Loving Oneself

Am I conceited? Not realy... hehehe

I just love taking pics of just anything in any circumstances ... even myself!

This was in my room one evening after coming home from work.

(Kyongnidan, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea)

Lola Sr. Michaela and Ambassador of the Holy See

As I have stated before on http://www.onfino.com/, Sr. Michaela is the most distinguished Filipino in Korea. She went to there before the Korean war when she was barely 18, fresh from the convent. She served in the war-ravaged Korea with utmost love. She truly deserve the Uri Award (equivalent to the Magsaysay Award of the Philippines) bestowed by the Korean gov't for her unconditional contributions to the country.

Summer Outing with the El Shaddai Prayer Partners

Summer time in Korea is so humid that everybody wants out to the open sea.

There's no need to compare this beach with our very own Boracay and other Philippine Beaches. The obvious is very obvious!

This was my 3rd time to go here, in the southern part of Korea, 5 hours away from Seoul.

OUTBACK STAKEHOUSE at the premises of City Hall, Seoul, is the venue where the partnership of onfino.com and sambayanan.org was conceptualized. Here, Frs. Alvin and E with HFCC Pres. Edgar Balista representing sambayanan and Ms. Jessie Kang and me of PAL and onfino.

(Sayang hindi na active ang onfino.com)

Jing Flies to Canada

The exodus of Filipinos from Korea to Canada is coming to a reality. Some are successful, some are not.

Shiela Jaron Dublin as we fondly call her "Jing" is just one of them. Here in the pic, she was awarded a plaque of appreciation by no other than the new Chaplain, Fr. Alvin for her unwavering volunteerism in the church.

But, others say that the Canadian pasture is not that green at all. So better stay put in Korea?

If only the Korean Gov't. would relax further their immigration rules, many will not think of moving out.

The strict measures the gov't is taking would just give more burden to the already burdened TNTs there.

Pacman-Hatton Fight Brings Us Closer

OWWA Bullet Buenaventura with the editors and writers in Seoul during the Pacman-Hatton bout 2008 telecast on KBS.

On pic is me (www.ofino.com), first Filipino Radio Broadcaster in Korea Regina Arquiza, http://www.suyapinoy.org/ editor-in-chief Eli Penaranda and his staff.

With fried chicken, peanuts and coke on the table, we watched the fight with pride and honor.

The Nigerian Connection

Some of my wards at the Sheeps Gate Children's Center. Mixed blood here with Nigerian as the common denominator. We have Nigerian-Filipino, Nigerian-Korean, Nigerian-Russian, Nigerian- Nigerian, Ethiopians, Filipinos, Americans, French and Mongolians.

Whew! what a joyous moment being with them. Kahit galit na galit ka na dahil sa kakulitan nila hindi mo talaga makuhang magalit. Just looking at their faces will bring back the smile. This is how amazing God's creation really is!

Whistle Blower in Seoul

Who wouldn't be surprise to receive a call from a whistle blower!

And there we were at Starbucks, Hyehwadong after the Mass.

Business matters were discussed but nothing came about ... tsk tsk tsk

Missed-out!

Something was missed-out during the festive Independence Day Celebration the previous day. Hence I was called to make bunot of the missing piece. A 2nd major prize!

Maybe, (just maybe ha?) because I'm just a walk away from the Embassy that OWWA Pat took my attention. It's my privilege though.

'twas a Monday, so I have to go there and attend the flag raising ceremony first before rushing to my class nearby.

With me are Sir Cyrus, Amb. Luis Cruz, Consul Jed, OWWA Pat, Labor Attache Delmer Cruz and my friend, OWWA Bullet.

110th Philippine Independence Day

The joint celebraton of the 110th Philippine Independence Day and 13th Migrant Workers Day Celebration at the Hangang Park, Seoul, Korea, (June 8, 2008) epitomized the Filipinos' knack for merriment. Guests were amazed how we could turn the park upside-down with the different presentations of cultural dances and songs. What more with the presence of Geneva Cruz who did a song with a famous Korean Artist!

And of course, the Cordillera Brotherhood Organization participated with their native Takik Dance.

In photo is Ambassador Luis Cruz and me with the Korean Legislative Building as background. Consul and Second Secretary Jed Dayang is flocked by the officers and dancers of the CBO.

River Maya Band at the Seoul Olympic Stadium

We were there when the River Maya Band competed with other Asian Bands during the 5th Asian Song Festival. Although they were not able to bag the coveted top prize, at least they have shown the Filipino pride of sportmanship.

My friends and I were there through the invitation of the Philippine Embassy.

The huge stadium dwarfed our delegation. However, we thank the organizers for giving us tickets where we could see and appreciate the whole view.

(I thought that only Filipinos are starstruck! The Koreans are even more with their sophisticated paraphernelias in cheering their favorite competing bands... my gosh, it's very spectacular!)

El Shaddai Anniversary

With El Shaddai Prayer Partners - Korea Chapter's Leader Sis. Irene Diones during their Anniversary Program 2007 at the Dongsong High School Auditorium in Seoul.

Being with them every anniversary keeps me always re-charge. Members and non-members from all over Korea flocked the auditorium just to be in communion with one another and feel the overflowing of the Holy Spirit.

A Mass was concelebrated by several Filipino priests.

IT Team Deliberation

The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul, Korea was launching it's new sambayanan website when this pic taken at the Catholic Center.

I was fortunate to be a part of it (as the former web admin with Jun Torrano and Arlene Tolentino).

These young volunteers are really passionate in their works. It helps to be truly selfless in sharing one's God-given talent.

Keep up!

Cordillera Brotherhood goes to Arirang TV Soon

It maybe a wishful though but I'm very optimistic that the CBO-Korea (Cordillera Brotherhood Organization) will be featured in one of Korea's famous TV Program.

Why? Because as early as January the group is busy practicing takik and other igorot dances. Thanks to Fr. Choi of Shalom Migrants Center who is always patient in promoting our very ethnic dance. His initiative brings inspiration to us who are most often misunderstood by wearing G-strings and playing the gongs, as if we are still in the primitive years. Other people just doesn't know how proud we are of our roots. We are here to educate the perennial ignorants and at the same time promote brotherhood.

Please watch for this special event comes May 11, 2008 at the Seoul Olympic Park.

Read more CBO updates here.

Pintuan:"Magsabata't palayain ang isipan..

Hindi sinadya ang pagkakakilala natin. O maaari nga, hindi ko rin masasabi. Basta ang alam ko, naging malaking tulong kayo sa unti-unti kong pag-ahon . Parang isang salamangka ang nangyaring pagtatagpo, kaybilis ng mga pangyayari.

Ang mga alaala ng tagpong iyon ang nagbibigay sa akin ng damdamin ng kasiyahan, pagsisisi, at pagkatakot. Minsa'y nagdalawang isip ako sa maaaring mangyari na naglaalaro sa isip ko at maaari akong magkamali kung itutuloy ko ang bawat naisin ko.

Subalit sa kabila ng kaliwa't kanang pag-aalinlangan, sa bawat desisyong nais kong gawin, sa bawat daang nais kong tahakin ay lagi kayong nakagabay sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit n'yo ito ginagawa para sa akin; wala akong maisip na dahilan kung bakit. Pero nang mga panahong iyon, sapat na sa akin ang malaman kong naririyan kayo kung kakailanganin, at gayon din naman kung kayo ay mangailangan ng tulong ko.

Namistulang mga bata tayo'ng nakulong sa loob ng isang kwarto at dooy samu't saring kwento ng buhay ang ating tinilakay. Bawat isay may kani-kaniyang hinagpis at pagkabigo. Mga kwento tungkol ke Nikki, ni Quile, ni Mamaw at ni Urot ay siyang laging nangingibabaw sa ating mga kwentuhan. Hanggang sa kabila ng mga hinagpis ay napagdesisyunan natin gumawa ng pintuan, ang pintuang imunungkahi natin sa ating Kura Paroko, at dooy nagsimula ang paglilimbag , ang pangarap na makabuo ng pintaung naging isa sa instrumento na magdadala ng salita ni Amang at sama-samang hinagpis ng ating iba pang kaalyado.

Sa pagbuo ng pintuan ay kaydami nating kinaharap, una naging problema ay kung ano desenyo, kung anong uri ng pintuan ang dapat at kailangan ng ating kaalyado. Maselan ang bawat isa at tila may mataas na panlasa sa kung anong i-uukit at sa pagdating sa desenyo ay ibat-ibang ideya ang pumapasok sa atin. Subalit napagkasundan ang kulang bughaw dahil para sa atin ito ang s’yang simbolo ni Ama at puti ay simbolo ng kapayapaan na sya'ng ating hinhangad at isa sa ating motibo ay ang maging instrumento upang maisulong ang pagkakakisa ng ating mga kaalyado.

Siyempre nilagyan din ito ng matibay at makintab na door nob at nilatagan din natin malinis na door mat upang kung sakaling may pumasok ay makita kaagad nila ang ating pinapangarap at naisin. Sa kabila ng pagbuo ay nalaman din natin na kailangan pala itong bantayan. Kailangan pala nating itutok ang ating ibang oras upang malaman natin kung ano pa ang nais at kagustuhan ng ating kaalyado. Hanggang sa ma-enkwentro natin ang nakakalumong mga puna, panlalait na siya naman lalong nagbigay sa atin upang dagdagan pa ang ating kaalaman sa pagpipinta at pag-ukit ng magandang pintuan. Tuloy ang ating layag at pagtuklas ng kakaibang mga desenyo, mga titik na maari nating maging kwaderno.

At ngayon ang ating pagkakaibigan ay dumako na sa isa pang kabanata ng ating buhay; sa isang bahagi ng kapatirang relasyon, natutuwa ako't walang anumang nagbago sa pakikitungo natin sa isa't isa. Nais kong magpasalamat sapagkat kayo'y nagsilbing inspirasyon ko sa bawat gawain at hangarin ko, na nagbigay ng lakas ng loob sa mga panahong ako'y nanghina, sa mga pagkakataong halos wala nang pundasyon akong maisip. Sa mga pagkakataon namistula akong html format na kulang sa debugging.

Salamat dahil kayo ang naging liwanag sa kawalan ng araw, buwan at bituin sa langit. Kayo ang naging tamis sa pait at asim ng buhay. Kayo ang naging ngiti sa mga labi at noong nakakunot dahil sa pagkairita o sama ng loob. Kayo ang nagbigay ng pandinig at paningin sa pusong nagbingi-bingihan at nagbulag-bulagan sa mga pangyayaring nagaganap sa paligid.

Ngunit higit sa lahat, salamat, dahil kayo ay naging kayo, dahil minahal n'yo ako bilang kaibigan, tulong tulong tayo sa pagtukalas ng mga bagay, mga pangyayari, mga karanasan na maari nating ibahagi at i-ukit sa ating binabatayang pintuan. Hindi man tayo mga eksperto ay may kakayahan naman tayong tumuklas......

Bukas muli tayong magsabata't, tuklasin ang wastong pagbanbantay sa pintuang ating pinagsumikapang maukit...

footnote: This amazing piece was authored by JUN REYES TORRANO, my former Sambayanan Online Webmaster way back 2001 (i forgot the exact date!). He just opened his Bagahe from Korea which he left closed for 4 years determined to keep the past behind. But lo and behold, once a webmaster is always a webmaster! He opened the box with his computer intact. Obsolete na! The good thing is, all of his articles are still there. Thanks to google daw.

The above article caught me offhand. I was so touched and blessed! I didn't realize by then how much impact I had on him. For this, I can only say, GO GO GO Jun, keep on writing to your heart's desire and make a difference in this beautiful world!

Jun, as I fondly call him, is now a writer with Ani 32 : The Global Pinoy - a project of Cultural Central of the Philippines literary division.

Nikki and Quile (should be Kiel) are my children, so young then, now 13 and 10 years olds respectively.

New Hyehwadong Chaplain

The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul has a new Chaplain in the person of Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, who hails from Davao City!

During one of his homilies, he categorically emphasized that there should be no comparison between him and Fr. Glenn Jaron which is very obvious. Further adding, Fr. Glenn is tall, slim and charming whereas as you can see... so true so true padre...

He also appealed to the community to be health conscious and when hospitalization is needed to choose a cheaper hospital. (He could not guarantee a 10,000,000 won deposit!) It's very sad but true, there's a Filipino who had stroke but was able to get himself a taxi. The driver brought him to the nearest hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, one of the expensive hospitals in Korea. Without the 10M, he'll not undergo surgery but take medications only. We hope and pray that this OFW will recover very soon. He point out the list of clinics and hospitals that give free medical check-ups, medications and hospitalizations in the Sambayanan Newsletter.

Fr. Alvin has a track record of excellent service in the Philippines and abroad. Hence, he was chosen to replace Fr. Glenn. Goodluck and Godbless!

The Friends Society

Grace, Jojo and Flor/Raffy and Vilma with Cardinal Rosales
F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Friends Response: Integrated Efforts Needed for Development and Security

Where have we gone wrong my friends? Have we not found our integrated niche to make it BIG? Hmmm

Congratulations to husband and wife Raffy and Vilma Lagadia. You've gone a long long way ahead! Your success speak of determination, persistence and humility. A role model in pursuing the Korean Dream.

Not losing hopes are co-Friends Society members Grace, Jojo and Flor. Wake up now, expand your psychological wallets!

Itot?

I found this picture in my mailbox from bibaknets@yahoogroups. Scrutinizing it with fervent interest, I could not doubt that's my nephew Itot (Paolito Fikingas Mandia) sitting infront with eyeglasses. They were volunteers in one medical/dental mission. Itot is a freshman at Saint Louis University International Medical School, Baguio City.

Here's an excerpt from Nordis Weekly Magazine by Jane Malicdan:

"Semestral break started early for us at BCU-College of Nursing and I already had plans for the two-week vacation after being used to sleeping late and waking up early for school. But all these plans changed when Community Health Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region (Chestcore), a health NGO, invited me to join their Student Integration Program (SIP). The SIP participants included seven medical students and two nursing students (including myself), accompanied by three Chestcore staff. Twelve virtual strangers were to embark on a ten-hour journey, brought together by a single objective –service and integration with the indigenous people of Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga."

Emmanuel

Macky as a good shepherd in this pic. His real name is Emmanuel, the most beautiful name I've ever encoutered. I dreamt of naming my son Emmanuel, kasi it means GOD IS WITH US, kaya lang my cousin is also Emmanuel (Mataag). So I took the advise of a pastor-friend to name the baby Ezekiel.

I can always remember those weary days and nights of 2001 when all seems to crumble. Thanks for the power of internet I was able to cope up with loneliness and boredom. Those struggling times alone in the factory being confined with two roaring machines was not a joke!

'twas my birthday then when I had my initiation with chatting from a nearby internet shop at about past midnight when I had to go home from work. Since it's my birthday, I thought of spending it with something worthwhile rather than go straight home and watch TV alone. So there cordilove was born at that smelly, dark and noisy shop! I had fun learning the ins and outs of the internet. hehehe

There I first met Macky and others online. How many years have passed? Amazingly almost 8 years ha!