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Title: I forgot how much fun these are! LOL Post by: Howard on October 06, 2003, 04:00:00 AM So where did I leave off? Ahhhh, sleep... yes, sleep.... I woke up the next morning before the ladies and decided to just take it easy until they woke up. I had no idea what time it is and was in no shape to do the math with my watch that I had set to California time from my layover. The math isn't that hard, I was just quite out of sorts with the many time zones I had just zipped through. I brought a great book with me, Blackwood Farm, by Ann Rice. So it was time to reflect a bit, read a little and maybe sneak a cigarillio or ten :P It's all pretty surreal. You're on the other side of the world. You see it on a map, look for it on a globe, yet you never feel the awe until you are standing there. In a hotel. On the other side of the world. I wondered for a while what everyone was doing back home. I was about to be an uncle for the first time. My best friend, Billy and his wife were about to have their first child. She was due three days after my return. Everytime we talked, I begged her to wait for me to get home. She promised she would try, but begged me to 'Hurry up! I don't know how much longer she's gonna wait to meet everyone!' My friends are my greatest asset. I don't know that there is a luckier guy on this planet than me. I have always known that I am loved. I can be difficult and irrascible, yet somehow I attract the most wonderful people to share life with. The last year has been a time of great reflection for me. I have mourned my losses and rejoiced in my good fortune. Unfortunately, the way life works, you never know how much people care about you until you are forced by some tragedy to stop and look for reason in chaos. I managed to find my reason with a little help from my friends. Some old. Some new ;) So these are the kind of things that are going through my mind. In a hotel room. On the other side of the world. I didn't intend on it, but this trip turned out to be as much a spiritual awakening and pilgrimage as it was a date with destiny. I learned a lot about myself, while having the time of my life. If this is what vacations are like, I'm gonna take 'em more often! LOL An hour or so of reflection and Gerlie suddenly animated. She is most adorable in the morning. She goes to bed happy and wakes up happy. What a pleasent change to be sharing moments with someone so genuinely satisfied with who they are. Gerlie is one of a kind, but so am I :) I now know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has a sense of humor :) Gerlie, Auntie Bebing and your fearless crimefighter--ahheemmmm... that's me :P--venture to the breakfast buffet at our hotel, the Aloha on Roxas Blvd. Everyone in the breakfast nook was very pleasent and accomodating. Gerlie didn't wanna eat in front of me, but I threatened that I wouldn't eat if she didn't. Reluctantly, she agreed and walked through the buffet with me carefully picking her breakfast. Aunt Bebing stayed several steps behind, but seemed to manage well :) I had to explain the whole Omelette thing. You know, the guy with the pan on the Coleman Cooktop standing at the end of the buffet line. I went safe and chose cheese and the mushrooms looked especially good. I wasn't sure what the meat was, or if it had been in a can.... ewwww! Meat should never come from a can! oiiii I sat down with my omelettte and a thought crossed my mind. What kind of cheese was this? I had no choice of cheese that I was aware of. Was it American? Filipino? Edible??? Luckily it was fine. I ate about half the omelette and had some fresh fruit, some terrible coffee... Man, someone has got to nicely tell those people that, as a country, their coffee making skills are highly suspect!!! Thank God, as it turned out, Gerlie made wonderful coffee with bottled water, some Nescafe and the PERFECT blend of creamer and sugar :) I found the one filipina that could make a decent cup of coffee! How could I ask for more??? LOL I'm getting ahead of myself... sorry... consider the source :P After breakfast we went back to the room to shower and get ready to head for Davao. OH BOY! Another plane ride :D How did I get so lucky??? While we were getting ready one of Gerlie's closest friends from college, who works in Manila, called and was coming for a visit :) Analyn is a nurse and has just about as much personality as my Mahal, if you can believe that :P While waiting for Analyn and dolling ourselves up for the trip to Davao, Gerlie and Auntie Bebing were having a conversation in Visayan. Not uncommon at all. Auntie Bebing basicly refused to speak English in front of me out of shame of her pronounciation. I tried, but she wasn't buying my compliments on her English. And during this conversation she was looking rather ashamed. After a few more minutes, Gerlie came over and sat on the bed next to where I was sitting. I was in a chair reading while they chatted and got ready. She gently got my attention, which she already had :P and asked if she could ask me 'something' It seems that Aunitie Bebing decided she didn't wanna stay in Manila after all and was gonna take a bus back to Davao. It turns out she has a son--who was a delightful kid--and she just missed him too much. She had only been gone a day and couldn't imagine staying away longer. I asked Gerlie if she would like me to buy her a return ticket to Davao so that she could go with us. Gerlie said that it wasn't necessary. I insisted and she still said not to bother myself. I then explained that I would feel more comfortable if she travelled with us. Strength in numbers you know ;) Gerlie reluctantly agreed and said something in Visayan. Auntie Bebing turned from the mirror and gave me a very greatful look. I smiled. She smiled. Done deal :) Will Howard and Gerlie get along? What is Analyn's connection to Abu Sayyaf? Can they make it to Davao in one piece? Will our caped crusader take the plunge into a sea of wedded bliss??? All these questions will be answered in the next issues of the Chronicles :P Hahahahahaaa Keep the Faith! H Title: You know Howard.... Post by: Jeff S on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to I forgot how much fun these are! LOL, posted by Howard on Oct 6, 2003
I read an interesting article recently explaining that people's overall happiness doesn't change throughout their adult lives. Sure there are minor blips when something very good or very bad happens, but of someone is basically happy, they'll remain so throughout their lives. Your choice to connect with a happy girl is a good one - and this concept of basic level of happiness, something I think others should consider when meeting someone they think they may want to marry. It folows that overall discontent and sadness also doesn't change much throughout adult's lives, either. Sad, discontent people tend to remain so even after they win the lottery. We've all heard the expression, "there's no pleasing him/her." Anyway, great hearing from you again. Eager to hear more. - Jeff Title: Re: You know Howard.... Post by: SteveB on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to You know Howard...., posted by Jeff S on Oct 7, 2003
I agree whole heartly! Juliet is always smiling, it makes me feel good just to be with her. If you looked at earlier photos from her childhood, she would be the one with a big grin. My advise to single man, "find a happy woman, above all else"! Steveb Title: Yep....I agree..... Post by: Stephen on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to You know Howard...., posted by Jeff S on Oct 7, 2003
You've got to be in charge of making yourself happy. No other person can do it for you. Stephen Title: I agree... Post by: Howard on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to You know Howard...., posted by Jeff S on Oct 7, 2003
Jeff, I did a lot of soul searching after my Annulment. No matter how blameless many held me, I was determined to figure out what I was doing wrong. I quickly realized that if I follow my nature I am destined to fail in a realstionship. Not because of things I do or don't due, but because of how contradictory my personality is. I am a relatively upbeat, optomistic guy. I have my bouts with depression and stress, but I would go as far as calling myself a happy dude under normal cirumstances. Some abnormal :P Hehehehhe I am also the one who always befriends someone in need. If someone is sad, because I am someone who hates to see people sad, I try to cheer them up. Until Gerlie, I was basicly with miserable women. I spent all my time trying to make them happy, which was impossible on a broad scale, therefor making myself miserable in the process! Gerlie's upbeat nature is something that attracted me to her right away, but it was as I got a chance, through her, to really evaluate my past failures--so to NOT repeat past mistakes--I realized that the difference in this realtionship is HER. She is completly different from anyone I have ever had a relationship with. She compliments me in every way. We are a team. I am finally with someone who places my happiness over her own. It works our great because her happiness is my priority :) It's SO much cooler to worry about her happiness when the main thing on her mind is mine :) I can't take credit for planning this, but it is working out better than I EVER anticipated it could :) Ahhhhhh.... The love of a good woman :) Makes life sweeter by far! Keep the Faith! H Title: Nescafe and Filipino Coffee Post by: NOX1967 on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to I forgot how much fun these are! LOL, posted by Howard on Oct 6, 2003
I drank alot of that Nescafe 3in1 instant coffee. I normally drink my coffee black, but the brewed coffee was so aweful I stuck with bottled water and instant. I even got a coffee at Duncan Donuts. It has to be good there, right? No, it sucked too. Ron Title: Re: Nescafe and Filipino Coffee Post by: Mita on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Nescafe and Filipino Coffee, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
Ron, You should have tried Mr. Donut's coffee instead. Next time you are in the Philippines, ask for "barako" coffee. Mita Title: Figaro Cafe... Post by: Carr on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Nescafe and Filipino Coffee, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
in Manila brews their own coffee which comes from Batangas, the coffee capital of the Philippines. I know they sell ground and whole bean coffee. I am going to buy me some when I get there. Starbucks and SBC are also present in Manila, and are the popular hangout of rich kids. Title: Did you happen to use an ATM in Iligan? Post by: HaroldC on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Nescafe and Filipino Coffee, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
Specifically VISA?- I see there are only two (Coco and Far East) in Iligan and one in CDO. More Master Card, of course. I'm curious, and Peter Lee might be, too. Thanks, Ron. Harold Title: Re: Did you happen to use an ATM in Iligan? Post by: NOX1967 on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Did you happen to use an ATM in Iligan?, posted by HaroldC on Oct 7, 2003
Are going to Iligan City? Title: Yup. Will be in Iligan 10/27-11/7. :)) Post by: HaroldC on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Did you happen to use an ATM in Ilig..., posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
Your post about it was interesting- I will watch my back. Did you go for your 'Capacity to Marry' thing, yet? Title: Iligan Post by: NOX1967 on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Yup. Will be in Iligan 10/27-11/7. :)), posted by HaroldC on Oct 7, 2003
I was in Iligan for about 4 days. My fiance, Alma, lives and works there. I stayed at the Maria Cristina Hotel for about P660 a day. It is right in the middle of Iligan. It's not fancy but it's decent, and they have a very good restaraunt with a piano bar in the hotel. There is also a nearby bank and a money exchange. There are more upscale hotels like the Cheredel Suites, but I thought Maria Cristina was a little more low key. My fiance also wanted me to stay there because she knows some of the employees. I didn't feel like Iligan was too dangerous unless you are an abduction target, mainly the openly wealthy, but you do need to watch your back and be very aware of your surroundings. If you can, go visit the Iligan City Hall. It sits on top of quite a large hill and there is a great view there overlooking the city and out towards the sea. There are some nice gardens there and a reflexology walk, where you take off your shoes and walk on different types of stones. Some of it hurts like hell when you're on it, but afterwards it leaves you very relaxed. I saw two main types of Muslims in the Philippines. There were the ones that seem to be professional people, educated, clean and polite. I saw more of them in Cagayan De Oro. In Iligan there are a large number of Muslims that actually live outside the city in their own towns. During the day they come into Iligan to do business and shop. Some of them are very loud and rude. In the stores I observed alot of them pushing and shoving their way around, and acting very rude and demanding with the employees. It's clear they are very seperate from the rest of the people as they act so differently than the average Filipinos. We went to a government statistics office and she submitted the form for the proof of single status certificate, and we also went to the Iligan NBI office to get her NBI clearance. Ron Title: Yup. Maria Cristina ... Post by: HaroldC on October 08, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Iligan, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
was Imelda's first choice, since it is a couple of blocks from her house on General Wood. She's had some second thoughts since it's old city center and not so safe at night (And I think she is concerned about the ladies of the evening tempting me.). You probably saw brothers Ramil and Nestor 'stambay'ing around- you'll recognize them next time because they will be wearing U of Maine Blackbears basketball shirts. :) May I ask you- about security at the hotel, like leaving stuff in the room. And who did you know there?- it never hurts to drop names. :) And if you didn't use ATMs, how did you handle finance? And when and where are you getting married?:) As far as documentation goes, I guess you would have to ask Ray et al, but I think your lady will not need security clearance until her interview at the Embassy and if they need a CerNoMar they will request it themselves and make you wait. But maybe I'm all wet. Title: Re: Yup. Maria Cristina ... Post by: NOX1967 on October 08, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Yup. Maria Cristina ..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 8, 2003
I felt very secure there. There is an armed guard at the door, who controls access to the hotel lobby, and the restaraunt. As well as the cab stand outside. Whenever I needed a taxi I let the guard get it for me, because he knew the taxi drivers frequenting the hotel. Nobody disturbed anything I left in my room, but when I left valuables behind, like my camera, I deposited it at the front desk and got a receipt. Also as a matter of security, I reccomend an inside room on the second or third floor. If someone tries to invade your room while you're in it you can go out your window and get down to a platform that will allow you access to other room windows or the windows on the stairs. As for finance, I travelled with cash. I know all warnings and advice say otherwise, but I feel more comfortable not having to frequent banks or machines, as they are targets for thieves. By travelling cash I can keep a lower profile, but that is just personal choice and probably not the best way for most people. There is a bank right across the street from Maria Christina, and a money exchanger across the square. If you like I can get you some names to drop, although I can't remember at the moment. We are doing a fiancee visa and will get married here. I am just waiting now for some more papers from her and then I can submit my petition. It takes about 45 days to get the proof of single status certificate so we just went ahead and requested now. The NBI clearance was just easy to get right then. If we need it we already have it. Ron Title: Thanks for the inside poop ... Post by: HaroldC on October 08, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Yup. Maria Cristina ..., posted by NOX1967 on Oct 8, 2003
I just noticed that you are part of that infamous midwest Howard gang. Cool. I guess maybe you won't be going back to Iligan real soon. Your lady will probably get off the plane in, like, March. I'm still mystified what that proof of single status certificate, for her?, is. Always remember- a way out the window is a way in the window. Good luck with that petition. Title: Re: Thanks for the inside poop ... Post by: NOX1967 on October 09, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Thanks for the inside poop ..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 8, 2003
Are you flying into Cagayan De Oro? If you are and you need a quick, safe transport from there to Iligan I can probably hook you up with a driver I was using there. Ron Title: Great ... Post by: HaroldC on October 09, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Thanks for the inside poop ..., posted by NOX1967 on Oct 9, 2003
Imelda and her friend intend to take a bus to CDO to meet me and then a bus back. (There was some talk of an uncle bringing his car- but I think that was hot air.) I'd love the option- thanks. Title: Re: Great ... Post by: NOX1967 on October 09, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Great ..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 9, 2003
I'll check with my fiance when we chat in the morning. I'll have her text message Ferdinand, the driver, and see if he'd be interested. At the very least I'll get his cell number. He lives in Cagayan De Oro, so he could be there quickly if there is not another option when you get there. If you end up using him, just tell him Alma's fiance Ronald recomended him. Ron Title: N/T Post by: NOX1967 on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Did you happen to use an ATM in Iligan?, posted by HaroldC on Oct 7, 2003
No, I didn't use an ATM. Title: Filipino Coffee Post by: Nathan on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to Nescafe and Filipino Coffee, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 7, 2003
I actually did find some good Filipino coffee. It was whole bean coffee roasted by monks from Bukidnon. Title: The attitude of women in the mornings Post by: Bear on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to I forgot how much fun these are! LOL, posted by Howard on Oct 6, 2003
I tell Honey that it's a proven fact that when the wifes/mothers are happy and smiling in the mornings that the whole family will be the same. Unfortuneately the opposite is true also. Sounds like your days will start out well. Bear and Honey Title: Hmmmm.... Post by: Howard on October 07, 2003, 04:00:00 AM ... in response to The attitude of women in the mornings, posted by Bear on Oct 7, 2003
B Why didn't you tell me this before??? LOL I think you're right brutha :) Give my best to Honey ;) Keep the Faith! H |