Open Letter to a "Girl"

I was almost whole day away from the net yesterday. Since its Ramadan, our bible study timings was also changed due to conflict on the schedule of others, so instead of Thursday night, we held it on Friday afternoon.
Last night while I'm browsing I saw that almost only one name are on my news feed, well its not the first to see postsssssssssss from her. And as I go along reading her post nakakagulat na makita how angry, bitter and even with grudges yung mga post nya, I mean at her age! Hindi ko talaga mapigilan na magcomment sa post nya and I can't help myself to pity her parents. This might be one the bad influence social media can do to children today, habang palulong sila ng palulong sa mga new gadgets connected to e-world madali rin silang naiinfluence in bad ways.
Parents, hindi po dahil nasa bahay lang ang mga anak nyo at hindi nakikibarkada sa labas or naglalakwatsa is safe na sila; even those social medias through the use of gadgets and internet can poison their minds, can ruin themselves. Without proper guidance and supervision coming from you dear parents and guardians the mind of your children might be corrupted - movies not suited for children are just one click away, music that can influence their feelings can be heard in just one click, talking with strangers that can harm them in any way is just a click away. Social medias can help or destroy its user, and for children who are still vulnerable it can destroy if there will be no proper supervision from their parents or guardians.

Dear "Girl",

Hindi ko talaga nagustuhan yung post mo last night, how you brag on your wall the treatment you have with your mom. Honestly ang naisip ko kung Mommy mo nga ganon yung treatment mo how much more yung treatment na ibibigay mo sa iba. Hindi ka pagbabawalan ng Mommy na mag-FB if she know na makakabuti yon sa'yo and it really shows na hindi talaga. Admit it to yourself, may mga tao na rin na napagsabihan ka I mean mga taong mas nakakatanda sa'yo, mga taong concern sa'yo pero it seems na hindi ka talaga nakikinig, sige ka pa rin sa pagpopost ng kung ano-anong bagay. I'm not sure if intentional or not na magpost ka ng mga alam mong makakasakit sa ibang tao. What do you feel and how will you react kung sa'yo gawin yon?

You are loved and blessed. You have a complete family, a life that some of your age can envy, you have almost everything you want - shelter, food, private school, gadgets. If ever na nagkulang ng pagmamahal at oras ang parents mo siguro naman hindi yon reason ang pagpopost ng kung ano-ano para makakuha ng atensyon sa ibang tao right? sino bang ipinapahiya mo sapalagay mo? sila ba or ang sarili mo? You can many likes and comments from your FB friends, masaya ka ba na natutuwa sila na binabastos mo ang sarili mong mga magulang lantaran talaga. Wag mong i-reason out na bata ka pa, we all know na alam mo na ang tama sa mali. Minsan na kitang pinagsabihan if you remember the post you made for Dad ang lahat nagulat, ang dami mo ngang natanggap na comments, pero di ba mas masarap makatanggap ng comments kung instead na pinapangaralan ka is pinupuri ka? What my point? Simple lang: RESPECT, LOVE and OBEY YOUR PARENTS and even people around you, kilala mo man sila or hindi. Alam mo naman siguro yung golden rule di ba? I'm sure naman na napagaralan nyo na yan sa school especially on your GMRC.

Mahal ka namin kaya ka namin pinagsasabihan. Gusto namin na maitama yung mga gawa na hindi mo dapat ginagawa sa kapwa mo at lalo't higit sa magulang mo. Kung wala ang Mommy at Daddy sa palagay mo nandito ka sa mundo; kung hindi kaya sila ang naging magulang mo, sure ka ba na may maganda kang buhay sa ngayon? Isipin mo kung wala sila at wala lahat ng mga bagay sa'yo na meron ka ngayon...

You are loved and blessed and sana naman matuto kang magpasalamat at mag-appreciate na kung anong meron ka. Baka pag nabasa mo ito magagalit ka sa akin, pero wala naman akong magagawa, ang intensyon ko lang mapabuti ka. Uulitin ko mahal ka namin at ng mga taong nakapaligid sa'yo, wag mong ilayo ang sarili mo sa pamilya at iba mong relatives cos in the end sila ang dadamay sa'yo sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Marami kang friends sa FB or barkada sa school pero ang family will always be your family, in the end sila lang ang maiiwan sa'yo.

Love,

Ate Jenjen

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” - Ephesians 6:1-3

Hayss bigla kong naisip ang hirap talaga sigurong maging magulang. 

Lord, continue to mold me na maging mas maging mabuti pa po akong anak kina Mommy and Daddy and if You'll give me a family of my own, give me the courage and strength to raise my child/children according to Your will. Amen

Film for Friday : Safe Haven

I planned to watch this on the big screen when it was shown here but unfortunately I wasn't able to and after few months just today I did. I'm glad I did

How I wish I still have time to relay the story or the movie itself to you, but its a bit late here and I need to get up early for work tomorrow.

All I can say is should watch it and I know like me you'll learn and realize a lot of things.

Life is full of second chances - chances to meet someone new, chances to be happy, chances to enjoy life and feelings, chances to love and be loved, chances to live with out fear....

 If you want to watch the full movie, here it is...
Safe Haven

Official Clarifies ID Fine Confusion

July 9, 2013 Tuesday when the new Qatar Rules on ID card spread all over the social medias and even in emails as well as memo disseminated by embassies of different country. This morning Peninsula newspaper published the clarifications made by officials regarding to the confusion of many expatriates regarding the 10,000 QR fine .

OFFICIAL CLARIFIES ID FINE CONFUSION

BY MOBIN PANDIT and MOHAMED OSMAN

DOHA: It is not a crime punishable with a fine if an expatriate does not carry with him his Qatar identity (ID) card, a senior official from the Ministry of Interior has clarified.

However, if one refuses to produce any identification document (ID or passport) despite the insistence of a law-enforcement official, he would be taken to task.

He would be referred to the court at the ministry’s Search and Follow-Up Department (SFD) through the department’s prosecution. The court can impose a fine of up to QR10,000 on such a person. That is the maximum fine, but if he admits his mistake with the Prosecution, he could walk away with a “reconciliatory” fine of QR1,000.

And even if the erring person is referred to the SFD court by the Prosecution, the court could impose a fine of just QR1,000. “It is the court’s discretion.”

The Director of the SFD, Brigadier Nasser Mohamed Eisa Al Sayed, told The Peninsula yesterday that sleuths from his department always demand ID from suspects.

For example, someone driving late in the night can be stopped by the SFD personnel and asked to produce his identification.

In situations where someone is unable to produce ID or passport, one would be held back until one proves who he is. “Once you prove who you are, you can walk away.”

Asked what happens to people who go on long walks or jog or do some sporting activity and leave their IDs behind in their cars, Al Sayed said: “ID is always demanded from suspects, not from such people”.

The official said sections of the local media have carried misleading reports, creating confusion on the ID issue. “What they have reported is not true.” 

The reports that went viral on the local social media were based on an interface of the Interior Ministry with representatives of expatriate communities on Sunday. Many people found it surprising that such a huge fine could be imposed for not carrying one’s ID. 

Al Sayed reiterated: “You are committing a crime only when you refuse to produce any identification document on the insistence of a law-enforcement official. Just not carrying your ID isn’t an offence punishable with a fine.”

Talking about passports of expatriates, the SFD Director said that legally the employee should keep it with him. Many companies and personal sponsors prefer to keep the passports of their expatriate employees. This is to avoid complications like delay in getting an employee’s residence permit (RP) renewed in time because it is a sponsor’s responsibility.

“Workers sometimes forget to renew their RPs if they have their passports with them,” said Al Sayed.

However, if a worker asks for his passport from his employer, he must give it to him. “If he refuses, the worker can approach the SFD and file a formal complaint. Action would be taken against the sponsor because he doesn’t have the right to refuse to part with an employee’s passport”.

About the ministry’s meeting (seminar on issues like community policing and visa and related issues) with the expatriate communities, Al Sayed said he didn’t attend it. “I wasn’t there but sections of the print media have even used my file picture with the misleading report about the ID issue, while the presentation was actually made by a colleague.”

The Peninsula

Throwback Thursday Rules

I love keeping memories, recalling moments and stories how it was, and I really enjoying seeing old photos. Thanks to social medias I can do it now every Thursday, thanks for the Throwback Thursday!

Let's talk about Throwback...

According to urban dictionary "throwback" is a sudden reminder of the past. It can be brought by hearing a song in highschool, seeing an ex, or anything that is similar to flashback

If you can post selfie after every minute you captured photo of yourself, here in throwback you can't do that, here's the rule for posting like a pro.

Every photos have stories, I'm sure of that and believe me or not I'm sure that you'll always recall it whenever you see it. There were song that when we suddenly heard remind us people - old friends, the life we had, our generations, etc.

I'll try to give you at least one or two "#tbt" every week and the story behind of those post, and I encourage you to do the same. Just try it, for sure in every post you will start reminiscing - maybe we have some bitter pieces in the past but as you go along recalling it you'll be boosted you - I mean look at you now, isn't you are better than your yesterday? and if not make your today an inspiration and motivation to strive harder.

2006  Al Sadd Days

Al Sadd Doha is closed to my heart, even I only lived on that place for almost 2 years, it brought me so much memories. I started in Al Sadd together with cousins - we called each other "hausemates" or "Doha family" Everything is plain and simple but full of joy and happiness.

The First Best Buy

When I first arrived here in Doha I noticed that people really loves to shop, lagi naming naririnig ni ate Che yung Landmark, even don sa mga nakasabay namin sa airport papunta dito. Maganda daw kasi don compare sa City Center, although that time we have no idea how City Center looks like, no comparison at all. And since most of te time kami ang magkasama kasi our cousins are working so habang naghahanap-hanap ng work, one afternoon na nabored kami, sumakay kami ng taxi carpool pa nga, that time di pa namin alam na bawal pala yon, one week pa lang kami. We asked the kabayan driver na ihatid kami sa Landmark, and to our surprise ang layo pala, so since bago lang daw kami dito kabayan driver asked us just to pay QR30, mura pa yon ha pero kapag ikinonvert into peso mahal na rin. Anyways, yan ang di ko yata natutunan dito ang magconvert and if there were times naman na magconvert ako I make it sure na reasonable naman. Pag pasok pa lang sa Landmark...ay oh tukso layuan mo ako! almost all of the shops are on sale. We end up into shopping instead of job hunting :-) I bought this Mango blouse for myself, the same but different color for my mom at QR49 and a Per Una - Mark & Spencer pink diary at QR 29. When we arrived home sabi ni Tita try ko daw magconvert kung magkano na kaagad ang nashopping ko e to think nga naman na wala pa akong work that time, plus yung transport fare and yung meal pa na kinain sa mall...tsk tsk. I still have that blouse until now, I mean gave it Mommy cos hindi na kasya hahaha, and the diary I'm still keeping it, actually hindi naman sya naging diary naging directory sya ng mga company and contact number ng mga inaapplyan ko that time :-)

 O di ba inosenteng - inosente pa ako and never mind the "payat" look pa ako jan, its given na ano..wala pa akong budget na pangkain kung saan saan that time, hahaha

When Boredom Strikes....

I have my cousins with me, that's one of the blessing that I will always be grateful.  The first day I stepped my feet in Doha I feel sadness, homesickness maybe. On our way pa lang from airport, parang ang lungkot na ng paligid paano ba naman walang kakulay-kulay ang mga building, halos lahat cream, and that time halos wala kang makikitang mga puno basta ibang -iba, buti na lang after 7 years colorful Doha na rin ito :-)

This photo was taken one night na bored na bored kaming lahat, ito yung time na nagsawa na kami manuod ng manuod ng movies sa DVD at nagsawa na rin kaming makipagchat sa kung sino-sino...hahaha, hausemates remember those days kapag bored na bored tayo dahil wala pang Facebook noong mga panahong yon ang Friendster boring naman and all we have is one laptop ni Sze and Shawn kaya don pa tayo nagchachat sa room nila at kung sino-sino ang chinachat sa YM chatroom si Denden ang ifro-front sa cam at pag narinig si Lolo or Lola ay biglang iclo-close :-)

We are not living together in one flat anymore but every now and then we see each other. Super nakakamiss but in a way being separated from each other taught us a lesson - to love and support each other more. Family is always the best!

That's for this week guys, try to reminisce for sure ako mag-eenjoy din kayo :-)

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Wacky Wednesday at HIA

Whoever is happy will make others happy too

 Sometimes its nice to be wacky :-)

Stay Happy

Happy Wacky Wednesday!

Ramadan Promos on Hotels and Restaurants

Ramadan is one the best time to enjoy different cuisine offered by some of the hotels in Doha.

I want to share you some of the promos and even their timings so you can enjoy dining this Ramadan. During this season we commonly heard the Suhoor and Iftar.

Suhoor is the meal early in the morning before fasting, this meal is eaten before dawn. Iftar is the evening meal replacing the 3 traditional meal such breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No wonder most of the hotels offers buffet during Iftar.

A Unique Ramadan at Crowne Plaza

Iftar Time: Sunset - 9pm

At Aramede, invites you to indulge in delicious Iftar and Souhour buffet and enjoy some live entertainment. For Private or Corporate Iftar/Souhour buffets, the team is ready to cater for your needs at The Event Centerfor up to 450 guests. They also got a raffle draw for a chance to win Flight Tickets on Etihad Airways.

Reservations: 44087613 - 44087614

Prices: QR175

A touch of light at Katara

Timing: 10am - 12am

This year’s theme is “A touch of light illuminating the village of authenticity”. Special events where modern and traditional collide in a festival like no other. Calligraphy exhibitions, Islamic lectures, and several more Ramadan-related events are in store for you and your family this summer at Qatar’s own cultural village.

Prices: Free

Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa

Iftar Time: Sunset - 9pm
Suhour Time: 10:30pm - 1am

Join them for delectable delicacies of Iftar & Sohour buffet, in the oriental indoor Ramadan tent setting. Offering all Arabic specialties with live cooking stations. Also enjoy their Saj bread master in action and special live oud entertainment during Suhour. (50% off for children 6 -12 years old).

Reservations: 4445 5555

Prices: Iftar: QR190 

Suhour: QR190

St Regis Doha

Iftar Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Suhour Time: 9pm - 2am

The St. Regis Doha offers lavish buffets inspired by Qatari traditions for Iftar and Suhour during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Grand Ballroom is transformed into a luxurious Arabian-style tent with private cabanas, personal butler service, live Arabic music and more, providing memorable experiences for the whole community.

Reservations: 4446 0105

Prices: Iftar: QR250 

Suhour: QR290

Grand Hyatt 

Iftar Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Suhour Time: 8pm - 2am

Going beyond the tradition,"Ramadanak tent" combining authentic and contemporary design, will be located at the Al Maha Lobby lounge extending to the Grill restaurant. Guest can enjoy the elegant and generously catered Iftars and Sohour. Enjoy a live performance during Sohour.

Reservations: 44481234

Prices: Iftar: QR 250 

Suhour: QR 200

Ritz-Carlton

Iftar Time: 6pm - 8pm
Suhour Time: 9pm - 1am

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha opens the grand doors of the Al Wosail ballroom and welcomes families, guests, and companies to break their fast in a detailed Ramadan tent décor of authentic fanoos lanterns, fine drapes, Arabic cushions and carpets. Enjoy Ramadan Nights with 1001 Flavours.

Reservations: 4484 8000

Prices:
Iftar: QR195 

Suhour: QR250

Souq Waqif

Iftar Time: Varies
Suhour Time: Varies

The souq is going to be a perfect destination to enjoy Ramadan. With its old historic atmosphere, there’ll be plenty of places to choose for dining or breaking your fast. Perhaps you’d like to have iftar in one place and sheesha in another.

Reservations: N/A

Prices: Varies

Diplomatic Club

Iftar Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Suhour Time: 8pm - 2am

During the Month of Ramadan Spend some time in the Royal tent Located in the Diplomatic Club, the tent will be offering Sohor and sheesha, enjoy it while listening to live music. Iftar will also be available in Al Sayad Restaurant starting from 6:00pm.

Reservations: 4484 7444

Prices: Iftar: 220 QR  


Sohour: 275 QR 

Ramada Encore

 Iftar Time: 6pm - 8pm

Iftar Indulgence at Ramada Encore Enjoy Encore`s mouthwatering specialized cuisine the "Hub" restaurant Group Iftar bookings (minimum 20 person )Buffet starting from QR 85 per person only. Inclusive of Ramadan beverages .50% Discount on children 6-2 years old

Reservations: 4445 5016

Prices: QR 80 

Al Mourjan - Corniche

The "Al Mourjan Iftar Bayti" tastes exactly like it would at home, food cooked with passion as if it came out from your mother's kitchen. The "Al Mourjan Sohour Under the Stars" is unque to Doha, dine and listen to live music with our Oud player relaxing you until the early hours of the morning.

Reservations: 4483-4423 or 6604-0290

Oryx Rotana

If you're looking for a peaceful and hassle-free place to hold Iftar with family and friends this year, then head to Choices . Experience a different twist in our all-day dining restaurant, where the evening feasts include a sumptuous Mediterranean buffet and enjoy our traditional Arabic background music from 8:45PM onwards. Observe the traditions of Ramadan every day and enjoy our Iftar buffet for QAR 185.00.

La Cigale  

 Served daily during Ramadan, this Iftar at La Cigale offers traditional Ramadan delicacies and a number of Lebanese specialties.

QR 200

Telephone number: 4428 869 

Movenpick Tower Suites

An iftar buffet complete with shawarma, mezze, ouzi (whole roasted lamb), Ramadan drinks and Arabic coffee.

QR 175

Telephone number: 4496 6600

Sharq Village & Spa

Enjoy an Arabic buffet at Al Liwan from 6pm-11pm daily during Ramadan, including beverages.

QR 205

Telephone number: 4425 6666

W Hotel and Residences

Check out one of the liveliest tents in town, with a live band from Syria playing traditional Middle Eastern music, a buffet and shisha menu. Kids below six will eat for free, while kids under 12 get 50 per cent off. 

QR 195

Telephone number: 4453 5353

Four Seasons 

The Four Seasons splashes out with its Arabica Terrace Tent, with an extensive buffet including local and traditional Arabic dishes as well as international and live cooking stations, complete with views of the Arabian Gulf.

QR 225 including beverages

Telephone number 4494 8888

These are only few of many hotels and restaurants that offer sumptuous cuisine during Ramadan. Enjoy the season - happy tummy, happy eater, happy you!

Hmmm..kung namamahalan naman kayo, here's the eat all you can :-) na sure ako busog na busog na kayo sulit sa panlasa panalo pa sa bulsa! :-)

So what are you waiting for guys? Enjoy and have fun! 

Happy Wednesday!

Qatar Law on ID and Others

Being an expatriate in other countries, we MUST always follow their rules, policies, regulations, and laws. I mean not only in other countries, much more in our own countries, how I wish all Filipinos has a heart and mind to follow even the simplest laws in the Philippines.

I remember my former professor in MPA, Judge Norberto Arellano said "kung gusto nating maging katulad ng ibang bansa we need to replace Filipinos" - get the logic guys? We cannot totally change Philippines, I mean 100% but we can eradicate or minimize disobedient and live as abiding citizen. Sometimes I just wondered too, bakit nga kapag nasa ibang bansa ang bilis nating sumunod, pero kapag sarili nating mga batas sa Pilipinas, complain before obey muna, hindi ba pwedeng obey first before you complain.

Early this morning, I saw several posts on Facebook about Qatar ID and the fine you need to pay if you will be check without having it with you.

Qatar ID is the residence permit ID card of each person who are living in Qatar whether your are a citizen or expatriate. It is a proof that you are a legal resident of Qatar. When I arrived here in Qatar 2006, may mga nagchecheck talaga na mga authorities, one night they are in the R/A then bigla nilang ipapa-stop ang sasakyan at ichecheck ang Qatar ID that time wala pa kaming ID kasi few days pa lang kami, pero we have our passports and visa, good thing isang ID lang ang hiningi sa pinsan ko lang, sya rin kasi ang nagdadrive.

Recently, Qatar changes from time to time its policies in securing VISA for the expatriates and maybe one of the reason also for them to tighten their rules on Qatar ID.

This morning this photo was widely spread in social media sites

From Gulf Times newspaper by Staff reporter - Joseph Varghese 

 

All residents should always carry their Residence Permit ID Cards or proof of residence and should produce it whenever asked by authorities concerned, said Brig Nasser Mohamed Eisa al-Sayed, director, Search and Follow-Up Department, during a community interaction seminar held at the headquarters of the Traffic department on Sunday.

Those who violate the rule will be fined up to QR10,000. Brig al-Sayed also said that the Ministry of Interior can transfer the sponsorship of expatriates, if they proved that they were abused by sponsors as per the Law No 4/2009.

Addressing various community leaders in Qatar, Brig al-Sayed said that the Ministry of Interior would publish guides on rights and obligations of expat workers in different languages. He pointed out: “We spend maximum efforts in providing proper help and solve the problems of expats without any discrimination as all are equal before law.  All expats irrespective of their identity and culture shall abide by the rules of the county.”

Specifying some of the rules and regulations, the official said that the use of private vehicles as taxis was a clear violation of the traffic law. He said: “Fines will be levied upon the offenders. It may also lead to deportation as the person violates the purpose of residence permit given to him, which is a clear violation of Residence Law No 4/2009.”

He further said that sheltering workers and housemaids who abscond from their employers is a crime. He said: “Violators of this rule will be dealt with strictly to eliminate the issue of absconding. Providing shelter for absconding workers is punishable as per Qatari Penal Code with imprisonment not exceeding two years and fine of maximum QR 10,000 or any one of them.”

We Filipinos are fortunate to have OWWA who assist and accommodate our kababayan whenever they faced "pang-aabuso" If you happen to encounter kababayans na tumakas po sa mga amo nila, dalhin po natin kaagad sa OWWA office, kasi nga po as an ordinary expatriates hindi natin sila pwedeng itago kasi punishable by Qatar Penal Code po yon kapag nalaman ng mga authorities na tinatago natin sila. 

The official added that if a person engages in selling items at public places or on streets on his own, it is a crime. “This is in violation of Article 11 of Residential Law No 4/2009 which stipulates that one should stick to the purpose of residence permit. He has to work for his sponsor and should not work on his own,” he added.

Punishable by Qatar law din po yung mga sideline jobs, its against the law po kasi na magtrabaho sa hindi mo sponsor, one of the reason na rin po kaya mahigpit sila sa pag-iissue ng visa, free lance visa is one example of this violation, kaya kung meron po tayong mga kakilalang may mga free lance visa at sa iba sila nagtratrabaho paalalahanan po natin sila.

 

Brig al-Sayed observed that if any sponsor refuses exit permit to any worker or if the sponsor is out of country and nobody is there to represent him, the Search and Follow-up Department (SFD) has some legal procedures that will ensure the travel of a migrant worker.

He explained: “If any expatriate faces a problem from his sponsor with regard to getting the exit permit for him, the SFD will study the application to get an exit permit to allow him leave the country temporarily or permanently and the department will implement the rules and regulations in this matter.”

Further to this, al-Sayed highlighted that the violators of the law No 4/2009 who voluntary surrender to SFD for leaving the country, will never be detained and will be sent back home without detention after completing the procedures.

“If an expatriate, against whom an absconding complaint has been registered, approaches us with an application, we will study it without arresting him. We will facilitate the violators for reconciliation and payment of reconciliation fine instead of taking legal procedures against them,” he added.

Living in any country, we are bounded to whatever laws they have and we must follow. Kahit gaano pang kahigpit or gaano man tayong hindi kasang-ayon sa mga batas nila, we can do nothing than to obey. Ignorance of the law excuses no one applies to all laws, hindi natin pwedeng sabihin na hindi natin alam, kasi kung may unang-una tayong dapat malaman kapag nagpunta tayo sa kahit anong bansa yun ay ang kung ano ang batas nila.

Let's just follow and obey for whatever Qatar law says, anyway its for sure for our own safety too.