buhangook

Ramiele Malubay Hits The Bottom 3!

2008-04-03T06:46:00.000+09:00

She surely has a reason to fear country music. It’s too bad Kristie Lee Cook was not eliminated before her. Kristie, however joins Ramie and Brookie White in the Bottom 3. The results is just minutes away…Stay tuned.

experiencing Korean dance

2007-11-04T14:31:00.000+09:00

Dance is a big part of Korean culture, be it traditional (mask, drum, etc) or modern (jazz, break boy, belly, latin, etc). Last Halloween, Elena and I watched a free show by a dance company in the local Geoje Art Center. Ronnel and Aimee are currently studying Latin dance. My friends from the church will be performing a dance number a couple of weeks from now. And next weekend, we will be watching Beyonce dance her way in a concert (that's before she releases her first dance album) in Olympic Park in Seoul.

Photo showing high schoolers belly dancing as part of a charity program that we participated in for kids.

if there's a rope, there's a way

2007-11-01T20:41:00.000+09:00

I am back once more. Aimee got her pc back explaining my absence in the blogging world. But things will get better once Ezer lends me his pc, now that he's got a laptop. Poor me can't buy my own pc hehe. So I finally download Picasa in my office pc to be able to post again. Bloggers die hard. They just multiply.^^

they're here!!!

2007-08-27T23:16:00.000+09:00

Elena and Jonard are finally with me in our company together with a dozen more new Filipino engineers. Since arriving a couple of weeks back, we have hit the beach three times (thats him wearing eyeglasses that shows me and Elena), watched in the cinema twice and have eaten countless ice cream! Korea has never been so much fun. And that applies even in our office. Yes, we do work in the same part! ^*^

09284807001

2007-08-03T20:01:00.000+09:00

For at least a week every August, we have the privelege of taking our vacation.

This year, I took my family to Palawan (see photo), met my university friends last night in the new Ayala mall Trinoma then watched the totally hilarious Simpsons The Movie, walked around Manila and shopped in Robinson's Place for the first time earlier today, and blogging all about these in the lobby of Manila Pavilion, where I temporarily take refuge since the beginning of this month and waiting for old friend Dinah who will take me to the World Food Expo before I pick up my Korean friends in the airport.

Tomorrow, is another reunion with friends from Korea and high school when we witness Carlo & Che's wedding.

So, what else is in store for my 2-week vacation? There's a church service I will go to, the Cinemanila Film Festival in Gateway, maybe a party in my home for my friends who will be joining our company, return trip to Pagsanjan Falls, and a party at Tey's place.

And if you wish to join the fun, the title gives the number to call. See you friends around. :)

i now pronounce you Carlo and Che

2007-07-26T23:34:00.000+09:00

Next week, as both Korea and the Philippines gear up for at least 30 deg C scorching temperatures and Korean employees are taking at least a week-long summer holidays, my very good friends are tying the knot in the Philippines! Congratulations!

Of course, I will be there to celebrate the ocassion.

I just can't wait to take the plane in a couple of days!

closing time

2007-07-22T23:05:00.000+09:00

Today marks the final day of the 1oth Boryeong Mud Fest. Havent there been an election of officers for the term of our Filipino cooperative and the visit of new friends from Gimhae, I would have returned for another weekend of mud fun. Check out last week's fun here.

I'm sure there will be fireworks, like this one I took during the opening night.

let's get mud!

2007-07-12T22:16:00.000+09:00

Mauleen (green tops) and Tanya (black tops) are lining up to climb a flight of stairs round 10 m in height to slide through a muddy incline straight into a semi-pool of mud. I met them both last year in what journalists claim to be Korea's best festival.

This year, my adventure begins tomorrow. No rain, ex-housemate's farewell party, nor absence of company is stopping me.

Great weekend y'all!

TRANSFORMERS

2007-07-08T11:47:00.000+09:00

A day after the much more-than-meets-the-eye Christina Aguilera concert and basically before heading back to our island, my kababayan from oil drilling company Seadrill, Ka Berto & I dropped by the Seoul N Tower in Namsan, Seoul.

The tower gives a bird's eyeview of the capital city. They were showing Shrek 3 in their cinema and there's an ongoing workshop and exhibition of transforming junk into art.

Picture shows Optimus Prime as a teaser of the exhibit. ^^

madz, sting, norah jones, d'sound, and christina aguilera live in Korea!

2007-06-21T21:00:00.000+09:00

Being the 11th biggest economy of the world, it is inevitable that South Korea become more global and develop its interest in other cultures. Once in a while, foreign recording artists stop by here as part of their world tour or to promote their latest cd.

Given the right timing and company, I do indulge in watching and having a grand time.

Come this weekend, I will be joining a couple of new friends in watching Christina is a genie in a bottle Aguilera in Seoul!

Wish you all a beautiful weekend. :)

Photo: D'Sound (Tatooed On My Mind) concert in Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul

is it uniform? yeah.

2007-06-12T22:10:00.000+09:00

I am excited that a university orgmate, a close friend, and an email-mate is joining our company soon when Korean summer at its peak.

This post is for them as they've been bugging me (^^) bout the company uniform.

Leftside:Worn by Val and yours truly is the Bioman uniform used during flowery spring and makes-me-wanna-beach summer.

Center: Aimee dons the fall-winter getup sans the jacket. Check out Ted on the right for the pants. Like Ted, just about any shirt may go with the uniform, though some bosses would prefer you wear something with collar.

Just about any type of shoes matches the uniform. Just beware that you match them with what you are wearing under the uniform.

These are the uniform worn by the company president, the engineers and the janitors. The name tag in front reveals your team designation, the horizontal stripe at the back reflects light for your safety at night (it rhymes!), and the uniform is considered a formal attire as you can wear it to attend funerals.

Photo taken while eye-shopping for jewelries during summer-fall transition last year.

korean film festivals

2007-05-19T01:37:00.000+09:00

You may have heard of Pusan International Festival (PIFF), Asia's best and largest, where this cute pic was taken. This was November 2006.

After my birthday celebrations, I went to the Jeonju Film Festival (JIFF), the indies film fest of Korea. Next week, the Seoul International Cartoon Animation Festival (SICAF) will be held. And there's the festival where the Philippine's Gagamboy won the grand prize, the Pucheon International Fantastic Film festival (PIFan), Korea's most controversy-laden fest, after original organizer protested and started the Real International Fantastic Film festival.

On a related note, 2 Korean films are in competition in the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. Will there be an Old Boy (Korean film which won Cannes grand prize before) repeat this year?

korean film festivals - the photo that goes with the post ahead

2007-05-19T01:26:00.000+09:00

love thy neighbors

2007-04-09T23:09:00.000+09:00

The Easter lesson that I learned quite easily. I got good neighbors in our apartment complex: kids who used to know my dog, teammates who bring over pasta, and fellow Filipinos who can do just about evertyhing for you.

Cheers to Easter! God bless everyone.^^

The Number 7

2007-04-02T20:47:00.000+09:00

Photo during the eve of 2007 in Everland, Korea. L-R: Therese, June, Aims, 9, me, Leanne's sister, Leanne

Now its 2007.

On Black Saturday April 7, Ronnel whose apartment building is 17, will turn 27. He is also the 7th person from our university who lives in our apartment complex.

Come April 17, the multimillion dollar multimedia campaign "There Will Soon Be Seven" will prepare for the release of the 7th Harry Potter installment. The book will be released on the twenty-first day of the July, the 7th month.

On the 7th minute of the 7th hour of the 7th day on the same 7th month, that' s July 7 2007, 7:07 am, the reuniting Smashing Pumpkins will release their new cd. One of their best hits is called 1979.

On the same day, still 7/7/7, the new 7 Wonders of the World will be unveiled by the The New7Wonders Foundation. By voting online for the 21 (7x3=21) proposed wonders, you can help decide what else is joining the Great Pyramids of Egypt in the existing 7 Wonders of the World.

I 'm sure more marketing campaigns will take advantage of 7/7/7. After all it only happens once in our lifetime.

Thank you for reading through this piece inspired by The Number 23, the movie last seen in the cinema by yours truly, who happens to have 7 letters in each of his names (Edgardo Humilde Certeza) and is the 7th in a family of 7.

And if you're reading closely, 7 or seven appears 35 (7x5=35) times in this entry.

i am still in Korea!

2007-03-20T00:57:00.000+09:00

Last year, I sold 2 laptops, leaving me pc-less in my home. Poor me, I had to wait for someone to lend me her cpu! Hopefully, Aims will not take her cpu soon or else I will be missing in blogging action again. I am not lost, just undiscovered.^^

This collage is from our Safari tour. Not quite Africa yet, just in Everland, Korea's biggest themepark, one of the worl'ds seven best. Here we welcomed the new year 2007 together wtih Kuya Noel's (a fellow Filipino working for Norwegian shipping company) vacationing family.

My next tour will be Malaysia and Singapore!

kul kul kul

2007-03-16T01:07:00.000+09:00

This post is almost a year in the making! Man, I have forgotten my account password! Anyway, I wish to be back more often.For now, here are some pigs sounding kul kul kul (the Korean sound of pig) to signify yet another year, beginning.

Another Korean animal sound is mong mong for dogs. Like my password, I forgot the others.

Hmm someone's turning old next month hehe.

Volver*

2006-11-25T17:18:00.000+09:00

Two years ago, me and high school mate Jay started our engineering careers here in Korea.

Ten month ago, we became housemates.

Seven days ago, Jay went back to the Philippines --for good.

*Volver is the Spanish word for return; 3 months ago (?), my last blog entry was posted. Good to be volvering.

last minute shopping!

2006-07-27T08:43:00.000+09:00

This afternoon, I will share the van to Gimhae Airport with Aimee (shown), my housemate, and Aim's housemate.

But for now, I got errands to run!

i am on vacation!

2006-07-27T00:08:00.000+09:00

Korea now, Philippines tonight! Wrap em up, bags!

9th Boryeong mud festival!

2006-07-20T21:58:00.000+09:00

The long weekend due to Korean Constitution Day gave me the luxury of time to go to Boryeong in western Korea missing the Pucheon International Fantastic Film Festival but not missing on all the M-U-D fun: mud pit (shown), swimming, kayaking, sauna, painting, ceramics, slide. That's beside the free tour round Boryeong: Coal Museum, Cold Wind Tunnel, an herb garden, and a historical temple.

A very good chance to test my new camera and I also got to meet fellow travellers Mauleen and Tanya. Now I understand why this festival stands as one of the best in Korea and gets to be featured in the Lifestyle section of TIME mag.

I will definitely get muddy year after year as long as I am here!

superman returns

2006-07-01T01:45:00.000+09:00

And Lois Lane is in fighting form? This is from my second Jeonju International Film Festival, where last year they had a male Marilyn Monroe impersonator on the streets.

Just came from watching my first Superman movie in a cinema--a new one in our island. The cinema is called M Park 8 cause it has 8 cinemas, one more than CGV which will open together with the shopping mall Home Plus.

After 2 and a half years, I will finally have a tase of metropolitan life without having to go to Busan.

Movies in cinema, here I come again.^^

the red devil series: i can make it through the rain

2006-06-23T03:49:00.000+09:00

With sight of these sexy ladies in mind, no rain tomorrow morning will stop me from going to Busan World Cup Stadium to watch Korea's do or die match versus current group leader Switzerland (why did they ever beat Togo?)

I hope they show up again tomorrow and not wear them raincoats!

the red devil series: one

2006-06-19T22:14:00.000+09:00

This morning's match versus Les Bleus France can be summed up with one word: one. Each team scored one goal each half of the game, the Korean warriors scoring in the 81st minute, upsetting France more specially its star player Zidane, who might have played his last World Cup game.

One more match for both teams are also awaiting them. Zidane, however, committed a booking, so he is not allowed to play in their match versus Togo, which is now playing versus Switzerland, Korea's final match opponent (for the first round of games) and hopefully not the last.

One more game to be seen in the wee fourth hour of the morning. Good thing Korea's next game will be played on a Saturday, I can watch it in a bigger venue than in my room, where I clapped alone while ironing my uniform. Hee.

the red devil series: Koje chapter

2006-06-18T22:24:00.000+09:00

This is my teammate Allen during the first game last Tuesday. In crowded Meripji, my part leader and I were looking for him in front of the stage. We both were not able to identify him!

Everywhere in Korea, large screens are set up for the Korean matches.

In about seven hours from now, I will be in one such set up here in nearby Jangseungpo Meripji to catch the second half of their match versus soccer heavyweight France.

Hope Korea wins, even if I do not win the bets I placed today.

the red devil series: germany seems like korea

2006-06-15T22:25:00.000+09:00

With the flood of Red Devils witnessing Korea's first World Cup victory outside Asia, I can't help but think that Koreans made Frankfurt like it is just Seoul. And with the sea of Red Devils in our island, I can't help but feel the passion and nationalism (though I am not Korean) of all Koreans while watching their first game last Tuesday in Maeripji (reclaimed land).

photo courtesy of FIFA site.

red devils!

2006-06-14T01:07:00.000+09:00

Congratulations to Korea for winning its game versus Togo in the ongoing World Cup, to the Red Devils for succesfully supporting the team (Frankfurt, Germany felt like Seoul only!), and to me for watching my first full soccer game and winning two bets. Talk about first luck.

I hope first luck won't apply to the Korean team. I just can't wait to watch each of their match, anytime of the day! IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FUN!

say goodbye to dinosaurs

2006-05-31T08:29:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I hinted on visiting the Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo 2006 because of the local elections holiday. Unfortunately, 2003 movie Cold Mountain had me sleeping and waking up late. Man, I even re-watched it this morning hehe. Figured the footprints are not going anywhere. ",)

dvd capture: Astro/Atom/Atomo Boy DVD 1, from the 4th ep.

cold mountain

2006-05-30T23:42:00.000+09:00

Korea's land is about 75% mountainous. No wonder one of their national pasttimes is mountain hiking. Tomorrow in the mountainous peninsula, it is local elections day, a good opportunity to see some dinosaur footprints and fossils in nearby Goseong area.

i was once a helper of Opus Dei

2006-05-22T19:54:00.000+09:00

If you have seen or read the much-hyped “thriller” (I’d say the Scorcese film The Last Temptation of Christ would be more objectionable) The Vinci Code, you know that Opus Dei is the group from which the villain in the movie/book came.

Not so many people know about the group until the Dan Brown’s novel came out. Now more people know more about the group after the movie is shown. And not so many people knew about my affiliation with the group until I publish this entry.

My gratitude to the group would include values I horned when I was still with them. Besides the wealthy facilities they own where I would devote hours for my academic studies, I was able to travel to Cebu and Bohol for the first time and took my very first airplane ride to do so because of the group.

Where I am now would not have been possible without my experience with Opus Dei. Needless to say, I am grateful.

Photo: Catholic Church in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines

africa: the close encounter

2006-05-17T19:57:00.000+09:00

Naeil (tomorrow), I will be skipping Hanguko (Korean language) class to attend Gilbert’s send-off party, the second of its kind this week that I will be attending. He is one of the 40 Nigerian engineers that is winding up their 8-month training in our company. This Saturday, they are headed back to the cradle of mankind, Africa.

The experiences they have shared are that of inspiration: poverty at its lowest and now the opportunity for riches they are acquiring and the humility they are maintaining.

Here’s to wishing my Nigerian friends a more blessed future!

happy teacher's day, sonsaengnim!

2006-05-15T20:05:00.000+09:00

The feast of St. Francis de Assissi also marks seusung uy nal or teacher's day in Korea.

Here is my most beautiful Korean language teacher, Cynthia.

I am obviously struck hehe.

no one is alone

2006-05-15T19:23:00.000+09:00

Not even the goats in Maemuldo, the southernmost islands in our part of Korea.

It was about last year when Carlo, me and Mr Lee hiked this wonderful island.

Now, Mr Lee's daughter is being taught English by Kleng Kleng, my housemate's girlfriend.

And I cannot remember the last time I hiked a mountain. :(

I soo miss going up there.

postscript: i am the lone person working overtime in our part now. the rest of them have a party and i was not informed. recently i have been feeling like a freshman. this incident just adds to that experience.

the Seoul nightscape series: clear valley stream

2006-05-15T14:48:00.000+09:00

Cheonggyecheon, Seoul, South Korea.

This week’s issue of Time magazine runs a cover story on how the Seoul government turned around an existing overpass bridge to resurrect this stream, a very good example of environment conservation amidst industrialization.

Quick facts I learned from the article:

Length of the stream: 5.8 km (a real good workout to traverse)
Number of bridges throughout the stream’s length: 22

From last week’s Time 100 most influential persons of 2006: 2 young Koreans making waves; entertainer Rain (비) and teen golfer Michelle Wie (American-Korean).

one most influential person in my life

2006-05-12T13:35:00.000+09:00

My only sister taught me how to read at a tender age of 4 (or was it 3?). She instilled in me the value of domestic work. What she never taught me was how to spend money wisely as she could be as clueless also.

This was taken in my hometown Meycauayan, Bulacan summer of 2005.

This summer me and my sister maybe flying off to Singapore.

Advanced happiest birthday, Ate Daisy!!!

May 5 is Children's Day in Korea

2006-05-05T06:53:00.000+09:00

Meet Ken Ken (front), my only sister's daugher and Mae Mae, my oldest brother's only daughter.

The picture was taken in Bambang, Bocaue, Bulacan, the Phillipines when we intentionally crossed the river to get to our Aunt Lucy, my dad's limping sister. This river is also the site of the infamous Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy (a religious pagoda or float capsized in this river, killing people).

They say the kids are the future, so take good care of them. ^^

Seoul night scape series: hi there, Seoul!

2006-05-04T11:24:00.000+09:00

Tomorrow is Children’s Day and Buddha’s birthday. On Saturday, will it be Mother’s Day? And until Sunday, Hi-Seoul Festival is ongoing, a celebration of diversity among Seoulites. But heck, I will be there!

Pic taken Christmas 2005 in front of Seoul City Hall. Seoul is indeed a city of blinding lights.

Enjoy with your loved ones this weekend!

Filipino Film in Jeonju International Film Festival

2006-04-29T03:25:00.000+09:00

Ang Masahista. The Masseur
Philippines│2005│80min│35mm│Color│
FeatureDirector 브릴란테 멘도자 Brillante Mendoza
Producer Fedelyn T. Geling
Screenwriter Boots Agbayani S. Pastor
Cinematographer Timmy Jimenez, Monchie Redoble
Production Designer Benjamin Padero
Editor Nonoy Dadivas
Music Jerrold Tarog
Cast Coco Martin, Jaclyn Jose, Alan Paule

I just finished making my tentative schedule for the filmfest. Unfortunately, my friend's film (Bin the production designer) will not be shown this weekend. This film is in competition under the Digital Spectrum category.

Other Filipino films shown in festivals here in Korea: Gagamboy (won grand prize in Pucheon Fantastic Film Festival 2004) and Santa Santita.

Long live Filipino digital films!

Jeonju International Film Festival here i come!

2006-04-28T18:14:00.000+09:00

That ain't me.

The pic is from Korea's 2nd biggest film festival, after PIFF.

It will be a 3-day weekend at the movies, right after partying tonight.

Enjoy the weekend and advanced Happy Labor Day!

it’s still the word!

2006-04-27T08:19:00.000+09:00

Grease!

Watched this fun musical last weekend in Taegu with my “Korean sister” Song Hee. The musical reminds me of high school and college days when friends talk about the opposite sexes and activities like classes, proms, and sports events make up most of the fun.

Ah, those days..

The Cherry Blossom Series: It Had To Be You

2006-04-19T22:10:00.000+09:00

Birthday boi tomorrow! The shoes is the birthday gift of my fellow Filipinos here a couple of years back.

The Cherry Blossom Series: Now

2006-04-19T21:12:00.000+09:00

April 08, 2006.

Left to right, backrow: my ex-housemate Mike, the guy who never changed his shirt (see previous entry), Aimee the only Filipina in our company, my new housemate Jay, our extra-housemate Ezer. Front: Charles, the extra-housemate's housemate.

This was one Saturday afternoon taken after eating AImee's sinigang and on the way to my tutorial session, Jay and Ezer's church, and the rest of the guys and girl's basketball game.

Props to my ex-housemate's housemate June who took this picture.

The Cherry Blossom Series: Then

2006-04-18T13:27:00.000+09:00

April 02, 2004

Cherry blossom trees line up the road in front of our company. One spring time a couple of years back, our part had lunch under them trees.

Here we are then. Some have left the company, some moved to other groups, some got married, some had laser surgery, some were promoted, some had girlfriends, others remain single.

And one never changed his shirt.

Korean Holy Week

2006-04-13T08:38:00.000+09:00

Unlike in the Philippines which is currently enjoying a 4 day weekend, the grind is undisturbed here in Korea. Looking for a Catholic church with English service is very difficult in islands like ours. In my 15 months of stay here, the most that I got was a mass guide book translated into English. Which explains why I do not frequent the Catholic church and have sometimes gone to other churches: Jehova’s Witnesses, Baptist, Mormons, and other Christian churches. There are many ways to go to a certain common destination.

Props to Gretchen for this very good picture.

Look through it, and I am sure you will hit a note for reflection.

Be good everyone.

it's spring!

2006-04-02T17:20:00.000+09:00

This weekend, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a signal that spring has arrived. Temperature rise to 7 to 15 deg C, approximating Baguio temperature.

I will be posting cherry blossom pics later. For now, enjoy this purple one from the orchid capital of the Philippines, Davao City.

Cheers for a blooming April!

answers to "i wonder"

2006-04-01T11:08:00.000+09:00

1-4. i am still wondering
5. May 31 is a nonworking holiday! Korean local elections
6. i did work and partied after7. i survived March without withdrawing cash from my credit card!
8. my friend did and she left a comment
9. i will give her her answer (it is not Kappa, though)

April Fools Day!

meet my new students

2006-03-31T21:44:00.000+09:00

As a citizen of the third largest English speaking nation of the world and working in what could be the most eager nation to speak English, Filipinos have the chance to teach English in Korea, though illegaly. This is because only native speakers can teach English in Korea.

But some Filipinos still teach in tutorial centers or privately. Beginning tomorrow, I will be a tutor to these boys, my teammates' sons, receiving the equivalent cost of a pig every month, hehe.

Wish me luck this April!

Mayon volcano, the Philippines

2006-03-18T18:53:00.000+09:00

As spring approaches Korea, summer settles in the Philippines where some of my friends are now frolicking in a world-class beach Boracay.

Lemme share this another tourist attraction I hope to visit soon: the "perfect cone" volcano in Albay.

Props to orgmate Ryan who is working in a geothermal powerplant near this wonder for the picture.Happy weekend everone!

i wonder...

2006-03-16T21:42:00.000+09:00

1. if i will be able to finish my work before it sails out
2. if my brother-in-law will be able to take his vacation in time with mine
3. when is that vacation
4. how..i wonder why
5. if May 31 is a workday
6. if i can work overtime tomorrow
7. if i will survive the month finncially without withdrawing cash from my credit card
8. if any reader could guess what is being offered or sold in the store pictured above
9. what prize will i give to the lucky guesser (Koreans or people from Korea are exempted)

Stevie Wonder performed earlier in American Idol.

The Dog Series: it's the year of the dog today!

2006-03-11T21:17:00.000+09:00

Here's a screen shot from a LOST DVD i rented before. Because I moved to a smaller room, which currently do not have its own tv and internet connection, but I make sure that I do not miss out on some shows I enjoy watching: American Idol, Desperate Housewives, CSI (just finished an episode now) and yes, LOST (my nightcap after this entry).

Other great tv shows are also available, thanks to my friends who download them: 24 and F*R*I*E*N*D*S.

Too many shows, too little time. Happy weekend folks!

goodbye winter, goodbye Dalia

2006-03-09T22:30:00.000+09:00

This morning, our FPSO project named Dalia (thats the blurry ship in the background) sailed away towards its destination. My involvement in this project includes helping my teammates compose their emails for both the vendors and the clients.

Next month, in full bloom of spring and exactly 10 days before my birthday, our very own project, Sable Tier II, will be leaving our yard.

Average temperature these days: 5 yo 15 degrees Celsius

exponentially growing!

2006-03-05T20:49:00.000+09:00

The Filipino community in our island just keeps on growing, growing and growing. Last weekend, the youngest batch of Filipino engineers in our company came. About the same time, 17 more Filipino engineers for a rival shipbuilding company (okay that would be Samsung) also arrived. One of them turns out to be an orgmate of a former university dormmate. And just this afternoon, I met a Filipina, whose husband is a Korean fisherman.

From my small world of a dozen crazy Filipinos, we may now be reaching a couple of hundred!

come play with us

2006-02-27T21:43:00.000+09:00

The Torino Olympics is the first Winter Olympics that I was able to watch (at least on TV). South Korea being a participating team, events are being broadcast here (both delayed and live). Now I am watching Italian kids with halo singing (earlier it was Avril Lavigne) in what could be the closing ceremonies (or is this the rerun of the opening?)

Anyway, Korea ends up to be the only Asian nation in the top 10 of medal standing. It is the powerhouse in short track racing (5 gold medals of the 6 events); a very exciting game to watch, what with the possibilty of athletes skating off each other hehehe.

Korea is also bidding for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Wondering where will I be when that time comes...

Picture above is the winter theme park of the Woobang Towerland in Daegu. They also offer begginer skiing slopes. That's Carlo after sliding down his board.

20

2006-02-25T01:26:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, as the Philippines marked the 20th anniversary of the People Power, the mass movement that put an end to a tyrannical leader, Becky said goodbye to American Idol, leaving 20 people behind to continue their dreams.

Having no cable TV, I watch the show via downloads, thanks to the high internet connection in Korea, the land of Kimchis and Saunas.

Pic courtesy of Maxim online, where Becky and her twin sister, being models, posed for the mag even before AI.

this will be the view in my window room by next month

2006-02-19T22:33:00.000+09:00

The mountain nearest to my apartment which I have not climbed yet. Right now negotiations are ongoing about the changes in the room assignments of four of us (4 horsemen? hehe, I am watching the Big Brother 5 Finale in my room as I am posting this) youngest batch of Filipino engineers (at least as of now, the next batch is coming this Saturday) in the company.

I will be moving to the smaller room of my current housemate Mike, who will move to June's apartment, where Jay will be exiting and moving in my big room--the biggest I've ever had in my life.

Drew just won Big Brother 5 and half million dollars. Hope all of us horsemen wins in this change of housemates.

it's unFAIR!

2006-02-18T09:19:00.000+09:00

Tonight is the last night of the UP Fair, an annual shenanigan organized by the student organization of my university to provide concerts, rides, booze (yes I heard even drugs), etc all within the greenery of the UP Sunken Garden.

Having missed the action for three years in a row, will I make it up by watching the Broadway musical Grease in Busan? Still undecided.

Anyway, the photo above was taken from a cable car in Woobang Towerland, a themepark in Daegu, Korea's third largest city. That's a bird's eye view of the the park when I toured Carlo and Che.
Twas also the same weekend we watched RENT.

Hmm, last year was for concerts. So, its musicals this time?

525 thousand 600 minutes

2006-02-12T15:34:00.000+09:00

The Broadway cast of RENT in Korea. The first Broadway musical I saw. It was awesome to see great performers on stage singing the songs you have been listening to only in CD.

What is more awesome is having your tickets upgraded for free just because you bacame friends with the usherette.

Talk about seasons of love.

Advanced happy Valentines day!

and it's beginning to snow

2006-02-12T00:15:00.000+09:00

The once-a-year snow fall in our lovely island happened last Tuesday to my surprise. It's the first time in my stay here to experience snow on the way to the office, on the other occassions that it snowed, I was already in the office. And this was the biggest, or shall I say deepest snow our island have had in my stay here.

Being in the Southern part of South Korea, snow fall is very rare here unlike in the capital Seoul.

The snow was very timely indeed. Last week, before the snowfall, one of the lines in the broadway musical and now a movie RENT is the one on the title.

Next blog would be, you might have guessed, RENT!

tight pants anyone?

2006-02-01T18:55:00.000+09:00

Have you ever worn a tight pants, so tight that the zipper broke down and the hole for the button was ripped? I did. This was the pants that turned into a disaster during the Lunar New Year. This picture though was half-year ago during my stint in The Dish, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

So, was it the pants or my belly? Anyway, you know what I got for the new year. A new pair of brown pants. Yes, brown ^^

these Korean girls are actually giggling

2006-01-24T20:33:00.000+09:00

Last Pusan International Film Fest, these girls were shrieking with glee at the sight of Eric, Shinwha boyband member.

Recently, the heartthrob figured in a car accident together while shooting a car accident scene for their tv drama Wolf. His leading lady is badly injured while he himself had spine and back injuries.

These girls appear like they are crying. They may really be crying now.

a couple of years hence

2006-01-21T00:02:00.000+09:00

Here I am in my room with my laptop on the background. Mike is leaving later today for his vacation while Glenn is probably in Singapore or Malaysia. Like Mike, Jay did not make it to be a regular employee.

As for my case, I maybe smiling but I am still wanting your prayers.

Pic taken excatly 2 years after our group photo below.

the 2nd international penguin swimming festival

2006-01-17T20:32:00.000+09:00

In my 700+ days in Korea, our city island played host to this annual swimming fest –by people (sorry for my friends expecting the cute animals, watch March of The Penguins instead)-every winter. I missed this last year because of Sting’s concert. This time, I missed overtime work to watch the festivities, get my free towel and shirt, and hang out with friends.

You can see more pictures, including the actual swimming (at the highest temperature of 10 degree Celsius), in the local publication of our island. No need to read Korean to understand what’s going on in the pics anyway. ^^

a couple of years in Korea!

2006-01-16T08:39:00.000+09:00

Golden Globe Monday and expiration of our visa also mark our second year anniversary here. This is our photo on our second day of work about two years ago.

From left to right: Me, Jay (high school mate), Mike (housemate, leaving this Saturday for his vacation), and Glenn (left last Saturday for his vacation).

Please pray for our visa and contract extension!

Koreans do not simply watch the sunrise

2006-01-03T13:16:00.000+09:00

They also pray or at least meditate or think about their aspirations for the New Year.

here comes the new year…and the sun

2006-01-03T12:21:00.000+09:00

The traditional Korean way of welcoming the New Year is to watch the first sunrise. While majority of Filipinos are asleep because of the overnight revelries on New Year’s eve, some Koreans may do both the countdown (as some Koreans did in Seoul Tower, see previous entries) and the sun watching or some just wake up early to get a glimpse of the sunrise.

This one was taken from our lovely island.

...hello, 2006!

2006-01-02T21:02:00.000+09:00

Seoul Tower, seconds after the countdown and fireworks.

CHEERS TO A NEW YEAR!

goodbye, 2005...

2006-01-02T20:56:00.000+09:00

Final pic of the year: foot of the Seoul Tower, Namsan, Seoul, South Korea.

there is no picture in this post

2005-12-29T14:12:00.000+09:00

I am only testing out the Blogger for Word feature: allowing bloggers to blog from Microsoft Office Word program

Next time lemme try pasting a picture on the Word document then publish in Blogger…

Seoul night scape series: the reborn riverstream

2005-12-28T18:05:00.000+09:00

This is Cheonggyecheon Stream, formerly covered by an overpass, it is now bustling with tourists and establishments along its stretch. A great feat of engineering and restoring nature.

More Seoul nightscenes coming up...

season's greetings from Seoul!

2005-12-27T22:08:00.000+09:00

For starters, Seoul is the capital city of Korea. That is where I celebrated Christmas because I have dreamed of a white Christmas, hehe.

Pictured here is Dongdaemun...one of the more famous gates of the city. Christmas or not, this gate is lighted all the same.

Will probably be posting more pics soon from my Seoul trip...maybe New Year's pictures nex time!

i say a little prayer

2005-12-27T20:34:00.000+09:00

1. for last year's tsunami victims and the people they left behind and all people affected by other disasters be it caused by nature or men

2. the completion of my part of the project before Seolnal (Korean New Year) holidays next year

thank you for the music

2005-12-27T20:06:00.000+09:00

This is how I would look like most of the times, wired with my music player. My taste is as eclectic as I could be: jazz in the office, OST at home, looking for John Mayer Trio's live blues CD, and will basically listen to whatever have you.

Thank you Tey for the picture

Sae Hae Bok Mani Baduseyo!

2005-12-27T18:47:00.000+09:00

No, that is not greeting you a jolly Christmas. Sae is new. Hae is year. Bok is blessings. Mani means many (in Filipino it means peanut or the female sex organ or easy) and baduseyo is to receive.

Kureso, May you receive many blesssings this new year!

good tidings i bring...

2005-12-22T18:34:00.000+09:00

This Samsung digital camera is my Christmas present for my lovely sister in this season of love.

Originally a Thanksgiving gift from my company (plus the toiletries), I am now sending it to the Philippines so they can send me pictures from home during Christmas day itself.

Props to Carlo for carrying the cam in his luggage!

Christmas angels!

2005-12-21T15:26:00.000+09:00

These cute kids are part of the Christmas party our company presented for our clients. Last night I got my invite in the post box for the company year-end party; as if seeing the poster inside our building or sending email is not enough! Also last night, one of our cute angel in the Philippines had her birthday celebration. Though today is her real birth anniversary.

Do you hear what I hear Tin Tin? Happy birthday to you! Give me some killer cute pose when your dica (Korean word for digital camera) arrives, okei?

now showing: King Kong

2005-12-15T19:22:00.000+09:00

Christmas caroling Korean style

2005-12-14T20:49:00.000+09:00

1. done during daytime
2. they do not really want your money

Christmas shopping!

2005-12-11T16:04:00.000+09:00

After yesterday's wedding, I went to shop for a tripod and some stuff for the winter cold: sweater and gloves.

But the best item I purchased as a self gift will be coming this week (I think)...

Christmas weddings

2005-12-07T08:27:00.000+09:00

Last weekend, university clubmate Lorenzo tied the knots. Come the 30th, two more clubmates Maranatha & Dakila are getting married. This weekend, my teammate Smile Hong (he is the guy on the pic) will be professing his nuptial vows as well.

Love is indeed in the air.

red and green color Christmas everywhere

2005-12-06T20:24:00.000+09:00

Same Christmas tree as two posts earlier. I hope to show the biggest Christmas tree I have seen here in Korea next time.

Not that I am running out of angle to shoot our office Christmas tree.

which Korean will get gifts from Santa?

2005-12-05T20:34:00.000+09:00

Here is the Christmas tree below. Those lil pics are those of my teammates. Mine is in my apartment.

I prolly wont get a gift from Mr Ho! HO! HO!

fourth tree (4th 3?) in a row!

2005-12-04T13:51:00.000+09:00

This time it's a Christmas tree. Now this is the one standing right beside the entrance in our office floor. Pic also taken last Friday.

Christmas begins in this blog

2005-12-04T13:43:00.000+09:00

This is a red-leafed tree in our apartment complex. The picture was taken last Friday, my most memorable night so far in Korea.

current music: Sa Araw ng Pasko (On Christmas Day) by various Filipino artists

december bloody december

2005-12-01T08:32:00.000+09:00

It is bloody winter now and I bid Autumn goodbye with these fiery trees. Bloody month of December will be one for the parties, gifts, and bloody work deadlines.

And oh yes, my very first Christmas away from my family.

sea games

2005-11-30T14:03:00.000+09:00

View about 20 steps outside my apartment.

A little farther to the coast of this sea is Busan. South East Asian (SEA) Games are ongoing farther out to sea, The Philippines

the first guest blog

2005-11-27T17:32:00.000+09:00

blue hue of petals over you

"I am not familiar with different species of flowers. I'm just amazed by how they attract one's eyes. Like this one. This is called hydrangea. Hydrangea macrophylla, also called bigleaf or French hydrangea, has either pink or blue flowers. Flower color is determined indirectly by the soil pH, which affects the availability of aluminum in the soil. In acid soils the flowers will be blue, in alkaline soils the flowers will be pink. Aluminum is available to the plant in acid soils. Research has determined that the actual mechanism of color variation is due to the presence or absence of aluminum compounds in the flowers," Gretel Muhi, Blogger of the Year semifinalist, Philippine blog awards.

Photo courtesy of Cris Manahan, whose blog is a semifinalist for the Photoblog of the Year category.

Coincidentally, my two friend bloggers have a blog history.

viva Che

2005-11-26T18:50:00.000+09:00

Now meet Che, a white-skinned Filipina who could be mistaken for a Korean. This was taken about a year ago in a bus on our way to Baguio City, the coldest place in the Philippines. Che used to be my best buddy over yahoo messenger. But now, our careers bar us for having ym in the office.

Hmm, maybe Google Talk will work...

brown skin girl

2005-11-26T17:50:00.000+09:00

Meet Lu, the head English teacher in our company. Born to Filipino parents in Bohol, Philippines, their family moved to Australia when she was a little kid.

For Filipinos to teach English in Korea is illegal. You have to be a citizen of a native English-speaking country like Australia; hence, Lu is Australian.

someone loves your life

2005-11-26T17:32:00.000+09:00

Here's a picture of my parents, sister and her youngest daughter in our home in the Phillipines. This was taken by my mobile phone using the function that highlights the red color.

water shows the hidden heart

2005-11-24T20:22:00.000+09:00

Puerto Galera, Mindoro, The Philippines

long long journey

2005-11-24T19:51:00.000+09:00

Meet YK Shin, my teammate in the company. This is on a long long subway of Busan. Currently he has gone a real long long way to Oslo, Netherlands for a business trip.

I hope he gets to buy me my scarf or bonnet now that winter is already here!

if i could be where you are

2005-11-24T19:39:00.000+09:00

Meet Alex and Daisy, my eldest hyeong nim (brother) and most beatiful nuna (sister). Kuya Alex is celebrating his birthday next week and I surely miss these guys a lot. A simple trip to local fast food chain Jollibee would be so fine with them and their cute little angels.

sometimes, news from the Philippines can make me happy

2005-11-21T20:43:00.000+09:00

"Play hard but also study hard." - Paolo Antonio Carlos Castro, Asia Pacific champion in Midtown Madness 3 Mobile in the World Cyber Games Mobile Tournament and a friend from the university dormitory.

Read Ace's breakthrough here.

L O S T

2005-11-20T22:25:00.000+09:00

No, this is not Hawaii, where LOST, is being shot. This is Maemuldo (Memul island), down south Koje island (Kojedo). We hiked this island with Carlo and his teammate Mr Lee. Today is Carlo's birthday by the way.

In just a couple of weeks, I was able to finish all available LOST episodes. Thanks to a local Korean channel, torrent downloads, and regular internet download. Did I mention Korean internet connection is uber speedy?

Now, I always look forward to Friday nights watching not just LOST, but Desperate Housewives as well.

What shows are you tuning in besides Pinoy Big Brother*?

*Pinoy Big Brother or PBB is the local version of Swedish Big Brother; PBB is the current craze in Philippine tv, even one of the Pinoy apartments here have online subscription of the show. Talk bout fast Korean internet connection.

i need to be comfy here for some time

2005-11-17T22:48:00.000+09:00

I have been staying late lately in the office trying to meet all requirements of our project. This will be the case until my contract ends soon.

The stuff to go with me by: jazz music from a co-worker, Daniel Powter and Tracy Chapman mp3s, hot chocolate, and carpool from JH Choi, who I am waiting for now.

lil, Lille, and Lily

2005-11-17T18:54:00.000+09:00

This an update of a blog entry as commented by one of its subjects.

How could I miss on the juicy part after the wedding?!

After their wedding, Vlad and Sheela cruised to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for their honeymoon and then flew here to Korea, where Vlad is working.

Now they are in Lille, France. Because Vlad is just a lil guy, hehehe.

Coincidentally, I just met an officemate nicknamed Lily this afternoon.

be and be not afraid to reach for heaven

2005-11-16T22:19:00.000+09:00

Set your goals high and work hard for it. In Korean terms, aja aja! Fighting! Or, whiting! (as they do not have a letter F)

will i be seeing them here in the future?

2005-11-11T23:07:00.000+09:00

Our company will be hiring more Filipino engineers. This weekend, Tong (pictured above) will be one of the 60+ hopefuls who will be interviewed in Dusit Hotel, Makati, Philippines. Joa, who shares my birthday with Hitler, is the ever-supportive girlfriend. Unfortunately for her, she was denied a US visa last month.

Let us pray that this time it works out for Tong, my gradeschool and highschool classmate.

This is the story of the Filipino people. Leaving home for better opportunities outside.

a pack of world leaders gather in Busan for APEC

2005-11-10T19:44:00.000+09:00

This year's Asia Pacific Economic Conference will begin this weekend.

South Korea is a peace-loving nation. I pray no terrorism to occur anytime soon.

Wondering what APEC has in store for ordinary citizens like me....

orenji, anyone?

2005-11-08T19:27:00.000+09:00

On this peyji (page), you will see orenjis (oranges). This is Sujin (see this entry), eyji (age) 23.

Hope you learned how to pronounce words ending in -age the Korean way!