Christmas in America

This write up was a long overdue.  It was supposed to be published in January, unfortunately I forgot. I cannot ignore my desire to write for more in my experiences and knowledge gained.  Everyday was a story to tell, I kept this phase to inspire on writing.

My trip to the US last December was unexpected, I do not have any intention for fly for long flights. It was tiring trip but needed. I spent Christmas in California with my sister's family.  It was a great season spending my holiday with my nephew, niece, sister and brother-in-law. And my first Christmas in the US.  I loved the houses decorated with lights and Christmas lanterns.  The small county was a amazing sight at night.  I took picture of the houses with beautiful lights and decoration.  We toured around the village at night to see the beautiful Christmas decorations, that the villagers made it as yearly contest.  It was amazing!

Denmark Town in Solvang

On the 26th of December, I boarded the Amrak to San Francisco and visited Ed and family.  I Stayed there for two nights and we proceed to the next destination, once again, Vegas.  Again, my first New Year in  Las Vegas Strip (January 1, 2015) with my brother in law, Ed Smart.  We drove from San Francisco to Vegas.  It took ten hours drive, whoaa, what a very long drive, anyway we enjoyed the trip.  We stopped several times in the rest areas, we chatted and continued the journey.  Once in Vegas, I rested, Ed went directly to the casino and when he came back, he has 300 bucks in winnings.  The hotel bills was paid out of casino money, Ed was so lucky in playing poker.  Since I do not know the card play, I went to the machines and try my luck, after hours sitting, my $20 bucks was gone.  We went for a show in Planet Hollywood while the temperature dropped below freezing.  I remembered being caught in Vegas traffic, it was like Manila, people were everywhere.  Wished we have walked, instead.  What a Vegas experience.

We waited for 2015 for the fireworks in the Palace Station and got a glimpse of the fabulous fireworks in the strip and the Stratosphere.  Early morning of the New Year, we drove back to San Francisco, after 3 wonderful nights in Las Vegas.  Following day, I headed to Santa Barbarra via Amtrak, an eight hour trip by train.  I booked for first class and enjoyed my journey looking at the beautiful scenery of California beaches.

Fireworks display in Trump - Las Vegas

I was the most traveled kid as I joked with my in-laws, the route of the Amtrak from South to North of California has been my regular route for 2013 and 2014.  I should have been a loyal awardee as Amtrak traveler.  When I got back to Santa Maria, I started to packed my stuffs back to Dubai.  What a travel, but it was fun-filled experience, every walk and every train or bus I boarded, it's the way of enjoying my life.

Travel is full of fun but honestly expensive, I always look at my budget to see how I will manage my money.  I thanked the people who always accommodated me to avoid expensive hotel bills, people who fed me while I was with them.   I loved Japanese food in Mom's kitchen in San Leandro, truly Japanese!  Travel expanded my horizon, my outlook in life and my ability to interact.  For those who loved travel, join me in this journey.

My Trip Back Home - Untitled

It has been a while when I wrote my last entry in my blog, it was my travel with Emirates Airlines A380 from Dubai to Los Angeles.  From then on, I was occupied by too many stuffs and business issues.  Writing was set aside, now I am back.

Low cost carrier Cebu Pacific flies to Dubai 6 times weekly

 When I arrived in Manila last February 27, 2015 (via Cebu Pacific Air)  I have in mind many agendas to accomplish.  Firstly, I have a commitment to my former students to deliver a lecture. I will make a follow up on my application, I will attend PAG-IBIG seminar on housing, assess my brothers business viability.  Renew my driver license that was expired a year ago.  Checking out the progress with my co-writer in a book and coordinate some issues going forward. My mother's progress in her medical exams and meet business partners, to say the least.

Discovery Suites Junior Suite

 After few days stay in my hotel, I finally checked out and headed home.  My mother has just finished her medical at St. Luke's in preparation for her US trip.  I was elated to see my mother who was very strong and in good health at 77.  I missed my mom, I kissed her hands as a customary Filipino gesture.  I felt her longing to me and saw her smile in her face.  I love you Mother dear.   We spent days together chatting and planning what to do next in the coming months.  Her trip to the US is coming in few months and she is still worried at her house in the province.  We planned to visit Palanan but due to some changes in my schedule I was not able to proceed.  She went home with my aunt.  They traveled from Tandang Sora to Cauayan city and proceeded in Tuguegarao.   My mom and my aunt were both in their late seventies but I was so amazed and proud at their strength and vitality in long travels.  They reach their lovely home on March 20, 2015 via flight in Tuguegarao.

 While I was in Discovery Suites, Noel, my former colleague in Afghanistan with his fiance visited me.  We dined at the Podium and talk about the old times.  We open the idea of businesses, apartments, lending and financing.  It's a very cordial and very friendly meeting with Noel.  Still the same man that I admired because of his humility and simplicity.  He loved coffee, thanks to the complimentary coffee in my hotel, I had offered them hot drinks.  Though I promised to visit them a day in March I was not able to do so, next time my friend promise it will happen.

Snacks served in VL deluxe

My trip to Santiago was my commitment.  Providing lectures on financial literacy, was my advocacy to open the minds of young people on the importance of savings and growing up resources.  I boarded the bus to Santiago city and traveled for eight hours.  Though it was a long trip the comfort of the First Class of Victory Liner to Santiago made my trip shorten and less back pains.  They served drinks and snacks aboard for a fare of 625 pesos.  When I reached Santiago, I went directly to St. James Parish convent, met some friends and have a long walk as before.  Otep, a parish staff, toured me throughout the Saint James Parochial, it was my first time to see the beautiful compound. Thanks to the kindness of Fr. Patrik Caro for accommodating me in the convent.  It was like a home, a sanctuary to rest your soul and tired body.  

The following day, I went to the lecture house, some old students and small group of attendees for a financial literacy lecture.  I was able to see back Nicco, Christian and Dennis (my former students).  A group of young ladies who are  about to graduate under the class of Mr. Bartolome.  Regardless of the number, I delivered my lecture and the listeners were convinced that the principles that we spoke about should be applied with urgency.  Financial freedom should not be compromised.  The commitment to start saving will start NOW, I stressed out.  Jimwell leads them, he did his very best to convinced young people to attend, it was a great move, indeed.  I was not into numbers but how the attendees put the principles in real life.  I was convinced they will carry it while growing up, professionally and independently.

Mr. Bartolome - CPA

After our short seminar we dined at a restaurant in Robinsons, a new mall in Santiago.  We chatted for some hours and talked casually, as their friend mentor and kuya.  I enjoyed the time being with them, we partake some salad and the meal served to us.  They toured me around the mall, my mind was looking for business opportunity while we walked around.  Who knows, we can open shop out there. 

 Jimwell went with me in the convent to finish the registration and enrolment for his trading account.  "NOW is the start", as I said and he started without with excitement.  Jimwell did it with excitement and urgency. Few days after, he emailed me that he owns stocks traded in the Philippine Stock Exchange.  Great start, great achievements.  His account was opened quickly with the help of our friends in First Metro Securities.  A big thanks to Mabel. 

I was happy to see Jimwell, a new faculty of the University.  He was my students in 2012, I sensed his excitement being new in the world of CPA's. I imagined myself when I had passed the board, it was a feeling that you cannot explain.  "Cloud NINE", as they say.  My expectations were met, he was a living inspiration of a mentor.  I was proud that my student made it, and still humble to face the ground, now my colleague.   He has long way, the beginning has just started.

Special thanks to Louis for sharing his knowledge on video.

The Flight With A-380 - Travel Tips

Last year, I wrote about my travel from Dubai to Los Angeles.  This time, it's a realization of flying with A-380.  I am writing this article while on board EK-215, equipped with in flight Internet access and valid for the next few hours.  But, this does not come as free, $15 dollar for 50 mb, how I wish this would last for the next 14 hours.  We have flown for three hours and the breakfast has just finished.

Aerial view - A380-800

Flying for 17 hours is like a punishment of being sitted with  limited movement, it'seems indescribable.   Someday, I will be flying the First Class.  I convince my system not to  get bored while on the sky, I think of something that will work to kill the travel time.  This time, I need to write.  Normally,  travel by air keep me awake almost the entire journey.   It's hard to get a sleep.

When the A-380 was used to fly few years ago,  I was dreaming a day that I could fly with the giant plane.   The feeling is an excitement from the booking to packing up my stuffs.  It'seems that flying A-380, at last has reached some level of amazement.   The giant plane is the biggest so far in the aviation industry.   It could carry more or less 600 passengers in three different class.  The lower deck sits the the economy passengers.  The upper deck was divided into two, the first and the business class.

The restroom

When I booked online a few weeks ago,  I looked at the sitting configuration and compared it to the B -777.  The plane that was used by many airlines for flights beyond 10 hours.   I knew the flight would be a tiring and crack my neck and back,  I chose a seat at the back anticipating some seats would be vacant and I could lie down and get some sleep.   I did that, I checked online and retain my chosen seat.  When I got to the counter I asked the attendant if the emergency seat is available, she checked and there is one available.   I changed my seat at the back and get the front aisle near the emergency exit.   It was good, I have a very good legroom, I could stand freely and convenient to the nearest restroom.  The seat was bigger than the B-777 economy seat. I will check it out in seat guru to make sure I was right.  The downside sitting in the emergency seat is that family with children was given priority to occupy, that babies loud cry while on flight is inevitable.  And I was right, a family with baby sitting on my right side and in a few hours the crying spree has started.  Many passengers were annoyed, one approached the parents and wanted them to bring the baby at the back.  I stared at the passenger and he noticed my stern look. As a traveler, I understand how the babies behave in the skies.  An adult got bored,  much more to them, plus the fact that cabin was pressurized.   The environment was so different and difficult,  not like when you are in the car or in the ship.

The bar in the sky

I learned through my experience,  travel is not convenient unless you are in the business class.  But it will cost you more than twice the economy rate.  So if money counts bear some inconvenience and rest in the hotel of your destination.   That would be a good idea.  In long travel, I charged my ipod in full battery, I have a reserve power bank with me and some books to read.  I usually drink more water to stay hydrated and keep on walking through the aisles.  When I got tired,  I stretched my legs and back.  I also learned to get conversant with a my seat mate.  Doing so, many travel hours could pass unoticed.

I used the Boss noise cancelling  given by my wife as birthday present, I played music of Bon Jovi, David Guetta,  Beyonce,  Air Supply,  Jennifer Lopez and more.  I always like the music of Josh Groban and Celine Dion while on board.   I made sure that I have some stuffs to kill my travel time.  The entertainment package of Emirates Airline was packed of music,  movies,  TV shows and sports but 16 hours is not that easy to pass by.

Cabin crew sleeping room

It was my first time to do my stock trading while on the sky, I opened Firstmetrosec and COLFinancial website,  I posted BUY for SLI, hope it is done.  If it does, my first stock traded in the skies.  Another history in my life.  Stock trading possible in the skies, first email was sent to my wife too, while on board.

Six have passed ten hours more, I need to do some exercise that made me productive.  I walked over at the back of the plane.  I chat with a Filipina stewardess, an Iranian business man joined by.   It's always fun to have chat with someone else while on board.

Back of the plane, on the right is the cabin crew rest area

I got the opportunity to get a look to the upper deck.   Awesome,  the first class section has 14 cabins and the business has 76 beds.  Wow!! What a fabulous wonder in the sky.  While writing, I am listening to Phil Collins music, beautiful melodies in the sky.  In my write ups I used to proofread before I publish.   This time I did not,  I need to click the publish ASAP,  my subscription is running out.  Another history, my first blog written and published in the skies.

Stock Investing Philippines - 2014 Best Picks

The stock market rose 22%% year to date, the ghost month seems to be the bull month of 2014. Wow!  If you have selected the issues, then you have reaped hefty returns from investment.  The heavy weight TEL wow the index after posting a high of 3,394 and a return of 27% year to date.  EDC was noted to be the best performer gaining 30% year to date return.  Another favorite ALI has 26% year to date returns.

Looking at how issues move, I would say that investment in the stock market remain to be the most profitable and interesting hub to let your money grow.  EDC - Energy Development Corporation http://www.energy.com.ph/ was my favorite among all, it never leave my portfolio at any given time.  This company has a very promising prospect and one of the beneficiary of the growing demand for clean energy.  I believe that EDC will hit the high of 9 per share.  That would be a history for the Lopez Holding.  Given the recovery of it's plants and the foreseen increase in supply, 2014 could be a GREEN year for EDC.  I like EDC for it's improving EBITDA for the past years,  It has shown strong balance sheet and expansion abroad is underway.  Grab EDC now.

COSCO on the other hand lost its ground, declining by 18%.  This was attributed to Puregold's result 2nd quarter result which was lower than expected and way below the consensus of many analyst.  PCOR lost it's momentum with -7% year to date stock performance.  This drastic PCOR's downtrend seems to be a good entry point, I believe.  Let's observe for the next few months how this issue will perform.  I have started to get some, the downside is temporary given the bright prospect and its liquidity.  MBT remain in the consolidation phase and waiting for some catalyst for a swing.  Would it be uptrend?  I do not know.  I like MBT and has started to accumulate.

In the holding firms MPI remained to be flat.  AC gained strong upward trend and may possibly reach another record high.  Would it be 900?  Possible.

The Basics of Stock Investing - Philippine Stock Market

Many people thought that Stock Market is a very complicated investment arena.  I was one of the majority until I started to invest, I used the word "invest" not play.  I am an investor at the same time a trader, the two are different in many forms and objectives.  Firstly, I want to talk and about the basics of Stock Investing, no complications, it's Simple and Easy.

In every investment, we want a return.  How much? How big? How long?  That's what we need to define, we need to put our horizon.  Lets start now.

Stock Investing, Easy and Simple!

How much do you need to start?

Basically, $200-$500 could be a good start.

1.  How do you start?

Open bank account, enroll for an online banking for convenience.

2.  What is the next step?

Find out a broker. Firstmetrosec, COLfinancial, BPITrade, Macquarie, CLSA, to name a few.  Browse the net and go to their website, there are options to download forms and fill it out online.  Once you filled, print and send it for verification, they may need some ID issued by any government authority.  If you knew somebody with investing experience, better ask.

3.  How long the broker can open my account?

Depending on the broker, it may take 7 working day to 15 working days.

4.  How can I fund my account?

Do it via bank transfer, that's why you need online banking.

5.  Once funded, can I buy stocks?

Yes, you can start buying stocks of your choice.

6.  How do I know what to buy?

Make your own research of the companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange.  There are researches and write ups made by the broker's research team.  Use them as GUIDANCE.

(Next issue - Stock Market Investing Series)

The Man Called "Asim"

This was a long overdue since I left Kabul in March of 2014.  I promised to write more of the stories about the people whom I worked with.  The smiling moments and the bond of friendships among others.

This story is about a man, his name is Ahmed.  He is a cool guy, many times he is funny and sometimes out of his mind.  This man is so relaxed and made his day often as it passby.  How i wish I could have that mentality.  I saw from him the coolness, taking life easy as it was, no stress and keep the big smile often. Asim always brought a local dough every morning, I could not forget how good it was.  I always like the dough, it was a tasty pan; I told them once that it was the Taliban's masterpiece.

As an accountant Asim was assigned to do the banking transactions, going in and out of office everyday.  He worked on bank reconciliation too, but I am not sure if they are reconciled.  How he did his stuffs was all up to him, peace Asim.  Once gone out, expect that he will come back at three o'clock near to time out.  I remembered once when he went for bank and Teďdy called and asked if he was in Pakistan.  What a funny things to remember.  I always stared at him when he look at the ceiling and and waiting for a lizard to drop.  Whattaman.  My very good friend Asim was very nice, though.  He was really a good man.

When we went out, he toured us out around Kabul, he bought corn in cob for us.  He even told us that no one could touch us in his place.  Whattaman, his name is Asim.  We have secret about his crush, he wanted my help but I want to push him in the windows at the 10th floor because he wanted me to court for him.  What on earth, man.  I gave him Polo Ralph Lauren perfume as a lucky charm, hope that works.  He kept on sending me message that I don't do my part as a bridge.  Oh, do I look like a bridge when you cross into a troubled water?

Asim, left for Malaysia in early May of 2014 for a scholarship grants.  I was happy for him to have such opportunity.  But, this man was so different, when I got back to Kabul in July 2014, I saw him also back in the office.  What happened to this man?  He was late for the semester in a University in Kuala Lumpur, poor Asim, he flew back home.  Happy to see him back and disappointed to know what  had

happened.  Man be a man and learn from that experience.  Never go back without assurance that you have a class and enroled.  I always like Asim for being light in personality, he has shown friendship to me and I regarded him as my younger brother.  That's the very reason why I want him to marry a Filipina.  But, I do not need to do all his homework, he need to workhard and show that he is the best gentleman in Depot 1, at least.  Who knows, he gonna find the right woman for him, this time, HIS FILIPINA DREAM.

In my next entry, Making Money in the Stock Market (A Must to Read)

Stock Investing Philippines - Santa Lucia

A year ago, I wrote about Santa Lucia Land.  The price in the market was stagnant and it seems that there was a little future in terms of price appreciation.  When nobody was interested, that's the best time to enter, investors are scared that their money will be tied up.  Many opted to cut losses and play with the big caps and most liquid stocks like MEG, BPI and TEL to say the least.

Santa Lucia Land was conservative but the growth and thee potential are enormous.  The projects in MEGA-Manila, CEBU and Davao are far from the traditional offers.  It caters to upper middle class and position to high end of the property market.  The Santa Lucia East Grand Mall just to say the least is one of thee most profitable middle class mall in the Mega Manila.

"The resounding success in sales and operations prepared SLEGM to join the ranks of other retail giants. On May 18, 1998, Phase III was unveiled which offered bigger spaces and more comprehensive shopping and entertainment facilities that can be compared with the best in Asia. The expansion paved way to a 22,000 square meter, three-level, full-line Department Store that houses the leading brands in the retail industry; more upscale stores and restaurants; and the many firsts in shopping and leisure - a 32-lane Brunswick Bowling Center, state-of-the-art cinemas equipped with Sony Digital Sound System and a 10-meter high ceiling entertainment center called World of Fun where children of all ages can play, party and socialize."

Joining the band wagon of the real estate boom, Santa Lucia opened up the condominium business with a success.  They are La Breza Tower, La Mirada Cebu, Soto Tower Tagaytay, Splendido Taal Towers.  These projects caters to middle class segment with a very high rate of occupancy.  The signature brand of SLI continue to expand rapidly in most of the countries cities. 

What is the reason behind SLI stocks not attractive to investors despite its success?

The First Reunion

This writing is long overdue.  I promised to write the event right after the wonderful get together in Balintukatok, but I was occupied with many stuffs.  This time I am writing  for my beloved sons and daughters.  This is for them, my long distance friends, real family.

We had our first reunion after the semester of 2012, I left them with heavy heart for a heavy reason.  My wife was waiting for me in Dubai.  When I got the chance to visit Philippines in late October of 2013, I never had a second  thought to see my friends again, this time not as a mentor but a real friend.  I headed to Santiago and stayed with my bestfriend and reunited with the big family.  I was elated, almost everyone were there.  Great moment, great time to see each other again.

It was my first time in Balintukatok, a beautiful park in Santiago, we strolled and talked.  We partake food with my kids, a lot of  adobo, pancit, puto, chicken feet and more.  I felt I was a birthday celebrant, I owe them lot of fun.  They were my kids and my beloved friends.  After our dinner, I presented the basics of savings, investing in the stock market, the Philippine Stock Exchange.  I want my children to get the best understanding in money management, saving for you life and enjoy.  This is the basic principle of the New Rich, work, live, enjoy.  Make live of your money and let your money work and earn more for you.

We climbed at the top of the grotto where the Lady of Lasalette was throned.  It was a great fun and full of joy, I could feel the realm of being with a flock.  The flock of the New Rich, the newly empowered young people that will surely lead the country in future.  I was proud of what they have became, they have the attitude and the good values of young generation.  I appreciated their efforts and hardwork, they never gave up, they have shown the good teamwork.  No competition with each other, rather, I felt and convinced that they lift up each other.  This is what the NEW RICH has become.

Stock Investing Philippines - Resistance on the Road

The PSEi performed well in the last few weeks due to global positive outlook and the performance of the domestic economy.  There are few picks that remains attractive like ABS, MBT, EDC, AP, AEV and BLOOM.  I will include FPH and SMPH due to their attractive valuations.  Since the index has climbed to the peak, be wary of rocky road while picking some of the over ripe issues.  I would like to mention SM, ALI  and ORE that entered overbought conditions.

Strategy:  Stay light and wait for the dips, the index may not easily break the 6800 level.

Among best picks are:

TEL - below 2850
SECB - below 120
FPH - below 68
BDO - below 86
BPI - 90-93
MBT - below 85
EDC - at current price, do not expect immediate upside but fundamentally attractive
MEG - below 4

When will you get them?  Remember, patience always count.

Stock Investing Philippines - PCOR out for GRAB

Petron was my favorite issue having a favorable outlook going forward.  The recent downward trend was seen as an opportunity to accumulate.  I always like Petron for being the biggest player in the Philippine oil industry and it's aggressive expansion to enhance growth.

What made the stock tumble in the last weeks?  In it's press release, "Petron Corporation Employees' Retirement Plan ("PCERP"), a shareholder of Petron Corporation (the "Company"), has agreed to sell 470,000,000 common shares of the Company at a price of P11.50 per share".  This was the culprit at the eyes of punters, but for investors this was a good chance for PCOR to strengthen it's cash position, make a strong base and expand for the long term.  

2013 was a good year for Petron, it posted 4.4bil net income 8 times higher than 2012 year on year performance.  The question whether this growth is sustainable remains to be optimistic given the track record of the management.  The $2bil refinery masterplan will boosts Petron's growth, I expect a big turn around in PCOR's financial strength in the next two years.  Petron is currently on the lead in the industry with 2,156 stations nationwide adding up the industrial supply commitment to various industrial sectors.

At a conservative point of view, I believe that PCOR will swing better at the end of 3rd quarter of 2014 with immediate target price of P14.  Grab PCOR now!

Stock Investing Philippines - PSEi Breakout

I was wrong to predict that PSEi will be down by at least 100 points before the Easter, in fact the market closed in the green territory bouyed by the heavy BUYS by hungry investors.  Following the week after the long holiday it's the Golden EGG that made the BULL swung to the new highs.

Philippine Composite Index 3-year performance

I have noted that banks led by MBT lifts the index, TEL also breached the 2,850 barrier and BPI breached 95 level.  These were the few of the best picks, casino stocks led by BLOOM shoot again, likewise MCP and RWM.  I continue to like property stocks like FLI, CPG, SMPH and ALI, the multi-billion expansion released by SMPH move the quiet investors from their bench and started to devour more the SMPH chunks.

Now, the Philippines has gained it's momentum and the BULL run will not be easing soon.  There may be a corrective swings but this will prepare the market to position for a better support level and to break a new highs.

Good news arose when Hongkong authorities lifted the Philippine travel ban.  I saw this as a new avenue of added investors confidence in the Philippine political and business environment dynamics.  Credit to Erap for this, he done a good job for the whole Philippines, thumbs up for him.

Kabul Trip - Part II

The Part 1 of my blog recounts how I have gone through the scary experience in Afghanistan immigration. Now, I am writing the second part as the epilogue.  The journey to this Afghan capital is over, we're now flying back to Dubai.  The same story, the immigration officer asked for money before allowing me to exit.  It was scary, but I felt brave enough, thanks to my big colleagues who were there.  The flight to Dubai was approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes.  The flight was delayed for an hour and the small departure lounge was overcrowded.   Don't expect to have a convenient stay at the airport lounge.

My work experience there however, was quite favorable compared to my journey.  I would like to focus on all the positive things that happened while I was in Kabul, the people I worked with, the friendship, and the brotherhood we built.  I was fascinated with the kindness of the locals and their humility. I thought Afghan people were so isolated and reserved as I recalled from a Readers Digest I read more than ten years ago.  In contrast, the people are jolly, outgoing, and funny.  The women showed some advance western cultural  adaptation compared to some other Muslim countries.

In downtown areas, new shops were evolving everywhere.  It looked like the business air has been reinstated and people have started gaining confidence to move on.  Even though there were always security alerts because of some militants who were fighting for the idealism resulting to deaths and disruptions, you could see the normalcy of life among locals.  People in all walks of life were seen on the streets, the malls, the jewelry shops, and the leather goods stores.  There were plenty of shops selling gemstones, I bought some although I was not sure if they were genuine.  Who knows, I might get lucky and get the real thing.

I surely miss my friends and my brothers and sisters in Depot 1.  My kabayans and the locals... Majed, who brought a pillow for me.  My first few nights made me restless because my pillow was too small which caused a neck pain.  Thank you Majed, for the pillow.  I thought of bringing it to Dubai, but the baggage allowance restricted me.  I left it to Rowena and told her to keep it until my return.  Mr. Asim, the MAN, the good match for Hazel.  I need to figure out how to tame Hazel about accepting my billings instead of rejecting them.  I need to find a recourse.  Will I succeed?  All I remembered was the perfume that serves as Asim's weapon, whenever he visits Depot 4, he is charismatic and charming.  He's a great gentleman in the making.  Good luck, my brother.  Yama, and Mustava, I miss my Bunso who was transferred to other department.  It's fun to watch him playing football on his laptop, stares at you, and closes his windows instantly.  He seems like an innocent young man.  Shabnam is always the  woman who portrays industry and hard-work.  Her smile made our days filled with joy.  The local Defac, where Asim and Mohamed used to buy croissant and local dough.  What a great workplace, it was like a home, a place where stress was out of your sanity.

How I wish I could travel back,  and wishing that the immigration officers on the desk will be kind enough to let visitors through freely.  Afghanistan has a lot to offer, the people, the culture, the ingenuity.  When will tourist flock this place remains a good question since the system is not yet in place for tourist to come and go comfortably .  However, I know I will be going back to Kabul to visit my friends and colleagues...now they are my family.

My next write up:  The Man Called Ahsim.

The Afghanistan Journey - Part I

I was hesitant to accept my assignment to Kabul, it took me three weeks to decide.  The first thing I did was go over the internet and read the latest happenings in the area.  The bombing news was all over; CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and other foreign news agencies.  Reuter's, Fox, CCTV were reporting all suicide bombings, car explosion and so on.  Whew, all the news were on Taliban and every person interviewed shrugged about the incidents.

After accepting the Kabul assignment, I packed some of winter clothes, biscuits and chocolates.  I bought more sweets at the Dubai duty free just in case there were no place to buy, at least, I have stocks. While waiting for the boarding time, I went to the coffee shop and ordered two cups of hot chocolate which I shared with a fellow passenger.  An English and a Security official working in at a base in Kabul.  I was lucky then, he told me that he worked in Iraq for the last ten years and in Africa's war torn places.  The travel was three hours or more, I can't remember the exact travel time.  I sad at the window side of Safi Airways. The moment the plane took off, I couldn't help but wonder how Afghanistan look like.  Honestly, I was so nervous, I reached for my rosary and started to say the Sorrowful Mysteries.

I love adventure and discovering new things.  I love to travel and learn new cultures, but I don't want to get into trouble in any way.  I did not sleep in my flight, I kept staring at the mountains while the plane reached the 30,000 feet altitude.  The unending view of the mountains filled with snow was the only scene that I have remembered.   It was fantastic, so beautiful, a perfect scene.  I wish I brought my camera for some shots. While enjoying the view, the captain announced the we will be landing in Kabul airport in 15 minutes.  My heart started pounding, I called the flight attendant and ask for water.  I had an Inderal tablet with me to stabilize my nervousness.  At last we landed.

The Kabul airport was like a military base, there were many military planes and UN aircrafts.  It was different from the many airports that I have seen before.  We were fetched by a bus to the exit point, the Kabul immigration.  It was an old struc
ture and almost worn out, I walked slowly and join the queue of passengers towards the exit.  When I reached the immigration, I handed my passport to the officer for stamping.  I look around and see what other passengers were doing.  I was tensed and full  of fear.  Adding to my nervousness, the immigration officer winked his eyes, I smiled and  winked my eyes also.  Oh no, I did not understand what it means, it was a sign that they are asking for money.  Then he said "money, money, money"  I jsearched for my wallet and gave him $10 US dollar, he said "it's not enough", I began to get nervous again, I checked my wallet again and gave another AED10 equivalent to $4 US dollars that was the last note on my wallet, at last he stamped my passport.  Honestly, I was so scared.
I exit in the airport and examined the map that the admin staff gave me.  I walked toward parking C, it was a scary walk for almost a kilometer. Thanks, I found the man that was  sent by the transport, he handed my ID and lead me to the Nissan Armada car.  While inside the car,  I was looking around the road and the people on the streets, I can't help but think of snipers somewhere that could hit us at any moment.  My nervousness seems to be unending,  I was only relieved when I saw the army troops scattered on the streets. The security was so tight, there were checkpoints and police everywhere, and the soldiers were visible. Finally, I felt safe on that moment.  After less than an hour drive, we reach our destination.  It was Jalalabad.    Final Part in Kabul Part 2.

The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel

St. Peter's Basilica

Travel to Rome is not complete without the visit to the St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel Museum.  The Vatican is the smallest state in the world and the seat of Catholicism.  The St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are the two main attractions of the Vatican.  From Rome central train terminal, the travel will take 15 minutes.  I advise tourist to avoid taking taxi, it's expensive.  You have to do some homework by getting to know the trains route.

La Pieta

Expect long queue at the Sistine Chapel Museum, be aware of  cut off time in the entrance. Once you are inside all the artifacts of the ancient times will be revealed, it's an amazing experience.  The museum have thousands of different artifacts, statues, paintings, collection of wide array of arts, gold carvings and many more.  It's a magnificent place where history of man and creation can be visualized.

Sistine Chapel Museum

The entry to St. Peters Basilica is also a long queue.  Female visitors are required to wear below the knee skirts and modest attire.  Remember, this is the main church of the Catholics. Once you enter the basilica, the La Pieta one of most famous work of Michelangelo is located at the main entrance on the right side.  The walls to ceilings is decorated with different types of arts from paintings to sculptures from marble to gold.  I wonder how creative the Romans are?  They have designed the interiors of basilica beautifully.

At the Copula

To finish your tour, be sure to climb the copula, a 320 steps.  Imagine how far you can go?  There are areas where you can take a breath while you are on your climb.  Imagine that this is a way to heaven, or may somewhat be a penance.  If you are suffering from any kind of illness that prohibits such activity better to avoid it.  Expect heavy crowd in this copula climb.

A magnificent view of the square and the Vatican City can be seen in the top of the cupola.

A view at the top of copula

Tom and Jerry

When I was a kid, the Tom and Jerry, the TV series was one of my favorite shows.  Tom was very much annoyed by Jerry's stubbornness.  The TV show became popular and gained the leading spot and became a legend for every kid; similar to Popeye, Naruto, Captain America, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and our very own Pinoy Darna.  Since I loved to watch the series, I did some readings on how it got started.

Tom is the Cat and Jerry is the Mouse.  What a very good combination in the cartoon world, Cat and Mouse.   

Tom was "Jasper" in the first appearance,  a gray and white domestic short hair cat. He lived a pampered life; Jerry on the other hand, was a small brown house mouse and lived within the proximity of Tom.  Jerry portrayed surprising strength as a mouse.  At his size, he lifted items such as anvils and metal blocks.

The "cat-hate-mouse scenario", was actually a rarity between the two.  Tom acting to devour Jerry was only his attempt to torment or humiliate him.  Tom was energetic and very determined; however, Tom was no match to Jerry's brains, wits, and high level of intelligence. 

In most episodes, Jerry emerges as triumphant, however, there are instances when Jerry's attempt to trap Tom backfires. The episodes show that malicious intentions would not result in a favorable manner in the end - a lesson that every kid needs to learn.  Taking advantage of others most often backfires!  The Tom and Jerry series equates the two extremes.  In the end, the true friendship that bonds them serves as the most significant key for them to stay happy and to survive the day to day challenges.

Tom and Jerry  series was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.