Chona in Hongkong

I always say to my friend Chona that sometimes life is not fair. We have this common interest in running an internet shop. But where did it brought us? To the doom of dooms, in the crutches of debts. So, here we go to greener pastures hoping to be unburdened with our heavy loads.

I can still remember the long nights in our respective shops without enough money for taxi fare! Grabe, pero nakakapagkape naman sa Dunkin Donuts just to pass the time away evaluating daily activities. Nakakamis din ang companionship namin. Nagdadamayan ba.

My friend, be of good cheer always. Malalagpasan din natin lahat ng hirap na dinadanas natin. Let your family be your inspiration to move on and God take control of your life.

Freakish Alien in Singapore

Here’s a pic of my webmaster in his most freakish way. He’s such so so alien to my world of tranquility but not lost in the bonds of my magic wand. In his own words he said:

“Singapornication (adj:; noun; - country, another Tiny and Big city in Asia, peaceful country but take your own risk, clean city but beggars are like animals on the street when evening fall.) It is a hiding place of a lost man, a man who dreamed something big and be a big time trader someday who played a big role in US stock market by his magical gapping(japanese candle) techniques. A man who PACK his things and found another place to run , hide and escape the world full of beaurucracy and stupidity. A man who is enjoying being 30 something ...”

Thank you my friend and may you reach your dreams soonest. Godbless!

They Keep Me Alive

My family is my backbone. Without them, where could I be? Many struggles have come and gone in my life but they are always there for me. Hindi ko na talaga matatawaran ang kanilang unconditional love. My only regret is that I'm so reserve to show that I love them more than they ever know. Only God knows how I care and love them.

Our pic was taken by an American Linguist Ms. Flattery just after the Parent's Day when I was 8 years old. In the pic are dad and mom, Lourdes, Iluminada, Conrad, Grace and Asuncion.

My Reason for Living

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder." Whoever said this quotation is precisely right.

When I'm far away from my kids, I can feel that I miss them so much. There's that abundant love stuck in my heart which I'm possesively holding. I can feel that they love me too.

It really hurts when you're with them, embracing, hugging and kissing them but apparently an invisible wall is present to iluminate that LOVE with one another. So it's also true that my kids are so near and yet so far. I know why but still resist to understand maybe because of a deeper sense of protecting their future as much as I could. I should be reserved, strong and brave.

Whatever I would say would not justify the distance apart in the eyes of my kids. I just hope and pray that very soon we'll be together as one family. And I know deep in my heart that they will understand and forgive me. My family is the love of my life and the reason for my leaving and living!

(The 2 cogon houses are the only ones left in my hometown, Barlig, Mountain Province, Philippines. Something should be done to preserve them. Take note my kababayans: What will we do? Will we allow these houses to just vanish?)

Megaworld in My Hand

When I was back home, I tried realty with full of enthusiasm. But the lackluster support from the people behind the projects snatched away that feeling. I failed right there and then. Can I blame myself? Partly yes. I could have strive to succeed but chosen not.

And now in Korea, I will try again. Who knows, with the full support of Megaworld and my friend Dinah, could I go wrong once again? This remains to be seen. What matters is that I have this chance to become a realtor with the right people, the right company, the right time and most of all my right attitude!

This pic was taken at the Hamilton Hotel during the launching of Megaworld Corp. in Korea last February 10, 2007. Philippine Ambasadress Castrense with Filipino aspiring realtors.

CBO 12th Anniversary

The Cordillera Brotherhood Organization in Korea which boosts the biggest number of members among Filipino organizations here celebrated their 12th Foundation Anniversary at the Itaewon Hotel last February 10, 2007.

Consul Jed who gave the inspirational message has stressed that Cordillerans are known to be independent but interdependent. Whatever others may perceived, he's ablsolutey right. However, we still believe that no man is an island.

Being one of the advisers of said organization for quite sometime, I'm proud to say that we have overcome the test of time in Korea. Kudos to our past presidents like Jimmy Lim and Libby Cabaradilla who with all bravery survived the various crackdowns of illegal workers. And of course to all the members. Keep up the good works. Only God will reward you of your selfless service to others.

I believe the present officers led by Pres. Basan Biligen have seen, heard and felt the challenge of their lives as leaders of the CBO. Just be good always and God will give you the courage and strength to lead.

English Craze

These Korean kids are joining the craze to learn the English language! What the heck about it? I could tutor them the best I could but they're having much difficulties. Their parents like them to cram a series of books without knowing first the basics! Poor little ones.

I observed that our Filipino authored English books are excelent in comparison with the foreign books I'm using to teach these kids.

With regards to the english craze, Korean housewives are nuts in requiring Filipinas to be nannies, housekeepers and babysitters with university diplomas and fluent in english (and lol, with American or British accents!) Very funny and pitiful that's why they are being rediculed online.

The EMCEEs

This is the 4th time that I've been one of the emcees of such celebration. I feel elated siyempre. Thanks to Doc Emely for the opportunity, ako'ng naging immediate substitute. And it seems nothing have changed with the way we have handled the task. It's a mess. There was no preparation. It's my first time to meet the good priest from Columbia who was task to interpret in Korean and Spanish. Naubos ata ang English ko! With me is Fr. Pablo and Roger Amboy of the Hyehwadong Choir.

International Migrants' Day

SOLAL is the Korean word for the Chinese New Year. It's timely too for the International Migrants' Day Celebration every year at the Dongsong auditorium. This yearly event is sponsored by the International Migrants' Center under the auspicies of the Archdiocese of Seoul in cooperation with the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community. A program was held wherein a singing contest with big prizes were at stake. Contestants from Bolivia, China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines have given their bests. And of course and as usual, Filipinos won. Snacks and gifts were also distributed! How blessed we are!

In the pic are Fr. Jack of the Migrants Center, Fr. Andrew of the Pastoral Labor Community and Fr. Glen of Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community. (February 11, 2007)

The Challenge Remains

It's a great pleasure to be with the company of two distinguish people in Korea, Consul and Second Secretary Juan E. Dayang Jr. and Sr OWWA Elizabeth Estrada at a French Restaurant in Itaewon. Although my stomach was not "full to the brim" (sorry consul kasi I'm not used to eating such delicacies eh, yummmy!) my mind was "full with info".

The lunch, courtesy of Consul JED, was supposed to be a meeting with regards to plans of creating a website for the embassy and POLO but more issues and concerns were raised. Nakaka-challenge! Same old perennial story with elusive solutions? Why is it so? Ask me and I'll tell you bluntly!

The Noksapyeong Station

In my background is the top of a 4 story subway station I used to commute almost everyday from work to home. And mind you, the most beautiful architectural designed subway station I've seen in Korea. It's just at the foot of Itaewon Road, the commercial district for foreigners and walking distance to the Philippine Embassy.

Ironic but true. Itaewon Road is like Session Road in Baguio City, Philippines. Mas maganda nga lang ang Session Road sa totoo lang!

Healthy or Unhealthy?

Take a look, it's very deceiving talaga! And I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Sa dami ba naman ng pagkain sa hapag kainan eh. Who would dare reject the delicious foods? Definitely not me in fairness to the birthday celebrant, Edgar, inside our humble abode in Itaewon 2-dong, Seoul. I won't even like to hear matataba to describe us, mas ok pa ang malulusog!

Whom you're kidding, girl! Aminin mo ng matakaw ka!! Grabe !!! Disiplina lang ang kailangan.

(Me, Doc Emely, Edgar and OWWA Cynthia)

Just the Best of Friends?

No doubt about that! But please correct me if I'm wrong hehehe... Whom can I turn to in time of distress in a foreign land kung hindi sa kanila di ba? Jojo and Edgar are my friends since then binded by our common compassion to do the weekly Sambayanan Newsletter and do voluntary works in the community.
The pic was taken in Shindaebang, Seoul while waiting for a marathon interview with one prospect employer who's seemingly confused with his business. Up to this writing, wala pang development sa interview. I'll just hope and pray that he'll succeed.

Korea Once Again

Now here I come Korea! Pic was shot at the Inchon International Airport last January 5, 2007 after 3 years of hibernation in our Bayang Magiliw. With me is Ptr. Victor de Ocampo who is instrumental in my journey back. (Thanks a lot Pastor for not failing me. Rest assured that I'll be of help in whatever means I could by the grace of God.)

By coming back, there's that unthinkable purpose I must understand with all humility. Please help me find what is it for my life is too short to live.