Dreamliner

 Nothing happens... but first a dream.

 Back home, I was such a dreamer! I had dreams I don't even know where to begin with but had always imagined of going places, meeting people, getting inspired and sharing yourself to the world. It took me a lot of hard work, tears and miles and miles of patience I never knew. More than that, I had to be brave enough to leave home, take risks and sacrifice. That may include but not limited to the following: intense training, waking up at 4AM, crying yourself to sleep, doing your laundry, studying for exams, making your bed, reading THICK manuals, preparing your meal, being away from family and unceasing prayers. What kept me day by day is knowing that I'm not alone. And that is filled by my lovely (ROCKSTAR!) batchmates - turned sisters - turned friends. Had I not been brave enough to explore out of my comfort zone, would I ever meet these girls from around the world who share the same dream and drive as I  do. I wouldn't have had the chance to learn from the most experienced, insightful and passionate people - who are my instructors. It's a blessing to be surrounded by people like them.

Dreams do take a while before you can truly grasp them, but that shouldn't stop you from chasing them, even if you find yourself hit the ground running. Because they're there for a reason. Some say, opportunities come and go or you can't keep opportunities waiting. I say, opportunities are one of life's wonderful instants. Like a 'blink and you'll miss it'. Therefore, once it comes, you are to be wholeheartedly ready to accept it and discover the wonders it brings!

I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities privileged, knowledge imparted and people met.

This is truly a keepsake worth a thousand memories. Truly a Dreamliner!

Discover Doha

Ramadan Kareem to my Muslim family and friends! And before anything else, Congratulations to QR winning Airline of the Year from Skytrax at the Paris Airshow 2015! Wow, there is just so much to celebrate about! Honestly...

So tonight, 2038H Doha local time, I have the luxury to lounge, go through my photos and write in my diary :) Today marks my third week (and running!) since I arrived in Doha (craaaaazy isn't it?!) Since then, things have been nothing but a surprise every single day... A part of that is today my batchies and I are done with our Cabin Services Training! Many many thanks to our excellent (and lovely) instructor Ms. Sumari :)  

I am glad to have tagged along with my Ate Anne to kick-off my first ever weekend in Doha. And what better way to do it, is to go on an adventure! (and needless to say, misadventure) haha! It was a hot (very hot) day when we went off to the middle of (nowhere! I'm kidding.) the desert, with our little cooler filled with ice and drinks on our little Kia. The road was a sight of camel-coloured sands and rough, rocky and bumpy roads. I jumped on my seat to finally meet Qatar's pride (and QR's tail fin) when we stumbled on a herd of Oryx and a few other desert deers. Next up, was Film City which was a replica of the olden Arab times. We spent the day with new South African friends in our own little secret gem, which lives up to its name Zikreet Beach. Who needs a 4x4 when our little Kia made it! The ride may have been a mess but at the end of the road, it was beautiful and we had it all to ourselves. It was the perfect place to catch my first Doha sunset. And on a side note, I now trust the miracles of GPS and Google Maps!

My new Brazilian friend and I both agree that we are abencoada. It's a blessing to be here, to be right now. It's both a humbling and grateful time that there are moments when it becomes too overwhelming. I say, hold it with your both hands and share it :) Alhamudullilah everyday!

Aquaventure

Last week's adventure with the fambam was at Aquaventure, in Atlantis Hotel, The Palm Jumeirah. It's about time to visit this waterpark after a year of living in Dubai. It was a wet and fun (roller coaster ride fun) family day on what would be my last Friday in Dubai. Yes, this has just happened a weekend ago but why does it already feel like a long memory? I am currently typing this in my new "apartment" (my very own accommodation) with my newly made Korean friend and flatmate Miri, who is such a sweetheart. I am finally based here in Doha to join Qatar Airways!!! (I still feel like I'm floating and dreaming that I pinch myself everyday.) I want to make myself believe that I'm finally 'living the dream' but everyday I just thank the Lord for this moment and ask for His continuous guidance on this journey I have embarked on.

Leaving Dubai, which is one of my favourite cities in the world, has become a home. Ultimately, saying goodbyes is never easy especially with family, friends, familiarity and my cousins I left back 'home'. But a wanderlust is always home, wherever she goes.

Well, everything we choose to do entails sacrifice. Working hard to keep back the tears and stay focused right now. I may be on a short blogging hiatus as I want to put my attention on our training which will commence tomorrow, InshaAllah! I might have left Dubai as a resident and working migrant but I will always be home when I arrive. Here's to a new adventure!

Al Ain Photo Diary

Al Ain is UAE's little gem in the middle of the desert. It gives you that serene, peaceful and provincial vibe. We were spoilt with fresh air, cool breeze, landscapes and greenery far from the hectic lives we tend to get used to in Dubai. Some of the things that I've missed back in the PH. Walking in their vast park while enjoying the beautiful weather (it's been deliciously good since the season changed; I tell you, this is the best time to come visit the AE) was a breather from the hustle 'n bustle of the city! I too admired the Palace Museum which was just a few walks from our Hotel and reflects the rich cultural past of Emirati Heritage. The Al Ain Palace Museum or Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum was the actual palace of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi). Built in 1937 which, later on, has been converted into a museum which retained the olden time and elegant feel of the Emirati Royals. I still remember the last time I fell for Islamic Architecture, here. An hour and a half drive to Al Ain wasn't bothering at all. Found between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and home to the amazing Jebel Hafeet (so I've learned, Jebel is the Arabic word for Mountain). The road up Jebel Hafeet was a mesmerizing sight, with the hills covered in a blanket of glistening lights while being surrounded by natural landscapes you know were the works of one amazing creator. She's a beauty you wouldn't wanna miss.

Al Ain

 

As the year is coming to a close, I'm starting to reflect on and evaluate myself. The past few weeks alone has been a whirlwind of events - scoured Dubai to find a new place and began moving in, did my first part-time job for Formula One in Abu Dhabi and happily ended the month in Al Ain! To spend Thanksgiving on a weekend adventure (tagging along with the Power Puff Rangers) made me come full circle and know that 2014 has not disappoint. I am forever grateful for everyone, for everything and for what's to come in my life... Can't stop won't stop.

F1 Weekend

 

How can I not be overly excited and grateful to spend such an amazing 3-day weekend with Formula One race cars, work with an international crew, serve the likes of Kylie Minogue and share the same room with Etihad CEO - James Hogan or Prince Harry perhaps?

Getting into the-very-last-minute for my very first part-time job gave me a lot of firsts and brought me a whole new lifetime of experience! Like I've always said, I have the FOMO. Therefore, you might see me running, chasing to get into events and trying to make things happen... With a wonderful stroke of luck, I got in an international events group catering for big events, organizing races (F1 racing, for that matter!) around the world - that is Do&Co. With the season ending in Abu Dhabi, I'd do anything to be in that event! I don't mind having only 4 hours of sleep, shuttling back and forth Dubai and doing hospitality work for very. important. persons. Waiting tables (for the first time!) even just part-time wasn't easy! It was nerve-wracking the first day - thinking if I might trip, break a glass or get the wrong order. I'd say it's a skill and even a form of art. I've learned how to serve champagne with the correct arte and realized the magic that's happening behind the kitchen!

The crew from Do&Co, who specially flew in from Austria, were absolutely meticulous and quality consistent professionals - they were perfect in what they're doing. More so, they were kind-hearted, genuine and needless to say, beautiful people. We too worked side by side with the world's best Cabin Crew, and what made me feel proud is that they're Cabin Managers were Filipina! I am so glad to have worked with a multicultural crew who know the value of teamwork, who has a sense of leadership and one who upholds standards. They're energy is contagious and I hope to keep those values in me for the rest of my life. Plus, the new friendships I've made along :)

I've been designated in the Etihad Airways lounge which I had no idea would cater to the VVIP guests and was the among the important box in the Paddock. The view from our window was right next to the Pit Lane and the Finish Line of the Yas Marina Circuit. Hearing the zooming loud sounds of the F1s pumps my adrenaline too! It took me some time to soak everything in! The job was definitely exhausting but more rewarding. And though I've lost my favourite sneakers during the finals, I have gained way more! I cannot contain myself for this wonderful experience. It's as close to me as a deja vu which is why I came up with this blog post though having only limited photos (since taking pictures or filming the event is strictly prohibited). Guys, the final word I'd want to leave with you is get. out. there. It is these moments that make us feel more alive. Mabruk to Lewis Hamilton whom I've heard from one of my guests was a very down to earth and prayerful man. No wonder he won the race and the heart of Nicole Scherzinger.

It must be the Ferrari.