2012 BDJ planner

The 2012 BDJ planner I got a month ago starts from December 26, 2011 until January 6, 2013, so, I'm officially using it, today and I'm loving every pages of it. 

Let me share you a little about what the planner has for every bella.

"Keep your

dreams alive.

Understand

to achieve

anything

requires faith

and belief in

yourself, vision,

hardwork,

determination,

and dedication.

Remember

all things are

possible for

those who

believe."

That is what the first printed page says. 

"It has been another year and a new one has come a-knockin'. It only means one thing: more opportunities to soar even higher and explore a most fabulous life! Surprisingly enough, you have everything you need to get you going this 2012: an endless curiosity, that expressive spontaneity and a zest for everything that life has to offer. The creativity in you is all you need to keep you pursuing your goals and conquering the world out there waiting for you. Live in curiosity, in wanderlust. As we go on with our careers, our lives, let's not forget about our ideals. Live life to the fullest; imagine your dreams become reality, day by day. Life can get challenging but know that you can be responsible for your own happiness and that you can create your own wonderland, if you will it so. Steer yourself to the direction you are aiming for. Now is the perfect time! There's a new slate in front of you and it's up to you to take on the challenge to color your world the way you want to. In the end, it's what makes you happy that always counts . Let go of your fears, let your doubts take the back seat. It's time you soar, you explore. Make 2012 the year for your dreams to take flight."

It was very well said. 

Today, I registered myself at www.belledejourpowerplanner.com to know more about BDJ's events, giveaways and more. 

I'm now a certified BDJ Girl! ;)

I wrote a letter to myself. This will definitely motivate me especially when things get tough.

This is my dreamboard page. A clear visualization of dreams can bring us one step closer to making it a reality.

This is one of the monthly divider lifestyle articles. These are tips and tricks that will guide through the year from fashion, beauty, self- development, etc. 

The planner has many other useful pages. It helps me note down my professional and personal priorities, good deeds, affirmations, important tasks, goals, personal errands, etc. It also contains articles about managing work life better, 2012 checklist, vacation planner, menstrual tracker, health checklist, special events tracker, habit tracker, gift list, bills and cash flow tracker and a page for random thoughts. Lastly, it has discount coupon pages. 

I will be claiming my BDJ 2012 lifestyle card, soon.

Christmas 2011

Just like the last four Christmas days, I spent the day away from home again. But I had a great feeling that it would be merry and so it was. I spent the Christmas Eve with some intake mates and friends who were Rachel's church families. 

Christmas is a season of thanksgiving. To keep the tradition of giving, yesterday afternoon, we wrapped our gifts for the monito- monita. We were then picked up by Rachel's church families and we went to their home.

Two hours before 12 midnight, the dinner was ready.

After the dinner, we all went out to sing Videoke with the video and lyrics on a big projector.  We all sang and danced.

Shortly after the pastor shared inspirational messages to everyone, the group had  the exchanging of gifts.

The entire night was great. I was enlightened by the pastor's message about not losing courage after losing a job. I may have not spent my Christmas day with family but I was able to spend it with friends. Good friends are families. 

I have been to Cagayan de Oro twice for a white water rafting and Iligan once to experience their beautiful waterfalls. These must look different now after being devastated by the flash floods. I know how sad Christmas will be for the families, but Lord, please help them that they will recover from their loss and still find meaning in their lives despite the destruction.

atv ride and mangrove paradise resort

After seeing Kampong Ayer and the Empire Hotel first week this month when my sister visited, I never knew I could still get to experience some more of Brunei. This afternoon, the girls and I went to Tungku Beach for the ATV adventure ride. Though I had tried this once in Boracay, I still felt like I only did it this time. We both tried the big and small vehicles. It was an afternoon full of fun. The girls had fun driving through the sand, going back and forth the entire adventure area, and shouting. 

Ching and I on a big ATV ride. I looked very scared, but that was at first.. ;)

the girls after the sun has set

I wonder though why there's not a single ziplining adventure in Brunei. Brunei must be a very good place to have a lot of ziplining businesses. 

After the fun adventure, we had dinner at Mangrove Paradise Resort in Jalan Kota Batu. The restaurant is located in the river. It was literally above the water. Now, I'm missing the barbeques in Baybay, Leyte which had a similar setting with this resort. It had a very beautiful view because of the night lights surrounding the area. I don't know how it looks during the day, though. 

I loved everything we had for the dinner, most especially this Mango Fish. It's called a mango fish since the fish has slices of raw mangoes all over it, and peanuts as well.

Well, I'm loving Brunei more, now that I'm already leaving a few weeks from now.

thanking God for...

I'm thanking God...

- for giving me enlightenment about steps to do next in my life (it has been quite dark for the past few days)
- for releasing Jeff from the hospital without minor and major concerns from his body and health (after a basketball game accident)
- for finally giving Jasmine a relaxation in mind (after taking the nursing pre-board exam)
- for a year full of friendships, places traveled and learning experiences
- for always guiding my friends, relatives and family
- for still making me feel good about myself despite this ugly bangs (had it cut a month ago)

intake 132 christmas bonding

That night was both a celebration of Christmas and a celebration of friendship. It started with an opening prayer by Rachel followed by my short opening remarks. The dinner then started after a prayer before meal. The celebration was full of activities. After dinner, each flat had a presentation and since I'm not living with any of my intakemates, I joined Kat and Gwen. Games were also played which everyone enjoyed including guests from other intakes. We danced. We sang Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford's duet version of You've Got a Friend. Each of us delivered a message to everyone. We listened. We laughed. We cried. We exchanged gifts and enjoyed taking photos. 

I'd miss flying but I'd miss the friendships more. Few weeks from now, we will all be on our separate ways, pursuing our own journeys. 

I know we will all meet again somewhere, sometime...

only dreaming

The clock's alarm wakes me up to prepare for a flight. I take a shower, eat my meal, put on my make-up, wear my uniform and wait for the transport. 

Then, I'd realize that I'm only dreaming. 

I still feel like everything is just a dream. I still couldn't believe I ended my job so quickly. I couldn't believe that I have already returned my uniform and all other important stuff. I couldn't believe I have already started packing my things and I couldn't believe I'm going home soon not for a vacation, but for good. 

I want my job back and I still want to fly. And honestly, I still do not know what steps to do next. I'm confused.

But I know these things are for sure- I know that God never does anything accidentally and He never makes mistakes. He only has better plans and that He will help us deal with this big change in our lives.

cabin crew recruitment campaign

Eight in the morning today, we were already on our way to the Empire Hotel and Country Club. We were there for Qatar Airways' Cabin Crew Recruitment Campaign. They were invited by Royal Brunei Airlines, exclusive for those who were affected by the massive downsizing. We watched a video presentation of the airlines. We listened as the recruiters talk about Qatar, the airlines, its rules and regulations and its benefits. We were also interviewed and will be notified after 2- 3 weeks whether we pass it or not. 

Though we were not really ready for it, it was a good try.

a picture of our intake after the interview

good bye RBA!

'I recognize this has been a time of great uncertainty and anxiety for our staff. We are working to contain the number of staff affected by the downsizing of our network. In that context, we are now targeting to inform individual staff whose positions may be affected by the restructuring process on or before December 15. In the meantime, with your continued patience and support, I remain confident we can move towards more stability and have a better airline as a result."

This is one of the things stated in the memo we got last November 25. While I was in Melbourne, I couldn't help but worry over the things that were happening while I was away. I cried alone in my hotel room knowing that my flatmates and intakemates got called up for the termination. Yesterday, after passenger disembarkation from the Melbourne flight and after checking the entire cabin for any left passenger belongings, some of my colleagues and I received a plot change requiring us to report to the admin office. I was expecting it.  Groups of cabin crew already reported last Monday, Tuesday and yesterday and the same thing happened to all of us. 

January this year, we all arrived in Brunei and was so excited to start our career with Royal Brunei Airlines. We all processed our requirements and all other documents and even immediately resigned from our current jobs. Things happened suddenly. This day, my colleagues and I reported to the admin office and we received our end-of-service letters. Our careers as flight attendants ended officially today.

It's a sad and difficult situation for everyone. The retrenchment is massive, I couldn't even believe it. This is really a BIG CHANGE to deal with in our lives.

melbourne, australia

December 10, 2011

After a 7-hour full flight, we safely arrived at Crown Metropol Hotel. Shortly after the debriefing just as everyone else was getting their bags to proceed to their rooms, I met Honna, Nelli and Ate Bev. Honna and I were highschool batchmates. She and her family moved to Australia five years ago. We all went straight to my room and we talked about a lot of things. I told them about what our current situation in work is and how afraid we all are about possibly losing our job soon. 

December 11, 2011

During my first stay in Melbourne, we all went to Eureka Skydeck, Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform which offers a view of Melbourne . The elevator only took us seconds to reach the 88th floor. Three of us tried the Edge Experience. We went inside a glass cube which goes out 3 meters from the building- suspended almost 300 meters above the ground. 

a view of Melbourne from one side of the skydeck

a capture of us inside the glass cube

After seeing Melbourne, we did a little of sightseeing on the city's attractions. Then, we all went to Docklands by taking the City Circle Tram. We had dinner at Nando's and went back to the hotel and swam at their infinity pool.

December 12, 2011

Dita, one of my colleagues and I went to the Melbourne Aquarium. One of the best things I saw from the aquarium were the big Antarctic penguins from their icy home. 

now, tell me what these guys are doing.. :)

After seeing a lot more of those unique marine creatures, we did sightseeing of the city. When I met Hanna that night again, she took me to Cervo Cafe at Crown Promenade. We had pizza and pasta for dinner. Afterwards, we visited a friend with Ate Bev and had little champagne. 

December 13, 2011
I spent the last day in Melbourne shopping at Victoria market and the last night was spent with Hanna, Nelli and Champ at Kitchen Workshop for an all-you-can-eat dinner.

My entire stay in Melbourne wouldn't be so special without Hanna, Nelli, Ate Bev and Champ's presence. It was full of good memories. Visit the 'Multiply photo and video site' tab above for more photos of my travel. 

sister bonding

November 30

I picked my sister up in the airport. I was glad she was safe. It was her first domestic flight from Tacloban to Manila yesterday and it was her first international flight today from Manila to Brunei. She just got her passport yesterday. It was funny how the ground staff in Manila told her to change from her shorts to jeans. Lol. I forgot to brief Jasmine about wearing formal since she's traveling as my dependent using the staff privilege travel.

December 1

We planned to go to Miri City, Malaysia but we missed the 7AM bus since we arrived at the bus area 8AM. We went to Limbang, Sarawak, Malaysia instead. Jasmine and I shopped a lot in one of their department stores.  At 2:30 PM, we were already at the bus waiting area to catch the bus that would take us back to Brunei. We waited until 4PM but the bus hasn't arrive yet. Good thing we were able to hitch a car and we arrived back in our apartment safely.

December 2

Jasmine and I were able to go to Kampong Ayer, the world's biggest water village.

December 3

We visited Empire Hotel and saw how beautiful it was and during the night, Jasmine and I had our simple birthday celebration with friends at my flat.