Life in Korea:

Christmas Spirit in Seoul

I took this photo while strolling along Kangnam Avenue. (Kangnam is the posh business district in Seoul, like the Makati Business Center in Manila).

Our head office is located here, about 100 meters from this Meritz Building. This district glitters at night but instead of the cheery spirit, it invokes a nostalgic somberness.

Enough of the winter gloom...hehehe.

I wish all those who are close to my heart a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. May 2008 bring us peace, love and bountiful blessings.

My family will be celebrating New Year in China's famed 'Hawaii' called Hainan. We want to have a restful yuletide holiday this year.

A day's work....

This is what's keeping me preoccupied these days...

The final term is coming to a close and so a teacher's typical day at school is, in a nutshell, "AAAAhhhhhhhrrrrgggg!"

The paperwork can be overwhelming but I still love the job. To me, teaching is a vocation not simply a means to an end.

I am a feminist --not a hardline extremist, but a believer that women deserve more than what the patriarchal society accords her.  So I work for a school that reflects one of my ideals-- women emancipation.

That is the very reason I love working there. I get the chance to repay a debt by paying it forward. A debt of gratitude to the women who came before me, to the women who shared their wisdom.

             

Social Network

This is YUHAK TIMES--Kangnam Center (our head office). This is where I and my husband, Company President, hold office. It's usually quiet and calm in the morning . It gets busy around mid afternoon till evening. We often finish around 9 pm.

Our 'mangne' staff, Tae-Rim, took this snapshot of the office before he flew off to Melbourne. We won't be seeing him until Jan. 2008. He is such a jolly person that practically everyone in the company misses him, even the staff from our other branches--Shinchon, Jongro and Busan.

Even though, I occasionally run into people who disappoint me, I am still thankful that the Lord placed good folks on earth. And I am happy that some of them are with us at Yuhak Times. As I always say, THE KIND OF PEOPLE YOU HAVE IN YOUR TEAM, DEFINES THE QUALITY OF SERVICE YOU DELIVER TO THE WORLD!

It is also true with social ties. Developing social circle is human nature, motivated by our need to belong. These social circles are held together by a particular social culture that brought the individual members to the group.Therefore, THE KIND OF COMPANY YOU KEEP REFLECTS YOUR TRUE COLORS. It is wise to be very selective with your social network. Understand too why you simply cannot belong to a particular group.

As Emily Dickinson eloquently puts it :

"the soul selects its own society and shuts the door; to her divine majority presents no more."

         

Korean Legendary Saga

Taewang SaSingi ---this is a legendary story of the birth of the Korean nation. The story unfolds into the historical time of the 3 Kingdoms. The story is set during the reign of the Kokoryo dynasty.

To see the full OST-Trailer go to my minihompy-video page at www.cyworld.com/mikha21

For more photos to go www.taesagi.com

Fishing Experience

To see my home videos...please to go my multiply site at http://raqs21.multiply.com.

Business Progress

Today we formally open our Busan Center. This is our 4th branch to date. There is always a swift, forward movement here. That's the one thing I love about Korea. There's an atmosphere of optimism that propels people to continue to aim high.

My husband has changed my perspective towards life. His positive attitude towards risk, competition and even failure is unshakable. When we underwent a drastic mid-life change I was doubtful that we would overcome life's challenge. But my husband remained steadfast despite negative predictions of people. He proved them wrong. In a matter of 2 short years our family business grew from  one small, struggling company to a big, influential firm.

Rafting Adventure

As part of our company's team-building effort, my husband organizes a bi-annual company outing.

This summer we went on a rafting adventure in Kangwondo. I had never gone rafting before so I was very apprehensive about joining the rafting party. As usual, hubby talked me into it. Our group was a happy bunch so I soon forgot my fear.

Since most of us had no idea what we were doing, we hardly moved along the water. We paddled out of synch. Other teams we're laughing at us, and I don't really blame them, because our raft were just moving around on the same spot. After struggling for sometime we were well on our way, and soon came face to face with our first challenge which was actually not a difficult maneuver had we been forewarned and properly instructed. But our lazy, unskilled boatman gave poor instructions. (To my opinion, he's lacking in verbal skills).

As we approach the rapids we were swept by the current and our raft rammed onto a rock with a force strong enough to knock two of our members overboard. Luckily, they sustained minor bruises. Nevertheless, we were aghast!  Despite the shock, we pushed onwards. As I said earlier, we were a zany bunch so fear was soon forgotten. We were once again laughing lively, cracking joke after joke as we paddled along Hantan river.  My husband kept telling me to braise myself, hold on tight  whenever there were rapids ahead.  In mid-course we stopped to watch a show. There was a cliff that served as a diving platform. Lots of people climbed up and showed off their diving skills. Watching them dive was a spectacular sight.

Taking a plunge was the last thing on my mind because I was amused watching the show. But hubby was at it again, pushing me at my limits. Hesitatingly, I made my way up the cliff together with my team members. My turn came and I approached the edge of the cliff with woobly knees. I felt my entire body shaking. At one time I wanted to take a step back --give up, but I heard people yelling at me ''jump, jump", my husband's voice resonating clearly, he was already in the water. I took one last look at my husband, shut my eyes tight and took the plunge.

The water was unbelievably warm and comfortable and I felt really light as I resurfaced. My husband swam towards me and his eyes were beaming with pride. I discovered something about myself; and the realization crystallized with the experience.

Tomorrow's Technology

The development of technology in Korea is so rapid that the cellphone or digicam you bought just a few months ago is already obsolete.

Korea is one of the leading export-country for highly-sophisticated tech gadgets. While the rest of the world is still fascinated with cam-phones, Korea has already several new toys. The tech trend today is the fusion of several features and functions into one electronic gadget.

My hubby's  phone is a multi-function one, something that fits a busy businessman. It's a cam-phone with an MP3 + an internet banking system. My husband can electronically send money and check bank balances through his phone.

Two days ago, he got me the hottest electronic gadget on the market. He bought an i-station. It's an MP3 + DMB + PMP + PDA + Navigation, all in one. Let me tell you what those acronyms stand for.

1. PDA -- the pocket pc, we all know this.

2. Navigation System -- it's an electronic map, a gadget for cars

3. MP3 player -- the mini-audio player that replaced portable cd's. Cellphones in Korea all have a high-definition digicam and an Mp3.

4. DMB -- a function that allows you to watch tv programs on your cellphones wherever you go. It's the first of its kind in the world. So cellphones in the local market have a digicam + Mp3 + DMB.

5. PMP -- is the latest in technology in Korea and the very first in the world. This is a portable multi-player, you can upload movies here from the internet and you can watch it wherever, whenever. 

Digital cameras today have an MP3 feature. I think the coolest and newest digicam on the market today is the Samsung #11 PMP. This is a digital camera with a PMP + MP3. I want to get one. For the meantime, my digicam will do . Besides I've a new toy to enjoy...hihihi

2006 World Cup Fever

South Korea won it's first match on foreign soil against Togo 2-1.

Above is a photo clip from BBC News. (news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/

world_cup_2006)

This is Seoul city center. More than a 100,000 folks gathered here to watch Korea's World Cup opening match. I was there with hubby together with our friends, colleagues and company staff.

A witness to this spectacular display of national spirit, I am amazed at South Koreans' passion for soccer and their solidarity as the entire nation rally behind the national team.

Pilsung Korea!  대한민국  파이팅 !!!

The Concept of 'Jung'

I turned 35 on the 21st of May.

The first person to greet me was my son. He sang me a birthday song, that morning, the moment I opened my eyes. While still in bed, my husband greeted me and gave me a birthday kiss. Then in the evening, my parents-in-law, arranged for an expensive birthday dinner at my favorite sushi place in Anyang. For a gift, my hubby bought me a pair of dangling earrings and a gold band which we picked up at the jeweller's a day later. A day earlier I got e-greetings from several nice people.

Perfect day? Not quite. Not one of my Pinoy relatives remembered nor bothered to greet me online. But they do remember me when they have needs and requests. And my fair-weather Pinoy friends remember that I exist when I can be useful to them.  I am furious at the people whom I hold dear for they have devalued me that day.

I come to realize that in my relationships I assume the role of the pleaser and the giver. And if these people do not return my kindness, I give them the benefit of the doubt. I continue to be nice to them. For what?....nothing. I get totally nothing from them... not even a spark of emotional gratification.

Why should one invest time, energy & affection on those who do not value the other as a person? Kindness begets kindness. This will be my indefatigable rule, today and onwards. I will be helpful to those who help me. I'll be useful to those who are useful to me. Ignore those who ignore me. And spite those who spite me. I am tired of being a Polyanna.

Relationships should not be kept just for the sake of having it. It is tragically depressing that so many people call each other friends, lovers and relatives but do not mean it. I do not want to be a part of this ridiculously pitiful charade.

What nurtures people is the fellowship with others that is true, faithful and strongly bonded by honest affection and devotion. One that endures time and even absence over long periods.

Koreans call this 'jung'. In my long years in Korea I see this happen again and again. I am extremely moved by the subtle expression of affection and yet truly felt and received. Friends who haven't seen each other in years connect instantly as if time hadn't separated them at all. People who are close to my husband stay close for years on end. And they extend this 'jung' to me. I feel an honest acceptance and compassion from my Korean friends. With them I can lower my defenses knowing confidently that they won't judge me for what I have and don't have. With my relationships with fellow Pinoys, I am always  an heiron for I feel the necessity of wearing a mask. 

I believe that kinship, friendship, and all other forms of human alliance is in effect throughout history for the very purpose of human connection. If there is an emotional vacuum in a relationship then it should be ended. For in continuing so what purpose does it serve?

Koreans say that in the absence of 'jung' people must go separate ways and find others whom they can connect with. Sensible advice, I must say.

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.

Korea Manse!!

South Korea once again proves itself worthy of world recognition.

In the ongoing World Baseball Classic, the Korean national team thrashes United States with a 7-3 win. The Americans are shaken with disbelief.

Today, Korea defeats Japan, 2-1, advancing to the semi-finals. Korea is the only country that is undefeated in the quarter finals tournament. Koreans are celebrating and they have every reason to do so.

This is a symbolic win for all Asians.

I admire the effort and achievements of both Korea and Japan for proving to the world that Asians are not second-best.

________________

In recent news:

Japan is this year's World Baseball Classic champion, defeating Cuba in the final tournament. Japan has a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, (twice with Korea) but still emerges as the champion, oddly enough.

Korea slips to 4th place. Nevertheless, team Korea demonstrated an outstanding play (6 wins- 1 loss) that caught the attention of major league scouts...For a country with a brief baseball history, team Korea has accomplished a great feat. Manse!!!

www.arirang.co.kr

Duality

I am not much of a cook. It's a talent that I've not been endowed with. But still the kitchen is my favorite part of the house.

To me, it represents the duality in every woman.

Traditionally, it is a symbol of the lowly role of  servitude to the patriarchal masters. (I struggled against this conventional thought as I was growing up).

On the other hand, this nook being the hearth of activity at home, also affirms the modern woman and her passion for creative endeavor.

Introducing the Boiler...

                   A boiler is a condensing heating system that is unique to Korea.

It's a matrix of pipes which runs through the entire floor area of a house. When the control box is turned on, hot water runs through the pipes making the floor comfortably warm.

People sleep on the floor on comforters called 'ibul'. There is really no need for a bed.^^

The boiler is an ingenius invention. It controls both water and room temperature in the house. It's actually better than the western radiator and fireplace.

During my stay at a hotel in Bournemouth, the B&B in Southampton, and even the Porchester Hotel in Bayswater,London, I found the room uncomfortably cold even though the radiator was on.

The fireplace, according to my British friend, provides heat to an isolated place like the living room so the rest of the house remains cold. I recall her saying that in winter she used to get changed right there in her living room because her own bedroom was cold. ^^

My First Winter...(1997)

I remember my first winter in Korea....

It had been cloudy for a couple of days. It had stopped snowing but in it's place came rain, cold, cold rain. It was Saturday morning.

I was worried about my laundry. I put everything in the washer, every piece of clothing that we had. I washed them the night before.

   " I should hang them out to dry or we'd have nothing to wear to work come Monday," I thought as I took them out of the washer.

God answered my silent prayers for that day the sun came out. It was shining brightly. I took my laundry out, hang them onto the clothesline, and went off to work with the happy thought that my laundry would be dry before nightfall.

The day went by. When it was time to go, I took my leave, said goodbye to the people at work and went on my way.

At last home-sweet-home. The first thing that caught my eye upon reaching the top of the stonesteps that led to my front door was my laundry...my FROZEN laundry... They were stiff. I couldn't even get them off the clothesline.

  " This is a disaster!", a voice inside me confirmed. " You can't afford to buy a new set of wardrobe. Not when the budget is tight. What have you done?", my alter-ego scolding me harshly.

Tears poured down my cheeks like rain as panic set in. I called up my husband. A few minutes later, I heard his familiar voice on the door.

  "What happened?', he inquired.

  " Well, didn't you see? It was right outside."

  "Calm down, and tell me what's the emergency?"

My husband listened patiently as I explained between sobs what had just happened.

  "Honey, it's not my fault. You see, in my country when we take the clothes out to dry, they don't freeze over. What'll we do? We can't go to work in our pajamas!"

My husband chuckled and replied; " Nothing to worry about. We, Koreans, have a clever way of solving this problem. Let me show you."

We went outside together and took the laundry off the clothesline. Doing that took quite a while. We had to be careful for we didn't want the clothes to break into pieces. Having done that successfully , my husband instructed me to turn on the boiler (home heating system like a radiator). Then he laid each piece of clothing on the floor.

Finally he said, " They'll be dry in the morning." Sure enough they were dry the next morning.

This experience has taught me that there are two ways of dealing with life: my way, and the 'new' Korean way. The former works just as well as the latter. But a combination of both is by far the most effective.

Lunar New Year

Last week was a very busy week in Korea for the whole country celebrated the Lunar New Year. This is pretty much like the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations as we know it: feasting, meeting relatives, and exchanging gifts, --kids get cash when they bow. But there were no firecrackers; no fireworks.

Lunar New Year is a 3-day holiday. People from the cities all head to their hometowns the day before the celebration. Traffic condition is at its worst during this time. All major thoroughfares are conjested. KTX fast trains, express buses and even the domestic flights are fully booked.

Seoul and major cities seemed like abandoned ghost towns after most people had gone. Yesterday and today, people all head back to the cities --traffic jams once again.

Very few people reported for work today. The streets are quiet and the inner city traffic is smooth. (I bet most people are still stuck on the expressways.)

But tomorrow the cities will be bustling with life again...

Heat & Cupping therapy

Aside from acupunture, I am also having moxibustion and cupping therapy. These two treatment modalities are used in conjunction with acupuncture.

Moxibustion is commonly known as heat therapy. It is applied directly on the acu-point. It uses the 'moxa' or the wool of the mugwort leaf. This treatment aids the flow of 'Qi ',energy and 'Xue', blood. It leaves strong fumes that stick to my hair and clothing for an entire day.

Cupping therapy uses plastic or glass suction cups. The skin on the affected area is pricked. Vacuum, applied in the suction cups, will draw 'bad' blood from the tiny puncture holes on the skin. This treatment helps relieve pain but it leaves ugly markings on the skin which will eventually vanish in a couple of days.

Acupuncture

I was in a car accident last week. It wasn't a catastrophic accident but the collision did give my back a bad jolt. My backpains recur. This was an injury I suffered from the first car accident months ago. My mother-in-law took me to an Oriental Hospital for acupuncture treatment.

I was terrified of needles but after several days of treatment I have come to like it. It does great wonders of relieving my pain.