Nighttime Thought

내 방식에서 나는 아름답다
(I'm beautiful in my way)
신은 실수를 하지 않기때문에
('Cause God makes no mistakes)
나는 옳은 길에 있다
(I'm on the right track, baby)
난 이렇게 태어났다
I was born this way!

~Lady Gaga

I just like the lyrics, quite unconventional, bordering on being sacrilegious, which makes me like it more!

Wish it were another Japanese Fiction...

Can you feel her agony?
You are seeing just one tragic narrative...

God bless Japan.
March 11, 2011

Scholarship to Korea September 2011 (Autumn Semester)

This is your chance to go to Korea and study!

Daewon University College (DUC), Jechon City, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul, is providing scholarship opportunities for Filipino students who are interested in pursuing two-year associate program in the fields of Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Social Service. Scholarship benefits include three-year tuition waiver (1 year Korean language program and two years major education), roundtrip economy air ticket, dormitory and meal allowance.
The scholarship is open to Filipino high school graduates, ages
15 to 25 years old.

Selected students will start their autumn semester on 01 September 2011.

Interested applicants must email Mr. Mylo Fausto, Cultural Officer,
at m.fausto@philembassy-seoul.com for application requirements.

Deadline of application is on 15 May 2011.

http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/ann_details.asp?id=396

Comfy shoes make all the difference!

If there's anything that I can find inconvenient here in Korea is that it is my having to walk a lot. Unlike in the Philippines where tricycles can transport people for short distances, for example, in subdivisions or baranggays (dong in Korean), people just go on foot to reach their destination. If you're in a subway, one transfer can take you a good one kilometer of walking, 50 or more flights of stairs (elevators are only for the differently abled, elderly, and the pregnant) to have you panting, and another 300 meters of walking to reach a bus stop. Summer and winter do not help much at all, but being a biped is something to be thankful for during Spring and Autumn.

Now, if you're going to Korea, anticipate this. There's no way you'll enjoy the city and the fringes if you won't slip on those comfy pair of shoes. Not that you have to rid yourself of fashion and height (I sometimes wear height-enhancing insoles because Korean men are relatively taller than me, and I'm already 5'8"). You just have to wear flats if you're going out shopping and sight-seeing. Given the imperative of having to walk and enjoy at the same time has made me decide on investing in a very comfortable shoes, not to mention a pair that can also at least deliver a cm or two height increase! ;D

It was Sketchers Shape Ups that did the trick. Not only that it promises improved posture, blood circulation, and soft workout while walking, it did give me an inch of height so I can walk long distances without having to strain my back and my toes. Promenading in Shape Ups also feels like walking on clay; the shoes change their contour according to where my feet puts on more pressure. You'd likely to sweat more than if you were wearing your regular shoes, especially if you're going uphill, but wearing Shape Ups still is such a pleasure you'd have more energy walking and enjoying your travel in Korea.

Presidential Appreciation

I never imagined I'd receive a personal gift from the Korean president Lee Myung Bak himself! Being a volunteer in the G20 has been fun and literally rewarding indeed!
My sister wears the smaller wristwatch and my mom the bigger one. I'm keeping the box! ㅋㅋ

Never Say Forever

I woke up one day
And the hymn I sang one Sunday
Was broken by chirps of ugly birds
I walked out and said goodbye.


Words that bind us, unshackle us now
They are illusions that marred my reality
Your voice shattered them
I walked out and said goodbye.


I had to open the door
It was as wounded as our promise
Your shadow beckoned but it was behind you
I turned the knob and said goodbye.


The ugly birds cheered on
I did not see you sad
I'll carry on, and guess I'll look back
But I had to say goodbye.

Seoul Land

It's never fun to stay at the dormitory for four consecutive days. There are only a few students who are staying behind and the whole building echoes empty, while outside, despite the weather being cold, is very inviting. Today's highest temperature was only -2*C, perfect for 산책 (/san-check/ promenading, going outdoors). I and my the remaining Filipino scholars have decided to use the Seoul Land discount stubs that were for grabs at our uni's Global Lounge. Instead of paying 35,000 won, we only shelled out 10,000 for an amusement park that is not as diverse and modern as Lotte or Everland. Seoul Land, however, is not bereft of adrenaline and adventure. There were a number of rides worthy of trying like Sky-X, Drop Shot, and Rolling Waves. It's also nice to have a feel of how it is to be in the first ever constructed amusement park in Korea.

It's pretty easy to get there. Take the green line and get off at 교대원 (Korea Grand Park). Upon going out at exit 2, walk straight ahead until you reach a building; it's the only building you can see from the horizon at exit 2. Buy a tram ticket once you get there. It costs 800 won. Get off at the second tram stop and you've already arrived at Seoul Land.