Indeed, Hong Kong is one of the most profound places where Halloween is celebrated fabulously!!!! Amongst Disney Cast Members, we just couldn't let up Holla-queen without giving justice to it. The organizers of the party were very much overwhelmed as to how each people dressed up last October 30th. Check out for yourself....
I am proud with Hong Kong Disneyland's Halloween treats. Giant Jack and Sally welcome you by the gates, the lights are incredible which made Aurora's castle look creepy and the Main Street alive, the irresistable Halloween Parade and Demon Jungle working alongside Haunted Hotel made the park so jam packed most especially when Hong Kong reaches 5pm. Who wouldn't fall in love with Halloween? Oooohhh!!!! And this year, I get to be one of the orange devils in the parade. Although I had to experience not finishing the parade for some reason, it still was all so good than ever.
October 30, Baby Zaia was born too. Ate Naths' waterbag broke 4am and while Holla-queen was happening, Baby Zaia stepped out of the world by 10:30 pm. Princess Margaret was a very strict hospital. Uhh!!!! But then, it was all to keep the patients' safety.
KOKOLOGY comes in two words--- KOKORO and LOGY. The Japanese term KOKORO means a soul or spirit and LOGY- a greek word for study. It simply means a study of Soul or spirit. The book of KOKOLOGY has many many questions that usually tackles about how the person behaves in a given situation that a normal person might encounter. Each choices has its own corresponding behavior that usually reveal our own personality. So, if I were you, Buy a kokology 2 book for a better understanding of your own self. It will be so much fun if you'll let your other friends join you while reading this book. Goodluck and wish you all the happiness while discovering the true YOU!!
Let's start off with Mickey Dream Sports Moments...
This was indeed a remarkable show for kids for Hong Kong Disneyland gives a way more than 50 medals a day for kids who get to participate in the show. There's weightlifting by Goofy, Volleyball with Chip and Dale, ribbon dance with Minnie and a whole lot more. This show was put up to honor the athletes who did their best in the Beijing Olympics. The stage got 2 big monitors for the whole audience to see the hardships that they go through. Nevertheless, this shows what it takes to be champions. And this show intends to encourage kids at a very young age not to give up on their dreams....
Next is honoring Beijing Olympics!!!!
This was rehearsed rain or shine..... literally!!!!
Then, teen stars also graced Hong Kong Disneyland....
The usual HSM show was cut down to 5 minutes for television purposes. Eventhough it was raining, we all managed to come up with a very good show. Students from APA made us all alive. I hope the audience is that much every show. Coolness!
Kids came from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and many more tried to witness this very big event...
Last but not the least, the 2008 High School Musical "My School Rocks Asia" which was released in Disney Channel last night, September 21, 2008 was held here in Hong Kong Disneyland...
5 students from Holy Spirit represented Philippines and beat up Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Gracing the audience with the right high school attack, their routine was well applauded and admired not just by the judges but also by the whole Disney administration. Way to go darlings!!!! I hope you had fun performing with Hong Kong Disney's High School Muscial cast!
It was a great day for me for having the chance to watch a good friend of mine, Elizabeth, participating in this very popular play. It was signal t9 as I remember but, what the heck!!!! It's better than staying in the house waiting for nothing to happen. It was a blessing indeed....
Most of its writings are contradictory to what I believed in. First and foremost, I read the book to satisfy my craving for amusement. Mere interest made me finish the book even if for me, it's been telling the main idea over and over again. I actually found it redundant already. Although, one teacher told me that it helps a person to receive something once you decide to be empty. Emptiness is a state where you get yourself ready to take in anything because you are, however, needing to be filled in. The thing is, I deliberately contradict the main idea of just thinking in order to receive.... it tells you actually to expect something to just happen according to how you wanted it to be without doing anything or putting effort to attaining it. Faith is basically the secret. Believing in something that is more powerful than us. I have just put it this way... faith will move you.... and it's the only thing that will keep you driven....
It's not just work that we do here in Disney. Recreational activities are also considered. The recent SHOWLYMPICS '08 held in Disneyland Hong Kong was overratedly successful! I salute the cast member who participated here. I wanted to avoid injuries and there was no volleyball tournaments so, I volunteered to be just the helper in the games. Supporters, extravagant as they were, truly proved their commitment in supporting each team. Way to go!!!!
Celebrating the 19th anniversary of Discovery Bay's annual Dragon Boat Race, Team Mushu (composed of Disney cast members) banged the cheering competition. They gave a tough time to all the team with the last race after that. Needless to say, they really did a good job because who else can do both of that on the same day? Whew! Breathtaking alright!
I still remember how Josh and I struggled in sending our documents on time. We were supposed to come May 17 along with Tracey and Gil but it turned out, we left Philippines May 23 because the processing of the working visas took a longer time. This is just one of the memorable experiences huh, Josh? Anyways, to commemorate everything and for us to get hold of that success last year, we went to an eat-all-you-can Italian restaurant and whew! Was it oh so good! Thanks to the almighty Lord for all of these! Thanks also for the people who came to join us in celebration and for making our lives even better. Cheers!
Nowadays, being a gay is controversy no more. For me, gays deserve to be treated as our equals. Disneyland made way for them as cast members honored the day by wearing red. If any gay has to answer any morality issue here, it's their call to be loved. Who wouldn't want that?
I have to start this blog with people who are about to give birth this year.
2008 babies' number shall I say is the most outstanding (among people that I know). While I was giving it a thought, I landed into figuring out what are the factors that paved way to it. Cold season perhaps? I don't know. More likely, maybe it's because 2008 is considered a lucky year. Anyways, still, the real strong reason is that LOVE is in the air. All these products of LOVE, the best of 2 people.... are about to come to our world. And there's no mystery behind it, no magic comparable to it, even Mickey Mouse couldn't top. Wait! You know why I said the best of 2 people? Well.... at this very material, fast-paced and competitive world, it's amazing how 2 people get to share a wonderful experience in terms of expressing desire, intimacy, love.... In letting go of your soul with somebody, that's sharing your best, yours alone... and if you get lucky in getting it in return, then the products gets sculpted.... the BABY... To all the moms who are about to give birth, I salute y'all!!!!!
Talking about balance though, let's not forget about the earthquake that happened recently here in China. In the picture that you see here, Chinese airborne troop soldiers help earthquake refugees dig for belongings in the debris while a young survivor covers his ears in Jinhua village of Shifang, China's southwest Sichuan province, Friday, June 6, 2008. The May 12 quake killed 69,127 people, with 17,918 still missing, according to the latest government figures. Even though Disney came up with more than a million Hong Kong dollars to help these people, I don't think money can ever ease them of the pain they felt. So, spend time with your loved ones because you'll never know when is the last time you'll be with them. You might get surprised, you can't even remember the last conversation you ever had with them.
Also, landslide happened due to a 2-week long rainstorm here in Hong Kong. Disney cast members had a hard time going to work due to blocked roads and bridges. Depressing as how nature strikes back, we really have to put in mind the effects of global warming. I encourage everybody to come up with little solutions of their own. I admire TASTE Supermarket for coming up with a 50 cent reward for every plastic bag saved to hold their groceries if they use their own bag instead.
Next in line that really highlighted my year.... In Hong Kong, employees are entitled with health insurances. Companies make sure that health services, when needed, are available to their workers. They give them enough time to go for check-ups by approving sick leaves as much as possible. That's a good thing. But I'm just so disappointed with the health care providers themselves. It's just so unacceptable for health care givers to neglect sanitation. Imagine, Chinese care givers' nails are polished. What's wrong with that? Well.... there'd be a direct contact with medicine that will be administered to you.... does it ring a bell? Nail polish may contain toxic materials with its mixture.... or, it could have bad reactions if it will have a direct contact with any medicine. Forgive me, but that's what I learned in my school. Manicures are a no-no amongst care givers in the Philippines. Yeah! One hell of a sacrifice alright for women. Because, besides the nail polish itself having toxic materials, if we get wounded with too much of the cuticle removal that happened, we are also exposing ourselves to risks. Check this picture out! This is a picture of a care giver here in Hong Kong. DAYNG!!!
Of course, parties are never negligible. Work hard, party harder! You'll get crazy if you'd be depriving yourself of social events. So, I'm thankful for the people to whom I matter. Yeah!
Still looking forward to a lot of things for the other half of the year!
There's nothing that could top having days off together. It's always a time for us to bond together. Most of the time, we end up exploring Tin Shui Wai.... everything about it. Well, besides the pool tables and the dart boards by the lobby, we get to enjoy Harbour Plaza Resort City's swimming pool. It's a fun location to relax. It's got peaceful and safe ambiance. You can even stay there for the entire day, hooked onto your iPod. Who knows that you're getting some snooze with your shades on? The water is a bit chilly though. But, that's all that you need during the Summer season, right?
A lot of times we catch ourselves with nothing to do so, besides getting a lot of sleep, we come up with extraordinary stuff to do. There was one time when we decided to cut off some of his hair for a change. That was my 1st time. It turned out good enough. Not bad for a start.
We also take a lot of walks in the park. Tin Shui Wai parks I can say are fine. They have different recreational facilities. We always opt for a place to throw some spikes. We just couldn't get Volleyball out of our system. A lot of fountains and garden beds surround the park. It's homey, spacious and peaceful. It's not allowed for people to smoke within the park so, it's really good for walking if you're after catching fresh air.
We also tried Hot Pot.
So much so, I still don't know when we'll be having the same days off... I guess there's one thing left for me to do.... reminisce, remember and hope. Hahaha!!!!
It was a joint party with Ate Verna. One came up with ice skating and bowling. Too bad we weren't able to book the rink at Elements, Kowloon... So, we headed right away to Superfun Bowl, Olympic to have a head-on start with the surprise party. Happy Birthday Bee and Ate Verna!!!!
Too bad, due to the fully booked flights of Philippine Airlines, Hogan and I weren't able to make it in Boracay. We ended up going home to our own hometowns (him: Apia, Samoa... me: Manila, Philippines. :< ) But it did both of us good. From now on, we wouldn't be having that kind of vacation. 8 days is just too long. The first thing that I had to do in the Philippines was to get my renewed Nursing License. Not that I'm aiming to finish NCLEX this year. Though I brought review materials with me already and I bought some books as well, to be able to prepare to some extent. So, I was able to successfully get it in PRC. It was disappointing, however, because pollution was really unbearable. And, right away, I missed Hong Kong's transportation. It's just too damn perfect! That when I tried Manila's own.... it quite sucked. In addition, the personnel who handed me my license was rude to look at my picture then to me... then awfully said, "PWEDE....." I just told myself, there's still no change in public offices such as this, then walked away.
Next stop was to get to be with the most important people in my life. My family. (YIKES! I sound like the most recent Bb. Pilipinas. Thank God, I spelled it right, not---"family" with "f" not with "p").. I lived with Ate Kaith and her family during the rest of my stay in the Philippines in Quezon City. My 6 month old nephew was just soooooo cute!!!!! Shawn.... I miss you! I also got the chance to be with Ally, my first ever niece whom I love to go to arcades with. Hahahahaha! And I love watching home videos with her. Luckily, I got home during her vacation. Yey! Ally, I always see you hugging and kissing me whenever I stare blankly while I was there. And they just make all my worries go away. Ate Kaith and Renel were very hospitable and they really made me feel comfortable. They brought me to my favorite restaurants, hanged out a lot and listened to what's going on with my life. I also get to meet my stepmom Aunt Cel... Time was really short at hand. My vacation days were too short for me to go with them in Boracay as well so, I just made myself busy with the people I have to meet in Manila. My pop is still the same. A certified scrabble addict! April 7, 2008... I met up with Valerie, Roch and Nics for dinner at Kitchen, Greenbelt. I didn't know Greenbelt 5 exists already. I didn't get the chance to see it because we had a chit-chat over coffee right after eating. I was so glad with how we manage to ask each other for help when critical issues arise. At the end, we all agreed, "Prayers can move mountains." Too bad though the bridal shower for Ria will happen without me. She was on her way home to the Philippines from Vegas when I was about to go back here in Hong Kong.
One thing I made sure of, in going home was to eat Philippine barbecue. Yep! The exotic ones!!!! Hahahaha! You figure out what are the foods in the picture. But all of them are my all time favorites! With vinegar, complete with salt, sugar and garlic and rice! Yey!
One last stop was to go in a new club at The Fort called, "ASCEND"... My cousin said, the club was called so because it is made up of a lot of floors where each floor has a designated type of music assigned to it. Like one floor plays hip hop songs, one floor, is for the VIP's where the cool people dance on cool/trance music. And then I don't know which type of songs are played in the other floors since we just stayed in one. Again and again, I compare the clubs here in Hong Kong with that of the Philippines in terms of size. Philippine clubs make way for people who love to dance. I like how they put it that way. They also consider events that may happen. I had fun, I must say. And the usual.... we head for KFC for breakfast after and then stayed awake until the sun shone on our faces. It's a cue to sleep.
This vacation refreshed me alright. Back to work.... awwwww!!!!!
Before I left for the Philippines, my fellow cast members in Disney and I had so much fun at the Hollywood Hotel. It has been a loaded month that's why we really needed to unwind.
Things to take note of when you want to indulge in relaxation: 1. Good friends. 2. Good location. 3. Digital Cameras. 4. Pleasant personality. 5. Time.
A DOLE-attached agency mandated to provide welfare services and benefits to OWWA member-OFWs and ensure capital build-up and fund viability.
2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN OWWA MEMBER?
An OWWA member-OFW is entitled to services and benefits over and above the provisions of the employment contract, offer of employers or the laws of the receiving country. For a US$25.00 or HK$200.00 membership contribution, an OWWA member is entitled to the following benefits and services.
* Insurance and Health Care Program Benefits
a. Life/Accident Insurance. A member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000.00 for natural death and P200,000.00 for accidental death.
b. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits. A member is entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits as a rider provision of his life insurance as provided for in the impediment schedule contained in the Manual of Systems and Procedures. The coverage is within the range of P2,000.00 to P50,000.00.
c. Total Disability Benefit. In case of total permanent disability a member is entitled to P100,000.00.
d. Burial Benefit. A burial benefit of P20,000.00 shall be provided in case of the member's death.
* Education and Training Programs
An OFW OWWA member may avail for himself/herself of his/her duly designated beneficiary any of the following scholarship programs, subject to selection process and accrediation of participating institutions.
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).
This program offers P30,000.00 per semester for the university education of qualified dependent of member OFWs.
2. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) for technical or vocational training scholarship.
Financial assistance amounting to P7,250.00 for the 6-month course or P14,500.00 for the 1-year course shall be provided.
3. Seafarer's Upgrading Program (SUP) to ensure the competitive advantage of Filipino seafarers in meeting International Maritime Organization (IMO) competency standards.
A member seafarer shall be entitled to one upgrading program for every (3) three membership contributions. Qualified grantees shall be provided with training assistance minimum P1,200.00 to a maximum of P7,500.00.
4. DOLE-OWWA Tulay Microsoft Project provides OFWs IT training and access to technology that will enable them and their families to communicate through the internet.
The Tulay or Bridge Education Program is a part of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative aimed at providing technology and skills for underserved individuals. OFWs and their families learn the basics of computer applications such as MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel as well as internet and e-mail use.
Through Tulay, the OWWA expects OFWs to gain IT skills that will enhance their work, thus increasing their value in the workplace. These new IT skills can further help them become more competitive in pursuing a career in the country upon their return.
Tulay-Aral Project (SPECIAL PROJECT)
The Tuloy-Aral Project was launched last December 2004 with the objective of assisting the children of less fortunate former OFWs as well as other poor and needy elementary and high school children. The DOLE and the OWWA regional offices, with the assistance of DSWD, identify children of former OFWs needing financial assistance to send to school.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) are tasked to promote and identify OFWs who are successful, financially stable and in good standing to act as prospective foster parents. OFW organizations may also volunteer to act as foster parents.
Identified foster parents are requested to provide a US$100.00 financial support per year to the children-beneficiary to enable him/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The amount will help cover for expenses such as books, school supplies, materials for projects, transportation, authorized school contributions, and allowance for the whole school year.
* Social Services and Family Welfare Assistance
Repatriation Program.
Members may avail of repatriation services whenever necessary.
Reintegration Program.
Members may avail of the Reintegration Program of the Department of Labor and EMployment. This includes community organizing, capability building and social preparation programs and livelihood loans.
The OWWA-NLSF LDPO Project
This program is a joint undertaking of OWWA and NAtional Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) to address the economic component of the OFW Reintegration Program. It is meant to further improve access to entrpreneurial development opportunities and credit facilities ti OFWs, their ramilies and organizations. Possible enterprises include: (a) trading (general merchandise and buy and sell, etc.), (b) services (repair shops, restaurants, parlors, etc.), (c) manufacturing (meat/fruit processing, shoes, etc.), and (d) agri-business (tilapia culture, piggery, poultry, etc.).
The OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program now has two (2) loan packages:
1. Collateral Loan Window
1.a Individual Borrower, P200,000.00 maximum per qualified borrower.
1.b Group Loan Borrower, P100,000.00 maximum per group.
2. Non-Collateral Loan Window P50,000.00 (maximum per qualified borrower)
OFW GROCERIA PROJECT an interest-free loan assistance package extended in the form of merchandise goods worth P50,000.00 per qualified OFW Family Circle (OFC) beneficiary nationwide.
* Workers Assistance and On-Site Services
Members may avail of on-site assistance such as locating the OFWs, providing information and guidance, developing materials of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS), conducting Post Arrival Orientation SEminar (PAOS), employment/psycho-social counseling, conciliation services, computation of contractual claims, hospital visitation, para-legal assistance, and outreach missions, among others.
3. HOW CAN ONE BE AN OWWA MEMBER?
a. By enrollment upon processing of contract of POEA; and
b. by voluntary registration of OFWs at job-sites overseas.
4. HOW MUCH IS THE OWWA MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION?
The membership contribution is US$25.00 or HK$200.00.
5. WHEN IS THE EFFECTIVITY OF MEMBERSHIP?
OWWA membership, either through compulsory or voluntary coverages, shall be effective upon payment of membership contribution until expiration of the employment contract. In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership coverage shall not exceed two (2) years. MEmbership shall be renewed upon payment of contribution on contract renewal/issuance of new contract.
6. WHERE CAN ONE PAY HIS OWWA MEMBERSHIP?
OWWA membership contribution can be made at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) contract processing hub, OWWA regional and overseas offices, and other accredited collection centers.
Our most favorite thing to do to make time pass is to get hold of as much memories as we can by taking a lot of photos. And that means.... "A LOT!!!!!"
The most visited is the Philharmagic. I think I've described what you can expect from it. It just feels so relaxing whenever we enter this. And endorphins just keep on flowing while you enjoy watching it.
What I noticed after working here in almost a year now is that the 3d glasses that you use in witnessing the show is not that good anymore. They are so much used up already. You know how kids could get so unruly sometimes.
The next best thing I consider are the treats per season. There are just houses decorated differently as time passes.
HALLOWEEN This is what Disney calls "The Main Street Hotel". Theme: Ghost House
HOLIDAY SEASON Santa's Workshop was famous among kids but it doesn't stop us from going back to being kids again.
HOUSE OF MICKEY This year, Hong Kong Disneyland honored the year of the mouse by making the Disney guests experience Mickey's own house. Portraits were everywhere, you could try out Mickey's shoes, and you could see his office too. Neat!
Fantasy Garden also hits the charts! A lot of Disney characters welcome you here to experience a face-to-face meet and greet. Lately, I've been so fascinated with how cute Chip and Dale are. They are effortlessly cute.
I also love indulging myself into my fellow cast members' shows. I think every cast member sees to it that if they have free time, they would want to have a walk in the park and witness presentations, parades and shows as much as they can. For all we know, we are all contractual and the only moments you can hold onto, are "where you at, at the present."
In walking down the park from 604, you would see the Golden Mickeys Storybook Theatre. It's seldom though that I get to watch this no matter how near it is to 604 because of the schedule of the shows. It is either minutes before or after my show. Or hassle to my bus schedule in going home.
Next to it is the "It's A Small World Ride", the newest attraction Disney gave way for Spring. What really is so fascinating about this is the ice cream treat available in Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and.... wait! I forgot the green flavor. Anyhow, now that Summer is almost here, it's just good for them to make an ice cream counter stand right by the exit.
As you walk further, you'll find yourself checking out a pathway that leads to Tomorrowland. And the Stitch Encounter (available in Cantonese and English version) is the first attraction you'll see. I recently experienced how it goes and it's ultimately funny. It's important to check out the schedule if you'd go for it.
There's AUTOPIA as well, where you get your own license to drive the little sports cars Disney has for young boys to get fond of. Buzz light year is there for those who want to have a close meet and greet with him. Did I mention, in Tomorrowland, you can also witness the talking trash can? It's just a place to get hold of everything hi-tech. Jammitors keep the people entertained with their music. And ASTROBLAST is just a fun game. I am an L-3 by the way.
The Dapper Dans singers... I love watching and hearing them sing. They just give the smoothest show ever. I warmly welcome the new ones and for the previous 4 that were here, friends for keeps people!!!!!
As you walk down Main Street, past Princess Aurora's castle and the pathway to Adventureland, you'll see numerous shops.
Jewelry shops, bakery, shops for souvenirs, photo gallery where you could check out extraordinary shots made by Disney's professional photographers, you can see them all down there. Just take the path where the parade goes and you'll understand what I mean.
Not to mention, you can also see this Indian too. Oftentimes, people would just pass by him so I decided to give him honor and took a shot of it.
Last but not the least, it's always nice to look at a place as a whole. So, I suggest you check out the nearest Disneyland Railroad station, and get a glimpse of the whole Hong Kong Disneyland.
This is what we do on stand by... get hold of that much as we can....
We celebrate this to honor Jesus' promise of coming back to life.
It was a nice opportunity for Kuya Marlon to celebrate together with her daughter's 1st year over a Barbecue dinner by Pui O Beach.
The night was filled with laughter as we came up with fun games.
Pepsi-7up and Pinoy Genio created a laugh trip amongst all of us. When we got tired playing like kids, everyody sat down to sing the night away. Of course it was too bad for us to ignore the beach. So we followed Andrew while he was dancing his way to the beach. Butch, Ariel, Eric and Hogan graced God with their talents with the fire knives as the drummers strummed their way into bringing out the best they've got.
Now for me, this is truly a way of celebrating the goodness in our hearts.
The musical sensation that's sweeping the globe is headed right this way! So, get ready to dance, party and sing along as we proudly presents, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL LIVE!"
This is what I've been hearing for quite some time now. Being one of the High School Musical performers of Hong Kong Disneyland this coming season is indeed a very exciting experience. Check out the making of everything with the very professional Ms. Wendy and the ever supportive, Kuya Nanad and the rest of my fellow cast members as most of us relive our forte, CHEERLEADING!!!!!
I am proud with Hong Kong Disneyland's Halloween treats. Giant Jack and Sally welcome you by the gates, the lights are incredible which made Aurora's castle look creepy and the Main Street alive, the irresistable Halloween Parade and Demon Jungle working alongside Haunted Hotel made the park so jam packed most especially when Hong Kong reaches 5pm. Who wouldn't fall in love with Halloween? Oooohhh!!!! And this year, I get to be one of the orange devils in the parade. Although I had to experience not finishing the parade for some reason, it still was all so good than ever.
