On the same date last year, I left Manila to Penang and became an expat, or as most people from my country would call, OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) or OCW (Oversease Contract Worker). A lot of things changed since I decided to become one of the medical lecturers in this side of Malaysia.
One year abroad reminded me these things :
- Love and value my family more; I’m working and living life because of them.
- Always keep the faith. God is always with us.
- Trust no one except God, family and few genuine friends.
- Be more grateful despite of financial difficulties and work hassles. There are more things to be thankful for.
- Never waste time on people who discount, mock and malign others. People who consider themselves righteous despite their wrong deeds at work and toward others are truly worthless. Pray for their souls instead.
- Keep cool but be tougher.
- Disregard what others think. You cannot do anything with their perceptions. The world will happily revolve without them anyway.
- Value time. You cannot buy it back.
- Enjoy today but save for tomorrow.
- Sleep remains a luxury.
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Mamy, Daddy, Tina, Gabby and I will spend 3 days in Thailand beginning tomorrow until Monday. We pray for a safe trip and a good weather. It will be fun, definitely. Have a great weekend too!
PS : What post from this blog about Penang do you like the most?
beyond toxicity @ docgelo.com 
believe it or not Doc, i remembered it’s been a year since you flew to Penang. and true enough, you blogged about it. daming nangyare. how time flies! wish you all the best.
ps – daya, may authentic char kway na, may orig pad thai pa.. unfair!!!
ikakain na lang kita ng pad thai kung may masarap na version in that part of thailand na puntahan namin… 🙂
CKT remains to be one of my favorites here.
enjoy docgelo!
ako love ko mga posts mo on the sights and sounds! enjoy ako to learn more about penang! 🙂
salamat, grace! members ba tayo ng mutual admiration bloggers association? haha! 🙂
happy anniversary. have fun in thailand.
the most fun i have are the food postings.
enjoy today but save for tomorrow – wise advice.
more food posts, for you, maria!
thank you. 🙂
Biruin mo ang bilis ng panahon. naka 1 year ka na dyan and less then a year your family is complete. enjoy your trip there. blog agad. more post on food and the culture of Penang.
time flies so fast docgelo and may you and your family have a safe trip to Thailand tomorrow.
p.s. i don’t only like this post moreso, i envy this shopping therapy – “410 THREAD COUNT COMFORTER SET FOR 1 RINGGIT ONLY”
Parang magkapatid lang kayo ng Mamy mo sa appearance! Either she is remarkably well-preserved or you are LOL. Take care. You are immeasurably luckier than most OFW or OCW, you have your family with you.
Have a lovely time in Thailand, I can’t wait to see the photos…I too enjoy the food posts, although since your photos are so vivid and beautiful they are all wonderful!!
Time flies! Naka one year na agad. I call mine as “Abu-versary”. It’s enlightening to read your list, especially the “enjoy today but save for tomorrow” part. 🙂
Time flies talaga…I do look forward to your adventures from Penang and beyond. I am sure you would have great photos coming from Thailand. 🙂
you live a balance life doc. that makes you a happy and contented person. good that you always recognize Him.
wow…coming here for first time and am getting such good vibes on reading your post…such positivity!!
Happy one year! Ingats!
Congratulations on your first year overseas, Doc, and regards to your family. (Oh, and keep your fingers crossed please: I might be moving away to the British Isles soon!)
congrats Doc, time flies talaga, ang bilis naka isang taon ka na pala dyan?? hayyy lahat ng post mo sa Penang e gusto ko although marami rin akong namiss hehehe…pero inggit ako kasi nagpunta ka ng Thailand yan ang gusto kong mapuntahan e kasi I love Thai food at may new Thai friend na ko dito and I’m interested to learn their cultures too. I can’t wait to read your post about Thailand. Ingats doc 😉
Ang bilis ng panahon, parang kailan lang nung umalis ka. I think the best thing happening to your life as an OFW right now is having your family right by your side! Priceless Doc Gelo, priceless.