Sonya's Garden...

If there's one place I've been meaning to visit it's Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay. So I'm overly excited after hearing the news that we will be having a huge family reunion next year and they are considering to hold the function there. It's a good honeymoon place I think cause it's not crowded and not too commercialized. It's a good place for a nice weekend getaway too. But for a reunion? I think Sonya's Garden is suited for a rather intimate occasion. I wonder when I'm gonna visit this place.....???? I hope I wouldn't have to wait till next year.

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Flavor Test

I'M A CHERRY GARCIA

CHERRY GARCIA! You scored 66% SWEET, 66% CHUNKY, and 51% UNIQUE! cherry sweet cream base with cherries and fudge chunks Awesome...you are one of my personal favs: Cherry Garcia. You fall in the middle on all measurements- sweet, wild, and unique, but not overwhelmingly so on any of those. You make a good friend, able to share your unique perspectives on things, and able to have fun without winding up in jail or something. Good job.

A song by Jack Wagner

Kissing you was not what I had planned
And now I'm not so sure just where I stand
I wasn't looking for true love But now you're looking at me
You're the only one I can think of You're the only one I see

All I need Is just a little more time
To be sure what I feel Is it all in my mind?
'Cause it seems so hard to believe that you're all I need

I guess it's true we've all been hurt before
But it doesn't seem to matter anymore
It's maybe a chance we're taking But it always comes to this
If this isn't love we're making Then I don't know what it is

All I need Is just a little more time
To be sure What I feel is it all in my mind?
'Cause it seems so hard to believe that you're all I need

No stars are out to night
But we're shining our own light
And it's never felt so right
'Cause girl the way I'm feeling
It's easy to believe that you're all I need
You're all I need

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!

The Mechanical Contrivium: Emma

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Emma!

The difference between Emma and a village is that Emma does not have a church!

Emmaolatry is the mindless worship of Emma.

A Emmaometer is used to measure Emma.

Donald Duck's middle name is Emma.

There is actually no danger in swimming right after you eat Emma, though it may feel uncomfortable.

The eye of an ostrich is bigger than Emma!

The only planet that rotates on its side is Emma.

Pound for pound, hamburgers cost more than Emma!

The first toy product ever advertised on television was Mr Emma Head.

Emma will become gaseous if her temperature rises above -42°C.

What my birthday means...

This one, fun test I took from Blogideas.com


Your Birthdate: July 14

You work well with others. That is, you're good at getting them to do work for you. (tell me about leadership skills...hehe..)

It's true that you get by on your charm.

But so what? You make people happy! ( Isn't it the most important thing?)

You're dynamic, clever, and funny. And people like to have you around. ( I hope so...!)

But you're so restless, they better not expect you to stay around for long. ( yeah, I get bored easily... faster that any human being I know )

Your strength: Your superstar charisma ( really??? I'm gullible so I'll believe that )

Your weakness: Commitment means nothing to you ( true, and it always get me into trouble with the others )

Your power color: Fuchsia ( everyone knows I love all shades of pink )

Your power symbol: Diamond ( wanna have one of those someday )

Your power month: May ( let's see what happens this May )

Diamond shoes

I really can't believe that these shoes are worth a million dollars!!! It's a beauty alright, but not the most beautiful I have seen. It was created by Stuart Weitzman for the Oscars bearing 1,800 diamonds to boot.
I'm not into sexy stilletos and the likes cause I can't wear them but it doesn't mean I can't appreciate them. But this one for me is nothing out of the ordinary.
I wonder how it feels to wear them....

Dreamin' of Ne-Yo

Sad to hear about Ne-Yo being busted by the police due to reckless driving last Feb 19. This smooth RNB superstar is about to stage a one-night concert in Araneta Coliseum on the 29th of Feb. I so wanna go!!! Bad news is.... tickets are all sold out!!! I'm not wondering why cause these are the type of concert that one shouldn't really miss. Official VIP seats are priced at 4,500 p and general admission is about 600 p. I also heard that there are very-limited VIP seats (probably the best spot in the house) selling for 7,500 to 10,000 p.

A song I'm currenly listening to, is sung by Ne-yo tyogether with RIhanna...

HATE THAT I LOVE YOU!!!!

As much as I love you
As much as I need you
And I cant stand you
Must everything you do make me wanna smile
Can I not like you for awhile?

You wont let me
You upset me girl
And then you kiss my lips
All of a sudden I forgive (that I was upset)
Can't remember what you did

But I hate...You know exactly what to do
So that I cant stay mad at you
For too long thats wrong
But I hate...You know exactly how to touch
So that I dont want to fuss.. and fight no more
Said I despise that i adore you

And i hate how much i love you boy
I cant stand how much I need you
And I hate how much I love you boy
But I just cant let you go
And I hate that I love you so

You completely know the power that you have
The only one makes me laugh
Said its not fair how you take advantage of the fact
That I..will be under reason why
And it just aint right

And I hate how much I love you girl
I cant stand how much I need you
And I hate how much I love you girl
But I just cant let you go
But I hate that I love you so

One of these days maybe your magic wont affect me
And your kiss wont make me weak
But no one in this world knows me the way you know me
So you'll probably always have a spell on me...
As much i love you (as much as I need you)
As much as I need you
As much I love you
As much as I need you

And I hate that i love you soooo
And I hate how much i love you boy
I cant stand how much I need ya
And I hate how much I love you boy
But I just cant let you go (but I just cant let you go no..)
And I hate that I love you so

San Mig Light

San Mig Light, the best beer in town.... I can't agree any better!

Pinoy Chow

One of the things I missed while I was out of the country is Pork Barbecue. It's one of those food that I'll never get tired of. I have tried several BBQ's like mongolian, chinese, and korean but I feel something is lacking with their taste. Korean barbecue comes close when it comes to taste and distinct sweetness like ours but I still prefer our own style. My mother makes the best pork and chicken BBQ and we really enjoy grilling and basting it while drinking ice cold beer especially just before Christmas eve.

Dream Lover's Embrace

Memories I found reminiscing,

In the moonlight silvery glow,

Bygone dreams I remember,

On the paths where lovers go.

Dreams never need to be lost,

I could share mine with you,

Step 'neath the stars tonight,

As the moon comes into view.

As I remember dreams shared,

Whilst harmonising the tune,

I play your love songs again,

'Neath the light of a silver moon.

Dreams within lovers embrace,

In moonlight upon the shore,

I capture what matters most,

In continuous love forevermore

another list

7 random facts about you:

* I like reading newspapers
* I hate watching the news
* I hate sleeping with the lights out
* I play my mp3 really loud
* I'm very family oriented
* I like watching movies alone
* like kikay stuff

7 important things for you:

* love letters given to me
* presents from loved ones
* aircon???
* TV (can't live without it)
* family album
* mp3
* my highschool ID

7 things you plan before you die:

* give to charity
* meet someone whom I haven't seen for the longest time
* build my dream house
* meet my exes and say sorry to them
* go to countries that ends with 'land' (greenland, netherland, iceland, etc...)
* make someone very happy
* be happy

7 things that attract you to the opposite sex:

* tall
* this is superficial I know.... but I like good looks
* articulate
* smile
* snobbish
* never did like a player... I like men who just dated a few girls ( I know it sounds selfish...)
* thoughtful....?

7 things you say the most:

* 'eeew!'
* WTF?
* "ano ka ba?"
* "please"
* "ewan"
* "Just...."
* "OMG"

7 crushes (whether local or foreign):

* I like Chase Crawford
* Chris Evans
* Lebron James
* Paul Walker
* Edison Chen
* Jay Chou
* Josh Harnett

Trip gone bad?! (third)

Sunday, the weather was a lot better. They removed the snow from the roads and sprayed a lot of NaCl so it wouldn't freeze. Everything could be seen clearly, not foggy or blurry. But it's colder... much colder than the other days. I appreciate the place even more in this state... There was definitely something magical! Suddenly, I was whisked away in a winter wonderland.. didin't care if it was cold, freezing, or my if my coat got wet. I was a child again, playing in knee-deep snowing as if making my very first snowman. AT that time, it was all about the place so picturesque, can't help but let out a sigh!

Trip gone bad?! (second)

That Saturday we were able to arrive safely (but with very little damage to our car) to the sea famous for the Endless Love 1 drama. I'm sure in a better weather I'll appreciate it more but I barely could open my eyes with the strong wind and snow.

Waves are huge and very strong (reminded me a bit of the movie Blue Crush). I was delighted to see snow in the sea which was a first for me... I wonder how cold the water is?

We headed to the former North Korean president's house which serves as a museum now and I was able to take pictures in the balcony...

We went to some other places afterwards but it's so blurry and we just couldn't see anything. No pics at that time.

Trip gone bad?!

Friday, a day before the trip, there were several travel advisories shown on TV about a heavy snowfall that hit the northern peninsula and Gangwon-do (our destination) having the worst bout of snow and ice. Many roads were already blocked, accidents by the minute, traffic jam which can lead an hour drive to four. Flights have been cancelled and public transportation was inaccessible. After all the preparation and endless anxiety whether or not this trip shall be pursued, we finally departed (against all odds) for Gangwon-do last Saturday at dawn.

The weather seems promising that dawn and it was just snowing a little at that time. It's not even that cold, and I remember I had to turn the heater off while I was inside the car, cause the 4 layers of thick clothing and 2 layers of pants are a bit too warm for the weather. Then I started to notice that the snowfall becomes harder and bigger as we were pushing farther away from Seoul towards our destination. I was pre-occupied waiting for the sunrise that I didn't notice how much the weather was changed from Seoul.

We arrived in Gangwon-do at about 10 am and we directly headed to our first destination. As we were getting near we made a wrong turn and we slid to a huge pile of snow at the side of the road. I was stuck in the front seat, can't get out as the snow covers half of the door beside me. Snow was too deep that we had to dig and luckily some of the locals saw us and gave us a shovel to remove the snow. Snow became harder and visibility is getting more and more difficult. Tires kept sliding as the road became dangerously slippery (we didn't have that tire-chain thing that they use here when it snows). We were going not more that 40km/h or brakes wouldn't function and we'll slide in all direction.

We weren't able to accomplish all our plan that day but I don't have any regret. It's white everywhere... blanketed by snow. Everywhere I look it's beautiful... it's like I can feel some sense of peace and serenity.

Unstoppable

The heck!!! it hasn't stopped snowing the whole day and forecast mentioned it wouldn't for two more days... I wonder how this will affect my trip...? Most major highways are filling up with more and more snow and mountain ways are basically not passable cause cars can't ascend with the icy-slippery road condition.
All hell may break loose but I'm still gonna pursue this trip. This might be the last trip I'm gonna make for a long time and nothing can stop me now!!!
I

A wet morning

I woke up not noticing that it's snowing hard outside. When I went outside, I was shocked to find all the place covered in snow. Wind is blowing in all direction. Sucks that my clothes aren't waterproof and snow just seeps in so I had to go back to my chambers...
Had to do some last minute shopping for my upcoming trip this weekend. My destination is probably one of the coldest place in here, sometimes tipping the temperature a little less than -30 degrees. Thought I'd be stacking some snack for a 5 hour journey and get some stuff for the house.
hm... so cold outside... I badly need a hot chocolate now!!!! Oh, and pancakes will do me just fine....

~~~

The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough.

Phoenix at night

After I finished playing snowboarding I went back to the condominium to take a shower and change clothes. Those snow boots are killing me!!! After eating dinner I went to the Ski resort's welcome party being held in one of their dance club. It wasn't that interesting so I thought I might just go around the resort and see some night scenery. It's cold outside (duh!)... my sneakers were drenched in ice-cold snow. The air is good! Fresh but cold... so I bought a warm can of coffee. I noticed there were a lot of super-cute boys who play ski/snowboard very well, or are they pro?. Where were they at daytime? It would have been so worth it to hurt my behind... ^^

Can't find the pictures right now, so I'll post it next time.

Ski Resort Trip

I just got back from a ski resort trip! I'm aching all over and I had to take advil to ease my pain. I played snowboarding and as expected with all beginners, I fell down on the snow a lot of times. It wasn't easy for me gathering all my strenght getting back on my feet just to fall down after a couple of seconds!!! People who saw me think I'm pretty hilarious, they even became familiar with the word 'aray' or 'ouch' cause they kept hearing me say that as I fell down repeatedly. If I had enough time I would have played ski and I think it's really fun.

I had so much fun and I think it's one of the best trip I've ever had in years... I'm looking forward to coming back next year!!!