Edwin aka Bimbo

Surviving Mount Fuji

2008-09-28T19:40:00.030+08:00

Solo Climb at Mt. Fuji

A good mountaineer would often say, “never underestimate any mountain”. Although I was able to climb and descend Mt. Fuji (Japan's highest mountain with 3770 meters high) within one day, it was one of the most difficult climb I had.

Planning Stage:

The idea of climbing Mt. Fuji occurred to me when my friends Joey and Moldi invited me to join them in their Japan trip. Since I’ve been to Japan last 2001, I’m not really keen of going back there if we’re just going to Tokyo for the whole trip. When they told me that we will be outside Tokyo most of the time, then going to Mt. Fuji came up to my mind.

First thing I did was research. These sites are extremely helpful: www.japan-guide.com and www.mountfujiguide.com. Both sites state that the climbing season is July and August. My trip in Japan is September 12 to 21. This means that officially, my planned climb is outside the climbing season. I’m quite adamant of about my plans. Only Mother Nature can stop me! I closely monitored the weather if it will rain or thunderstorms around the area, then I have scrap my climb.

I decided that I would go to the most popular route which is the Yamanishi 5th station. Good thing, Japan has a 5 day weather forecast which is quite accurate.

I finally decided that I would push through with my climb to Mt. Fuji only 3days before my trip to Japan.

Critical stuffs you need to bring:

1. Backpack
2. Hiking shoes
3. Thermal clothes.
4. Bonnet and gloves
5. Flashlight
6. Water at least 2 liters.
7. Packed lunch/trail foods
8. Camera (of course!)

Day 1

Original plan is to climb on September 13 to 14. I’m expecting that a lot of people might be climbing on the same day so I can just tag along. I need to leave Tokyo for Kawaguchiko around 10:00AM so that I will be there around 1:00PM and take the last trip for 5th Station Mt. Fuji at 1:30PM. . Unfortunately, I woke up late on September 13 due to exhaustion. I left Tokyo around 12:00NN and arrive at Kawaguchiko 3:00PM. I was informed that there’s no more bus trip going to Yamanishi 5th station. The only way to go there is to take a taxi which cost around Y12,000.00 (US 110++) which is quite exorbitant for a 40 minute travel. I had to no choice but to look for a hostel to stay in Kawaguchiko.

Kawaguchiko Town 2 hours bus ride outside Tokyo.

Town Map for Tourist. Kawaguchiko is also famous for it's Lake Kawaguchiko.

Day 2

I took the first bus trip going to Yamanashi 5th Station around 9:30 AM. The bus arrived around 10:30AM, took some pictures and started to ascend around 11:00AM.

Temple at the 5th Station

Gateway to Mt. Fuji

The Ascend to the Peak:

A lot of people are climbing so it was not that difficult to find the right path and the trail is big enough for multitudes of climbers. There are also trail guides written in Japanese and English for foreign climbers.

Near the gateway.

Camping is not allowed in Mt. Fuji due to safety reasons. There are mountain huts available which the climber can take refuge for a fee which cost around Y5000 (US$50) per night. Since it’s no longer climbing season, there are only few mountain huts that are open.

They created steps for easier ascend.

The very rocky trail going up.

It was quite foggy that day.

By 3:00 PM , I was already at around 3200 meters high. Fatigue and altitude sickness started to sink in. Mt. Fuji ascend trail is quite steep and you literally have to climb using your hands (that’s why you need a pair of gloves to hold the volcanic rocks). My headache is quite terrible plus the air is so thin that I was panting just after few steps on my way to the peak. I thought that I could reach the peak by 4 or 5 PM. I was wrong. The last 500 meters was really difficult because of altitude and the steep trail. The highest mountain that I climbed was Mt. Pulag which is at 2,900 meters and that was way back in 1991!

Reaching the TOP:

I reached the top around 6:00PM. It was quite dark already and it was freezing. I do think that it is below 5 degrees Celsius. When I remove my handgloves ( so that I can operate the camera), I was shaking. I put on the thermal clothes, my shirt, my sweatshirt and windbreaker but still I felt really cold. Maybe it’s my first time to experience that kind of cold weather. I stayed only less than 10 minutes at the peak because it’s getting dark and I need to descend.

Descend via different trail.

The trail going down is different to avoid collision of climbers. Plus, the ascent trail is very steep. A lot of people are climbing Mt. Fuji especially during climbing season which is every July-August.

Only few people are descending during that time. I was quite scared because the path is different and it was already dark. Good thing though, there’s a full moon plus I had my flashlight. Another unfortunate thing, there’s no mountain hut on the descending trail. I had no choice but to go down till Yamanishi 5th station where there are hostels available. By 7:00PM, I was only halfway though. I thought that my descending would be faster than the average 3 hours. Again, I was wrong! Since, I’m there solo, it was quite lonely that I’m literally talking to myself and of course, not forgetting to take some pictures on my way down.

Now, this is the scary part of my climb. Like I mentioned there are people also descending approximately around 50 meters interval in front and behind me. At least, I knew that I’m on the right trail. But in the last intersection I just followed the direction pointing to Yamanishi 5th station. The trail is quite big that it seems that I was just bulldozed. BUT, I can no longer see the person in front of me! When I looked back nobody’s following me as well. I don’t know whether I’m on the right trail. Another problem, I don’t have anymore water. My celphone is low bat. Worst case scenario, I will wait the following morning and go back to the last intersection.

At the end of the trail, I saw a light! I saw an old Japanese man and asked him with my very crude Nihongo. “Sumimasen, Hostel doko desu ka” (Excuse me, Where is the Hostel?). He pointed to me the house in front which when I looked at the sign it was the Fujiko 5th Station Hostel! Yehey! I’m saved! I wasn’t able to take pictures of the hostel because I was so tired. Imagine, I started trekking 11:00AM and it was already 9:00PM that time. The longest break I had when I was at the peak which is only 10 minutes. I thought I will be sleeping soundly because I was so tired. I can't sleep and I don’t why. My body was so tired but mind was racing. I was able to sleep only around 4:00AM.

Day 3

The Morning After:

I was very happy because I did something new in life. I was able to do a solo climb and international pa!

Thank you!
Domo Arigatou Gozaimas!

Ma’am Caps for the ADUMS banner and the inspirational t-shirt.
Nookie Ordonez for the backpack.
Joanne Pineda of Japan for the bonnet and gloves.
and Thank You Lord for keeping me safe!

Complete pics is at my multiply site:
http://edw1n.multiply.com

More info about Mt. Fuji:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html
http://www.mountfujiguide.com

Waiting...

2006-12-13T12:35:00.000+08:00

It's been more than a month now since I was working. This gives me time to contemplate stuff. Whether I made the right decision or not. One thing for sure, I always have a back plan. Unfortunately this time, I don't want to use my back up plan. I really want to start my life all over. Other's would say that I'm too old to start my life. It should have started after I graduated from college. Fifteen years after graduating, I'm still at limbo.

How can I start all over again?

Boses ng Isang Middle Class na Mamayan

2006-03-02T05:18:00.000+08:00

I got this one from an email sent by my batchmate in Adamson. Everything that was written here is true. He truely expressed the sentiments of the middle class of Filipino Society. How I wish that this letter would be read by those people who are manupulating the sentiments of the few.

To the anonymous writer.... I salute you pare!

Ako ay isang middle class Pinoy, isang officer sa isang malaking korporasyon at may asawa...dalawa anak. Di na importante pangalan kokasi parepareho naman tayong mga middle-class....trabaho 9-5, inom kontitapos uwi sa pamilya, laruin si baby, itutor si ate/kuya tapos tulog na,pag wala na pera intay nalang ng sweldo.Sa nangyayari ngayon sa ating bansa, lahat nalang ng sector ay maingayat naririnig, tayo lang mga middle-class, tax paying at productive Pinoysang di naririnig. Subalit, buwis natin ang nagpapaikot sa bansang ito.Pag may mga gulo na nangyayari, tayo ang tinatamaan. Kaya eto ang liham kosa lahat ng maiingay na sector na sana makagising sa inyong bulag napag-iisip.

Sa Mga Politiko:

Diyos ko naman, sa dami na nang nakurakot ninyo di na ba kayo makuntento kelangan nyo pa ba manggulo.

Sa Administrasyon:

Hayan ayus na ha pinatawad na namin ang pandaraya nyo sa eleksyon,pruweba dito e di kami umaatend sa mga panawagan ng people power, kayasana naman gantihan nyo kami ng magandang serbisyo at magaling na pamumunoat malaking bawas sa kurakot naman please para kahit papano maramdamannaman namin na may napupuntahan ang binabayad naming buwis.Saka Madam GMA, step down ka na pag parliamentary na tayo sa 2007,tignan mo, i-announce mo mag-step down ka kapag parliamentary na tayo,resounding YES yan sa plebiscite at tigil pa ang mga coup at people powerlaban sayo. Try mo lang.........

Sa Oposisyon:

Di nyo pa ba nakikita na dalawang klase lang ng tao ang nakikinig sainyo....isa ay bayaran na mahihirap kungdi man ay tangang mga excitedna reporter na parang naka-shabu lagi....mga praning e at naghahallucinate. Bago man lang kayo maglunsad ng kilos laban sa administrasyon,pumili muna kayo ng magiting at nararapat na ipapalit sa liderato ngayon.Hirap sa inyo paresign kayo ng paresign wala naman kayo ipapalit na maayos.Advise lang galing sa isang middle-class na syang tunay na puwersa salikod ng lahat ng matagumpay na People Power, magpakita muna kayo ng galingbago nyo batuhin ang administrasyon. Wala na kaming narinig sa inyo kundireklamo, e wala naman kayong ginagawa kundi magreklamo....para kayongbatang lagi na lang naaagawan ng laruan.....GROW UP naman...sa isip sasalita at sa gawa.Please lang gasgas na rin ang pagrarally nyo na katabi nyo ay mgabayaran na mahihirap, magtayo nalang kayo ng negosyo at iempleyo ang mgarallyista para maging productive silang mamamayan. Sige nga, pagnagrarally kayo yakapin nyo nga at halikan yang mga kasama nyong nagrarally!! NungPeople Power namin nagyayakapan kami lahat nuon.Wala naman mangyayari sa mga rally nyo nakakatraffic lang, kami pangmiddle-class ang napeperwisyo. Di nyo kayang paghintayin ng 3 araw angmga rallyista nyo kasi kelangan nyo pakainin at swelduhan ang mga yan. Kung gusto nyo tagumpay na People Power kami ang isama nyo....pero pagod nakami e, sori ha.

Sa Military:

Alam nyo lahat tayo may problema, pati US Army may problema, 2,000 plus na patay sa kanila sa Iraq na parang walang rason naman, pero nakita nyoba sila nagreklamo? Wala diba kasi professional sila na sundalo.....yandapat ang sundalo di nagtatanong sumusunod lang. Kasi may mga bagay na dikayang maintindihan ng indibidwal lamang, at ang mga nakatataas lang angnakakaintindi ng kabuuan, kaya ito ang panuntunan ng lahat ng militaryng lahat ng bansa. Pero parang military natin yata ang pinaka-mareklamo.Sabi nga sa Spiderman "with great power comes great responsibility".....kaya maging spiderman kayo lahat at protektahan ang mamamayan. Sa totoo lang natatakot kami kapag nagrereklamo kayo, kasi may baril kayo at tangke, kami wala.Wala ako comment sa mga mahihirap, di naman kasi sila maingay na kusae, may bayad ang ingay nila. Saka wala rin naman silang email.Kaya paano na tayong mga middle-class?? Eto hanggang email nalang tayokaya ikalat nyo na ito at magdasal tayo na umabot ito sa mga dapat makabasanito at makiliti naman ang kanilang mga konsyensya.

Signed,Isang Middle-Class Pinoy na walang puknat na binabawasan ang sweldo ng Buwis!

What A Weekend!

2006-03-01T04:06:00.000+08:00

Contemplating what happened last weekend was not an enjoyable experience for me. Although my Laguna experience last Saturday night was really different and certainly "good" one. I'm talking about the situation of this country. I just told myself that if we are going to change government again, I would certainly pack my bags and live somewhere. Anywhere but here! I've seen the blow by blow reports from ABS-CBN (imagine interrupting my favorite program The Buzz??) about certain marine officer who were disgruntled because their commandant was relieved. With a stern face, asked people to go in the chapel of the marines to protest and pray. Isn't that ironic? Pray and protest? To my mind, God can listen to you anywhere you pray. There's no specific place for you pray. Although it's good pray inside the church. Then I saw people behind him felt like they just won a lotto. To them, "it's the start"! Seeing armoured tanks and full combat marines reminded me about the EDSA I and the coup attempts versus President Aquino. It's common fact that marines have a different culture among our military. I was a graduating high school student during EDSA I and unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to EDSA because I don't know where the heck is EDSA! I'm the only opposition in our house before. My mum is more likely to vote for Marcos. Bad for me, I can't vote! The 1989 coup of Gringo was the most bloody and crippled Philippine economy. No classes for more than a week. That's the reason why last Sunday's stand off scared the hell out of me. I work in a call center. My employer can pack up and go anytime they feel like it. Call center industry is not a as solid like manufacturing industry. Investors of these centers only investment are computers which they can pull out and bring it back to the States or go to India where call center industry is much more stable. Thousands of Yuppies who enjoys the salary of a manager in some offices will be out of job in no time. And that includes me!

What turned me off last Sunday are these politicians! Seeing former VP Guingona in Fort Bonifacio in no time after Col. Querubin made his announcement. After that those nuns and priests who were praying like pharisee. Lo and behold! Imee Marcos!!! I can't imagine Imee would join such action which her very own father was evicted out of Malacañang. It's very easy to conclude that these trapos (traditional politicians) would just like get a piece of action just in case it will be like another EDSA. Each one of them is not really concerned about this country. They have their own personal motives. And there was former President Cory with her son Noynoy trying to make a scene. Cory said that, she will just go to the chapel of the marines and pray. Duh!! Tell that to the marines! If I were there, I would tell her... "Ma'am you can pray the rosary at your home in Times St." I don't know why she would try to protect the very person (Col. Querubin) who mounted the bloodiest coup d etat that almost killed her son. Cory really has a good heart then. Total forgiveness and forget? Again duh!! Really when it comes to power.. everything is forgiven and forgotten.

Gloria should be in the Reality TV show Survivor. Well, she outwitted and outlasted them all! Most of all survived! PGMA won't step down come hell or high water! Little as she is.. but she is really a tough nut to crack. According to my friend who worked closely to her, she's really maldita in every sense of the word.

I don't know when will this happen again. Only those kingsmaker, military and politicians know. Hayyyyy onli in da Pilipins!

Someone's blogging every second!

2006-02-10T08:12:00.000+08:00

Wow! that's something..

Well after reading the article, it encouraged me to post a new blog after months of "hibernation".

Why is it that when an opportunity comes in, there's always another one waiting? I don't know if I will still push for my original plans or go with this "opportunity" in my path. I really don't know where I would be happy. For the moment, I am happy where I am. Well, not entirely happy kinda satisfied in way. Should I go through with my original plans and face a lot of uncertainties but would also lead to a life that I want? Or take a chance on this new opportunity that is coming my way now? I still don't know if this "new opportunity" would make me happy or lead to a life that I want. They say that always follow your heart. It may not be always right but when you look back, there will be no regrets. My hearts says go on with my original plans. Wisdom says make way for the new opportunity. Original plans would create a lot of vagueness on everything. I can do that if say I'm 10 years or more younger. I'm not getting any younger. I can't do the adventure that I been through when I was 5 or 6 years younger. I need to prove something. At this point of my life, I don't think that I've proven anything. The only thing that I can be proud of as of now, is that I was able to travel a lot (mostly asian countries though). Nevertheless, it meant something. I can tell stories about my travels over and over again. I think it was really the best time I had. But, that's it. Right now, I'm thinking of changing my path. 2006 my year (dog). According to geomancers, a dog would be lucky this year. Hmmm.. that remains to be seen.

How does it feel when you're mid 30's?

2005-08-27T12:08:00.000+08:00

Frankly speaking? I don't know and I don't care! Well I don't want to brag but most people wouldn't recognize me as one. Most would say I'm at my late 20's he he he. When you reach this age, you tend to think about what you have accomplished in life. As a single man, I can't say that I've accomplished a lot. Others may say that having a family is a big accomplishment. Some would say that climbing on top of the corporate ladder is an achievement. I neither have both! Do I sound pathetic? Nah! I just don't have anything to do that's why I'm writing this blog.

Finally...may baby na ako!

2005-05-30T07:57:00.000+08:00

Biglaan lang ito.. I don't know why. Pero matagal ko na siyang gusto. I don't have the guts... but last month, I told myself I have to give it a try. Parang "it's now or never thingy". Kasi naman hindi ko pa nasusubukan eh ang tanda ko na! Ang bilis nga, after a week kami na. Pero ang gastos ha! Naiinis nga ako. But they say na ganon talaga yan. Masanay ka na! What?!? Get used to it? Waaah parang gusto ko ng mag give up! Pero mag one month pa lang kami. Hindi ako sanay. Yun ex niya kilala ko.. as a matter of fact my barkada way back college. So in a way, magkakilala na kami matagal na. Siguro mga 5 years na rin kaming magkakilala. Pero of course nasa barkada ko pa siya. As a matter of fact we went to Baguio last 2002 right after my stint in Singapore. Mukhang may tampo na nga sa akin kasi hindi ako marunong mag handle. Lagi nga akong na cocompare. What can I do? I'm new to this. I've reached this age pero ngayon pa lang ako nag aaral. Was it my fault? Bakit ba naman kasi hindi ako nagkaroon nun ng medyo bata pa ako. Inggit nga ako sa ibang friends ko... as early as 16 y/o nagkaroon na sila kaya ang galing na nilang mag handle. Me? Well good luck. Marami akong apprehensions, doubts etc. Pero I have to work this out! Almost a month na kami pero hindi ko pa siya napapakilala to most of my friends. Kahit nga yun sa best friend kong galing KSA hindi ko pa na formally introduce. Hindi ko pa nga siya nadadala kahit man lang sa mall. Pasyal pasyal lang tapos may chaperon pa! Minsan pa lang kaming lumabas ng gabi grabe ang lakas ng kaba ko! I thought somethings gonna happen! So far ala pa major.... puro minor lang. Ikinahihiya ko ba sya? Hindi noh! Proud nga ako! But I do think we're both not yet ready. We're on what we call "adjustment period". Although some of my friends nakilala na sya, kept telling me na things would work out just fine. Konting patience lang daw at kilalanin ko syang maige. Ganon ba talaga yon? Hay ang hirap ng may edad na... laging ikaw ang mag aadjust! Well happy naman ako ngayon. Maybe by latter part of June or early July ipapakilala ko na sya sa mga ibang friends ko. Oh my! kahit pala picture ala pa kami!

I drove all night by Cyndi Lauper

2005-05-29T07:57:00.000+08:00

This song was a favourite of my friend when he was in KSA for the first time about 6 years ago. I first listened to it when I was in Singapore 4 years ago. I don't know but I somewhat to like it these days. I kept on listening to this when I'm at the office aside from Linkin Park's Numb (which I dream of singin one day). People who are on their early 20's (yoohoo Jan, Marck and Marnon) may not know this song perhaps don't even know Cyndi Lauper, well she's the contemporary of Madonna (just like Britney and Christina). Sad thing is that she didn't evolve just like what Madonna did. Voice quality... I'll go for Cyndi (no doubt!) performance well it's Madonna of course.

I had to escape
The city was sticky and cruel
Maybe I should have called you first
But I was dying to get to you
I was dreaming while I drove
The long straight road ahead, uh, huh

Could taste your sweet kisses
Your arms open wide
This fever for you is just burning me up inside

I drove all night to get to you
Is that alright
I drove all night
Crept in your room
Woke you from your sleep
To make love to you
Is that alrightI drove all night

What in this world
Keep us from tearing apart
No matter where I go I hear
The beating of your heart
I think about you
When the night is cold and dark
No one can move me
The way that you do
Nothing erases the feeling between me and you

I drove all night to get to you
Is that alrightI drove all night
Crept in your room
Woke you from your sleep
To make love to youIs that alright
I drove all night

Could taste your sweet kisses
Your arms open wide
This fever for you is just burning me up inside

I drove all night to get to you
Is that alright
I drove all night
Crept in your room
Woke you from your sleep
To make love to youI drove all night... to hold you tight

Memorable Experience, Lessons Learned....

2005-03-15T13:31:00.000+08:00

Time flew so fast that I haven't noticed that it has been 10 years. Yes, 10 years ago I experienced the most difficult situation I've ever been through. If things turned ugly during that time, I may not be writting this blog. Nor, met new friends whom I've known for less than 10 years. I've contemplated of a suicide back then. No, I don't have the suicidal tendency but because of the situation, I had thoughts of it. Most of my old friends knew my story but this is the first time I'm writting it so I could share it to everybody.

March 6, 1995 was the day when I went to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was mixed emotions that I felt. Scared because I've heard a lot of horrible stories of Filipinos going abroad, particularly KSA. Excited at the same time anxious. I don't know really how did I get the job. I really wanted to go abroad because I want to earn more. When I saw in classified ads in Manila Bulletin that a computer firm in KSA was looking for a computer technician, I applied right away. I had some interviews by the agency and informed me that my employer would soon be visiting the country to choose from the list of applicants. When the employer arrived, the agency asked all applicants for an interview. What happened was we were all there, they asked us to line up. The Arab just pointed out who he chose. That's it! No interview at all. Only 2 were chosen and I'm the other one. I don't know whether it's a stroke of luck of badluck for that matter. Prior to my departure, I had this feeling that there's something wrong. The other applicant backed out at the last minute. Then, the agency gave me a piece of paper, written in Arabic with phone number on it. The staff said that as soon as I arrive at the airport I should give it to the reception so they can help me. Being a first timer, of course I was so nervous because I don't have anybody that would help me. Before I boarded on the PAL flight 106, I asked for a window aisle seat. Yes, the steward assigned me to a window aisle but in smoker's area(smoking was allowed after take off and before landing before). I didn't know back then that smokers are separated. Being a non smoker, it was very uncomfortable for me to be in a room filled with smoke for almost 9 hours flight. It's good thing that there were a lot of vacant seats both smoking and non smoking area.

I arrived night time at Jeddah. I remember it was sala (prayer) time. I immediately went to the receptionist and gave the paper I was holding like my life depends on it. When the receptionist handed me the phone, I was so relieved that somebody is talking to me in tagalog on the other line! He instructed me to take a cab and give the paper to the driver so that I can go to the office. When I arrived, I was kinda shock because the "office" is like a small computer shop. I kept possitive about it, I thought this might be just a branch. I found out later that the office is that shop. I was warned by a former OFW that not to work in a establishment(small company). The reason behind it, a lot of complaints usually are from estalishments mainly because they don't comply international SOP. I was duped by the company's name. It has "international" on it. I found out that in KSA, even a sari sari store can have "international" on their name. Since I'm already there, I have no other choice but to accept whatever might happen to me. Our "office" was located at Jeddah's "Greenhills". My job is to sell and assemble computers. Plus, other stuff that I never imagine I would do here in the Phils. I also learned how to vacuum, clean the glass show windows, mop the floors and stuff that if we are working in an office only a janitor would do. Office hours starts 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm onwards. We usually went home around 2:00 am. That's Saturday to Thursday. It's way beyond normal office hours. We are a two man team. The other filipino have been working with my employer for almost 4 years. I was amazed on how fast he walk and do stuff. He said he just acquired it since he work with my boss. On my first weekend in KSA which is Friday (treated like Sunday here and the rest of the world), I called up my mum to tell her I'm ok and not to worry about me. My filipino colleague told me that I will cry when I call to the Phils. To be honest, I almost cried but didn't. I tried to be strong because I need it. A week later, my boss' true colors started to show. Verbal abused started. He would curse, insult me and my family and me being a Filipino. First I was affected, but as the days passed I learned how to ignore it. My boss I think has OC(obsessive compulsive) disorder. He wants everything perfect. I mean really perfect. I've never met a person who's as perfectionist as he was. He wants stuff arranged in orderly manner. Doesn't want a dust in the store (haller?? the shop is located in the street and the door is open all the time). He would scold me for any small mistakes I made. One day, I made a mistake on the receipt I think. It can be rectify just by erasing the error. But as I said, he doesn't want any mistake. He was so furious about it! He threw all the papers on the floor. While I was picking up the papers on the floor, he threw his 2 inch sole sandals and it hit me right in my face. From that day on, tears almost didn't stop. That was my first physical abuse. I told me my filipino colleague that I can't take it anymore! I just wanna go home. He told me that it's as easy as I thought. The first thing that I need is to have an exit visa. Only employers can process that. Definitely, my employer wouldn't give me one not unless my employment expires. But, its only 2 weeks since I began working in KSA. The following weeks was horrible! There was on instance that my employer told me go out in the street and just stay there under the sun. It's good thing that it wasn't summer time yet. I was just out in the street walking back and fourth. People from other shops were starting to look at me. For one, it's quite dangerous to be in the streets of KSA because especially thoroughfare. Cars there I think doesn't have speed limit. If you were hit, and you're a foreigner it will be your fault. Locals would reason out that if you didn't go to their country in the first place, they wouldn't experience that trouble. Nice logic isn't it? I don't know how long I stayed under the sun during that time. The only thing I can remember if I stay a little bit more, I might collapse due to heat stroke. Everyday before going to work, I fervently pray to God that please help me make no mistake. But everytime I tried to perfect my work, the more I make mistakes. Going to work is like entering hell. There are things that I have to do in sequence. It should be in order. I need to work like a well oiled machine. My employer wants us to constantly move. If there's nothing to do, find something to do. I'm working 13 to 14 hours a day. Beside's doing clerical work and assembling computers, I'm also doing menial tasks. We are not allowed to have breaks during work time. The only "break" that we had was during "sala" time. In KSA, during sala, all shops should be closed (except hospitals, airports et al). I won't consider that a break coz after sala, my employer would ask me what are the stuff I did during sala. By the time I reach our villa I'm dead tired. Every night I cried in my bed. I was hoping that this was just a nightmare and I would wake up back in the Phils. I fell asleep crying and waking up crying again. I asked God why am I suffering this way? What sin I have done to suffer like this? If reincarnation is true, was I a bad person in my past life to deserve this?

One Friday evening, while roaming in the Jeddah park, I saw a schoolmate of mine in college! I can't imagine finding a schoolmate in a foreign country. Dodie was a year ahead during our college years. That gave me hope! I was thinking that at least there's somebody who would help me. God really works in mysterious ways! I told Dodie everything about my problems. My first advise that I got was "never go to Philippine embassy for help". I was so shock when I heard that. He said that Philippine officials in KSA are so incompetent. It's better to approach Labor Department of KSA than our own Philippine officials. My heart sank.

I went on with my job. Enduring all the verbal and physical abused. As days passed, I thought that I was on a brink of nervous breakdown. I easily gets startled, I also cry while I'm eating. That was the time when I thought of commiting a suicide. I just couldn't take it anymore. But I told myself, I have to be strong. I won't be defeated! Then one night, our work is almost done, it was a day when I think was perfect. My employer didn't bother me for the whole day. I don't know why, but I did something really stupid. Up to now, I still don't know why I did it. I drank directly from the pitcher. My boss caught me doing that. Hell broke loose! I've never seen him so mad! He first hit me with his aghal(a woven rope that supports gutra or headdress). I don't know but it was so painful it in a matter of seconds my skin embossed. Slapped and kicked me. I hid under the table and he kept on kicking me like a madman. He eventually dragged me out of the table. When he saw me that I'm not crying, he got madder! I don't know what's wrong with him. After that, he got the thermos filled with freshly boiled tea. He asked me..."do you want me to pour this tea to you?" I did not answer but just kept on praying that he would stop. Maybe God heard my prayers and he just stop and let me go.

When we went home that night, my colleague told me that I should run away before my employer could kill me next time. I packed up all of my clothes and went to Philippine embassy the next morning. I pity my colleague because I'm his ticket home. My employer can't touch him because he practically runs the business. He said that its ok because he can manipulate our boss which I can't. He has to endure another year or so. Upon setting my feet to Philippine Embassy, I felt a big sigh of relief! I'm a step closer to home. Well that's what I thought.....

Living in Total Darkness.....

2005-02-23T10:52:00.000+08:00

What will happen if ever we live our life in total darkness? Last night was another experience riding a jeepney on my way home. In front of me people wore sunglasses at night. I know that it's not for fashion but because they are blind. I did not eavesdrop again just like what happened a week ago. I can hear them totally because they talked like nobody's listening. I can't help but admire people like them who despite lacking one sense, still manage to live normal like us. They also work, pay their bills and other stuff. Although of course it will be more difficult for them to ride jeepney on their own. They needed a companion for guidance. Aside from that, they are totally independent. What I hate is that of person who has no physical disability yet still depend on others to live. Despite being blind, didn't capitalize it to beg? While others who actually don't beg but ask money from person they know? Despite being blind they knew that they are useful to the society? Because they do their share! Some people I know are not physically "blind" but they are blind in life. Directionless, aimless and happy go lucky. If we will all have direction in life and work hard, I think this country wouldn't be a "third world".

It's What You Called Life!

2005-02-22T08:20:00.000+08:00

My mum just turned 60 y/o last Sunday. We usually don't celebrate her birthday because she doesn't want to remember that she's getting old. Yesterday was different, she wanted to celebrate because it's a milestone in her life. She even told me that if we were rich, we could have celebrated it in a restaurant and in a grandest way! I told her.... well maybe in your 75th birthday we could do that! We both had a hearty laugh. I've also realized that on the same year, I will be 50 y/o. I'll be celebrating my golden year while my mum celebrates her diamond year. Wow! I don't know what lies ahead and I hope that all of my plans will come true.

I remember an article wrote by my friend Kix on his website about life. It's really nice to enjoy life's simple treasure. Always enjoy while it last.

Of course with Kix permission, I'm publishing his article in my website. :)

It's a so called 'LIFE'
by Kix

After watching "Farewell, Kuro" (a Japanese movie about a dog)last night, I realized that I should live my life to the fullest from now on. I should enjoy every moment of it to not have any regrets when I become 50.

Most of us save money (to the point of eating cheap not-so-tasty food!)so that we can enjoy life when we retire. (That's when we become 65!) But when you're that old, I don't think you would still enjoy eating ice cream or chocolate cake.

And even if you would have money to go see a movie, you'd probably think the theater is too loud for an old man like you.

When you're old, your body becomes too weak to travel...or to go the disco dancing 'til late hours...or even to try on new clothes at the shop for hours.

So what happens is that we save money so that we can enjoy the future. And when the future comes, we won't have enough energy to spend our money. (And if you happened to save a lot of money, it will end up being spent by the ones who didn't work for it when you die!)

So my advice is: "Don't be too tight on yourself. Loosen up a little!" Meaning: "When you have enough money now, buy the clothes you've always wanted to wear before you become too old to look good in it!"

Next in Line?

2005-02-15T09:37:00.000+08:00

How do you see yourself 2o years from now? I think I saw mine last night. I was on my way home after doing my grocery at SM Fairview. I rode a jeepney and sat in the middle part. At both rear end, I saw 2 PLU's on their 50's (I think) chatting. I can't help but to eavesdrop(I know it's improper :P) on what they're talking about. I've heard that its the same topic me and my friends have been talking about.
I remember one time when me and my friend decided to visit home for the aged after talking on the phone of more than 2 hours. I can't remember why we ended up on that topic but we agreed that one of these days we might do that. I guessed we just wanna know how we are going to look like in the future. Just like in the intro of "Next in Line" by After Image.... What has life has to offer me when I grown old? With the rate things are going on now, I'm kinda scared of growing old. I hope this will change.... as time goes by.

Next In Line
by: After Image

What has life to offer me when I grow old?
What's there to look forward to beyond the biting cold
('Cause) They say it's difficult, yes, stereotypical.

What's there beyond sleep, eat, work in this cruel life
Ain't there nothin' else 'round here but human strife
'Cause they say it's difficult, yes, stereotypical
Gotta be conventional, you can't be so radical.

(So I'll/And) sing this song to all of (my/our) age
For these are the questions we've got to face
For in this cycle that we call life
We are the ones who are next in line
We are next in line.

Gotta be conventional, you can't be so radical.
We are next in line
Oh-hoh, we are next in line.

And we gotta work, we gotta feel (we gotta feel)
Let's open our eyes and do whatever it takes
We gotta work, we gotta feel (we gotta feel)
Let's open our eyes, oh-woh.

Sing this song for me
Sing this song for me.

2004-12-10T15:00:00.000+08:00

Chinese Character of my name.

What's with the name?

2004-12-10T03:29:00.000+08:00

My first Blog! No, actually my second he he he. The first one was my experience with Arbee. It was posted on http://avergence.blogspot.com.
Now, what's with the name? How can a person named Edwin will get Bimbo as nick? I don't know if there's another Edwin that has a nickname of "Bimbo". My mother would tell me stories that my dad would call me Bimbo as early as 3 months old in my mothers womb! My mom said that dad had this strong intuition that I will be a boy :) . It was during that time when song El Bimbo was currently on the top chart (for those who are too young to relate, it was in the song of Eraserheads "Ang Huling El Bimbo"). I stopped using Bimbo as my nick when I was in grade school. I remembered one time reading an essay in school... "Ang aso kong si Bimbo". Ewww! My nick? A dog? From that day on, I asked my mom to call me by my real name. I started using Bimbo again when I need to create an email account on yahoo. Edwin is so common that's why I chose Bimbo to be used in my email. Then comes YM chat. I'm still new on using YM then. I would log into chatroom using my email nick. People in the room would call me by my nick. So, for the sake of "anonymity" I would tell them its my real name. A lot of would send private message asking if I'm really "a bimbo". Sometimes I would be offended but hey, bimbo in Italy means baby. I don't care how it is define in American language!