Once was Lost but Now It's Found

Not everybody know what has happened that evening of last January 2, 2010.

I intentionally did not mention that because I don't want, rather we don't want to spoil the sweet memories of our Second Honeymoon in Media Rotana.

Now, after 33days, let me share to you this incident.

January 2, 2010 Media Rotana 4:00pm

After checking out of the hotel, husband and I ride a taxi up to Mall of Emirates Train Station. Although the train is crowded that time, we got vacant seats but we are quite far from each other. From my seat, I can see husband seating on the 3rd row and left our "BAG" away from him so as not to obstruct other passengers.

We went down to Al Rigga Station, that is the 5th station from MOE. (Picture taken in MOE STATION)

From the station, we went to directly to KFC to buy our lunch, since we did not eat in the hotel anymore. I still didn't notice that husband is not holding our "BAG" anymore.

Then, on the way home, he ask me to prepare his shirt that he will wear on that night. Then we were both shocked when we found out that the "BAG" is missing. I asked him where he left the "BAG", and he cannot remember anymore. Is it in KFC? or METRO STATION? I am sure it is not in the hotel, so either of the two.

He immediately went back to KFC and I don't know happened. He returned after almost 1 hour, and i was expecting he got the bag with him. But unluckily it was not found in KFC. He reported it already to the STATION and gave the information of the "BAG" he forgot inside the train. Husband told me, he was sure he forgot it inside the train.

Although husband reported it to the station staff, I call RTA (Road and Transport Auhtority) toll number to report the case as well. They asked all the information and told me, they will immediately call me back once they found our "BAG".

Last resort, is to ask the help of my new multiply buddy , church mate, co-choir member and now a close friend IVEE, she's working as Train Attendant in Metro Station. I asked her a favor to help us retrieve our bag. I thank her so much, for doing her best to follow up on our bag.

Days had passed, and I have not receive any confirmation whether they found our "BAG" or not. Almost everyday, I will ask the staff from the station if somebody has reported regarding a missing "BAG", but the answer is always NEGATIVE.

Then one day, i received a call from RTA. They told me, they have found a bag, that is quite matching from the descriptions I have given. The only difference is that I describe it as a travelling bag, and the Arab Staff told me what they found is a GYM BAG, hmm... well he is correct, I told him whatever he want to call it, but I can feel that it is our "BAG". After the phone interview, he put down the phone and told me he will call back to give me update.

Again, I have waited for his call, but he never call again. I even tried to call his number, but nobody is answering from that number.

In short, I gave up. We considered already as HOPELESS CASE, IT'S A LOST BAG and we will not EXPECT ANYMORE to FIND it.

I did not ask the staff from the train anymore, i think they knew me already, maybe they call me already "MISS FILA BAG" , cause everytime i will go to information, I will ask them, any news from my MISSING FILA BAG, hehehe, so i guess they knew me already.

I did not bother to call RTA number also.

I gave up!

February 4, 2010 Burj Dubai/ Dubai Mall Station 4:00pm

Me and Kuya Anton, were talking as we are waiting for the train. One earphone is in my ear, as I am listening to music while talking to Kuya Anton, then, suddenly my mobile ring, I was not able to answer the call and when I checked the number, it was from RTA.

My heart beat faster, and immediately call back. The line was busy, so I guess they are trying to reach my number. I just waited for a minute, and here they are calling again. With full excitement, and expectant voice, i greeted the Arab staff;

joanne - Hello Sir, how are you?

arab - hi, i am fine, is this joanie? that's how he pronounce my name, JO-WA-NI?

joanne- yes Sir, any good news on my "BAG"?

arab- why are you not getting your bag, it is already one month, and you are not getting it.

joanne- meaning Sir, you found my "BAG"?

arab-yes, why you did not received SMS?

joanne- no. i have not received any SMS.

arab- ok, i'll give you this CASE NUMBER, and then go to KHALEED BIN AL WALEED STATION, and get your bag.

joanne- oh! thank you very much Sir.

arab- ok, no problem. Bye.

Oh my! oh my! oh my "BAG" is FOUND! i still can't believe it. Good thing, we are still on the way to that station, so I asked Kuya Anton to accompany me in claiming my bag.

February 4, 2010 Khaleed Bin Al Waleed Station 4:30pm

Thank God for the kindness and assistance of all the Filipino Staff in the Metro Station, they were happy for me as well, that finally after 33 days,our "BAG" that ONCE WAS LOST, is now FOUND!

Hanimuners ulet kami! First Anniversary ni Huwane at Hose

We have planned it long before to spend in an extra special way our First Anniversary.

We're both excited and praying that God will grant us, what we wish for on our first year of union.

And it was an ANSWERED PRAYER! Special thanks to our dear Adopted Ninang Marie for booking us in MEDIA ROTANA Hotel!

Check in time is 2:00pm January 1,2010, but since we just shifted also to our new place, new room, everything new for Year 2010, we were delayed by 2 hours in the check in time. We went there by Metro, from Rigga Station to Mall of Emirates Station, and from there we took taxi up to Media Rotana Hotel.

Welcome to Media Rotana Hotel, 13th Floor, ROOM 1304!

I am Mrs. Aboganda already, but since all my documents are still not amended from my previous status, they put Miss Gatdula in all the transactions, sorry Mr. Aboganda, don't worry, we are already processing the papers.

The room, is superb! Very relaxing, cozy, romantic, and more than enough for the two of us! Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing!

On the window, you will see the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Mall of Emirates. It was raining that day, which made me more happy, coz I love rain! We prayed and give thanks to the Lord who has provided this moment for us to enjoy!

The bed is so soft and comfy, kaya ayaw na umuwi ni Joseph. Hihihi. What we are sharing now is a single bed, imagine how big the two of us, but we’re planning to buy already, isa isang gastos lang! See, I took a shot of him sleeping, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

For our dinner, we chose CHANNELS Buffet Restaurant. The food is great, they offer that night ASIAN Cuisine, so, its perfectly timing for us! Mostly visitors there are white people, very seldom for Asian guests like us, that’s why the Filipino crew were quite surprised when we entered, and they treated us so well, they even took the Camera from Joseph and offered to take shots while inside the restaurant. Great food! Excellent service! Wonderful Place!

After eating, we just walked around the hotel, both amazed with the designs, the interiors, the furniture, the lightings, the walls, carpets, you will notice that the building is still new, I don’t know when it was opened, but surely, not beyond 2years.

Bar is there, gymnasium, swimming pool, massage, spa and salon. But we do not have enough time to utilize all the facilities. Why???? -S-I-L-E-N-C-E- (hihihi)

Goodmorning! EVERYONE!

New day has come, new life together, is such a great blessing from God. Once again, we thanked the Lord for what He has done, He is doing, and He will do in our lives! We acknowledge everything comes from HIM!

We went down for our breakfast (which is included already in our booking). Fried rice is there, sausage, boiled egg, bacon, different types of bread, butter, chocolate spread, cheese spread, cereals, fruits, cake, milk, juice, whatever you want and you can, it’s absolutely free!

Sana laging ganto! This is not the last, we will surely plan and save for our next honeymoon trip! Outside UAE naman, Singapore or Thailand, yehey!

Visit www.rotana.com for more info