Covid 19: The Other side of the coin! March 27, 2020

Who would have wanted to think that one day, unexplainable chaos will just come to crash you and the society as a whole?

It is a freaky reality that some horrible things will happen and surprise you in just blink of an eye. Truth be told, sometimes knowing less makes you keep up in life and vulnerable.

Let us talk about the POSITIVE impact of this pandemic. Yeah, you read it right, the valuable stuff is actually happening.

It is GOOD for the future. From a long term perspective, the effect of this LOCKDOWN practice will have a BENEFICIAL impact on the entire planet.

Based on worldometers.info, the earth is inhabited by around 7.8 billion human lives. Indeed, we are congested and we are all responsible for taking care of the planet otherwise we will face the wrath of its aftermath. The measures being taken by different authorities across the world are helping the planet.

For instance, the northern part of the Philippines now is leasing out carbon dioxide due to the reduction of its transportation and emissions across the country is becoming minimal. Numerous factories are being shut down, machinery is putting to rest, businesses pausing for a time. I used to live in the Metropolitan area with crowds, noise, and air pollution. And now the skyline is becoming unblemished and blue as it was in its 90's era.

The Manila Bay went viral as the shoreline is becoming turquoise and crystal clear. Completely different from two or three weeks ago. The dark, dirty, filthy river where no one wishes to swim.

In general, we are helping our Mother Nature to recover and put back in shape. Again.

The world is HEALING!

The earth is BREATHING!

At some point, we all need to pause and reflect.

Things are happening for a reason. The cover-19 virus has a better reason. If we wish to live in a habitable planet, do we really need to have another pandemonium to get viral? I hope we all learn about this.

What is the positive side do you see at this time?

Care to share?

COVID-19: RESTAURANTS WILL CLOSE SOON!

BUSINESS CLOSED!

HOW BUSINESSES WILL OVERCOME AMIDST THE VIRUS?

Stay Indoors!
If people are advised to stay indoors and how the hell these restaurants will stay operational?
It was a lovely sunny Friday afternoon in Dar.
Accompanied by my friend, I asked her to go to the Levant, one of the Lebanese restaurants near to our office about 5-10 minutes walk.
Arriving at the place, It was kinda different.
Very few customers and too many crew staff working.
That is weird if the business stays the same for 5 days
these people will soon lose their job and that's the scary part.
They are the breadwinner of their families.
It is very painful to see people suffering.
But sometimes we just have to trust the well and learn to let go.
There have been plenty of businesses closed already, pubs and bars too.
Let's hope for the best and see the brighter side.

COVID-19 (MARCH 26,2020)

Corona, a silent invisible enemy.

From establishments of all sectors forced to shuts down which causes sudden laying off of employees, basic commodities panic buying, a first-ever plunging fall recorded of the stock market, cancellation of schools and other outdoor activities and so many to mention. I must say, it is a traitor killer.

I am working for a travel agency. From an average of 50 tickets sales per day, NOW, we barely even get to have 50 tickets for a week and it is sad because this is my bread and butter. If the travel industry shuts off- it means no business and that I have to save up and ration my personal food and the remittance which I regularly send for my family back home. It scares me big time! Every night, I am praying and hoping that one day when I wake up, this pandemic scare is all gone. Literally, cured and gone!

On March 4, 2020,  I was so thrilled applying for a tourist visa going to South Africa for that would be my first out-of-the-country travel ever since I work here in TZ. During those days, it wasn’t that worst, the numbers affected by the coronavirus is still at the minimum, by then, I got my visa approved. With so much excitement, I prepared myself and stuff but then suddenly things changed unexpectedly when I heard the news of South Africa confirming its 3 cases of coronavirus victims. Of course, it is risky so I had no other choice but to call off my plans and so wait for further development. I tried to rebook it by March 20 until 27 but then again, it got even worst. And yes, I have to stay instead.

In just one week, the outbreak came uncontrollably. From Wuhan China to Iran, Italy, Australia, and now all over the globe.

It ain't funny. It sucks!

Different stories are spreading around, rumours and theories and we don't even know what is the truth. What to and who to believe in. The world economy is going down drastically. The majority of our clients have asked for booking cancellations and refunds. That’s it! Considering we only get profit out of service fee which is actually not that big.

I am so scared having thought if this might be the end of the world. These revelations are happening either from the Bible or Qur'an.

It is real!

I am scared because I have sinned and will always be a sinner. I am scared because I am away from my family and I have not seen them for years.

Things are getting worse and yet some parts of Africa are just starting to get infected and following proper protocols will only be the option to save us all, by now.

In the Philippines, the DOH reported the country’s first case of COVID and was from a Chinese national, who has travel history from the epicentre of the COVID19, Wuhan, China. The number of cases back then was running slow and that the travel kits then were not sufficient enough to detect and prevent the virus.

As of today, March 22, the Philippines has now a total of 707 cases including 45 deaths and 28 recovered.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an enhanced security lockdown in Metro Manila started on March 15, 2020, to April 14, 2020, hence, some citizens do not cooperate and instead protested against him. We cannot please everyone though. But for your own sake, please stay at home so the virus could be contained at least.

Last March 16, 2020, The Ministry of Health of Tanzania confirmed its first case of COVID 19. The patient was reportedly coming from a trip in Belgium and fortunately recovered upon undergoing three medical tests and now on its final stage before being discharged. Today, Tanzania has now 13 confirmed cases.

It's been a week, we are told to go home early from office since there is less work but exemption on the accounts department where I work and yes, we still have plenty of work to do. Even from home, while watching my Netflix movies, I work.

Seeing the world crushing breaks my heart. Even the greatest and prepared countries in the world is being taken by this deadly virus. It respects no one, nobody and not a single thing!

Some parts of Europe are now devastated. Italy, for instance, records the highest death surpassing the number of death in China. Now, Italy has recorded 7,503 death while Spain has 4,145 deaths and China recorded 3,287.

The hospital care in these two European countries is scarce. Doctors died and mostly the aged are very susceptible to the virus.

Today is the start of South Africa's 21-day lockdown to contain the virus and to combat spreading the disease. If the whole country will stop all the businesses and total lockdown will be observed, within 14 days I think it will make a great impact and it is for the common good. In India, a 21-day lockdown is to be observed.

The virus attacks the human respiratory system and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended always wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.

We all need to pray and cooperate. It happens for a reason and it is for us to, later on, find out.

I pray of healing for those who get infected, for our courageous front-liners and for the whole world to heal.

Total cases: 503,262
Total Deaths: 22,340
Total Recovered: 121,227

26/03/20 20:50

GETTING READY FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Getting ready for my South Africa escapade.

What are the things to consider? 

Tips and facts.

What is the weather like in March?

Preparation for extreme activity.

How much pocket money you need to save? 

Share me some advice and suggestions. 

Thanks in advance! ❤️❤️❤️

Filipinos in Dar , Tanzania

Its been awhile since I last written an article. Well, I've got a lot of things to share. Having been off for quite sometime, for sure some interesting came up.

Here are some of the events I've had so far with my co-expats.

Number 1, An annual sportfest is celebrated by two different groups named Filipino Community of Tanzania (FCT) & Filipino Association of Tanzania (FAT). They may have different insights and beliefs but all together united to play and show great sportsmanship and camaraderie.
This time is the FAT group to organize, various players from around Tanzania come over to join and participate on this event. It's been really a pleasure to be able to meet and greet your co-Filipinos. Despite the tight schedule that we have, we still managed to stay fit and athletic at the same time.
This is also my first time to join and competed with Maurel Et Prom (MP Team). I played badminton and was privileged to bring home the gold medal award with my partner Greg Rosete.
And very fortunately, we won all the games for Badminton, Women's Volleybal, Men's Volleyball and Men's Basketball.

During the practice at Masaki Sport Park

I am not really good at playing volleyball but since i know badminton, it helped me to play volleyball as well which i find really interesting.

Here are some clips that you might be interested in.

Number 2, Badminton Open Tournament

After the Sportfest, we have decided to reach out local Tanzanians as well. So being one of the officers of FCT, I was given the opportunity to organize an open tournament. It was my very first time to organize a game since i am only playing in Makati and not really the head master of the event. The preparation was tough but i enjoyed it a lot.
The chance to meet new faces was incredible.The Tournament held last April 12-14, a 3-day tournament.
Reading the comments from various players were really overwhelming. The appreciation was incredible.
The game was really extreme and i am very thankful that my friends were very supportive and made the whole tournament a momentous one. Thank you for the generosity of our sponsors who made the event a successful one.

Sponsors to this tournament are Winglink Travel Limited, Changani Beach Cottages, Computer Connections Ltd, Office Depot Limited, Direct Solutions Ltd, Victor Coppard, Lorelei Lavilla, Jun Jun Sanchez, Charinne Acosta, Malabad Hinduro Page. And special thanks to our President Genievive Coppard and her team for the valuable support.




Number 3, Independence Day!

Freedom is what we seek, from our family, from our workplace, from the outside world.
Truly it is a great feeling being the master of your time without being dictated by someone above you.
Philippines has fought so many battles to give the new generations, the future of the country, a peaceful and  livable nation. Even we are not residing in our home country but we still feel the spirit of Independence day which our great great ancestors fought for us. For the 121st Independence day celebration, we had a theme Pahiyas Festival which symbolizes the celebration of a bountiful and abundant blessing from the crops celebrated by one of the provinces in the Philippines, Quezon Province. It is a colorful festival where guests and visitors are being entertained by some dances and to showcase the Philippines' culture as well. After the ceremony we had a fun games for kids and the adults.
The whole day was a success but the amount of work we have put into is really a lot. We slept late and help each other for the decorations, we have worked so hard so we can share and give a wonderful show.

Number 4, Ras Kiroko Kigamboni, DSM

A place where a quiet and chillin life begins. It was a holiday at work and everyone is so excited to be on the beach. Well, me and my friends have decided a beach getaway. It was my four months in Dar but I have been to a lot of places already around the city. My life revolves on going around, seeking adventures and take that moment as my last best.
Kigamboni is such a beautiful place to escape. The view was majestic and the waves of the water and the fresh air was so fascinating. For only 2 hours drive from the city, a beautiful place and a big waves is waiting for your arrival.

What an amazing adventures I have been.
Check out my youtube channel to get to see some interesting clips.


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Ahsante Sana, Karibu Tanzania!

HAKUNA MATATA

TANZANIA EXPEDITION !

KARIBU TANZANIA!

Mbudya Island (2018)

Let us together discover, explore, and enjoy a foreign land situated in Africa.
Considering this is my first time here, I believed there so many things I can do, travel, eat, dine and party.

Where to go in Tanzania?

Travelling is my passion and I always find the beach very comforting and relaxing that is why it is my first list of the destination I have visited here.

(1) First stop: Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island White Sand

The Mbudya is one of the four islands of Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. It is an inhabited island in Tanzania and is located north of the country’s capital city, Dar Es Salaam. It lies close to the beach resort and is very accessible from the mainland for just 20-25 minutes of the boat ride. The island is also popular for day tour trips both tourists and residents of the country. The water is clean and is perfect for sunbathing as well. They have managed to maintained and make the island a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the powdery white sands. There are trees planted on the island that serves as protection from the sun where visitors can relax, read books, chill, eat, have some drinks. Good food is also available here and bringing food is extremely not allowed.

Cottages in Mbudya Island

We took a boat from Kibo Beach in Mbezi directly to Mbudya island with some of my new local friends. Arriving at this island is really relieving, where else can you go where you want to forget the pressure, the stress from the city? It is the nearest and one of the most accessible islands you can go to. Perfect time to visit here is morning to see the sunrise and of course witness the amazing sunset on the beach. You are not allowed to camp here so you will need to leave at 6:30 in the evening.

This is such a beautiful experience and my very first beach visit here in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania

(2) Let's go wild and safari @ Mikumi National Park

Up for a wildlife and nature adventure in Tanzania? Here we go. 

Before we move our feet and see these lovely creatures. Let us first get a glimpse of this park. 

Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest national park in the country of Tanzania with a massive area of more than three thousand square kilometre such vast area animals can freely live and produce more creatures. Coming to this place is a bit tough especially to foreigners, immigration people and police are on the road to check. The speed is also very strict here, in some area even at the greenery side without many people, the speed limit is only 50 kph, it will make you waste more time on the road than the usual driving you do. It took us nearly 6 hours to travel there by private car, there's one immigration officer who stopped us and has some Kiswahili questions and luckily these friends of mine can understand and communicate Swahili now so he let us go and never bother to check our papers. 

Arriving at 10 a.m. so many people are registering and you know some people are just really slow at work and you just need to be patient. If you ever come here, be sure to bring a photocopy of your identification card and permit or business visa, it is a requirement before entering the park.
The car who took us inside was good because it allows us to stand in the middle of the car and see the animals. We saw different types of animals which I never encountered yet and it is so cool to see them walking, eating freely without being tied up. Inside the park, we saw elephants, zebras, antelope, wildebeest, hippos, giraffe, monkey, birds and buffalos. Unfortunately, out of the big five animals (Cheetah, Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Giraffe) only two of them that we have seen vividly. It is because of the timing, as far as the locals advise, better come early in the morning to these creatures walking around and hunting for food, Afternoon time like we did is impossible to see them as they are going to rest and hide underneath the big trees.

After an almost 3 hours tour inside the park, we are all exhausted and headed to the restaurants for a meal before going back in Dar es Salaam. If you don't want to be so exhausted, you can book a hotel near the park so you don't have to rush coming there and going back on the same day.  

And this is where we spent our Christmas in Tanzania.

(3) Kunduchi Beach Resort

This New year, we visited this beautiful beach resort located in Kunduchi. It is called Kunduchi beach resort. The entrance fee at the hotel is only 10,000 shillings but if you wish to enjoy the buffet inside then you pay 50,000 shillings. The hotel has many amenities so paying that much is just what it's worth. They have a live band, local dance shows. You can also enjoy either use the swimming pool which is up to 8 feet deep or gets tan and kissed by the sun on the beach. They have fine sand that is everyone's love when coming to a beach like this. I and my friends are quite a sporty so we opted to play volleyball for almost an hour before going to swim. It was a fun-filled experience and a blast for a new year to celebrate. This hotel also offers go-cart racing so you will never get bored checking into this place.

With Pinoy ex-pats

Thank you for visiting!

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I WAS FLABBERGASTED! BANGKOK, THAILAND MUST-SEE

MY SECOND TIME IN BANGKOK!

I had a very quick trip to Bangkok for only 21 hours and I knew I had to make the most of it. So since this is my second time here, I prioritized those places I have yet to visit. Two years ago I visited this beautiful country for 3 days and yes that was really worth the luxury of time we all have. I had enough time to wander, explore and discover more things from good to something exotic. Before flying to Bangkok, I made sure I had complete documents for the immigration pass. There are plenty of times where travellers were denied going to other countries for whatsoever reasons and surely, I don’t want to be one of them so I need to be very persuasive and since it's my 5^th time to go out of the country I am used to answering and passing through. And most especially I don’t want to lose all the efforts I’ve spent just to come here, I have spent to buy a vice versa ticket, hotel accommodation, transport fees and other fees you may have incurred- which to me is very costly, so be alert, be clever. These immigration officers are very keen on your return flight so having a vice versa ticket gives them an impression that you're coming back together with your hotel accommodation coupon. I booked my hotel accommodation online via Airbnb at Express Hostel, in Sathon road close to my fave place which is Silom where bar and business are open til late, it is an hour ride from the airport. Before coming, I asked the hotel to arrange a car to pick me up at the airport, gave them all the flight details, air carrier, time of arrival, name, etc and paid 600 baht which is quite high instead of paying a normal taxi but I have the convenience and I don’t have to talk to these taxi drivers and bargain from 1000 to lower the price. So for hassle-free trips- make some wise decisions, the grab can be an option as well. Before I left the airport- I bought a local sim with a bundle at 299 baht for 8 GB and also get an exchange at the arrival area (USD 200 x 30.68). Travel time from Manila to Bangkok is 3 hours and from the Suvarnabhumi airport to Hostel took us 1 hour due to heavy traffic even we took a skyway. One-night accommodation cost me 1,413 pesos and my airfare which I bought 2 days before my flight is around 13,000 pesos.

At 11 a.m. I arrived at the hostel, tired and exhausted but I only have a few hours here so no time to be a lazy boy. I have not eaten breakfast yet but I want to save time so I went to the convenience store and bought some chips and juice then booked a grab and found this the spectacular beauty of Wat Arun Temple.

Download this app for your best experience in Bangkok, it’s called “Bangkok Guide App”.

To begin our tour, first stop: Wat Arun Temple

Entrance fee: 50 Baht only

Dress code: Dress appropriately- you’re visiting a temple so avoid wearing sexy, short clothes otherwise you will not be allowed to enter but there’s a store where you can buy shoals to cover your legs and shoulders available for sale or for rent.

No sleeveless allowed in this area. From Express hostel to Wat Arun is almost 25-30 minutes depending on the traffic jam and charged me only 145 baht via grab.

There’s s much to see in this place and you will surely be delighted seeing its beautiful, intricate and detailed piece of work.

After an exhausting and tiring day around in this temple, I booked an uber and went to a massage spa to get some good, a really good massage. I just found it on google and it costs me 1,500 baht, a little expensive but it is very good. It an hour massage and they have a shower available as well. The room is beautiful and the place looks nice as well. It's worth the price. After an hour, I headed home, rest for a while and I went to Tawan in Silom area to have dinner and also some drinks.

If you’re able to visit Thailand, Tawan area in Silom is a must-visit place, it is safe, so plenty of businesses around you, bars and spas. And it is open till late in the morning so, you will surely enjoy your time coming here.

Day 2- THE GRAND PALACE

On my second day, I woke up early and rode to Grand Palace. I booked a grab from the express hostel and it only costs me less than 200 baht. But before you go to this temple, you need to do a little research first especially the dos and don’ts. If you happen to visit this place, you are not allowed to wear shorts and sleeveless. Wear appropriate attire every time you visit a temple even not in Thailand. The entrance fee is 500 baht, the crowd here is too much, you can hardly take a picture without photobombers.


Coming to this place is so fascinating. But even if this place is crowded, I found my way to catch the best memories in my life even I’m travelling alone.

After an hour spent in the Grand Palace, I headed to the other side of the temple where Wat Arun was situated, I rode a boat and paid only 3.50 baht to go across. I was looking for some extra shirt to buy since I’m sweating already due to a warm climate but unfortunately I have never found the local cloth I wanted to wear but only when I came back then I saw so many local clothes just outside the grand palace, I felt so disappointed of wasting my time crossing the river but I have to be positive and enjoy my holiday here.

Please bring enough cash when you go out, I ran out of cash and headed to the banks to exchange but I haven’t brought my passport with me so I was looking everywhere but he banks won’t do transactions without your passport so my last resort is withdrawing from the atm machine. It is not advisable doing this otherwise the exchange rate will rip you off.

Beat the heat of the sun and bring some water to keep hydrated.

Grab is not allowed in the grand palace so you can book grab a taxi for your convenience.

Next destination, I went to Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

I rode tuk-tuk coming to this place and it's about 20 minutes ride from the grand palace and paid him 100 baht. It is my second visit here but I have enjoyed here compare last two years back. We just passed by last time now I’m literally outside the palace. Took cool photos and headed to my third destination.

The third destination- I headed to Wat Suthat Temple and The Giant Swing.

THE GIANT SWING

THE GIANT SWING

WAT SUTHAT TEMPLE

WAT SUTHAT TEMPLE

The entrance fee is only 100 baht and here is quiet and less crowded but still, the temple is amazing.

After a long day of gallivanting, I went to the bathhouse for some hour and had dinner in Siam Paragon. The food was delectable and I only paid 900 baht for three of us with my new local Thai friends. After having dinner, I went home via BTS Train. It was Friday and traffic is expected everywhere so I need to drive early to the airport.

And that’s my 21 hours well spent time in Bangkok. As a traveller, you need to be flexible and strategic. Make everything easy, enjoy have fun.

Thank you! Khon Krub!

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