I wait...i am waiting...i waited

I hate waiting...
I always value TIME
for me it is precious and my life depends on it.

Waiting is a waste of time
I could have done so many things in those minutes i spent in waiting

But here i am...waiting...anticipating
For an answer...for something
For someone...

I hate waiting

But then, i realized i have done so many "waiting times" in my life

Waiting in line
Waiting for my name to be called
Waiting for a parking space
Waiting for the bus to arrive
Waiting at an embassy

Waiting for my future...

So then...how can i hate waiting?

Actually...it is not the waiting that i hate
But the answer that will come after waiting

Will it be yes or no
It all depends on it

Having a "yes" answer will make the long wait "worth it"
Having a "no" answer is nothing but a waste of time and effort

Worst thing is: receiving a "maybe" answer
For it would only mean....i have to wait again

But what will you call a waiting that will not have any answer...
"no answer" at all

I have been waiting....anticipating....then at the end of the day....still no answer...

So sad. But then in life, things are uncertain.

The greatest thing in waiting though...
Is it gives you hope...
of something to look forward to...
of longing for someone
of waking up to another day

So no matter how i hate "waiting"

I will still be here....
Anticipating for the moment
Whatever the answer will be










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I love nature (part 2 to I love Korea)

Several days have passed…still, my mind is swirling with thoughts of tulips and cherry blossoms. Of course some people might tell me that "hey we also have pretty flowers in the Philippines." Why, yes of course! But i admit, due to my "busy-ness" i am having a hard time stopping and smelling the flowers around me...if ever there are some, because I am not even noticing it. Being busy chasing the future has its downfall too. Being chased by "father time" almost everyday prevents me from seeing and enjoying the simple things of life. I have been to other countries, admiring several cities but, it was my first time (after a long time) of visiting a city that abounds with nature's gifts while still having that "modern image" and that is Jeju-Si (Jeju City). What i mean is: Jeju City is modern yet "very close" to nature. As you probably know, Jeju is a place where all “Korean drama fanatics” wish to visit. It is also a nice place for “honeymooners” (and yes, I did see several “honeymooners” wearing matching clothes, while I was there)

Here's an account of the places i visited in Jeju. (Mostly nature parks)
- Hallim Park

This park abounds with Tulips, Roses, Cherry Blossoms (Spring Time) and almost all types of flowers. The place is like “a heaven’s garden.” I wanted to touch them but I know I could only stare, thinking that my mere hand-touch could ruin the beauty of those flowers. Now, I am having second thoughts receiving bouquets of flowers because I could imagine the pain those flowers felt when some human hands picked them up from the rich soil. I know I’m over reacting but this was what I felt when I saw those flowers. It seems that they belong nowhere else but in that garden.

Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyong Caves

I have never been inside a cave so visiting this cave gave me a thrilling excitement. Actually, like in the movies, I expected this cave to be dark, mysterious, slippery, dangerous and with BATS hovering past my head. Well…unfortunately, this cave was already made “tourist friendly”. But it’s still a very thrilling experience for me though. I saw some stalagmites and stalactites which I just often read in books or see on T.V. Inside, the pathway leading to the end of the cave was already cemented (even in your high heels you can enjoy touring the cave) so you can walk easily while looking up and down the cave. You don’t have to bring flashlights also since it is already lighted with lamps and some spotlights (for you to read the stone where the history of the cave was posted). When looking up, you will see shapes of two dragons. Well of course, you have to use your imagination because if not you might think it’s just some rock patterns inside the cave. The hardest part though is telling which of those two is a male dragon. Haha Don’t be shocked when some waters dropped on your head. It’s part of the “cave experience”. The water is a bit cold so it will also give you a “tingling” feeling. Although the cave was already “cleaned up” for the tourists, you can still feel real excitement of being inside a cave except that there are no bats.

Trivia: These caves were formed when Mt. Halla erupted sometime ago.

The normal temperature of the cave is 17 degrees.

Keumrung Sculpture Park

This park is truly admirable. A Korean man spent his days sculpting several images such as old Korean village, animals (horses, pigs), man, woman and others. Later on, his hobby and collection of his sculptures located in a somewhat isolated area became a popular tourist spot. Well, you may think there’s nothing special about it because there are other talented folks who can also sculpt a human form. The difference lies on the way this man created his sculptures. He added “emotions”. Mostly, his sculptures provide a humorous appeal. I could not help but laugh and join in the fun (as if I was talking to a bunch of stone people). When you see his sculptures, you might think those people or animals were really alive when a bad witch turned them into stones. (Now my imagination is really running wild^^)

Seongsan Sunrise Peak

The place speaks for itself. If you want to reach the top, you must have strong legs! Make sure not to have long walks the day before or you might give up while reaching the peak. (Depends on your body resistance…I am speaking in my case ^^). But reaching the peak is all worth it…the view is wonderful. Going up…you’ll see some horses (and how beautiful they are) Too bad, I didn’t see the sunrise while I was there…instead it’s the setting of the sun that I saw. Honestly, I didn’t reach the peak. I was trapped on the souvenir shops down below. But my companion said it’s great up there.

To be continued (part 3)

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I love Korea!

When I wrote an article for Tour2korea.com, I honestly stated there that I have fallen in love with Korea and that it would always have a special place in my heart (but of course Philippines would still be my homeland). I wrote it not just because I was told that my article would be posted at Korea Tourism Organization’s website, but because it’s what I have felt immediately after I spent several days on the land of the most talked about “Korean wave”. Up to now, I feel so lucky that I was appointed Korean Tourism Ambassador for 2007 together with Ryu Siwon. My job is to promote Korea in my country. I hope all would agree that I did my best in doing my job. I also worked hard in promoting Ryu Siwon as well as supporting his activities. Actually, it’s just a small token considering the fact that he made my dream come true. I feel like I owe him a lot such as people I have met who now become my close friends, discovering new things, being brave enough to travel on my own and of course…meeting him. I think I have told him that a dozen times already and I’m not getting tired of telling him “thank you” again and again. Anyway, my love for Korea is not limited to the fact that it is Ryu Siwon’s native land and home of my favorite Korean dramas. It starts on “curiosity”, as to what makes the country successful after a long struggle with their oppressors. Then my curiosity develops into “interest” in learning their culture and language (I am still not good, although I can understand a little) and of course with their food. I used to have this not so good idea about Korean dishes. I thought it’s just all “spice” and nothing more. But, I proved myself wrong, Korean dishes like Bibimbop, Bulgogi, Samgyupsal and of course Kimchi are really good! “Deliciously incredible”-that’s how I describe Korean food. (Hangguk Yori) Korean foods are rich in colors, taste, and….nutrients. I am not really that “health conscious” not until I went to Korea and learned all about Ginseng and Kimchi. Just like other human beings “I want to live long”. Today, my normal meal won’t be complete without Kimchi. It became my night ritual also to drink Ginseng tea before I go to sleep. Now I don’t have to fear those three fortune tellers who told me that my life would not last longer than 30 years. I am 25 now turning 26 on August…so that leaves me with only 4 years to live huh? But with healthy diet and Ginseng, I might make it to 90! ^-^ Korea made a great influence on my lifestyle. So when I was given an opportunity to have a vacation after months of being busy, I grabbed the chance to visit one of Korea’s favorite tourist spot “Jeju Island”. It’s actually a gift…another “dream come true.” Lately, I often hear people close to me, telling me to “have fun while you’re young” and the popular old fashioned sayings such as “all work and no play makes a dull person” “stop and smell the roses”. They often tell me that I am always in a “rush” and that I don’t have the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Actually…it’s the same advice I’ve been telling Siwon. But I must admit I myself can’t do it. Yes it is true…I am always in a rush. I wake up, go to work, eat, sleep and wake up again. During breaks…I worry (worrying has become a part of my routine already) It’s all a routine! I don’t even have the time to read the news on what’s happening in Manila or in Korea or in any other countries. I am stuck to my own “box” with a “no disturb sign” thinking that it’s all for my future. So when this “gift” arrived, I accepted it with open arms. I packed my clothes and headed to the plane which will bring me to Korea’s paradise, “JEJU ISLAND”. Just when our plane landed on Jeju International Airport, I promised myself that I would close my mind to any worries and anything about work and I would definitely stop and smell the roses. Surprisingly, it’s the Tulips which I got to smell at Jeju’s Hallim Park. ^-^ Wow! I have received a bouquet of Pink Tulips before and it gave me a great feeling but being surrounded with Tulips of different colors (Red, Violet, Pink, Blue, Yellow and White) for an hour, was an indescribable feeling. I thought I have died and gone to heaven! Seriously, it’s that beautiful! There were several flowers there also of different kinds which became a feast for my eyes. If I happen to meet Adam and Eve, I would ask them if they had the same feelings when they were at the Garden of Eden. Haha ^^ I enjoyed the park very much. My heart also beats faster when I saw for the first time some “cherry blossoms”. Am I lucky? Yes I am! I felt good when some of it fell on my hair. I wanted to keep some and bring home, but I was shy to do that. If it’s possible, I just wanted to sit under it, stare and feel the blossoms falling on my head. Good thing, I spent my spring break on Jeju or I would not have the chance to see those flowers. To be continued...





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