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.

It's Time to Move On

It’s been a week after the 2007 Invitation Program for South East Asian Students to South Korea program officially drew its curtain...

Yes, it's now back to reality. Back to the old student life. Back to school, the classroom, the professors, the classmates, everything. In fact, we'll be starting to work on our thesis. Luckily, the discussion's are not that far away yet, so I can still catch up. No, I don't have ill feelings with coming back to school, it's just that I find the ten days quite short, and fast. Ironic, isn't it?

I still feel sad. There is not one day when I don’t think of everyone. Every time I think about the good ol’ ten days and the forty-plus bunch of people from South East Asia converging together, memories start to flash back. There has been countless times of me scanning through every photo I’ve taken and reading through all the e-mails I’ve received. Doing these quenches my thirst.

Even at school, I tend to be mentally absent. But I can’t control it, and there are even times where I succumb myself to the thoughts, and consequently losing my attention on my professor’s discussion.

I really tend to be very emotional, but I’m not crying. I’ve already shed tears...

But wait...what's happening to me?

I should not be wrenched up! Like what Elizabeth told me, I should cheer up and move on. Yes, it’s inevitable for me to feel this longing, but I shouldn’t let my emotions get the best of me. Instead of being pulled down, I should consider this parting an inspiration, a goal, to fuel my engine. This is not yet the end of the world. I’m still optimistic that we will meet again in time. And to further that possibility, I must study hard. I should do best in school. Education can greatly aid me upon realizing my dreams.

It’s been a week after the 2007 Invitation Program for South East Asian Students to South Korea program officially ended...

Goodbyes may have been sad, times may have flown fast, but it should not deter one to stand again. It's now time to move on...

For my case, I should start moving on.

And It's Over

The ten-day study tour is officially finished.

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It's amazing how time flew. It's still fresh on my mind what happened upon my arrival at Incheon Int'l. Airport. The compay of all but strangers, the jitters of the "first-time", the inevitable jet lag and culture shock -- all these and more still live in my memories.

I am (and is still) most of the time alone, going a distance away from others, the type that would prefer solitude over company, a one-man team. Though I was not that close to everyone, I have deeply rooted for everyone's companionship and the experiences we've shared together. I only have ten days, and I should not spend most of it being blue and aloof. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I just have to make the most out of every minute of it.

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I already miss everyone. My, everyone's been passing emails lately, and I am to read every one of it. I guess everyone feels the same way.
I miss seeing my roommate Syam in his traditional Islam clothes and praying to Allah. He made me understand more the Islam culture.
I miss the markets and the souvenir shops, and how we would go around looking for a better bargain.
I miss going around the maze-like streets of Korea, and getting lost on a few encounters.
I miss everyone singing "Vietnam Ho Chi Minh" and "Kom Se Ma Ri", not to mention the Pansori.
I miss seeing everyone fall asleep in the bus. Heheh, glad I took pictures of it. :p
I miss our minigames in the bus: "What Happened!" and the beginning of the "Mistah Lee" jokes. :D
I miss eating kimchi, the sticky rice, and the hot pots (reference to Melvin's mail I've read). Being served everyday on the restaurant made everyone go "uh"; some don't even taste it. But now, my tongue is craving for the cuisine, especially bulgogi. :(
I miss Korea and all the places we've visited.
I miss my homestay family. I hope that Mom, Dad, Alex, Grandma, and Hosoo are doing fine, also to their daughter, who just arrived from Canada last Tuesday.
I miss taking pictures. I may sound corny at times taking pictures of inanimate objects as flowers, bamboos, even stones and fishes, but it soothes my craving, and it makes me happy. Of course, who will forget the group pictures!
I miss Miss Sharon, Mr. Lee, Mr. Kim, and the whole NIIED crew. Though at times I poked fun on Miss Sharon's diction and guffawed on every Mistah Lee joke and amazed as to how Mr. Kim would pose for a picture, but these guys are the best. Thank you for providing us all the amenities we needed, and for bearing with our silly ways. Thank you for giving the chance for people like us to converge and engross in cross-cultural exchange. Thank you for all the activity as a whole.

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I hate goodbyes. Many times I've seen people walk away and disappear off of my sight, and it has never been easy. Ery, Dean, and Alvin have to leave earlier than the pack (since they arrived a day earlier than schedule), which makes me the only Filipino left for the last few hours of the trip. I have already lost my inner circle. Everyone will be doing the same.

I am the last one to depart, of all the people. That means that I have to see everyone leave one by one, which is not very easy for me to take. I tried not to cry, but it can't be helped. I've already shunned the stereotype that "men don't cry." Of course, we cry, but we just try to keep it away from others, in fear of ridicule and loss of manlihood. But ridicule and loss of manlihood (among other things) were the least of my concerns...

Even on the last few minutes of departure, and upon boarding my flight, I forced myself not to cry. I've already shed tears, and I shouldn't be that sad, since we can still see each other again in time. But the tears just fell down...

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Now, I'm back here in Cebu. Back to reality, back to my old life. I now have dumps of school works to finish, and lectures to catch up. We'll be starting to work on our thesis tomorrow.

It may have been over, but the memories I've shared 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, shared thoughts in life, that all-in-all made this ten-day escapade a memorable part of everyone's life.

I'm hoping that everyone can still keep in touch. Even though we weren't able to be together for a longer time, and that we were most of the time with our inner circle, I hope that everyone will extend their reach and make more new friends.

In time, we'll be seeing each other again. It may be in a different place and time, and it may not be all at once, but I'm crossing my fingers...

Til then. Annyong higa seyo.

Got My Teeth Cleaned Today

My last oral prophylaxis was like when I was five years old. Mom was with me then, and I got terribly afraid with the dentist back then. Nostalgia. :)

And fastforward to the 21st century, around fourteen years after then (which makes my age... ;) ), now I stood infront of the dentist's clinic. I've decided to take this operation in preparation for my study tour to South Korea this June 11-21. I want to look good, you know. :p

This time, I don't have Mom nor anyone beside me, just myself. I'm a bit nervous as to how the operation (of all the words, why operation?) will go. It's been more than a decade past, and I don't remember how it went through. But one thing I can recall is that I spit blood back then (which I don't think is bad).

Finally it was my turn in my dentist's 'bed' (I don't know what exactly is it called). Ok, gotta do this. :)

As a S.O.P. (standard operating procedure), she checked my teeth first. She told me that there are a lot of damaged teeth, and should be extracted. It was around three to be exact, all molars. Blame my childhood candy habits and not brushing for that. :(

Going on...

I won't go over the details on how it went, especially on the technical term of the instruments used (I checked for Google, but it was all-text. I did find one with pictures, but it was about veterinary oral prophylaxis. :( ). But it really hurt, especially when she was scraping the calculus off of my teeth, using this pen-like instrument with a hook, and hitting my gums. She also had an assistant that put a hose-like instrument, springing water on my mouth as the dentist was going over in-between my teeth. I felt like choking.

But I have full trust to the dentists, and I know I'm safe in their hands, so I just closed my eyes and went through the operation.

There was even a power failure, but it was restored immediately.

After, I felt my teeth numbing, with bits of chipped-off enamel stuck under my tongue. Even after gargling a lot, there are still some left. And I did spit blood again. As of typing, my gums are still bleeding, though not grave.

It cost me a hefty P700.00. For a student like me, the amount still hurts on my pocket, but I got the best value for it anyway. :)

I am advised to have another cleaning session six months after, so that it will not hurt a lot unlike today. And also, I have to gargle with mouthwash, since my gums are swollen. :(

I guess this is the price I have to pay...

Seven Years Have Passed...

Today is my little sister Fanessa's First Holy Communion (now in Grade IV). Meh, I took my FHC earlier. (:P) She is schooling in the same school where me and her other sisters graduated from elementary. Lineage, huh?

Whoa, it has been seven years already since I graduated from elementary. But still I could remember how things looked like before. Too bad, change is inevitable...

The Grade VI building, which was spanking in yellow paint, is now full of mildew, perhaps because of the weather. The paint coat is chipping out, too. The nails which supported the ceilings are now bent, and the ceiling sticking out.

I could still remember when we planted the carabao grasses which surrounds the grotto of the Lady of Guadalupe, just infront of the Grade VI building. Good thing that the grotto still stands today, and the carabao grass growing green.

I decided to take a walk to the school's grounds, and a familiar place got my eyes. The stage, where we used to play (and where I climbed up for graduation). It once had a slanting ramp beside the ladder, where we used to play slides (^^;), but now it was removed and made an extension to the ladder. Now who can play slides? They also installed fences around the stage, perhaps to keep the students from going out of their classes, and perhaps to keep people from falling off. For now, the stage is a temporary classroom, since the school was struck by fire late last year, and the school is really in need for rooms. So much for playing games in the stage, huh?

Right behind the stage used to be three classrooms. But now, everything is rubble because of the same fire I mentioned above. It ate around five classrooms, and the public toilet. Until today, workers are still going around the rubble.

On the right side of the stage used to be earth, but now they cemented it. I can still remember that we planted mahogany trees along that area, and the last time I checked it, they were already meters high. Too bad they have to cut it off for cementing.

My Grade IV classroom was right at a glance. I can still remember the time when I first came into this school (I was a transferee), and how everyone was surprised with my accent. So many memories...I even got to read the "Correct Way of Oral Reading" poster under the blackboard. Honestly, I owe most of what I am today with those little posters.

The garden at the back of the room used to be full of greens, but now only a few survived.

A few walks away and the now-converted-into-a-warehouse Home Economics room can be seen. There used to be an entrance from it to the canteen, where I usually pass when I'm late (:P).

And speaking of the canteen? Well, they took it out and built a classroom, a very small one. I guess they direly need rooms that they have to level down some infrastructures and make rooms. Sigh.

My trip down mem'ry lane is now over. I have to get back to the line. The communers (eh, how would you like to call the children who will take the communion? ^^:) are starting to move out from the school and off to the church.