I am back in Manila again. This time, I have a colleague from Sydney with me. She wanted to explore Manila's culture and food. So we went out to GreenHills for bargain, and Market Market at Bonafacio for mid range local fashions.
When we arrived at Market Market, I noticed 2 men looks suspicious (intro level) but I just ignored them, thinking they may detected we are not locals (since me and my colleague speaks in chinese). We continue with our shopping, then we we reached level 4, again I saw the same men (suspicious level), this time they stare at us then they turn to each other and whisper to their ears. My kiasu (scare to lose) and kiasi (scare to die) radar arised!
I told my colleague about what I saw. Then I gave her a choice, do we still want to continue with the shopping. For me, this is just a warning level, but if we see them again for the third time, then we have to ESCAPE coz we are in dangerous level.
My colleague turned pale and her voice is shaky when she heard this. She told me she prefer to leave asap and never come back! What will you do? Will you wait till dangerous level and prove my theory is wrong??
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
No shame on the country of origin!
I was chatting on the net with a colleague who will visiting Manila over the weekend. She was formerly a Malaysian gal now living in Sydney. This would be her first time in Manila, hence she asked if I can show her where to go when she's in the city.
The first time that came out from her mouth was 'Is Manila as ULU (backward) like Kuala Lumpur'?? I was taken aback and shot back saying 'Is KL very ULU'? I am not sure why I said that but probably I have been to places more ulu than KL!
However, it seems that's the trend (may not be all of them), that those newly migrant would have this idea. They have the tendency to look down at their own country and feel it was a mistake living there.
I understand all the politics big hoo haaa and the mess everyone has created in the country, but at the end of the day, if I ask myself, I am still a Malaysian Boy deep in my heart! All my living memories since I was young started with this country. I do not think the country is as bad as many other countries who practise ethnic cleansing. Malaysia is still a very liveable country (minus the human greed and political greed).
Anyway, Happy Merdeka day Malaysia!
The first time that came out from her mouth was 'Is Manila as ULU (backward) like Kuala Lumpur'?? I was taken aback and shot back saying 'Is KL very ULU'? I am not sure why I said that but probably I have been to places more ulu than KL!
However, it seems that's the trend (may not be all of them), that those newly migrant would have this idea. They have the tendency to look down at their own country and feel it was a mistake living there.
I understand all the politics big hoo haaa and the mess everyone has created in the country, but at the end of the day, if I ask myself, I am still a Malaysian Boy deep in my heart! All my living memories since I was young started with this country. I do not think the country is as bad as many other countries who practise ethnic cleansing. Malaysia is still a very liveable country (minus the human greed and political greed).
Anyway, Happy Merdeka day Malaysia!
Monday, August 24, 2009
World Peace? Yeah Right!
We all hope there is a world peace where everyone will become tolerant and nice to each other. Help each other out and be understanding. How nice if we could become like that. But THINK Again!
Here is my story, you tell me how will get a peace in mind! Beginning of this month, our home in KL has setup a committee. There was a growing concerns on break in our area hence, the committee decided to setup a guarded area in our compound. To achieve this they need to get people to sign up and pay on time. Most of us agree to this!
However, it turns ugly lately. When it comes to paying time, the neighbors got offended and scolded the collector as if they are "loan shark". Then for those who did not pay they complaint lack of freedom and they think it's the police's job. Hence they refused to pay a cent!
Just yesterday I heard, when the guard setup a gate with a blocker near their house, they complaint it's bad feng shui. Another neighbor screamed to the committee saying the guards threw rubbish in their area and they are not happy at all. However, there are more and I could not cerita (tell) you here all at one go!
So tell me where got world peace? This world is full of greed! If you give them money they will welcome with all their limbs, when you want to take something from them in exchange with security, they will calculate every single cent to make it worth what they pay. And some even worse, leave them alone, they do not want to have a single participation in this neighborhood.
May the creator bless the human in this planet!
Here is my story, you tell me how will get a peace in mind! Beginning of this month, our home in KL has setup a committee. There was a growing concerns on break in our area hence, the committee decided to setup a guarded area in our compound. To achieve this they need to get people to sign up and pay on time. Most of us agree to this!
However, it turns ugly lately. When it comes to paying time, the neighbors got offended and scolded the collector as if they are "loan shark". Then for those who did not pay they complaint lack of freedom and they think it's the police's job. Hence they refused to pay a cent!
Just yesterday I heard, when the guard setup a gate with a blocker near their house, they complaint it's bad feng shui. Another neighbor screamed to the committee saying the guards threw rubbish in their area and they are not happy at all. However, there are more and I could not cerita (tell) you here all at one go!
So tell me where got world peace? This world is full of greed! If you give them money they will welcome with all their limbs, when you want to take something from them in exchange with security, they will calculate every single cent to make it worth what they pay. And some even worse, leave them alone, they do not want to have a single participation in this neighborhood.
May the creator bless the human in this planet!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The twist to the property ...
I was about to sign the contract and place my deposits. I knew all along my friends and relatives in Sydney has not comment a word, eventhough I told them the place I wanted and the price. Hence I want to do one last round of check if I made the right choice.
First, I asked my aunt, then my friend who lives very near to this property, and then 2 colleagues at office! Almost all of them did not like the idea!! They told me to rethink because it's is very very pricey for a 1 bedroom! Also, with that price, few suburbs away I could find a 2BR!
I asked myself last night. Do I like the area - Yes! Is it pricey - Yes! Can I stay in a further suburb with 2 BR - Yes! Can I give up the Glam Factor in expensive North Shore's suburb - Urrm probably Not!
Decision, decision! I have to re-think! Sigh.
First, I asked my aunt, then my friend who lives very near to this property, and then 2 colleagues at office! Almost all of them did not like the idea!! They told me to rethink because it's is very very pricey for a 1 bedroom! Also, with that price, few suburbs away I could find a 2BR!
I asked myself last night. Do I like the area - Yes! Is it pricey - Yes! Can I stay in a further suburb with 2 BR - Yes! Can I give up the Glam Factor in expensive North Shore's suburb - Urrm probably Not!
Decision, decision! I have to re-think! Sigh.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The piece of land at St Leonards ....
Below is the piece of land where my apartment will be built. It's placed between a railway track and a park. The one I could afford is nearest to River road corner.
Monday, August 10, 2009
IPOD .. listen while u r sitting down!
Yesterday in the Sydney news, for IPOD owner who walk in front of the car listening to an IPOD will be imposed with a fine. It will cost you AUD 100 per fine!
I am just wondering, then what's the point?? IPOD is design for mobility reason. If this is happening, does that mean I can only listen to my IPOD while I am sitting down??!!
Isn't this abit ridiculous? There are many non safety things happening everyday. At the end of the day, it's how much you should be alert even without an IPOD turned on!
I am just wondering, then what's the point?? IPOD is design for mobility reason. If this is happening, does that mean I can only listen to my IPOD while I am sitting down??!!
Isn't this abit ridiculous? There are many non safety things happening everyday. At the end of the day, it's how much you should be alert even without an IPOD turned on!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My mega investment in Sydney .... here is the story .. bye bye Bally bye bye holidayssssss!
Over the weekends, I have been hunting for a property around Sydney. I wanted somewhere which is prime, and if I have decided to go back to Malaysia, I can either sell it or rent it out. However, in Sydney rite now due to government grant (motivate more buyers) the race for a property is kinda crazy. The million dollars houses have come down but not those middle income's properties.
I saw a few I thought I like but within a week, these properties was snapped! Then I came across this property in St Leonards, which is very near to my office and train station. I saw the completed Phase 1, however for Phase 2 is only ready in mid 2011. So basically I am buying off the plan.
I check on the developer with the locals here and they seems to be reputable. And visited the location twice and immediately I think it's a very good and quite area. I have even visited friend's apartment a 2BR in a more working class suburbs, however, they quality and ambience is really different. You have to be there to experience it.
I have to decide to place a 10% deposit n 14 days from now. And I won't have to pay till mid 2011 when completed. I was thinking to myself, even if later I change my mind I still can re-sell it especially this land is prime as well.
And the price, yes the price, is AUD 475K for 1 bedroom and 1 car space on the 3rd floor. It's considered steep, however, the units around this suburb cost as much as well. The next step, I have to go and ask a solicitor to check on the contract before I commited!
The apartment - http://www.australand.com.au/realestate/residential/NewApartments/NSW/StLeonards/default.aspx
I saw a few I thought I like but within a week, these properties was snapped! Then I came across this property in St Leonards, which is very near to my office and train station. I saw the completed Phase 1, however for Phase 2 is only ready in mid 2011. So basically I am buying off the plan.
I check on the developer with the locals here and they seems to be reputable. And visited the location twice and immediately I think it's a very good and quite area. I have even visited friend's apartment a 2BR in a more working class suburbs, however, they quality and ambience is really different. You have to be there to experience it.
I have to decide to place a 10% deposit n 14 days from now. And I won't have to pay till mid 2011 when completed. I was thinking to myself, even if later I change my mind I still can re-sell it especially this land is prime as well.
And the price, yes the price, is AUD 475K for 1 bedroom and 1 car space on the 3rd floor. It's considered steep, however, the units around this suburb cost as much as well. The next step, I have to go and ask a solicitor to check on the contract before I commited!
The apartment - http://www.australand.com.au/realestate/residential/NewApartments/NSW/StLeonards/default.aspx
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Nose to nose the Kiwi style!
I got into Auckland, New Zealand last night. It was very cloudy and then follow by light rain. I was told Auckland is a rather wet place. The weather was not too bad around 8'C to 18'C during the day.
The city seems to be a very quiet city. Not many high rises, a lot of greens and it's near the water. The place looks rather relaxing and more lay back compare to Sydney. This is true too when I came to work today and my client did not turn up - at all. I was told last minute she was sick and decided not to come in. However, there is no courtesy to inform me, and I flew all the way to see them.
My friend who lives in Auckland told me that's their style. Lay back and take things easy. I guess it's a good place to retire compare to Australia :)) Also, it's much easier to gain a permanent residency too. I noticed there were many European communities such as French or German or even Indians who lives around Auckland too. Quite colorful instead.
The city seems to be a very quiet city. Not many high rises, a lot of greens and it's near the water. The place looks rather relaxing and more lay back compare to Sydney. This is true too when I came to work today and my client did not turn up - at all. I was told last minute she was sick and decided not to come in. However, there is no courtesy to inform me, and I flew all the way to see them.
My friend who lives in Auckland told me that's their style. Lay back and take things easy. I guess it's a good place to retire compare to Australia :)) Also, it's much easier to gain a permanent residency too. I noticed there were many European communities such as French or German or even Indians who lives around Auckland too. Quite colorful instead.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The protest in KL .. the broadcast in OZ
Last night I was cooking at home and then I noticed a familiar street on the news. The streets was filled with angry people, and the LRT was operating at the overhead of these protesters. Then the view changed to a group of protesters calling out God's name and justice. Later a messy scene of polices pushing the protesters and try to catch some of them for detention or questioned. One word, it's not a good news!
Apparently, the protesters wanted Internal Security Act(ISA) to be abolished as it was inhumane. I do not know who is right or wrong. In my opinion, the previous government was a bit too insensitive, and people reacted strongly to it. However, these days the oppositions will nag on any small matters and they do not trust the rules or court in Malaysia when a big case is brought to a court.
Net of it, what do you want?? The govt and the oppositions has not come to a level where both can accept each other. For me, both wanted too much! It's a lose lose situation. For those who watched the TV, at this moment they do not feel safe in KL at all. What a shame.
Apparently, the protesters wanted Internal Security Act(ISA) to be abolished as it was inhumane. I do not know who is right or wrong. In my opinion, the previous government was a bit too insensitive, and people reacted strongly to it. However, these days the oppositions will nag on any small matters and they do not trust the rules or court in Malaysia when a big case is brought to a court.
Net of it, what do you want?? The govt and the oppositions has not come to a level where both can accept each other. For me, both wanted too much! It's a lose lose situation. For those who watched the TV, at this moment they do not feel safe in KL at all. What a shame.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Apartment hunting!
Over the weekend I have been hopping from one estate agent to another to look for a affordable apartment for myself. Ideally I wanted a 2 bedroom and with good rental returns later.
However, a 2 BR in the city will cost AUD 500K above, while in a quiet suburn (40mins train ride to city) will cost 400K below. I am now in a dilemma if I should stick to somewhere near city but most probably I could only afford a 1BR instead.
I was trying to convince myself, probably one step at a time, get an affordable one, later if opportunities arises again, I can change to a 2BR unit. If I end up with a 1BR then I need to make sure my kitchen and guest hall is big so I can convert to a bedroom if there are guests. Probably I should start charging as well!
Properties in Sydney is overpriced! Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it at all.
However, a 2 BR in the city will cost AUD 500K above, while in a quiet suburn (40mins train ride to city) will cost 400K below. I am now in a dilemma if I should stick to somewhere near city but most probably I could only afford a 1BR instead.
I was trying to convince myself, probably one step at a time, get an affordable one, later if opportunities arises again, I can change to a 2BR unit. If I end up with a 1BR then I need to make sure my kitchen and guest hall is big so I can convert to a bedroom if there are guests. Probably I should start charging as well!
Properties in Sydney is overpriced! Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it at all.
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