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!

Only 1 Grace VI Teacher for 2 generations

My gosh! It's totally devastating to edit pics in vain. Hindi ko talaga mapalaki ang pic na ito and the others so important to me. This was taken last March pa when my daughter Nikki bagged the most honors during her graduation. With us are my cousin Irene Ganga Lamaton with her daughter Corin and our beloved Grade VI teacher Mrs. Petronila Changale Naulgan. Two generations na ma'am! I could still vividly remember the days in your class! Look at our daughters, like moms di ba?

My Nephews and Niece in SD

Weird feeling I'm having right now. Guitly feelings? Lonely? Bored? ... tell me.

I may not have seen them personally but there's this lurking bloodline that keeps the connection!

I love you all...

I hate to say goodbye

I was with mixed emotions but I had to be strong and composed with all my might this very night when we had our Christmas Party con Farewell Party at the Capital Hotel, Seoul. I hate saying goodbye!

Fr. Glenn Jaron, MSP, our Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Chaplain is leaving this month after 15 years in serving the Filipino people (including other nationalities) in Korea.
Fr. Glenn is truly a priest with that BIG BIG HEART. His selfless service to the poor, the oppressed, the underprivilege, the sick, the dying and the dead, is all for the glory of God.

I firmly believe that wherever he may be assigned, he will continue his mission in spreading the Word. Saying thank you in any manner is not enough to fully express the composite feelings of every person whom whose life that he has touched. Padre, tunay ka, kudos!

That's my friend Flor Noveno, small but terrible, just like me (mas mataba nga lang ako hehehe).

Chonmasan 6th Anniversay

This was during the Chonmasan Filipino Catholic Community Anniversary this year. I was invited as one of the EMCEE's (with Dhok) by the chaplain, Fr. Dong Marcaida.

Labat Delmar Cruz was then delivering his inspirational speech to the delight of the OFWs. Nakaka-inspire ka talaga sir!

Nenette and I

We attended the 15th Anniversary of the El Shaddai Prayer Partners in Korea at the Dongsong High School Auditorium, Seoul. As usual, the enlivening power of the Lord has dawn on the participants that day! Really, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit... although I'm weak but I'm strong... confusing ba? (How much more to me?)

My Priest Confessor

"I was down and out and feeling so low", it may be just a tiny part of a song but it summarized the enormous problems I had when I first came back to Korea last August. And who was there to extend a helping hand? It's Fr. Dong Marcaida, whom I consider a friend too. So outspoken and outright in his most sincere way. Thank you Padre!

Pic was taken at Lotte World one Saturday afternoon.

At OWWA Senior Officer House

In preparation for the upcoming Search for King and Queen of Filipino Migrants in Korea 2007, cordilove with friend Edgar Balista (founder president of Visayas and Mindanao Organization) facilitated the use of Ma'am OWWA Senior Officer Beth Estrada's house after we were denied the use of the POLO center just infront of our boarding house! Ang bait talaga ni ma'am who came to our rescue. ...

Thanks a lot!

CBO official candidate Chris Longey and Baguio Boy-Pusan Sponsored candidate Charlie. Both are gorgeous! Vote for them at www.visminorg.blogspot.com

ESLPlus-Baguio City

Here I come again classroom! The perennial student as I am at ESLPlus Language Academy with the witty ma'am Debbie Achawon and some of my klasmyts.

I thought I was profficient in english- my gosh to my shame and gutsy feeling! After attending a series of Trainings here and with my on-going TESOL course, I could proudly say that indeed I've improved a lot!

In His Most Melodramatic Mood

Jojo at Wendys, Manila (unfortunately wendys was closed when i went back last August 29). Guess what he's doing here? Not just eating and drinking but somehow brainstorming the no-nonsense CP of mine.

It's really difficult to wait for something or someone for that matter you don't know you're waiting, huh!

Goodluck, mah fren!

Network 21 along Baywalk

1) That's Emerald Direct Nixon and Camela Guzman of Baguio City. Go go go Warriors of the North and explode the Amway Way!

2) Diamond Direct Olive and Ernie Fernandez, wonderful couple to emulate just like our very own upline DD Ali Ghanadan. So spiritually entreprenure!

3) Ooopppps, with my direct upline Beth, so humble and meek and who sometimes sleeps awake hehehe.

4) I finally had the chance to take pic with the Men in Philippine History, our national Hereos Benigno Aquino Jr. and Emilio Javier. How merciful are the merciless to have down them cowardly! Bless their souls, amen.

Election '07

Kids always fascinate me!!!

Kids of candidates in Baguio doing the igorot dance to the amazement of expectators at the Malcom Square otherwise known nowadays as People's Park. Five of these candidates made it to the City Council.

Of course me and my son Kiel with Diane, Angelo and - during election day in Barlig, Mountain Province at Tikkid also known as Boumans Trail in memory of Fr. Huberto Boumans, a long time parish priest of the Barlig Catholic Mission.

Well, uncle James Mataag may have lost his candidacy but still he's a winner in our hearts. In a very small town like ours, retired colonels have no place in politics. Pagbigyan daw ang mga jobless!

The Kids Invaded the Military Camp!

One rainy afternoon, we hiked up the mountain of Alemmong where this pitiful military camp is situated. I almost cried at the sight. Is this how we treat the soldiers who guard the majestic Barlig landscape and people? My only consolation is that our town is so peaceful and quite, literally speaking. Thanks God, the men in uniforn are safe and sound!

Kiel at 9 years old tried the soldier's guitar. Come on son, show them that you're like mom who at tender age can strum the guitar. No member of the family leaves Barlig without serving in Church by playing the guitar! So so true...

The Commandant (sorry sir, I forgot your name!) of the military camp with his 2 aide d campo atop Almmong overlooking Gawana, the poblacion.

Why we went up? Ask me why? (byline barrowed frm Bro. Bo) Because we have to contact Baguio and Manila regarding my visa! So remote is our town that we have to find some place to hang our cellphones to connect to the outside world, hehehe

Overlooking Samoki

At Teng-ab, Bontoc, Mountain Province. The road through sitio Samoki is bound for Barlig, crossing first the Chico River.

Teng-ab is where the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe offices are located. The 5 buildings that housed these offices were built through the efforts of our dear Bishop Francisco Claver, SJ.

I happened to be there upon the invitation of my friend Tina who's nephew is a priest there. The panoramic view is so refreshing despite the very hot Bontoc weather!

A Friend Indeed

My financial consultant Tina Ipan and me in Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

How pity is the jeep that carries many peope enroute to the provincial capital, yet zigzagging the rough, long and winding road. It's not an unusual sight anyway because in our mountaineous places, everybody climbs the top of a jeep just so to reach Bontoc!

Those feathery smoke behind are not really clouds! They are the vapors of the hot springs below, yo!

My Family

Dad, Mom, Paulito, Nikki and Kiel.

They are the inspiration of my life as ever and ever. How could I live without them? God knows how I really missed them. They maybe far far away from me but the distance is not a bondage of a conquering heart.

Life is really a mystery. .. the pains, the joys, the sufferings, the love... endures forever!

Nicole and Ezekiel

My kids during the graduation of their cousin Paulito Mandia, BS Biology at Saint Louis University, Baguio City.

Nikki requested to wear the toga because she's also a graduate daw ng Grade VI. Her ambition to follow the footsteps of Ito will be granted, God willing.

Kiel as usual was in his naughty mode! Always making faces everytime he's on cam. Kakatuwa talaga sila.

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.