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.