EVENT | The Havaianas Filipinas Collection

The Havaianas Filipinas Collection

Flip flops nowadays are not just utilities for people. As in other clothing accessories, flip flops have evolved into a fashion statement. Gone were the days when one cannot stroll the city streets wearing but flip flops, scared to be judged by others. But Havaianas, the ever so popular brand, has empowered Filipinos the world over in asserting their fashion statements.

JOURNAL | Musings of the Season

Musings of the Season

So I have been walking around the metro, that is Lucena City. At SM City Lucena for instance, the spirit of the season is so visible- lights everywhere, Christmas tree upon entrance, carols playing loudly on speakers. Even the shoppers do not seem to get tire visiting shops here and there. You'll find my photos below.

JOURNAL | Job Interviews These Days

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TRAVEL | Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Resort

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Resort

Been to Tayabas, Quezon lately? 

JOURNAL | How To Be Wealthy... Or At Least How To Try To Be One!

How To Be Wealthy... Or At Least How To Try To Be One!

Here's a good read! A reminder to us all that financial stability should be one of our top goals.

How do you become wealthy?  Some would say pure luck, others would say inheritance or even intelligence. However, wealth is the result of a person's discipline and above all attitude. Attitude is the biggest difference between wealthy people and the rest of the populace. 

JOURNAL | Some Economic Thoughts

Some Economic Thoughts

Well I'm no expert on economic matters, but I do understand that the Peso-Dollar exchange hugely affect my capability to purchase McDonalds or KFC when I'm in a foreign land. So perhaps high school seniors or college freshmen can expound more on economuc concerns that hit the Pinoys most.

JOURNAL | Pilipino, Isang Depinisyon

Pilipino, Isang Depinisyon

Ano ka? Ano siya? Ano ako?
Sabi nila'y Pilipino.
Ugat natin ay Silangan
Anak dagat ang ninunong hatid dito ng barangay
Galing doon sa malayo sa matandang kalupaan
Dito sila ipinadpad ng magandang kapalaran.

JOURNAL | Lights, Moods and Colors

Lights, Moods and Colors

Why is the sky blue? Why is the setting sun red? Why is deep water blue or green? 

Well, the cause in each is the scattering of light- a diffraction effect. Dust particles and even the molecules of atmospheric gases interrupt the wave fronts of sunlight advancing to the atmosphere. The light that was advancing in a straight line from the sun to the Earth is dispersed. Tiny new wave fronts develop in all directions. In a new word, the light is scattered.

Journal | While There's No Laptop: Revisiting the Dirty Kitchen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

While There's No Laptop

I found my journal somewhere in my room and thought I'd share my OFW thoughts back in 2011 when I first stepped in Saudi Arabia.

Still has no laptop as of this writing. Got to do this long hand. Though I've noticed that I don't really have much time for writing and I fear that I can only write/record my thoughts on weekends which is by the way Thursday and Friday here in Riyadh.

I wish I can take a photo of my accommodation here just so I won't forget (but I'll keep that in mind still the same). I'll buy the DSLR before I go back to the Philippines. I really have to take photos of this place.

For memory's sake though, let me describe my location.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a five-minute walk from my room. I used to complain how far it is and how inconvenient it is for me to bring all my cooking utensils here but I guess I got used to it. I don't feel the same upset feeling anymore. It's just that I got lazy trying to cook my food.

Nowadays I get most of my fill from canned goods. I ate corned beef for tonight by the way.

The kitchen has two long wooden tables. Around the tables are four rickety chairs infested with bed bugs. When you sit, expect an itchy butt that would last for days- max is three days.

When I got here, there used to be a TV here in the kitchen. People usually gather in front of it chatting and making all sorts of noise. But now it's gone. Perhaps the owner got fed up with all these people, he decided it best to move the TV somewhere else.

Standing around the kitchen are fourteen steel cabinets all owned by residents living near the kitchen. When the owners open these cabinets, you'll see that most of the stuff inside are cooking wares and coffee, etc.

There's also that dirty looking LG airconditioner worn out from years of usage. It's the only source of air in this room so despite of its poor condition, I'm still thankful that it's there.

Adjacent to the tables are the stoves. There are a good 16 sets of stoves lining the cooking tables. A number of them stoves are also found outside. Although I have never used the stoves outside.

There are also four washing basins, but only two are functional. Let me just say that everything here in the kitchen is a sore image of deterioration.

One time I saw this cull chicken roaming around the kitchen feeding on scraps from the garbage bins. Apart from this chicken, there are also two big cats frequently seen here. One is the orange which we fondly call "Garfield." The other cat is horribly dirty I wouldn't dare touch it with a ten foot pole.

While writing this entry, two guys started eating on the same table and I feel very uncomfortable . I wanted very much to transfer but I feel very extremely lazy to move.

So going back to my point earlier- this is going to be a temporary journal just until I buy my own laptop by the end of August.

ARTICLE | Defining A Leader

Defining A Leader

Who said being a leader was an easy task? Does it boost self-confidence with the assumption of power and dominance over subordinates? This writer would like to think otherwise. People who regard this kind of leader must have not experienced the genuine nature of becoming one.

ARTICLE | Analyzing American Management

Human Resources Functions

In 2011, I had the privilege of working with Americans in a company operating in Saudi Arabia. As a Filipino, I have observed the striking differences with the way Americans work and how they manage people. 

JOURNAL | Cheche Lazaro as Inspiration

Cheche Lazaro as Inspiration

In our everyday search for that one person who may lead us to believe that there is still hope for a brighter future, we often fail. When we finally meet one, no matter how rare the case may be, the spark comes alive again and the embers start to burn. We find ourselves looking up and striving to reach the ideals set by that person who inspired us to hope and dream once more.

ARTICLE | Birdwatching in the Philippines

Birdwatching in the Philippines

In this advance age of ours, where most of our activities are occupied by technological devices, we sometimes take for granted that there are still things in life that cannot be replaced by artificial human creation. 

ARTICLE | Camera Café and the Portrayal of Filipinos

Camera Café and the Portrayal of Filipinos

Filipinos have been so used to comedy programs making fun of other people, using dirty and slapstick jokes, and sometimes politically overtoned. We cannot deny that we get entertained from all of these craziness, but at the end of the day remains one question and that is weather our viewing activity has given us much to think about. Or have we been so passive that we do not seek learning from programs that we watch but just sit in front of the boob tube and get some sheer entertainment?

JOURNAL | Gut-Feeling, Otherwise Known as Extra Sensory Perception (ESP)

Gut-Feeling, Otherwise Known as Extra Sensory Perception (ESP)

The qualifier 'always' in this line is the only thing that I had to contend with. Surely, there are times when we cannot really explain something and you know for a fact that sometimes things don't go the way they are supposed to. Then that's the only time you should rely on your gut feeling (instinct). 

JOURNAL | Memoirs in South Korea: Journey of An Exchange Student

Memoirs in South Korea: Journey of An Exchange Student

I can still remember the first time I arrived in Korea. My ears were still aching when I entered Incheon International Airport. It was my first time to ride an airplane for four hours so I really found the journey a bit disorienting.

ARTICLE | THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 1493 - 1898

THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 1493 - 1898

I picked the topic angels from the list for no particular reason or maybe it was because I am inclined to understand how angels would be documented in a century old work. However, I was disappointed when I saw the articles because they are not actually about angels but a narrative of celebrations that included angels as part of the festivities.

ARTICLE | The Day I Was Born

The Day I Was Born

The day I was born, well, banner headline of Philippine Daily Inquirer is – Urged US, ASEAN to follow: Malaysian MPs nix FM (1986). According the article, Malaysian opposition parties asked Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad not to recognize Ferdinand Marcos. Most of the stories during my first day in this world are about the continued clamor for Marcos to step down after the February snap election. There’s US lawmakers’ call: Crack down on Marcos and Congress has issued a strong challenge to President Reagan’s wait-and-see policy towards the Philippines. 

ARTICLE | SINO ang FILIPINO?

SINO ang FILIPINO?

Ayon sa Wikipedia.com, ito ang FILIPINO:

• Refer to people of Philippine descent, regardless of citizenship ( ibig sabihin, lahat ng taong pinanganak ditto sa Pilipinas ).
• Gumagamit ng national language, which is Filipino, as designated in the 1987 Constitution
• Culture of the Philippines reflects the complexity of the history of the Philippines through the blending of Pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian ( ang Kulturang Filipino      ay pinaghalong kultura ng mga tao dito sa Pilipinas bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila ).

SALSA | Aracama

Aracama

Location: Fort Bonifacio Unit C, The Fort Entertainment Center 5th Ave. corner 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

ARTICLE | Convenience Approach to living as observed from local TV game shows and its audience: How do local game shows influence Filipinos approach to living?

Convenience Approach to living as observed from local TV game shows and its audience: How do local game shows influence Filipinos approach to living?

The Filipino is a race of many practical talents which allow them to live anywhere, even under the most frugal circumstances. They can be compared to a seed that has been blown off to where the wind has blown them off, or a weed that just sprung out of nowhere, and thrives efficiently amidst a strange environment.

REVIEW | The Forest: A Personal Record of the Huk Guerilla Struggle in the Philippines

The Forest: A Personal Record of the Huk Guerilla Struggle in the Philippines

Filipiniana books at present are largely taken for granted y most of printing press thus resulting to insufficient materials that are vitally important for the awareness of students and common readers. Nevertheless, a lot of history books are scarcely distributed that it tends to created apocraphy in the minds of the people.

ARTICLE | The Filipino Diaspora and the Rise of Japayukisan

The Filipino Diaspora and the Rise of Japayukisan

The Philippines is the second largest labor-exporting country in the world next to Mexico. According to Floro Mercene an average of about 2,500 Filipinos leave the country everyday. About 7.5 million Filipinos, ten percent of the total population, are classified as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) distributed in 182 foreign countries. This number does not include the estimated three million migrant workers who are undocumented and illegally working abroad.

HISTORY | Kasaysayan Ng Dalahican

Noon ang Dalahican ay madalas maging pasyalan ng mga taga Lucena at kalapit bayan lalo na pag may okasyon o araw ng Linggo ng pagka-buhay. Sagana ang dalampasigan sa matatayog na puno ng niyog habang ang baybayin ay tigib ng mga kabibe at "star-fish". Maaaninag din sa linaw ng tubig ang buhangin. Di man puti ang buhangin sa Dalahican, naging tanyag din naman ito at naging bahagi pa ng pelikula noon ni Fernando Poe Sr. kung saan ginawa ang ilang parte ng pelikulang "Zamboanga".

Kasaysayan Ng Dalahican

Ayon sa mapagkakatiwalaang impormasyon, and lugar na ito (Dalahican) ay tumutubong isla sa pagitan ng dagat at Lalao. Ang Lalao ay isang lugar na malalim ang lupa na may mga tubig. Mga buhangin dala ng malalakas na alon mula sa dagat ang natambak din dito na sa katagalan ay naging isla at tinubuan ng iba't ibang klase ng halaman at punong kahoy na siya namang ginawang tirahan ng iba't ibang klase ng ibon at hayop tulad ng baboy damo, usa at iba pa.

ARTICLE | The Socio-Political Condition of Aristophanes' Time

The Socio-Political Condition of Aristophanes' Time

Aristophanes has been held to be a self-conscious, a systematic pacifist, and a social reformer. These views, however, though comedy and satire were anciently regarded as morally salutary, are hard to document in the case of Aristophanes himself, and it is doubtless a mistake to read into his works a consistent and programmatic political allegory.

ARTICLE | Family in the New Millennium

Family in the New Millennium

Atomic bombs, nuclear weapons, graft and corruption, crimes, famine, thirst, blood… name it the world has it. Nations against nations, state against church, government against the armed forces, military versus the fascists, innocent families in between, and then- the guns rattled, the defeaning sounds filled the air, then silence…

SPECIAL | Berlitz Language Testing

Berlitz Language Testing

So I'm about to take my Berlitz French test soon, but I have no idea how the test is conducted. FYI, my french is not very polished so I was trying to find some tips where to focus more. Voila, I found this rough guideline on how the test is done. Of course, this may not be the same but at least you get a glimpse of the process. 

ARTICLE | Communication and Media Education: Key to Bridging Differences

Communication and Media Education: Key to Bridging Differences

Communication is not just about hardware. More important is the involvement of the heart and soul in an attempt to touch other lives. As a young citizen of this country, I can't help but admire how such a short statement could address one of the country's major problems that causes unending conflict between Filipinos.

ARTICLE | Media Values and Society

This article was written when I was 17 years old, very young and too idealistic. You'll sense it from this article how naïve I was back then.

The article "Media Values and Society" written by Florangel Braid and Roberto Victoriano presents some reasons why and how media should be a tool in purveying Filipino values as a means to our national survival.

EVENT | UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2015 - TOP THREE Performances

UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2015 - TOP THREE Performances

So I'm paying my dues to the recently concluded UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2015. What with all the buzz and fuss over the results this year; and speaking of results- here's the tabulation sheet,

SPA REVIEW | Hopemed Spa (Cubao)

How To Reach

From Philcoa, ride a jeepney going to Ali Mall and get off at Save More

Hopemed Spa is located on the 2nd floor of the nearby building

ARTICLE | How to Make Your Home Ready For Departure

How to Make Your Home Ready For Departure

By Mary Sauer

Sometimes, simply getting out the door in the mornings is a difficult job, filled with endless tasks. Through the use of home automation, though, you can cut a few of those tasks from your to-do list, making getting out the door and to work, school, or your next big vacation as convenient as ever. The goal of automating little things throughout your home is to free up more of your time for the important things which demand your attention. 

REVIEW | Alchemy Bistro Bar

Alchemy Bistro Bar

Address: Durban Makati, Metro Manila

Contact: (02) 500 7398

REVIEW | Brasas Latin American Street Food

Brasas

How To Reach

- From MRT Buendia Station, take the jeepney and get off at Mapua

- Walk a few meters until you reach SM Jazz

- Brasas is situated in one of  the restaurants on the ground floor (easy to spot)

SPA REVIEW | (Defunct) Yamachu Spa (Mabini, Manila)

When reflecting on Yamachu Spa, my mind often wanders to its glorious days, a time when both locals and expats would regularly patronize this establishment. One of its distinctive features was the availability of sleeping couches, catering to those who wished to extend their relaxation experience overnight. Notably, they even offered a promotional rate from 3 am to 3 pm, allowing patrons to indulge in their services for PHP 600 during these hours. The spa provided comprehensive toiletries, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay. Additionally, guests could savor delectable food offerings in the welcoming ambiance of their lounge.

Regrettably, the onslaught of the 2020 pandemic compelled Yamachu Spa to close its doors. The challenges posed by the global health crisis forced the spa to suspend its operations, marking the end of an era for this once-thriving establishment.

ARTICLE | Eating Implements... Spoon, Fork, Knife- Which Tablewares to Use?

During formal occasions and fine dining events, one is usually faced with the biggest question in his life- which utensils to use?

So here you'll get a thing or two on how to use all the wares set up on your table.

ARTICLE | Table Manners... Why Should It Even Matter? (Cont. from "Social Graces")

As Filipinos, we were taught important table manners e.g. not speaking when mouth is full, washing hands before eating, not singing or humming, finishing what's in the plate, etc.

ARTICLE | Social Graces... You Want to Get Ahead, then Make Sure You Know Proper Social Etiquette

At this age of social networking, one ought to know the basics of social etiquette- in speaking, action, appearance, etc. One's social impression is very crucial in order to gain the most out of relationships.

Hence, I have encountered some tips which are very useful for highly sociable people. 

ARTICLE | What and Who Is Marimar? The 90s Generation Won't Definitely Remember

What and Who Is Marimar? The 90s Generation Won't Definitely Remember

Marimar is one of the several telenovelas of Mexican actress Thalia, re-rebooted by GMA 7 on its primetime (first was Marian Rivera, now it's Megan Young). 

Makes one wonder how many more Marimar is going to pop out in this network.

ARTICLE | Why Is Philippine Comedy Funny?

Why Is Philippine Comedy Funny? 

Being stuck at home, one normally finds himself in front of the boob tube. There are only two things that appeal to me on the program menu- NEWS or FILMS. 

DANCE | Salsa in Manila

Salsa in Manila

On a lighter note, was able to visit two of the most popular salsa destinations in Manila- the Cafe Havana (in Greenbelt 3) and Chihuahua Mexican Grill (at The Fort).

ARTICLE | Balikbayan Boxes Thoughts

Box of Thoughts
 
What I find incredulous about this whole farce on “opening and checking” balikbayan boxes is that- “What are XRays invented for?” Seriously, Bureau of Customs (BOC) hasn’t it occurred to you to find alternatives ways than rummaging through private people’s stuff?

ARTICLE | Trapik! And Why I Refuse To Put Up With It

Trapik!

This is one common expression every Filipino has learned to live with. It’s part of life anyway, so why bother? But I am very bothered! Deeply bothered not because there is traffic jam, but because this problem has existed for ages but has not been given enough solutions.

JOURNAL | Sitting By The Cafe (Assis au café)

You sat there with your unknowing smile;
I've recreated a fantasy world-
A world where you smile at me
Even at the most trivial reasons.

TRAVEL | Phuket Top Attractions

Phuket Top Attractions

1. Phi Phi Island

Located 48 km Southeast of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh are encircled by water so clear that you can see almost to the seabed from the surface.

SALSA | Phuket Thailand Salsa Review 2015

Phuket Thailand Salsa Review 2015

Okay, so this is a little salsa scene review of Phuket, Thailand.

If you are like me who considers salsa as a vital part of your itinerary when visiting a new place, then you need to read this review. Phuket on a low season (the monsoon months) does not seem to offer many events for salseros. However, there are one or two salsa venues which you can find in Phuket.

The Port

100/29 Soi Post Office Thaweewong Rd

Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu

Chang Wat Phuket 83150

GPS: 7.891452, 98.294605

Note: This open restaurant features the Jambo Survivor band who plays salsa for guests upon request.

The Green Man Pub

82/15 Moo 4

Patak Road

Rawai

Phuket 83130

Phone: 076 281 445

GPS: 7.824062, 98.331306

Note: This venue is approx. 30 mins. away from Patong

Other Salsa Venues

• Royal Phuket Marina
• Kee Lounge Phuket
• Le Versace
• Salsa Phuket Kata "Da Mario"

If you check on the web and on Facebook, there is only one group in Phuket that caters to salsa dancing- this is the "Phuket Cuban Salsa Lovers".

Phuket Dance (with Anna and Didier)

Website: http://phuket-dance.com/

The website is not well maintained but contains the contact details.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsa.phuket

Group Dance Classes

Tuesday & Friday - Salsa Class - Green Mann Studio, Chalong

Thursday - Zumba Class - Green Mann Studio, Chalong

Private Dance Classes

Private one on one dance lessons are available. Please contact us using the form below:

Contact Us: email to dance@phuket-dance.com for more info

The only issue with this salsa venue is that it's really far from Patong or Karon. Please see the map below:

Phuket does not have a good transportation system so one has to rely on overpriced tuktuks or get ripped by private taxis. An alternative would be to rent a car or motorbike so you can travel freely on your own.

Low Season vs High Season

Another factor to consider is the low and high seasons. I was informed that normally, salsa parties are held during high summer seasons, which can be extremely crowded. To be honest,  I have not visited Thailand during summer, but I bet that humidity and warm temperature can get you really soaked in sweat.

Costing

Below costs are approximates only and may vary:

Please note that the exchange rate is: USD to Thai Baht à 1 USD = 33 Thai Baht

Transportation
Airport transfer to Patong in a shared coach	200 Thai Baht
Patong to Airport in a shared coach	200 Thai Baht
Private taxi Airport to Patong vice versa	800 Thai Baht
Private TukTuk	400 Thai Baht onwards (per car/way)
Private Taxi (Saloon Car)	500 Thai Baht onwards (per car/way)
Motorcycle Rent	120 Thai Baht onwards (per day)
Food
Thai Food (small serving)	120 Thai Baht onwards
Seafood	400 Thai Baht onwards
Starbucks Venti	150 Thai Baht
Heineken Beer can	50 Thai Baht
Heineken Draught	120 Thai Baht
Gin Tonic	150 Thai Baht
Coke can	40 Thai Baht
7-11 Coffee	15 Thai Baht
TOURS
James Bond Island 1Day Tour shared	1,250 Thai Baht per person
Fanta-Sea Show Phi Phi Island	2,500 Thai Baht 3,200 Thai Baht
SHOPPING
Shirt	120 Thai Baht
Fisherman's Pants	200 Thai Baht
ACCCOMMODATIONS
Forest Patong Hotel	400 Thai Baht à Not Recommended
Royal Phawadee Village	2,000 Thai Baht à Good
Southern Fried Rice	600 Thai Baht à Good
Apsara Residences	625 Thai Baht à Not Recommended
Patong Bay Gardens Resort	2,000 Thai Baht à Good
Other accommodations near Bangla Walking Road
The Lantern Hotel Millenium Hotel Best Western Hotel Sleep With Me Hotel	These properties are walking distance from the beach
*When finding an accommodation, please bear in mind that the closer to the beach, the higher the price; but it is worth it because you actually save money by not paying for taxi or tuktuk
**Bangla Walking Road is the central marker of the Patong District. All clubs and bars are located near this area. The farther you get away from Bangla, the more quiet it becomes. So depending on your purpose of visit, you can consider Bangla Road as your marker.
BARS, CLUBS & MASSAGES
Bangla Walking Road	Filled with Thai and Russian strippers
Paradise Plaza	Gay and trans clubs and male massages
Massages	Everywhere
MONEY CHANGERS
Best Exchange	Has the highest exchange rate in Phuket. Located at the center of Bangla Walking Road (nearby Hollywood)
*USD to Thai Baht usually plays around 33.50 but Best Exchange can spike up until 34.50; will be worth it to change 100 USD bills in one go.

LANGUAGE | French Translators Online Tool

For some reason, I have been too enamoured with the French language, although I am not really as fluent in the language. To me, the challenge of carrying a decent conversation is one thing that I couldn't turn my back on.

TRAVEL | Hilarious Holiday Horrors: Actual Complaints That Will Leave You Laughing

After spending a considerable amount of time in the tourism industry, I've come to appreciate its appeal for recent graduates seeking enjoyable work experiences. Nevertheless, there are days when one can't help but ponder alternative paths, especially when confronted with seemingly trivial or amusing encounters in the course of the job.

MUSIC | May 2015 | Week 3 - Top 5 Songs in the Playlist

May 2015 | Week 3 - Top 5 Songs in the Playlist

These past few days, I've been enjoying a handful of songs from different genres- from Ed Sheeran, to Matt Corby, to Conchita Wurst, to Anggun. All different but one thing in common is that they talk about social issues or sends out messages that goes beyond the box. I hope you enjoy them too. If you have any other songs which you think are equally enjoyable please feel free to comment.

GUEST POST | Faces and Stereotypes: I Deal With It

Faces and Stereotypes: I Deal With It

By Nischal Gurung

I am a 23 year old Indian man working in the Middle East. Now when I said '23 year old Indian man', I am sure you have had a vague image of how I look like in your mind but before you go any further with your imagination, let me stop you. 

"One of the perks of being me is having an Indian talking in an Indian language near me completely unaware that I understand it and then he ends up saying something he shouldn't say near me and then goes the awkward moment when I reply back in Hindi." 

Most people around the world, and sometimes even people in India do not know that, Indian people do not have the generally stereotyped look and I kind of look like a Korean or a Chinese, but well I am Indian, and so does more than 8 millions Indians looks like me and yes there are 100% Indians and not related to anyone from China or any other Asian countries.

That's the story of my life. Because of my look, I have always been misunderstood, misinterpreted and looked upon weirdly, which makes my life strangely interesting. I work as a host in a restaurant and my job makes me deal with talking with lots of people, who come from different countries and background and this question always pops up to me everyday, 'So where are you from?'. Whenever I meet new people, get introduced to new friends in a party or I talk to client at work, they ask me, where am I from and then this frequently asked question, always end up with a long long explained answer. I generally prefer giving just a one work answer, 'India', and then goes a 10 second pause, a long stare at my face and then comes, 'No, you're not Indian', or sometimes I get a variety of weird answers. 

I get a lot of Asian people coming to me and talking to me in their native language and must say I actually have learnt to say 'No' in various Asian languages. With an outrageously large Filipino population here in the Middle East, I am often confused as a Filipino.

Well, I sometimes end up giving long explanation for how I am not Chinese or speak any other Asian languages, other than Indian and am purely Indian, and how my ancestors and forefathers have always lived in India and yes there are more than 8 millions of us looking the same as me in India. Sometimes its just not convincing enough for people to prove what I am and I find it kind of funny too, explaining all this.

Most of the time I finish explaining and they are pretty convinced I am from India, there follows up a number of brief questions. These questions are no less weird, which could be someone asking me, 'So you also like spicy curries?', or 'So you can speak English as well?'. Well, maybe they didn't realize I was speaking in English all the while. It is rather very challenging a task to explaining people for how I don't practice Kung-fu and I can speak Hindi fluently.

One of the perks of being me is having an Indian talking in an Indian language near me completely unaware that I understand it and then he ends up saying something he shouldn't say near me and then goes the awkward moment when I reply back in Hindi. 

Yes, the daily ritual of how I can speak Hindi and which country I belong to do follow up. That's my life, which gets weird everyday with extra strange and awkward situations, in a world full of stereotyped minds, being different (forgetting there are 8 millions of us) can be a challenge, which is fun and tiring at the same time.