Kamsa Kamsa Park, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

January 25, 2013, weather was fairly good early morning of Friday. It was a bit cold and with a dash of sunshine, perfect weather so we thought since it is winter time, weather would eventually get colder during the day. My colleagues brought along with them their winter jackets, wore long sleeves and sweatshirts just in case it will get colder. I just wore a blouse, brought with me a sweatshirt, scarf, mittens and bonnet as I unfortunately forgot my winter jacket and my shades tsk tsk tsk. Gosh, why did I not check the weather forecast before leaving the house? The weather went hot and sunny, no trace of winter, ugh!

Kamsa kamsa park from the word Kamsa meaning five because the entrance fee before was Five Riyals per person is now known as Ashra Ashra Park from the word Ashra or Ten as the entrance fee is now Ten Riyals is an hour road trip from Al Mather, Riyadh.

We went with a couple colleague who went out for a picnic with their relatives and friends. In short, Ana and I were just tagged along.




Let's see what's inside the Kamsa kamsa Park. I was only able to tour and took pictures on few sides of the park as I was not feeling well and it was just so hot. There were actually billiard center, basketball court, food stalls and I saw clothes hanging for sale like tiange style. This is one park wherein a woman is not obliged to wear an abaya. You are free to take off the abaya and be yourself but NO sleeveless nor shorts or revealing clothes.



This is the entrance going to where the hanging bridge is.



I just love nature photography. All the pictures I took are raw images, not digitally enhanced. It's just at times I need to adjust the settings now and then because of the natural light.

Mud water well.


Mud houses and structures that is middle east.



I saw our images on the mirror so I took a shot for fun! Have you noticed anything?





Kamsa kamsa park's development is still ongoing.

From afar, I saw two men walking and realized they would eventually pass in the middle of these mud houses. I visualized a picture, a perfect shot of them in the middle of the two mud houses. I was just glad my mind was still working despite the blazing heat of the sun and my pounding migraine, with quick eyes and hands to capture this scene. Presto! I got the shot that I wanted. For me, it's perfect!






I'm not sure if Ate Pia is doing gangnam style or otso otso! ;-)
And finally, after a quite bit of walking here and there, we're finally here at the hanging bridge.

I have fear of heights but I want to conquer my fears. I have conquered my fears even before, having tried zipline, crossed several hanging bridges, several tall buildings, roller coaster rides and rode the Flash in HK.


View from the hanging bridge.






Lunch time at about 1 p.m.

After lunch, I took a nap as I cannot control my sleepiness and just not in the mood to roam around for more photography session as it was just sooooooooooooo hot. My lips and eyes were already burning and my exposed arms were getting reddish already, hhmm sunburn?

I woke up to the loud music of gangnam and the cheers so I peeped out of the van and saw these kids dancing. So cute!
Our group had few games, though I wanted to join, I just opted watch them play and take pictures.

It is refreshing to go out sometime and see places and people having fun. Just by breathing fresh air is already a breather and takes out stress and home-sickness.

OBRA (Outstanding OFW/Balikbayan Reputation Award) Outstanding Filipino Blogger 2012

Hi everyone! I know, this article is long overdue and was suppose to be written after the ExlinkEvents OBRA awarding last December 7, 2012 held at SM Mega trade hall. Unfortunately, I was really tied up with all the article writing and blogging, newsletter and holiday flyers for clients. Nevertheless, it’s better late than never.

We sleep real late here and my insomnia attack was very bad lately too. Early morning today, I decided to write (ehm) about the OBRA award (as I feel I am in the mood though very sleepy). As I was gathering my thoughts on how to start the blog and while trying to compose the first line, I browsed the internet and just checked on my name if something will come out. I tried few tweaks with my name on and well, I found links to my blogs and Facebook until I finally wrote my full name. I was surprised to find my name tagged with Exlink Events and with blogger Nessie, author of  Say it, Nessie. I opened the site and saw a picture of me on the big   screen during the OBRA (Overseas OFW/ Balikbayan Reputation Award) with my name and few lines about me.

 I again browsed the internet hoping to see if that something else might come up and viola, another one popped out from Mai Flores, author of budget biyahera. I was really overwhelmed and I am humbled as I did not expect to be mentioned and recognized in someone else’s blog.

As I have mentioned on my earlier blog about the OBRA award, the recognition as the 1st OBRA Outstanding Filipino Blogger for 2012 comes as a big surprise and I may say “the highlight” for the year 2012 and my being a blogger. The story I wrote -  Adobong Mani: Emmanuel Rabulan – OFW  story of success and survival caught the attention of one of the organizers of ExlinkEvents which paved its way to my nomination and finally receiving this award.

In as much as I wanted to be present during this momentous event to receive the award and hold the plaque personally, but work has prevented me to go home. My daughter Krystal Eulaflor Jayme received the award on my behalf with my brother Oliver, sister-in-law Aireen. Thank you Tito Elson Ogario and Venus Tagala for the warm accommodation while my family stayed in Manila.

All the awardees were given 15 minutes to deliver their speech. The other awardees were  Outstanding Entrepreneur – Milagros Remugat Leviste, Domingo Carmona De Leon ; Outstanding Community Builder – Jeffrey Ximo Ramos, Rosalie Ellasus ; Outstanding Positive Character/Deed ; Emmanuel Rabulan, Juanita Limbago ; Outstanding Family Builder – Solito Cruz, Analiza Lupisan; Outstanding Blogger Advocate - Gracia Amor. Since I am not able to make it to the event, I was asked to record a video instead of having it live on skype to avoid untoward episodes like lag, robotic sound or worse, being cut off while delivering the speech.

Working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where strict rules for women are imposed is somewhat difficult to get stories of Kabayans as we are not  free to talk to men specially if not a relative and roam around the kingdom without the official drivers of the house.  But this award made me realized that even if you are confined in the four walls of room and your working place, you can still make a big difference in your own little way. And that, by the mighty power of the world wide web, internet and social media, one can reach out to the world and I can say and share what’s in my heart and mind.

Thank you Exlink Events for recognizing an Overseas Filipino Worker's simple thoughts, my simple thoughts, through blogging.

Indeed, big surprises come in small packages. To God be the glory.