Dubai Nostalgia

Location: RB’s crib @ HGRS Accommodation, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE
* with the FO Team

I recently remembered a colleague who told me once, while training her: “I know everything.” After months of still being spoon-fed she complained to the Director of Rooms and again, I was summoned to the “aquarium”, we call it the aquarium because the office can actually be seen from outside and you can actually hear them talking. All you have to do if they close the office is to learn how to lip read.

DR: I was told that you are not teaching her. (referring to the girl)
Me: Well, everytime I try to teach her stuff she blurts, “I know everything.” So I figure she is God. Because she knew everything.

Of course, nobody really wants to talk to me and confront me because I always have the answer. I cover my ass! And I know how to explain my side. Thats it! KAPUT!

Anyway, this girl, tell preposterous stuff like the owner of the hotel is her Uncle. I was like thinking, If her Uncle owns the hotel, he probably is not a good Uncle. You see, why would you put your niece as a Lobby Hostess if you can actually afford to train her as a Manager? Right?

Anyway, she’s young and she is really stubborn. I remembered myself being young and stubborn too. But not to that extent. That was over the top!

She is a sweet kid though when you get to know her better. She is crazy but she has her lucid intervals. There was a time that she was combative of me. Actually people do not believe on my capabilities from the start. And then they realize either I am good with my job or they just cant fight a bitch!

Location: The Apartment-Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE
* with the FO Team

The Apartment is a really happening place during my residence in Dubai. I love the fact that its a bar with a club scene. I remembered drinking a lot of cocktails in here and still manage to go home with no scars. Wait. I think I stumbled a few times but I was already in the accommodation.

Anyway, I remembered one time (not connected with The Apartment) that I had a trainee. She’s Latvian. She is not beautiful as Ms. Yana (our GR Manager) but this girl has a certain sex appeal that would make men drool. Okay, Im not a man. But I drool. 

Where was I? Oh, She has this Bond girl appeal. And I love all Bond girls! I think my favorite is Ursula Andress in Dr. No. I remembered when I was a kid, we had VHS tapes of old James Bond movies and I think that’s why I am so fascinated by Russian girls. They look sooooo HOT! 

Though I have nothing against lesbian, I think I am as straight as an arrow! But I just swoon over Olga Kurylenko in Quantum of Solace. I think though that the most appealing of them all is Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) in Casino Royale. 

Where was I again? Oh, and so this gorgeous Latvian girl arrived as trainee. Apparently she knew the owner, or at least that’s what she claimed. So she was really ballsy. I was informed by the Training Manager to teach her our entire job description. I felt I was compelled to do it. 

One day, as usual, she was chatting with the bellboys and I told her to finish her task first before anything else. She was lazy and felt that the world owe her something. She ignored me. I again told her to do it. She then blurted out, “Im not like you, while its your job, Im just a trainee.” I told her. “Ok, fine. Do not ask anything from me because I will not teach you anymore. If you do not want to be trained, go somewhere else.”

Of course, she told the Training Manager and I was summoned by the Director of Rooms. Again. What these girls dont understand about me, I love a good argument. I also love mind games. So, I arrived on the office and she was already there. Looking like an angel. Well, looking like a Victoria’s Secret Angel as a matter of fact.
DR: I was told that you refuse to teach and train her.
Me: By her? (pointing with my finger)
VS Angel: (looking like a poor little thing)
Me: Yes, that’s true. 

You have to understand that this girl is approximately 5’10 in height. She can never pull that “i-was-abused” face. I am 5’3. But believe me, I will beat the hell out of you, if given a chance. But I can also look like a poor little thing if I want to. Theater do that to you. Good practice makes perfect.

Anyway…

DR: Why?
Me: Why? Because when I asked her to do something regarding work, she would rather stand in the lobby and chat with the boys. Not even the guests. The bellboys. I am tired and overworked and have no time to train anyone. But I thought, sure, I can train a “willing” student. That’s why.
DR: You have to train her!
Me: Sir, clearly it is not on my job description (It was on the job description I made for the company but not on the job description I signed with the contract) but as I said, I am going to take from my precious time to train anyone worth teaching.
VS Angel: But I am willing to learn. And you always say that I am a nuisance.
Me: Its because you are!
VS Angel: I always do whatever you ask me to do. (still looking so innocent)
Me: (annoyed) At your preferred time. You will first chat with the bellboys.
VS Angel: No! I never do that!
DR: Oh yes you do! We have cameras to prove that.
Me: (smiling)

After much time consuming of useless rants.
DR: Apologize to each other.
VS Angel: Sorry. I will be more productive. (I know girls like this, they never mean it)
Me: I am not sorry. I will not apologize. You are the one who brought me here looking for an audience. I tell things as it is.
DR: You have to apologize! (annoyed)
Me: (More annoyed!) I will not apologize because talk is cheap. What I will tell you Sir is, I am willing to train staffs/students if they are willing to learn. If not, its a complete waste of my time.

My colleagues thought I am a bad-ass. And I am. But I was never a bad-ass from the start. I was scarred by the pangs of deviousness. But let’s not also forget, I am just. I am fair. I am kind. Kind of bitchy!  

Location: Double Decker-Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai, UAE
*with Maria Perpetua Vicencio, Ruvelyn Buere and Wendelle Lucina

Someone from the land of young cattle whispered to my ears that I should “out” this night at Double Decker. There is really nothing to say because its not uncommon that when you start drinking bullfrog (Dubai’s fave drink) you will be drunk but still standing. The amalgamation of alcohol plus the Red Bull will make anyone do stupid things. Yes. Stupid. But FUN. 

Sorry to disappoint you but unfortunately I did not sleep nor puke during this night. I was tipsy. And started dancing. 

Wendy was bored and looked like she did not drink anything. Puppet and I drank like sailors. And I am sure BB did not drink anything. That’s BB, drinking a glass of bullfrog for the whole night of fun. And pretend to drink a lot. Except that she doesn’t. Then everyone gets drunk except her.

Anyway, when we were in the taxi Wendy threw up. The taxi driver was so furious. I was not really looking because I knew I will do the same if I see it. I opened the window just so I wont smell it. It was when we reached the accommodation that we realized she puked on my purse too. 

BB and Wendy ran to their rooms while Puppet and I tried to calm the driver who threatened to call the police. I offered money but we will not clean his car. The driver wanted more. I said, that’s the money I will pay to myself if I clean that car. I told him that if he doesn’t like, he can go ahead and call the police. Of course, he got the money. Puppet ran as fast as she can to her room because she already peed her pants. Literally.

The next day, Wendy said she lost her mobile. Puppet and I went to see her and found out that the mobile was in the thrash. She threw it there.

Good times. Good times. 

Location: Double Decker-Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai, UAE
* with Ruvelyn Buere and Henry Rabe Jr.

Working in the Front Office where guests flock by you in massive doses (asking which bar or club they can go) was actually a part of my job. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to go out and explore to explain their personal experience (of the place) to guests.

I remembered one time where a guest asked me about ELEGANTE and since I never went there prior, I got the Concierge/Time Out magazine and explained to guests how it was rated. Alina overheard and said, “Dont go to ELEGANTE.” And she was right, when I went to Elegante with Amira and Puppet I realized that there is nothing Elegant in Elegante. 

One thing I may not forget about my life in Dubai is “STINKO”. He is a travel/tour agent sitting beside my desk. He is a really cute Russian. However, he has a really bad odor which transports itself from desk to desk. One time, Ms. Sandy (Assistant FO Manager) went to see me and smelled the flowers on my desk. She then said, “this is not a good smell.” I rolled over my eyes insinuating that it was not the flowers but the person near my desk. 

He really smells. And to make matters worse, when he talk to me he wants to be close as he likes whispering too. I am so friggin’ annoyed. First because I have a flat nose hence my olfactory nerves are not too dominant and yet, I can still smell the body odor. And No! I dont think it was from his armpits. I think he dont take a shower and wash when he poops. Mwahahahaha!

Day by day he annoys me. And it was because of his smell. One day we got into a big fight.

Stinko: (Kept on talking to me while I was busy doing reports)
Me: Please refrain from talking to me because I am doing something.
Stinko: You are rude!
Me: Yes I am! Because I love my job and I want to keep it! So please dont talk to me while I am doing my job.
Stinko: Who are you to tell me what to do? You are not my Manager!
Me: Oh! Thank God! Because if I am your manager I will fire you!
Stinko: You are rude! And I will complain to your manager about your attitude!
Me: Do I look like I care?

So, after a few hours when he saw that I was no longer busy he told me he was sorry. I said I do not want to be disturbed when I am doing my reports. I can only be disturbed by guests because that was my job. He said, “I hope you will still help me and my guests when we have problems.” I told him that his guests are my guests and its my job to help them. With regards to him, I will help him but he has to help me too by not talking to me during my reports. We agreed.

But he still stinks! Literally!

As I hated surprises Gay Council organized this small get together during my birthday. JV brought a cake with a smiley face probably because I am always grumpy. They also bought booze which was so scarce during that time and ended up with a bottle of cheap whiskey called “Officer’s Choice.” It tasted like gasoline. We managed to drink it all even if we all gagged with the after taste. 

Gay Council: Amor Buenviaje, Jose Vincent Villamin, Henry Rabe Jr., Ruvelyn Buere and Maria Perpetua Vicencio.

Location: Puppet’s flat @ HGRS Accommodation, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE

I arrived in Dubai February 2007. It took me 3 months to combat the attitude of my co-workers. I am usually submissive when I am new at work. I tend to sponge everything they are teaching and follow their lead. I was brought up in a “Obey first before you complain” household.

So, when I learned the trade I can actually complain because I already tried it. 

Anyway, Gay Council was a big help on my 4 year stint in Dubai. These people are my friends. They are my ally.

We have plans of expanding the GC before but after much thought, why bother? We are growing. We have GC spawns. We were brought together by fate. This is our destiny.  

Location: Al Safa Park, Dubai, UAE

I remembered during this time that I asked my lady boss, Ms. Yana that BB and I have the same day off as we will participate on the Flea Market. It was a blast!

It was the first Flea Market in Dubai and I believe they still operate up to date.

Dubai is a country full of life. I love how it enhanced my fashion sense. That’s the thing about traveling, some things just stick and never stray. I came from a tropical country, Philippines and I never struggled with fashion in Dubai. One thing I dislike about it is that, during HOT season I am annoyed by the humidity and the heat. Its like opening an oven and the gush of the heat is as intense. You could grill cheese sandwiches in your head. During the months of November to March is their Cold season (they call it winter) and it is way too cold for me. Until I reached US (east coast) which blew my mind. I probably will disregard my Siberia dream tour. 

I received some feedback reminding me about other funny incidents in the workplace:

A guest asked a banquet staff in the Lobby:
Guest: Excuse me, where can I smoke?
Staff: Get out, Get out!
The guest was shocked but what he meant was for the guest to “go outside” where the smoking area is.

Maria being asked by a guest:
Guest: Excuse me, where’s the lavatory?
Maria: I’m sorry Sir, we do not have a laboratory here.

A Russian guest who don’t speak English:
Russian: Gde nahuditsa vanaya komnata?
Me: Ya nye gavaru paruski. (That’s the only Russian phrase I know which means, I don’t speak Russian. But I have the phrase memorized with the correct pronunciation and accent which piss the guests because if I don’t speak Russian, how come I can pull that off?)
Guest: Vanya, Vanya
Me: Banyo? (Toilet in Filipino language) 
Then I accompanied her to the bathroom. Afterwards she was thankful. “Spasiba”

Which brought me to an experience I had working in a 3 star hotel when I was 19. The guest called me in the reception asking how much a “soap” is and I said I will connect you to the Housekeeping because I believe it was free. To which the guest stated: “Soap na sabaw.” (translation: She meant soup but mis-pronounced it) After a few minutes another guest called asking for soap. As I was still overwhelmed by the soap incident I asked the guest. “Soap na sabaw o soap na sabon?” (Translation: Is it soap or soup?)

Working in the hospitality industry allows you to meet people from all walks of life. All you have to do is enjoy the trip. It might be a little rough, a little rocky but lots and lots of FUN. 

Location: In the middle of nowhere for our Desert Safari
Dune Bashers: Maria Perpetua Vicencio, Ruvelyn Buere, Henry Rabe Jr. & Moi

Here is another disclosure:

I was OFF for 2 days during this desert safari. Fortunately or unfortunately, RB saw me on the bus. RB is the AFOM. He is strict but he is always fair. However, sometimes (rarely sometimes) he gets a bit paranoid. And here’s why:

I took the afternoon bus from accommodation to the hotel to meet the girls for the safari. After their work they went out and we were picked up (with the 4x4) with 2 guests from the hotel. 

Fast forward 2 days, Puppet decided to pull a sickie (translation pretended to be sick) and then RT (The Director of Rooms) had an all-out investigation. He asked me if I was with Maria the day she was absent. I told him, I was on duty. He seem to be paranoid too and did not believe me so he called Rustam (the tour agent next to my desk) and of course Rustam told me. It was hilarious because the old man did not take my word and continued asking around. 

I told RT to check the camera (CCTV) as I was on duty when Puppet was absent and so is Rubi. Apparently, RB told RT that he saw us altogether. And it is true. But he forgot the date that he saw us. Yes, we really went for a safari. I made sure nobody was absent during that day and the day after that. Whatever Puppet did 2 days after the safari was obviously out of my hands.
 

Someone asked me recently if I miss Dubai. I will be lying if I say no. For almost 4 years I called it home. 

One thing I miss about Dubai is the comedy. The laughter it brought my daily life was enormous and at times, overflowing.

I remembered these conversations:

During a time I wanted to get a signature from the higher management:
Him: (while talking to the phone looking pissed he signed for me to be seated)
Me: (confused why I need to be seated but sat anyway)
Him: (probably referring to his phone conversation which recently ended) “PREVENTIVE” is better than cure.
Me: Prevention (almost a whisper but I cant help myself to correct)
Him: PREVENTIVE is better than cure. (he repeated)
Me: Prevention. (shyly but with emphasis)
Him: What?!!!
Me: Prevention is better than cure.
Him: REALLY?!
Me: Yes, Sir!
Him: (googled the phrase) Okay. Prevention.

Aileen (the OTS Supervisor) got irritated that someone went inside her office. This Manager (a different one) wrote an email defensively.
This is the gist:
“I only allowed the bellboy inside your office to get the Caesar.”
To which we are all thinking is there a salad in that office?
Apparently he meant SCISSORS. 

There are gazillion things which transpired during this chapter of my life. Some are funny and some tear-jerking. Whatever I can remember I will surely put into this blog as a memoir.

That’s it for now. I hope I made a smile or a smirk in your face. Whatever it is, my objective it to provoke emotion and I hope I did a good job.

Location:Bamboo Restaurant, Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE

During the Habtoor Staff Party we were given vouchers for participating. Rubi, Maria and I helped choreographed a number to represent the FO Team. We won 3rd just because we didn’t have much time to practice. The girls are primadonna’s. Except for Manita who was game and really willing to help us. We were supposed to have this Indian girl as one of the Charlie’s Angels but she opted to make a fool out of herself alone. Well, she danced gracefully and that probably leveled up her status on the Indian community but it put her down on my book.

So when we asked Manita to join us she was adamant but she is a trooper and because of that she earned my respect.

Anyway, we were given 10 vouchers to which I distributed equally to the participants. As Rubi, Maria and I all have one voucher each good for 2 persons, I told the girls that we can go together and just pay for the extra person. I suggested that since I have voucher for 2 persons in Market Cafe-Grand Hyatt I will bring both of them and I will pay for myself. It will be like I treated them out. As usual, Maria (who do not want to spend even a kopeck) opted to bring one of her boyfriends instead. 

So Rubi and I went by ourselves. We agreed for the voucher at Bamboo to be spent during my birthday and so we did. Oh, and Maria never made it with either the voucher or the boyfriend. 

Rubi arrived in Dubai 2008. I will not disclose how and why but here’s what I can share:

We used to scout agencies with JV just so we can chase something we all wanted. A dream, a lifestyle, a love one. All did not materialize but we all ended up with something more. That’s the thing about life, it has a lot of surprises.

When my roomie, Lub went to the Philippines and resigned I asked Rubi if she wanted to transfer to my room. Of course she was hesitant, she knew me and my idiosyncrasies. But she managed. Then one day as I was sleeping on my bunk, I was awaken by a massive howling. I was in a daze, half asleep and half awake. It went on for 2 weeks. Until the time that I could not take it anymore.

I will not disclose private talks but here’s one thing I told her. No girl deserves a boy who breaks her heart. Once he does, leave him be. And never look back.

As I mentioned before, once you are new in Dubai men flocks at you on massive doses. There are a few who dared but once they knew she is under my wing they all backed off. I knew this boys. I was probably a boy in the past because I can read them easily.

I taught her gazillion things about work and about men and about life in general. She can be stubborn at times. I remembered Ms. Sandy once told me that Rubi was disrespectful because she always shouts whenever reprimanded. BB as she is fondly called told me that when she is cornered she shouts but she didn’t really mean it. It was apparently, involuntary.

I remembered one time that I was scolding her of something about work and she “shouted” at me. I told her to go father away from me because I might strangle the living hell out of her.

The thing is, I think of her as my sister. People misunderstood how I treat my friends. But people should differentiate how I treat friends and close friends. Because though I may really be frank and feisty with my close friends I can be ruthless with my enemies. Now with “just friends” I may be a little hesitant to share my feelings because I am still confused where to place them. You see, I am not interested with anything in between. They are just kibitzers.

BB: (crying at the luggage area) I am soooo stressed!
Me: The reason why you are stressed is because you do not want to follow what I am telling you.
BB: This work is so hard! (crying)
Me: Just follow what I am telling you. Do what I teach you. Dont argue. Obey first before you complain. Do not be like your other colleagues who doesnt want to learn just because they are LH. Stop fighting with me!
BB: (still crying)
Me: Stop crying because Kuya Jose can understand our dialect!
BB: (crying) 
Me: And stop crying, I am not hurting you yet!

As soon as she learned the trade she was okay. She even think like me now.

I remembered my junior staffs prior her and Wendy who refused to follow my lead. Fine, do whatever you want to do with your lives. I am not perturbed!

Anyway, as soon as my team became a family of four I became more relaxed. Not because of the pressure from the management lighten up but because they follow my lead. And I hope they realize by now that its not enough to do their job, they need to do their best job. That talk is cheap. And that its better to work hard than to talk about how hard you work.

I know you had a hard time being under my wing. But have you ever thought of what you have become if you were not? You will probably be one of those loose women out there. I taught you the best that I can. But the best advice I gave you is to be smart when dealing with life. Bear in mind that you may never be a part of my family (by affinity) but you will always be dear to my heart. Still, you are the sister I almost had.

I love you girl. Do not stray. Stay focus. Be smart. Life is full surprises. Unravel it! 

This photo was taken 2009. That was the last time I saw Knox. Rubi & I met JV, May Flores & her friend at Madinat Jumeirah. Then we decided to meet Knox, Chona & Nelson at a Filipino Bar where we were not allowed to go inside because Rubi & I are wearing skirt. I told the hostess, its not like its a cheap brandless skirt. Its Zara. Okay its mainstream but still, not brand-less. (Mwahahaha!) I asked to be allowed inside because I need to pee which they allowed after I threaten to pee at her desk. 

So we went to another Filipino Bar which is a lot nicer. Apparently, we were not allowed to go inside because if there is a trouble we will be uncomfortable to run. What a BS!

I woke up this morning with a dream that my friend Knox is really alive and just hiding somewhere. Then I saw him and he asked me to keep it a secret. I consulted the dream dictionary and it meant: “To see your dead friend in your dream indicates that you miss them and are trying to relive your old experiences you had with them. In trying to keep up with the pace of your daily waking life, your dreams may serve as your only outlet in coping and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.”

Seeing Knox in my dream is something I was looking forward to since he passed away. I wanted him to relay something to me through my dream. He did not though, but he look so at peace. 

I miss you “boyfriend”, I miss you so much!  

Location:Warehouse-Le Meridien Dubai, UAE
Hammered Team: Henry Rabe, Rubi Buere, Wendy Lu, Emman Racelis, Mau Fortuno & Moi

I have always been an advocate of enjoying life to the fullest. I feel though that sometimes I still need to do more. I dont want to be extreme and try bungee jumping or jump off a plane. All Im saying is, life is to be enjoyed. We should savor each day for we actually do not have a clue of what will happen next. Forget about the soap you are following, your life is the telenovela and you are the director.

One of the most exciting things to happen in Dubai was during this specific time. No holds barred. Except when Henry became lunatic and decided to be completely wasted. He was so drunk that he was literally carried out from the Lounge by 2 big bouncers. We were all so worried that the police will pass by and put us in jail. He was sleeping on the bloody grass!

I probably drank a lot of bullfrog (my then favorite drink!) and totally felt I slept on the toilet seat while peeing. I then woke up and realized everyone was enjoying except Wendy and Rubi who seemed to drink only a breezer.

The drive home is always a struggle. Always. Its either Rubi threw up or Wendy threw up on my bag and lost her phone which was later found at the thrash can or Perpie peeing on her pants or Henry.  Its always something. All I know is, whenever I get drunk I sleep. I know, I know. Its embarrassing! I slept at Nelson’s bar. 

But when we get to thinking, was it really embarrassing (because we never really knew) or was it fun? I remembered it with a glee in my heart.

I met Henry through my best gay buds, GJ and JV. He was petite, really funny and really gay. And if you know me very well, I love gay guys. They are funny and bring laughter to your daily life. True. They also bring drama but its the kind of flare we always needed. 

There was never a bad blood between me and Henry. He probably hates me at one point (or more) because I am dominant and a complete bee-otch! But he is always there for me. He helps me with almost everything (as all Gay Council does!) and really made my life a little bit easier to bear in Dubai. When GJ & JV left the hotel the Gay Council narrowed to 4. It was Rubi, Henry, Amor & myself. But we managed to still get together from time to time.

Henry is the type of person who will go beyond his means to help you. He went with me to Abu Dhabi on my interview at the US embassy. It was his birthday but he took time to go with me. When we arrived I ordered booze and cooked spaghetti but he was too lazy (or doing something far more important) to come to our room. By the time he arrived my mood was already down.

He helped me carry my stuff and packing and during the time I was so stressed he was there to make me laugh. I remembered a time when we are supposed to get Scott’s package at the PO and we went to a different PO only to realize that taxi was so scarce on that location. We ended up walking gazillion miles and I got so cranky. He made me laugh. And then everything became so easy. 

I demand a lot of things at time (or most!) from friends because I know I will go the extra mile to help them as well. Some people just see the facade. That I am a bitch and that is because I have zero tolerance for disrespect. I believe Henry gets me. He gets my cranky-ness and grumpiness and bitchiness. He gets it all! And I think that is the reason why he remained my friend. That. Or he just cant afford to make an enemy out of me.

I love you girlfriend! You will always be a part of our lives. The Hubster is amused by you and though he love Amor more because of his adobo, I guess you can always redeem yourself by cooking something else. Thank you for giving me massages and combating my demands. Thank you for being on my side when everyone else seem to be scared to choose sides. Thank you for the laughter’s. Thank you for the love and understanding. And mostly, thank you for the gift of friendship that can never be replaced.

I love you gurl! You are one of a kind!

Location: Wafi Center
Team: John Sicat & Concierge Manager, Nehru with Rubi.

Nehru used to be the Assistant Head Concierge. That’s the thing with our hotel, You can be the Assistant Manager without the Manager. Therefore its really frustrating and confusing who you assist. 

Anyway, the FOM was supposed to go with us during this event but opted not to afterwards. I remembered a time when he arrived in the hotel. I was standing in the Lobby and RB (another Manager) stood with me. As we were talking and greeting guests, the FOM (French) stood with us and they started to converse in French. I felt left out and said: “Voulez vous couchez avec moi?” 

Of course they were shocked. But when I explained its the only French phrase I know they laughed. Then I left them in the lobby.

The lobby is my oyster! Its my territory and it needed to be manned at all time. Therefore, if you lure someone to stand there, you can leave them be.

One thing I have learned in life is that, NOBODY is a victim. You are only a victim if you allow yourself to be. Og Mandino stated “Nothing external can have any power over me unless I permit it.”

This manager used to be so nice. Until he got a lot of pressure from the higher management. He then started struggling for power. He started to be nasty with everyone. He used the word “donkey” and refused to talk to the complaining guests. I actually did not have any problem with him, until the time he tried how thin my patience for bullshit is!

One day, I went inside the back office to get the signature from Ms. Ann. He was sitting across her while they were talking and I said “Good Morning” in a low voice because I do not want to interfere on their conversation. Ms. Ann heard me and she said, “Good Morning” to me as well. Then all of a sudden the old man shouted at me:

Him: WHAT IS THIS? NO GOOD MORNING?!!!
Me: (confused) I already said Good Morning Sir.
Him: WHAT IS WRONG HERE?!! NO GOOD MORNING??!! WHAT AM I IN HERE? A DONKEY??!!!
Me: (Irritated) SIR, I already said Good Morning.
Him: I DID NOT HEAR YOU SAYING ANYTHING!
Me: (looking at Ms. Ann) Well, if you did not hear me, GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING!!!!

That’s the thing about me. If you do not cross me I will be okay with you. But if you do, there are only 2 things which will happen.

1.) I will fight with all my might and then rest it. Until the time you cross me again.
2.) I will not fight. But I will hate you with all my might. And I will concoct devious plans on how to rain on your parade. And you or I will die but my hatred for you will never cease.

Which do you prefer?

So, after that incident (approximately 15 minutes) he called my extension and asked me to go to his office. First, its the back office. Its everybody’s office. I told him, I have a lot of things to do and I have guests to assist. He said, calmly, “Come see me when you’re free.”

To which I obliged once I saw him at the table in the lobby.

Him: You have no respect!
Me: I have no respect for people who do not have any respect for me.
Him: I will tell the HR about your insubordination. 
Me: If you want, I will go there now and we can both give our complaints.
Him: I dont want that to happen again! Promise me you will not shout at me again! (calm but firm)
Me: (calm and firm as well) I am sorry but I cannot promise that. If you shout at me again, I will shout back!

From then on, he shouted at everyone, made a lot of my colleagues shed tears but never to me. And true enough, we worked harmoniously. I remembered whenever he is in a good mood he calls me “Princess Leia” referring to Darth Vader’s daughter and twin of Luke Skywalker. And whenever he is not, he refer to me as “Sweetie” with a gut feel that he wants to strangle me with his bare hands.

I am not pretending to be all  pious and perfect but one thing I know, when I work I work hard and I give it my best. I am a professional and I love my job. When I am new at work, I will allow you to belittle me until I learn the trade and prove to you that I am the best. But be cautious, do not cross me. I may bark hard but I sure bite harder.

Location: Al Iwan- Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE

I had a voucher for 4 to dine at Al Iwan. The voucher is a reward for booking restaurants at Burj Al Arab. I brought Wendy and Rubi as they are from my Guest Relations Team. And I brought the Birthday girl, Glaiza.

I remembered a time that one of the receptionists stated that they should also be entitled to go to Burj. It was jaw-dropping, am I also allowed to share their Upgrade commissions? I guess not. As I have stated, if there is equity in something, there should be equity in everything.

I had an agreement with the Assistant Reservations Manager, if we have higher quantity of reservations than the Concierge Team, I want my own voucher. So, I facilitated a book which chronicles how many reservations a GRO make. That book obviously shut some motherfucking mouths of people who motherfucking claims they are entitled to go there as well.

As cheap as it may sound (It’s only Burj! I went there 4 times) people fought for what they are entitled to. And true enough, if you will seek from the bottom of your heart, you will find an answer, you are not a contender!

Anyway, during that day I was a little bit off because my then Fiance just left Dubai. We enjoyed having free meal though. I love the sushi. And I like the fact that the girls are enjoying. Not so much with Rubi and Wendy who were there prior but mostly with Glaiza. It was her Burj devirginizing moment. 

The first time I met Glaiza, I was not really a big fan. Well, I am not a big fan of first meetings. When I met my high school bestfriend, she was wearing a mascara and an eyeliner which was eye-popping during that era. She looked a little bit slutty. When I met my soul sister, she was uptight and looks a bit condescending. But what is really important is the fact that you like a person for who they are after the first impression. 

When Glaiza was new in the office she was loud and sometimes, annoyingly loud. She always has side comments which irritates me and probably I have the same effect to people. But if you know me better you will realize that if you dont cross me, I will not cross you. I am always on defense. 

I remembered the time when we went to Wild Wadi and “stalked” the Griff! It was a funny moment. I remembered how she fought for the peeping tom be reported to HR. Do not mistake her COOL facade as weak, she is a fighter.

So as time goes by, I realized what a good person she is. She has a heart of gold and always willing to help. She wanted to help the reception with some workloads to the point that they believe its her job already. One of the things I love about her is her ability to love people unconditionally. Her husband, her baby, her family, her friends, her colleagues. She is amazing! 

While I am full of angst, she is always full of life. She dreams big. She is intelligent and funny. And you know me, I love FUNNY. I love to laugh. And if people can make me laugh, they catch my heart.

Thank you Glaiza for being a friend. For understanding my cranky-ness. For being a part of my Dubai life. For your wit. For the laughter’s. For being YOU.

The Front Office Department decided to trek in Hatta. They actually suggested to bring a swimsuit because there is a Wadi (a stream or watercourse) however it was as dry as a woman in menopause. 

with Wazira (Uzbekistan), Lub (Philippines), Anna (Russia) & Moi (a NOMAD)

with JV, Mylene, Tonette, Puppet, Mayet, Lub, Arvy, George, Moi & RJ

The Council of Gay 

HGRS peeps 2007

Working abroad is FUN. Some would say that its a very difficult thing to do. To be away from your loved ones. But aside from that, its FUN. You just have to love your job and your job will love you as well.

I recently spoke with a friend about it and she said that she just cant take the fact that she is being compared to a previous employee. Well, if that said employee set a high standard and you dont like working as much, then you are in deep trouble. Its not going to be a suave drive. It is going to be rocky.

I have always been competitive. At a young age I was built to compete with students of high caliber. I am a fraud. I fake confidence. And people loved me. As I grew up, I became confident and arrogant and yes, bitchy! But only to people who are nasty to me. People who thinks they can step on my foot just because I am small.

“How dare you doubt my powers, you puny little insect! I will squash you like a bug!” Okay, so I love flare! I like drama! And drama is drawn to me.

Rewind in Dubai, there was a new colleague who came from Manila. I hate people smiling so widely on first meeting. I feel that they are  fake and out to get me. Oh yes! I am paranoid! 

So she works at the back office. Loud and with a highly thin annoying voice. She claims to be a singer so maybe that’s natural. I just sort of easily get annoyed by fake-ness. I always overheard her saying she has a rich family and rich boyfriend. And I was just curious as to why she still works at that position.

So one day I was a bit in a hurry to finish things and send reports and solve a complaint. I was running like a headless chicken and it took her too long to open the door. I opened it for her and she shrieked, “Ay Putang Ina Mo!” (translation: Oh! You Motherfucker!) and shocked as I am by reflex I said, “Putang Ina mo rin.” (translation: Same to you!) as I was just positioned at her back.

It was actually nothing to me. Hell, I eat curses and foul languages for breakfast. What irks me the most is the preposterous-ness of this girl when she started crying. I spoke to her Supervisor (who was also present during that time and heard everything) while she is at the Nurse. 

Unbeknownst to everyone, the Nurse (my friend) called me and stated that she did not feel well because her Supervisor was not siding her on the “cruelest thing” that has happened to her. She felt she could not breath!

Lordy, Lordy! For the second time in history I might be in danger of killing someone. The first one was during college when I took out a “balisong” (butterfly knife) and threaten to kill this bitch who was trying to threaten me first. Okay, so I was violent when I was a kid. That’s another story!

In all fairness to the Supervisor she was actually on her side.

Super: I heard the whole thing but I was not taking notice because I was on the phone. I think you loudly responded to her when she screamed.
Me: Madam, it was nothing to me! When you curse at me, I will curse back! Thats the “Boomerang Theory”! But to cry when you instigated something is absolutely insane!
Super: I still think that you should have taken it slowly!
Me: Well, the nurse said that she was actually complaining about you. That you were not on her side. And that she thinks you are not a good super!
Super: Mother F! I was on her side until now! She said she can ask someone to kill for her! 
Me: She can try! I have a better idea.

Okay, so I am a bitch! But I was just telling the truth. I was not doing anything wrong to this girl. But people just want to try me. Always. I then realize that if you act tough, people will think, “How tough?”

And so the 3 of us are in the Director of Rooms Office. Where I was just listening to her blabber about everything. She was clearly intimidated because believe me when I say that even my looks can kill if I want to. Then, when it was my turn to speak I stated how appalled I was with the behavior.

Who cry for something you yourself started? Who? Then she threw her Supervisor (her boss) under the bus.  And to my shock, I was not even included on the complaint. That was a bummer! I was savoring the moment and then I was excluded. 

Boss: Apologize to her because of what happened. (Telling Me and her Supervisor)
Me: I will not apologize and I do not need her apology. I am not sorry for what I did. What I am going to do is, I will promise not to cross anyone who do not cross me!

That was only a gist of a rather long and boring (but funny) counseling from the boss.

But true enough, I did not cross her. Because she did not cross me.

That’s how you play me people. Do not mess with me because you dont know who I am and what I can do. However, if you are nice to me, I will make it a point that I will be by your side through thick or thin. I will be your ally. I will be your savior.

And that is how you play me.

Children’s Party: Lub, Tetay, Mayet, Puppet, JV, GJ, Henry, Amor & Moi

As I have stated before, all of the GC peeps are pain in the ass (and I am not an exception) but each of them, a joy in my heart.

On my recollection, I first met Mayet at the HGRS cafeteria. She used to date this bleep which I will not rot simply because I was told not to speak ill of the dead. So there. 

Anyway, JV dragged me to the cafeteria to have lunch. We sat at the same table with Mayet who was like a protective lioness to her cub. Whenever the guy speaks to me she shove food on his mouth which was hilarious!

We did not really hit it off. It was a slow friendship which blossomed to a wonderful and deep realization that we cannot afford to have each other as enemies. So a friendship began.

One of the things I like about her is her ability to love with all her might. People often misunderstood her. She talks a lot. She is loud. She is frank and really opinionated. She is also pretty and oozing with sex appeal that men are drawn to. She is funny. She makes me laugh and people who makes me laugh always are my favorite. 

While dating another monstrous bleep we got so drunk that we ran to the nearest room, mine. She was throwing up in my bathroom and then I heard a flush. And suddenly a loud scream. I ran and she was told me that her dentures fell and by reflex she flushed it. She was horrified!

She used to call me in the middle of the night just because she could not cry alone anymore. This girl never really did me wrong. In my book she is a friend. She is always willing to help.

Through tears and laughter we developed a friendship. Her heartache broke my heart and made me realize that if relationships dont work, as a friend you have to pick sides. Its not necessarily because you lack an open mind but because your mind is clouded by an undeniable force called friendship.

So there, without further camouflaging. I am happy of where you are now my dear friend. I know like me, you have to kiss a lot frogs to find your Prince. 

And like most children’s fairy tale favorite, it was all worth the wait.