Bisdak Babbles

For someone who strongly opposed to living and working in Manila, I’m surprised to realize that I now miss the place.

Mid-2005. I still revolted at the idea of moving to Manila when I made the decision to grab an opportunity to work there.

The first month was almost unbearable. I experienced knee-deep floods (yes, there are knee-deep floods in Makati), I got lost more than twice (also somewhere in Makati), all places appeared to be crowded all the time, and traffic jams were natural occurrences. Not to mention the daily challenge of speaking Tagalog! I finally got used to all of the cons and began to accept them, or should I say “embrace” them. By doing so, I noticed the pros and started enjoying my stay there.

Now, why do I miss Manila? The following notions may appear lame especially to those who are still “anti-Manila” but these did fool me ^-^:

• Company Alpha. (Sorry, I could not specify the company name here.) As of today, October 26, 2006, I think it’s the best company I’ve ever worked for. If circumstances have been different, I would probably remain there for another 3 years.
• The covered walk from Greenbelt 4 to V.A. Rufino Street in Legazpi Village. Taking a walk here alone is refreshing but it’s more enjoyable if you walk with someone special ^-^.
• The Malls. My favorites are: SM Mall of Asia, SM-Makati, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Gateway Mall. I have always loved window shopping! I haven’t been to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. It could have been one of my favorites.
• The cinemas. We always go to Greenbelt 3 cinemas. It’s a pity I have not tried SM Mall of Asia’s IMAX theater.
• Restaurants. The Daing na Bangus and Kinilaw na Bangus in Mangan (Glorietta) and Devilled Crispy Pata in Crocodile (Greenbelt 3) are mouth-watering!
• Last, but not the least, the friends I made and the people I met. I’m sorry I was not able to say my good-byes. I would really like to have that “farewell” dinner with you all when I have the chance to visit Manila again.

It’s already 2 o’clock in the morning when I decided to go to sleep. The reason? I spent yet again another 3 hours watching Dr. House. This time, I watched the last 3 episodes of Season 2. The result? EXCESSIVE sleepiness while at work. I’m now fighting real hard not to fall asleep during a meeting. The method I’m using? Writing this entry on my notebook while my Japanese colleagues are engaged in a debate over I don’t know what. Hey! I have a very good excuse… they’re speaking in Japanese! And Idel’s not around to help me understand what’s going on around me.

Before the meeting started, I already had 2 glasses of black coffee but it didn’t help. Trying to appear I’m into the discussion, once in a while I glance at the projector screen and stare blankly at the speaker. I’m so glad no one’s sitting beside me to notice that I’m busy with something else. This meeting will go on for another 2 1/2 hours. How will I keep on fighting my sleepiness? Write another blog? Mmmmm….

EPILOGUE
Things I’ve done after writing this entry, still during the meeting (for 2 hours):
1. Went to the ladies’ room once
2. Suffered more than 20 agonizing bouts of sleepiness (actually, I think I did fall asleep)
3. More than 20 times failed attempts to appear interested in the discussion
4. Done some foot exercises
5. Massaged my arms
6. Write the outline for my next blog entry and I think, this would be the longest entry I intend to write… Coming up: Unforgettable Sydney.

For as long as I can remember, I have been battling against my daytime sleepiness.
Because I am so desperate to avoid unintentionally banging my head in the table (just like my officemate sitting across me when he eventually falls asleep while reading some documents), I have adapted the following methods to be awake during office hours:

(1) Coffee
I have become coffee-dependent since my first job that currently, I think coffee does not have any effect on me anymore. Or maybe… I need to increase my dose from 3 cups a day to 4 cups?

(2) Eating hot & spicy chips
This one works alright but I am on a diet right now so I should avoid eating anything while in the office.
How I wish the management provides ice cubes! Chewing ice cubes are way too effective than chips.

(3) Sending emails
This keeps my sleepiness at bay but then I would spend my entire day waiting for and writing replies. Thanks to those who are patient enough reading my stupid emails.

(4)Blogging!
Actually, this is my first blog. I have been trying to start one but always failed… thanks to Idel for the inspiration. ^-^ I hope the network administrator won`t block the blog sites. Blogging really helps!