Day 62

There's nothing much better than hearing from my husband how their team are so good at the Dragon Boat Races held in Tsim Sha Tsui. My baby in my tummy leaps as she hears my heart race for full on support for their team. It's incredible to witness how this team had progressed from being underdogs to becoming champs. The members had been labelling winning teams being composed of robots when they paddle because of how in sync they are. Little did they know that they share the same label now with them as they are one of the best of the bests. Hogan had been working hard together with the rest of their team and they deserve this. Go team Mushu!

Related posts:

1. BEING PART OF TEAM MUSHU - how I loved belonging to Hong Kong Disneyland's Rowing Team

2. ARIEL REONAL - a Filipino broadway artist that was one of the first Team Mushu champs in 2013, sharing his legacy into becoming Miss Saigon 2014's cast.

3. THE HEAT IS ON - Lea Salonga, one of the original cast of Miss Saigon wishes its new cast this 2014 the best.

Day 60 & 61

1. Pasalubong
2. Pasalubong (Tagalog, "[something] for when you welcome me") is the Filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home. [ 1] Pasalubong can be any gift or souvenir brought for family or friends after being away for a period of time.

3. Pasalubong - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasalubong

   
   

Day 59

Day 59 - jeffbulas.com
A Good Sign

It is interesting to know
that most of the days

that I find myself documenting
for my 100 Happy Days Project

are composed of those when
I had some time alone
doing something productive.

That being said, for my Day 59, during my time of doing light duty for my entire pregnancy, I was grateful of the extra reading moments I had to learn a lot about blogging, the one hobby I'm addicted to. It's seldom that you could get hold of genuine expert guidance most especially when people are driven to earn nowadays rather than by the intention of feeling obliged to the craft as your passion calls for it. In short, opportunistic people swarms the world wide web but Jeff Bulas gives out exactly what you need to know. Of course, I am not truly aware how he earns as far as sharing his content is concerned, but it surely helps me every time.

He writes his contents briefly, concisely and without bias. I'm not sure how important these elements are to other bloggers or writers out there but he creates awareness about a lot of things in a special way that I truly appreciate. May I suggest that whoever out there plans on writing or blogging to subscribe for his daily newsletter to gain knowledge and maturity in the craft. I always find myself loosing track of time reading his contents. And for me, getting lost in time means you're 100% passionate about what you're doing.

I'm truly happy for simple things like bumping on something that you know you'll learn from greatly and will serve you good in the long run.

Related posts:

1. WHERE PASSION TAKES YOU.... - get a load of the people who's being in the limelight this August and September of 2014.

2. NO TEARS, JUST GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - check out this Filipinos who, despite becoming gems representing the country, stays humble.

3. DAY 52 - Read on David Lightbody's promising reign in Hong Kong Disneyland as the new Director of Entertainment and Costuming.

Day 55

DAY 55 - BIG BREAKFAST

It is always rewarding for me

whenever I get to prepare a big breakfast like this. 

My husband and I, whenever we ran out of bread, we always resort to having a good English breakfast in La Kaffa which at some point becomes impractical already. It is served in a way that a breakfast pill will be put on a plate and then it magically expands into becoming the breakfast meal you thought you were craving for. Let me tell you, it is no way close to IHOP. Yet, that is what's in my imagination whenever I munch on every bite.

Today, both of us are off and I had a variety of bread at home, good for a normal toast, a french one and we had banana bread. Combined with eggs, home made potato fries, orange slices, roasted tomato slices and 2 pcs. bacon each, we started our day right.

I am happy about the amount of time I have in my hands in preparing this meal, I am happy about the time my husband and I get to share a good breakfast unhurriedly and I am happy about how abundantly God blesses me and my family sprinkling it with love. I am praying that this much blessing may be extended to people whose aim is to be able to thrive everyday. Every breath is a gift and this right here needs a special mention.

Plus this afternoon, we have a link to stream Frankie's competition at hand. The comforts of our home is the cherry on top of the ice cream. Grateful of all of your blessings Lord.

Related posts:
1. DAY 54, 56-58 - Frankie, my brother-in-law's participation in the World Fire-Knife Competition in Hawaii.
2. "SPEND A LITTLE MORE TIME MAKING TIME MAKING SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF, AND A LITTLE LESS TIME TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE." - THE BREAKFAST CLUB
 - an emphasis on how important breakfast is
3. LA KAFFA CAFE - How it started last 2013

Day 54, Day 56, 57, 58

Day 54

The WORLD FIRE KNIFE COMPETITION started in 1993 under the retired PCC Director Pulefano Galea'i. It is a prestigous event amongst Polynesian warriors, who up until now, strive to carry the culture thru traditional war dance transforming it into both a sport and an art form. With fire combined with the ancient fighting weapon of the Samoans which is called the Nifo Oti, the competitors gather up to individually represent their heritage, skill and talent as they dance the event away.

Day 56 - Falaniko Solomona, 1st Runner Up
2014 World Fire-Knife Competition

Long before, Polynesian warriors protected their families, their lands and their culture from being owned or stained by ambitious conquerors thru these weapons. Now that Polynesians, live independently and are freely representing their countries thru each of their own cultural ways, Samoa holds Fire-knife Dancing close to their hearts. Samoa, where the craft was started and known, struggles for the last 2 years and also this year in owning the Fire Knife Champion title from Tahiti's Joseph Cadousteau for being a world champion for 2 consecutive years, both 2012 & 2013. Meanwhile, VJ Tiumalu representing Orlando, Florida succeeded Cadousteau in becoming this year's Champion.

Though Falaniko Solomona had done a great job securing a place in this year's World Fire Knife Competition from the beginning because of his new moves incomparable to no other, he, representing Samoa for the first time this year, vows to make a come back. Winning the second place for him is yet another stepping stone into becoming more motivated than ever before. He admits that he needed to get exposed more as far as competitions are concerned. So, to his supporters, he plans to join the competition in Anaheim next year.

Above all, so many flights were also reprimanded on air, in landing and just by safely taking its route back home (missing along the way) so we were beyond thankful to God that Frankie made it safely home to us despite the huge blessing He bestowed upon Frankie during the competition. Seeing him pursue a great challenge up in Hawaii was something our family here in Hong Kong are proud of.



Day 57 - Frankie making it home safe and sound

It's my first time to see it in the flesh that's why this had to be included in my 100 Happy Days. There's always this youngster in me fleeting with glee everytime I get to have a chance to see, touch, or experience something for the first time. When you reach 30, you start to get to count your "firsts" in a range of 4-6 months using your hands. Admittingly, it doesn't come that often anymore.



Day 58 - Seeing the award, a real ngifo oti made of steel in person.

To all of you who have always thought of joining a challenging task such as this, I encuorage you to do so. Remember, there's no right time but NOW and the only mode of transportation into experiencing life to the fullest is TAKING  A LEAP!

Related posts:

1. 8th International Siva Afi Competition - Champion: Hogan Toomalatai

2. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS - a throwback on how young Falaniko Solomona, Hogan Toomlatai and Harry Pupualii had started competing.

3. WORLD FIRE KNIFE COMPETITION RESULTS FOR 2014 - here are the videos of the final 3 competitors in the competition.

Day 53



Day 53 - Eric and Tracey Forever 0508



The table where souvenirs were presented beautifully

had a mini chalk board that says,

"If you're posting on Instagram,

please use the hashtag  #etforever0508".

And I thought that was very cute

as this wedding falls on the time of trending.

My friend and batch mate in arriving here in Hong Kong, Tracey Co, got married to Eric Chua at the beautiful location of Kowloon Tong called, My Garden on May 8, 2014.

Weddings are always good occassions to witness. Seeing two people commit to each other in the name of LOVE is always a memory worth treasuring most especially when you have seen the couple go thru it all.

This was a happy day seeing familiar faces supporting the couple and giving them as much love thru music, well wishes and gifts. Old friends never change as we talked about familiar fondness of the bride as how she could turn a rainy day into a bright one. That being said, it was proven true on this rainy day. Even though the wedding being booked outdoors, had to be change into an indoor venue, it was no sweat. Most especially in hearing the bride sing "Thank God I've Found You" in the middle of breezing thru her vow. It gave justice to what the pastor said in saying, "A good husband listens, listens, listens, and LISTENS MORE.'" Hahahaha!!!! It was such an intimate and I'm glad that I was a part of it.

Congratulations to the newly weds and I wish you all the best!!!!

Related posts:

1. HOGAN AND KYTE AUGUST 26, 2013 - one of the happiest days of my life

2. IT'S IN YOUR HANDS - 10 Truths I have learned upon reaching 30.

3. 3 THINGS TO PONDER ON.... EVEN ME - Know the 3 Signs of Spiritual Maturity

Day 52

 

Bus interior late at night

We had a seminar at work that we had to stay back late at night which was not a normal shift. Exceeding any form of expectations, the expats had a service bus to go home to Tin Shui Wai which means I get a free ride home. WHEW! Carrying a baby in Hong Kong is somehow difficult most especially if you're going to commute so it was pretty much a relief for me. But that's not just what made my day today.

The seminar was beneficial to us because it was a way to understand our boss's background more and to understand his capability in terms of developing our company and inspiring us, his subordinates, as the foundation of it all. According to him, being in the entertainment team is the same as being in the front line of giving the guests a great time and something to remember about.

DAVID LIGHTBODY - became a part of Hong Kong Disneyland's management team last year and personally, I noticed him being hands-on on everything. He sees to it that he is knowledgeable of how everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is managed. Being the director of the Entertainment and Costuming Team, he wouldn't mind being one of us. He would immerse himself on how to actually become a cast member of the Costuming Team for example, just to be able to know how it goes about from issuing a costume all the way to where it goes to be washed. So far, I could say, he is an exceptional and humble leader. I have been part of the magic here in Hong Kong since 2007 and back then, we had a former director which I found her always elegant, driven and concerned. As a worker, you appreciate these traits because you acquire strength and inpiration from no other than your superiors. Somehow, you adapt to changes by becoming aware of the differences of a former type of leadership to the present one. And as far as adjustment is concerned, most of us hate detaching from what we have gone used to.

 

http://www.marcuslafayette.com/boards/david-lightbody-ltd/

However, I felt intellectually aroused with how he had presented his passion to theatre, particularly, to Shakespeare. Admittingly, I find Shakespeare one of the most influential, I mean, who doesn't? And I'm sure not only me felt impressed but David Lightbody had urged the entire room of how to stand up for your dreams. It may sound cheesy, a seminar about making your dreams come true. Like a fairy tale. Ha! But hear me out, as he talked about his undefiable want at a tender age to produce his own stage play, his almost "impossible" assignment of bringing Les Miserables over to China and being able to make the musical "Mama Mia" entirely translated in Mandarin? Dreams for our boss can be made come true if you would be more than willing to pursue it. He shared to us a lot about theatre business and he ignited a desire in us to go for what we want when somebody from the audience asked, "Despite the success that had put you in a pedestal right now, for sure you had broken down at some point almost giving up. From a well experienced theatre company producer to us starters, what are the tools that you would impart to us to stay focused in making that dream a reality?" And he answered very simply, "Just know that every problem has a solution. You just have to think about it. There's no measure as to how impossible that solution could be because there's no such thing as impossible. There is a solution if you would look a problem at all angles."

After the seminar, everybody wished there's more time. We all learned a lot from him in just 1 hour and the atmosphere of the talk was inviting. No trace of arrogance in his tone, no hesitations in answering questions from the audience and he is no mutant if you'd look at him explain things. But his CV is. That being said, I am proud to be under his management at the present.

 

Related posts:

1. THE HEAT IS ON - The new cast of Miss Saigon is yet to make a name this May.
2. ELA LISONDRA - A Filipina making her dreams come true as one of the cast of Miss Saigon 2014
3. ARIEL REONAL - A musical theatre veteran who had done a lot for Philippines music and theatre industry and now gracing West End with his participation in Miss Saigon 2014
4. I'D GIVE IT ALL FOR YOU - one of Ariel Reonal's performances
5. CURRENT ADDICTIONS - "Smash", a series that says it all about auditions, swings and everything about musical production.