PLACES: Maldives Lives!

#Timetotravelbirthdaygirl

We left Doha with a sunny weather, but It was totally raining when we landed in Maldives. And so I began to worry, we began to worry actually, about the next 4 coming days. Beaches are for sunny weather, not for gloomy seaescapes. But most of the time, the universe is (really) like women, pabago bago din ng isip, and yes, the next morning, the sun greeted us with a big hello. Yes! Maaraw na! It's going to be an exciting day for the birthday girl!

Maldives is prolly one of the beaches I never imagined I would be able to visit. Although one of my college friends already been to Maldives several years back, I told myself "ang laki naman kasi ng sweldo nya." Though we're both Engineers working abroad, her salary goes straight to her pocket, lol! Anyhow, like what I have said, Maldives that time was just a "an expensive tourist destination" for me, that's all. But before I knew it, I was sitting on a wooden platform, whilst my ever supportive husband was taking the best picture ever!

First things first, Maldives is actually a beach country. But you need to check with yourself, which type of beach holiday you want to experience in Maldives, then I will share the Maldives budget that we had. 

Meet Maldives

Officially the Republic of Maldives, It is a South Asian island country, located in the Indian Oceam. It lies, southwest of India and Sri lanka. The chain of 26 atolls stretches from Lhavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to the Addu City in the South. Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population, with a little over 393,500 inhabitants. (wikipedia.com) By the way, there are approximately 85,000 Filipinos living in Maldives, according to the hotel's receptionist.

Where to Stay in Maldives

If you are honeymooners and on a romantic getaways, you can go for a private resorts, but if you are budget conscious, it is best to stay on one of the local beaches or in areas in Male, and just go isaland-hopping from there, and mind you, public beaches are priceless too. ivory beachshore is a wow! And staying here means you have access to more restaurants, accommodations and you can go anywhere as well. Unlike in private resorts that you have nothing else to do aside from staying on that island.

Although in our case, we are so lucky we got a very nice deal from www.holidayfactory.com, and it became more amazing because their offer is for Qatar residents, inclusive of Airfare, hotel, breakfast, and transfers.

Best Time to Visit Maldives
High Season runs from November - April, with December-February as the peak season. And that is why, we were so lucky that we flocked to Maldives at high season with way less expenses.

How to Get to Maldives
Male International Airport (Ibrahim Nasir International Airport) is their main airport, and connected to number of Airports. Tiger Airways, Air Asia, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways are some of the airlines connecting to maldives.

Entry to Maldives
To enter Maldives, no pre-arrival visa is required since 30days free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities. Just present your valid passport, valid ticket and hotel reservation.

Things to do in Maldives
1. Island Hopping - a full-day excursion, which includes transportation and lunch.

2. Visit an exclusive Resort - some private resorts are open for day trippers which bundles using all amenities, lunch, snacks.

3. be a diver for a day - Maldives is a paradise, and if you are diver, you really cannot miss this opportunity.

4. Snorkeling - well, for a non swimmer likeme, snorkeling is the best way for me to experience underwater adventure.

5. Fishing - we did not try this one but you can avail them for 50-75 US, just make sure you get the best deal.

6. Exploring the City - this is absolutely free if you are staying in a local hotel and you have a lot of chances to go out of your room, and walk around the streets.

Our Budget Breakdwon
Okay, let's talk about our actual expenses and priceless experience. Remember, this price includes everything. (NOTE: EVERYTHING)

www.holidayfactory.com - 1,599.00 QAR voucher x 2 = 3,198.00 QAR approx 376.16 USD
Inclusive of:
     ~ Return Flights from Doha via Dubai with Fly Dubai
     ~ 4D3N Stay at Lonuveli Hotel / Cinnamon Dhonveli Hotel with Breakfast
     ~ Boat Transfers to Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort
     ~ Airport Transfers
     ~ Holiday Factory Representative

Day 1
     Departure from Doha and Arrival at Male Airport - Airfare included on the package
     Transfer to Lonuveli Hotel - Airport Transfer included on the package
     Check in at the Hotel - 4D3N stay included on the package
     Buffet Dinner for 2 at the Hotel - 10.00 USD x 2 = 20.00 USD approx 73.00 QAR
     Lights Off

Day 2
     Breakfast - breakfast included on the package
     Explore Hulhumale Public Beach - totally free and absolutely amazing
     Transfer to Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort - Boat Transfer included on the package
     Visiting an Exclusive Resort
          Although package 1 is 45.00 USD, we opted to get package 2 which is 90.00 USD
          in which it offers buffet lunch, unlimited snacks and liquor so
          90.00 USD x 2 = 180.00 USD approx 657.00 QAR
     Transfer to the Hotel - Boat Transfer included on the package
     Walking around the City - free, so we got a chance to buy pasalubongs for special friends,
          We spent approx 80.00 USD approx 292.00 QAR
     Buffet Dinner -  Got a hot cup noodles for myself which I bought all the way from Doha. :)
          10.00 USD x 1 for my husband = 10.00 USD approx 36.50 QAR.
     Lights Off

Day 3
     Breakfast - breakfast included on the package
     Explore Hulhumale Public Beach - just 10steps away from the hotel entrance :)
     Island Hopping - 70.00 USD x 2 = 140.00 approx 255.50 QAR
          Inclusive of:
               Sumptuous Lunch
               Snorkeling
               Dolphin Watching
               Whole day yacht cruising
               Himaafushi Island Hopping
     Buffet Dinner -  biscuits which I again bought all the way from Doha. :)
          10.00 USD x 1 for my husband = 10.00 USD approx 36.50 QAR.
     Lights Off

Day 4
     Breakfast - breakfast included on the package
     Going to Airport - Airport Transfer included on the package
     Byebye Maldives

So summing up, we only spend 4,804.00 QAR for 2 persons, such a really great deal.

Tiny Tips
1. Wi-fi - it's actually available at the airport. however, at the hotel and some resorts, you need to get a generated password from the reception as they only use routers :) They will provide it for free. Well, that is according to one staff at the hotel. It's understandable though, as Maldives is a dispersed island, and signal is somehow difficult.

2. Maldives is an Islamic country - so as we are already in a Islamic country, you know the do's and don'ts, I don't need to elaborate everything. :)

3. Bikinis are not allowed on public beaches - related to item #2 above. but I will give you a tip. If you want to wear and display all swimwear, just bring them all when you go to a private resort. You will have the opportunity to change and wear, and take pictures as many as you can (which pinoys love to do!) as if you are staying in that resort for days.

4. USD are widely accepted. And the good part is, when you pay them with USD, you have a choice whether you want your change in USD, or Rufiyaa. AED are not accepted.

5. I recommend to bring shawl everytime you go out. It's always a big help, believe me. :)

6. Mosquito repellent. Yup. Maldives is a tropical country. Though we never say hellos to any insects during our stay in Maldives, safety first guys, remember that :)

7. Water Bungalows are the most expensive accommodations. So if you are after the budget but would love to experience luxury holiday, book a beach room, or in a beach hotels. But if you really know how to enjoy your holiday, whether you are staying in a hotel, a beach room, or water villas, you still have the same best priceless experience ever!

Happy Beaching Guys! +_+

THOUGHTS: No Good in Goodbye

After several months of zero entry here in my weblog, this article is such a strange thing to write, as I need to recall every bits and pieces of my wonderful experience for almost 2 years in SOQJV.

Unknowingly, My last Selfie, Labour Day 2016 

First Photo with Procurement Team, June 2014

My SOQJV's First Working Station, June 2014

For those of you who didn’t know, well, we’ve been fired from our project (darn!) on 4^th May, 2016, exactly 10 days from today. The client decided to cancel the contract and (re)award to a (more) capable hands of another company. As heartbreaking as this sounds, this is the reality that I need to accept. Well, it already happened anyway. And this is the first time I experience a huge separation. On that same evening, I know, familiar faces and places which I’d grown so accustomed for 2 years would soon be changing.

Birthday, November 2014

Environmental Day, November 2014

Pinoy Mafia Year End Celebration, Crystal Palace December 2014

Looking back and reflect on my journey on this project wasn’t that easy, especially if they were shared with different kinds of people. From the day I started as Procurement Engineer, attending birthday celebrations, Christmas Parties, pigging out everywhere, outings and so on. One regular day spent with one person can create an enormous effect, imagine a 730 days with hundreds of people?! It’s going to be as vast as the universe. Because regardless of how long someone has been a part of our lives, whether it’s 5minutes, 5weeks, 5months, their impact will always remain with us. Time doesn’t matter, but character does, and how you build memoirs with them.

Family Day, Grand Hyatt Doha February 2015

Ladies just wanna have Fun, Krossroads, Irish Harp, Trader Vics, April/May 2015

Overnight Outing, Fuwairit Beach September 2015

Believe me, I am not good in saying goodbye. I got the worst kind of separation angst, as I always cling to every memory I create with a person, that’s why “No Good in Goodbye” by The Script is one of my most loved songs, ever. The anxiety of that reality had started to creep into my psyche a week ago, and I still can’t get over it until now. One thought continued to occupy my mind.

Mr. James Ji's Farewell Party, October 2015

Birthday, November 2015 (Last Birthday with SOQJV, waahhh!)

Birthday, November 2015 (Last Birthday with SOQJV, waahhh!)

Pinoy Mafia Year End Celebration, Grand Qatar Palace December 2015

Procurement Team with 3 great Managers
Ali Suzen, Sutis Restaurant 2014
Jimmy Jung ChiZen Oryx Rotana 2015
Daniel Lejarraga Manhattan Fish Market 2016

Yet, after going through seven thousand and one different circumstances in my dome, I realized that the only way I could do is to associate the word “Goodbye” into “patience”. We might not see each other for a day, a week, maybe a month (pero wag nman sana hahah!) But I will always look forward, to see you (all) again…

The Moment of Truth, SOQJV Al Diwan Office 4th May 2016

Last Glance, 4th May 2016

For now, I must rely on Walt Disney’s quote which gives me additional comfort when I’m feeling nostalgic and forlorn.

"Goodbye may see forever, farewell is like the end.

But in my heart is the memory, and there you will always be..."

Pinoy Mafia's Last Groufie (and we're almost complete), April 2016

SELFIE PEOPLE's CRAZY CORNER

Photo Credits to Owners

THOUGHTS: Celebrate Life in Qatar (A Demi-Decade Existence)

FIRST QATAR PHOTO: April 2011, SOJV Matar Qadeem Accommodation

On reflection on my demi-decade in Qatar, my husband and I both agree that we’ve learnt a lot from our expat escapade.  We have enhanced our skills in interior design (the ability to furnish a new house in a day, mostly second-hand, thanks to Souq Haraj and Expats weblogs and websites), extra-advance planning (buying Christmas presents in March), and becoming a fervent fan of sales, promotions and special offers.

My husband came here in Qatar in 2010 and we worked together at Hamad International Airport Project. at first, It was difficult since I was used to live my life alone. This isn’t actually the first time I worked abroad. Been to Vietnam in 2007 and UAE from 2008-2011, so practically, I know how to be independent. But eventually, of course we learned to do things together.

DREAM HOUSE: Casa WRTeves Living Room, September 2015

Got a veerry nice job, a very good offer and benefits, a very nice career experience. Because of that, we had our joint savings, got our dream church wedding and start our lives together. 2 years after the wedding, we started planning our dream home. And just last year, It was a big success! My family in Cabanatuan NE moved in and we just had a house warming.

UAE: Eid Holiday 2015 and 3rd Wedding Anniversary Celebration

And since we already completed our dream home, it’s time for some relaxation. Last Eid Holiday, we went to UAE and let my husband experienced the vast beauty of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I became his personal (and sweetest hahah!) tour guide.

This year, we already started a small business, called ARTistique HUE (PRINTerest Advertising). That’s actually what I really want, arts arts arts! I am over quota working as Civil Engineer lol! And of course this business will be managed (as in from marketing to designs to financial aspects, siya lahat! :) ) by my younger sistah, she’s good at it, believe me:) we’re also planning to celebrate our 4^th wedding anniversary in – Maldives! Cross Fingers!! We hope we can find a very good deal.

ANNIV BREAKFAST CELEBRATION: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Al Mana Towers

ANNIV DINNER CELEBRATION: Opera Cafe, The Mall

Life in Qatar is a lot different compare to what I had in Vietnam and UAE. More difficult and strict yet simpler and happier. I enjoy the place, the people, including my husband of course, the simplicity of life, the value of money, the things happening around me. Everything. Maybe, we will go to other countries just to unwind and relax. But definitely, we will retire from Qatar, go home and stay together in my hometown… +_+

EVENT: Basketball Birthday Bash!

I humbly ask everyone to please be there between 6:00 - 6:30.

Baka dumating ng maaga ung birthday celebrant wala pa yung magsusurprise sa kanya hehehe…

Players will be ready on their jersey with white shirt underneath

(kung may red jersey, better, kung wala, keri lng any color, pants will be fine,

baka hindi kayo papasukin sa hotel if you’re wearing shorts)

 

Cheerleaders will be on their best RED, BLACK and WHITE get up. 

Valet Parking is available.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

LEGAL: Philippine Election 2016, Who's Next?

http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl013631.htm

During my pen-and-paper days, I was already involved with politics. My grandpop used to be a campaign manager and adviser of our municipal mayor for a couple of years. During the election, we used to distribute flyers, sample ballots and stickers, we always go to meeting de avance during the campaign period. That was 1992 election, when Ex-Pres Fidel V. Ramos won the election, or so it says on the result. But one popular personality, and I pity you if you do not know her, assumed that she won the 1992 Presidential election. You know now who she is? Yes. She is Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

I (partially) know how politics works. I was a representative, a college Auditor and University Treasurer during my college days. It wasn’t that easy to win the hearts of your co-students. They check your high school, your organizations, your achievements and everything about you before you convince them that you are deserving to be part of the student body. Because you will know their standards, and their willingness to involve themselves in selecting a good Student Officers that will govern them over the entire school year.

Five months from now, and another set of politicians from different corners of the Philippines will govern the country. The world is watching the Philippines closely and with great  importance. And while everyone is busy to register, I am busy looking for the achievements of our Presidential candidates. People should vote WISELY and RESPONSIBLY. Do not depend on other’s vote or decisions. And so, I found this web (joeam.com) mentioning 10 qualities to look for in a Presidential candidate. Come take a look, ponder and decide. There actually 8 (un)official presidential candidates, although, let’s take a look on these 5 personalities.

  

10 Qualities to Look for in a Presidential Candidate

Integrity/ Honesty – Does your chosen candidate have a track record of being an honest person? Dishonest leaders had been voted into office before with great costs to the citizenry. Money stolen by a mendacious official is money earmarked for public infrastructures and services the citizens will never receive. A corrupt pilferer of government coffers should not receive any vote.

Ability to delegate – Has your pick demonstrated an executive ability to hire, supervise and monitor people? The president has the duty to pick and appoint upstanding people to the Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet. The government is a complex system with a lot of duties and responsibilities to its citizens that is dispensed through its various offices and departments. The President needs the ability to delegate, as he cannot do all the tasks needed to run a country by himself.

Confidence/Security– Does he/she exudes confidence and appears secure? A confident and secure leader has no problem believing and engaging others. He/she does not have the need for arrogance or feeling of superiority in order to convey his presence. As they say in the Southern US, “ If you have to tell someone you are a lady, chances are you’re not.” It is je ne sais quoi and someone with confidence and security radiates with it.

Communication Skills – Does he/she communicate his/her intentions effectively with people from all walks of life? Communication is done not only by speaking but also by listening. A good leader speaks in clear and concise manner and listens attentively. A good president will need communication skills to keep the citizens up-to date with the government’s performance, successes and failures as well as to find out what his constituents want or need from the government.

Sense of Humor / Positive Attitude – Does he/she smile a lot and not take himself/herself seriously? Is he/she able to diffuse a difficult situation by looking at its lighter side? A good-natured leader will often make better decisions, as he/she is not afraid to show his/her humanity in public.

Commitment/ Passion – Has he/she shown commitment and passion in her past jobs? Committed and passionate people make highly effective leaders, as they are tenacious and persistent. They will see to it that a goal is met and a vision is realized. Their focus and perseverance often pays off so betting on a committed and passionate candidate will likely yield positive results.

Ability to Inspire – Does he/she has achievements that motivate others to emulate? Is he/she sincere and forthright? The ability to inspire is an important quality, as people look up at the president as a role model. “Do what I say but don’t do what I do” will breed societal resistance and sanctimony.

Competence – Does he/she has the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to govern a morally and fiscally insolvent country? A competent president does not need to be an expert in all theories and practices of public administration but he/she needs to be self-motivated and a fast learner.

Courage – Is he/she decisive and able to make tough calls when it’s needed? A courageous person is not fearless. He/she just has the ability to face fear, danger, pain, uncertainty, intimidation and other difficulties without warping or caving in. Calm self-assurance raises the level of confidence in one’s decisions.

Servant hood/Selflessness – Does he/she put people first as his/her priority? Does he/she eschew personal power and wealth building on the back of the masses? The president is still a public servant who is tasked to look after the well-being of the populace. He/she works for the citizenry and not the other way around.