about dxb chronicles

The saga of Jeff living in the City of Gold. Presently living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, unravel his journey throughout the city with memoirs and everyday life stories.

latest posts

archives

tips and tricks

blogroll

minimize


Tuesday, August 31, 2004

the invite

kudos to aj for giving an invite for the gmail account. at long last, i'm with the so-called trend.
discoursed by jeff @ 1:24 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Monday, August 30, 2004

portfolio uploaded

i just uploaded my portfolio site. it was meant for cd presentation but my colleagues are bugging me for this.

ver6.ra is a nonsense title. :)
discoursed by jeff @ 1:38 PM  |  1 comment(s)  |  permalink

Sunday, August 29, 2004

opportunity

bad news. Ms Iran was taken to hospital yesterday because of heart problems. she had her heart surgery before. i hope she's fine.

and so, we have no boss. i finished my job for the past week plus the overtime job yesterday. all i did was downloading stock photos and organizing files... and i almost forgot the contest thing. mark reminded me of the deadline. and so i rushed things to finish it.

here's the final output:



i hope we win this contest... so that everyone of us here will be happy.
discoursed by jeff @ 9:30 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Saturday, August 28, 2004

overtime

yep, its a paid overtime. i went to work to finish some flashy tv commercial for an electronics company. i have no experience in video / 3d animation still i managed to make one using flash. i made two variations. Ms Iran was not in the mood today. dunno the reason but for sure she will keep her eyes on us...

...and im uncomfy.
discoursed by jeff @ 9:04 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Friday, August 27, 2004

uneventful day

did nothing productive today. i had my laundry last wednesday night... no session last night. due to the past employer's experience, i dont even have money to go out. i played GTA3 and Stronghold Crusaders all day.

good thing, tita minda came and gave me a loan of fifty dirhams. at least i can buy lunch and other personal care stuffs. its going to be few days anyway before i get my salary.

i doodled in the afternoon... mp3 sorting... creating logo for abu dhabi's e-government contest... and this:



it's all done in illustrator. my first time using mesh. :)
discoursed by jeff @ 10:53 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Thursday, August 26, 2004

dive into commercial

been a busy day. rhazes, again, made some revisions. the tehran fanavar brochure was supervised by Ms Iran, also finished. then, i have to produce a tv commercial, in flash.

i thought im just a graphic designer...
discoursed by jeff @ 11:45 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

discovery

i discovered how to make a custom dvd movie that usually the chinese dvd pirates do. very simple as long as you have your movies to compile.

finished the flash animations for two companies. nothing special but Ms Iran was impressed. it's just tweening...
discoursed by jeff @ 4:56 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

assignment

another stuff coming in from rhazes... this time an immunization card for kids. nothing special happened in the afternoon, aside from more pending work like flash splash at tehran somethin and brochure for tehran somethin again.

i did some homework back home. i made a flashie cloud animation... let's see if it fits to my assignment tomorrow...

...quality is sacrificed for bandwidth.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:14 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

what's holding me back?

P-man visited me in my dreams. he said that i'm going to start the job and he's compensating me well. i didnt tell him that i found another job. he also introduced me his wife, a filipina, who also told me to start right away.

i left the room and woke up.
discoursed by jeff @ 9:25 AM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Monday, August 23, 2004

drugged

we have a new colleague and he's indian. we'll see if he's different from others...
i finished the layout design for the printing press brochure. Mr Iran, hubby of Ms Iran, came from well you know... Iran to see how things doing. Things are fine, he said.

I think its fine not until the afternoon. i had a toothache, again. it's a good thing mark bought ponstan 500 cause he felt sick yesterday. i took one. within minutes it was gone...

...and i felt heaven because of the dosage.

addendum: Happy anniversary hunnie.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:23 PM  |  1 comment(s)  |  permalink

Sunday, August 22, 2004

A4 A5 A4

this brochure thing makes me sick. they always make revisions...major ones. at first, the told me to make an A4-sized brochure, three folds. then, they changed their minds with A5-sized brochures, three folds also. and now, they ordered me to make an A4-sized brochure, two folds. yeah, customer's always right... but they should be reasonable.

later in the afternoon, i decided to tackle mark's flash. it's a two-hour rush job....Ms Iran was at my side while doin' it guarding like a watch dog. ARF!

in the evening, i decided to watch a movie. Red Dragon was the first episode of Hannibal Lecter's story. still i prefer Silence of the Lambs.

goodie, goodie.
discoursed by jeff @ 9:29 AM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Saturday, August 21, 2004

two day-offs

ahh, at last, i tasted my first two-day holiday. my new office have only five-day work from sunday till thursday. i went back to my bed to doze off.

before lunch, i decided to get out of the bed to finish something... my portfolio site. i did finish it... all i have to do is upload it... somewhere.
discoursed by jeff @ 4:38 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Friday, August 20, 2004

lazy cow

i slept most of the day due to clubbing last night. i didn't mind doin' anything aside from playing Vice City. still i have my spare day tomorrow to finish things...my very first two-day holiday.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:36 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Thursday, August 19, 2004

seaman's visit

its easier to ride a shuttle service rather than taking a commuter bus. Avis transport picked me on time, at 8:30. after fetching few other people, we're still on time to the office... on or before 9 am.

work is always as usual. rushjobs. although there are many projects coming, i were able to finish them on time.

evening came and the night is young. last week's visitor of alski, a seaman, came back. alcohol flows and food bountiful. after 1am they decided to go out. it's disco time. after nine months coming to dubai, this is my first. almost the same as manila's bars and disco but different faces. the bar closed at 3am...

... but not the hotel inns.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:35 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Monday, August 16, 2004

baptism of fire

things kicked off very fast. i have three new projects and i have to finish them before thursday. all of them are print ads. Ms Iran, my new employer, gave me a very challenging test.

Ms Iran or MI, an iranian, wife of a wealthy husband in iran, is the big boss here, aside from MRM, the husband. most of the business they have is in iran... seven of them.

she has a brother, reza, who also works as her right hand man. her employers are mostly filipinos including me. Nette is the secretary and Mark is the programmer/designer. Hadish, an iranian, who is in vacation at the moment, is our 3d animator. now, my current job is the flash/graphic designer.

for the moment, im using hadish's rig. it has a dual pentium xeon 2.8Ghz processors, two 160GB scsi drives, two video cards and 21" LG flatron monitors, a DVD writer, 2GB memory, wacom pen tablet, and a 5-in-1 surrond speakers. it was my first time using two monitor computer. i liked it.

it was a baptism of fire for me. MI checked my progress by the minute... and she was impressed. she was very impressed that she let me and mark to work overtime till 10pm. i have no choice but to go with the flow.

but hard work pays well. she came back for us with a dinner, kfc. after dinner at 10pm, she took us home

...with her lexus suv.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:38 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

day one

it's was only five in the morning when i woke up... i wasn't able to finish my rosary prayers last night. i continued the last two mysteries and praying that this would be it...

...start the same job as a web and graphic designer to the new company.
discoursed by jeff @ 9:33 AM  |  1 comment(s)  |  permalink

Sunday, August 15, 2004

au revoir

it was a silent morning. my colleagues were surprised and puzzled at me for being quiet in the morning. something's wrong they say. i didn't expect my salary anymore. damaged has been done.

i've talked to Mr. T.A.K. that i would be leaving the company soon. He said that it's ok for him because its my "future." i told him that there's someone, P-man, offering me a job as a graphic designer with good incentives and near to my residence. Mr. T.A.K. told me that i have to tell this to Mr. A.A.T. about my plans. i will.

later people start calling me for an interview. one in jebel ali and the other, it's in building 10 (our office is in building 9) media city. my interview on jebel ali will be on tuesday while on building 10, i went for it.

...and i got a job. Thank you Lord!

later in the evening, Mr. A.A.T. called me and i told him that i found another job. he wished me good luck but still i sensed that he's not giving me that easily. although i have the right to do this, i asked him if he really want me to do this. he doesn't want to...but he has no choice but to respect my decision.
hopefully, they wouldn't f*ck me with my visa. i didn't ask for my salary anymore...else they will regret it.

goodbye agony.

discoursed by jeff @ 11:34 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Saturday, August 14, 2004

silentmode

this would be the second day i didn't go to office. they're pissing me off big time. it's my turn.

lina was detained at the airport due to a cancelled visa she's having. we didn't realize that. her sponsor cancelled her residence visa without us knowing and branded her as a runaway. poor pregnant woman.

my conversation with my wife last thursday was straightened out but when i read her email i was pissed. she thinks that i'm binata (bachelor) here. there are some hurting words that pierced me. i replied in anguish. hopefully people back home realize what's going on here. they'd complain if nothing comes to them. if they only know what's going on.

at last, i'm on my final stages of my personal portfolio site. i'll let you know where and when its done.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:35 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Thursday, August 12, 2004

missing money

P-man called me again and he wanted to see me to discuss on my job description and other issues. this may be genuine...

i have spoken to Mr A.A.T. through mobile last night and discussed the problems. this time he told me that he sent the money to Mr. T.A.K. and probably he used it. i confronted him if he's passing me to another company or gonna dispose of me... as much as possible, he said, he wouldn't because i'm a good person and he don't want to give it up to someone easily. crap.

he finally said that if there's any job that i can find i'll go for it since it's practical for my welfare.

freedom at last... but probably i'll never get my salary.
discoursed by jeff @ 1:18 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

add salt to the wound

another bad day for me. coffee spilled on my clothes few minutes ago. if only i have a gun...
discoursed by jeff @ 2:27 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

russian talk

finally the domain name resolved. russiantalkuae DOT com will be my baby... if i decided to stay.
discoursed by jeff @ 1:26 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

manila folder

yesterday, i forgot the manila folder in the desk of the accountant. it contained cd-rw discs and a floppy. i got only two discs. someone took my floppy... and it contained this blog posts. probably they have read it...who cares anyway... there's nothing to hide.

same story, no salary. i'm getting used to this show... smiling faces with empty heads.

the only consolation to this day was when Mr. T.A.K. asked asif to drop me in front of my flat when going home everyday... pahabol pa... i forgot this manila folder, again this time in the backseat of the car.

how lucky i am.

discoursed by jeff @ 7:29 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Monday, August 09, 2004

truth revealed

i waited till 9pm for the so-called salary. there's none. i waited for nothing.

Mr. T.A.K. gave me a ride home. nice jaguar, only the car. nothing more. while on our way, he discussed the issues with regards to my status...

now i realized who's telling the truth or not. they're both liars. i heard the same alibi few month's back. now they're giving me a decision for which it will depend on my so-called future...

either i'll stay with Mr. A.A.T... or work with Mr. T.A.K. from now on. nothing more.

i will choose nothing. i don't want to work with them anymore. reasons: empty promises and delayed compensation.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:22 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Sunday, August 08, 2004

uncertainty

work as usual for us, more projects coming in. unfortunately still, i haven't received my salary. if there's a way i can get away from it...

i downloaded two new games from limewire. car-based games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Need For Speed Underground are my choices. I do hope they're working because i cannot test it on the mac.

i left early in the office for the job interview in bur dubai. when i got there the place is quite... doubtful. interview came. the boss, a palestinian, was impressed by my works... and i got the job. one problem though is how to break ties with my former boss which under his sponsorship. salary, compensation and visa he said (palestinian) will be put on black and white. i think he's telling the truth but still unreliable. here are my points:

- he didn't mentioned any products/clients they have.
- he didn't answer my question to what happened to the past designer.
- he keeps on asking for my visa expiry and passport.
- he copied my files before he asked me.
- inadequate software/hardware for the designer to use. signs of low-budget company.
- internet connection were not present. a must for a marketing/design office.

it may be another deathtrap. i don't know.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:45 PM  |  1 comment(s)  |  permalink

Saturday, August 07, 2004

pakbet and hotdog

this time i caught them in a surprise. Mr. A.A.T. and Mr. T.A.K were shocked when i suddenly entered the room. still the element of surprise is in vain. they say they will give my salary tomorrow...

crap. same shit different day as always.

it became busy when works came by...2 website projects, 3 artworks, and one image research. busy indeed. here's one of the artworks... it's a car showroom (see last thursday).



evening came, i spent dinner with SUBJECT A and company...pinakbet. supposedly we're also having hotdog...bad combination. instead i bought fish for them. it's a very good dinner.

went home and sleep.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:16 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Friday, August 06, 2004

houseboy

i got a little hangover. good thing is that its my day off. everybody came early today... tita minda, josie and maydy, kuya jojie. i didn't went out... houseboy day. rearranged the room, laundry, assistant cook, errand boy were my task.
afternoon came. another drinking session was held. this time, ronald and gary came in. i got drunk a bit then went off to sleep.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:28 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Thursday, August 05, 2004

old school camera

still i didn't get my money. i feel sorry for my family back at home... they're relying on me and i can't give anything. crap, i hate this shit. we left early for amira to meet some client in al quoz. it's a car showroom. we came with her in the showroom. used and brand new cars were there. we took a seat on each of them...

- mercedes slk, sl500, ml500, clk kompressor, s500
- bmw x5, 7 series, 5 series, z4
- porsche 911, cayenne
- humvee 2 and landrover
- volkswagen beetle (new model)

i felt ecstatic. i even took pictures which im riding on it!

evening, i went to al baraha to meet with jmerts, a fellow weaver. he setup the meeting for a prospective client... and a little drinking session. he got drunk... and got sentimental... and i became the love doctor that evening. hehehe.
discoursed by jeff @ 11:28 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

1gb storage

i got the message from one of my mailing lists that another website is offering 1GB email storage. i've been waiting for gmail invite for so long... now i dont need it.

i got this instead.
discoursed by jeff @ 10:19 AM  |  3 comment(s)  |  permalink

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

embarrassing moment

i had a little stomach spasm this morning and its just because i ate breakfast. i don't usually eat breakfast...just liquids like coffee, orange juice or fresh milk. now, i'm having a difficult time to fart...

Mr. A.A.T. came by this morning. I sensed something that he's going to talk to me with regards to the email I sent to him yesterday...and it did. Mr. A.A.T, Mr. T.A.K. and me had a meeting. once again, they found a hole with my reasoning. when it comes to money...everbody's wise. crap. after the meeting, i will get my compensation, wishing, tomorrow.

i got only one artwork today..it's an events management lighting & stage equipment company. while finishing it, someone tapped my shoulder and said, "uhh...can you go to this site?"

i quickly responded without looking, "im busy here... what for? ok, what's the name of the site..."

then suddenly, donkey talked to this man in arabic. i looked at my back thinking that he is asif, our company driver. he's not. looking sheepishly, the one talking rudely to is in fact Mr. A.A.T. oh shit!

we all laughed the moment they saw my reaction. good thing, Mr. A.A.T. is a sport one...not a serious type of a boss. i feel embarrassed to what i did...

...but it felt good for ignoring someone in authority once in a while.

discoursed by jeff @ 4:21 PM  |  1 comment(s)  |  permalink

Monday, August 02, 2004

tarmac

i had weird dreams again last night and this time i was at the airport. i booked myself going to manila via singapore airlines...then i decided not to go. the ticketing staff asked me if i'm going or not... i asked them if i can rebook my flight because i forgot my things at home. she told me no and i have to pay another ticket to take another flight. that's all i can remember...

went to office to finish this new artwork. it's a full page ad and this time it's a popular computer center. here's the half page:

discoursed by jeff @ 1:03 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Jollibee at Diyafah Road

supposedly im going to Mr A.A.T. to discuss with regards to my compensation. he's not answering the phone. maybe he's busy. maybe he's hiding or maybe i assume too much. who knows...

assumption is the mother of all f*ck ups.

being early, i decided to drop by at the i-cafe to meet up with SUBJECT A for the stale-long project. instead of doing the project, we went to sunday mass at st. mary's. st. mary's church is one of the two catholic churches here in dubai. freedom of religion here is lax unlike other GCC countries but Islam faith is still dominant.

after mass, we had dinner at Jollibee, the newly-opened branch in Diyafah Road, Satwa. good thing is it's near to our place. unlike the Jollibee's in the Philippines, this one has a restaurant ambiance... not a fast food junkie-type. i treated them with 7-piece chickenjoys, 2 spags and 2 big bottles of water....and it cost me dhs60. wow, what a treat but it's a good dinner.

pockets emptied, tummy full... not a bad deal. :)

discoursed by jeff @ 11:11 PM  |  0 comment(s)  |  permalink