Beggars cannot be choosers

Once again I have not posted for the longest time. last time i did I was preparing for my trip back to Manila. the trip was awesome and I got to meet up with the first gen and second gen GM's from Level Up. Also all of us have moved on from our Ragnarok days cept for me who still act as an on and off mod for the LU forums (I blame my PC for that)

So Updates ,Updates

1. Manila Trip was awesome. The best part was cooking food in a stone grill back in the farm ( in laguna) and picking fresh veggies at the garden

2. Trip back was ok, first time I actually gotten jet lag after all these years of me travelling

3. Tonsillitis Galore. The weather back here in the US is not good for us. Been getting Tonsilitis that has been lingering for weeks on what could just have been a 4 day thing.

4. Japan trip for 2011 is possibly cancelled due to the recent earthquake and Tsunami. Though my dear is insisting for a Japan trip still in Sept for the Tokyo Game show, we had a bit of an argument about that stating budgetary reasons and his overzealous endeavors for all Japan ( he's one of those Japanaholics) and Capcom related events, outweighs the crisis of the country and my fears of safety due to the radiation issue. Please bear in mid that I keep Japan in my thoughts and prayers and is hopeful that their country will recover

5. I have 3 Family members in Japan all confirmed safe and one awaiting for a flight back to the Philippines

6. My new HP desktop died on me. HP says I was out of warranty by just 2 days and refused to do any type of support. So I have an expensive desktop with a shot motherboard sitting in my room.

On a more recent update. I feel blessed with the current state of my employment, whilst a frenemie of mine was given the 2 month notice after 4 years of working in accounting. The person in question is about 1 years my senior. And an accomplished Business Finance employee in his own right. In fact I will praise his work very well, unfortunately the work he does ( saving companies millions of dollars) is rather the opposite in his personal finances, often being conned by friends for pyramid scams and quick money marketing schemes.

Thus our arguments arose. My family being a victim of a car theft ring back in Manila back in 04 and was previously scammed out of my parents life savings back in the 80's, my mother taught me well to weed out back financial investments. I'm not perfect managing my finances and will say the culprit of my credit card debt was due to lack of employment 3 years prior and had to pay bills to my credit cards. But I did not splurge on unnecessary "investments" and rather focused on survival.

When he was given the ill fated 2 month notice, his company placed him into a supposedly "career saving probation" that took most of his time and left him working long hours giving little time to search for other employment. He asked me for help. Asking for work in my company and our sister locations. Unfortunately we haven’t had a Finance and Management opening in years as most of our employees has endured more than 5 years to 10 in their positions.

I decided to assist him in revising his resume. The hiring trends vary every 2 years. Back then a career objective was a must on resumes. I deleted that. No "I's" and "Me's" in the skills description.

He lacked details on his past employments which would be a plus to major companies that rely on using keyword searches on their HR/Applicant database. that was easily fixed by me.

I also noted there are alternative positions for him to take. There were many. Tons. I could surf for hours on the weekends pointing each out.

However after more than years of a high level position, he had a LOT of Pride. No to this, its too low for me, I used to be higher than that.

I explained to him in today's tough economy Beggars cannot be Choosers. If he needed to pay his bills and have survival money if he gets unemployed, i advised him to cast his pride aside. Don't ask for too much when an offer comes your way. I cited my example when I lost a desirable position in a gaming company (not Level Up)

I worked meager jobs while still applying for a stable one. I was grateful to find what I have now, with a wonderful team to boot.

Unfortunately, the stress of his current work altered his attitude and he would often lash out on me. The most common of his verbal tirades on how he would point out his Career Seniority over me. That unlike him I was immature and naive, young and do not have the same field of expertise he has. I have rebuttals that I could throw at him, yet decided in the end that there is no cure for PRIDE.

Karma somehow reared its ugly head. His brother ( who detest me I am sure of it) lost a job and like him is seeking for a high paying position that in this economy does not longer exists.

SIGH...... There's little help you can do for those who refuse good and wise advise.

My 2010-2011 Philippine Vacation Rant and Rave

My 2010-2011 Philippine Vacation Rant and Rave

Picture borrowed from the web

After working abroad for so long I was looking forward for some much needed me time. The girly girl in me was desperately craving for a good makeover and back massage. The good thing about the Philippines is that compared to most US prices for Spa’s and salons, we get the most bang for our buck even in the most luxurious establishments.

Caution though to the wise and seeking, it’s a hit and miss for most. And these are my Rants and Raves of my R and R experiences

THE RAVE: Studio FIX by Alex Carbonell ( Green Belt 5)

I normally get my haircuts and mani-pedis at the Fix Bench salon franchise. My favorite and most trusted branch would be the one located in Glorieta Makati right next to the Cinema. My hair was already near waist length and after an unfortunate accident with an escalator, I decided that my untamed mane needed some serious hairscaping. The Fix Bench salon in Glorieta was able to fix the dryness, remove the split-ends and give my bangs a softer look. However my friends noticed that there was very little change to my hairstyle. It got a trim bit shorter but lacked flair or style.

My friend GM Mikou recommended me to go to Rever salon located inside the Pacific Star Building in Makati. Her stylist gave her an awesome K-Pop ish like hair do. Unfortunately, it rained that day and I decided to stay put in Green Belt rather than braving a Taxi ride to my old workplace.

Two days prior, I was walking around Green Belt 5 and stumbled along the Studio Fix salon owned by famed hairstylist Alex Carbonell. The salon is also part of the Fix bench salon franchise but this was more personally owned/managed by Alex.

I have to admit that my knowledge of the latest fashion trends and who’s are scarce and had to google his name to find out who he was. But even before I did my research I decided to take a leap of faith and put my locks under the guiding care of their senior stylists. Being I was walk in setting up an appointment with the master cutter would take days or weeks at most. Unfortunately I was closing in my fly back date to the US and Japan and had to settle with one of their senior stylist.

My experience with Studio Fix was absolutely STELLAR. Let me walk you through my first ten minutes. The location is on the 5^th level of GB 5. It’s a bit hidden, but I trust me that people do come and line up. The facility is clean and has a crisp feel. There are a few salons, even the posh ones ( except if they are collaborated with a Spa) that offers you a drink with a selection of water, juice and ice tea. The staff was cheery and extraordinarily helpful. What struck me most was their attentiveness. It was non verbal and on cue. Like how they knew when my glass was a quarter finished, that they would offer for a refill, or move it to the coaster. I was then fitted into a robe as I was led to my shampoo area

My shampoo-ist was absolutely, hypnotically amazing. She tended to my mane with her gentle fingers and massage my scalped so good that I was fighting not to doze off. This went on for a good 10-15 minutes for pure bliss for me.

The stylist who was assigned to me was Romeo Torente, he was a handsome man with a lean built and gentle fingers that I barely felt as he ran them through my hair while listening to my styling request. I wanted my hair to have more flair and to frame my face. He worked meticulously on my tresses for a good 30-45 minutes. My hair was trimmed a bit shorter and a fitting layered cut was added. He personally blow dried my hair ( on other salons, another person will be assigned to that task) snipping on areas that needed work. He spoke very little and had a warm smile. He would nod at his assistants every now and then as if giving them nonverbal commands . When he was done I thanked him as he proudly showed me his work. I was giggling in satisfaction and joy and he was quickly ushered off to his next client. I remembered to award him graciously for his services, praising the salon as I left.

The cut was soft and had a slight flair that was wash and wear yet can be styled to either rocker chic or classic polish. I was happy and told them I would HIGHLY recommend them to my friends.

The Rant: Wensha Spa ( located near Boom na Boom)

I should have just listened to my guts and not my wallet when I promised GM Sumire that I would treat her to a Spa massage and scrub. I normally go only to The Spa ( either the Alabang or Green Belt branches) however their prices have skyrocketed massively .

We heard about Wensha Spa a 24 hour spa located near the boom the boom and CCP complex . I’ve read only one web review from them a costly mistake that I learned later on. The prices are good and the website description was attractive, especially the steam room and sauna and a free buffet.

We headed there on a Saturday after weighing our options. Going to QC was a no-no given it was the feast of the Black Nazarene and we would have been stuck in traffic for 2-3 hours at least for 5-10 mile drive.

Upon entering the large Thai like facility, the first thing I noticed was the crowd and noise. There was a lot of human traffic on the place that immediately killed the ambiance. They offered us slippers that were laid out on the greeting area, something not very appealing to me. We were then lead to the locker rooms which served as a changing room.

There were about 20+ women on the locker area, undressing before us. I’m a private person when it comes to my body and though I have shared a nudity or two at The Spa, I felt I was walking at a nudist camp. People just undressing everywhere. The staff or rather only girl in the locker area seemed cross when I asked for towels.

The wet area for me was absolutely HORRIBLE. If not for me paying upon entrance I would have backed out already. The Hot pool was crowded with women, the water smelled strong of bleach and chlorine.

I have worked in the Hospitality industry for almost 2 years now and worked with the pool maintenance crew at my company, I knew exactly when a Jacuzzi/pool water is bad. Upon dipping my feet at the hot tub, the water had a thick and nearly itchy consistency.

The shower area was ICKY and smelly, with barely any hot water. I wore my slippers all the time due to the stench on the floors. The only thing I liked was the steam room, which I wailed out my Gripe to Sumire about how I wish their service would offset the sucky facility. There were others who agreed to my silent disgust, as a group of Spanish patron entered with a “WTF” look on their faces upon entering the wet area.

After washing up, we went to the eating area, the meal was shabu-shabu and some buffet. However if you leave a piece of food on your plate, you would need to pay up to P600.00 in fines. The meat was scarce and at one point had to fight for a plate against a foreigner.

We both had body scrubs in which we were ushered to this clinic like area which the lying table was loosely covered with a towel. NOT SANITARY for my standards.

I was right though on one thing, the staff did an ok job with the scrub but there was no ambient music to relax us and we could hear the loud chatter from below. After a second shower we were led to our “massage” area.

If i were to describe the place, it is a closest to that of a horse barn stall, you know with dividers and such. There was NO Music, and again the bed was just covered with a towel. I was glad I was wearing shorts when I lied down.

The massage was awesome. And the lady was able to find mines and Sumire’s kinks. However there was a LOUD guest from across the room, yapping loudly for a good 15 minutes. Noen of the staff asked her to observe silence, however the guest must have heard me later on, as I loudly quipped how it was unrelaxing to hear ones unnecessary chatter.

When we left the area, I cursed to my hearts content in the car and apologized profusely to Sumire. It was a horrible experience if not only for the above average massage we received. Sumire noted that that may be the only thing besides the rate that makes people come back to Wensha.

Unfortunately, I would not recommend this spa to anyone and would never return, I have been to more affordable spas with average and cleaner facilities than Wensha. And will suggest to do a lot of homework and ocular inspection first before going to one. Or perhaps save up to slightly expensive but more fulfilling experience. After all your body's care and relaxation is worth a few hundred pesos more.

So there you go, my gripes and raves on my two pampering highlights so far. I hope for the Google searchers that this would be helpful and would discover the greatness of Studio Fix and be wise when having your body taken care of wellness clinics by doing your homework first and scanning reviews such as mine.

Happy New Year and Royal Milk Tea

Firts and Foremost HAPPY NEW YEAR. I was finally able to save up to fly home for the Holidays and half of my salary went to Fireworks. Something I asked my Dad to do for me, that and to cook for me every Filipino food I requested.

It has been a good 2010. Best year actually I had in a while and I am hoping 2011 will bring more great blessings.

Next is a great shout out to Magnetic Rose whose website gave me the information where to find Royal Milk Tea. My FAMILY thanks you. I have a lil one addicted to the stuff.

We went on Dec 30th to Chotto Stop located in Makati right smack in a very tiny Little Tokyo district . They sell authentic Japanese spices, condiments and have a small Japanese restaurant at the backstore that serves authentic Japanese style cuisine. Not like those shops that just have a fancy Japanese name claiming they have sushi and Yakiniku. These guys are the real thing. The best part is that they sell the ever elusive Kochakaden Royal Milk Tea that is NOT available in the US. And Golden Curry..... yummmmmm

Its the 31st now as we speak. In a few hours, me and dad will be lighting up the streets (or rather granading them with PlaPla's)
I feel blessed to have a family of Pyromaniacs (on new years).

I'll keep this post short. Happy New Year to all
2011 Here we come