I am back here in Korea from my very fun almost-three-week vacation in the Philippines. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without going out of town! I haven’t made a travel video about the Philippines for more than a year, so I was pretty excited about it.

I went with my brother Nathan, my friend Cess, and with her boyfriend Matt. We visited three provinces: Misamis Oriental (Capital: Cagayan de Oro), Bukidnon and Camiguin – all in Northern Mindanao. This marked my first time to be in Mindanao, and I don’t want it to be the last, hence the title of the video.

Watching the video, one might think that the trip went all too well. But one incident could’ve made it otherwise. I am talking about our white water rafting experience.

It was our first time to go rafting. We figured it would be better to try the advanced course to maximize the experience. The major difference between beginner and advanced is the length of the course. The latter starts at a farther point in the river, which in turn takes a longer time to finish, with more rapids to face along the way. The advanced course takes 4 hours to complete. We couldn’t believe how long it would take at first, but the guides were not lying. We started past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. If you do the math, we would be finished by around 7pm. And 7pm in the tropics, throughout the year, is always a dark time.

The typhoon Sendong had a big effect in the area in that the river’s course changed a lot, according to the guides. Looking at the riverside, we got a picture of how high the water level rose during the typhoon, and how destructive it was. There were trees wrapped around other trees – a sign of how strong the force of the water was! The change in the rock placements in the river actually made many of the rapids easier. But, it being a different course meant that the guides were yet to fully master it.

Rafting wasn’t as difficult as we thought it would be. It was thrilling that’s for sure. Watching it is a little more intimidating compared to when you are actually doing it, in my opinion. Well, having guides surely helped not just in controlling the boat, but also our confidence.

It was already dark by the time we reached the most difficult rapid. At this point, it is standard procedure for the guides to dock the raft and let the guests inspect the rapid they’re about to face. We were given a choice to skip it by walking along the riverside, or to give it a go. All four groups chose the latter, and all were successful.  It was a great feeling! After that, there were only 2 or 3 rapids left to overcome.

Having finished the most difficult rapid, we all thought this would end well. By the way, our group was the smallest. The other three had at least 6 members and 2 guides. Ours was just composed of 4 and 1 guide. They fell short of guides that day, as we found out in the end. Aside from the guides on each raft, there were also 3 guides patrolling, each on a kayak.

So on to the next rapid, we as usual followed the guide’s command. Throughout the course by the way, we paddle when he says so and follow the pace he dictates. Even if we thought we should still paddle in the rapids, when he says stop, we stop and the raft just goes into place. He can really be relied on, basically. But he made a wrong call at this particular rapid. We paddled hard and then stopped, however, instead of going safely into place, our raft is headed towards a big rock. I suspect the guide didn’t notice it immediately; it was nighttime after all. So, he ordered us to paddle hard but to no avail. Our raft was just heading towards the rock. The guide on the kayak started yelling “Paddle!” multiple times as well. Going back, it was a sign of their worry, as we were already in a dangerous situation.

The big rock has a protrusion, in that the raft could get partly beneath it, but the passengers couldn’t. So by the time our raft hit the rock, we had to bend. The water started rushing inside the raft, and we all realized it’s time to release our feet from the foot locks for the raft will fall out of balance.

My experience:

Upon releasing my foot, I was submerged in the water. The first thing to do was to try to float and put my head above the surface, naturally. But it wasn’t easy. Upon going up I felt a raft above me. Recalling the guide’s instructions at the beginning, I thought I should find the air space underneath the raft (assuming it’s upside down). I thought I was headed towards an air space, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t stop myself from the act of breathing anymore, the result, I drank a lot of water and choked. I got away from the raft but as I struggled to surface, I felt a push downward. Cess, admitted that it was her, as she herself struggled to go up. I struggled some more as I found myself underneath Matt. Then he pulled me up, shouting, “Jecoy, okay ka lang?!” (Jecoy, are you okay?) I couldn’t answer as I gasped for air and coughed. A guide ordered us to board on his kayak. It went upside down twice, before we found our balance.

The other groups stopped and waited for us. Our raft was missing, so we had to temporarily board on the other groups’ rafts and wait for our own raft to be recovered. But more than that, there was a bigger problem. Our guide and Nathan were missing! I shouted my brother’s name several times but there was no answer. And I started worrying. Man, it’s the first time my brother joined me in a trip and something bad is happening? The tension built as we waited for the other guides to search. You could feel their worry. And oh goodness, they had neither flashlights nor whistles!

I didn’t know how long we waited, but it didn’t seem to be too long. My brother, the guide and the raft were all found. “I’m okay!” shouted my brother, and boy were we relieved!

My brother’s experience:

The first thing Nathan did was to cling to the raft. It was part of the orientation after all: if you could cling to the raft, do so. So he was there, with the raft, stuck beneath the rock. He felt someone pulling his shorts, and our guide surfaced. The guide immediately released his grip, as he later said, he was concerned that my brother’s shorts may get ripped off, or his shoulders may not hold up.

Then, the guide started shouting at him, ordering him to release his grip and get away from the raft! Another guide on the kayak ordered him to do so as well. He wondered why, wasn’t it the instruction, cling to the raft if you can? As it turned out, the current underneath the rock was pulling the raft downward – that’s why it’s stuck! So Nathan was in trouble.

Upon releasing, he struggled to swim away. He felt the current pulling him down, like he was being flushed in the toilet. Then, during his struggle he saw one of his slippers floating. He somehow got energized and tried to swim for his slipper! And probably, there was a break in the pulling current, allowing him to swim away from the raft and the rock. And so he got to the riverside, with one slipper and tried to regain composure. He shouted my name several times, but there was no answer.

Our guide showed up to him asking if he’s okay. He is, and boy, was he delighted to see that our Go Pro Hero 2 Camera (which I purchased the day I arrived in Manila specifically with the white water rafting experience in mind) was still mounted on the guide’s helmet!

Nathan just waited. He thought he could walk along the riverside, but he remembered the guide telling us earlier that there are a lot of snakes in that area. So he just stayed put. Then, all of a sudden his other slipper surfaced. He successfully recovered it, adding more to his relief.

Finally, the guide managed to get the raft off the rock, and both of them went to the rest of the group. No people, paddles, raft, camera and slippers went missing. It’s funny how his slippers were a big part of this story.

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Thinking about it, that incident made this trip adventurous – which is great. I know it could’ve gone otherwise. But since we ended up with no casualty, I would like to consider it fun. That experience made us feel more alive!

To make use of my excitement and spare time, I decided to join in the new meme: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”  This is the Department of Tourism’s new campaign which went viral right after its release.  Having traveled around the Philippines considerably, I can attest to how fun it is in my home country.  But ‘fun’ is relative, so it is difficult to claim things as ‘more fun’ without anyone contesting.  Anyway, I’m still giving it a shot.

After recalling my past travels, browsing through pictures and thinking about my culture, here are the things I came up with:

Disclaimer: Although I thought of these myself and made use of personal (or my travel mate’s) pictures, it is very likely that these ideas are not unique.

- I have a feeling a lot of people thought of this.  This is arguably the most amazing sight named after the food many of us love: Chocolate.

- Public transportation is meant to save money and space.  But after riding a jeepney-sized bus in Panglao Island, I must say, space saving is taken to a higher level.

- I have seen that this idea is not unique at all.  But climbing these gigantic stairs are really fun, I must include it!  And look at that view!

- A lot of caves can be found in the country, my favorite is Sumaguing Cave in the oh-so-beautiful Sagada.  Rock formations inside this cave are awe-inspiring, some are even funny, like the one in the picture below.  What does it remind you of?

- Oh, let’s go to a nursery where cute newborn babies are kept!  They bite pretty hard too!

- Christmas is not just more fun, but it is perhaps most fun in the Philippines!

- Really, you will miss a lot of the Philippines’ beauty if you do not take a look under!

I have a few more things in mind.  However, I couldn’t find any personal pictures to use for illustration.  So I’m stopping right here.  How about you?  Have you made a list of things more fun in the Philippines?  Share your ideas in the comments below!  Give links to your own pictures so I can check them out!

Okay, I told you I am excited to go.  But there’s still one important thing to do: packing!

Christmas spirit on! Hmm, I'll embody it in a different way. (Taken with Instagram)

(Be sure to read this post on its own page. As this is already very long, it appears too crowded on some browsers.)

How quickly time flies… It’s already the first of December 2011.  What? In about a month we’ll welcome another year?  But before thinking about the New Year, I would like to savor this last month of 2011.  After all, December is probably the most festive month – at least for believers of Christmas.

I will not go the way someone who looks forward to the holidays go.  No, I won’t think of Christmas shopping (I won’t spend Christmas in the Philippines where most of my loved ones are anyway).  I will not plan Christmas parties that much.  What I want to do is to count my blessings.  Each day, however it goes, good, bad, ordinary or amazing, I will mention the positive things that happened or positive lessons and realizations I can draw from it.

As such, this blog post will be updated daily until the 31^st of December 2011.  Who’s with me?  Join me in counting blessings and spreading positive vibes!  Comment below!  (You are welcome to comment on a daily basis too!)

December daily:

December 1, 2011: This is an ordinary day with most of my time awake allotted for work.  I worked an extra 2 hours so that really left little time for me to do other things.  But this post, an idea that popped up after seeing the date today, is one thing I am thankful for.  It just gave me something new to look forward to.  And for boring news, one thing that went well today is my work!  I was efficient… I think.

December 2, 2011:  It’s Friday!  Another weekend is coming!  I have to say my friends’ responses about this idea of counting blessings made me happy.  So that is one very good thing already.  Next, by lunch time I bought a T-shirt in a tourist spot conveniently located near the office, for a friend of mine who particularly needed it for pasalubong - that’s helping in a small way .  And this is one very good thing for today: my dinner! “Thank you Lord for the blessings!” I thought – drooling.

A Seoul Tale: Meet the Meat - What have you heard about Korean Barbecue? It's true, they're good!

December 3, 2011: This turned out to be one of those Saturdays when I just stayed inside the apartment, like I’m hiding out from someone or just scared to get the sun’s rays on me.  I am glad that I made up for lost sleep though.  And I am not sure if I’m having a mild case of cold or just starting to get allergic rhinitis again due to the cold weather.  So having this day to recharge is a blessing.  Also, I exercised (like this but not as sick as the instructor) after 3 weeks!  You know, exercise makes you feel good.

I procrastinated a lot today actually.  My initial intention is to work on the video that I was having a hard time conceptualizing - for the whole day.  But I fell to the internet trap once again.  And you know how it is with surfing the web.  You can easily lose track of time (even though the computer clock is just in front of you, ironically).  But I thank whoever it is who invented the internet (it’s a blessing!).  I just need to restrain myself from using it too often.

December 4, 2011: Sunday, I was very, very late to mass – again!  That started my day with a little frustration.  (I know, it should not be difficult to be on time).  Well that mood was easily erased, thanks to my hurried walk towards the church from the train station.  (I almost stumbled at one point.)

Like the usual, I ate breakfast and wandered around Myeongdong with my friends after the mass.  We also ate lunch on the same area before parting ways.  This particular meeting with them involved long conversations about different things; with a nice mixture of  fun and serious (the type that will rejuvenate your spirit, if you know what I mean).  I may not be a very sociable person, but I do have a handful of friends.  And I would like to believe all of them are real.  And having at least a few of them around the vicinity is a big blessing indeed.  The last time I checked, I’m still sane.

Do you know instagram? I’ll assume you do .  So I follow this really good nature photographer, @menzenbe.  Most of his photographs are from Alaska – a dream travel destination of mine.  (I just melt every time I see beautiful pictures of that place.)  Just after arriving at the apartment, I was surprised to see notifications on my phone, telling that he liked 4 of my photos in IG!  OMG!  Fantastic!

Oh and one more thing, I’ve finally began working on my next travel video.  I mean really begin – the type when one’s momentum will carry on even after sleeping.

This was overall, a good day.

Faring well in a difficult Sun-to-Mon transition, reuniting with tonkotsu ramen, new favorite movie and more… counting blessings for the week that was Dec 5 -11, 2011

December 5, 2011:  I am really sleepy now.  My head is aching a little due to lack of sleep.  My eyes are feeling stressed – they need more time under cover.  But you know what happened good today? Even though it is another difficult Sunday-to-Monday transition, I was able to finish a personal target set before commencing work.  I didn’t even sought the help of coffee!  I don’t usually do that on a Sleepy Monday to be honest.  Somehow there is motivation.  I even woke up earlier than usual today (snoozed the alarm thrice instead of five times, haha).

In fairness...

December 6, 2011: I yearn to have a taste of tonkotsu ramen (pork bone noodle soup) of Japan every now and then.  It is just unforgettable.  I learned from a Korean colleague that there is one Japanese restaurant just near our office that serves one.  I went there tonight to have my dinner – ordered the ramen of course.  In fairness, it’s the closest thing to the real deal that I have tasted.  After all, it’s the first tonkotsu ramen I found outside Japan.

December 7, 2011: Tonight I saw three homeless people in the subway station.  Homeless on a winter – what a struggle that must be!  A lot of times when I see homeless people, I wonder, whatever happened to them?  What circumstances lead to their state?  (Sigh) I feel lucky to be getting a grip on life rather than succumbing to its challenges.

How do I look? I wonder how long I will have to fix my hair tomorrow?

On a lighter mood: I had my hair cut today.  I pointed a preferred style in the salon’s photo catalogue: familiar and easy to style with wax, and short enough for me to not need another haircut in 2 months.  The hairstylist didn’t follow my request, it’s a little bit longer than what I hoped for and it wasn’t my style.  But I didn’t assert my choice, as I was struck with curiosity as to how it will turn out.  It’s not wildly Korean, but, it does have that K-pop factor.  It doesn’t look complicated, but the hairstylist arranged my hair in a way I’m not familiar with.  It looks good, I think.  But I hope I can replicate it tomorrow.  At least it’s new

By the way, I realized that today is “good food Wednesday” – I’m thankful.

December 8, 2011: I knew it! I couldn’t replicate what the stylist did to my hair.  And worse, I had no time to get it this morning as I was running late for work.  Oh well, there’s tomorrow and the day after to try again.  I need to get it soon before my hair grows longer!

Now on to the good thing that happened today:  It’s difficult to think of something by the time I started writing this update.  Nothing easily popped up.  But good thing a very good friend of mine from Singapore, who just got her new i-phone 4S (naks!), video-called me using the Tango app.  So that ends this day on a happy tune.  I’m thankful once again, for friends!

You know it's cold outside when you see this (taken with Instagram)

December 9, 2011: It snowed in Seoul for the first time this winter!  I wasn’t really that excited because it’s not my first time to see snow.  (Perhaps anyone from the tropics gets excited upon seeing snow for the first time – I did.)  But it made me smile early on this day. This is a simple reminder of how amazing our planet is.  Burrr!

After office, I went shopping for winter clothes.  It’s planned, not really out of impulse.  I don’t shop often – only when needed.  But I usually end up spending a lot once I do.  I don’t know, more often than not, quality really comes at a price.  Would you agree?  I’m thankful for having the capacity to spend as much as I did – not that I spent too much.  But by Philippine standard, it may be quite expensive.  The important thing is, I’m geared for winter… Well almost. (Okay, I may just gave you the impression that I’m materialistic.  Trust me, I’m not luxurious. Defensive, much?)

December 10, 2011: On this day, I have one goal: finish the travel video I’m having a difficulty with.  And I did!  Satisfied.

December 11, 2011: I stayed up late until 3:30 am of this day.  Reason: I watched “The Shawshank Redemption” for the first time.  It just became one of my favorite movies ever!  That’s one very early plus for this day.  The messages I draw from the movie are just timely.  I’m in no way in a desperate situation.  But there are situations in the movie that I can consider a metaphor of some of the things I am going through.  I won’t really dwell into that.  Not just because they are things I’d rather keep private, but also because I can’t really specify them myself.  ”Get busy living or get busy dying”  I heard or saw that quote before, and it totally made sense in this film.  I am thankful to have watched this film and end up feeling inspired.

Another good thing that happened is an arrival of a friend of mine from a previous company.  He is officially an OFW, welcome bro!  Ha ha!  That’s one additional friend in the office.

From my job to Steve Jobs, toast master to coffee lover, talent, food, my father – count my blessings for the week that was December 12 – 18 below!

December 12, 2011: In a day that’s ordinary, this post becomes challenging.  But that’s the essence of this ‘project’ – reflecting on the good no matter how the day goes.  As this day is spent mostly in the office, I think it’s just appropriate to reflect on my job itself.

I am thankful to be a process engineer.  I am thankful to the circumstances that lead me to have this profession.  It justified my 5-year undergraduate study, I met new friends (real ones), it allowed me to travel abroad (something I really love as a bonus) and more (it is a source of living after all).  Wherever my life leads, even if I get out of this profession, I will always be thankful to have it as a tool in achieving my dreams (yup, I’m claiming future successes ).

Yes, I thought of something for today!  Ha ha!  But blessings are too many.  I should not run out of anything to share, right?

December 13, 2011:  We had lunch with our new team manager in an Italian restaurant – Il Mare.  I realized it’s the first time I dined in an Italian restaurant in Seoul.  So what Jerico?  Well, I love Italian food.  And I’m almost 5 months in here already.  I don’t remember having that long a hiatus for Italian dining.  However, I eat pasta almost every week at the apartment.  Sauces available in the supermarket are pretty good actually.  That may be the reason why I don’t crave much.  Oh wait, I just remembered I dined in an Italian restaurant in Nami Island.  Well that’s outside Seoul, so my second sentence is accurate at least.  Anyway, I’m excited to learn about this restaurant.  I’ll go back for a ‘thorough’ experience next time.  Have you noticed how good food makes me happy? This is the 4th time I counted it as a blessing.

Il Mare is decorated with black and white photos of Italy; so here's a black and white photo of the restaurant (taken w/ Instagram)

Dilemma of November 6, 2011

December 14, 2011: On November 6, 2011 – a Sunday, I had a simple dilemma: Be inspired with Steve Jobs’ life, or continue the killer of a thriller with Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Supremacy (I just finished reading The Bourne Identity the day before).  I chose to be inspired.  And just tonight, on my way from work, I did finish reading the biography.  Before you make the presumption that I’m an awfully slow reader (or you thought of that 2 seconds ago already?), let me explain.  I only read books (for leisure) while riding the train.  That means about 40 minutes on my way to office and 40 minutes on my way home (or occasionally on a long travel somewhere else).  And when I’m sleepy, or with someone to talk to in the train, I miss reading or just read for half the time.  I will tell more about my current affair with pocket (and not-so-pocket) books in a different post.  What I really want to point out of course are the blessings relevant today.

I was inspired with Steve Jobs’ life.  His character is not something I will fully emulate.  If you read the book, you will know what I mean.  What I would like to take away from it is his passion, philosophy (partly) and vision.  Oh my goodness, Walter Isaacson (the author) was able to make the reader feel the subject’s intensity and in turn gave me goosebumps from time to time while reading the book.  As I read the last sentence of the biography I had just that – goosebumps.  I am thankful to the Monday-to-Friday inspiration this book has given.  And having people like Steve Jobs who have the capacity to shape our specie’s future is something I am thankful for.  I wonder if I’m capable of greatness?  Or, how great (or merely good) my full potential is?

December 15, 2011: Toast master – have you heard of this before?  To those who do not know, it is a group that enhances members’ command of the English language through public speaking.  It operates in a friendly and no-pressure environment, which gives it appeal to the faint of heart.  It also enables members to practice cooperation and develop leadership skills.

Why am I suddenly talking about Toast Master? This evening after office, I went to a local chapter’s gathering for the first time.  Larry, a new friend I met here in Seoul, invited me last week to try it out (he’s an active member in one of the chapters in the Philippines), so I did.  It’s a good opportunity to meet new people and perhaps gain new friends.  Although the gathering this evening seemed a little awkward, it’s interesting enough for me to attend another session.  Thanks for the invite Larry!

December 16, 2011: Coffee is great.  I don’t have to explain why.  But it wasn’t until this year when I started drinking coffee.

I avoided coffee early on.  As a typical kid with a sweet tooth, I didn’t like its bitter taste.  Then there was this bad rep of caffeine circulating during that time (it still is bad in large amounts). My elders also warned about coffee as a drink not advisable for kids – for some reason.  As it turns out, coffee is good for you.  A lot of components of coffee are beneficial to one’s health.  Upon realizing this, I opened my mind and started trying coffee.

When I transferred to a different company last year, I started having less sleep everyday.  It wasn’t because I was busier.  It’s just that I travel to and from the office longer.  Many times I was really in need of a stimulant.  Later on, I gave in to the idea of drinking coffee to stay awake – particularly when I’m busy.  Although I still moderate my consumption of coffee, I can say that I like it already.  And I do appreciate its effect when needed.

I needed that caffeine effect today.  So I jumpstarted the day with a Cafe Americano from McDonald’s – no sugar and creamer added (I even prefer bitter coffee now).  And I got the desired effect: alert and efficient at work .  I am thankful coffee exists.

Felinophiles unite! (taken with Instagram)

Since I talked about coffee, here’s an interesting cafe in Seoul that I tried with my friends after office: Cat Cafe.  Yes, there are cats in the coffee shop.  Felinophile? Hang out here.

December 17, 2011: I can dance.  I’m not a great dancer – just someone who can.  Being picked out to perform in programs when I was in school is a testament to that talent, right?

It has practical uses.  I rarely go to clubs – haven’t been in one for a long time.  But in those few times I did, I know I didn’t look stupid dancing.  Whenever I feel the urge to exercise, but still lazy to exert too much effort, I opt to dance.  When I feel like burning more calories after eating too much (just like today), I dance.

I may not showcase it often (I do it mostly alone in my room/apartment and it’s not my career after all), but it’s a talent I am thankful for.

December 18, 2011: Are you a father?  How much allowance do you give to your kids? How much do you spend for their stuff?  For this whole week, I ‘financed’ my friend’s (the one I mentioned in December 11 update) needs.  His relocation allowance isn’t given yet, so I mostly paid for his expenses.  Yesterday and earlier today, I accompanied him in shopping for stuff.  Like a father accompanying his teenage kid, he picked what he wanted and I paid at the cashier.  Of course he’ll pay me back soon.  But this experience all the more proved to me that providing for a family is definitely not an easy task.  I thank my father for giving my brothers and I the chance to live a decent life.  God, bless my parents more!

As I type this, I feel full – again!  I ate a lot of meat… again (see picture in December 2).  And the great thing about my heavy, meat-filled meal is, it’s reimbursable to my friend.  Ha ha!  I appreciate your gratitude man!

Approved vacation for next year resulted in anticipation; but before that happens I counted blessings for the week that culminated on Christmas Day! Here’s December 19 – 25 update:

December 19, 2011:  I suddenly got excited to return to the Philippines for vacation.  My superiors just approved my home leave.  So I was able to make a flight reservation already.  Philippines, I will see you in a month!

Speaking of my country, I feel really blessed to be born there.  I know, it is not a ‘developed country’ by definition.  It doesn’t have that good a reputation to many foreigners.  I’m not even sure what the future holds for my country in terms of solving its problems.  But, I am proud to say it is beautiful.  Seriously, the natural wonders in the Philippines are just amazing.  That’s what I miss most aside from my family.

Obviously, I love discovering places in the Philippines.  Hopefully my planned trip on January will push through.  It’s been a while since I made a travel video about my country.

Another good thing today: I called my mom.  That was good; I love her.

December 20, 2011: I attended the year-end party of our department this evening.  Great food, so that’s a plus for today.  However, I ended up being bothered by the awkward group I was assigned to join in the dinner table.  I don’t know, it’s just weird not having conversations at a ‘party.’  I felt a forcefield between us members.  But thinking about it, it might have turned out better if I took the initiative to break the ice.  I am now realizing that maybe it just so happened that most of them are really the quiet type.  Good thing I was with one friend also assigned in the awkwardness, ha ha!  Oh well, lesson learned, break the ice.  If I’m confident enough to speak in front of an audience, then I should be confident enough to strike a conversation.

About public speaking, I talked in front of everyone for a few minutes about my impression in Korea and the company I joined.  It was planned; I was requested to do that several weeks before the party.  I prepared for it 2-3 days before.  But my delivery was not perfect, at least in the way I wanted it to be.  At the end of the program, with the awkward table experience already bothering me, I approached my colleague – the one who requested for me to take part in the program – and asked her what she thought.  Her response was a relief.  At least I left with a slightly better mood.

And one last thing, I received a gift as gratitude for speaking in the program.  Yey!  Receiving free items of use are always welcome!

December 21, 2011: Wow, four days left and it’s Christmas already! I don’t feel it much really – nothing beats anticipation of Christmas in the Philippines.  But earlier today, we received gift cheques as ‘Christmas’ present in the office.  Great, it can be used at the bakeshop I frequently go to.  Thank you my Korean employer!

After office, I went to a simple celebration of a friend’s birthday.  She just made the great cross-over: from being 20 something to 30! She treated us to dinner – so hurray for free food!

Okay, I have to sleep now.  I’ve been sleeping late again for consecutive days.  Good thing I’m not getting sick.  I better prevent it; now off to bed!

Thursday's Beer at Spice Bee

December 22, 2011: It’s Thursday and I anticipated the weekend already by having a drink.  It wasn’t a drunk-fest.

I attended a Toast Masters meeting for the second time.  This instance, I joined the after-session.  Instead of going for coffee (like they usually do) we went to have a few drinks.  Chicken and beer – that’s the combination.  I had the chance to talk to new people on a more personal level.  I like how they are readily open to foreigners.  It’s an English language club after all, so that’s probably why.  I think I’ll attend another session.  They are the most welcoming Koreans I’ve met so far, which is nice.

December 23, 2011: As I type this, it is snowing.  Looks like we’re going to celebrate a White Christmas in Seoul.  But before that, here’s a good thing that happened today: good food on Friday!  (And it’s FREE ha ha).

Western food for a change at Uno Chicago; TGIF!

My friends and I plan to eat at a similar restaurant tomorrow – Christmas Eve.  No worries, I welcome an indulgence on American food every once in a while.

Going back, this Friday is unusual in that I went home early.  So here I am, still awake, but at least half-resting already.  Thank goodness I have a shelter, and the means to stay healthy to avoid illness.  (Sigh) I just remembered the homeless people again.  Although it’s still cold inside my room.  The heating system’s inefficient.  I reported this problem already; here’s hoping it will get fixed tomorrow.

December 24, 2011: Christmas Eve.  I just woke up briefly to accommodate the inspector of my apartment’s heater and to have breakfast.  I slept again afterwards – I lacked sleep from Monday to Friday.  This is one of those days I didn’t feel guilty of not doing much.  I needed a recharge.

Came night time, I went out with my friends here in Seoul.  There were a LOT of people at our destination: Myeongdong.  A positive atmosphere can be felt in the area though.  I’m not sure if it was a planned event, but there were many people, mostly teenagers, offering free hugs.  It was a simple but great idea that raised good vibes in the area.

PEOPLE at Myeongdong!

Free Hug? Sure!

We originally planned on eating at TGI Friday’s, but the 2-hour estimated waiting time wasn’t something we’d accept.  So we looked elsewhere.  We ended up eating at California Pizza Kitchen.  We were fortunate because we only waited for 10 minutes.  A lot of people were also waiting, but somehow the crew found it easier to get our group a table – great!  And of course, I am once again thankful to have the capacity to indulge every once in a while.  Burp!

Afterwards, we went to Starbucks to extend the chit chat.  Some of us started calling our families when we were there.  Then, to cap the day, we missed the last trip in the subway.  Bam!  We waited for a bus, however, we seemed to miss the last trip as well.  So we rode on a taxi instead.  Anyway, this evening was good, so no complaints.

I am thankful to have friends to celebrate Christmas with.  It would be depressing otherwise!

Greetings from OFW's!

December 25, 2011: Christmas Day.  I fought sleepiness in order to attend Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral.  It’s Christmas!  After all the good things that happened to me this year, it’s time to thank the reason for this festive season and honor His Father – Our Father.

Speaking of father, I called my dad today.  Being able to greet him and have a talk on Christmas day completes it for me.  So I’m happy.

Latest Update: Counting the last 6 days of 2011!

December 26, 2011: I slept early yesterday which made me catch up sleep for today.  Thus, I started this Monday more energized than usual.  And I was able to wake up earlier despite the COLD weather. (In case you’re wondering, our heating system is not malfunctioning, it’s just inefficient!  Thus, it’s cold inside my room.)

In the office, I did not have anything to do.  So I read an industry standard to kill time – something technical, to describe it simply.  I just do not want my brain to rust while I’m still staying in this career, if you know what I mean.

Although I am not socially awkward, I consider myself a nerd.  Early on I was branded as a Math and Science kid.  I love those subjects.  These days however, I no longer have the same affection for them – especially in Math.  I chose to be more practical, so I didn’t pursue higher learning.  I’m not a Math professor, so there really is no reason for me to keep on studying the subject.  As for Science, I still enjoy reading about it; but with my profession, I don’t have to be too engrossed with theories.

What would I like to point out here?  I am thankful that I was that kid.  I didn’t have difficulty the way an average student does when dealing with those subjects (excuse me for the statement, I am not being haughty or whatever).  It made school life easier for me.

I didn’t know where I got it, my parents were not Math and Science geeks as far as I know, so I’ll take it as a gift from above.  My affinity for those subjects is the reason why I have this profession.  And as I said before, I am thankful to have it.

*I had to look back in the past.  There wasn’t something new to share from how this day went (read: ordinary day).

'twas my first time to try black beer

December 27, 2011: I still feel groggy by the time I’m writing this.  Our project team just had a milestone party.  That’s the good thing that happened today.  We had good food (sangyeopsal and pork kalbi), drinks and fun conversations.  This time, it wasn’t awkward, thank goodness!  It was really enjoyable.  Enjoyable in that I may have drunk a little too much!

By the way, have you tried black beer?  It’s my first time to try one.  This beer is more bitter than usual, I thought there’s coffee mixed in it!

Small gifts with big impact

When I arrived home, I saw a package sent by a friend and fellow WordPress blogger: Marjorie!  Thank you so much for the gift my friend!  I really appreciate it!

December 28, 2011: This is our last working day for the year.  Thus, it is filled with anticipation for the coming 4 days off!  (Aside from New Year’s Eve, I do not have any plans actually – so I welcome rest and/or time for creativity.)

Just to share with you, part of the year-end habit here is for the top managers to greet everyone in the office.  They go from floor to floor, department to department and greet each and everyone of the employees.  Also, members of project teams gather around and share food before they conclude the year’s last working day.  So most of us went out of the office early – love it!

So what did I do with my friends afterwards?  We already booked seats for the movie Mission Impossible 4.  So we went out of the office by 4:30 PM and spent 4 hours walking, talking and eating at a very relaxed pace prior to our movie schedule.  On to the movie: I love it! It’s just full of action – like there were no rests in-between stunts (just exaggerating).

I’m glad of how this day went, despite the challenge of staying up after last night’s drinking and late sleep.  Speaking of sleep, I really need it now.

December 29, 2011: By around 1 am today, (yep before I slept so it’s ‘last night’ but technically very early today ), I called my favorite travel companions.  They have gotten together in the Philippines.  It was great to hear from them.

Yes, we even have a logo

Our travel group, composed of five, has an ‘official’ (as we say so) name: Itchy Feet Wanderings.  For most of my travels in the Philippines, I was with them.  For me, they are the best travel mates.

These days however, we are on a hiatus.  We are busy with our lives, mostly careers, and three of us are currently working overseas.  As you know, I am in Korea, two are working in Singapore and two are left in the Philippines.  But since the two working in Singapore went home for this holiday, the four of them got a chance to see each other.  Ahhh, I’m so missing these guys!

I just would like to say that I am very thankful that our paths crossed.  (Okay, I just decided to talk about our group more on a separate blog post.)  I’ll see you soon my friends!

What’s more to tell about today? Nothing really, I am just thankful for this extra day off as I was able to sleeeeeeep!  Yep, I relish the chance to sleep well these days.

December 30, 2011:  I did not go out again.  There are a couple of reasons: (1) I still want to rest; (2) I want to save money, so I purposely did not plan on anything.  I’ll take the latter as a good thing.  I spent a lot gearing for the cold season already.  Plus I was able to exercise with this extra time inside the apartment.

So what did this bear do in his cave this time?  Well, I thought a lot (As if I do not do that often!).  In my first post, I have mentioned that I have diaries (digital, by the way).  And I focused on one of them today.  Doing so all the more confirmed that this year turned out to be good – one of my better years actually.  But it also reminded me that there are a lot more things to work on.  I will keep most of them to myself, so sorry readers.  In a nutshell, I have this life project that is about achieving success – the way I define it.  It is driven by love and pride, ha ha!

Meaty dinner, representative of a meaty year: 2011

December 31, 2011: So here it is, the last day of 2011!  Again, it’s good that I have friends to spend the New Year’s Eve with.  It’s nothing fancy; we ate lots of meat at Choice 21 (yep, that restaurant pictured in December 2 update again), then we went to Caffe Bene, located just across the street.  That’s what we were doing at the last minute of 2011 – hanging out at a coffee shop.  It’s actually the thing that this particular circle enjoy most, conversations over coffee.

Earlier this day, I woke up with a light feeling – no anxiety about the fact that the year will end in a matter of hours.  That is to say, 2011 has been a good year for me.  It proved to be a make-or-break year; and I believe it falls on the ‘make’ side.  Many realizations unfolded, and sparkles of hope emerged.  And just like this display at the coffee shop, I will move forward, glittering with hope that 2012 will be bigger.  Cheers to the year that was, and cheers to the New Year!

- Jerico, The Journeying Engineer

This potential video is about a recent trip meant to appreciate the autumn season.  It’s more than three weeks ago now.  And as time goes by,  it makes it harder and harder to write video ideas.  I went out that time lacking sleep for a third consecutive day (I think), with no particular video concept in mind.  I was shooting blankly.  That makes this conceptualizing thing even harder.  It’s like looking for useful things in a dump of garbage.

I just want to expound a little about the time element.  With every travel video I make, I try to relive the experience I had during the trip – in my mind.  This way, I evoke the feelings I had during the trip, especially excitement.  And that is like the fuel that powers my script writing and video editing.  This is especially true for my travel videos in the Philippines.  And you know how it is with memories.  The farther you are from the experience, the harder it is to recall.  (That’s why I love pictures and videos.  They are time capsules.)

Ah, this video might just not push through!  But no, I had more difficult situations then. More elapsed time in-between the trip and the travel video.  But just in case I fail, then there’s this blog to tell about it instead.

This dear reader, is an example of why I created this blog.

Here's one photo taken from the place I'm referring to in this post. Can you guess where this is?

What's so special about this date?

This is mere coincidence, but admittedly, I feel the urge to do something different or worthwhile today.  That’s why this post, though nonsense, was written.  I remember last year, on 10.10.10, I felt a little bad when I haven’t done anything special that day.  So at this moment, I am making sure this day is different.

Anyone alive today probably has next year as the last chance to have a similarly special date: 12.12.12 – unless some scientific breakthrough emerges in the not-so-distant future that would enable us to live more than a hundred years.  That makes me want to plan something ahead, haha! 

What (will you do/are you doing/did you do) on November 11, 2011?

Side note: I just learned that November 11 is special here in Korea.  This morning, I came to the office with a cookie stick on my desktop.  Then I was told it is Pepero day.  Pepero is the name of the snack – the cookie stick.  It is relevant because the date when written in numbers is just like 4 sticks.  And as my Korean colleague told me, it is similar to Valentine’s Day.

"It's Pepero Day." - What do you mean?

Flocking the palace - Gyeongbokgung palace on 2011 Chuseok day (Sep 12) - except for this photo, the blog post was "pressed" using the WordPress mobile app

I’m on my way home from work as I write this post. It is a trial of the wordpress mobile app. Hopefully, I can finish this before hopping off the train.

7 billion and counting – that’s how much people there are on this planet. I cannot imagine how much resources we demand as a whole. How does Earth fare in giving us what we want? I won’t attempt to answer that.

A friend once shared to me a question that her younger sister asked. It goes something like: “Does the earth get heavier and heavier as people multiply?” Basing on the law of conservation of mass, the answer should be no, right? Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. We were formed from matter that existed on a different form. We grow by processing the food we eat. Our body will decay when we die. I can’t analyze and put in simple terms the aging process so I skipped that part

From the same law, it got me into thinking: if the number of people increase, then other things must decrease. Even if we do not ask for anything more than our basic needs for survival, it will still be the case. Resources will get depleted, and other creatures will get endangered or worse, extinct. Only those that we cultivate based on our needs (think agricultural produce and livestock) will increase – plus the creatures that succeed in the setting we impose as the dominant species of this time.

That last sentence leads to the other thing that plays in my mind: it seems like the pests we consider are the very creatures that thrive in the situation we created. Cockroaches and rats, anyone? Come to think of it, they are everywhere! They love our sewage system – see, we created a kingdom for them

Along with these random thoughts is my hope that our population growth will slow down. Mr. Hans Rosling, in one of his TED talks presented a very good insight on population growth and a proposal to control it. That’s the very thing I want to share with you actually! So if you feel like your time was wasted, I apologize. But do watch that video, it’s worth your time

For those who want to waste more time with me, tell me what you think about global population. Write in the comment section below.

P.S. I finished this piece at my apartment. Damn, I couldn’t complete it in a 45-min train ride! But I still stuck to writing with my mobile phone only.

On the Side - created this blog at Oliva Coffee with this green tea on the side

Ideas come to me every day.  They come and unfortunately, a lot of them go.  Some go quick, others stick for a while and fade, and only a few survive, put into action and become creations. Wait, that description is just not fair to the ideas.  They do not go as though they leave me.  It’s more of me not paying attention to these ideas; letting go of opportunities by not capturing them.

Inactions – brought by hesitation, doubt, fear or sheer laziness.  It’s hard work to nurture an idea caught and then put it into action; more so a creation.  And so in addition to uncaught ideas, there are discontinued actions and unfinished creations.  And they are worse.

What is my point really?  In an attempt to create bigger things in my life, I started paying more attention to these ideas.  I began to capture them by writing notes and diaries.  Yes, the latter’s in plural form.  But in this blog, I will not share what’s in those diaries (that’s why they are diaries).  I will tell another part of my life that I’m willing to show to the public: my travel experiences and thoughts.

Actually, I have been sharing it to the world for a couple of years now.  I love traveling and I enjoy making videos about my travels and posting them on youtube.  My uploads are not regular, however.  It can be explained by the reasoning I presented in this post’s introduction.  There are travel and video ideas that do not happen (in the case of travel) and disappear (in the case of video) due to my lack of action or failure to capture them.

By creating this blog, I will lessen the amount of waste.  This will supplement my videos.  I can share things that were not captured in picture, or omitted narrations that would otherwise make the video too long or boring.

That purpose is the idea behind the creation of this blog. (What?!)