Dream Destination: PARIS, FRANCE 

When I was in college, I dreamed of travelling around the world and writing about the things I see and experience. The first place I really fantasized about was the City of Lights, Paris

At night, when all the lights glow, I hope to feel the warm and cozy ambiance in spite of the wind and breeze that whistles through the night. I have imagined the scenery of people walking on the bridge over the Seine River, lovers seated on a bench whispering sweet nothings, and friends chatting at the side cafes enjoying the food Paris is known for. 

In an event I once attended during my on-the-job-training I learned that the French usually loves taking long dinners. According to a Filipino I've had the chance of chatting with, who has lived in France, they took about two to three hours eating. He said that, good food and great wine with friends is not something to be rushed; starting at 5PM and ending at 7PM. 

Besides, the side cafes, I long to go to the Louvre! 

With this picture, I think there's no more explaining why it's a sure place to visit when you visit Paris. It's simply exhilarating and magical.  And who would forget the Arc de Triomphe? 

With its architecture and design, art critics or painters would love to take a close look at it and study the intricacies and see the long and hard work it took for it to be this beautiful...especially at night. 

Imagine driving towards something this awesome. As you feel tired with working all day, and you see the Arc, it gives a relaxing and calming effect with the sun set as it's background and the parallel trees wrapped in lights radiating against the coming of night. 

And then in the morning, when the sun shines bright and wakes your sleepy eyes, you stretch and yawn and look out the window, then you catch a glimpse of this wonderful view. The Eiffel Tower. 

And as you go by your daily activities, the rush of the people in the busy streets and the stuffed subways, nightfall will come and as you make your way through the crowd, bit by bit, the lights will open and when you reach your home and look out the window, the whole city will start to light up. 

Paris during the day 

and at night...

See the difference? 

City of Lights, see you soon! 

Chingu. Kaibigan. Friend.

Life is just really full of surprises!

It was January at that time and many activities were in store for the students of UST. As a graduating student, I didn't have too much time for school activities and our thesis defense was coming up but since it was our last year and most of our deadlines are over, me and my friends decided to attend one event.

 

After thesis defense

 "40,000 Voices" as they call it was somehow magical in a sense that you can feel goosebumps as voices came together as one. As a member of Annyeong Tomasino, we heard that there were Korean exchange students who were coming here to study English in UST, and during this event, we finally met them. They were so many! 11 members with Ha Neul as the leader since he was the oldest....I mean eldest. (he's the one in the far right) Usually the oldest has the responsibility of being the leader. 

The one with the black veil is Seong Jun. Haha!

I think this was our very first picture as a group, Filipinos and Koreans. We were all just getting to know each other and it was a fun experience because after four years in college and meeting the same people all the time, this is a fresh start as we see new faces. We got each other's numbers and by night time we were all texting each other, though it was a little hard because of the language barrier, but still we were able to communicate. 

with the girls 

First, we got really close with the girls and you can really see the difference between Filipinas and Korean girls. They're more of the demure type and have a really cute attitude, though Filipinas are also like that in the same sense, we tend to be a bit boyish and crazy sometimes too. :) 

Thesis moments

When our thesis was done, we had the chance to get to know them much much better and our lunch meetings became more frequent. Sometimes, they would be the one to initiate lunch that's why sometimes I arrive early in school to meet up with them. And since then whenever we get the chance, we would go out for lunch or dinner just to talk and hang out. 

after the baccalaureate mass

It was not easy for them to study English, so we tutored them one-on-one; but instead of teaching them by using books, we just talked all the time so that their English communicating skills will be practiced. 

When you notice them uneasy and lonely you'll feel and understand why. The feeling of homesickness is unavoidable but they said that they have to study English well so that they can get a certificate. Some jobs in Korea require good communication skills in English that is why they work hard to practice.

Su Hyun, Me, Chel, Alexa, Mica & Daisy 

There was one time that they had to prepare for a speech and we wanted to help. Since we were not doing anything, we would stay up late until 4am to help them with their speech that was due to be presented in 2 weeks! During lunch, you would see them practice and memorize and casually ask us if we can correct their grammar. 

As days turn into weeks, we've gotten more close with them and we've passed the getting to know you basics. During their free time, we would talk about the life they left in Korea and the plans they have when they return. Most of them have not graduated yet because experience is more important then graduating unlike here in the Philippines. 

Out of 11 members, only two are left. As one by one they leave, I will never forget the memories they have left behind. I have interacted with each of them and have built a friendship I know will last. And someday, maybe someday, we'll see each other again, in their country, sharing the same hospitality we've bestowed upon them. 

There are so many stories that I want to tell but it will really take me a long time before I can finish it. maybe, I can start with one person at time.

Jae Hyun's last day 

(Demi, Kristene, Me, Haneul, Dain, Jae Hyun & Seong Jun)

Hanging out at MOA

(Lawrence, Chel, Seong Jun, Poli, Alexa, Mica, Seung Woo, Daisy & Me)

❤ CHINGU ❤ KAIBIGAN ❤ FRIEND ❤

Chingu is the Korean word for friend, but whatever you call it, it all has the same meaning and essence and I will treasure the friendship we've built, for a long, long, long, long time. :) 

Ha Neul Seung Woo Seong Jun Seung Min Chang Woo Jae Hyun Wan Woo 

Hye Yeon Su Hyun  Yu Jin Da In

Frustrations won't let me down

It's been two months since graduation, and here I am still unemployed. Do I feel bad? Yes, a little, but am I defeated? Definitely not. Before graduation came, me and my friends were already planning our summer. Beach parties, out of town trips but all of that sank when we were faced with the reality of how hard it was to get a job...related to our course, Journalism. 

Graduation pic 

After passing my resume to a dozen companies, I finally found one that actually interacted with us and gave me a little hope of getting the job. Those tiring walks under the scorching heat is something I wouldn't mind to endure it as long as I know that at the end of the day the reward is a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment of trying. 


In life, there are a lot of setbacks and I know that some people break down and decide to end it all, but that should not be the case. We should always get up back when we fall down because in every fall, we become stronger, more motivated and a lot lot better in handling the other things to come. God has given us people in our lives to help and guide as along the way in this journey of life. 

Tita Reby, Tita Liza, Alexis, Me & my mom ❤

Without my family, I wouldn't have made it through some of the toughest and saddest days of my life. They are always there to comfort me and push me to do my best. Even if there are moments when I feel that they are pushing me a little too far sometimes, I know that it's for my own good. Life is such an adventure with them! ;) 

My mom, lola and me at my lola's bestfriend's 80th birthday

Aside from my loving and caring family, there are my crazy and  irreplaceable friends. If my family pushes me to do my best, my friends, are there to slap me back into reality- literally. It may be harsh at times, but sometimes, that's the only way you'll learn. Life is not just about sugar, spice and everything nice, it's also full of (sorry for the term) crap and if we are not strong and don't have people around us who will be there for us, this world will eat you alive. 

Crazy friendship ❤

With the many blessings and people around, even though life throws in things that seems too hard to handle, I know that I'll be able to make it through because of all the love and care I receive from these people but the best and greatest love is from Him. 

No one else. 

Love. ❤

And because of Him, frustrations won't let me down.