I Thought I'd Be CHEWED Alive....

by this....

but I wasn't.... 

It was I who did the CHEWING..

It was really CHEWY...

                                      

(츄-잉=chyu-ing // 초-코-칩=cho-kko-chip)

Sold for half of their original price, I bought two boxes of the chocolate chips. 

They were really good.  Sinfully delicious, I should say....

You'll Get Mail 2...

To Karell and Karen E., please help me pray for your teeny-weeny packages to surely reach your doorsteps...

Yeah, I just mailed you both last March 16... A lucky day for me.. I really really hope the envelopes won't get ripped open somewhere else, huhuhu...

They just contain really simple random things from here... Nothing really special. (ㅎㅅㅎ)  Just some small things to show my appreciation for you guys... But I still hope they will reach you safe and sound...  Enjoy!

For the others who emailed me their addresses, please bear with me for a while...

I'll just email you once I've sent your envelopes already...

Thank you very much...

Seoul's "LITTLE MANILA" to Stay AT LEAST FOR NOW...

We're done reviewing the Korean alphabet, finally...  So after the placement test, I and some of my remaining classmates for the past 2 months had to study the Hangeul--writing and reading again with the newcomers.  Most of the Vietnamese and Chinese were all transfered to the next level.

I absented for more than a week so I could accompany Alex in our "house hunting."  This morning, I was ecstatic when the Korean teacher finally asked us to open our books...

After our Korean class this morning, my classmates and I talked about being employed here in Korea and, of course, about Hyewadong.  Since I wasn't able to visit the Sunday market for the last 2 sundays of February, I actually didn't know what happened to it already.  I promised my companions to get an update about it. I planned on calling ate Betchay (of buhaykorea.com) but completely forgot about it when Alex called and requested I make jjajangmyeon (I can make this one now too...hehe)...

Visiting the Korea Times tonight made my day...or made my night...

Here's a repost of Cathy Rose A. Garcia's report:

Little Manila to Stay On

"Little Manila," the market for the Filipino community held every Sunday, is being allowed to stay at Hyehwa-dong, at least for now.

Jongno District Office in Seoul has informed the Philippine Embassy it will not push through with its original plan to relocate the market from its location outside the Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church to the new multicultural market in Nakwon-dong this month.

"They will not push through with the relocation plan this March, pending on the improvements (in the market), such as the new size and designs of the market stalls that were being discussed together with the vendors," Father Alvin Parantar, chaplain of the Hyehwa-dong Filipino Catholic Community and representative for the ethnic community, told The Korea Times.

The Jongno District Office confirmed the plan under the spirit of promoting co-existence with the Filipino community.

"It is best if they move to another place as the current market is open illegally," Lee Jong-ju of the district said.

"However, we will not force them to move out as they are trying to improve the market in a clean and orderly way. For instance, they stopped setting up stalls behind taxi stands."

Parantar said the community greatly appreciates Jongno District Office's consideration, even though there is no final decision on the matter. Jongno officials have warned that they will be closely monitoring developments at the Philippine market, before deciding on the fate of the market.

"When these visible developments of the market have been done, the Jongno office will discuss the issue with Seoul City office. However, they warned that if the vendors fail to follow the proposed changes, Jongno District office will raise the issue of relocation once again," Parantar said.

The Korea Times reported last Feb. 11 that the office planned to relocate the market by March, citing complaints about traffic congestion, garbage and disorderliness in the area from passers-by and residents.

However, the Filipino community objected to the plan and organized signature campaigns to save the market, which was described as an expression of Philippine way of life.

In response to the problems cited by Jongno District Office, the vendors submitted proposals to improve the market. Among others, they proposed reducing the size of the "selling" areas to ease the pedestrian traffic, and introducing actual stalls with Philippine cultural designs.

Parantar said the implementation of these proposals will be further discussed among the 16 vendors who sell Philippine products at the Sunday market.

"The ball is on our court now. This is not easy because there is internal conflict among the vendors, which is understandable because of competition. We still need to fully convince them to stick to the changes in the market's set up. We don't know where the budget will come from either," he said.

Nonetheless, Parantar is glad the Jongno officials have recognized the importance of the Philippine market not just to the Filipino community, but for Seoul.

"The Hyehwa-dong community and the Philippine embassy are firming up details for the implementation of the proposals. We hope to gather more cooperation and support from everyone who wanted to see 'Little Manila' thriving and improving into something that we can all be proud of," Parantar said.

The Philippine marketplace, called "Little Manila," first emerged in 1997 and takes place every Sunday for Filipinos who attend mass at the Hyehwa Catholic Church. About 1,200 to 2,000 Filipinos visit the marketplace, which some consider as a fine example of Korea's racial harmony. There are about 46,000 Filipinos in Korea, forming the fifth largest ethnic group, following Chinese, Americans, Vietnamese and Japanese.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr

This is good news indeed... Both sides are doing their best...

Let's Go To The Weeding...

Sometimes in Korea, displays speak better than words...

Also, pictures speak better than words...

At least this one got it right...

But I don't know... Maybe they have a reason behind the spelling...

At least the display and  picture show what kind of service they are actually offering...

I Thought They Were Making Fun of Me...

Maybe, this door is meant to make fun of foreigners or non-Koreans who speak and read English and couldn't speak nor read Korean... J-O-K-E!!!!!

I PUSHED the door with my body because I was holding a shopping bag with my left hand and a wet umbrella with my right.  But the door didn't budge a bit. All I could say was "huh?"  There was no use trying the other door.  I know what that RED sign means very well.  The man or Ajosshi behind me PULLED the door for me instead... 

I remember learning these two words from Alex very well when I first came here.  But since most door signs have English translations, I didn't bother to really memorize them...

당기시오  means PULL  

and

고정분 means FIXED...


but why did they put the exact opposite translation of the door sign?

yeah, PUSH in Korean is 미세요

Beats me what kind of dictionary or translator they used... Or it can be just another clerical error...

A Prayer For the Angel We Lost Today and For the Broken Hearted Bereaved Family

I got a call from my friend at about quarter to eleven this morning... She's a Filipina also studying Korean at the women's center.  At first, I thought she called to remind me about her birthday on Monday.... After the "HIs" and "HOW ARE YOUs", she told me that she's actually in the hospital today and that----- she lost her baby just this morning.  She started to bleed since 6 in the morning.  I couldn't believe it.  At first, her voice was a bit jolly.  She was trying to be strong but she eventually broke into tears...

Oh, her parents in law were so excited about the baby. Her father in law, I also fondly call 아버지 (ABEOJI or "Father") even raced her in announcing the good news to her husband... Abeoji brings her and picks her up from the center. I still remember the first time he saw me. He was ecstatic to know his daughter in law has another Filipina classmate. He asked me to call Alex so he could talk to him... He was so worried about me going alone to the center. "Daughter in laws are babies. Why do you let her go out on her own? Take care of her very well..."  Haay... Thank you Abeoji (father)....

I didn't know how to comfort her as she immediately put down her phone. I think the doctors arrived so they could "clean" her, she said... I will go find her tomorrow.. Wherever that hospital is in Bupyeong...

This is a father's song for his child(ren)... I don't know if it's the appropriate song at this time but it's the only song I could think about at the moment.  It's just so comforting... I listen to this one whenever I miss my father too...

Please let's pray for my friend and her family... I just can't help it but get emotional... They mean a lot to me too... I feel like I'm a family member whenever I'm with them, walking back home or simply taking the subway together...

Find Your Wings

by Mark Harris

It’s only for a moment

that you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I’ll pray

for all that you might do

But most of all I’ll want to know

you’re walking in the truth

And if I’ve never told you

I want you to know that

as I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

and that faith gives you the courage

to dare to do great things

I’m here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

May passion be the wind that leads

you through your days

and may convictions keep you strong

guide you on your way

May there be many moments

that make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

and that faith gives you the courage

to dare to do great things

I’m here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

It’s not living if you don’t reach for the sky

I’ll have tears as you take off

But I’ll cheer you as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

and that faith gives you the courage

to dare to do great things

I’m here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings.....

Thoughts On Tissue... (Totally Random)

Because of the wood paneled walls (lighter than the coffee talbe's color) that reminded me of home, I ordered vanilla latte (yes, not a cappuccino that makes me think of home) AGAIN last night in this cute and comfy coffee shop Kip discovered and shared last time... Having a ballpen with me, I started to doodle on a piece of tissue paper...

I really don't doodle for the fact that I used Pilot ballpens back in college, courtesy of my Aunt Mil. I think I got this one from Alex who does it whenever he's in front of the computer, studying. He's just supposed to repeatedly write the new or challenging vocabulary words he encounters but he ends up doodling. I'm hoping all the ballpens at home would last until the next Kotesol conference, haha!  So whenever he tells me to save "like this" and save "like that," I jokingly answer back that he should at least try to be a good example by saving ink and paper... I know, no connection whatsoever but I'm also trying to irritate him sometimes...

To be more productive, I started making a draft of people and things I miss and just find amazing, etc...

1. I terribly miss my super MOM... Before, her monotone speech usually irked me. Now, it soothes me...

Made a couple of calls but she was probably out.  Whenever she's home, the phone is usually picked up after 2 or 3 rings...

2. I miss them badly... Denise just celebrated her 10th birthday last Feb.28. Dana celebrated her 4th last March 7... We talked to them last 28th and the youngest one ORDERED me and Alex to be there on the 7th like we were only 7kms away... So adorable... The inevitable question: "Do you have a little Young Ho (Alex' Korean name) now?"  They are requesting for a (cough cough cough) male cousin... That's a M.I. dearies... Hugs hugs hugs....

3. Any idea where I could buy Kiamoy here?

4. I want to try this.... It's been around and a craze for years now.  I think I read about it sometime ago but only caught my attention yesterday morning when I accidentally opened a review on youtube...

AFRICAN BLACK SOAP

5. The other night, after reading Kayni's article on Puerto Rican bread, I suddenly wanted to eat cinnamon buns or Danish bread... So much that I was willing to brave the chilly night to go to the nearest bake shop.  To my surprise when I opened the door, it was drizzling and snowing at the same time.. On my way the bake shop, the thought that I'd be eating "cold" bread made me turn to the newly opened Rotiboy for their warm buns... Ah... delicioso...

6. Green is gold here.. Joke...

This green (carabao?) mango is 3,500won at Hyundai Mart... It still amazes me how Alex' dog whined and begged for more when I threw her a slice...

                                             

7. Still couldn't believe I didn't watch Koren's tutorials on youtube for a long while now.  I just watched a few days ago how to "conceal" and apply my MINERAL powder properly... AS IN!!!  Tried following them for the past 3 days and I'm loving it...

8. Promised myself to blog more about Nature Republic, my latest cosmetics shop addiction...

Realizing my coffee was getting colder, I carefully folded the tissue and placed it in my pocket...

and promised myself to really blog about my random thoughts written on tissue this time...

After emptying my cup, I left the coffee shop with a good feeling.  Caught a bus ride home and was greeted with the sweet aroma of the red dates and ginger tea...

                                          

"Just random thoughts."--- is my usual answer to Alex whenever he asks me "What are you thinking about?" whenever he catches me too staring into space... He doesn't believe me... so now I have a proof... 

ㅎㅅㅎ

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Innisfree/Amore Pacific Spring/Summer Skin Care Products To Try...

Spring is here.  It's relatively warm during the day and quite chilly at night.  At times, temperatures suddenly drop at daytime too so I still wear my long jackets whenever I go out.  I like it like this--seems like the weather in La Trinidad. Compared to last year, I haven't visited the doctor yet for allergies here and there reasons..  I remember being so sick at this time of year last year.  Probably due to being finally exposed to the real world after more than 2 months of staying only at home or travelling with Alex...  Ah, I'm itching to travel again especially now that the roads are safer and the weather is friendlier... But that has to wait.  I just hope we could finally find our "place" this week so we could transfer the soonest we could. No, I'm not looking for a grand one. Just a simple one where we could stay temporarily for a year. After that, it would be "together again" drama with MIL... And nope, it wasn't I who initiated the "separation" from her... It's her first daughter...

So it's my first entry again after 2 years of blogging and I wanted to make it a little interesting this time.  Ah, I'm over with the Olympics now, haha...

To start with, let me show you how I emptied these TheFaceShop skin care bottles....

I finally emptied out these 150mL toner and emulsion bottles of TheFaceShop I got from Alex July last year.  Actually, I grew tired of them such that I turned the emulsion into a make up remover.. Yay! Bad practice. I loved the toner but it suffered the same fate too when I used up all the emulsion, haha...  I also decided not to repurchase since I didn't see any significant changes on my skin anyway.  The bottles contain only about 150-170mL of the products but they look realy big. Contributing factor for the products to appear and feel tiring to use...

I ended up using all the IOPE, Innisfree, and Hera samples I got from my purchases, friend and sis-in-law... I love IOPE and HERA very much but I find them too pricey.  Since Innisfree is by AmorePacific too, I decided to try their whitening line that would be helpful this spring and summer... Yes, after loving their Olive Real Skin, Magic Floral, Green Tea, Perfect Repair and Eco Skin's Recipe samples, I bought their White Tone Up line instead. I never tried these before but since the other samples worked well for me, I thought that this line would be loved by my face too... Actually the English speaking SA talked me into buying these two so I could whiten my pimple scars and of course support my skin now that Mr. Sun will be shining down on me (or us) once again...

Innisfree's White Tone Up skin care line consists of a toner, lotion or moisturizer, essence and eye serum.  I just got myself the 200mL bottle of toner (they call SKIN) and 150mL bottle of lotion/moisturizer.  I still have my Clinique eye cream and the essence is too sticky for me...

Yeah, really weird.. Koreans call their toner "skin"... It really sounded gross when the ajummas at the health club would say "Do you have skin? What is that skin?" to one another when they apply skin care products after showering...

Enriched with Pure berries extract and Green (tea?) complex from Jeju Island, this skin care line promises to brighten up the skin.

Here's a catchy description from the box:

I got (not so) generous(?) samples too...

The cute make up kit contained the following:

A cleansing trial kit comprised of a cleansing foam, a cleansing oil, and a lip and eye make up remover.

and this Skin Care set I love the most from Innisfree...

which contains the following and will be sent one of these days to Singapore, haha...

-toner, moisturizer, essence and cream....

I love their make up kit bag the most though... I can put almost everything I want to bring with me whenever I go out. It doesn't hurt my brushes either. It's spacious enough...

For sun protection, I love the following:

Innisfree's Mineral Skin BB cream with spf40,pa++ and HERA Sun Mate Daily with spf35, pa++.

                                     

These are sample tubes my sis in law gave me last January (of this year).  Now I know why the Korean teachers from my previous academy love this sun block.  They said they don't use bb creams anymore and just apply this under their make up or foundation...

I took a picture or swatched the tinted sunblock cream against my HG bb cream until I got these samples... The Hera Sun Mate Daily cream is unlike any other sunblock creams I've tried.  It's not sticky and doesn't melt (hulas ba tawag don?) with my make up. It doesn't feel hot on the skin too. It feels very natural and doesn't turn my face oily.  It is actually a good base for my mineral make up... (Haay.. sorry, really poor at making reviews on skin care and beauty products. Can I just say I love it beacuase it works really well? haha)

Ah, for a refreshing bath or facial wash, try a handmade peppermint soap you'll see... I originally bought this product to sooth my itchy skin last winter but it turned out to be good at controlling oil and keeping zits at bay... As always, try to remove all traces of make up first before you wash your face. I use a facial cleansing sponge with the soap...

                                       

 Alex has an oily scalp (thus the early hair thinning) and would only use the shampoo prescribed to him by his derma. But he's now a peppermint soap convert. He even researched on how to make handmade soaps, where "I" could learn the process and encouraged me to make a living out of it... Hmm... pwede... 

Happy Second Anniversary Blog Token if YOU email Me Your Mailing Address, Followers and Friends...

I couldn't believe it...
I've been blogging for two years now.
Although this was originally started to compile reviews on Korean dramas and movies I've watched, it eventually turned  into an online diary...

So to my beloved followers and friends, kindly email me your mailing address so I could send you a "simple" (and small, hehehehe) token or remembrance from Korea.... And I hope they reach you too.  I sent cosmetics samples to my friend somewhere in Laguna but she didn't receive my small lovely package.. It wasn't returned to me either...  Really bad... Maybe I won't be sending make up or skin care samples to Philippines anymore...(??? Remains to be seen, maybe to the same area/province only...My friends in Benguet received theirs anyway...)

So please make sure you email me your mailing address correctly...

My email address is:  jehan_1207@yahoo.com.ph

Hope everyone is having a great weekend...

Cheers and another happy blogging year for me...


An article with no picture(s)?


Ah, let me search for one...



Hmmmm.....

(Aren't they cute? Ah, me thinks the colors suit me well... 

they look cute and sweet...

among my first sis-in-law's hubby's gift to the Lady of the house last Seollal...)

(ahem.. please excuse my wide and small Chinese-Igorot feet...kkkk)

Welcome Home Winter Olympics 2010 Korea Team...

Why oh why didn't I know that today was the arrival of the Korea Team from Vancouver... ??? Huhu...

I was just about 20 mins or less away from the Incheon International Airport this afternoon...

I even brought my digicam with me just in case I saw something really interesting to blog about...

When I arrived home, I was so shocked to see the Korea Team of 58, comprised of athletes and staff, posing like this for the media at the airport...
                                     

Oh, it would have been nice to witness their arrival.

You see, for the past couple of weeks, they were among those who helped me keep my sanity... joke...

Congratulations and Thank you again, Korea Team, for giving us joy...

Btw, I was out for a walk two nights ago and I wasn't able to resist getting myself a copy of The Korea Times...

                                                     

Let me also share with you this lovable video of the Korean silver medalists in the 3000m short track speed skating relay:
                                                         

These Short Trackers added medal upon medal to their winning haul... Aren't they cute? 
                                                     

Let's also not forget the pretty female short trackers who collected gold, silver and bronze medals...  If not for a bump that disqualified the team, they could have won gold for the 3000m relay
                                

They were defending Korea's 16-year old reign. It would have been a glorious event... But they just cried and looked on as Chinese speed skaters who finished 2nd were declared the winners instead.

                              

I'm not an expert with this game's rules.  But repeatedly watching the slow motion of the bump, I could say that it wasn't the Korean's fault.  Anyway, the speed skaters have accepted the referee's decision already.  I hope all Koreans would do the same...

So after all the disappointments, Koreans must celebrate their triumph big. Korea is the only Asian country to be on top 5, with only 58 team members, including their staff already, compared to other countries' hundreds.

Hope to see you all again at Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics...