It's time everyone flies

This post is not about a recent trip using the country's "second flag carrier."  This is about their booking and reservation service that really impressed me.  I booked a trip to Davao for our Middle Managers Training last month.  Nothing unusual except for this official trip I have to use my credit card in purchasing two tickets (one for me and for a co-worker).  Well, nearly a month after, I got shocked when I saw my credit card statement and the amount for the tickets was posted twice - hence double the amount that I requested for reimbursement.  

I immediately called Citibank, got some answers from the phone officer.  The following day, I downloaded and printed the statement dispute form but somehow didn't know which box to check among the reasons for disputing my credit card statement.   Another call to Citibank and was advised to contact the customer service of Cebu Pacific.  

To cut the long story short, I got the best customer care service EVER in the Philippines.  I remember being spoiled in terms of customer service in Japan that I always compare them with the ones I get (especially when transacting over the phone) in Pinas.  But really, I'm so impressed with the way they handled my request and the prompt response I got from them - they promised to give me a resolution within 24 hours and they really gave me.  Here it is:  

• REFUND CANCELALTION‏

23/11/2011

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 CEB eTicket - Cebu

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To mmprobles@gmail.com, mmprobles@hotmail.com

Greetings!

This is to inform you that we have cancelled your booking for refund due to duplicate booking. Please see details below:

            Name of passenger                 : PEREZ/ MARIA LUISA MS.

                                                              ROBLES/ MARIA MARTINA MS.

                                                                                                                          

Flight Details                           : 5J 963 MNLDVO 16OCT11

                                                  5J 970 DVOMNL 22OCT11

                                                           

Record locator                         : VEKWSX

           

            Amount of fund                       : PHP 11,751.52

We apologize for the inconvenience that has caused you.

Best regards,

Service Desk Cebu - Reservations

Now, I encourage EVERY Pinoy to fly the country's "FIRST flag-carrier in my heart."

The Princess's Man

My saeguk-fusion drama for 2011.  It has 24 episodes (4 more than 2010's Sungkyungkwan Scandal) which means I spent almost 3 months waiting for Wednesdays and Thursdays.  

Dubbed as the Romeo and Juliet of the Joseon Period, I didn't plan on watching this as I felt that I have "outgrown" my fondness for this Shakespearean tragedy.  Although looking back, even when I was in high school and loving all the Sweet Dream books, I never really find Romeo and Juliet as romantic.

Elements that I enjoyed in this kdrama:  

1.  the official soundtrack - wanted to post my favorites but no more "Music" option after clicking Post; 

2.  Moon Chae-won's hanboks - even when she became a servant-maid, she looks fantastic in them;

3.  presence of a male gisaeng - it's refreshing that this saeguk feature such a character; and

4.  the senior actors whose mere screen presence commands respect worthy of the royalty role that they play.

I was torn between wanting a tragic and happy ending.  Overall, I am happy that the Korean queen in this saeguk is wise and we have a character who saved the not so star-crossed Joseon Korean lovers.  

Zenkai Girl

My jdorama for Summer 2011, Zenkai Girl stars Aragaki Yui and Nishikido Ryo.  Aragaki is the overachieving Ayukawa Wakaba while Nishikido is Yamada Sato, her exact opposite -- stay at home single dad, no college education and no great ambition.  The Ayukawa character reminds me of Tracy Flick from the American movie Elections.   But since this is a jdorama and she is in the land of "ganbarimasu" - overachieving, overdoing and over-everything is the norm.  There are no gray areas in how she her character is presented.  In fact, unlike in the American movie, Ayukawa's success is appreciated by all the other characters who eventually came to like her (or if not - they at least respect her).  Well, maybe what really sets Ayukawa Wakaba apart from Tracy Flick is her Japanese sense of belonging in a community.  More than her individual achievements, she is first and foremost a member of the Samejima Sakuragawa Law Firm and the Parent Rotation Club.  

All the child actors and their characters are memorable.  The young Wakaba is overzealous yet lovable; Hinata is an adult-child fashionista.  Last is Pitaro who should not grow up and stay as his cute five-year old self forever.   

Here are my favorite lines from the last episode:

I believe that people who have had the taste of defeat are stronger than those who only know how to win - Ayukawa

If you like him, then it isn't about what you want but about what you can do to make that other person happy - Hinata

I can't do anything great for you.  But I will love you my entire life.  So, will you marry me? - Sota    

Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, 2011

Went back to these three countries after less than a year. I was supposed to do a lot of things here but figured at the last minute that I'd just rest and enjoy the food. Finally ate the Hainanese Chicken Rice, took pictures of the Marina Bay Sands and made the decision to let go and move on.

South Korea, 2011

Finally got to visit the land of kdramas with Mina. This trip was planned five years ago at the Jasso Dorm in Nada. All the places we visited are featured in a drama, ;)

The Greatest Love was showing at the Incheon Airport when we landed. Hence, Dokkogin, Ding-dong and Pil-soo were here. Most airport scenes in kdramas are shot here - Dokkogin when he came back from the States has an Incheon Airport scene.

Myung-dong - The last scene when the Prince and Princess kissed in Goong or Princess Hours was shot in the middle of the shopping streets. Hwang Taek-yung of You're Beautiful bought Mi-nam's hair clip for 100,000 Won here.

Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon - I wanted to stay out of the Nami Island pilgrimage and opted for this World Heritage Site. But when we got there, Jewel in the Palace was shot here. I think the archery area was also the scene for the competition in Sungkyunkwan Scandal.

Seoul City Hall - I'm not sure where but I think, Lovers in Paris featured this or I think a Super Junior MTV was shot here but all the kdrama idols serving their military duty was staging a concert. I didn't even know that such things exists but when we got off the train from the Suwon trip, I told Mina we're going there and to my surprise, I saw lots of high school students and kdrama fans waiting for the concert. Lee Jun-ki, Lee Dong-gun and lots more were there. If only for this concert experience, the trip was really worth the airfare and travel expenses.

Coex - I think One Fine Day was shot here. There were lots of students hanging out because of the book fair. We also visited the shrine near the building.

Namsan Tower - Jandi told Jun-pyo from Boys Over Flowers that the best tasting three-dollar coffee is found at the vending machine where the cable cars are stationed. We didn't try as we were there at the start of the summer season but Mina and I ate the best tasting burger in Seoul, :p.

National Museum - don't know if a drama has been shot here but I don't care - a visit at the museum is always on my travel IT. Got the best value for money in terms of museum souvenirs - 3 dollars each for the document holder. I bought three - one for Lenisse, one for Ziyan and one for me.

The Palaces - watching the seaguk dramas now made me aware of the palaces that they use as backdrop.

Dong-daemun gates - we ended the trip here. I'm not sure if this is the market where Choi Ji-woo's character in Stairways to Heaven sold her clothing stuff. But all the major department store were closed that time. I'm not sure why.

I totally forgot to take pictures during the guided tours - the first one was in Han River and the last one was Cheongyecheon.

Random Thoughts

Wherever you are, 

You are exactly where the Lord wants you to be....

City Hunter

More than two years ago, I posted an entry about Lee Min Ho.  After skipping his 2010 drama Personal Taste, I'm glad to have patiently waited for the new subbed episodes of City Hunter,   Wonder what's the next kdrama that would demand my devotion?   Above is the confrontation scene between Lee Jin Pyo and Lee Yoon Sung.

Rebound Redux (or the 10 cakes a bake shop should have)

Took me sometime to write another blog entry.  It seems weird but I decided that I'd like to go back and discuss this jdorama - AGAIN, 

The 10 cakes summed up the whole dorama - 10 episodes where in Taichi made 10 cakes, always with Buuko at his side - inspiring and pushing him to create these cakes:

1.  Strawberry shortcake - where Nobuko after biting the original cake made by Taichi's father established her dream of becoming a wife of a cake shop owner.  I guess this means destiny or simply finding your dreams. 

2.  Cream Puffs - I'm so glad that this is Buuko's favorite cake (if I have to have a favorite cake - this will also be it).  This episode shows how important it is to get to know a person.

3.  Chocolate cake - It's a staple:  cakes and chocolates go together.  He made this when Nobuko rebounded after re-discovering her love not just for cakes but for eating.

4.  Mont blanc - Never tasted this cake but as soon as I see one will definitely try.  For this episode, Taichi is celebrating Nobuko's choices.  A girl has to have not just dreams but also a career.

5.  Cheesecake - this one's different:  there's the Japan and French flag colors when you slice it.  Taichi is showing Buuko that though they are both chasing after their dreams and would have to be far apart, they'll always be together.

6. Fruitcake - I got nervous in this episode for the cake's inspiration is Buuko's childhood and best friend.  So glad that at the end, Taichi made the cake to make Buuko's favorite person happy and to celebrate the friendship that his girlfriend and the girlfriend's best friend have.

7.  Cake roll - the cake that would define Nobuko, Taichi's girlfriend.  Inside is the smiley that Nobuko is fond of.

8.  Apple pie - cake for Nobuko's boss or the equivalent of Anna Wintour in Japan.  She hates cakes but this one was made especially for her to eat.

9.  Pudding - the Kobe Pudding used to  be number 1 in my list until I discovered cream puffs in Kyoto.  Taichi made this for Buuko's father.  Yep, guys also have to win over the fathers of their girlfriends.

10.  Tonkatsu Ke-ki - This episode shows how two seemingly impossible combination can come together.  For cake shop owners, this is the unique product that your shop has to offer.

Rebound

There's something about jdoramas.  I used to hate them but then I think turned wiser and got to love them.  

Been watching lakorns and tons of kdramas lately.  Yet, I make sure that every season, I at least tune into one jdorama.  I'm not really solve on the watching Rebound as my jdorama for Spring 2011 - Jin2 is also on and so is the new one with Shingo Katori.  I'm pretty sure that having Mokomichi somewhat made the decision easier.  Aibu Saki is also not bad, I even think they have some chemistry.  I guess, I'm also curious as to how the story will center around a heroine who has to deal with the issues of weight loss in a country where XXS exits, fat means M and L is the biggest. 

Then I tuned in.... 

First episode, I watched purely for the eye candy - Mokomichi in a chef's uniform, Aibu Saki working in a fashion magazine and of course the Nihongo "rensyu."  Episode 2 made me really miss the cream puffs in Japan.  I swear cream puffs and ramen make me say, "Tabetai!" and "Nihon he ikitai!" all in one breath.  I now crave for the cream puffs near the Saiin Hankyu eki.   Going back to the drama, by the end of this episode, I seriously considered giving it up. Episode 3 - the writers made Mokomichi fat too!  I mean, please dorama no kamisama (seriously, there must be one) make them realize that the show won't rate if he stays like that.  While I welcome the show discussing obesity in both sexes, I prayed that they really make Moko's character an exception.

Well, somehow the kamisama exists and the writers are attuned because at the end of episode 3, they made him return to the prince that he is.  Well, I want to take that back because I would really be disappointed in myself if I think that the only thing that makes Moko's character a prince is his personal appearance.  I really should say that it's his talent for creating those wonderful cakes.  

All these things - contradictions, twists and departures from all those drama cliches made me stick to this one.  Because really, the drama land is composed of good looking leads wearing fashionable clothes while navigating through a seemingly unfair universe that will strengthen out in the course of nine (shortest for jdoramas) to 50 or 70 plus episodes (usual fare for saeguks or morning kdramas).   But somehow  while watching these stuff, there's an episode, a scene or a moment when these predictable characters mouthed lines or showed gestures and suddenly light bulbs flashed, fireworks erupted and the "eureka" word uttered.  Episode 4 did that - it's when Nobuko realized that getting married means being ready to give up all the other things that you want to do or the dreams that you want to fulfill.  When she did all that, Taichi, the male lead, also made a realization that loving a person means letting her go, cheering her on and helping her achieve her dreams.  

What can I say, amidst the mediocrity - I remembered O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi.  

Overheard from Top Chef Masters - Season 2

I just won't do it.  It's not in my lexicon.

- Jonathan Waxman, Barbuto - NYC

Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey

Never thought that I would read this leadership book.  I didn't even bother with his father's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  But with nothing to do on a Sunday morning, I got to read this book in one sitting.  

No this is not a book review - lots of people have written about this one.  I just want to highlight these lines taken from the book:

Trust your instincts and your intuition.

Trust your judgment.

Trust your ability to receive guidance for your own life.

Trust that when your own heart is right, the universe will provide and things will work together for your good. 

So simple, yet these thoughts are weighing me down...

 

Hot Air Balloon Festival 2011

I didn't really plan on going to this festival. Better to rephrase that - never thought of going to this festival - because of the following reasons: (1) too early for me to get up on a weekend; (2) didn't think big balloons with company logos are interesting at all;(3) never really like the Pinoy fiesta atmosphere.

All these reasons got thrown in the trash bin simply because of the following: (1) hacked hotmail account; (2) Raul wants to go; (3) Melissa is back.

I got six shots and my camera gave up on me. Melissa said the battery's old. Besides, how can I compete with Raul's SLR. Hopefully, he'll post it here and not just in FB.

All in all, I did enjoy - not the festival but staying in Melissa's house with Raul, whose presence kinda forced me to socialize and join the family's weekend activities.

Ate Belle and Ate MIldred still takes good care of me. Leo's sugpo is still the best. I missed Ading and Ate2. I kinda felt guilty that I did not visit them for a year. They both look grown up. Melissa seems different too.

Some festival....

Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia 2010

The schedule for this trip got moved more than three times. It finally got settled after all my commitments are done. Did not attend the office Christmas party because of this. Got a clean bill of health from SATA - the Singapore community health service in Bedok. Obtained my social pass after paying 200 Sing dollars. Spent Christmas with Malmen and traveled abroad for the first time with a family member - it was difficult but hey, we both survived but really, I'll think more than four times before doing it again.

Regret that the most memorable part of this trip was not captured in camera - spent my last night in Singapore with Cecille. We had a wonderful dinner, endless conversations and just basking in the night scene of the city while sitting in the open stage of the Esplanade.

Note to self: This description is a reminder of what was not captured. We were just too involved and excited that I forgot to bring my camera and she forgot to charge her mobile, ;(