I heard about the devastating earthquake in Haiti that left behind a trail of untold destruction and shattered hopes. My heart goes out to the people. Looking at the heart wrenching photos post the earthquake send chills to my spine. It brings back sad memories of the past when Baguio was hit by a similarly devastating earthquake, and our ancestral house that was built near a cliff perished along with the beautiful memories of my grandparents when they were still alive.
I pray that despite the gloom around, selfishness would be thrown out of the
window and the human spirit will be lighted anew with it's capacity to help those who are in need.
Showing posts with label current affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label current affairs. Show all posts
1.13.2010
10.10.2009
The new 50,000 bill.
The new 50,000 bill began circulating since June of this year. It's currently the highest denomination in Korean money. "Oh-man-won" is predominantly yellow in color, and is slightly bigger than 10,000 won. The figure on the bill is Shin Saim Dang - the first woman to appear on a Korean bank note. Shin Saim Dang is a renowned writer, artist, and a calligrapher. She is also the mother of the famous Confucian scholar Yulgok whose face appears on 5,000 won. Koreans have divided opinion whether she is an excellent choice to be the face of the bill. Some said she is a perfect representation of a dutiful daughter, a devoted wife, and a caring mother, but her traditional ideals are not appropriate for the modern Korean society. But more than the figure on the bill, a bigger controversy lies on the creation of the bill itself (people who think it's disadvantageous comprise the bigger margin). Critics mentioned the negative impact outweighs the good as it can spiral the cost of goods, increase corruption, and encourage excessive spending amongst people.
The new bill looks slightly similar to 5,000 won (especially when you're inebriated), and it takes some time getting used to. Chris learned a valuable lesson in paying closer attention to details when we went to a small supermarket to buy ice cream. He gave the 50,000 bill thinking it was 5,000 won (which was also the total amount of our purchases). We were already inside the car when he realized he made a terrible mistake. But we were fortunate cause when we came back to the store, the owner gave the 45,000 won change without question. The new bill surely has some positive impact, but for many others, the negative exceeds whatever good it has to offer.
11.17.2008
A view on Assisted Suicide..
Endless controversy hit Oregon when they made a law called Death With Dignity Act of 1994 and it was all over the papers a few years back. I happen to brush on this topic while making a special report back in college where I'm taking up a 5 yr medical course. I actually forgot all about it till Washington recently passed a similar law and therefore, stirring similar controversy again in all parts of U.S. This particular law is all about helping terminally ill patients die with the assistance of a doctor or what is now called assisted suicide.
I searched Wiki for a narrative description about this law to give a better insight, and so it says:
***
" Under the law, a capable adult who has been diagnosed by a physician with a terminal illness that will kill them within six months may request in writing, from his or her physician, a prescription for a lethal dose of medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life. Use of the law is voluntary and the patient must initiate the request. Any physician, pharmacist or healthcare provider opposed on moral grounds does not have to participate. "
" The request must be confirmed by two witnesses, one of whom cannot be related to the patient, be entitled to any portion of the patient's estate, be the patient's physician, or be employed by a health care facility caring for the patient. After the request is made, another physician must examine the patient's medical records and confirm the diagnosis. The patient must be determined to not suffer from a mental condition impairing judgement. If the request is authorized, the patient must wait at least fifteen days and make a second oral request before the prescription may be written. The patient has a right to rescind the request at any time. Should either physician have concerns about the patient’s ability to make an informed decision, or feel the patient’s request may be motivated by depression or coercion, the patient must be referred for a psychological evaluation. "
" The law protects doctors from liability for providing a lethal prescription for a terminally ill, competent adult in compliance with the statute restrictions. Participation by physicians, pharmacists, and health care providers is voluntary. The law also specifies a patient's decision to end his or her life shall not "have an effect upon a life, health, or accident insurance or annuity. "
***
The nature of this law is inescapable to a lot of argument as it defies certain moral standards in our society. We were brought up knowing that suicide in all forms or ways is basically unacceptable, but for people who are ill and suffering, think of it as a deliverance from all the pain.
I understand why some people would like to end everything because death can sometimes be convenient. But in my opinion, a lot of things can happen in those 6 months so I do not agree a hundred percent. Having 3 months to live is a rather different case and I think it's the most appropriate time if a patient wishes to undergo this certain procedure. By this time, the patient may be experiencing the greatest pain and suffering.
Experiencing someone very close to my heart taken away by sudden death is unbearable. Like what I used to say, I can give up everything to have my father's life 'extended' for one more day and be with us. I'm sure, people who are close to the patient feel the same way so why cut everything short?
I'm not in the position to judge a person whether this is acceptable or not for I didn't experience the pain they're going through. But isn't knowing you're still gonna see the faces of your loved ones, talk to them, and touch their hands worth living even just for a little bit longer?
I searched Wiki for a narrative description about this law to give a better insight, and so it says:
***
" Under the law, a capable adult who has been diagnosed by a physician with a terminal illness that will kill them within six months may request in writing, from his or her physician, a prescription for a lethal dose of medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life. Use of the law is voluntary and the patient must initiate the request. Any physician, pharmacist or healthcare provider opposed on moral grounds does not have to participate. "
" The request must be confirmed by two witnesses, one of whom cannot be related to the patient, be entitled to any portion of the patient's estate, be the patient's physician, or be employed by a health care facility caring for the patient. After the request is made, another physician must examine the patient's medical records and confirm the diagnosis. The patient must be determined to not suffer from a mental condition impairing judgement. If the request is authorized, the patient must wait at least fifteen days and make a second oral request before the prescription may be written. The patient has a right to rescind the request at any time. Should either physician have concerns about the patient’s ability to make an informed decision, or feel the patient’s request may be motivated by depression or coercion, the patient must be referred for a psychological evaluation. "
" The law protects doctors from liability for providing a lethal prescription for a terminally ill, competent adult in compliance with the statute restrictions. Participation by physicians, pharmacists, and health care providers is voluntary. The law also specifies a patient's decision to end his or her life shall not "have an effect upon a life, health, or accident insurance or annuity. "
***
The nature of this law is inescapable to a lot of argument as it defies certain moral standards in our society. We were brought up knowing that suicide in all forms or ways is basically unacceptable, but for people who are ill and suffering, think of it as a deliverance from all the pain.
I understand why some people would like to end everything because death can sometimes be convenient. But in my opinion, a lot of things can happen in those 6 months so I do not agree a hundred percent. Having 3 months to live is a rather different case and I think it's the most appropriate time if a patient wishes to undergo this certain procedure. By this time, the patient may be experiencing the greatest pain and suffering.
Experiencing someone very close to my heart taken away by sudden death is unbearable. Like what I used to say, I can give up everything to have my father's life 'extended' for one more day and be with us. I'm sure, people who are close to the patient feel the same way so why cut everything short?
I'm not in the position to judge a person whether this is acceptable or not for I didn't experience the pain they're going through. But isn't knowing you're still gonna see the faces of your loved ones, talk to them, and touch their hands worth living even just for a little bit longer?
10.24.2008
U.S. Visa Waiver Program
I read from Ana's Blog about South Korea being recently included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. I also heard about this talks before while watching late night news program at SBS, I didn't know that it'll be implemented this early. Koreans can now enter U.S. (are the territories included?) without visa provided that they'll use the new electronic passport... Wait, did I just say 'electronic passport'? What's that? I'm intrigued.
I remember my sister going through a hard time preparing for her U.S. trip last month. She was in a major rush preparing documents, getting her passport renewed, purchasing her tickets, and preparing for the interview. I think she did all that in less than two weeks. My mother felt relieved when we finally took her to Centennial Airport. Imagine, if the Philippines like South Korea be included in the program... it'll be a hassle-free trip for her and also, she wouldn't have to pay the Visa application fee which was quite expensive.
I can't help but think that the U.S. government is earning big amount of money through that Visa application fee since a lot of pinoys are applying for visa every single day regardless whether it will be approved or denied.
I remember my sister going through a hard time preparing for her U.S. trip last month. She was in a major rush preparing documents, getting her passport renewed, purchasing her tickets, and preparing for the interview. I think she did all that in less than two weeks. My mother felt relieved when we finally took her to Centennial Airport. Imagine, if the Philippines like South Korea be included in the program... it'll be a hassle-free trip for her and also, she wouldn't have to pay the Visa application fee which was quite expensive.
I can't help but think that the U.S. government is earning big amount of money through that Visa application fee since a lot of pinoys are applying for visa every single day regardless whether it will be approved or denied.
8.15.2008
Rockin the Beijing Olympics
Korea is totally rockin the Beijing Olympics!!! ROK is currently number 3 in the medal standing next to US and China being the first. Park Tae Wan who is my favorite, got a gold medal in Men's freestyle 400m swimming and a silver in the 200m. His game was highly anticipated and I'm sure a lot of people watched (I could literally hear the neighbors screaming!!!).
Korea also got gold in Weightlifting, Wrestling, Judo, Shooting, Badminton, and Swimming. As everybody expected, team Korea also bagged gold medals for Men and Women's archery. It didn't come as a surprise for many since they always get the gold medal for this sport since the 1970's.
I'm still waiting for Taekwondo (Korea's National Sport). I expect that they would get all the medals in all division as they always do for several decades now.
Go Team Korea!
Korea also got gold in Weightlifting, Wrestling, Judo, Shooting, Badminton, and Swimming. As everybody expected, team Korea also bagged gold medals for Men and Women's archery. It didn't come as a surprise for many since they always get the gold medal for this sport since the 1970's.
I'm still waiting for Taekwondo (Korea's National Sport). I expect that they would get all the medals in all division as they always do for several decades now.
Go Team Korea!
2.24.2008
For foreigners in Korea
CULTURE SHOCK: When first arriving in a country, one is usually excited and eager for new experiences. (Oooh, WAS I excited!) After a while, the newness wears off, and homesickness begins. Do not judge yourself too severely at this point. It happens to everyone. "I will never understand this place. I want some real food, some real friends, a real apartment. Why do Koreans do X?" (This was sooo me a couple of months ago and maybe sometimes I still feel this way)
There is hope and it is usually just a matter of time.(Yes, there is hope) As you continue to cope with the realities of living here, you begin to take things for granted which used to annoy you. Life becomes pleasant enough that you no longer care about the inconveniences. You suddenly find that you like kimchi. You realize your friends are interesting people to know, that helping them improve their English just adds to that interest; you begin to understand your boss who was such a pain when you came; you make a few good friends who are willing to show you the Korea outside of the foreigner's community, you begin to try and learn some Korean and use it. There are many foreigners in Korea who have come to and remain at this point, - not so much assimilated, but a part of the country in their own niche here, and who want to spend a long time in Korea.
For many others, however, the feeling eventually comes that it is time to leave. With luck you will realize it before it affects your life too deeply. It is time to leave when you begin to be negative about the country and its people. When you no longer want to go to work; when you dislike your students; when you become irritated with everything and everyone and have angry discussions with others of like mind, it is time to go.
FOREIGNERS ARE NOT KOREAN (and will never be): Korean society in general makes a great distinction between one's inner circle of family, friends and business colleagues, and outsiders. One should always treat one's inner circle with complete respect and courtesy, while one treats strangers with indifference. Korea is not an egalitarian society; one is either of a higher or a lower status than other people. How do foreigners fit into this scheme? The simple answer is - they don't. Foreigners are completely off the scope. (Yeah, that's soooo true)
In recent years, less than 10 percent of Koreans traveled abroad, most often on group tours with other Koreans, or on business trips. Even now, with outbound tourism high, most Korean travelers still visit only friends, relatives or Korean neighborhoods, or travel in groups of other Koreans. Thus, Korean society remains very inwardly focused. For most Koreans, foreigners exist only as stereotypes, and are not always liked. Living in Korea as a foreigner requires patience and fortitude. Many foreigners have found Koreans can be quite friendly and warm, but a foreigner will seldom be accepted as part of the inner circle; he will almost always be an outsider looking in.
During my stay in Korea, I began to notice a lot of different things. Some are good and some are not so good. I began to question about so many things I couldn't understand. What people always answer is "Korean munha" or that's korean culture. I usually blame their culture for those bad things that I had experienced. I've been to other countries as well and met many people from different countries but I view Korean people as rather unique, very different from other nationalities. I understand cultural diversity and the likes but for lots of people, we put away some bad or inacceptable norms we usually do and try to bring out the more universal thing that will be easily accepted by the others. I've tried to fit in but I always end up sticking like a sore thumb in a pool of korean people. Bottom line is we never fit in. Sad as it may seem but we never do. I should have read about this article a long time ago and save myself the anguish of thinking and trying to understand everything!
There is hope and it is usually just a matter of time.(Yes, there is hope) As you continue to cope with the realities of living here, you begin to take things for granted which used to annoy you. Life becomes pleasant enough that you no longer care about the inconveniences. You suddenly find that you like kimchi. You realize your friends are interesting people to know, that helping them improve their English just adds to that interest; you begin to understand your boss who was such a pain when you came; you make a few good friends who are willing to show you the Korea outside of the foreigner's community, you begin to try and learn some Korean and use it. There are many foreigners in Korea who have come to and remain at this point, - not so much assimilated, but a part of the country in their own niche here, and who want to spend a long time in Korea.
For many others, however, the feeling eventually comes that it is time to leave. With luck you will realize it before it affects your life too deeply. It is time to leave when you begin to be negative about the country and its people. When you no longer want to go to work; when you dislike your students; when you become irritated with everything and everyone and have angry discussions with others of like mind, it is time to go.
FOREIGNERS ARE NOT KOREAN (and will never be): Korean society in general makes a great distinction between one's inner circle of family, friends and business colleagues, and outsiders. One should always treat one's inner circle with complete respect and courtesy, while one treats strangers with indifference. Korea is not an egalitarian society; one is either of a higher or a lower status than other people. How do foreigners fit into this scheme? The simple answer is - they don't. Foreigners are completely off the scope. (Yeah, that's soooo true)
In recent years, less than 10 percent of Koreans traveled abroad, most often on group tours with other Koreans, or on business trips. Even now, with outbound tourism high, most Korean travelers still visit only friends, relatives or Korean neighborhoods, or travel in groups of other Koreans. Thus, Korean society remains very inwardly focused. For most Koreans, foreigners exist only as stereotypes, and are not always liked. Living in Korea as a foreigner requires patience and fortitude. Many foreigners have found Koreans can be quite friendly and warm, but a foreigner will seldom be accepted as part of the inner circle; he will almost always be an outsider looking in.
During my stay in Korea, I began to notice a lot of different things. Some are good and some are not so good. I began to question about so many things I couldn't understand. What people always answer is "Korean munha" or that's korean culture. I usually blame their culture for those bad things that I had experienced. I've been to other countries as well and met many people from different countries but I view Korean people as rather unique, very different from other nationalities. I understand cultural diversity and the likes but for lots of people, we put away some bad or inacceptable norms we usually do and try to bring out the more universal thing that will be easily accepted by the others. I've tried to fit in but I always end up sticking like a sore thumb in a pool of korean people. Bottom line is we never fit in. Sad as it may seem but we never do. I should have read about this article a long time ago and save myself the anguish of thinking and trying to understand everything!
12.21.2007
New South Korean President
Yesterday marks South Korea's presidential election date. The voting centers opened early at 6 am and closed at 6 pm. I happen to see one voting center nearby the University while I was on my way home. It's no way similar to election day back home where people are constantly at lost finding their numbers or precints to vote. Here they have a very good system which makes voting a breeze. They also use state-of-the-art technology to count votes accurately and fast. I really have to mention that as early as 9 pm last night (3 HOURS AFTER THE ELECTION CLOSED) they already proclaimed the winner. Yes, IT'S THAT FAST!!! As everyone expected Lee Myung Bak won; he's a former mayor of Seoul.
11.08.2007
Studying in Korea
For foreign people who are lucky to study here may attest to me that the Korean University Standard is indeed praise-worthy. From the resources, the method of teaching, the well-maintained buildings, to the professors and students are all conducive to learning.
Koreans are stagerring ninety-percent educated, the few who are not are the 'deadbeat' of the society. A household spends about 1/3 to 1/2 of their total income to pay for different educational institutions or 'hagwons'. It's astonishing how engrossed Koreans are in educating their children, even enrolling them in numerous 'hagwons' for math, english, science, taekwondo, and arts aside from their regular school.
It's not uncanny to see school children at midnight here. It's about the time that they finish at their respective hagwons. I can't imagine how stressful it can be! My high-school is as carefree as can be so I really can't imagine being in those kid's shoes. A typical high-school student here wakes up at around 6 am and attends school from 7 am to about 4 or 5 pm. Then they usually go straight to hagwon to study. They come home very late and will have to study again way past midnight and have about 4 hours of sleep before waking up and going to school again the next morning. They go to school from Monday to Saturday so they only have one day of the week to take a rest.
They are studying this hard in preparation for the university exam which is the most important thing for them. All students across the country wanted to enter the top 10 Universities in Seoul. It's very tight competition so all of them must work very hard to secure a spot in those Ivy League Universities. It is as if their life depends on it, but somehow that is true. A person who graduated from a 'good' university has a more stable and secure future. Even in getting a partner it's also important, most girls like men who studies or who graduated from a good university. Those men can get a good and high-paying job and thus, they are popular and revered by korean women.
Universities here are vast and very modern with beautiful and clean surroundings. The campus is surrounded by beautiful trees that changes colors every season, flowers, and colorful bushes. It resembles me of a leisure park where everything is neat and picturesque. They are equipped with swimming pools, soccer ground, tennis, baseball, basketball courts, and some even has pond or lake inside. Libraries are huge and have individual study area. There are high speed computers for everyone to use for free. And what I really like about schools here is that there are all kinds of orgs and clubs for the geeks, the hotties or the average joe. I like school fairs because they usually invite a famous personality, a popular actor or actress, or singers. During this fairs there are tons of funny games and numerous concerts to watch for free.
I'm also very impressed with the architectural design of the buildings. It's more of like an artwork for me. They have combined, modern buildings with Roman and Greek Inspired ones. The statues, sculptures and paintings that adorn the school are precious pieces of artworks that can inspire anyone to be 'artsy'.
The bad side for this is the expense. When you enter these schools prepare to shell out $ 5,000 for a semester. With that money some people choose to study abroad. I don't blame them because the living expense here is very high. Not to mention each campus here has their own nightlife; unlimited hoffs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, game room, etc., that can really take a huge chunk in a person's wallet.
Koreans are stagerring ninety-percent educated, the few who are not are the 'deadbeat' of the society. A household spends about 1/3 to 1/2 of their total income to pay for different educational institutions or 'hagwons'. It's astonishing how engrossed Koreans are in educating their children, even enrolling them in numerous 'hagwons' for math, english, science, taekwondo, and arts aside from their regular school.
It's not uncanny to see school children at midnight here. It's about the time that they finish at their respective hagwons. I can't imagine how stressful it can be! My high-school is as carefree as can be so I really can't imagine being in those kid's shoes. A typical high-school student here wakes up at around 6 am and attends school from 7 am to about 4 or 5 pm. Then they usually go straight to hagwon to study. They come home very late and will have to study again way past midnight and have about 4 hours of sleep before waking up and going to school again the next morning. They go to school from Monday to Saturday so they only have one day of the week to take a rest.
They are studying this hard in preparation for the university exam which is the most important thing for them. All students across the country wanted to enter the top 10 Universities in Seoul. It's very tight competition so all of them must work very hard to secure a spot in those Ivy League Universities. It is as if their life depends on it, but somehow that is true. A person who graduated from a 'good' university has a more stable and secure future. Even in getting a partner it's also important, most girls like men who studies or who graduated from a good university. Those men can get a good and high-paying job and thus, they are popular and revered by korean women.
Universities here are vast and very modern with beautiful and clean surroundings. The campus is surrounded by beautiful trees that changes colors every season, flowers, and colorful bushes. It resembles me of a leisure park where everything is neat and picturesque. They are equipped with swimming pools, soccer ground, tennis, baseball, basketball courts, and some even has pond or lake inside. Libraries are huge and have individual study area. There are high speed computers for everyone to use for free. And what I really like about schools here is that there are all kinds of orgs and clubs for the geeks, the hotties or the average joe. I like school fairs because they usually invite a famous personality, a popular actor or actress, or singers. During this fairs there are tons of funny games and numerous concerts to watch for free.
I'm also very impressed with the architectural design of the buildings. It's more of like an artwork for me. They have combined, modern buildings with Roman and Greek Inspired ones. The statues, sculptures and paintings that adorn the school are precious pieces of artworks that can inspire anyone to be 'artsy'.
The bad side for this is the expense. When you enter these schools prepare to shell out $ 5,000 for a semester. With that money some people choose to study abroad. I don't blame them because the living expense here is very high. Not to mention each campus here has their own nightlife; unlimited hoffs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, game room, etc., that can really take a huge chunk in a person's wallet.
11.02.2007
Visa problems hound Tribu delegates to Busan, Korea
Several members of the group that created the award-winning independent film Tribu won't be able to go to Korea for the Busan International Film Festival because of visa problems.
"Tribu delegates for Pusan Film Festival suffer humiliating discrimination from Korean embassy; by issuing visa effective only after the festival event is over," said Tribu director Jim Libiran. However, the Korean embassy only issued visas for Jim Libiran, sound editor Marc Laccay, and executive producer Dodge Dillague because they were not "first time travelers." The others were denied as they were not able to present the necessary documents.
Mitch Libiran, Jim's wife said that she felt that there was discrimination.
"Sabi sa nag-interview sa amin, hindi raw nila kami kilala. Hinahanapan din ako ng bank statement at certificate of employment. Kahit pa sinabi ko na ang festival ang siyang sasagot sa aming gastos pagdating ng Korea, hindi pa rin kami nabigyan ng visa. Kahit na sinabi ko na huwag naman 15th ang date na ibigay niya sa isa namin kasamahan, hindi rin ako pinakinggan," Mitch said.
She added that the consul officer did not even scan their papers which showed that the group was invited to the festival.
Mitch also said that it appears that the consul general feared that they might overstay in Korea or, worse, go TNT (tago ng tago).
Mitch said that she would leave Oct. 11 for the awards night, hoping that Tribu wins.
"We were hoping na maging lenient sila dahil may sulat naman kami mula sa festival organizers pero nakakainis ang nangyari sa amin. Nakaka-disappoint," Mitch lamented.
Marc Laccay won the Best Sound award in the third Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival while Tribu was the Best Film in the Cinemalaya 2007.
The Pusan film festival is scheduled to be held October 4 to 11 in Pusan, South Korea. Out of the four Filipino films invited to Pusan, only Tribu - which narrates the lives of gangsters-rappers belonging to gangs or "tribes" in Tondo - was chosen for competition.
"Tribu delegates for Pusan Film Festival suffer humiliating discrimination from Korean embassy; by issuing visa effective only after the festival event is over," said Tribu director Jim Libiran. However, the Korean embassy only issued visas for Jim Libiran, sound editor Marc Laccay, and executive producer Dodge Dillague because they were not "first time travelers." The others were denied as they were not able to present the necessary documents.
Mitch Libiran, Jim's wife said that she felt that there was discrimination.
"Sabi sa nag-interview sa amin, hindi raw nila kami kilala. Hinahanapan din ako ng bank statement at certificate of employment. Kahit pa sinabi ko na ang festival ang siyang sasagot sa aming gastos pagdating ng Korea, hindi pa rin kami nabigyan ng visa. Kahit na sinabi ko na huwag naman 15th ang date na ibigay niya sa isa namin kasamahan, hindi rin ako pinakinggan," Mitch said.
She added that the consul officer did not even scan their papers which showed that the group was invited to the festival.
Mitch also said that it appears that the consul general feared that they might overstay in Korea or, worse, go TNT (tago ng tago).
Mitch said that she would leave Oct. 11 for the awards night, hoping that Tribu wins.
"We were hoping na maging lenient sila dahil may sulat naman kami mula sa festival organizers pero nakakainis ang nangyari sa amin. Nakaka-disappoint," Mitch lamented.
Marc Laccay won the Best Sound award in the third Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival while Tribu was the Best Film in the Cinemalaya 2007.
The Pusan film festival is scheduled to be held October 4 to 11 in Pusan, South Korea. Out of the four Filipino films invited to Pusan, only Tribu - which narrates the lives of gangsters-rappers belonging to gangs or "tribes" in Tondo - was chosen for competition.
10.25.2007
Seoul Named Costliest City in Asia
Fact about Korea.
Seoul has been named the most expensive city in Asia for foreign residents.
According to statistics released Tuesday by global human resources consulting firm ECA International, Seoul has the highest living expenses for foreigners in Asia, and the seventh highest in the world.
Japanese cities edged down the list because of the depreciating value of the yen.
Lee Quane, general manager of ECA International Hong Kong said, "Five years ago, expatriates in Tokyo paid 35 percent more for basic goods and services than those in Seoul. But the stronger won has seen foreign expatriates living in the South Korean capital paying 10 percent more for the same items compared to their counterparts in Tokyo."
Tokyo was next after Seoul on the list, followed by Yokohama, Kobe, Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and Jakarta.
Seoul has been named the most expensive city in Asia for foreign residents.
According to statistics released Tuesday by global human resources consulting firm ECA International, Seoul has the highest living expenses for foreigners in Asia, and the seventh highest in the world.
Japanese cities edged down the list because of the depreciating value of the yen.
Lee Quane, general manager of ECA International Hong Kong said, "Five years ago, expatriates in Tokyo paid 35 percent more for basic goods and services than those in Seoul. But the stronger won has seen foreign expatriates living in the South Korean capital paying 10 percent more for the same items compared to their counterparts in Tokyo."
Tokyo was next after Seoul on the list, followed by Yokohama, Kobe, Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and Jakarta.
7.27.2007
The highly coveted VISA
I feel bad for so many Pinoys out there who are dreaming to work here in the Land of the Morning Calm but too bad the Korean Embassy temporarily stopped issuing working visas for Filipinos because of the apparent corruption within the Department of Foreign Affairs. I can't blame Korea for doing something like this harsh though many people are going to suffer the consequences. It's bad enough that we are obviously not a good candidate for getting a VISA in so many countries I couldn't count. I could remember when I was at the Embassy in Manila waiting for my scheduled interview. I asked the clerk about the long queue of people looking rather depressed upon retrieving their passports. I was told that those people were denied and when I asked for the reason he said the Embassy is very well aware of our economic situation and that those people have a very high chance to stay abroad illegally had they've been approved.
Korea's economy is getting better and better boasting higher GDP every year. What about us? It's sad that once we were the model country of Korea. They once put us in a pedestal and tried their very best to be at par with our economic progress. But it was in the long past already. And they have become the 12th richest country in the world and us one of the poorest.
Due to their economic stability, they can now enter the US without VISA. It means a regular Korean citizen can enter Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, US, and others I lost count. Koreans know about our sad history, our economic regression, and the rampant corruption and yet they still see a future in the Philippines, that's why it's the top retirement spot for them. They do have that Philippine dream; to live in a big house, with the luxury of having helpers, and basically having the comfortable life they can't have here with their measly pension.
Korea's economy is getting better and better boasting higher GDP every year. What about us? It's sad that once we were the model country of Korea. They once put us in a pedestal and tried their very best to be at par with our economic progress. But it was in the long past already. And they have become the 12th richest country in the world and us one of the poorest.
Due to their economic stability, they can now enter the US without VISA. It means a regular Korean citizen can enter Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, US, and others I lost count. Koreans know about our sad history, our economic regression, and the rampant corruption and yet they still see a future in the Philippines, that's why it's the top retirement spot for them. They do have that Philippine dream; to live in a big house, with the luxury of having helpers, and basically having the comfortable life they can't have here with their measly pension.
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