31 October 2010

My election plea

I live in a country where instant gratification an entitlement, rather than a pleasant surprise. Change is a process, not an event. It took 8 years to fix the wrongs of the 80s, it took 8 years to undo the progress done, and it will take as much time to get back on track. All I can say is, consider long and hard about derailing that process, and be realistic with one's expectations.
Sarah Palin is an intelli-cunt poseur. She is not well-read, not an expert on anything except creating drama and shooting her mouth off. She plays on the insecurities of the people, giving them the idea of such immediate results are part of the American Way, and something to fight for. The Tea Party is so disillusioned with the status quo, they will do just about anything to get such instant gratification and blaming the current president for all the problems, when he just inherited them. Obama is trying to keep true to his promise, but it doesn't help when people have unrealistic expectations.

These people are deluding themselves, thinking that by going to extremes, that they will get votes. And yes, they will. Unfortunately, my fellow citizens have not realized that mob rule doesn't get anything accomplished fast.

We all need to be reminded that by hard work, playing well with others, sacrifice and creative and innovative thinking, we will get the government we want AND the results that we need.

29 October 2010

From the Dalai Lama

It is important to distinguish between genuine humility, which is a type of modesty, and a lack of confidence. They are not the same thing at all, although many confuse them. This may explain, in part, why today humility is often thought of as a weakness, rather than as an indication of inner strength, especially in the context of business and professional life.

28 October 2010

What Hong Kong needs to do to be a World Class City

I've been home a week now, and I have had time to reflect on what could make Hong Kong better for everyone; the people that live there, the people that visit, and the expats that choose to make Hong Kong their home. This is based on personal observation, and nothing scientific.

I remember the first time I came to Hong Kong in September 2005, working for Ocean Park (see previous entries about how much of a pain in the ass it is to work there), and I was completely impressed. It was in part modern, reaching towards an uncertain future due to the handover back to the Central Government, but so steeped in tradition and the past. I commented to a taxi driver, who loved anything Filipino, spoke great English, who told me, "Wait until you have been here a while, you will see a side of Hong Kong that isn't so nice. It is nice for you because you are a Westerner, but wait until you see what it is like for the people who live here."

Since then, I started to realize that that taxi driver was right. In the past 3 years particularly, I have started to realize a few things. All this made me conclude, that Hong Kong is a modern city with its share of problems and issues they must address.

So here's the laundry list:

Media needs to be transparent. What we see/read in the English press is not what the typical Hong Konger would see in the Chinese press. We don't get to hear about the drama, or if we do, it is often sugar coated, so it doesn't appear as bad as it is. We want to understand what's going on and be part of it.

The Hong Kongers need stop using language as a weapon of exclusion. It is sad when employers have to prove that being able to read/speak Chinese is a requirement of a job. Why not do what Singapore does, and make English the medium of commerce, education and government, and use that as the MAIN language? I'm tired of being called names in front of me, when I know damn well what they're saying. I'm tired of being told that speaking English is fine, but people speak in Cantonese in front of me, and not including me in the conversation, is a major issue for me. Not only is it rude, it is counterproductive for any interaction.

Speaking of exclusion, due to the large expat community, both white and from other Asian countries, there should be more efforts to include them in daily life. Sha sha tangs and hot pot restaurants should have bilingual menus, after all we should be able to order anything, anywhere, and enjoy probably some of the best cuisine Hong Kong has to offer. It took me years to finally remember the word, but I would love to be able to tick off Tofu Balls on the hot pot order sheet, rather than have to ask: "Lei yao mo san gan?"/Do you have tofu balls (or golden thread tofu balls)?

Stop the widespread discrimination for those expats who are non-white AND the non-Chinese resident population. After all, the Indians and Pakistanis, most of them were born and raised here, their ancestors were brought by the English as their servants and labourers. The Filipino, Malaysian and Indonesian nannys, maids, domestics deserve better respect and a decent living wage. Though it is the law, profiling based on ethnicity is another way that government perpetuate official harassment, and make it quite clear that WE DON'T BELONG HERE, even though the expats pay Hong Kong taxes, and are an intregal part of Hong Kong life.

Everyone needs to learn how to treat everyone equally. Because of my 'Asian' face, I get treated better than my white friends. Until I open my big mouth, then I get the same treatment, as they. And the 'local' price versus 'tourist' price is just plain WRONG. I've gotten hosed a few times over this, it doesn't feel so great, and makes me go to other places to shop. I think I'll do my shopping in Sham Shui Po, where the hawkers are more fair with the prices.

Making conditions better for the Hong Kongers. Get a minimum wage. Build more public housing, and improve the estates that are falling apart. Make cage houses illegal. Tell Bowtie to get a clue, after all, he doesn't want to suffer the fate of Marie Antoinette, since he said to a professional couple in 2009 about the lack of affordable housing in Kowloon: "Move to New Territories, then." Fix the air pollution problem as best they can. Improve access to mental health services for everyone (refer to my post about the guy killing himself).

The citizens needs to stop being apathetic and take advantage of their rights under the Basic Law, asserting themselves before those rights go away. They should fight the Central Government to make sure their rights are protected and the Basic Law is observed on their part. The infighting in LEGCO is not for show, there are people that actually care about what happens, who cares if they just happen to be politicians. They need to take responsibilities to insure their democratic way of governance is protected for the benefit of the HK, and not the Central Governement.

Teach the children morals and ethics, as they don't understand that if you lie to save face, and get caught, everyone loses face. Teach them to learn on their own, encourage independent thinking, and make them understand that cheating is bad. Make them learn responsibility for their actions. They need to learn the benefits of collaboration for the good of the whole.

Take pride in your cultural heritage. Stop tearing things down to make more office buildings or car parks. Otherwise, there won't be anything of the past left for locals and tourists to appreciate.

I'm glad that there are helpful people around. But, don't hide behind the language or cultural barriers in order to not help. We need your help sometimes. Because of this, I have had to depend on friends to help AND/OR be more prepared in order to do something simple like order from a menu. It can make living here difficult for someone who's not used to being independent or doesn't know their resources.

Hong Kongers need to stop being so self-centred and absorbed. I understand it is very Confuscian, to stay to themselves, and look out for their own survival and self-interests, in order to save face and maintain social order. But really, forcing the SPCA to take their pet because it doesn't match your decor, or you don't have time to take proper care of your pet, is that right? Or is it necessary to push and shove your way to the front of the queue, just because you're in a hurry? It is not just about you.

Trust me, I STILL love Hong Kong. It has so much to offer, and so much potential. I love the friends I have made, the things I have been able to do, and the food I've been able to eat. People may think I'm whining, and I should get over it, because it is another country and culture. Since Hong Kong professes to be a world class city, it needs to be called out on the stuff they need to fix. However, they need to get out of the tunnels to see the world as it really is.

22 October 2010

RIP Sony Walkman

You were an big part of my life. You went everywhere you were allowed to be: school trips, runs through Bridle Trails State Park, paper routes, and you even went to bed with me, my first bedfellow. I will remember you, especially when I watch popular movies made in the 1980s.

I will keep your memory, as you were my first technological love, a testament to the genius of technology of the time. Thank you for being there. I shall miss you.

(Chopin's Death March playing on my iPod Classic in the background.)

19 October 2010

In requiem

Alan and I were in Causeway Bay checking out office space, and we were having a discussion over how to proceed, when all off the sudden we saw someone jump and land on the balcony.

What is weird is Alan and I lived in that building in 2006, and that person landed on our part of the balcony. And the paramedics had to access him through the apartment in which we lived.

I'm not sure how I feel about seeing someone die. It's different than in the movies, as I am an actor, portraying a few death scenes myself.

Part of me is saddened that someone felt that this was the only solution to whatever is going on in their lives. It does get better. However, it takes time.

Part of me is sickened that while the onlookers looked on in disbelief, no one called 999 (the emergency number).

Part of me is bewildered that there were people here looking at this as a form of cheap entertainment. Myself included. It was like reality TV live. And I wanted to tell the news crews what it looked like. It was like death was trivial.

Part of me keeps wondering, if I was still living there, and actually had to see the body land on my balcony, how would I feel?

This was the first time I saw someone die in such a manner. It's different from watching it on TV or in the movies, or even reading about it.

Life isn't trivial. It's the act of existing in this world and everything in it, physical, spiritual and everything in between. The tangible and intangible. Perhaps it's oversimplifying things, but to describe in in 30 seconds or less, it's a decent working definition.

16 October 2010

FML

Have you ever been at a party, though welcome, you should have never accepted the invite? Tonight was that night for me, and it makes be VERY IRATE that myself -- and a few others -- are in the situation we're in now.

We went to the Zombie Crawl, an Ocean Park traditional party. Saw some actors, said hello. Tried to look thrilled to be there. Tried to have a good time. Couldn't. It made me so fucking angry that I royally got fucked over. I couldn't be happy. I was upset. Pretty damn upset. Then I got pissed off.

I saw one of the people who took over my position. Even though he is considered one of the 'good guys', I was colder than ice to him. Man Chun, you bitch, now you know the hell I go through year after year. Good for you.

What really pissed me off was one of the assistant makeup artists told me that this was the last year for our company. Why the hell did she have to tell me this?!? That totally fucking ruined it. Fuck you very much Grace. I had to leave. Went to the Flying Pan and had myself a damn good double bacon cheeseburger.

I will make my voice heard somehow in a manner that will make people hurt. Don't know how, but it will happen. Ocean Park, you have no idea what the wrath of Drew will bring. Fucking bitches and hos.

15 October 2010

Links to my Hong Kong photos

So, here's the Facebook links to some of my albums I've posted during my trip to Hong Kong. You don't have to be a Facebook user, and I've made these public. Copy and paste, since Blogger won't actually let me link these addresses.

Tai O:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=295768&id=674140449&l=c1fff1bb79

Lamma Island: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=297062&id=674140449&l=e160365ce8

Happy Valley Racetrack: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=297339&id=674140449&l=268b899845

The Tram Party: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=295761&id=674140449&l=cfcead2037

Lamma Island

Pics from our trip to Lamma Island. Beautiful island. Had a lot of fun!





'Who' knew, right?


My friend Brit with someone who looks like Matt Smith from Doctor Who.... Taken outside of the Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.

09 October 2010

No food and drink on the MTR


I love Public Service Announcements in Asia. Whether or not it's print, billboard or TV, it's simple, to the point, and entertaining, albeit a bit preachy. Like these pics I took on the MTR, the subway in HK.


Tai O

Pics from our trip to Tai O. A traditional fishing village about 30 minutes from the airport on Lantau Island. Pretty cool to walk around to see houses on stilts, and lots of metal housing, smelling the sea air and fish drying.



Happy Ending.... I think not!

Since I got here, my back has been hurting so bad. The last time it hurt so bad, was in 2005, before surgery. I didn't get much sleep last night, it was REALLY bad.

I was considering getting a cheapy intro massage somewhere. Coincidentally, I was at Temple Street, trying to get shop inventory and finish Christmas shopping where I was approached by a chick asking me for massage. I went and did it. Hell, for less than $15, it was a deal.

She was good, hit the spots that I needed to get pounded out badly. She even walked on me. But what ruined it was when she asked if I wanted an oil massage. In Asia, when your masseuse asks you if you want an oil massage, chances are is they're trying to get you off to get a bigger tip. Then she asked me to turn around. I KNEW IT! She's trying to get me off.

Girlfriend kept playing with my crotch. I asked her to stop, "No one touches that except my mother and my wife. Those are the only two women that are allowed to touch me there." She cut it short by 30 minutes.

I paid her. Then she asked me for a tip. I left her a 25¢ tip. She demanded a larger tip. I said, "I don't think so. You shorted me 30 minutes AND you tried to wank me off. That's all you're getting." I left dignified, really pissed, but my back feeling much better.

08 October 2010

From the Dalai Lama

Press Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Liu Xiaobo Being Awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize

by Dalai Lama on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 7:03am

I would like to offer my heart-felt congratulations to Mr. Liu Xiaobo for being awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Awarding the Peace Prize to him is the international community’s recognition of the increasing voices among the Chinese people in pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms.

I have been personally moved as well as encouraged by the efforts of hundreds of Chinese intellectuals and concerned citizens, including Mr. Liu Xiaobo in signing the Charter 08, which calls for democracy and freedom in China. I expressed my admiration in a public statement on 12 December 2008, two days after it was released and while I was on a visit to Poland. I believe in the years ahead, future generations of Chinese will be able to enjoy the fruits of the efforts that the current Chinese citizens are making towards responsible governance.

I believe that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent comments on freedom of speech being indispensable for any country and people’s wish for democracy and freedom being irresistible are a reflection of the growing yearning for a more open China. Such reforms can only lead to a harmonious, stable and prosperous China, which can contribute greatly to a more peaceful world.

I would like to take this opportunity to renew my call to the government of China to release Mr. Liu Xiaobo and other prisoners of conscience who have been imprisoned for exercising their freedom of expression.

October 8, 2010

From another Nobel Peace Prize winner....

I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for one self, one's own family or one's nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.
--His holiness, the Dalai Lama

Congrats to Liu Xiaobo!

Mr Liu has won the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Central Government has its own opinion.

"Liu Xiaobo is a criminal who has been sentenced by Chinese judicial departments for violating Chinese law," it said. Awarding the peace prize to Liu "runs completely counter to the principle of the prize and is also a blasphemy to the peace prize."

The Central Government can go fuck themselves. They will not get away with silencing those who peacefully fight for political reform in China. They seriously need a reality check. The concept that they are 'convinced by their correctness of their thinking', is a delusion.

Congrats, Mr Liu! Hopefully by your award, things will start changing in your country.

06 October 2010

My new hair color



Had to fix it. It was screwed up. Much much better. The color I really thought I was getting.

Why working for Ocean Park sucks ass

Think of this as my version of grievances Martin Luther nailed to the cathedral door.

Dear concerned parties,

This is my feedback regarding the operations of your company. Since you have never cared about what I have to say, I post this as a list of why working for your is unpleasant. I understand that this could put future employment prospects in question, but I am entitled to voice my opinions.

After 10 years, the standard operating guide should have been written to insure continuity and a basis for quality control from an operations perspective. Instead, everything changes year to year and is not consistent.

Though I acknowledge that I am in a different culture, I hardly think it is appropriate to lie, stretch the truth, or engage in deceptive tactics to save one's face. In fact, the group all loses face if it is discovered that this is the case. And to say it is a language or communication issue is fucking bullshit.

By not placing capable and competent people in decision making positions. This does a grave disservice to the operation, as it wastes time, energy, labor and money to correct those mistakes.

Ineffective management techniques. No enforcement or support given to people that actually do the work. Especially when people refuse to take responsibility for their mistakes, bad judgements, and not following instructions.

The decision making processes give little thought as to how things are to be implemented and the effects of the operation. Which come across as arbitrary.

The office atmosphere that is more like a kindergarten than a professional office.

There is an incompetent wardrobe department. The company could have saved more money by firing these idiots, than to fix their mistakes.

I see a lack of emphasis on guest education: what to expect, what not to expect and how to behave. Enforcement of rules and a more visible staff should help.

Also existing is the lack of cooperation and communication between departments.

The department leader doesn't care and is detached from aspects of the operation, especially staff performance and conduct.

Lack of training of those who support us, like the make up support staff, ADs, and escorts. I resent the fact that information is never shared with my colleagues and I, or worse yet, ever communicated to us.

Transparency and open communication does not exist between segments within the department.

The department has inability to adequately respond to the needs of the following groups: support staff, performers and guests. Changes are made to benefit the convenience of the management and public perception, rather to than to be proactive and actually research/investigate and solve the root problems.

The inability to retain staff for the future. This leads to recreating the standards set from the previous year, and a lack of consistent practices.

Finally, there is a lack of respect towards the people that are hired to assist you to create a successful event. I don't appreciate backstabbing, being lied to, the game playing and other unprofessional behavior. You are worthy of my respect, I expect the same from you. Likewise, why should I show you face, when you blatantly treat me disrespectfully.

Offering alternatives or solutions are pointless, as you don't really care. After all, it is a business. But in order to survive, we need each other. We row the boat together or we all sink and drown.

Hong Kong Day 3

Well, last night they gang threw a surprise party for me -- yes I've known this for the past 6 weeks. We went on the Tram Party deal, and it was so much fun. So much drunken silliness, as well as getting time to talk to people I haven't talked to in a while. Plus I think there's a You Tube video of me doing the nasty with Carvel. Hey, at least it's not over trying to get someone fired for bad customer service.

For Part 2, we went to a hot pot place. One of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong. I love that stuff!!! More talking.

Talking to people last night affirms a few things:

Ashida is a stupid cow that hasn't learned anything. In fact, her ex describes our relationship in the context of Star Wars -- I am Obi Wan, and she is Luke Skywalker. The Padawan thinks she is a Jedi Knight, so she goes to the Dark Side to prove herself. She is digging a hole so deep she might as well hire someone to shoot her so she can die in that hole, just so that it is done and over with.

I am glad not to work with the baht po and pok gai in Ocean Park. I would have had to go ghetto on them and read them, school them, and smack a few upside the head because for the most part, have not learned anything, and are completely stupid. But I still miss fighting for the actors, and bonding and connecting with them, as well as learning more Cantonese.

I am convinced that me not being there was not just a money thing -- with my salary, they can hire 27 Filipino actors or hire 3 HK people to take my place -- it is also a political thing, in which I just happened to be one of the victims.

Not going to support my friends and followers is the quietest way to say Fuck You to Ocean Park. Otherwise, I would have to go ghetto and smack a few people. I'm also afraid that there are people that are loyal to me, they will start a few bits of drama in my honor, their way of giving me face.

That I must now figure out what will make me happy. One of the guys, who in the past has the reputation of being a hardcore dick, changed his tune. He figured out that whatever he does, he must do it for himself, and with his own passion.

Mike told me that I must make myself happy. I told him that as artists, that path is complicated, because nothing is ever simple for us, and change is a process. So we will see, when I return home, how I can implement this change for me. I have this gut feeling what it will entail, and I'm not sure it's a price I want to pay. But hell, I've been paying the price to ensure the happiness of others, when will it be my time? It will be fine, however it turns out. He will be one of those friends, pungyao, that I cannot ever forget.

I ended the night tipsy, a little gassy, full, and satisfied with how it went. Thank you all for making this happen for me. It was totally worth it. Hell the memories and the pictures were worth it.

04 October 2010

Funying Hong Kong

Well, I've been here for at least 36 hours....

Let's see, in Orlando, I chewed out United counter person because she was being an insolent bitch, dealt with lazy TSA inspector guy, TSA screener with really cute eye makeup, as if her job was one entire party. In Chicago, I got ripped off at money exchange. Completely hosed. Stupid me. I also got to experience the full body scanner. I felt dirty, and so criminal.

Got to Hong Kong. Trying to decide whether or not I should Airport Express it into Central and cab it to the hotel (HKD$100 minimum) or Cab it ($400 minimum). I bumped into high school girl from the US, completely lost. Exchange student in Vietnam, got into some trouble, mom made her come back. But after a discussion on the phone in Hong Kong, she was going to go back, but she only had a single entry visa to that country, and couldn't obtain one on Sunday, since the whole of China is technically on holiday right now. National Day/Golden Week, where they celebrate the founding of the People's Republic. Yeah, you know what I'm thinking....

Helped her out with stuff. Asked her to email me to make sure she was all right. Made myself available to bail her out of anything if she needed it. No email. Hopefully she's OK.

Then I went to gather food for our dinner. Was walking to Yoshinoya in Causeway Bay, and whole city blocks were blocked off by Hong Kong's finest. Apparently there was a series of robberies, initiated by security staff at a hotel across the street from me. Wow! But I did get to Yoshinoya, and got on the tram to Wan Chai to get siu yok (roast pork) from Hay Hay. Yummers.

Finally saw Alan. Woo hoo! Mouse and Kristen came over to say hello, caught up and ate.

Then I had the hardest trouble falling asleep. Overslept my 2pm massage appointment, and got holy hell from the tai tai running the place. But I did get my massage from #12 at Lifestyle.

Alan and I went to Temple Street and meet up with Laura, Mouse and Kristen at this one place we eat at. I love it for their fried tofu and noodles. The ladies love it for the seafood. We wandered around since I needed a belt (the ones at home are either too short or too long), a new iPhone case, and a watch (the one I bought in Wan Chai last year is having issues).

Got home, took a sleeping pill, slept for 6 hours, woke up, alert as an arrow. However, I guess I was acting like a slut in bed, mumbling nonsense and dreaming like I was Madonna in Like A Virgin. Walked to the nearest McD's, and got a double Egg McMuffin and hash browns. Now I'm typing, and watching BBC international. Love BBC, but nothing like Michael Holmes on CNN.... Now that's a guy I would love to convert to my team! Yum!

But I digress.

Later today, I think I'll run some errands, use the hotel gym, if they can call it that, meet up with someone, and get ready for my retirement/belated bday party tonight. Kinda scared about that, I guess people's goals are to get me totally shitfaced and drunk.... We'll see about that.... What kind of a guy am I???

01 October 2010

San Francisco says "It Gets Better!"

It will get better.

I got through my school experience. Though I have some painful scars that I still have to deal with, things did get better.