We all don't want to be judged.

There are only 3 types of judges that I studied when I was in college. My Sociology professor had shared to us his theory. All of us don't want to be judged... or misjudged. Though nobody is ever rightful to judge another person, it always is important to keep ourselves knowledgeable of the rightful people whom should impose judgements on certain circumstances.

I - LEGISLATIVE JUDGE - a.k.a. LAWMAKING BODIES:

This includes people who own a position in the court, senate and executive office. All of them had taken an oath to keep, sustain and respect order in an office, municipality or country for that matter. It involves common good and to that, any laws studied, debated on, produced and approved are to be followed as imposed. Anybody who'd go ignorant and/or against it is punishable by law.

Ex. president, chief executives, senators, queen

II - EXPERTS, BACHELORS, DOCTORS

These are people who had studied for years and years and have completed a curriculum to earn such position. They have certification, entitlement, medals, awards and anything alike that proves that they are worthy to judge you. Not personally but objectively. This is due to the reason that they'd judge you based on the need for you to be judged. Meaning, only in the field of expertise that they have.

Ex. doctors - They judge your diagnosis but the final decision is yours when it comes to medical treatment to be done; doctorate is the highest form of education
      lawyers - They will judge your case as something to fight for based on your civil and human rights
      teachers - They will grade you according to expected performance based on level of curriculum suited for your age.

III - ASSIGNED LEADERS:

Similar to the lawmaking bodies, the assigned leaders are put into position to maintain peace and order. Although, they can be seen and observed in minimal area of concern, they have the right to judge following a certain criteria, a specific set of rules and regulations and/or (but not limited to) an agreed percentage allotment. These leaders need more training, knowledge and further experience so they are likely to be judged as well based on facts like manual contents, rule books and/or videos of the exact circumstance. Usually, to amend and keep errors to a minimum, these assigned leaders often come in groups to seek better judgement.

Ex. pannel of judges in a beauty contest, line of officers in the classroom, 3 referees in a basketball game

Probably you're surprised that not even your own parents are on the list of people whom you should allow to judge you. This means that beyond these people, it's YOU who is the greatest judge of yourself. It comes from within you, your core values, the limitations of your understanding and your willingness to learn as to how you'd judge your own life. It's you who'd choose your person to look up to. If for some reason, you can't see a parent as your guide because of issues he/she has to work on, by all means, choose one that keeps you in the right path. Begin not judging by looking at your own self. Stop judging YOUR OWN SELF. Stop saying you're not worthy, stop saying you're not enough, and stop giving yourself labels. Liberate yourself from negative thinking to avoid channeling it out to others. Live free.

If you think there are more leaders that I should know of, feel free to share it by commenting below. I would love to hear about your opinion.

Father's Day Tribute

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone

could give another person....

....HE BELIEVED IN ME."

- Jim Valvano

I've known my dad as the protective kind. He would always remind us of errors that could be avoided from the beginning for us not to get hurt. He taught us how to be CAUTIOUS. I know this is the ultimate trait owned by every good parent. I thought I knew him just as that. But now that I'm about to become a parent too, I've come to realize that the saying, "our parents live in us" is true after all. And the best part is, he knew me more than I know him. He knew what I needed before I say it. He knew he had to allow me to gain full responsibility of my life. He was there to guide me; he encouraged me to fulfill my purpose, to seek it and make it happen, and most of all, he trusted and believed in what I can do.

He never contradicted my plans, he supports them more instead. He loved that my life is in balance. He was there in my volleyball games when I was in high school, watched some of my halftime shows for UAAP when I was still cheerleading, helped me to decide on Chemical Engineering in college then later on, encouraged me to become a nurse which I never regretted taking up. All in all, he respected my capacity to learn. He gave me enough leeway to come about the person I am right now.

There are so many similarities that I noticed I share with my father. My penmanship, my love for sports, my singing voice, my obsession to music and dance, my drive to learn, and my amazement towards nature's best. I learned how to cook, use the dictionary and encyclopedia by 8 years old, play chess by 11, socialize and become confident around people thru him. He taught me how to be compassionate, appreciative, humble and prayerful (both him and my mom were religious). My dad taught me how to give balance to life. He's funny, always the life of the party and he always gave us flowers when we were young during Valentine's Day and had made the difference between reward and punishment sound and clear.

I would never be able to accomplish my achievements if not for my dad's support. That being said, I wouldn't be the BEST me if not for him combined with my mom's BEST. Happy happy Father's Day and hope you'll enjoy your day today.

 And to all the fathers that I know, 

may God bless you of more days to spend with your families, 

more days to touch more lives and more days 

to become immortals as you pass on your legacy.

Related posts:

1. MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE 2014 - "A human body can only bear up to 45 del (unit) of pain. Yet at the time of birth, the mother feels up to 57 del (unit) of pain. That is similar to 20 bones getting fractured at a time."

2. HOGAN TOOMALATAI - my better half

3. HOGAN AND KYTE, AUGUST 26, 2013 - the beginning of our journey as a family

Check this out!

For "D-I-Y Monday" and "Laid Back Tuesday",

I've combined both by presenting to you some basic videos

that you could learn and do by yourself to gain some new
knowledge in finishing up household chores fast,
pumping up casual style and
in adding different trends to make something unusual.

1. This is a video I've encountered way back when I was in College. The first of its kind was from a Japanese lady demonstrating the fastest way of finishing up with your laundry. Here's a more detailed version of it in terms of instructions.

2. Don't throw away t-shirts that you don't like because you can transform them to something cool like this.

3. I have a lot of scarves at home and I have benefited in this video in so many ways. Watch and learn.

4. Some of you might enjoy experimenting with different materials. This is just an example of that potentiality. So, go and get that creative juices to work with this video as a guide.



5. This could be a good project between you and your daughter or any younger sibling, cousin or friend. I remember spending a lot of time doing this during summer with my aunties before. And those are one of the best childhood memories that I wish I could hold on to. Share this activity with somebody in your family. Or you can make a business out of it.

I'll share more do-it-yourself videos next time. Hope you enjoyed watching and doing these!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

Have you ever doubted the saying, "MIRACLES HAPPEN."? Well, I have when I shouldn't.

As defined by Google, a MIRACLE is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be divine. And knowing this was just out of any human being's context. I mean, if there's no way of understanding the trend on how miracles happen, then you wouldn't know how to react, therefore not knowing what to expect. Simply put, "HOW CAN YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN?"

Let me share to you a story of my own simple miracle.

When I was in my high school days, I've been pro-active, I lived healthily, ate right and slept well. But I've always had a dillemma when dealing with that special time of the month amongst ladies. It always gave me DYSMENORRHEA (painful menses) often accompanied with NAUSEA and OVERFATIGUE. There was one day that I've been in so much pain that I had to go home at the middle of a school day. My parents were so alarmed about all the screaming so, we consulted a gynecologist and had to do PAP SMEAR at an early age. I was diagnosed of inverted uterus then. According to medical studies, 20% of women have this condition. This isn't categorized as a predisposing factor for an ailment or a disease to occur. It's just like identifying people who are left handed from the right handed ones. Though due to anatomical position, the doctor warned me that it may be hard for me to conceive a child because the ligaments that hold my uterus to position (facilitating easy conception) are shorter than the average. Hence, the pain that my menstruation causes. The doctor said, it could be a reproductive challenge.

From then on, a lingering worry whether I may or may not have a child had been present in my subconscious ever since. Due to limited knowledge and experience, I'd sometimes mask my worries with daydreaming. I remember assigning 25 as the age of me settling down and at least at 27, I'll be having my first baby already. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

I was preoccupied with goals, job and traveling opportunities that my aspirations of having a family was quite put to a halt. Then it finally dawned to me that my sister's 2nd child is approaching his 7th year already; my friends have been getting married and having kids; all have been slowly and steadily settling down. I admit there was pressure there plus the fact that my mom was reminding me that I'm not getting any younger. However, my relationship was also at play. No matter how I plan things, the right person had to come. And he did. He actually agreed with me that it was time when I had realized, I'm already 30. We were both 30!Alright people, that time, we were talking about marriage 'til my younger sister told me about her plan to get married. Considering Philippine culture, we cannot marry in the same year (a.k.a. "sukob"). We were choosing a great timing when to do ours. Then.... the "MIRACLE" happened....

My period happens on irregular terms so, noticing I'm a week delayed wasn't a big deal. I was going to do the annual physical exam for Filipino overseas workers requested by our company here in Hong Kong as a protocol. It involves x-ray procedures. The physicians and nurses are very strict in checking if you're pregnant or not in undergoing these procedures so, I just did a home pregnancy test to be confident of my answer - which was a  "NO". And there you go, after the longest 3 minutes of my LIFE, the test revealed a very good news. I have conceived 3 weeks ago. And it was a Sunday, Mother's Day - my first!

 I told my Hogan that night and we instantly came up with names. Phoenix if it's going to be a girl and Raven if it's a boy. We agreed that we will choose birds' names so that wherever our child may be, he/she will soar high. Cheesy as it may seem, this is the first thing you would notice as you become a parent. You're just carrying a whole bundle of love that it transforms you from within. After letting our parents know and planning of what to do next, we are pleased to announce (after considering Chinese tradition that it should at least be almost 3 months before you let everybody know that you're carrying a child - to ensure its safety) that we are going to our 10th week of pregnancy and that the ultrasound had shown a very healthy baby owning a strong heartbeat and is nestled well in me. God knows how happy both Hogan and I are and we are so excited everyday checking on Babycenter (a very good application to download), how our baby develops everyday. Packed with videos and descriptive illustrations, this app gives us an idea of how our baby's progress goes as it grows its vital organs and how the mom could be helped out in adapting to changes of her own. I suggest that every mommy-to-be should download this on their smart phones.

I'm continuously dealing with a lot of physical changes. Except if I inhale strong perfume and Indian spices, I'm all good and ain't experiencing that much of morning sickness. I never had vomiting relating to my state. All in all, it's not giving me a hard time and I thank my husband for that. I'm one spoiled pregnant lady, I must say. We believe that if I'm in a stress free condition, the baby too would be feeling the same way. Our own theory goes that it won't give me a difficult time, if it's at ease. I am giving credits to my friend in sharing how "instincts" could play a great role.

I feel more than grateful of this gift, this bundle of joy and this angel inside me. I can't wait for my child to come by January 7. Also, I'm grateful for all of our families, friends and loved ones who took time to say congratulations, offering little bits and pieces of advices about being pregnant for the first time and most especially offering just about anything to make me feel at ease. Thank you for sharing this happiness with us that even if my child isn't out yet, all of you are showering him/her with abundant love. May the Lord be as kind to all of you as He was kind to Hogan and I.

Hogan with my little one's 1st photo with his celebratory cupcake!!!

It's in your hands...

 

Here's something to take those blues away.

10 Truths that I have learned upon reaching my 30th year.

1. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE. - We only have one life, so it's never an excuse to feel that it's too late to live yours. Make your  dreams come true because as long as your heart beats, you are still capable of doing something.

2. FAILURES ARE PART OF GROWING UP. - Being aware that you just have one life doesn't give you a license that everything will go too well. There's only one life yes, but it's not worth living when you don't get to encounter opposites. Someone you love dies so you get to appreciate life that is given to you. You experience being heart broken so that you get to figure out what true love is. Something precious to you is taken away so that you'd know how to treasure the next big thing. The irony in every situation you encounter is a preparation for you to get thru the next.

3. YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY- You are the one responsible for you own life. If you think it's not going too well right now, you have all the power to make that change.

4. THERE'S NO RIGHT OR WRONG, BUT THERE ARE WHAT YOU CALL CONSEQUENCES IN EVERY DECISION YOU MAKE. - Courage is earned thru out life as you learn from your own experiences. Don't be afraid when you are in a crossroad because whatever path you'll take, there's always a lesson that goes with it. Just a personal reminder, there are errors you could avoid from committing in the beginning. You just have to observe to the best of your ability.

5. TIMES IS GOLD. Believe in the power of NOW. Never stop learning. Never waste a second. And never doubt. Thinking twice is advised and knowing the best timing is a gift. Learn its art.

6. YOU CAN NEVER PLEASE EVERYBODY. - Minding negative people and negative situations are a complete waste of time and effort. Free yourself from unproductive environment. Empower yourself with people who don't hesitate giving you compliments, encouragement and people who doesn't hesitate telling you what you need to know, even though it hurts.

7. WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER. - And this strength doesn't necessarily come as physical strength. Oftentimes, the ones who act tough are the ones who had to mask weaknesses out. Ability to forgive, to let go and to restart are the best attributes of strength.

8. NOBODY IS EVER READY. - Engagement, promotion, marriage, pregnancy, sickness, death... I'd hail the people who really are so sure that they were ready upon dealing with these life changes. Don't fight back but learn to cope up. Humans have the natural ability to cope up. And you may find it hard to believe, but you are blessed to be in these kind of situations because it means you are given a chance to adapt, learn new survival skills and most of all, reap its goodness which is to be able to pass your own legacy.

9. EACH OF US DESERVES RESPECT. - We have come from different backgrounds, gone thru different circumstances, experienced different kind of pains. We are molded accordingly to be able to serve our purpose. Never judge.

10. HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. - It comes from your own satisfaction from within. Be guilt-free. That's the ultimate form of happiness.

BABY CAFE

To you Hong Kong residents out there, does the name ANGELA BABY ring a bell? Here's a brief intro.

Angelababy

Model

Angela Yeung, better known by her stage name Angelababy, is a Hong Kong-based Chinese model, actress and singer. Her stage name came from the combination of her legal given name "Angela" and "Baby", the nickname her family gave her. Wikipedia

 

Born: February 28, 1989 (age 24), Shanghai, China

Height: 1.68 m

Nationality: Chinese

For the longest time, I've been a fan together with my good friend Cora. We find Angelababy so pretty that we sometimes mock her poses on our own photos just for fun. She's on every fashion magazine and I've always seen her as the usual celebrity not until I have tried BABY CAFE.

Sushi One Group partnered with the famous Hong Kong artist Angelababy and opened up the first "baby café" in November 2011. It's a Western theme, Japanese fusion restaurant with location in Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.

The café fit out is clean and chic. The stylish decoration uses black and white as its main theme which creates a relaxing, joyful dining environment. There are numerous of Angelababy photos displaying on the wall of "frame", which are taken by the famous photographer Wing Shya.

The food is rather contemplated. The presentation is neat, inviting and comes with a generous serving portion. With an attractive presentation of the food, customer can surely enjoy an ultimate dining experience with a reasonable price.

 - http://www.babycafe.com.hk

Last Wednesday, I've had my 1st pre-natal check up along with my 2 girls Jane and Cathy with their 2 adorable babies, Victoria and Enik respectively. Yes, I am expecting my own angel due to join our world on January 7. I would for sure share to you all of the 1st trimester excitement on Sunday but for now, let me introduce to you Baby Cafe that matched our day for we have truly enjoyed seeing my baby for the first time via the ultrasound and deserving to celebrate for hearing its strong heart beat. It had been said too much that hearing the heart beat of your baby for the first time is really a priceless moment. And I second that.

Salad starter

 Moving on to details about this very chic cafe, it is located in  Shop 301, 3/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

There are 2 more branches situated in Tuen Mun Town Plaza and the Langham Place in Mong Kok. They've got Set Lunches and Set Dinners. We have chosen set lunches a little late on the radar just to be able to maximize our visit. It was around 2pm. 

Pumpkin Risottos for both Jane and Cathy and I had chosen 1/2 Fried Spring Chicken. Their website had described their servings generous but I think it was just quite right. I tried the Cream of Mushroom soup for a starter while Jane and Cathy did the salad. They have a healthy selection of entrees, snacks, desserts and drinks. I've included the link right above the cafe's description. You could check the rest of the sets they have to offer. Budget lies from HK$100-180 complete with dessert. The taste of my food exceeded my expectation. I'd say it was pretty satisfactory.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

The ambiance was quite zen-ish but at the same time, is fancy looking. It was clean, comfortable, stylish and original. Service was good too and they presented their food neatly. The servers knew and spoke English very well and were very accommodating because they were more than willing to answer inquiries like how big were the servings and didn't mind taking our photos.

You had to go out for the lieu, I guess that's one flaw but it's not that far anyway.
Other than this one, I believe it was a good cafe to snack with your gal pals in general. It fitted the theme of my day and my girls' and we all had a great time here. So, I believe, the parking is not much of a suggestion as iSquare is readily accessible via TST mtr. Just take the EXIT E.

This cafe is inspiring because a model like Angelababy gave me a good idea to make a network of businesses. She's a model but she was smart to invest on her very own cafe, stylizing it up like this. Though the food could go better to invite more customers, the place was worth a visit still.

before charging up

in our little cocoon

Disclaimer: This restaurant isn't only suggested to mommies and future ones but, it was also under these labels via openrice.com. Explore its potential and have some friends visit it for your own opinion.

International | Western Restaurant | Dessert | Special Occasion Dining | Casual Drink

King of Flames

For something to watch this Laid Back Tuesday, allow me to give credits to EVI SEUMANUTAFA for coming up with this video of Hogan Toomalatai. Both of them share passion to the Art of Fire-Knife Dancing along with their team and this had been a project they all had been doing for a long time.

Comments, suggestions and reactions are encouraged for them to come up with better videos in the future. Anybody who's interested in what this is about, feel free to like their page on facebook. (TEAM SAMOA SIVA AILAO AFI) Encompass yourself to the true nature of it by understanding this craft from the real warriors themselves.

10 Things I Love about Hong Kong

HONG KONG, officially known as, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is situated on South China's coast, and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, making it known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbor. With a land mass of 1,104 km² (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 95 percent ethnic Chinese and 5 percent from other groups. I am one of the latter.

For almost 6 years now, living in Hong Kong had been an adventure. I've prayed ever so greatly for change in my life 6 years ago and I got the opportunity to make it happen here. It made me realize that I should seize every day. I have to make it count as I wake up to a new beginning each morning. Every day is a chance for you to be opened up to something new and wonderful and worth it of your time. Slowly, I became aware of what works for me and not. It helped me to grow up and that being said, let me share to you for my Lifestyle weekend,

10 Things I Love about Hong Kong:

1. It's undeniably safe in Hong Kong.
  - It's my habit to collect my morning paper from the lobby for my daily dose of SUDOKU and CROSSWORD PUZZLE. And the moment I'm done answering them, I toss over pages to check what's up. And what do I encounter most of the time? Articles about which company is making more money, holiday tour packages for every season and pages are filled up with letters of thanks from different leaders all over the world for the friendship they share with Hong Kong and how to empower their ties. It's very rare that I'd read any brutal attack or murder reported. If there is, it would be a foreigner who'll do this, it is a crime committed in another country or such crimes were done due to insanity.

My friends and I are thankful every time we are able to take a walk to our village from the train station while playing with our iPhones in public without that fear of anybody going on a trip and snatch our phones. Police aren't corrupt and are up and about in arresting whoever by passes the law. I mean every policeman is expected to do so but Hong Kong police can't be easily dodged. I admire their dedication as they truly can be trust worthy. A couple of friends of mine were fined of HK1,500 for not throwing their finished cigarette into the proper trash bins.

Hong Kong's Chief Excecutive Leung Chun-Ying

2. Their Government acts!

           -  The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, commonly the Hong Kong Government, is led by the Chief Executive as Head of the Government, who is also the head of the Hong Kong SAR. The affairs of the Government are decided by secretaries, who are appointed by the Chief Executive and endorsed by the Central People's Government in Beijing. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy. The Hong Kong Government, financially independent from the Government of the People's Republic of China, oversees the affairs of Hong Kong. 

- WIKIPEDIA



There are 3 reasons why I like the HK government:

* It works hand in hand with the people.
            One thing I notice about the HK people is the way they walk. They walk very fast. A simple trait that signifies their great dedication into accomplishing things. They are very hard working and dedicated people. The government benefits from this human resource so well. In return, they give back to HK residents what they work hard for. Two years ago, all and I mean "ALL" HK residents of legal age received HK6,000.00 each just because HK had earned more than what they had expected for that year. How good is that?

* It ain't corrupt.

* It imposes just taxes and are used fairly and equally. Their elderly and retired employees are well-compensated and are privileged.


3. TAXES are just.
   

People even line up for it even if they already have phones.

This makes me realize that it is a good place to work in. The government is not corrupt and there's a good decent job for everybody. Minimum waged workers can afford to buy an iPhone or go for a mobile plan at least every 2 years and get a new phone because of a simple reason - they can! This simply denotes low crime rate (because what's the reason to steal if every body can afford it?) and low mortality (other 3rd world countries have high mortality rate due to people defending themselves or getting killed upon hold-uppers or cellphone snatchers). And this goes back to my point of view where the government benefits from the human resource they have. Everybody eats 3 times a day or even more than. Everybody is healthy and soundly capable of fending to what keeps them balanced. Needs are met and there's also room for leisure every now and then. People don't find the taxes offensive because they see it being utilized as expected. Health insurances alongside the compensation is attributed fairly in which employees get motivated to work accordingly.

4. OPPORTUNITIES are endless.

They say CHINA is booming so fast that it's the next country that would reign (next to another oil-producing country whose pride is as big as its egos). Right now, Disneyland is branching out to Shanghai, RMB is greater than Hong Kong dollar and a lot of Chinese visitors come every now and then thru Shen Zhen border that Harbour Plaza Resort City had turned their residential building into a hotel tower also. You'd often see them coming home to the hotel with huge LV paper bags and GUCCI purchases after spending their greens here in Hong Kong. The way I see it, China is just but one of the many countries who often visit here in Hong Kong. Whether it's for the holidays or business trips, Hong Kong caters to a lot of neighboring countries, in terms of trade, foreign exchange and investments.

That way, Hong Kong's economy kept on getting stronger that  loan companies, retirement plans and financial assistance aid employed Hong Kong residents as long as they have good credit standing. Stable employment paired up with good partnership with other countries feed the country's momentum into growing within, saving the country from importing but more on contributing globally. Because of what I had explained previously, everybody has a job. Even people from outside Hong Kong like overseas workers that come here are also given decent jobs. This helps the small entrpreneurs to rise and contribute as well. In the end, gross national income exceeds more than expected.

As for me, I am blessed to have that much potential in the line of business I am in. Surely it would take time for me to speak Cantonese fluently. But if you'd only focus on learning so, for sure you can achieve without worrying about the costs because it's available in negotiable terms concerning your budget and it's worth it in the end. Just work hard and strive hard. I may not be that knowledgeable in explaining why but working here in Hong Kong makes me feel more driven rather than exhausted because I know that I'll be reaping something off it in the end.

5. HONG KONG BEING A MELTING POT

Hong Kong, before finally belonging to China, was a part of the British colony. Because of this, plus the fact that it holds a great geographical location, Hong Kong had become a melting pot catering to a lot of tourists and workers from all over the world. This had helped Hong Kong people in embracing different approach to Chinese culture by embracing traders from other parts of the world., hence being open to endless opportunites for economic growth. Hong Kong Disneyland is partly owned by the Hong Kong government that had led the country into offering jobs to thousands and thousands of its residents plus to other several ethnic races. HK grew vastly in terms of communication, innovation and infrastructure. Several know how to speak English and I believe that it is one giant step into opening the country to world class advancement. Nowadays, competition is becoming tougher and tougher. Asians are often looked down to because of their unfamiliarity to the English language. But greatly, Hong Kong puts effort in including English in their curriculum for academic enhancement, therefore, clearer expression of views, demands and easier way of doing effective and efficient communication.

Foreign investors are welcomed with open arms and are ensured of their rights in terms of business. This paves a channel to a number of connections that help the country gain its position of being on top and maintaining it.

6.  TRANSPORTATION

Hong Kong's mode of public transportation had been made perfect. Patterned on to the British railway services and buses, I bow to how traveler friendly the routes are to take. Here is a brief and useful map that you could see around the MTR station.

Bus stations, on the other hand, are fully sufficed with schedule and fare. And there's no heavy traffic except if there was an accident. I don't need to worry about traffic, pollution and not getting to my destination on time because the buses are on schedule. The trains work as early as from 5:30am to 12:30mn. Sometimes, when public holidays are on, they operate 24 hrs/day, complete with announcement and news advisories for the HK residents to get full knowledge of the adjustments. Trains leave and come on time too. Light rails aid the people to reach the residential areas because most of the trains are connected to commercial buildings, malls and government offices. 

The Hong Kong International Airport too is the best airport for me. Needless to explain with how efficient every worker here is, since they own that attribute (as I have explained how powerful their manpower is) additional recreations such as IMAX theatres, SPA lounges, restaurants and shopping centers complete the works. It's more than convenient for most of the people. I don't leave for holiday trips that much but Hong Kong International Airport serves not just an airport but a hub for a lot of hotel shuttle services. To get home from Tung chung, it is pretty helpful for me to go home to Tin Shui Wai via the Harbour Plaza Resort City Shuttle Service that operates as early as 5am 'til 1am the latest. Convenience wise, it runs every hour.

Ferries to and from Macau, Starline Cruises and junk boats are some of the sea transport that I have used and benefited from. They offer efficient and punctual services. Besides being a mode of getting people to where they should go, boats can be a form of recreation.

7. RECREATION

There are just but numerous kinds of recreation here in Hong Kong. Let me start with what I have experienced so far.

Tin Shui Wai Park

Location: TST

a park amidst tall buildings....

 
Parks are everywhere here in Hong Kong. They are very much well kept and are designed to be of service to people of all ages. It has a playground for kids, mini pond for the nature lovers, a track for remote controlled mini cars and RC addicts, a field to hold events at and a walkway that is covered with smooth stones for therapeutic effects on the elderly complete with spacious areas where some could practice kung fu, do yoga or do tai chi. I see some of them singing on their own, just quite practicing alongside somebody who's playing the violin and/or having their own dance class.

This happens usually in the morning. I saw and captured this while I was on my way to run some errands.

Smooth Stoned Pathway for therapy for stimulating the elderly's senses of feel and touch.

Next, beaches and lakes are very much taken care of here in Hong Kong. It serves the residents well when the Dragon Boat Festival and the Summer season happens. It does not have the white beach like Boracay's sands but it surely is clean and is pretty much functional. Sai Kung beach is where most of the junk boat trips happen and Repulse Bay is where Team Mushu had their first race. Lamma Island is now the most sought for amongst tourists and foreigners and all of these places hold a beach good to lay on for a tan. Park Island extends to a beach. It's got a nice view where you could take photos of the famous Tsing Ma Bridge.

I see the Tsing Ma Bridge twice everyday going to and from work and every time I see it in the morning, I instantly feel pumped up seeing the blue skies and the end of the sea meet in the horizon. When I see it as the sun sets, it's just but so breathtaking. It does look almost the same as the San Francisco Bridge, only this is shorter and in white. But the serenity this view gives while you pass thru it is what's so superb.

Hiking, cycling, swimming, we've done it. Compared to where I came from, Hong Kong is doing pretty good in maintaining their environment clean and green so that the civilians here would find it convincing to promote health on oneself. Polluted air and seas are aimed to be prevented since Hong Kong encourages organizations that would address it directly. Here is an example of these organizations:

Clear the Air is a charity organisation committed to improving air quality in Hong Kong. Current projects include:

• Diesel – Recent government policies centred on voluntary schemes to phase out old polluting diesel vehicles (pre Euro 3) have proven ineffective. Further campaigns have to mandate a compulsory and scheduled phasing out of old polluting vehicles.
• Energy – Aim to reduce harmful pollutants (PM 2.5) from power station emissions through more stringent Air Quality Objectives (AQO). Work to improve energy savings and efficiency in all public and private buildings across Hong Kong.
• Events & Education – Participating in and/or driving various territory wide environmental events and educational programs on clean air.
• Idling Engines – Successful idling engine patrols have highlighted awareness among the public and the government of increased road side pollution leading to a ban on idling engines across Hong Kong to be tabled at Legco.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Free IAQ assessments for schools to be extended; the first campaign started April 2008.
• Marine – Research conducted to implement a "smoky vessel spotter" scheme. More needs to be done to establish a Clean Port Policy scheme.
• Tobacco – Clear The Air is advocating the Government to license all tobacco retailers, pressing the Financial Secretary to increase tobacco tax, pressing Legco to rescind the flawed qualified establishment exemptions and educating the public that the true cost of smoking to Hong Kong society is in excess of $73.32 billion per year.
• Town Planning – Clear The Air defends the benchmark of "canyon effect" and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to auto-regulate urban traffic density.

I haven't tried riding the helicopter all over Hong Kong, a form

of leisure that would give you a tour on air of the beautiful Hong Kong. Bookings online can be done. If you're into GROUPON, they always have a good deal for it.

Boat trips, on the other hand, are famous forms of leisure amongst group of friends who are into water sports and activities that involves the sun and the sea water. Every summer, I get to experience junk boat trips with friends from work that eventually became our ritual already. Some of them had ventured out into doing a new show or company in the span of 6 years so this is the season we get together to catch up. This is my friend Kate who chose to teach Belly Dancing to learn and get exposed more to the craft. So, we took this picture to make this boat trip last.

Recently, I had come across boat trips that offer squid fishing, wine orientation and tasting during the entire 2 hour trip and in Central, I have tried to ride Aqua Luna while the Symphony of Lights went on to show from Central to TST to join our friend Jenna Coy during her last visit. It was a magnificent experience. Hong Kong just maintains the cleanliness of their environment, therefore allows for its residents to reap the benefits.

8. BENEFITS

Speaking of which, Hong Kong can afford to keep their word in terms of the rewards anything and everything offers. You get grocery coupons once you reached a certain number of points with your phone bill, credit card usage or you earn miles from purchasing something on sale. Ha! You can get a Le Sportsac Passport Holder by purchasing a hk$10 magazine.

Not to mention, when you work in a reputable company, they offer health insurance and basically, you're covered with just about everything even industrial accidental leave. And mind you, I haven't encountered a company that doesn't offer this. Even domestic helpers are protected by law of getting the rightful minimum wage. Pregnant people are supported by their employers offering them sufficient aid and rightful treatment making them comfortable as possible in the workplace. Taxes are computed thoroughly that if they had collected more than what you're supposed to pay, it's a guarantee that it'll be sent back to you.

I've included this as one of my favorites in Hong Kong as I had a lot of free treats, earned perks from cheap deals and had not experienced any hoax in redeeming points such as my "Park n' Shop" grocery card.

9. The INTERNET is fast - and I mean FAST!

My personal calculation for gaging my own addiction using the Internet Addiction Test is 45 and it says that :

20 - 49 points: You are an average on-line user. You may surf the Web a bit too long at times, but you have control over your usage. 

It's funny that it was stated this way, "Congratulations! You're score is 45." It almost sounds "Congratulations, you're not an addict!" I suggest you take this test because some questions astounded me that asked whether if you had compromised your job due to being online longer than you're supposed to.

There's one thing about me, I love to write, I love to blog and I love expressing my views in a positive, informative and inspirational context and that usually eats up most of my time. I can only do this productively via the internet. Being far away from my family too adds up to my need for it. It's for communicative purposes and research. Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are my most visited sites excluding my yahoo mailbox because for me that's like checking the usual mailbox. It's one of the subconscious things you do everyday like brushing your teeth and taking a bath. Together with these activities of daily living, I'm sure you'll agree with me if I include email checking in that category.

That being said, I hail the fast internet service of Hong Kong enhancing the businesses, updating the stock markets and making banking and finance accessible thru it. As for me, it aids my passion to write. To some people, it makes communication possible and/or helps them in making time pass.


10. FREEDOM

I'll be straight about this. Fashion wise, Hong Kong gives a lenient approach as to how each person here styles up. Gays and lesbians are accepted and are treated fairly in terms of employment, judicial rights and environmental efficiency. Everybody strives to respect what each people believe in. If you believe in God, Yoga or the mere philosophy of just showing up to work and doing what is expected of you, no judgements are given at all. A few people pay attention to status as it's always easier to do the public transport than owning a car. Racism is put to a minimum, probably because of a huge number of races that stay here in Hong Kong. Everybody had their own right, purpose and standing in the Hong Kong community and I like it that way.