Seeking Speaking Signs

Weather Forecast: Raindrops will fall o'er the weary feet

Lamaze-style breathing was all I could do when I realized that three weeks had already passed since I arrived. The days in 2008 seemed to move quicker than ever. With one more week to go and lots of things to accomplish, I could already feel the pressure. Three time-bound tasks I had to do: apply for a visa extension, look for a new flat, and most importantly apply make-up for a job.

Applying for a visa extension was pretty straightforward. With just a few clicks I was able to gather all the information that I needed and secure an appointment date with the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority). I could easily notice how systematic their government agencies were by their updated and easy-to-navigate websites.

The second task was to search for another place to stay. New tenants would soon take over our flat and we were left with two options. Option #1: Find a flat with a vacant room for Marie and I to share. Option #2: Find a friend who could let us move in for the meantime while we do option #1.

The third task was the most crucial one. Getting a job quickly was the goal. A job that would pay for the visa extension, pay for the rental & utilities, and pay for the day-to-day needs like food, transportation, salon and dermatologist. Fine, maybe the last two were not really part of the day-to-day needs.

But all these three tasks were way beyond bite-size. Not fulfilling one task could lead to the failure of the other two. At that point there was no other way to tackle it than head on. Sitting on the sofa, I leaned backwards, tilted my head and stared blankly at the ceiling for a few minutes. As if I was waiting for the roof to open up so I could push the eject button and escape from an impending catastrophe. 

With faith as my only parachute, I was not too sure if that was enough to save me.

My cellphone rang. I immediately thought that this could be the most awaited call. After sending out dozens of resumes online, this could be it. This could be the call that would lead to an interview, which would lead to a job offer, that would eventually lead to my first paycheck. A call that would help me fulfill all the tasks.

But it was Peachy, Ruthie’s cousin. She was inviting me to come over to her place. Having been in Singapore longer than myself, she offered to bring me to interesting spots nearby. At that moment I just felt that her timing couldn’t be any more perfect. Perhaps I needed to momentarily escape from the madness that I was about to sulk in. The eject button had just been pushed.

A few minutes later I was on my way to Buona Vista. Armed with my trusty street directory map and bus guide pocketbooks, nothing could go wrong. Oh, wait... I forgot to bring them. But no reason to worry as I had carefully reviewed the directions last night. I didn’t make a big fuss over it.

It was midday and everyone else was either at work or at lunch, including my friend Marie. My solo adventure was now taking place. As I sat patiently inside the MRT, I noticed this sign:

 Indeed, Singapore is a fine city. I looked around if any one was bold enough to violate these regulations. No one was smoking, thankfully! I thought the old lady at the opposite side was munching on something. But after a while I realized that with sleepy eyes, tilted head and slouchy posture, she was probably just dreaming of food. There was no indication of anybody carrying flammable goods either. So far, so good.

That Time of the Month

Weather Forecast: An full moon that looms overhead could bring out the Jekyll & Hyde in you.

The first few days of being left alone in our flat proved to be liberating. Ever since Marie had started working, I would spend my time -- apart from job hunting of course -- doing what most young people hate to do: household chores. But I didn’t mind. In fact I was a bit excited. For me, it was an acknowledgement of this newfound independence. The idea of learning something on my own and at my own pace made me appreciate such things that other people used to do for me. And it was easier than I thought.

Of all the chores, doing the laundry using the washing machine is my favorite. It would do its job of washing and drying clothes with the least human intervention. Pressing the start button would give me about 40 minutes to do something else. So I picked up a broom and a rag. The marble flooring actually made the few dusts and fallen hair strands easier to sweep. And with just 2 fairly organized occupants, cleaning the tables on the living and dining areas were no big deal.

During elementary school vacations, my parents would ask me and my siblings to help out in household chores. I remember that my favorite back then was polishing the floor using the “bunot” (dried coconut husk). Sweat would drip all over my body like a leaking faucet as my legs and feet slide the lowly bunot back and forth until the floor became so shiny that a passing ant could see its reflection. Black & Decker eventually made that chore a thing of the past. Although I believe that I owe my toned legs to that unique and practical workout.

I still had a few minutes to spare while the washing machine continued to grunt. I immediately went outside to buy some ingredients. I have always wanted to learn how to cook Adobo, a signature Pinoy dish, but the task seemed too ambitious and daunting for someone who has not yet tried cooking. Boiling water is not counted. So I decided to start with an easy dish: fried fish!

On my way to the supermarket I smelled something burning in the air. Luckily it was not my hair. I then began to notice rectangular, yellow pieces of paper scattered on the sidewalk. Looking around I saw a thin smoke coming out of a huge & rusty barrel with round holes. An old man stood beside it, throwing wads upon wads of that rectangular paper into the barrel. Could this be just a different way of fumigation like the way our elders would sweep and gather dried leaves in the yard to burn under a tree? >>

Job Hunt Series, Part 1

Weather Forecast: A dark rain cloud is building up.

Nail polish!!! I looked at my poor toenails after dragging my feet for a few kilometers. A fresh coat of paint and a relaxing foot spa were what they were gasping for. But at that moment priority went to locating the address on the paper. Yes, after four call-a-friends, three cups of Milo, two sleepless nights and a partridge in a pear tree strong dose of optimism, I had finally decided to stay and give it a try.

Giving it a try means I had to find a job. The wishful thinker in me instantly showed me visions of the privileged life as if I was watching my future thru a hippie-gypsy’s crystal ball. It showed someone who looked like me in the middle of a posh street, carrying loads of shopping bags, bouncing like a flirty cat in a diaphanous DVF wrap and chic Louboutins the way that the winged Adriana Lima sashays on the runway in her Victoria’s Secret. A dapper Noah Mills-lookalike would whisk me away. And the next thing I knew, I’m wrapped in his arms viewing the city lights from a Bentley.

Noah Mills for Gap Jeans

But this is no fairy tale. This is reality. Only that the ubiquitous hidden cameras make it feel more like a reality TV.

As I continued my search within the industrial compound, I kept praying that the resume, which I have been carrying in my hands, would not go straight into the bin. Or that at least it would wilt first before my spirit does. The warehouse-like building looked so cliché -- straight out of a 90’s action movie, devoid of fancy architecture or cool décor, where vintage Seagal would pop out of nowhere and beat the hell out of Mr. Shooli and Kuhol. >>

My Path to a Decision

Weather forecast: The sun will cast a shadow of doubt.

Recent issues have caught the attention of and elicited diverse opinions from Filipinos from every corner of the globe. There was the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” brouhaha that has put the Department of Tourism under the scorching heat of the spotlight. Some said that it sounds like a campaign for a beauty parlor, while many suggested the use of the English language so that foreign guests could easily understand it. I personally think host-comedian Joey De Leon’s proposal “I Phil Good” is witty enough albeit lacking in sophistication.

And then there was the Grand Lotto 6/55 craze that has proven how most of us yearn for that easy-way-out golden (winning) ticket to fame and 741-million-peso fortune. The pleasant burden now lies in the hands of the sole winner who has yet to claim his/her prize.

Another issue revives the more than a decade-long controversy surrounding the Vizconde murder case. In the coming weeks the pounding sound of the gavel could echo justice for one or doom for the other.

And still basking in glory from his 8^th world title, Manny Pacquiao is already being asked by some if Aling Dionisia will do another movie he will continue on with his boxing career or just focus on being a Congressman. And while others are urging him to retire, Pacquiao’s camp seems to have only one question in mind: “Who’s next?”   

                                          (Photo grabbed from Yahoo!)

These are just a few examples of how certain decisions, brilliant or otherwise, could turn your life around. What catchphrase should we use to promote tourism? What should the Lotto winner do with that ginormous amount of moolah? To acquit or not to acquit? To fight or not to fight?  >>

Exploring Bukit Batok

Weather forecast: The intense heat of the sun adds sweat to your palms and warmth to your heart.

That startling encounter with the bamboo pole clothes line has piqued my curiosity to explore further. We decided to go out and see what this town has to offer. I immediately noticed the serene ambience of Bukit Batok -- a far cry from the bustling city that Singapore has been known to be. It felt like we were trailing our province’s quiet roads. After all, we were staying in the far west.

As we walked the pothole-free paved roads, I could feel the intense heat of the sun permeating through my sunblock-drenched skin. Wearing aviator sunglasses seemed more like a necessity to avoid the glares than a stylish accessory to complete the ensemble. Thankfully, there were plenty of trees all around that made things more bearable.

Marie and Ruthie walked faster to avoid being toasted without consent. After crossing over a narrow road, I could hear a faint sound of children laughing from a distance. A sound that echoed in this quiet neighborhood. And although it was against my dermatologist’s advice I squinted, intently, as if I had the X-Ray scanning ability like those at the US airports. I walked a bit closer to where the sound was coming from. Carefully peeking through the verdant foliage, I saw primary school children in their uniforms running, playing and giggling. Some children looked cute in their yellowish skin, pigtails and knee-high socks. While others were decidedly charming with their dark skin, thick-framed eyeglasses spectacles and wide grin. Children were exposed to the multi-cultural society early on. >>