Went to the UN to attend some sessions. I attended the session of the ministers. I observed the UN delegates from my seat at the gallery and well, nakakahilo. There were people walking, coming in and out, assistants distributing papers, etc. it was very hard ry to focus.
The security officer in charge of that room was a Filipino--Gerry. Gerry told me that there were many FIlipinos working in the UN. They always bond during breakfast. Gerry would take me to the UN Security Council GA but unfortunately they were having a closed door meeting.
After UN, I went to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The entrance fee was USD 20 but it was worth it. My eyes watered when I saw my favorite painting -- Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. I really liked that painting, and I stared at it for almost 20 minutes. It was very emotional for me because while looking at the painting, I was thinking of my mo and how excited I was that I would be with her after 5 years of separation.
I enjoyed MOMA a lot. I did not stay long because the museum closes at 5:30pm (it was almost 4pm when I got there) and I didn't see their film collection.
I also saw the works of Andy Warhol and it was very very ASTIG experience :)
I also had to go to the airport to fetch my mother. I took the subway (West 4th St) and got lost. hahahaha... I changed trains 3x (wrong train)... finally I was able to catch the A train and got off at Howard BEach where I transferred to AIR TRAIN. yup, train inside the aiport. so cool.
I got off at Terminal 8. I was really excited, nervous, super mixed emotions. I looked at the electronic signage announcing the arrival (waiting for American Airlines Flight No. 4 from LAX), went to the restroom twice, would sit down for a few seconds, then would stand up again to look at the signage..
Finally flight no. 4 just landed. I stood at the passenger's exit beside the limo drivers. When I saw my mother I ran to her and hugged her tight. I could not say anything. we were just stood there, hugging and crying, speechless.
We went to the apartment to drop her things then we had dinner at a nearby restaurant.
I lost my camera :( left it in the taxi.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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New York City - Day 3 (Tuesday)
Day 3 - Tuesday
Lovely weather; not so chilly. Ms. Daphne and I went to the Philippine Consulate at the 5th ave. to meet with the other delegates and with the PR (Permanent Representative to the UN Hilario Davide). Appointment with the PR is at 9:00am and we arrived a little early so we went to Starbucks (inside Barnes and Nobles bookstore) across the street.
The Philippine Consulate along 5th Ave
Barnes and Nobles; Starbucks at the 2nd floor. This is the view from the Philippine Consulate
I ordered my favorite Starbucks bagel and cream cheese + Cafe Americano tall. AT 9am we went to the consulate and met with Davide, and his Deputy PR Ambassador Leslie Gatan. The delegates introduced themselves one by one to the Philippine ambassadors.
Ambassador Davide and the Philippine Delegation
The Philippine LGU-NGO delegation: 1) Hon. Edgardo Quisimbing, Board Member, San Carlos City, Negros occidental; 2) Ms. Caridad Sison, Chief Finance and Management Division, NIA Region XI Davao City; 3) Hon. Rodolfo Martinez, Board Member, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; 4) Hon. Ernesto Tojing, Board Member, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; 5) Ms. Judith Navarra, Population Program Officer II, Kidapawan City, Cotabato; 6) Engr. Melinda Baure, Provincial Coordinator, Tandang City, Surigao del Sur; 7) Teresita Francisco, Budget Officer, Valenzuela City; 8) Sharon Quezon, Secretary to the Mayor, Siquijor, Siquijor; 9) Eleanor Sardual, SB Member, Ipil, Zamboanga, Sibugay; 10) Elvira Nedia Mauban, Coordinator, LGU MAuban, Quezon; 11) Maria Estela Felipa Aceron, Vice Governor, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; 12) Ms. Shirley Belen Aala, former Congresswoman, Tagum, Davao City; 13) Ma. Cecilia Mayo, Valenzuela Councilor and President of Women in NAtion-Building (WIN); 14) Rio Brigino, External Relations Officer of Vibal FOundation and the official documentation officer of the delegation.
The Road to Open Knowledge flyer at the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York
The delegation went to the UN to attend the conferences. We bumped into Ambassador Davide again and asked him for another photo op.
with His Honor Davide (RIO and hilaRIO)
While waiting for the other delegates who were registering, I took pictures of the United Nations. I was so delighted of the sights! People of different race, nation and culture all interacting with each other; people in their native costumes; and so many Filipinos working in the UN! Security personnel, staff, and clerks. I didn't feel I was thousands of miles away from the Philippines.
Disarmament!
We attended the Local Authorities Major groups meeting where we had a chance to introduce ourselves to the the major group coordinator.
We also attended the plenary on Decisions on Water and Sanitation.
Ms. Daphne and I arranged the venue for the side event on Friday. We paid the fees at the UN cashier and I wasn't surprised this time-- the cashier is a Filipino. (The registration officer is also Filipino).
After this, we went home since Ms. Daphne is having a slight fever. I, on the other hand, explored! I walked from our place to the Apple Store at 59th and 5th. I almost bought an Ipod nano. WIll buy it when my mom arrives on Friday. She will buy a notebook too.
I bought an all american hotdog and ate it while seating on a bench at the south central park. I watched other tourists, birds, the carriages (the Sex and the City romantic scene of Carrie and her european artist boyfriend was filmed here), The Plaza (the world's best hotel!), etc...
I walked home again. Didn't feel tired. I love New York!
Lovely weather; not so chilly. Ms. Daphne and I went to the Philippine Consulate at the 5th ave. to meet with the other delegates and with the PR (Permanent Representative to the UN Hilario Davide). Appointment with the PR is at 9:00am and we arrived a little early so we went to Starbucks (inside Barnes and Nobles bookstore) across the street.
The Philippine Consulate along 5th Ave
Barnes and Nobles; Starbucks at the 2nd floor. This is the view from the Philippine Consulate
I ordered my favorite Starbucks bagel and cream cheese + Cafe Americano tall. AT 9am we went to the consulate and met with Davide, and his Deputy PR Ambassador Leslie Gatan. The delegates introduced themselves one by one to the Philippine ambassadors.
Ambassador Davide and the Philippine Delegation
The Philippine LGU-NGO delegation: 1) Hon. Edgardo Quisimbing, Board Member, San Carlos City, Negros occidental; 2) Ms. Caridad Sison, Chief Finance and Management Division, NIA Region XI Davao City; 3) Hon. Rodolfo Martinez, Board Member, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; 4) Hon. Ernesto Tojing, Board Member, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; 5) Ms. Judith Navarra, Population Program Officer II, Kidapawan City, Cotabato; 6) Engr. Melinda Baure, Provincial Coordinator, Tandang City, Surigao del Sur; 7) Teresita Francisco, Budget Officer, Valenzuela City; 8) Sharon Quezon, Secretary to the Mayor, Siquijor, Siquijor; 9) Eleanor Sardual, SB Member, Ipil, Zamboanga, Sibugay; 10) Elvira Nedia Mauban, Coordinator, LGU MAuban, Quezon; 11) Maria Estela Felipa Aceron, Vice Governor, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; 12) Ms. Shirley Belen Aala, former Congresswoman, Tagum, Davao City; 13) Ma. Cecilia Mayo, Valenzuela Councilor and President of Women in NAtion-Building (WIN); 14) Rio Brigino, External Relations Officer of Vibal FOundation and the official documentation officer of the delegation.
The Road to Open Knowledge flyer at the Consulate General of the Philippines in New YorkThe delegation went to the UN to attend the conferences. We bumped into Ambassador Davide again and asked him for another photo op.
with His Honor Davide (RIO and hilaRIO)While waiting for the other delegates who were registering, I took pictures of the United Nations. I was so delighted of the sights! People of different race, nation and culture all interacting with each other; people in their native costumes; and so many Filipinos working in the UN! Security personnel, staff, and clerks. I didn't feel I was thousands of miles away from the Philippines.
Disarmament!
We attended the Local Authorities Major groups meeting where we had a chance to introduce ourselves to the the major group coordinator.
We also attended the plenary on Decisions on Water and Sanitation.
Ms. Daphne and I arranged the venue for the side event on Friday. We paid the fees at the UN cashier and I wasn't surprised this time-- the cashier is a Filipino. (The registration officer is also Filipino).
After this, we went home since Ms. Daphne is having a slight fever. I, on the other hand, explored! I walked from our place to the Apple Store at 59th and 5th. I almost bought an Ipod nano. WIll buy it when my mom arrives on Friday. She will buy a notebook too.
I bought an all american hotdog and ate it while seating on a bench at the south central park. I watched other tourists, birds, the carriages (the Sex and the City romantic scene of Carrie and her european artist boyfriend was filmed here), The Plaza (the world's best hotel!), etc...
I walked home again. Didn't feel tired. I love New York!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New York - Day 1 & 2
Day 1 - May 11
I get to have my own Manhattan pad while in NY, thanks to my boss. The staff of apartment building were all very friendly and helpful. They gave me a copy of the NY City Guide.
2nd Ave
I made some calls to my mom and friends who are in the States. Phone calls within US and Canada are free. My roommate, Daphne Roxas, spent the night with her friend. I stayed at the apartment, surfed the web and chatted with my sister.
Day 2 - May 12
We went to the UN and registered. We were given our own IDs (personalized UN souvenir). We distributed flyers of our side event among attendees. I met Martha Benavidez, an active women's activist representing El Salvador and had lunch with her at the UN cafeteria. She is a very good friend of Ms. Daphne.
Daphne (left) and MArtha
Ms. Martha is so involved with the community in her hometown. Right now, she has this project called Old for the Young where old people discuss with young people culture, livelihood, community, etc. The young once (esp Martha and Daphne) have so much faith in the younger people. They believe that these young ones are brighter, smarter, and stronger.
After lunch, we went to the Philippine Consulate office at 5th avenue and we are very fortunate to have met the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador (Your Honor) Hilario Davide. He was very warm, nice and friendly. We finalized the ambassador's schedule with the Philippine LGU-NGO delegation. His honor will meet the group on May 13 and will have lunch together with the government delegation on May 16 before the side event.
with the Honorable Hilario Davide and Ms. Daphne Roxas
After the photo op with the former Supreme Court Justice, we left the consulate. We took the subway (my first time! bought an unlimited (7 days) ride ticket. Ms. Daphne took me to 5th avenue, Rockefeller Center (there was an NBS event but I didn't recognize the celebrities), Macy's (Guess and Nine West bags 40% off!), KMart (Yes GAV there's a KMart in Manhattan. 34th St.).
Rockefeller center
After a little shopping, we went home already since Ms. Daphne still has her jet lag. I worked on this blog and checked the emails and made some phone calls.
I haven't eaten rice since leaving Manila. My very own chef (Morton Williams) prepares food for me. Tonight I had steak with spinach and potato, tomorrow Eggplant rollatini and caesar's salad.
I get to have my own Manhattan pad while in NY, thanks to my boss. The staff of apartment building were all very friendly and helpful. They gave me a copy of the NY City Guide.
2nd Ave
I made some calls to my mom and friends who are in the States. Phone calls within US and Canada are free. My roommate, Daphne Roxas, spent the night with her friend. I stayed at the apartment, surfed the web and chatted with my sister.
Day 2 - May 12
We went to the UN and registered. We were given our own IDs (personalized UN souvenir). We distributed flyers of our side event among attendees. I met Martha Benavidez, an active women's activist representing El Salvador and had lunch with her at the UN cafeteria. She is a very good friend of Ms. Daphne.
Daphne (left) and MArthaMs. Martha is so involved with the community in her hometown. Right now, she has this project called Old for the Young where old people discuss with young people culture, livelihood, community, etc. The young once (esp Martha and Daphne) have so much faith in the younger people. They believe that these young ones are brighter, smarter, and stronger.
After lunch, we went to the Philippine Consulate office at 5th avenue and we are very fortunate to have met the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador (Your Honor) Hilario Davide. He was very warm, nice and friendly. We finalized the ambassador's schedule with the Philippine LGU-NGO delegation. His honor will meet the group on May 13 and will have lunch together with the government delegation on May 16 before the side event.
with the Honorable Hilario Davide and Ms. Daphne Roxas
After the photo op with the former Supreme Court Justice, we left the consulate. We took the subway (my first time! bought an unlimited (7 days) ride ticket. Ms. Daphne took me to 5th avenue, Rockefeller Center (there was an NBS event but I didn't recognize the celebrities), Macy's (Guess and Nine West bags 40% off!), KMart (Yes GAV there's a KMart in Manhattan. 34th St.).
Rockefeller center
After a little shopping, we went home already since Ms. Daphne still has her jet lag. I worked on this blog and checked the emails and made some phone calls.
I haven't eaten rice since leaving Manila. My very own chef (Morton Williams) prepares food for me. Tonight I had steak with spinach and potato, tomorrow Eggplant rollatini and caesar's salad.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Coming to America
May 11 at 6:30 am, Northwest Airline Flight No. 72 took off for Detroit, Michigan. I was seated at no. 62K. The flight had a stop over at Nagoya, Japan. I checked out the Duty Free store in NAgoya and there was a corner there with all SanRio products. I was almost tempted to buy but I was saving all my money for NY shopping.
Flight from Manila to Nagoya was almost four hours, waiting time at Nagoya was 2 hours, Nagoya to Detroit was more than 11 hours. After so many hours of sitting there and alternately reading a book (The Untold Story of Imelda Marcos) and watching the in-flight movie and sleeping, we finally landed at McNamara Airport, Detroit City.
One last stage before entering the US: the port of entry immigration interview. The officer who interviewed me was suplado but he allowed me to stay in the States for 1 month so i give him +pogi points.
Ms. Daphne Roxas, the secretariat/coordinator of the Helena Benitez Global Forum, and a trustee of Vibal Foundation, Inc., fetched me at the baggage claiming area. With her was Ms. Caridad Sison of Department of Agriculture Davao.
We went out and I breathed my first US air :)
We enjoyed very much our taxi ride from the airport to Sterling Plaza, our temporary home in Manhattan. The driver, Anatole, is a Russian. He was so nice and funny and he even lent me his mobile phone which I used in calling my mother.
(to be continued... jetlag :) )
Flight from Manila to Nagoya was almost four hours, waiting time at Nagoya was 2 hours, Nagoya to Detroit was more than 11 hours. After so many hours of sitting there and alternately reading a book (The Untold Story of Imelda Marcos) and watching the in-flight movie and sleeping, we finally landed at McNamara Airport, Detroit City.
One last stage before entering the US: the port of entry immigration interview. The officer who interviewed me was suplado but he allowed me to stay in the States for 1 month so i give him +pogi points.
Ms. Daphne Roxas, the secretariat/coordinator of the Helena Benitez Global Forum, and a trustee of Vibal Foundation, Inc., fetched me at the baggage claiming area. With her was Ms. Caridad Sison of Department of Agriculture Davao.
We went out and I breathed my first US air :)
We enjoyed very much our taxi ride from the airport to Sterling Plaza, our temporary home in Manhattan. The driver, Anatole, is a Russian. He was so nice and funny and he even lent me his mobile phone which I used in calling my mother.
(to be continued... jetlag :) )
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Start spreading the news...
I am so excited! For the next three weeks, I will experience many firsts in my life.
First time to visit the United States.
Will leave on May 11 for New York City. I will attend the United Nation's 16th Conference on Sustainable Development (CSD-16) at the UN Headquarters. Vibal Foundation, Inc. co-sponsors the UN CSD 16 side event, the 3rd Helena Z Benitez Global Forum on Gender, Power and Sustainable Development. I am in charge of the documentation and of course, promotion of the foundation and its projects.
First time to attend a very prestigious conference (This is the UN, baby!)
First time to meet my mother after five years (can't wait to hug her)
First time to tour around New York City.
Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, broadway shows, times st., shopping, etc...
First time to be enclosed in an airplane for more than four hours...
etc, etc...
Thank you EAV GAV NVM and Ms Daphne!
First time to visit the United States.
Will leave on May 11 for New York City. I will attend the United Nation's 16th Conference on Sustainable Development (CSD-16) at the UN Headquarters. Vibal Foundation, Inc. co-sponsors the UN CSD 16 side event, the 3rd Helena Z Benitez Global Forum on Gender, Power and Sustainable Development. I am in charge of the documentation and of course, promotion of the foundation and its projects.
First time to attend a very prestigious conference (This is the UN, baby!)
First time to meet my mother after five years (can't wait to hug her)
First time to tour around New York City.
Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, broadway shows, times st., shopping, etc...
First time to be enclosed in an airplane for more than four hours...
etc, etc...
Thank you EAV GAV NVM and Ms Daphne!
Balik ELBI
Went to my alma mater, the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, last week (May 2) with my sorority sisters Auie, Nikki, Jane, Ingrid, Isay, Dai and her American hubby Kevin.
Jane, Ingrid and I took the bus. Haha what an experience! All seats were taken so the three of us were standing from Buendia to Los Banos. Good thing traffic was fast moving. Amazed at the new ticketing system. no more ticket punchers. bus conductor has this PDA-like device which prints out ticket/receipts. high tech!
Went straight to LB square. (lungkot lang wala ng IC's). Dinner then drinks. Auie turned the usapang reminiscing to usapang For Adults Only. 40 Forbidden Questions. Can't blog about the details shempre.
Around midnight, we walked around the campus at shempre pa, KODAKAN galore. Posed under oblation, sa tambayan in front of Biosci. we walked from the main gate up to Baker Hall. Ayaw na magpunta ng fertility tree kasi si Isay daming ghost stories! nagkatakutan na!
Went to Hostel around 2am. Then Auie and I went back to Manila. slept at auie's place in pasig. To post pictures later pag nakahingi na ako kay Dai :)
Grabbed these pics from Daileen's friendster:
Jane, Ingrid and I took the bus. Haha what an experience! All seats were taken so the three of us were standing from Buendia to Los Banos. Good thing traffic was fast moving. Amazed at the new ticketing system. no more ticket punchers. bus conductor has this PDA-like device which prints out ticket/receipts. high tech!
Went straight to LB square. (lungkot lang wala ng IC's). Dinner then drinks. Auie turned the usapang reminiscing to usapang For Adults Only. 40 Forbidden Questions. Can't blog about the details shempre.
Around midnight, we walked around the campus at shempre pa, KODAKAN galore. Posed under oblation, sa tambayan in front of Biosci. we walked from the main gate up to Baker Hall. Ayaw na magpunta ng fertility tree kasi si Isay daming ghost stories! nagkatakutan na!
Went to Hostel around 2am. Then Auie and I went back to Manila. slept at auie's place in pasig. To post pictures later pag nakahingi na ako kay Dai :)
Grabbed these pics from Daileen's friendster:
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