From My Heart and Seoul: South Korea

My exposure to Korea started when I've met the Korean students of my friend, Maan few years after we graduated from college. (Do not ask what year that was please.) I remember how these students would save their money when we went out, every cent has it's cost. Years after I became a teacher for one of the high school Korean students in Ortigas but stayed only a month because I realized - I can never be a teacher.(except for yoga* haha!!!) The Korean influence soon rise in the country including Koreanovela, KPOP, fashion and food. Oh, I do not like Kimchi. My sister, Kulet, loves Winter Sonata. I followed the Prince and I series. My mom was into one of the Koreanovelas that I forgot the title. I remember crossing the gutter of Julia Vargas during midnight with Aimee just to eat Korean Ice cream in Centerpoint Building. Tried Korean barbeque with Mivi, Kiko and Rexy Mae when we went to Cavite. To be honest, I did not like their food as much as I cannot live without pasta. Many Koreans travelled to the Philippines to learn english and through that their influence spread across the country. Alot of them stayed here in the Philippines. Who would not forget Sandara Park? And Boy, when I went to watch the Korean Film Festival with Char and Juneeeyah, you just could not believe the people screaming inside the movie house when they saw their "idol" on big screen.Yeah, a lot of them were kids, I mean they were as young as my nieces and nephews. Man, I felt old. I am not really a fan of Koreanovela I just get tired when I have to glue my eyes on one spot and at the same time have to read the translation at the bottom of the screen maybe that's the reason why I just watched one of their series but I tried once in a while. I tell you, their stories and compositions are unique. What I like about watching their films or series is that every story surprises me.

I've been upgrading my travel and I challenged myself when it comes to traveling. I am happy that I was able to travel to Taiwan to see my sister and having a visa gave me much more confidence in travelling to other visa countries in Asia. More than the confidence - I am glad that I am learning. I've been researching on what to do and how much would it cost for me to travel to South Korea. Luckily, I've met Arnold from Lakwatserong Unggoy in Batanes who went to SK with a limited budget. His post in rappler became famous and he gave me the boost to explore SoKor without spending too much. So when I saw the low rates of Air Asia bound to SK I immediately sent a message to Sheena (do you remember her? She's my travel buddy in Batanes.) booked a one way ticket and we waited for another promo fare for our Return Flight and found it through Cebu Pacific fare. I know how risky it was but your heart will tell you when it is time to book or not to book as they say, "sa tamang panahon.". (hahahaha!!! #whogoat) There's too much preparation and a lot of things happened too like APEC Summit that we needed to complete visa requirements within a week and even the almost 1 hour delay of our flight going to SK. Apo, still allowed us to explore South Korea and I am grateful and blessed. I know that you are all excited, I am too. I have a lot of things in store for you. This travel made me change my perceptions, it made me reunite with 3 girlfriends, strengthen the bond and have them be friends through travelling, made friends with other and appreciate the simple joys of this adventure, this travel made me love Korea more. 

More of my South Korea Seoul Searching soon.