cordilove: The Noksapyeong Station

Monday, February 26, 2007

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!

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LET IT GO

Leaving the past behind could well be meaningful to a migrant worker if that past was filled with joy, peace and love. In the contrary, if that past was demoralizing, even tarnishing the image of our Filipino community, something should be done. Take the challenge to do good all the time for the betterment of a brighter tomorrow.

The year 1998 is undeniably the worst not only for Koreans but most of all to the migrant workers. We who are forced to carry the burden of this IMF crisis. We, who are still patiently waiting and hoping this economic recession finally will come to an end. We, who are branded as Modern Heroes by our government for our remittances at home. We, who struggled through sweat and tears to survive. We, who likely to remain helpless if the situation will not change.

And here comes year 1999, still economically unpredictable despite favorable forcasts. Perhaps to look back will give us a better understanding. To find our what went wrong, to seek for solutions and to reflect upon the lessons to be learned. Just look back and hold on to those worldly attachments that are defeating the very purpose of our desire to succeed in life. And so LET IT GO ...

To us migrant workers LET GO of thhis 'kipol-kopol', 'foolyangan', addictive vices, grievances, resentments, bitterness ... Sooner we'll realize personal renewal is truly rewarding.

To our sajangnims, LET GO of this IMFu excuses. Stop hiring workers if you cannot afford to pay wages. Spare yourselves from the shame of telling lies. LET GO of the abuses, sexual harrassments ...

To our Embassy staff, LET GO of this lukewarm treatment. Please visit the sick, provide temporary shelters for the jobless ...

To the Immigration Officers, LET GO of this massive crackdown. Spare us the emotional turmoil. We're here to do a decent job.

To the Korean government, LET GO of this partnership in bringing in trainee workers who sooner or later will GO TNT. Legaliz instead the undocumented workers to be secured.

To our government, LET GO of this trainee workers, tourist workers, women trafficking ... the number of jobless TNTs is daily increasing due to the current crisis. Are there no other means to compensate our needs at the Bayang Magiliw to be with our families and friends? Well ...

We have seen the worst and the best of ourselves this 1998, in good or bad situation, we've been together HAND IN HAND.

The past may indeed not a pleasant picture to gaze at but the flimpse of the year that passed allow a new beginning. As the saying goes, "A life that is not reflected is not worth living." A sincere effort then to LET GO by forgetting, forgiving and acting out by loving and sharing is never left unblessed. What then are we waiting for? Isn't here and now, the right place and time for us to ACT? It's your choice!

(This composition is retrieved from my notebook written in pencil, published on Sambayanan Newsletter - Korea)

EZEKIEL

E very fleeting moment that goes by, I could see your angelic face that gives me live and inspiration

Z ealousness I prayed to empower me to do His blessed will

E nticing each and everyone to follow and obey His commandments

K eenly participating in every activity that brings out the best from everyone

I nterestingly discovering various unique traits and craftsmanship

E ndeavors I might have overlooked

L ove from a distant shore that knows no bounds, I miss you, I love you with all my heart, my mind and my soul.

(This poem is composed especially for my son, Ezekiel, Dec. 20, 1998)

Climbing Seoul Tower

The twilight zone just below the Seoul Tower was so humid that lil' Grace and I decided to climb the mountain top. Soon after we left the house of a friend, rain poured like cats and dogs so we had to seek shelter in one of those shades fronting the Yongsan Library.

I predicted a 10 minute rain and lo there was the sun shining with the beautiful rainbow up above. Lil' Grace was so excited that we have to run across the street without looking back.

Our first stop was the fountain where we alternately took pictures of ourselves to the extent of asking someone to take our duet. I was amazed of how a 4 year old can operate my digital camera with the right angles. I was giggling posing every now and then... the guts of being childlike once in a while!

Lil' Grace seems not to be tired of the thousand steps sometimes strides we're taking. As we're going up, I couldn't just ignore the innocent questions asked by the girl. And so with the usual Q&As, we reached the 2nd stop ... took pictures , ate biscuit and drank juice.

We met many people on our way to the top often glancing at us, some asking from where are we, if the girl is my daughter but most are appreciative of the beautiful girl with me, her strength and nice smile.

Finally, we reached our goal with so much perspiration and joy! There we roam around for almost an hour... until my phone rang from way below the mountain. Lil' Grace mom called to say time's up! It's 9 PM.

Traversing the other path is a lot easier. We just have to ran down. Although the drizzling rain is becoming weaker, the urge of getting home was stronger. Sure enough, as soon as we reached our destination, we avoided dinner, we're flat dead in bed.

This is what I say, the moment of truth- that once in a while, a walk uphill is refreshing to the body, mind and soul!

Thanks God I'm still alive to enjoy His creation!

(Thank you Grace for being with me in my time of personal battles. Just being there uplifted my dwindling spirit.)

It's Only You

by cordilove

Never will I say goodbye
If you're there
To show me the way.

Giving me those inspiring words
To live by
Through night and day.

Visions of you in my dreams
Locked in my arms
Couldn't cast the love away.

For the love we share
Truly blessed I know
Bind with patience and honesty.

Long distance love
That's what it is
No matter what they say.

For honey it's only you
Who'd change the life
That I've been through.

So I'll never say goodby
Unless you tell me so!

(source: Cordilove Treasures, Korea '0ct. 5, 2003)

FBI on the Run

Let me share you this poem I have composed after reading all the previous comments related to the search for Mr. and Miss Onfino 2008.

Proud to be an Igorot
from the Pearl of the Orient Seas
with my conquering heart
brought me in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Discriminated not so long ago
no where else to go
nobody to cry on
and CBO came on.

United we stand
clapping our hands
for at last we have a chance
to speak our timid voice.

Whoever wears my G-string
I consider him a friend
'coz that's how Igorots are
unconditional of their love and affection.

Full Blooded Igorot, run
secure your fellow igorots
the wrath of evil is coming
ready to devour you.

In the name of Jesus
which my Kabunyan even praise
cast away the principalities of darkness
spare your child.

So tired and weary
I rest my soul
on you and only you
My Lord and my God!

Amen

(from www.onfino.com)

Monday, February 26, 2007

The Noksapyeong Station

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Caught Off-Guard by John

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Conrad and Family in SD

Distinctly Igorota

Paolito's Graduation

Kiel 2007

Nikki's Graduation 2007

International Migrants" Day 2007 - Korea

Friends at home, center and church

About Me

Daring Moment

My Dream Car!

Cordilove's Compositions - as an Amateur Writer

LET IT GO

EZEKIEL

IMPERFECTIONS

Coping With Frustrations

Climbing Seoul Tower

It's Only You

FBI on the Run

Specially for freakish_alien

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