Next Destination: Harbin

Posted in Travel - China on 02/03/2010 05:40 am by Claudine | Viewed 14 times

image After experiencing Chinese New Year in Beijing in 2006, I told myself that I don’t want to be stuck in the city with nothing to do and being bored.  Ever since then, I’m usually out of town and either head back home or to a different location.  This year, my friend and I will visit the elusive Harbin.  I’ve been trying to visit this place for the past 3 years and I don’t want to mess it up this year.

Harbin (哈尔滨)

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, which is the northernmost province of China.  It is dubbed as “Ice City” for its long and cold winter.  It is also famous for it’s winter ice sculptures which happens every year in January and February. 

In the 1920s, it is recognized as China’s fashion capital as the newest fashion passed by this city before heading towards Shanghai.  The city borders Russia and a lot of their architecture are influenced by their neighbor.

Read the rest of this entry »

 

Restaurant Review: Emerald City Smoothie

Posted in Restaurant on 01/25/2010 02:36 am by Claudine | Viewed 19 times

Large Logo On February 3, 2010, Emerald City Smoothie will open its doors and welcoming locals and expats who are seeking healthy, great tasting nourishment for their body!

Emerald City Smoothie was founded in 1996 in Seattle, Washington when a man turned his dual passions-for healthy, great-tasting smoothies, and helping others achieve their health goals-into a business. Washington state is home to 46 Emerald City Smoothie locations and the corporate office. We have over 64 stores opened nationwide including: Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Connecticut and are proud to announce our first international location serving Beijing. “We have been referred to as the Starbucks of Smoothies”, states EVP, Business Development Jim Baskett.

As best stated by our mantra, we stand for everything that is fresh, healthy, nourishing and flavorful. We are committed to enhancing the everyday lives of our customers—body, mind and spirit.  That’s why everything that can be bought in the store are healthy products such as smoothie, juice, tea, sandwiches, protein powder and vitamins.

At present, they are still in their soft opening stage.  All products are 15% off.  If you’re someone who has a sweet tooth, inform them so they can add a bit more sugar to suit your taste.  I suggest trying Island Breeze and Mini-mass if you’re into the strawberry banana flavor.  Half of their fruits are imported while the other half are locally produced.

I know I know.. why drink a smoothie during winter time?  Hey, it’s warm inside the building and it’s a good meal alternative.  So, what are you waiting for, head out to their flagship store in Beijing.

Address:  3/F, Gateway Plaza, 18 Xiaguangli, East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang, Beijing                      (北京市朝阳区东三环北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座3楼)

 

2010 Chinese Holiday Calendar

Posted in Working in Beijing on 12/22/2009 09:34 am by Claudine | Viewed 105 times

 

image We’re almost at the end of 2009 and I hope next year proves to be a better year for everyone.  I hope the world economy makes a rebound and everyone’s life will be at least a bit easier.

Our HR already sent out a memo regarding the 2010 Chinese Holidays.  That means I can plan my vacation and make the most out of the 11 days vacation leave that I’m entitled to on top of the Chinese Holidays.  As usual, expect working on the weekend or seven days straight as China just love to messed up regular working people’s schedule.

  • New Year -  Jan 1 (Fri) to Jan 3 (Sun)
  • Chinese New Year – Feb 13 (Sat) to Feb 19 (Fri), must work on Feb 19 (Sat) and Feb 20 (Sun) … *aaahhh!*
  • Tomb Sweeping Day – Apr 3 (Sat) to Apr 5 (Mon)
  • Labor Day – May 1 (Sat) to May 3 (Mon)
  • Dragon Boat Festival – Jun 14 (Mon) to Jun 16 (Wed), must work on Jun 12 (Sat) and Jun 13 (Sun)
  • Mid-Autumn Festival – Sep 22 (Wed) to Sep 24 (Fri), must work on Sep 19 (Sun) and Sep 25 (Sat)
  • National Day – Oct 1 (Fri) to Oct 7 (Thu), must work on Sep 26 (Sun) and Oct 9 (Sat)

There you have it!  I’m dreading the seven day work-week.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be grumpy on the seventh day!  Why can’t they just stick to a long weekend like in the Philippines.

 

Merry Christmas from Beijing!

Posted in Whatevah! on 12/20/2009 09:15 am by Claudine | Viewed 30 times

 

image Five more days to go and it’s Christmas!  One of the most important holidays for me but somehow I don’t feel like it’s Christmas.  When everyone is looking forward to it.  For me, it means more work.  My bosses are away on a holiday but they’ve piled a list of things for me to do.  Oh well.. 

Christmas came early for me as my brother and sister-in-law came for a visit.  We went to Datong and some of the Beijing sites.  Of course!  It’s freezing but that’s winter.  Hehehe!  I’m hoping for a white Christmas but it’s not going to happen.  My friend from the Philippine Embassy even jokingly said that maybe they should write to the Chinese government and respectfully asked for snow on Christmas eve.  Hehehe..

Our building had a Christmas tree lighting ceremony but it flopped big time as they only served mulled wine which majority of the people we gave it to didn’t like. 

Christmas lights are already out in most building but the spirit of Christmas isn’t there.  Christmas made me miss home with all the light and Christmas carols.  It made me miss my family even without a lavish feast but just being together and greeting each other “Merry Christmas”. 

It’s been quite some time since our family as a whole celebrated Christmas.  Last time it happened was in 2006, the month my brother married.  This would also be the first Christmas that Lola Meling won’t be joining us.  (Miss you lola!)

Well.. I better stop this rambling… but to everyone.  I hope you have a better Christmas than I do!

Photo ain’t mine.  got it in the web! :P

 

One Kuai More!

Posted in News on 11/28/2009 01:00 am by Claudine | Viewed 35 times

 

image I thought China would be able to subsidize the fuel costs for drivers but apparently not.  With fuel prices soaring to at least $70 a barrel, the transport sector is clamoring for an increase.  Compared to the Philippines where each increase in the transport cost will result to strike, China just lay down the law and expect everyone to follow.

Last Wednesday, November 25, the long awaited increase for taxi operators was implemented.  Flag down rate remains at RMB 10 between 6am to 11pm and RMB 11 between 11pm to 6am.  However, if you go beyond the flag down rate, you’ll be charged an additional RMB 1 on top of the metered rate.  This RMB 1 will come out of your pocket and cannot be reimbursed.

I’ve taken the taxi several times since Wednesday and it’s a hit and miss.  Some taxi drivers will ask for RMB 1 more while others doesn’t seem to mind.  So, if you ride a taxi and your taxi fare is beyond RMB 10, don’t argue with the driver if they ask you to pay one kuai more.

 

Hospital Horrors

Posted in Medicine on 11/15/2009 07:48 am by Claudine | Viewed 48 times

 

image When I think of hospitals, I envision a clean, sterile place that is airconditioned and white painted walls.  I’ve lived in China for 6 years now and my vision of a hospital changed.  I dread becoming sick as I’m not really sure if the doctors can be trusted or let alone the needles or items they will use on me are sterilize and new.

In Zhanjiang, I get to know two neurologists.  We became good friends and somehow my fears were slowly fading.  I still don’t want to have my tooth done here even in Beijing.  I guess it just my first impression left me with a bad picture.  As I was riding a taxi in the city, I can see dentists extracting tooth from the patient from their window doors.  Some of the doors are open that even pollution can enter your mouth.  That defeats the purpose of keeping the place clean.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend shared one of his horror stories with hospitals here in Beijing.  His wife was pregnant and his business was here, they decided that his wife will give birth here in China.  The pre-natal care was excellent and at par with western standards.  However, it turn for the worst during the birthing procedure.

Read the rest of this entry »

 

Pista, 2009 Philippine Ball

Posted in Parties on 11/11/2009 11:21 am by Claudine | Viewed 93 times

 

IMG_2217 The 2nd Philippine Ball was held last 7 November 2009 at the Doubletree by Hilton at Xuanwu district.  The ball was dubbed as “Pista” showcasing Filipino food and comedian Nanette Inventor.  Ticket price was RMB 600 per person.

Ticket

My friend Richard from Philippine Airlines was one of the major sponsors of this event.  Luckily, the guests he invited decided not to go so Marco and I were able to attend the event for free.  Nice eh!  (Thanks Richard!)

The ticket cost is relatively cheap compared to other chamber events.  A part of the proceeds of this event will go to charity both here and in Manila.  Beneficiaries are PGH Children’s Ward, Philippine Red Cross, and orphanages in Beijing.

Location

Doubletree by Hilton is in the southwest side of Beijing.  For most attendees whom I know, the majority live in the east side of town,  Taxi alone will set you back 50 rmb one way.  For me, it was ok as Richard was able to bill his cab fare to the company.  Thank you Philippine Airlines!   :D

Read the rest of this entry »

 

Happy Singles Day

Posted in Whatevah! on 11/11/2009 10:33 am by Claudine | Viewed 33 times

 

November 11 is dubbed as Singles Day in China.  I’ve been here in China for 6 years but I’ve never experienced this day before or maybe I’m not just aware of it.  My colleague received a Chinese message from the telecom company advertising all the events that’s connected to this day.

Apparently they all moved the events in the weekend as nobody usually goes out in the cold and in the middle of the week.  Well.. being single is good and bad.  Good in the sense that you don’t have to answer to anyone except yourself and you can do whatever you want within reason.  Bad in the sense that there are times wherein you feel lonely.

So, what’s significant with Singles Day?  I don’t really know.  I just know it’s one of the numerous working holidays that China has.  :)  

Happy Singles Day everyone!  Oh yeah!  Happy Veteran’s Day as well in the US.

 

Let it Snow!

Posted in Weather on 11/02/2009 11:00 am by Claudine | Viewed 40 times

 

snow9 Woohoo!!  I didn’t notice that it was snowing not until I was about to head off to church.  It seems like winter is early this year.  It’s kinda strange as when I asked my friends about two years ago of what they remembered as the earliest snowfall in their lifetime and they both said it was November 6. 

Well.. yesterday snowfall apparently is one of the earliest in record.  Last time it snowed this early was eighty seven years ago.  Also, it wasn’t light snow but medium snowfall with big flakes and four inches of snow.  It was so pretty that my friend and I can’t resist taking photos.

The bad side of early snowfall is freezing temperatures and no heating.  In China, all buildings north of the Yangtze river turn on their heating by the 15th of November which officially starts the winter season.  However, as it suddenly snowed yesterday, everyone is wearing two to three sets of clothing inside their home.  It’s such a pain going around and searching for a place where it’s warm.  I might have to resort in buying an electrical heater just to keep myself warm.

I hope they open the heaters soon.  The snow outside is slowly melting and the cleaning ladies are already sweeping them out of the sidewalk.  If you didn’t see some rooftops with snow, you wouldn’t know that it snowed recently.

I hope we’ll have more snowfalls this season or else if they follow the trend we have for the past couple of years, we would only have two to three more left.

 

All The Single Ladies! - Beyonce

Posted in Music on 10/15/2009 03:28 am by Claudine | Viewed 61 times

beyonce-beyonce-230799_1024_768First thing, Happy 60th anniversary to the People’s Republic of China.   I’m back from my two week holiday in Singapore and Manila.  I got my new laptop and China really banned my site.  :(   So now, I’m forced to write this while at work as our company has a VPN connection.

Anyway, this is just a short note to inform everybody living in Beijing that pop diva Beyonce will be in town for a one night concert at the Wukesong Stadium.  This will happen on 23 October 2009, 8pm.  Tickets are sold via piao.com at RMB 288, 488, 688, 988, 1288 and 1688.  The lowest and highest priced tickets are all sold out. 

So, all the single ladies.. let’s strut our stuff and join bootilicious Beyonce in Beijing.

 
Older Entries