Life in Korea:

Kota Kinabalu Getaway

I'm so excited. We leave for Malaysia this evening for a family holiday. ^^ Our destination is the exotic Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We'll stay at the 5-star Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort.

I have been working tediously for months and months on end with little or no rest. I deserve to be pampered.

Honey, thank you for doing this for me...^^

Oedo Garden Island

This is a popular tourist destination in the southern part of Korea. It is maintained and owned by a private family and  was opened to the public in 1995. Choi Ho Sook and her late husband Lee Chang Ho transformed this barren island into a horticultural paradise. 1000 subtropical plants, various species of tulips, cacti, shrubs and exotic flowers can be found on this lush man-made greenery. There is a cafe, a restaurant, a chapel, and several other architectural pieces in the island.  The famous soap opera, WINTER SONATA, was filmed here.

Co-Teaching Demo

I'm on cloud nine for I've just had another successful demo-teaching. Another achievement to boot for 2006. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the English Department and the school admin for giving me their utmost support.

My school hosted a Team Teaching Demo as requested by the 교육부 (Korean Ministry of Education)  district supervisor.

Demo-Teaching Part 2

Tomorrow I'll be doing a Team-Teaching Demo Workshop the second time around this year.

This time the participants will come to my school (EWHA GIRLS' HIGH) to see my actual class.

Our English Lab will be packed for 50 guests will come to observe, plus my class of 40 girls. Not to mention the entire English Department faculty who will come to assist the guests.

I think this demo-workshop is a great career booster. It builds me a solid reputation as a competent teacher, allowing me to advance professionally without cultural prejudice.

Not to mention the fact that it's a fun way of sharpening one's skills. (At least in my opinion).

The Passing

Late last night I received an email from my aunt in Laguna that said my uncle had died.

Although, I knew of his terminal condition, the news of his passing still came as a shock.

Most people would cling to dear life.  My uncle surrendered himself to his Creator with quiet resignation.

That's how I shall deal with our family's loss. I shall always remember his big welcome grin that used to greet me.