Thursday, April 09, 2009
Miss U!
truly nothing beats! ^^
Presenting the Miss Universe Parade of Nations starting with....
The Beauties of Asia and the Pacific:
Boom! Kabum! Kablam!... AFGHANISTAN!
Harutan, Laplapan, Ariputan… JAPAN!
Mula sa lupa na kulang ang bigas, sandamakmak na mandurugas… PILIPINAS!
King Kong, Kangkong, Korikong… HONG KONG!
(Acting as Mongoloid) Eeehhh aaahhhh… MONGOLIA!
Saan ang gimik? Sa Megamall or sa Glorietta?... SAMOA!
Red Tea, Green Tea, Iced Tea… TAHITI!
Ako ay bonggang-bongga, Walang kasing bongga, from… TONGA!
Amnesia, Anesthesia... INDONESIA!
One little, Two little, Three little… INDIA!
Singaone, Singatwo, Singathree... SINGAPORE
Taifour, Taithree, Taitwo... TAIWAN!
Tama ako, tama ka, tama tayong lahat... MALAYSIA!
Aray ko po, aray ko po, wag nyo po akong saktan... KAZAKHSTAN!
Parang Spam, Brick Ham, at Chinese Ham… ako ay malinamnam... VIETNAM!
Hindi na In, Hindi na Sikat, eh ano sya?... LAOS!
Move over Lutong Bahay… Here comes Lutong… MACAU!
Beauties of Europe:
EDSA, Ayala, Buendia… ESPAÑA!
Alms… spare me a piece of bread… I am... HUNGARY!
Mula sa bansa na unang nagpauso ng po, opo, at mano po… POLAND!
One way, two way, there’s no other way... NORWAY!
Seduce me… I’m not Amy Perez, I’m Amy… AUSTRIA!
Palagi na lang ako…ako…ako... MONACO!
Taliba, Tiktik, People’s Tonight… BULGARIA!
Beauties of the Americas:
Baha doon, baha dito, baha sa buong mundo... BAHAMAS!
Ola! Areola! Arinola! Kaserola!... VENEZUELA!
Mula sa Bayan ng mapupulang Gumamela… GUATEMALA!
Tang ina mo wag kang pasaway... PARAGUAY!
Anna Karenina, Flor De Luna… ARGENTINA!
Ako po ang nawawalang kapatid ni Majah Salvador at Phillip Salvador… EL SALVADOR!
I'm sorry Sir, I'm sorry Ma'am... SURINAME!
Beauties of Africa:
Hindi sa akin, hindi sa yo, kanino sya?... KENYA!
Alin…alin…alin ang naiba. Isipin kung alin ang… naiba… NAMIBIA!
(Ala Nora Aunor) Isang beses ko lang sasabihin ito… hindi ako si Bembol Roco… MOROCCO!
From the land where nobody is less than nor greater than… SUDAN!
Ako po ay maganda, saksakan ng ganda, putang ina ang ganda from... UGANDA!
*re-posted from my friend Valerie. Thanks, gurrl!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bear's Town
Just trying out this site that my friend Yen recommended. It instantly makes videos like this but the free trial can only give you 30 seconds. Just load your pics, choose the music and they do the effects for you! Their slogan boasts 'The end of slideshows'. But with a price of course, if you want to do full length videos! I didn't bother finding out how much though. Well, it's still worth checking the site animoto.com Great fun to kill boredom!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
a Wedding and a Funeral
I was in fact overwhelmed with their hospitality. His father was the one introducing me as his son's fiance. His mom and aunts were all over me giving flattering remarks which made me more self-conscious. I just felt so bad that I couldn't respond accordingly as my Korean is below average. It's during these occasions that I would play deaf-mute and charming which is way out of my character. haha! My mother would have been so proud of me for 'holding my peace'. I remember I was always reminded as a little girl to 'behave' as I tend to lose my tact on family affairs. Anyway, it was an afternoon-full of bowing and pleasantries and yes, buffet food! I'm thankful for these Korean modern weddings with less fuss and frills. No awkward single ladies games, and long long sermons as long as the wedding trail...I'm already looking forward for our day to come too!
Sunday, I was on my way back from my class in the university when my boyfriend called. He said to come home fast as my boss' mother died who is also his father's eldest sister. I was crushed. Halmony (grandmother) was my favorite person when I arrived here in Korea. My apartment is on the same building as my boss' house. And she lived with them until she got very ill last year. She was unable to go up the third floor so she transferred in her son's house which is just across the street. I believe she had a heart bypass surgery twice and is already very weak. She was in and out of the hospital for sometime and two weeks ago the family was already "informed". I felt so sorry upon hearing that but last week she got better. She came out of the hospital and she looked fine they said. But Sunday afternoon, after receiving some visitors, she suddenly fell on the floor. They rushed her in the hospital which is only about 15 minutes from us, also in Uijangbu but she didn't make it.
Halmony was very kind to me in particular, among the other teachers. She would often knock on my door on early mornings to offer some food. She would say "yummy, yummy" as she thought that meant food! :) She would usually say some kind remarks everytime she sees me like I really understood them followed with a bap mogu? (meaning have you eaten rice? this greeting goes way back during Korea's days of war and famine) When she knew about my relationship with her nephew I expected her to be disappointed, as most of the elders were not open about us. In fact, there was a time when I felt that she was the only one who approved of me. She was very supportive of us as I heard from my boyfriend that she called his mother once and told her to let us be. I would understand the hesitation on his family's part but even with my eyes and mind wide open, I couldn't help feeling hurt. Apart from the kimchi and side dishes she would give me every so often, I owe to her the "gift of acceptance" in their family.
We went to the mortuary last night which was also set up at the basement of the the hospital. Unlike the western style services where people are allowed to see the dead, only a picture is shown as I learned the body is not embalmed. Here the guests can offer flowers, light an incense, offer monetary gifts and bow down. As I bowed down to pay my final respects to her all the wonderful memories of her flashed back to me and I couldn't stop myself from bursting into tears. But nothing compares to the sorrow of the family who were also present during the wedding the day before. I can see the irony of it all. The aunts hair were no longer neatly coiffed and their makeup all smudged. The men who were still having a soju hangover from the previous affair were still here, drinking but out of mourn. The elaborate banquet was replaced with simple home-cooked dishes. And there I was, still deaf-mute but with tears running down my face.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Why I love my job!
The perks are priceless!
Being talked about in their dinner tables with mom and dad. (makes you constantly think twice of your actions. So far no negative feedback...yet!)
Getting an extra candy! ('me and my friends first, I'll give you one if there's any left!').
Sitting on your lap where its more comfortable than those sturdy classroom chairs. And usually fighting over who's gonna sit on Teacher's special chair right next to her!
They tell you if their birthday is coming up so you can prepare your present. And they never fail to give you a countdown until the big day.
The sweet little hugs, kisses and I LOVE YOUs for FREE!
Listening and believing in every word you say. sample: "In my house...I can make BIIIGGGG cotton candies in all colors!...ooohhhh!!!"
They adore you but pretend not to show too much! (you're not my mommy after all!) But you know that they think about you even for just a moment before they fall asleep at night.
My kids are my reasons for getting up in the morning. And what better way to greet you than this Good Morning and Good Evening Song! Please, please WATCH. This performance was worth 10 STICKERS!!!
Friday, March 06, 2009
RIP FrancisM
Watching his music videos in Youtube made me teary-eyed for a moment. I like this Kaleidoscope World live session with Parokya ni Edgar.
As they say, RIP or Rap in PEACE!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You were born to be loved
I immediately fell in love with the melody and found myself singing along with them during our rehearsals, even not knowing what the song meant! This song is popular during birthday celebrations even for non-Christians in Korea, and even (ab)used in TV dramas and movie soundtracks like Jenny and Juno (2005 kmovie with a storyline much similar to Hollywood flick Juno about teenage pregnancy)
Here's the full version of the song and feel free to sing along with the Romanized lyrics.
당신은 사랑받기위해 태어난 사람 - 바다 - 바다
당신은 사랑 받기 위해 태어난 사람
tangshi-neun sarangbadki wi-hae tae-yonan saram
You were born to be loved
당신의 삶속에서 그사랑받고 있지요
tangshini salm-so-geso ku sarang badko it-ji-yo
Within your life, you’ve been receiving His love
당신은 사랑받기위해 태어난 사람
tangshi-neun sarang badki wi-hae tae-yonan saram
You were born to be loved
당신의 삶속에서 그사랑받고 있지요
tangshini salm-so-geso ku sarang badko it-ji-yo
Within your life, you’ve been receiving His love
태초부터 시작된 하나님의 사랑은
tae-chubuto shijakdwen uri-nu-ne sara-ngeun
The love of God has began since creation
우리의 만남을 통해 열매를 맺고
uriye manna-meul tong-hae yol-mae-reul maet-go
And has connected with us through our fellowship
당신이 이 세상에 존재함으로 인해
tangshini i sesange chon-jae-ha-meuro i-nhae
Because of your existence in this world
우리에겐 얼마나 큰 기쁨이 되는지
uri-yege olmana keun kip-peu-mi dwenun-ji
We share this great joy among us
당신은 사랑받기 위해 태어난 사람
tangshi-neun sarangbadki wi-hae tae-yonan saram
You were born to be loved
지금도 그 사랑 받고 있지요
chigumdo ku sarang badko-it-ji-yo
Even now you are receiving His great love
당신은 사랑받기 위해 태어난 사람
tangshi-neun sarangbadki wi-hae taeyonan saram
You were born to be loved
지금도 그 사랑 받고 있지요
chigumdo ku sarang badko-it-ji-yo
Even now you are receiving His great love
Friday, February 13, 2009
Fresh from my Facebook
1. I was named April not because of my birthday. My parents got engaged on this month. I never believed them before but I confirmed it again when I got older. Now, isn't that sweet or pathetic???
2. I'm getting married very soon! We're already starting on the paperwork by next week. I'm excited but it's giving me jitters as well. I couldn't sleep at night and couldn't function well in the morning! ;)
3. We will definitely have traditional Korean 'tele-novela' wedding. My bf is the firstborn son so it's really a big deal in the Korean culture (feeling emperor!). And the list goes on for "my duties and obligations" thereafter.
4. Those tagged are all invited!!!! :) ---> prepare your visas and plete by last quarter of this year! we'll take care of accommodations and the lakwatsa!
5. Also let me remind you...being invited means having to give your "love offering" of at least 40,000 Korean won and closest friends and family of at least 100,000 won. That's around 1,500 - 3,500 pesoses. Sorry, can't argue with tradition! echos lang a!!!
6. I've always belonged in cliques! Odj de corp in high school and the HB in college! but I was never a pop kid hehe...
7. Now, my boyfriend is my only 'barkada'. I mean he's the only one who thinks and acts like my friends back home!!!! minus the drinking and the partying....hmmm.
8. I have quit smoking...I'm smoke-free for exactly a year now!!! thanks to him again for threatening to break-up with me...hehehe!
9. I can buy the same book several times as long as they are affordable or on sale! Having different editions, publishers and covers seem to be important to me!
10. I have a stash of pinoy stuff in my kitchen. Some I still got from the Phils. and some are bought here in Korea (3-5x the price!)...Silver Swan soy sauce, Barrio Fiesta bagoong, Mama Sitas seasoning,
Boy Bawang, Sky Flakes crackers, Carnation Evap, Nata de coco, Monggo beans, Tuyo, danggit etc...Lucky Me Pancit Canton are always sold out!
11. I like my job but it gets boring sometimes. And the kids are just lazy and too rowdy! But I totally adore teaching my Kindergarten kids.
12. I'm contemplating on putting my graduate studies on hold. I only have a year to go and the class president pa (would u believe? :) but I badly need the money for the wedding...argghh!!! and the tuition bill just arrived today! donations please!!!
13. But I still trust God's plans for me. I know everything will just come into place.
14. I love the Korean subway system! It just takes you anywhere and it's cheap too! I enjoy traveling alone on weekends with my little map- feeling tourista! :)
15. When I'm alone, I hate to be harassed or stared at in the streets by fellow Pinoys. I always value my anonymity. I just hated if a group of men would attempt for a chit chat and make remarks like "Pinoy ka?" or would make parinig "Kabayan...kabayan..." bwiseeeettttttttt!!!!!!!!!
16. So to remedy this, I usually wear my ultimate disguise...pose as a Korean!...I would wear electric blue eyeshadow and black masscara. (only when I'm alone huh!) I could even hear them arguing...'pare wag, Koreana yan!' hehe...
17. And I'll be getting a perm (kor. translation: 'pehhma'!) soon too, to complete the look! (but not the ajuma style, huh! just a 'waveuhh'....;)
18. I just wish the Filipinos would get the same respect and admiration in Korea just like in other countries. But how can we get that if they only offer us trashy, third-rate jobs??? So I promised myself to make a difference. Really.
19. I want a Jollibee fried chicken meal...NOW! with extra rice please!
20. I miss the Philippine weather.... Manila pollution, noise and the crowd!!!!!!!! the dirtier, sweatier, and louder the better!
21. Of all the malls, I miss Glorietta...G4!!!..the Oakwood entrance with the smell of Bread Talk! Oh, and Greenhills tiangges...
22. I still can't speak Korean. I hate to memorize!!! This is my biggest frustration at the moment and I only have myself to blame--Lazzinesss!
23. I don't mind spending for things like books, dvds, FOOD, gadgets etc. But clothes shopping makes me feel guilty. So I normally buy clothes on sale so I won't feel ripped-off! Hello Forever 21!
24. The only household chore that I despise is taking out the trash. Putting away my junk is second. But it doesn't mean I enjoy the others too...maybe just cooking and dish-washing!hehe
25. Oh well, I'm not such a korean wifey material. I cannot make Kimchi yet! But isn't it enough that I love it???? ;)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Coke
...and all the while I thought that was so unique and special! Here's the Korean Version.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
This blog
Well, I've been reading through my old posts and sure a lot has changed. The themes and topics are not as cohesive as it should be. I started this back in the day when I was killing time in the office-- merely a venue for my favorite emails from the office mailbox. Then came writing random thoughts not truly expecting somebody to read them. Just an outlet to bring them about. Then it got more personal. Writing about my personal life, letters to my boyfriend and my time now in Korea. I became more open with my feelings and yes, identity! I even put some pictures here and linking it to my other sites.
I love this little blog even if I'm the only one reading this. It's like having my own private notebook in this extraordinarily humongous cyberspace! And I don't need to look hard for it when I feel like writing and reminiscing. So whoever stumbles upon here, you got lucky! You took a peek in somebody's diary! ^^
Friday, August 01, 2008
10 Things I miss back home
2. Showbiz talk shows on Sunday afternoons.
3. Manila traffic and noise. Weird but I really do.
4. Forwarded text messages.
5. the Glossies. Cosmo, Preview, FHM...
6. Tropical fruits esp. mango and banana
7. SMB Light
8. Malling esp. Glorietta, Megamall and Greenhills
9. Pirated DVDs
10. riding on Jeepneys
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Happy Birthday ne sarang...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Happy Together
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Where I should be
Sometimes the changes can still blow me away that it's just too overwhelming. Before when life was routinary and redundant, I would complain about stagnation. It frightens me sometimes to look back and think that it will happen again. I remember many times sitting alone in Starbucks 2-3 years ago, smoking my lungs out and thinking what life will still offer me. Is this all there is to it? A mundane job that I couldn't afford to quit, me a little speck in this big city. Nothing amused me anymore. I wanted to do something else but I didn't know what. And there was no opportunity to do anything. Or I didn't try harder cause I was too busy trying to be successful with a job that I hated. But it was my comfort zone. I lived for it that it's too close for comfort any longer. I was bored to death. I literally wished a bomb would fall down from the heavens to stir my emotions.
I guess God answered my prayer. Not literally though. I managed to quit my job of 3 years. It wasn't the wisest thing to do at that time but I was happy. Relieved, much like it. After a few months my friend Dee called from Korea to offer a job to teach ESL to kids funded by a non-profit group from Korea. It wasn't the high power job I was dreaming but oh well, money is running out. I met up with my bosses in Alabang. It was too much of a hassle in the beginning traveling back and forth from Pasig where I lived. And the money wasn't that good. But I persevered anyway. I was still in that stage where I was looking for my so-called direction. And I was thinking, maybe this was the change that I was waiting for. A month passed and another. I was in love. I adored my new job, my new role. And the kids loved me, (I suppose ;)). The children's smiles and affection healed me and brought back my self- esteem. It was indeed the 'bomb' I was hoping for. I mentioned in my previous blog about this experience as my paradigm shift.
A year later I met him. It wasn't love at first sight and certainly unexpected. It was something that blossomed at the right place and time. It's hard to believe sometimes that two people from different worlds and backgrounds could just click. We could just talk for hours and hours, never mind the language barrier. Sometimes I would feel that I don't deserve this newfound feeling of being loved. But you have to accept love to be able to give love. We sure have our own differences that we are still working on. But whatever happens, I will always be thankful and proud of this relationship. I just wish things will all fall into place someday soon. Until then, I can't ask for more.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Long, long distance
I miss everyone back home. Good thing there's YM, Friendster etc. I won't miss the gossip even while I'm here. What would life be without the Internet? Even my Korean boyfriend is in the Philippines. It's funny how we're learning each other's culture by ourselves. While he's learning about Jose Rizal and the carabaos, I'm in his country too learning about the Chosun dynasty and the subway system! Oh well, immersion is the key. But we just really miss each other. Sometimes phone calls and emails are never enough. I just can't wait for us to be together again.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
For L.S.C.
These are the things that I adore about you. The list is endless…I’ll add some more everytime... But as of now, here they are:
latest update: July 1, 2009
77. Seeing you take care of other people's children.
76. Sharing a secret only us (and a few) know!
75. For fulfilling my little girl's dream of getting married.
74. Your most sincere smile...how could I forget?
73. For being my BFF! ^^
72. For truly being my 'knight' as you say.
71. Just for being here when I needed you most.
70. For making my stress load way much lighter.
69. For being a good listener to all my woes and complaints.
68. Spending Christmas together for the first time.
67. The sweet little surprises you manage to give me at odd hours and times!
66. For subtly (and usually harshly) correcting my mistakes.
65. The way we imagine our future together.
64. For forgiving my selfish, bratty (b*tch*) ways.
63. Meeting your parents for the first time and they showed me such genuine warmth.
62. Still loving me truthfully, honestly and sincerely for a year now.
61. Discovering that little country boy in you!
60. Seeing you care so much for other people.
59. Your weird sense of humor that comes out before I go to sleep! grrr...
58. Cooking for me or asking someone to cook for me. hehe!
57. Seeing your face getting a little chubby. (means that somebody loves you! ^^)
56. Eating take-out food together.
55. Your hugs that erase all my fears and pains.
54. For just being by my side when I'm sick or down.
53. For putting up with my complicated self.
52. For just making me smile for no reason.
51. For appreciating and loving the food I cooked.
50. Finding out your dirty habits, but still loving you endlessly. (why oh why?!)
49. Learning new things about you, good or bad.
48. Accompanying me when grocery shopping.
47. Being a good Korean language teacher (!?)
46. Being together in the mountains. ^^
45. For eating my leftover food.
44. For holding my hand even while you drive.
43. Watching you drive.
42. When you try so hard not to miss me, but you still do. Ha!
41. For trying to win me over after our little fights.
40. For simply appreciating everything I say or do.
39. The sexy way you adjust your glasses. (darling, don't take them off!)
38. When you sometimes pretend to be a dashing Prince Charming from a Korean drama.
38. When you're playing that the phone's dead, or with static, or no signal! (roger...over!)
37. The way you "don't react" when somebody's listening to our phone conversations!
36. The way you laugh and react when we talk on the phone.
35. Darling, sometimes words are simply not enough. I am just so HAPPY!
34. For inspiring me to be a better person or a better partner.
33. For including me in your dreams and in your future.
32. Just for understanding everything.
31. For listening and remembering every sensible or non-sensible details I tell you.
30. Whenever you call me at unexpected times. Or for answering my calls!
29. For assuring me that our love will have its perfect place and time, someday...
28. For making me feel I'm the luckiest person because I have you.
27. For all your efforts, big or small, just to make me feel happy or comfortable.
26. For giving me strength when I really need it.
25. When you told me to just hang on because you will never go.
24. The way I used to make you blush. (but now no more! ^^)
23. The fact that you are athletic which compliments my sluggishness. :)
22. Your being health conscious which compensates my lack of it.
21. Your being way taller than I am.
20. For just loving me in my best and worst days.
19. The way you call my name.
18. The fact that you like kids, like I do.
17. When I see you being responsible and taking charge.
16. For doing your best in texting me things that you thought I might find cute. (but usually not!)
15. When you come to my place at unexpected times.
14. For making me believe in romance again, and telling me to stop and smell the flowers sometimes.
13. The way you make me feel special, every single day.
12. When surprisingly, you believed that there is a God even if you are agnostic.
11. When you whisper sweet words to me in your language.
10. When you thought I was beautiful and smart but I know I’m not. (well, not really!)
9. When unexpectedly you are familiar with a song or singer that I thought you weren’t.
8. For making me appreciate sentimental love songs again.
7. When unexpectedly, you’ve watched the same movies that I saw before.
6. When we realize that we have a lot in common than we thought.
5. When you make me laugh like crazy, it can almost lock my jaw.
4. For making me cry happy tears.
3. For providing your strong arms when I cry or if I feel like crying.
2. When you hold my hand every chance you can get.
1. The way you kiss me. Sloppy in the beginning but later turned out to be really wonderful.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Dear...
I know deep inside that I will not make a wrong decision if I truly surrender to what I’m feeling for you. I don’t know you very well. And we belong to different worlds. I just wish we could be open into accepting each other without prior judgment or from the people around us. It won’t be easy. I want to trust you, too.
Maybe you’re feeling the same way. But you made it seem so easy. We’re not too young but somehow emotionally, we are still immature. We’re somehow the perfect match yet that’s frightening me too. Are we strong enough as we think we are? Or are we just thinking that?
But, now I know deep down that I don’t want to lose you. I hope you feel the same way. But I want to guard myself because maybe our feelings won’t last long. Maybe it’s just out of emptiness that we’ve found each other. Are we ready to fight for what we have at the moment? Or are we just maybe excited of this newfound feeling? Are we really in love? Can we fight and stand by each other if we get out of the real world? Are you ready to accept me for what I really am? Are we ready to give up our easy, uncomplicated lives?
I’m asking myself these because I suddenly felt that you could be the one. And I want you to be that. But at the back of my mind I’m thinking that you just wanted somebody on the sidelines. Somebody to help you out or cheer on you. I know you have bigger plans for yourself yet I don’t know if that includes me too. I just hope we could understand each other despite many barriers. I just wish you could erase all my questions and insecurities. I hope we’re ready for what lies ahead.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
30 going on 13
Teaching kids for almost a year now is truly a paradigm shift. This is not just classroom training but even a bedroom and household experience because I get to live with them. It's like having kids of my own since I have a big responsibility for their so-called well-being. The only thing lacking is the real mother-child "connection".
For starters we don't speak the same language. This is in the literal sense because they are Korean kids. Yep, I'm their San-seng-nim (teacher). Their childhood is a little hard to relate to. While my favorite childhood food was dirty ice cream, Chippy and Maggi instant noodles, their comfort food is korean (damn-spicy-hot!) ramen, gochuchang and kimchi of course!
The joy of teaching these adorable children every 2 months begins from the time they arrive. While moms give birth in the hospital, our first encounter would be in the airport. All smiles and all excited, they arrive in their stylish Korean fashion. Colorful windbreakers, bonnets, baseball caps and winter coats. They look like pages in Baby Gap catalogues or Guess Kids.
The second logical thing to do is for parents to decide what should they call their offspring. While their biological parents gave them 3 syllable names (this already includes the surname btw!) we give them cute American sounding names. This could range from the most common like Harry or John, to the Filipino sounding like Fatima or Cynthia and even the absurd names like Fire or David Beckham!
In the classroom lies the true test. Teaching them to read and write the basic, simplest English ever known could be so exhausting. Unlike in the Philippines where English is the second language, even telling them to Sit or Stand is still a task. And yes, every ESL for Korean teacher can relate to the -ishe syndrome. Finishe lunche? Get it?
As a parent you can give yourself a pat at the back when you see your kids turn out not-so-bad like you had been. Well, my happiness is when I see and hear the kids finally talking, understanding and even fighting in English. I can yell at them to "Be quiet!" and they get scared. Or when I tell them to get a pen and they ask "Which color?" Such bliss!
But then, after sometime they will realize they have lives of their own. They had to expand and lead their own lives. As any doting mom or guardian all you had to do is let go. Korean children can definitely teach Filipino kids lessons on respect and love. These kids are very emotional and expressive.
Letting go every two months is an emotional burden but I learned to be strong. The trip back to the airport would be their last teary glance at the country. I hope someday they would remember all the wonderful things we've shared. And maybe go back here and once more say "Ahnyong ase-yo!"
Well life is a cycle. Time to get ready for the next term! :)
Friday, August 11, 2006
BLOG generation
It's a big, big lonely planet indeed.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
the EVIL BADINGS!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Catcher in the Rye

If there's one thing that greatly contributes to my so-called coming of age, it would be this book. I found this 1960's printing when I was 15 in one of the dark and abandoned shelves in our high school library. The exact same printing as this image. For me it was just one of those books that you take home for the weekend. I was trying my best to hit the classics for some "mature" reading to impress the teachers :). Little did I know that one piece of writing could change your general outlook in life. I guess, I just found it at the right time otherwise I wouldn't appreciate it as much.
It wasn't all too dramatic and glorified though. It really didn't take me to plot some murder of a rock legend (i.e. Mark Chapman - the man who shot John Lennon who was found reading a copy while waiting for the cops). Take this piece as a big understatement of how I owe so much to J.D Salinger for finding a broken piece in my life. It helped me to regain my strength and just be contented of who I am cause it's my life anyway. I wanted to believe I can write then and hell, I am going to pursue it. But it all changed when I went to college, but this will be another story.
After reading this, I became a huge fan of the author. I looked him up in the encyclopedias (there was no internet yet then) and good thing he's indeed a live person. This wasn't part of our assigned reading in high school so I researched on my own and didn't get so much information though. I read in Esquire later that he went on a long sabbatical in his own house until now. He knew he was popular but well he did not really acknowledge it. He wasn't used to all the fame and glory. He was just not the type who was too happy to be in the New York Times bestsellers and signing autographs here and there. He assumed a quiet life maybe because he didn't want to become a sellout. Or a phony, he would say.
From my used-books hunting, I found 2 out of 4 titles credited to him. All in early editions, I may boast. I have (or had) "Raise High the Roof beam, Carpenters with Seymour an Introduction" and "Franny and Zooey". I never bought the recent edtions "Nine Stories" being sold in the book stores right now. I still cross my fingers everytime I chance upon garage sales and previously owned book stores. As for "Catcher in the Rye", did I return this on its due date? Take a guess... :)


