Another starry night

An old unpublished post from... Shoulda taken the hint instead I let myself get carried away by my emotions...

There are those days and nights where you just want to curl up and stay in bed... Tonight it's one of those for me. Thank you to a good friend for helping me sort out things and finally let it out. That I am hurt. I was going to trust the person and bank on what we had as my reason... But right now, I can't seem to trust that. I had hoped, i had wished, i had trusted actually knowing where I was coming from. It seems it's still my college buds who care for me and know me best... I miss you guys.

Happy Mother's Day

It's cliche but words are not enough to let you know how thankful I am for all that you are to me. For pushing me to grow and find myself even though it's hard for you too. For being strong for me. For being there to support and guide me, helping me. Still you make sacrifices for my sake regardless of the distance. You sure know best. Mama, I love you. Happy Mother's Day!

Snap for a Tune: Payphone

Somehow this song hits a nerve...

Payphone
Maroon 5

I'm at a payphone trying to call home

All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

Yeah, I, I know it's hard to remember
The people we used to be
It's even harder to picture
That you're not here next to me

You say it's too late to make it
But is it too late to try?
And in our time that you wasted
All of our bridges burned down

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

I'm at a payphone trying to call home

All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of sh*t
One more stupid love song I'll be sick

You turned your back on tomorrow
Cause you forgot yesterday
I gave you my love to borrow
But just gave it away
You can't expect me to be fine
I don't expect you to care
I know I've said it before
But all of our bridges burned down

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

I'm at a payphone trying to call home

All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of sh*t
One more stupid love song I'll be sick

Now I'm at a payphone...

[Wiz Khalifa]
Man work that sh*t
I'll be out spending all this money while you sitting round
Wondering why it wasn't you who came up from nothing
Made it from the bottom
Now when you see me I'm stunning
And all of my cars start with the push up a button
Telling me the chances I blew up or whatever you call it
Switched the number to my phone
So you never could call it
Don't need my name on my show
You can tell it I'm ballin'
Swish, what a shame could have got picked
Had a really good game but you missed your last shot
So you talk about who you see at the top
Or what you could've saw
But sad to say it's over for
Phantom pulled up valet open doors
Wiz like go away, got what you was looking for
Now ask me who they want
So you can go and take that little piece of sh*t with you

I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of sh*t
One more stupid love song I'll be sick

Now I'm at a payphone...

Missing out on milestones

It's that time of the year again when my beloved university and college holds it graduation and recognition rites respectively. Some years ago, I marked, celebrated, reveled the end of my college life which also meant achieving that degree. Looking back, I would still say, college was the best years of my life more than high school.

wearing our sablay proudly

Fast forward several years later, 2012, my own brother attended his own recognition rites from the same university and college earlier today. I am proud of him, our family, the college, our university. It's a wild journey to earn your degree in Diliman and even so for the course my brother majored in. Maybe to some it's overrated and to some it is also a deal-breaker that will crush your spirit but to those who survived, it is one hell of an experience. You can never be ready for the outside world but life in the university prepares you enough to be able to adapt, survive and spread your wings. Para sa mga iskolar ng bayan, maligayang pagtatapos!

Oble at Sablay

Now, it's just down to my sister to earn her degree from the same university (and maybe college as well) as a new iska.

On another note, today we also celebrate our 5 years of service in the same company. Can you believe it? I've actually lasted that long in one company. Time seems to fly fast. I missed the banquet marking our 2 years of service and here I am missing out on our 5th again. Where I am headed after this assignment I have not been able to figure out yet. I do hope it is on to greater and bigger things - more than career and work.

Oh yes, I am definitely terribly missing home.

UP Naming Mahal

U.P. naming mahal, pamantasang hirang;
Ang tinig namin, sana'y inyong dinggin;
Malayong lupain, amin mang marating;
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin;
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin.

Luntian at pula, Sagisag magpakailanman;
Ating pagdiwang, bulwagan ng dangal;
Humayo't itanghal, giting at tapang;
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan;
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan

summer in the Philippines

So yeah, all those posts about people going to the beach back home makes me miss them beaches (pun intended). Of course, it's not just about the places but the people you are with - friends and family. Priceless.




Ilocos Norte (Blue Lagoon) 2007




Puerto Galera 2007




Bolinao 2008



Caramoan 2008

 

Puerto Princesa, Palawan 2008



Boracay 2008

Nasugbu 2009

Potipot 2009



Cagbalete 2010




Puerto Princesa 2010



Calaguas 2010

Spring is here. Day 41

While I have yet to see spring in all its colors, the temperature has finally gone up and hints of blooms and colors are peeking everywhere. I am so excited to see those cherry blossoms and take pictures. I hope I can get around maybe at least in the Namsan area: http://www.korea4expats.com/events-in-korea-Cherry-and-Other-Blossom-Sites-April-2012-Seoul-Area-6124.html (i do hope I have time during weekends as it has been pretty busy so far trying to catch up on pending work on weekends not to mention chores and series galore haha.)
After about a month, I managed to cross the street from my apartment headed in the opposite direction from AK Plaza along the Taechan river (I hope I remember the name right) and it surprised me that the trees there might just actually be cherry blossoms. I may not have to go far after all just to see them. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

this one was right on the sidewalk of my apartment building!

please let them be cherry blossoms



i hope to jog or even bike here one of these days



Day 29. Touring Seoul

So today, a colleague of mine took me out sightseeing in Seoul. I felt like a tourist and in ways, it felt good. My options in case boredom/homesickness gets a hold of me in the coming weeks are at least somewhat widening. We took the 8100 bus to Jong-no although I think M4102 and 9000 would also make a stop to where we took off. From there we did a quick check of this little park where there was a stone monument/pagoda encased in glass dating to as far back as the 1400's. I didn't note the name but there were at least two national treasures in that little park but it was well-maintained and did not come with a fee.



unedited

From there we headed over to Gyeongbokgung Palace where I felt right at ease what with all the tourists around me. I am not the only one lost in translation anymore! Of course, it helped my colleague and I were from the same country. Too bad, he'd be leaving in a few days time but at least he got to show me around somehow. The fee was just 3000 KRW which was not really bad I think. Before heading inside though, one can take a quick tour of the museum under the statue of King Sejong. This underground hall was for free and it was actually quite spacious. I can probably take a lot of time here just to learn more about Korea in the next days when I am back to being alone on weekends. The inside of Gyeongbokgung was pretty nice and if you have time to kill, I think it would be a good place to stay in, relax and take pictures. As it turned out I failed to wear thermals/layer for my top that my head actually hurt a little from being out in the open too much. The wind made it worse but come noon, it stopped. I actually appreciated the sun's rays to help ease out the cold.



behind this monument is the entrance to the museum under.



inner lake

After lunch, we went to Jamsill station where there was this theme park called Lotte World. We didn't enter anymore as the ticket was quite pricey (KRW 38,000). From the outside, the place looked nice though with decent thrill rides. I guess the highlight for me really was this sort of cultural show at the back of the department store at one side of Lotte World's Magic Island. I was really amazed by this set of guys with the ribbon spinning using their heads. I was not paying attention at first but when I realized it I couldn't get over how difficult (to me at least) what they were doing. Unfortunately, I was not able to catch it on video but they were also doing some sort of acrobatics while spinning the ribbon. Amazing!

Thank God for Uniqlo!

I came to Korea last March 4, 2012 unprepared for the weather. I had this wrong impression that spring is warmer and a little heavier jackets or maybe even layering will do. Though I did check the weather at some point, I thought it will be manageable. Coming from a tropical country, I have never been so wrong. I had to endure a full week before I managed to get two decent jackets more suitable for the cold, dry weather. Some of the locals did comment that it will get warmer but I have realized that so far, this was very relative - relative to the sub-zero temperature they had just a few weeks prior to my arrival.

Good thing the business trip to China last June 2011, introduced me to Uniqlo and what they usually sell. So when I went looking for "winter/spring" clothes, I made it my first stop. There is one just one subway station away from where my apartment is at Sunae Station's Lotte Department Store. And because of the changing season, I managed to score some sale items. I am still trying to build my wardrobe though (read: thermals) as I always end up a little short on cash during weekends. Uniqlo's everywhere and I have really come to appreciate it. I was not sold on it while I was in China. I thought they were too simple for my taste. Now, I realize, they carry the basics at a good price and decent quality. They have some cute items too but it would be wrong to compare Uniqlo with F21. I kind of think it's more of a lower-end M&S.

I can't help but wonder how the store would fare though when it opens its doors in my home country this June at MOA.

Myeongdong Sunday Day22

I managed to attend the English service at the Myeong-dong Cathedral today. The M4102 bus was definitely faster than taking the subway from seohyeon. Although, I had to wait probably around 20 minutes (I missed the previous bus), I still managed to make it in time for the Gospel. There were people from my country but sadly I didn't get to make friends with any of them. In any case, after the Mass many of the stores were still closed and Myeongdong was pretty much deserted so I had the chance to just walk around and explore the area while waiting for the shops to open. As the minutes passed however, several buses and policemen came to view in the area complete with their shields or whatever you call it. You know those things that they use to contain a protest or disperse a crowd. They were all over the area especially the main road (I forgot what it's called) but along the Lotte department store. Policemen were stationed everywhere the Myeongdong area (Lotte included) including the entrance to the underpass/subways. I was curious what was going on but I had to settle with the thought that there was some sort of protest going on.

  

see the police in front of this building

 Since I had too much time to kill, I chanced upon this restaurant on the opposite side of Lotte department store. Of course, when I saw it I knew right away where I would be having my lunch. Forget the fact that it is on the expensive side at least for me. It's not often that I get to eat xiao long bao so I ate at Din Tai Fung in Korea. It was definitely an indulgence (too much eating though).

Din Tai Fung in Myeongdong



SNOW! Day 21

So I've been here for three weeks now and it's one hell lot of a struggle. My reserve of courage and willingness to fight is dwindling but I have to. I will survive. I can do this. I just have to entertain myself, cry it out and take those steps no matter how small to adjusting and changing.

On other news, boredom got the better of me earlier today so I decided to head to work. On my way, it was raining white or in my opinion snow. Snow in March. Being from a tropical country, this gave me a small joy. I felt giddy I had to sneak a video. For a split second, I felt more like a tourist than an OFWstruggling to get through each day.

first vain shot inside the elevator.

relatively empty bus 55-1. because it's saturday.

Day 18

Today I was on a self-imposed/forced diet. I tried but I failed miserably. There was no English menu nor were there pictures. Next time I'll take a picture so I can ask my colleagues what they mean so I know what to choose. in any case, it brought my morale, self-esteem, self-confidence down. There are really a lot of things to learn, improve on, change and grow. For starters I need to be more assertive and less timid/shy. *sigh I don't want to be a burden to anyone but I am having trouble adjusting to everything so far.

I guess it also didn't help that I was mistaken about the vacation of my friend here. I guess I was looking forward to being with my race and familiar people this weekend and have some sort of breather on my loner life here (I can be more relaxed)... Oh well...

Girl, you have a lot of growing up to do. A whole lot!

Cooking 101

So I decided to cook dinner today and for the next couple of days (yes, I intended to stock them up).

Menu 1: "gambas"
I was almost resigned to not getting to cook this dish and settling for buttered shrimp in garlic but then on my last round at the mini-market down at the apartment's lobby I found it that it actually had worchestire sauce. I've been making the rounds at this supermarket and at Home Plus at Yatap looking for this and it was only late this afternoon that I found they actually have this stuff. Case in point, the mini-market have most of the stuff I need to survive.

Note about this dish: it needs chili and the green bell pepper doesn't really blend well with everything. If I can afford it, I would probably have to go for fresh shrimp next time instead of the frozen one.

Menu 2: pork adobo
For us Filipinos this is probably one of the easiest and well-loved dishes. It's definitely a work in progress though in terms of improving the taste and the tenderness of the pork.

Hopefully, they won't spoil to last me the week.

Day 15

So I set my alarm but it didn't go off so I woke up late to get to Myeong-dong Cathedral. I tried to find my way to Catholic International Parish of Seoul for their 11am English Mass but apparently taking the subway to Hannam was a bad idea. It took me about 1:30 just to get there. I got there just as the Mass ended. Sorry Lord.

Anyway, I decided to take the bus home since I knew the vicinity on where I should stop. And boy, did I realize that at least for the churches, it looks like Google maps was pretty accurate in terms of the travel time. It took me roughly just 30 minutes to get to the stop near my apartment. If I just mustered enough guts to take the bus to Hannam, I probably would have made it. Lesson learned.It's really a learning process. I guess I'll just charge it to the fact that I am still trying to orient myself with the surroundings. I was too tired to go around Hannam (and maybe Itaewon which was supposedly nearby). Unlike Myeong-dong, there was not much in the immediate surroundings of the Catholic International Parish of Seoul especially for a foreign newbie like me.

Day 14

I finally have the whole weekend for myself. It's almost Sunday and yet I feel pressed for time already. I still have a long way of adjusting to life here which I guess in a way is good as it keeps me busy and preoccupied thereby taking my mind off being sad, bored and homesick.

Today's agenda was mainly grocery and then to scout the area where there is an English Catholic service. The two potential locations I identified were unfortunately in the Seoul area which meant more than 30 minutes of travel/commute for me. Supposedly, there's an English Mass at Catholic International Parish of Seoul at 9am and 11am. However, I found it easier to look for subway directions for  Myeong-dong Cathedral. Given that the language barrier is a huge obstacle for me, I thought it's best if I travel by MRT first before exploring the bus routes. Google maps did point me out the bus numbers but I don't have the confidence right now to try them yet. I think it's better I become familiar with the destination first before I try that form of public transportation.

To get around, aside from the directions I got from the internet, a picture of the seoul MRT subway lines (especially the ones I need to transfer on), I knew I had to get myself that T-money. I've become a mute person here and avoid talking outside. Apparently, some people can understand me so maybe I should talk more. Anyway, I managed to get my T-money at a mini-stop outside of AK plaza at 2,500 Won. I just looked for a sign that said T-money. I then loaded it with cash value at one of the loading machines at the Seohyeon station. Thank God they have English instructions and they also print receipts! Apparently, T-money has this transfer system so you don't really have to pay the fare each time you get on and off a subway or an MRT. The amount supposedly is more or less based on the distance traveled. That being the case, I just might try taking the subway to Moran station and then the 55-1 bus on Monday to see how much that would cost me. Currently, it costs me 1000+ to get to work for around 40 minutes or more. Hopefully, it won't cost that much but shorten the travel time considerably. But I'll have to consider the fact that I'll most probably be standing during the whole commute.



T-money

I managed to get to Myeong-dong after two transfers and about 1 hr and 30 minutes. Yes, it was that long given that I was very cautious on the directions. Re-reading the signs and the maps several times to make sure I was going the right way. I knew that I was getting closer to Seoul as more foreigners came into view on the subway station. At Myeong-dong, I guess you could say that I finally got a glimpse of Seoul, a commercial one that is. Myeong-dong has a good mix of local, foreign and tiangge stands. Uniqlo(~4 floors), Zara, Forever21(~4 floors), H&M(~4 floors), Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly, Skin Food, Body shop, Watsons, Crocs, Guess, Giordano, Gap, Nature Republic, Foot Locker, Polo Ralph Lauren, are probably just a few of the many shops there. I also saw Starbucks, CBTL, and Pizza Hut during my quick walk in the area. It can be compared to Hong Kong somewhat but there's still somewhat a different feel and vibe between the two. I decided to check out H&M and Forever 21 as those were the ones that I am not sure were within the Bundang area. Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly and Skin Food you can see just about anywhere (and maybe Olive Young).



a glimpse of Seoul



It was hard to miss the Cathedral as long as you are paying attention to the directions and your immediate surroundings. The Church is beautiful and different both inside and outside than the ones that I am used to in the Philippines (mostly Spanish-inspired). I have to sleep now so hopefully I get to hear Mass tomorrow morning at 9am. Next time I will try taking the bus for more sight-seeing opportunities.

I loved the weather today by the way. It was relatively warmer but still cold enough even after all the walking in the crowded subway and streets.

Time to rest. today was tiring after all that walking, commuting, carrying groceries, eating late and "ironing". Dang, it's hard and it didn't look my clothes got ironed at all... such a pain. It's one of those things I know I have to learn and improve on but I honestly would rather not. I'd prefer "cleaning" than pressing I think especially since I have to do it on the floor. (the board is merely a foot above ground) This makes the need to keep the place especially the floor clean all the more pronounced.