work week was mostly uneventful, and for a good half of 2009, my routine is mostly ordinary and regular.
Thankfully, I did most of my work from my computer in a moderately large office cubicle I share with a few other Filipinos. The first few weeks allowed me to adjust to the working conditions and office culture.
The company employs many Filipinos, as well as Saudi Arabs, Palestines, a Venezuelan, a Nigerian, and quite a number of Indians, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani, among others.
To my relief, the company is a bit lax when it comes to office formalities. There is no bundy clock, but office workers do follow a more or less 7am to 5pm schedule. Employees, especially when not busy on a project, are free to mill around.
I soon found out that the “work cycle” involves a lot of free time, but when work does come in, everyone would be busy. It is also good to note that the company is output oriented.
I am not good at ranting about work, but I found it fascinating how some office employees, particularly those in the lower rung, tend to emphasize their perceived importance in the company, which I think is only natural.
The weekend starts on a Wednesday, when work is only half-day, until Thursday and Friday where there is no work at all. Interestingly, the work week starts on a Saturday.
Most foreign workers have to make this adjustment because as a Muslim country, Saudi Arabia observes Thursday and Friday as its rest days.
My work week was mostly uneventful, and for a good half of 2009, my routine is mostly ordinary and regular.
Travelling to a second home in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija
About five years ago, we left our hometown in San Miguel, Tarlac City, to live in Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija.
My fondest memories of childhood will always be in San Miguel in that small compound where I grew up with my uncles and aunts, and cousins.
But I slowly learned to love Sta. Rosa with its wide rice fields, open roads, and rural beauty. I consider myself lucky because the modest lot my parents were able to buy is literally standing in the middle of rice paddies with a backdrop of mountains and hills.
The house my parents now live in is still a work in progress, but visiting Sta. Rosa will always be like getting a breath of fresh air for someone like me who works in Manila.
In my parents’ small lawn are a few mango trees, some guava trees, and a rather colorful fruiting macopa tree, among others. My mother has a small area for her gumamela, euphorbia, and orchids, all flowering at the same time. My parents also have a few chickens and ducks, all with chicks and ducklings.
A small pond with tilapia and the uninvited mudfish and catfish welcomes the few neighbors that often come to chat. My mother would often invite them for breakfast or coffee as the early morning sun begins to shine.
My father loves to trim the grass along the small lawn so that his grandkids can run around and play, while Blacky, our dog, ever loyal to his masters, stands guard.
The rice fields are a sight to behold, at least for me. I often stay under the shade of a mango tree, stretched upon a hammock just enjoying the calm, soothing breeze, as I watch the chickens and ducks run around searching for food.
In the afternoon, nothing beats having coffee and some light snacks with my old folks as the sun begins to set.
It said that happiness and contentment are always subjective. I could not agree more.
Monday, February 21, 2011
My Saudi Arabia sojourn
I decided to work in Saudi Arabia thinking it would be a quite a learning experience for me. I have been in many countries, but never have I stayed more than a few days away from family and friends.
To me, the chance to work abroad is an opportunity that does not come too often. I also see the opportunity to test my resolve and go through what millions of Filipinos all over the world have gone through.
So one clear day in July, toting my trolley bag and a backpack, I was heading toward the airport off to a foreign land to live and earn a living for a year.
My younger brother and my parents accompanied me to the airport. It was an uneasy feeling as I bid farewell to my family.
The flight was quite long and sleep was too difficult.
After eight hours, I finally arrived in Saudi Arabia, trying very hard to remember all the things I needed to do and preparing in haste all of the documents I needed to show.
A Saudi immigration officer passively browsed through my papers, and in a few minutes, I was off to the airport terminal.
Waiting for me was a jolly Indian fellow, who quickly grabbed my trolley and tossed it at the back of the car.
I was brought to my hotel, where I will be billeted for the rest of my one-year stay.
I was tired and spent, but it took a while for sleep to come to me. My mind was too occupied thinking what tomorrow might bring, my first day of work.
To me, the chance to work abroad is an opportunity that does not come too often. I also see the opportunity to test my resolve and go through what millions of Filipinos all over the world have gone through.
So one clear day in July, toting my trolley bag and a backpack, I was heading toward the airport off to a foreign land to live and earn a living for a year.
My younger brother and my parents accompanied me to the airport. It was an uneasy feeling as I bid farewell to my family.
The flight was quite long and sleep was too difficult.
After eight hours, I finally arrived in Saudi Arabia, trying very hard to remember all the things I needed to do and preparing in haste all of the documents I needed to show.
A Saudi immigration officer passively browsed through my papers, and in a few minutes, I was off to the airport terminal.
Waiting for me was a jolly Indian fellow, who quickly grabbed my trolley and tossed it at the back of the car.
I was brought to my hotel, where I will be billeted for the rest of my one-year stay.
I was tired and spent, but it took a while for sleep to come to me. My mind was too occupied thinking what tomorrow might bring, my first day of work.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A visit to quaint Pundaquit
The coastal barrio of Pundaquit is becoming a popular destination in Zambales.
Located some 7 to 8 kilometers away from San Antonio town, the village typifies a small, quaint community where fishing is the main source of livelihood for residents.
It will take almost 4 hours to reach Pundaquit from Manila. The roads leading to Subic and other Zambales towns are generally well-maintained. It was a nice surprise to see the smooth and very straight tree-lined road leading to Pundaquit after we arrived in San Antonio.
For both sides of the road we saw rice fields resembling a massive chessboard of light brown squares.
Boracay it is not, but Pundaquit is slowly embracing tourism. It has become the take-off point for island-hopping to nearby Anawangin Cove and Capones Islands, to name a few.
But the beach in Pundaquit is truly scenic, with cottages and huts and colorful boats lined up along the sea shore. The view is more picturesque with mountains and faraway islands serving as a backdrop.
The sea itself can sometimes be quite rough, with at least six-foot waves regularly crashing in on the dark sand beach and retreating back to the ocean.
Surfers have found a haven in these waters, and when the waves are too rough for the boats, one can see a few brave souls, both local and out-of-towners, toting their surfboards to hit the massive waves.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Revisiting Potipot Island in Zambales
First visit to Potipot Island
I first visited Potipot Island in the late 1990s, back when the small island was yet to be developed and transformed into a major tourist attraction of the province of Zambales.
Potipot Island lies off the coast of Candelaria, Zambales, and is a part of Barangay Uacon.
Back then, there were only a handful of people, mostly locals, who know about Potipot. A distant relative told us about the island, which was said to be a favorite picnic spot for locals.
I distinctly remember that the island was not yet "commercialized" and that to get there, we had to find and bargain with a local fisherman hoping to hire his small banca to take us on a 15-minute trip to the island.
We secured the banca, a small, cramped motorized outrigger. The fisherman had to scout for a good place to dock his small boat. There were a few pitched tents when we landed. We brought along our supply of packed lunch and water.
A backpacker's paradise
Potipot Island back then was a backpacker's paradise. There were no lights, no electricity, no houses, and no comfort rooms. Coconut trees abound, as well as wild bushes. A few fruit trees are scattered along the beach with overhanging branches providing shade.
It was easy finding a good spot along the beach since only a handful of beachgoers were there. We swam in the crystal blue water and walked along the white sand beach, after pitching our tent.
Potipot Island is small but unique. One can actually walk and explore the whole island in about 20 minutes.
What is unique is that on one side of Potipot is a stretch of white sand beach, while the other side is "rocky," where corals and massive drift woods are often seen lining the shore, particularly during low tide. This rocky side of Potipot Island also provides a nice view of the sun at it sets on the horizon.
Return to Potipot Island
After almost 10 years, I was able to visit Potipot Island again.
By now, the island has been made into a full-pledged tourist destination, thanks to ample "exposure" from mainstream media, and most recently from the Internet, via numerous blogs.
From afar, the island is still a beauty to behold.
But the signs of commercialization are already there. A portion of the island has been made into a small dock, where colorful boats ferry local and foreign tourists.
Tourists
The traffic is brisk as boat after boat "unload" tourists to and from the mainland. According to locals, numerous hotels have sprouted around Candelaria town, and a day trip to Potipot Island has been a staple fare for hotel guests.
As soon as you land, somebody will approach you and ask for a 50-peso entrance fee per person for a day trip, or a 100-peso fee if you plan to stay overnight.
There is now a clearing at the center of the island, where a huge tree house and a few cottages stand. Potipot Island as well as the massive tree house are said to be owned by a prominent individual.
There is a comfort room for men and women and numerous nipa hut-type cottages along the beach that are for rent. There is a cooking area and a large grill that beachgoers can use. And if you happen to forget to bring some supplies, there is a sari-sari store nearby.
Finding a spot on the beach is now a bit of a struggle as numerous families and groups often had to compete for space.
The beach often buzzes with activity, as jet skis and ferry boats often whiz past.
Still a clean beach
Thankfully, the island local government seem to know the value of Potipot Island. Despite the onslaught of commercialization, caretakers are able to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.
One can only hope that Potipot Island retain its beauty for years to come and for more visitors to enjoy.
Getting to Potipot Island
Getting to Potipot Island is now easier than ever, thanks to the NLEX-SCTEX link that motorists can take. From Manila, you can travers NLEX all the way up to Sta. Ines, Pampanga, and take a right turn to SCTEX. From there, go straight to the last exit, which is Tipo Exit, which is already a part of Olongapo. Simply follow the road going to Candelaria town in Zambales and you are almost there.
I first visited Potipot Island in the late 1990s, back when the small island was yet to be developed and transformed into a major tourist attraction of the province of Zambales.
Potipot Island lies off the coast of Candelaria, Zambales, and is a part of Barangay Uacon.
Back then, there were only a handful of people, mostly locals, who know about Potipot. A distant relative told us about the island, which was said to be a favorite picnic spot for locals.
I distinctly remember that the island was not yet "commercialized" and that to get there, we had to find and bargain with a local fisherman hoping to hire his small banca to take us on a 15-minute trip to the island.
We secured the banca, a small, cramped motorized outrigger. The fisherman had to scout for a good place to dock his small boat. There were a few pitched tents when we landed. We brought along our supply of packed lunch and water.
A backpacker's paradise
Potipot Island back then was a backpacker's paradise. There were no lights, no electricity, no houses, and no comfort rooms. Coconut trees abound, as well as wild bushes. A few fruit trees are scattered along the beach with overhanging branches providing shade.
It was easy finding a good spot along the beach since only a handful of beachgoers were there. We swam in the crystal blue water and walked along the white sand beach, after pitching our tent.
Potipot Island is small but unique. One can actually walk and explore the whole island in about 20 minutes.
What is unique is that on one side of Potipot is a stretch of white sand beach, while the other side is "rocky," where corals and massive drift woods are often seen lining the shore, particularly during low tide. This rocky side of Potipot Island also provides a nice view of the sun at it sets on the horizon.
Return to Potipot Island
After almost 10 years, I was able to visit Potipot Island again.
By now, the island has been made into a full-pledged tourist destination, thanks to ample "exposure" from mainstream media, and most recently from the Internet, via numerous blogs.
From afar, the island is still a beauty to behold.
But the signs of commercialization are already there. A portion of the island has been made into a small dock, where colorful boats ferry local and foreign tourists.
Tourists
The traffic is brisk as boat after boat "unload" tourists to and from the mainland. According to locals, numerous hotels have sprouted around Candelaria town, and a day trip to Potipot Island has been a staple fare for hotel guests.
As soon as you land, somebody will approach you and ask for a 50-peso entrance fee per person for a day trip, or a 100-peso fee if you plan to stay overnight.
There is now a clearing at the center of the island, where a huge tree house and a few cottages stand. Potipot Island as well as the massive tree house are said to be owned by a prominent individual.
There is a comfort room for men and women and numerous nipa hut-type cottages along the beach that are for rent. There is a cooking area and a large grill that beachgoers can use. And if you happen to forget to bring some supplies, there is a sari-sari store nearby.
Finding a spot on the beach is now a bit of a struggle as numerous families and groups often had to compete for space.
The beach often buzzes with activity, as jet skis and ferry boats often whiz past.
Still a clean beach
Thankfully, the island local government seem to know the value of Potipot Island. Despite the onslaught of commercialization, caretakers are able to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.
One can only hope that Potipot Island retain its beauty for years to come and for more visitors to enjoy.
Getting to Potipot Island
Getting to Potipot Island is now easier than ever, thanks to the NLEX-SCTEX link that motorists can take. From Manila, you can travers NLEX all the way up to Sta. Ines, Pampanga, and take a right turn to SCTEX. From there, go straight to the last exit, which is Tipo Exit, which is already a part of Olongapo. Simply follow the road going to Candelaria town in Zambales and you are almost there.
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