A mosaic that sums up my 3 months away from the country. I would have wanted to add more photos, but it might look so small if there are many pictures. Here are tidbits of my journey to the island north of the Philippines.
Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
balik eskwela
As millions of students returned to school last June 1 Monday, I too returned to work that day. After 3 months in Taiwan, I thought it would feel so different to return to my desk, to my computer and to my job. But surprisingly, I felt nothing of that sort. I felt as if I left just for a week. Everything seems just the same. Or so I think. It was as if Taiwan was just a dream and Manila was reality. I just woke up from a dream, that's what I felt.
I believe I really enjoyed Taiwan, that is why I felt it was just so fast. But then again, I have to return to reality-- which if I may say so is not that bad. I thought I left work for a short time, but in truth it was 3 months. For my officemates, it was long.
Today Wednesday, I saw Maan for the first time since arriving in Manila. It was so weird seeing her. I mean, I always see her everyday in Taipei- from morning to evening. But seeing her in Manila, at the office at that, it seems weird, but good also. Everytime I see her, Taiwan keeps coming back. And no, we didn't talk in Chinese. hehehe
I believe I really enjoyed Taiwan, that is why I felt it was just so fast. But then again, I have to return to reality-- which if I may say so is not that bad. I thought I left work for a short time, but in truth it was 3 months. For my officemates, it was long.
Today Wednesday, I saw Maan for the first time since arriving in Manila. It was so weird seeing her. I mean, I always see her everyday in Taipei- from morning to evening. But seeing her in Manila, at the office at that, it seems weird, but good also. Everytime I see her, Taiwan keeps coming back. And no, we didn't talk in Chinese. hehehe
Thursday, May 28, 2009
TPE - MNL
After 3 months of studying in Taiwan, I am now back in the Philippines. I arrived this afternoon via China Airlines. It has been a wonderful journey in Taiwan, an experience I am sure I will never forget.
Now it's back to reality. Back to work and back to my normal life. And I'm definitely not feeling down about it. I missed my life in Manila, but I will definitely not forget my Taiwan life.
Thanks to all my new friends in Taiwan. You all have made my stay more exciting. I am definitely going back there.
As of now, I'm on quarantine mode... hehehe.
Damn H1N1.
Now it's back to reality. Back to work and back to my normal life. And I'm definitely not feeling down about it. I missed my life in Manila, but I will definitely not forget my Taiwan life.
Thanks to all my new friends in Taiwan. You all have made my stay more exciting. I am definitely going back there.
As of now, I'm on quarantine mode... hehehe.
Damn H1N1.
home bound
In a few hours I'll be back in Manila. As of this writing, I am still packing my stuff and trying not to have excess baggage-- but it is so difficult! My things here right now are 3 months worth of clothes, souvenirs, books and pasalubongs. Imagine trying to limit it to 20 kilos, at most 25!
But nevertheless, I am excited to go home and sad to leave Taiwan. Taipei has been a home to me. I have been exposed to its local life for 3 months, I have somewhat been attached to the city. I actually lived here and not just stay for a couple of days like a tourist. Wo ai Taiwan.
It's sad to leave friends here. Haay farewells are very sad indeed. But then again I will see my old friends back in the Philippines.
It's a mixed of emotions. I just hope I won't be infected with H1N1. hehehe
But nevertheless, I am excited to go home and sad to leave Taiwan. Taipei has been a home to me. I have been exposed to its local life for 3 months, I have somewhat been attached to the city. I actually lived here and not just stay for a couple of days like a tourist. Wo ai Taiwan.
It's sad to leave friends here. Haay farewells are very sad indeed. But then again I will see my old friends back in the Philippines.
It's a mixed of emotions. I just hope I won't be infected with H1N1. hehehe
Saturday, May 23, 2009
after 3 months
May 22 was the last day of class. It was truly a wonderful experience to study abroad. You not only learn a new knowledge, but also learn about the culture of other nations. Seeing and meeting so many citizens of various countries makes me reflect during my CISV experience 12 years ago. It was when I attended a summer camp in Bacolod participated my young delegates from across the globe. Here in Taiwan, the feeling is similar. I now have new friends with different and unique backgrounds and races. For 3 months, we felt special... I guess because we are foreigners here. The Taiwanese people are generally helpful and hospitable. Though they speak a few English words (and sometimes none at all), many try to convey their message through actions and through their smiles.
It's fun to be a foreign student because you can act stupid... hehehe. You are free to do whatever, because you know a few of their rules and customs and you can act as if you knew nothing (including the language). You can just be a dummy because everything you see and feel is fairly new to you and it makes you wonder with awe. It makes you act like a kid again when a kid learns and sees something for the first time. It's like being a foreign student- when for the first time you eat a weird local food, witness a unique local tradition, hear an exotic local music and see a beautiful local place.. the feeling is like a child seeing a nice toy or a yummy ice cream.
Overall, my Taiwan experience is great (and it's not over yet!!)
*by the way, I passed with flying colors in my Mandarin class :-)
It's fun to be a foreign student because you can act stupid... hehehe. You are free to do whatever, because you know a few of their rules and customs and you can act as if you knew nothing (including the language). You can just be a dummy because everything you see and feel is fairly new to you and it makes you wonder with awe. It makes you act like a kid again when a kid learns and sees something for the first time. It's like being a foreign student- when for the first time you eat a weird local food, witness a unique local tradition, hear an exotic local music and see a beautiful local place.. the feeling is like a child seeing a nice toy or a yummy ice cream.
Overall, my Taiwan experience is great (and it's not over yet!!)
*by the way, I passed with flying colors in my Mandarin class :-)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Manila soon
Haven't been able to blog for a long time.
In 2 weeks, I'll return to my native land Philippines! I am now going out often to see places I may not see again in Taiwan. Last night, we had our first Taiwan night life. Went to a bar called Roxy. It was Wednesday so--- free entrance and free drinks! 90% of the people there were foreigners (including me hehe). Today is is Alvin's bday, will go out again tonight this time in a bar owned by a Filipino. Haaay, I'm finally returning to Manila. I missed a lot of major events. I hope I could still managed to write news well. :-)
In 2 weeks, I'll return to my native land Philippines! I am now going out often to see places I may not see again in Taiwan. Last night, we had our first Taiwan night life. Went to a bar called Roxy. It was Wednesday so--- free entrance and free drinks! 90% of the people there were foreigners (including me hehe). Today is is Alvin's bday, will go out again tonight this time in a bar owned by a Filipino. Haaay, I'm finally returning to Manila. I missed a lot of major events. I hope I could still managed to write news well. :-)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
transition
I haven't been updating this blog in quite some time. I guess it just means nothing much happened to me. But there were so many changes at work now. It's actually a transition week for many here at the office. All of my shifts are actually changing (though I'm not yet sure where it is going). It's an adjustment period. And good thing I am leaving for Taiwan in less than 2 weeks. I am both excited and not-so-excited for my 3-month trip. I hope everything goes well (both for my trip and for work).
Monday, February 9, 2009
2 hours
I had a very long morning today. I rode a bus from Cubao to Makati around 9am. I thought it will just be an easy ride, but it wasn't. I ended up sitting on that bus for 2 hours just to get from Farmers' Plaza to RCBC Plaza. The bus was airconditioned, but 2 hours?! Anyway after that long ride, I just stayed at the Taiwan Embassy at RCBC Plaza for just 5 minutes.
Speaking of Taiwan, I already passed all requirement for my VISA. I'm sure they'll approve it (hehehe). I might fly out of Manila on March 1.
Speaking of flying, I visited the Travel Expo in SMX over the weekend. There were so many affordable packages to all countries!! Hongkong, for example, has a 2N/3D package which includes airfare, hotel and a Disney tour: all for just $128!! If only I have the money, I'm sure I'll be buying either the Europe+Russia Tour or the India Tour.
Speaking of Taiwan, I already passed all requirement for my VISA. I'm sure they'll approve it (hehehe). I might fly out of Manila on March 1.
Speaking of flying, I visited the Travel Expo in SMX over the weekend. There were so many affordable packages to all countries!! Hongkong, for example, has a 2N/3D package which includes airfare, hotel and a Disney tour: all for just $128!! If only I have the money, I'm sure I'll be buying either the Europe+Russia Tour or the India Tour.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the e-mail
This is the good news (well, for me at least)...
I told my boss about the news and I didn't expect she would post it on our ANC yahoogroups:
"One of our young writers, Jekki Pascual, has been awarded a three-month Mandarin language scholarship in Taiwan by the Taiwan government.
Congratulations, Jekki! We expect you to be able to translate every Chinese news item for us once you get back:) "
-Glenda Gloria, ANC COO
Yup, that is the good news! I will be in Taipei this spring (March-May) through a Taiwan government grant. The program was awarded to three Filipino journalists: me from ANC, Alvin Sejera from IBC-13 and Maan Macapagal from ABS-CBN.
I will surely miss my family and friends for 3 months! And surprisingly, I think I will miss my work. I'm scared I might not be able to write news reports well when I come back... hehehe
Can't wait to be a student again!! (especially in a foreign land)!!
:-)
I told my boss about the news and I didn't expect she would post it on our ANC yahoogroups:
"One of our young writers, Jekki Pascual, has been awarded a three-month Mandarin language scholarship in Taiwan by the Taiwan government.
Congratulations, Jekki! We expect you to be able to translate every Chinese news item for us once you get back:) "
-Glenda Gloria, ANC COO
Yup, that is the good news! I will be in Taipei this spring (March-May) through a Taiwan government grant. The program was awarded to three Filipino journalists: me from ANC, Alvin Sejera from IBC-13 and Maan Macapagal from ABS-CBN.
I will surely miss my family and friends for 3 months! And surprisingly, I think I will miss my work. I'm scared I might not be able to write news reports well when I come back... hehehe
Can't wait to be a student again!! (especially in a foreign land)!!
:-)
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