A Bid Goodbye...

Today will be Gerly's last day on Lexmark R&D. Her contract of a year and three months is to end.

I'm awfully sad. Sigh, some good things never last. I'm gonna miss her: her silliness, her laughs, and most of all her 'obsession' with Kim Rae Won. Gerl, remember to keep your promise to me. :)

Gerl, I know that we have not known each other that long. We did not even have the chance to talk together personally. But I want you to know that you became a special person on my life - a good friend.

Thanks for everything, and goodbye. For now.

Please take care of the stuffed toy frog I've given you. Thanks for appreciating my simple gift. Hahaha, and you named it Jan. I'm so flattered. :p


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Last Tuesday, a shocking news stumbled upon the whole ICS college: Sir Ruben Miro is dead. According to our Psychology teacher, brain waves are still existent, but his heart stopped beating. There is still a chance for him to survive, and he shouldn't be embalmed this early.

Sir Miro is known to be an advocate of learning, a very professional mentor.

Though I was not under him on any of my subjects, I would like to extend my condolences to the afflicted, especially to his family. And may the good memory of Sir Miro remain on the students. Hope that his deeds would continue to inspire people, the faculty, the students.

Let's continue praying for him... :(

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As I checked the bulletin boards this afternoon to check about Sir Miro, I've read that he is to be cremated by tomorrow. I guess his brain wasn't able to bring him back alive... :(

Requiescat in pace, Sir Miro.

And the Journey Continues...

Today marks the one-month duration left for our thesis in IT 24. I'm kinda upset with how our thesis is going.

First was our TRUMAS study, which was going pretty smoothly (we got until the proposed system) until Sir Sanchez scorned us for not bringing the actual source documents (and instead brought the format).

Second was Cebu Electro Marketing, which was also doing well (got to database design already) until we found out that another group was studying the same company: the main branch. Ever since the semester started, Richard's group was submitting their Cebu Electro Study (while we were with TRUMAS), and their processes are much more elaborate compared to ours. We're on the losing end. We have to discard Cebu Electro.

After two failed attempts, we have to repeat the process all over again. Good thing though, we really don't have to start from scratch, since our past submissions can be used as templates for new ones.

We are also partly to blame with our failures. TRUMAS was a secret study -- everything was unbeknownst to the owner. And with regards to Cebu Electro, I've already stated the reasons here.

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Rose Ann and Jofil had to pass today, since they're focusing on their Flash animation project. So I went on solo flight. I'm sure I can do it; after all, I am a one-man army.

Island Builders Supply was my first stop. The owner was really kind, and even shared a few laughts. He can see himself in me during his college days, looking for companies for their thesis. But their sales processes are a tad few, since they do not accept credit transactions. Studying their business would only need two people, and that cannot be. He also did not permit on giving out the source documents; he was even skeptical on me copying the document's format, that he hurriedly took it away without me even finishing it.

And so, I continue this journey on foot, traversing the wide stretch of the highway. I got to La Prueba Marketing, but sadly a similar group of students (from UC) has already studied their system a year ago, and that is deemed prohibited, not unless the groups study different systems of the same company. Silly me for just walking away without asking what system did the previous group study. :(

Finally, I got to J.A. Ramos Enterprises. The owner's daughter, who studies Commerce at UC, and their salesclerk, who is also a UC alumnae, entertained me. We also exchanged thoughts and laughs. The daughter soon will be undergoing a feasibility study, similar to what we're doing, and the alumnae has also gone through the same process of thesis writing, so they could relate to my plight. The interview went on smoothly, with intermittent interruptions from customers.

I was able to finish my interview at an hour and thirty minutes. When I was about to ask for source documents, she hesitated.

When I asked the permission of the owner, I was really disheartened upon hearing his remark:

"No intrusions. You've already wasted the time of my men..."

This can only mean one thing: he does not totally agree with studying his business.

Earlier, he was joking on me as an 'industrial spy', who secretly gathers corporate information for the benefit of competitors, and uses a student thesis scheme to conceal the act. If not have I shown him my school ID and the letter of approval, I would be on the verge of scrutiny. It was a joke, but I know it was on purpose. After all, jokes are half-meant. Can't blame him; he's a businessman, and ought to protect his business' from intruders.

Maybe he found the length of the interview to be longer than expected, and that has deterred his people (including his daughter and the salesclerk) from focusing on their jobs.

I felt that the world is on my shoulders. I've been through worse emotional turmoil than this, but it still got me on shock. His daughter told me not to worry about it, and urged me to continue the study, with earlier claims of me cancelling the whole study due to his father's retort.

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Call it hindsight bias, but I was expecting it. Most of the businesses we've interviewed are hesitant on giving out source documents, be it photocopied or photographed, much more given. The capital reason is because of BIR, who checks on sales' documents for taxation. A simple erasure or discontinuity (these documents are prenumbered) can already put the business in question. They are even reluctant on giving out blank documents.

We have to find our own ways on obtaining a copy, without compromising the business. One was getting the documents' format, and have it encoded. But with Sir Sanchez's change of ruling, we even have to 'cheat' the source documents, making it look like the original, but actually encoded.

But deep inside, I really fear the misconduct. Sir Sanchez is known to be very vigilant and 'sigurista'. He goes as far as calling the business just to verify all the information presented to him by the students. With that scenario, we are surely to get caught.

These only lead to three things:

-we have to get the owner's permission;
-the company should not have been studied by similar students before; and
-their processes should be enough to support three people.

A fourth would be a company that is willing to give out their source documents. I know the odds are thin, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

This Wednesday, Jofil and Rose Ann will conduct an interview with Cebu Trade Center. I have full trust with you guys, and hope that this is it. :(

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These experiences has taught us to be stronger. Surely there will be more reprimands, more rejections, more failures in life. We just have to stand up and fight.

And so the harrowing journey continues. Crying won't help. We have to move on. We only got a month left...

The OJTs' Meeting

This morning was the scheduled OJTs' meeting of our department...

Sir Siegfried wanted to solicit comments from the OJTs regarding the work, and also to settle some issues and to reemphasize work conduct.

Just like most of the OJTs, I was also expecting my internship with Lexmark to be technically inclined - a training that would involve programming and development, where we can apply the knowledge cultured to us in school.

To be honest, I was a bit disappointed during my first few months. Going through every leaf of the test books can get really tedious, and with constant repetition and the humongous pile of paper, it can surely shrink us to oblivion. But I've come to love the work. It was a challenge offered to me by Miss Amy and Sir Siegfried during the interview, and I accepted it. It's just a matter of self-control and finding satisfaction with anything you do.

When some of us were complaining about having too much to do, there was Maelen contemplating on having nothing to do. A furtive grin came out of everyone's lips, exploding into laughters. Maelen, expect piles of paper to be on your desk tomorrow! Hahaha.

But what makes this event memorable to me was my coming out of my shell. Finally I got to clear my sexuality issue. All the while I was looking for an avenue to tell everyone that I am not gay. Yes, I tend to be sissy, but I'm not homosexual. I'm so thankful to have shed light on their minds, and for gaining their trust again. I know they were doubting me (read here). That's why I built walls and burned the bridges; I stayed away from them. I thought it was for good, until today happened.

Aah, I'm so happy for all of this to have ended!

To celebrate this event, Sir Siegfried and the teamleads hosted a lunch-out at Don Henrico's in Ayala. Present on the banquet were fried chicken, pastas, vegetable salad, tacos, and rice. Everyone was having a sumptuous meal.

We exchanged a lot of laughs, and became as wacky as we can get. I was even dancing on my seat! I was laughing my heart out, without pretensions nor fears. Now I've got nothing to hide. I can see the happiness on everyone's faces, something which I have longed to see again...

With Don Henrico's being an eat-all-you-can resto, everyone must finish everything on their plate. If not, then the person would have to pay for double the price. Joanna is having difficulty finishing her plate, and upon hearing the pay-double consequence, she tried to finish it. We were cheering on Joanna to finish it, and thank God she did!

We took lots of pictures, courtesy of Paul. Well, Paul was seemingly prepared for this event. He was the one who proposed Don Henrico's as the lunch-out venue.

I was so relieved. As I slowly shatter the walls, I'll start building the bridges. Ah, how I missed these guys! :)

A Community of Bloggers - A Filipino's Brainchild

I was reading my blog buddy Seanjames' page when I happened to have seen his shoutbox. A message suddenly caught my attention: Seanjames' blog is nominated for the Filipino Blog of the Week, much to my amusement and surprise.

Curious as to what the nomination was about, I clicked on Talksmart's URL. I was expecting for this to be like Technorati or Ratified. Talksmart is actually Mr. Salaswildthoughts, the Composed Gentleman, and the pioneer behind this brainchild - a community of bloggers.

I was wondering when this online community started. What could've inspired the Composed Gentleman in setting up a society of bloggers on the net? What were his underlying reasons? :)

And though I failed in finding the information, at least I dug through the records of what the Filipino Blog of the Week award is! Click here for a read.

True enough, it does follow a similar paradigm of blog election as that of Technorati and Ratified. Rankings are done through nominations from the community members.

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The image above is how a blogger can join the community. Membership's as simple as ABC -- you just need to add your blog link, and provide a link back of either two of his presented blogs to your blog. Heh, I'm #614. :p

Membership's still going on.

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Some comments from the members:

ice_edge said...
thanks, kuya. nice blog: fun to read, very informative, and promotes online relationships. very nice, indeed. :)

Eric Baroy Mahinay said...
This guy is not just an ordinary citizen..ang daming nalalaman.

OFW LIFE Lestat_m said...
added you in myblog roll..
thanks for the link...

regards and mabuhay ang mga blagistang pinoy!!!!..

joel ferraris said...
we need art...to enlighten the heart...and prepare the soul.

thanks a lot

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Definitely agree with the guys, and to all who posted their comments on there. It takes a titanic effort to gather the pieces into a meaningful whole. I'm glad that we don't need to be alone in the cyberspace.

I'm hoping to enjoy my stay in the community. *waits for the confirmation* :)

Kudos and more power, Mr. Salaswildthoughts. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. :)

And as for Sean's nomination...
Hmmm, I might think of voting for him, or not. :D

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I'm still pissed off as to why I can't add a new link on my link list. Worse, I can't even see my new posts. What the fish is the matter with Blogger now? :(

I can now add new links, and view my new posts. Perhaps it was because of my internet connection (shoddy service from an internet cafe *cough*).

Ate Mikit's Departure

Ate Mikit (my elder sister) was scheduled to leave for Japan today. She and a couple of fellow workers will be there for a month's training at Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. (don't know what factory in Japan exactly), a sister company of Cebu Mitsumi (where she is working). It was like five years ago when she was last sent there (if my memory serves me well). With a strike of luck coupled with perseverance, Ate is again chosen to be part of the training program.

I feel like the worst person in the world for not being able to escort her to the airport. I texted Mama just a while ago, and she told me that Ate Mikit was waiting for me to arrive.

I really hate myself. I did not even give Ate Mikit a farewell call. There is a phone outlet nearby which offers unlimited cellphone calls (talk all day; doesn't matter) for a standard fee of Php30.00. Sadly, they only serve Smart cellphone lines (PLDT hosts the line, and the unli-call is part of their promo), and Ate Mikit's number is in Touch Mobile (a Globe subsidiary).

What did I do instead? I just wasted my free two hours browsing the net, downloading songs, and streaming videos. I had to do my take-home exam then, but I brushed it off. I thought of calling Ate Mikit before going to the cafe, but I was thinking that she hasn't arrived home yet (it was around 8:00pm, and she usually arrives from work at ~8:30pm), so I declined, and also for the reason stated above. And I paid Php30.00 for the net time.

Oh, I could've used that time to travel from here (Cebu City) to Danao (where Ate and the rest of the family are staying). The travel would've only cost me an hour, and that thirty pesos was fairly enough to cover the whole fare.

I asked Mama (through text) whether Ate Mikit has any contact number in Japan. She said that Ate would just call us upon settling there.


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Ate, sorry to have kept you waiting. No amount of excuse would justify my shortcoming. I've been very overwhelmed by my pressing studies, but I should've alloted time to attend to your departure. I hope you can forgive me. :(

安全な旅行を持ちなさい (Have a safe trip), Ate Mikit. I'll pray for you. Take care of yourself there in Japan.

The Shocking News and a Student's Remorse

Just a few minutes before posting, my colleague Jofil revealed this shocking announcement: the company (Cebu Electro Marketing) we've been studying for our IT 24 has already been studied! And as a golden rule, no two (or more) groups should study the same company!

Jofil already had this suspicion that Richard (and his group) is studying Cebu Electro Marketing's Mandaue branch, as revealed with former's previous conversation with the latter. Richard is from the afternoon section. Jofil wasn't able to verify it soon, due to some 'kaulaw/kasuod' issues. Also, we just neglected the proposition thinking that since Sir Sanchez continues to check our work and has not had any qualms about the company being studied by another.

This is also one thing I don't understand with Sir Sanchez. He assumes that his students already knows everything. He thinks that he has already told the students the 'rules' when in fact he did not! He always delivers his infamous 'I told you (last meeting/already) that...blah, blah, blah' line partnered with drilling his fingers on the table and shaping wrinkles on his forehead. Raising his voice, he can make the whole class shut to silence.

There was one time when he told us to lay down all papers to be checked on his table, as what he has said during 'the last time.' I thought he really did, since it was then when I just came back from Korea. But upon asking my classmates, not one of then remembered that he told everyone of the rule! Again he shut the class in defeaning silence.

And maybe because of this that he tends to overlook on a lot of things. He checks for errors on our papers and put notes on it. After putting necessary corrections, we again submit the papers, only to find out that there were new errors, and these were mostly the ones that he did not see previously! Putting it bluntly, he does not see all the errors at one sitting. The items we thought correct sometimes turn out to be new errors for him. Sadly at the expense of the students, we have to print the whole thing all over again, digging hard into our pockets.

He's also sometimes unpredictable, always changes his mind. Our first major heartache (for our group) was when Sir Sanchez told us to look for another company since TRUMAS wouldn't give out the source documents. Here's the catch: weeks earlier he told the whole class that if the company hesitates to furnish copies of the source documents (for confidentiality), we can just ask the format of which (and have it typed on the computer). During the first weeks he was checking our TRUMAS study, he didn't censure the encoded documents. And we are just surprised when he finally told us about the new rule, as stated above! It was the reason why we sought for another company to study: Cebu Electro Marketing. But look at what happened? Richard and his group has been studying the same company for the long run, and Sir Sanchez didn't notice it?

It's so frustrating. We're already on the process of designing the database for Cebu Electro Marketing, but we're left with no choice. Soon, Sir will eventually find it out. We just have to start all over again, either go back to TRUMAS and plead to them, or look for another company. We roughly have a month and two weeks left before submission. At our present state, I am losing hope whether we'll make it.

I know we may have our share of the fault and should've done our share of the research, but Sir can't expect us to be omniscient -- to be all-knowing. We're still beginning to learn this craft, so at least he should be considerate enough. At least he can be consistent with his rules...

I don't know if there was any student before brave enough to tell Sir Sanchez about these discrepancies of his. With his present position in the school's hierarchical chart, and with his immense knowledge, no one bothered to challenge him. Yet. I thought of writing him a letter, but I was faint-hearted.

I hope Sir Sanchez notices it for himself... :(



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On another note, I guess I just can't leave my blog like that. :) But this issue needs to be addressed!

Taking a Break...

Because of pressing academic responsibilities, I'll be taking a break on posting on my blog. This year's performance is the most important and will ultimately spell success over failure, of wearing the revered toga and passing through the threshold, in laughters and tears, or being in the corner, crying in absolute grief and disappointment.

For years I have been very lenient on my studies. Really, I am not the type who studies 'hard core'. I am a certified crammer - one who studies for an examination by memorizing facts at the last minute. I get more 'stimulated', 'motivated', on working by the eleventh hour.

As I have stated numerous times on my posts, I am the type that would prefer solitude over company, a one-man team. I abhor the idea of group works, but not totally. I just hate it when projects are done with groups. I know that by grouping, members will be able to spend a little time yet work on a bigger project, generate more ideas, apportion the expenses, lighten the workload, all of which are positive. But what happens is that, only one person works on that big project, uses more brain power to its extent, and increases his workload, while the others just don't give a heed but hand over a few pennies for whatever amount the project will incur. And that just sucks.

That happened to me a lot of times (one instance here), and I end up the one doing the whole thing for the group. But then again, I am not totally abhorring the idea of collective effort, and what I've illustrated a while ago does not always happen, but terrible when it does. That's why most of the time I'd rather go alone. At least I have no one to blame but myself.

But all the cramming and the one-man teaming is about to change, hook or crook. Our professors are throwing away loads of group works, with deadlines just days one is next to another. Not to mention our minor and major exams, tilling my brain some more. I'm definitely going to need all the resources - physical, financial, intellectual, material, emotional, whatever is deemed important. I would (not just) try (but really work on it) to be an effective group member.

Ahh, so many things to do with so little time!

Time management issues? Huh, easy for you to say.

So that's it. I'll be leaving my blog (not to rot) for a very long while to focus more on my academic responsibilities. So many things (even weird ones) have happened, yet I was lazy in putting them on black-and-white. I feel so sorry for my blog. :(

Annyong hige seyo.




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On another note, I have actually left a lot of my posts hanging (i.e. those of which I promised to edit when I find 'time'. This is also one thing I hate about me - can hardly keep a promise even to myself. But I'm trying...) :(

Major Pain in the Ass -- Literally!

Last Monday upon waking up from slumber, I noticed this tiny bump on my right buttocks (centimeters away from my anus). At first I just ignored it, thinking that it would just 'go away' as days go by.

But no. And it's giving me the creeps.

During its 'early days' I was able to sit well. It feels like it doesn't exist, so the more I ignored it. Then came Wednesday, when it's just intolerable. The tiny bump has grown, to the point of having 'nana' or this white secretion-thing.

[I'll edit this later. For now, I'm doing our thesis.]

Which Star Are You From?

I'm still sad that the KDrama is already finished. I've been listening to these soundtracks for a lot of times already. I thought that the series is to end today, but I was surprised that it ended yesterday.

I felt like not sleeping last night. I know I'll get over this 'addiction' of mine. But right now, I want to succumb myself to these.

I hope ABS-CBN's gonna broadcast a special primer of the KDrama tonight, but that's highly unlikely.

Once again, some good things never last. :(

[I'll write a review about this KDrama soon. :)]


Information:

Which Star Are You From? - in Wikipedia
Which Star Are You From? - Official Site (Hangeul/Korean)
Which Star Are You From? - Wallpapers


Here are the OSTs:

Bi.wma (1.14 MB)
Day By Day.wma (1.21 MB)
Hoo Hwe (Instrumental).wma (2.14 MB)
Miracle (MtoM).mp3 (5.81 MB)
MtoM - Miracle (Instrumental).wma (1.98 MB)
MtoM - Miracle (Slow Version).wma (1.26 MB)
Na Young Joo - Hoo Hwe.wma (2.13 MB)
San Chaek.wma (1.22 MB)
Sarang Ha Go It Neyo (Instrumental).wma (2.25 MB)
Sweet Love.mp3 (4.42 MB)
The A.D. - Ggeul Rim.wma (1.59 MB)
Toni Gonzaga - Catch Me I'm Falling.mp3 (4.3 MB)
Whenever.wma (1.56 MB)

The Experience that was Korea: My Essay

This is my long overdue essay to be submitted to the South Korean Embassy. I am supposed to submit this last July 21, a month after the program's closure (June 21). And look at what date it is now?

No amount of excuse will justify this shortcoming of mine. :(

But anyway, here's my essay:

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The Experience that was Korea


Annyong haseyo.

I could still remember what happened when I first stepped foot on Korea’s soil: the jitters of the first time, the inevitable jetlag and culture shock, the company of strangers. Everything was so new to me. I had to survive this ten-day journey all by myself; without my family and friends. I hope I’ve done enough preparations to ready me for this experience.

I am a recipient of the so-called “Korean Wave”. I have this growing penchant for Korean dramas and Korean music. I hope the little knowledge I have about the country can aid me throughout. Seeing the country itself is something I can’t wait to do. I don’t know what to expect, and I refuse to. I’ll let myself be blown away by the experience that is Korea.

Being a small country, worse divided, Korea has to use all of her resources, under the ground and above the sea, exploit it to its extent. Space is a very important factor.

I am greatly impressed with how Korea has progressed. Never in my own have I seen such huge skyscrapers juxtaposed in the skyline. I couldn’t stop looking head high. Their road systems are sophisticated, with buses/private cars on the main roads and subway trains serving the underground. Their roads are wide enough not to congest vehicles; bumper-to-bumper traffic was highly unlikely. One would really lose his way especially if one isn’t familiar yet. It was also the first time I saw an ‘underground market’, in its literal sense. Towering apartments stretching even up to its mountainous landscape was so overwhelming. Korean companies are also stepping their feet into the international market, and are considered to be of quality.

But its exhaustion does not compromise the country’s natural beauty. Aquamarine blue waters, luscious flowers, green trees and mountains still abound Korea’s busy metropolis, much more in its provinces. Undeniably, Korea is an emerging superpower, creating balance of its natural and man-made resources.

Koreans put a lot of value on their cultural heritage. They’re doing their best to preserve the remaining relics, even to the point of restoring those that are decimated, especially the ones destroyed during the Korean War. The Korean Folk Village is a perfect example of their undying tribute to their history.

Koreans are fond of spicy foods. A meal will never be complete without kimchi; different varieties of the dish were served on regular intervals. Fruits and vegetables are also prominent on the table. I’ve also noticed that there were dishes that appeared to have no preservatives / flavouring; it was served on a separate platelet. Koreans have a big appetite. Aside from a pot-full of the main course, there were also a whole lot of side dishes. What’s amazing is that they can finish all of it in a matter of minutes, while I myself can’t even settle on the main course. Oh well. But one thing rewarding about my Korean food experience is learning how to use the chopsticks. 

Koreans are always in a hurry – ‘pali-pali’ or ‘hurry-hurry’. The horror of the post-Korean War vendetta catalyzed their people’s vision to do everything in a hurry, with no time to lose. Our interpreter told us that Korea was able to hasten its progress; what was to take hundreds of years was sped up to only 30 years or so. It was an amazing feat for such a short period of time! On a relative note, there was also one time during our busy shopping that a Korean bumped on us, and never did apologize. I found it rude for him not even saying ‘sorry’. But later on, it was explained in one of our lectures: bumping on someone is normal in Korea, and it doesn’t count as ‘rude’, since there was no pain intended. Here’s a simple formula: Koreans always in hurry plus busy streets is equal to bumps with no sorries. 

I, for one, stereotyped Koreans as being indifferent, aloof, and discriminatory, among others. Back in my place, I don’t usually see them going together with Filipinos. There was also one time that a comrade and I went to an English school for Koreans. We humbly greeted them and smiled, but we got no reaction but blank glances.

Then after hearing from one of our lectures, I’ve understood why they reacted that way. They are more comfortable staying with their fellow Koreans, and they aren’t that gregarious.

The Koreans are accommodating. The Moon family (our homestay host) provided us with the necessities we needed, and even provided more. We didn’t expect such a warm acceptance from them. They’re also ‘game’ for laugh trips, and they were so willing to share us their life stories. They didn’t let us feel like strangers/guests, but part of the family. I could then remember the feeling of home. Truly, it takes one to know one.

But the ultimate test was the language barrier. Korean Hangeul is the mother tongue, and the country is still beginning to learn English. Surely, the Hangeul common phrases we learned were handy, but it gets worse when we dig into the details. We can’t express ourselves in Hangeul the thoughts that aren’t covered by the ‘common phrases.’ I’m glad the Moon family knows English.

They value the 2002 FIFA World Cup very much. I have not watched the World Cup personally. That’s why I’m so eager finding out why they put such value to the ‘game’. Later on I found out that they consider the cup as the catalysing event that positioned the country to the whole world. People around the world were surprised by the amazing display of the Koreans’ homogeneity and strength. It was cathartic to watch the Red Devils flooding the streets, cheering for the Korean soccer team. They have set the record of the first-ever Asians to compete for the semi-finals of the prestigious cup. The world has grown a huge amount of interest about Korea after then.

After watching the highlights of the cup, I felt like crying. But it’s still appalling and ironic to note that even with their unity, the country is separated into two. The Moon family is hoping that someday both Koreas will coexist, and is supporting the government’s move for reunification. I guess most of them feel the same way.

What made the experience more worthwhile was the convergence of students all around South East Asia. Not only did we engross ourselves about the Korean culture, but also learned things about our neighbouring countries. This experience has left an indelible mark unto everyone.

It was my first time going out of my country. This trip brought along with it many first-time experiences. No amount of words can describe the happiness I’ve felt when I was announced to be the representative of the school for the Korean trip, and even after the trip has finished. I never did imagine that this will happen to me.

It may have been over, but the memories I've spent with everyone will remain in me. I'll share this wonderful story with friends, family, and to anyone who wants to listen to it. We made friends out of complete strangers, met different kinds of people, been to interesting places, learned new knowledge, immersed with different cultures, shared thoughts in life, that all-in-all made this ten-day escapade a memorable part of everyone's life.

I hope someday, I can step my feet back into Korea’s shores again…

Kamsa hamnida.

The Reopening

I decided to open my blog to everyone again...

Reason?
Can't think of any. :P

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OMG, I've broken my Golden Rule of 'English-only' posts. There are at least three posts I've written in vernacular, one reason for me closing my blog for a while.

But now, I'm back in the online world. :)