Music of the week: Hate you (Cover) by G.NA

G.NA during Asia Music Festival in Daegu.

The male version is surprisingly better than the one sung by G.NA (지나)! Happy weekends! :)

Of Snow and My Thoughts

During my first year in Korea, every time it snows, I would stop all my work and look outside for a while. The following year, snowing became so common, I ignored it and continue on with my life. The last time it snowed was during the new year's day this year, and the timing was really memorable. New year = First snow of the winter season.

At first it snows like this...

After some time...

This year was a bit different. It snowed just now, during my exam week (less than 3 more days before the D-Day). Snows reminds me of many things- that some things just don't last long, just like snows, they melt as soon as the weather turns a little warmer. So I am never easily be disappointed with many failures. I take life easily (and positively). :) 

This may be the second last winter of me living in Korea. My clock now resets whereby I have another year to go before seeing my last snow here. This means time is running up! :( It was an irony because when I first came to Korea, I never even thought of staying in Korea this long even though I was awarded the government scholarship. 

Reason is that I was still awaiting the result for the admission to local university. I applied for medicine. Of course my result was not an "excellent" one but well, who cares? Hehe... After almost 4 years in Korea, when I think of my final year, next year, I feel a little sentimental to be leaving the place I have known for so long, friends I have met and the memories this soon.  

My KNU Times juniors

Like you and me, we may have many dreams. Dreams of what we want to see or become in the future. Some hope to become wealthy, others may want to get a job in well-known companies. Who doesn't? What I am worrying is whether I will love or enjoy what I am doing in the future. I am afraid of putting the importance of money before my interest. 

Not to offend anyone, but after living in Korea and mingling with the foreigners. I found that most Filipinos communities in Korea (of all the other foreigners) prefer living permanently in Korea. Many if not all Filipinos I met hope to settle down in Korea after they graduate, etc. In my humble opinion, this is not wrong but it will exacerbate further brain drain in Philippines. 

**

Malaysia is facing a big problem too. Everyday is about politics and every news here revolve around politics. What saddens me most is that "ethnic race" is always part of the main discussion. I know it is tough to govern a multicultural country but isn't ethic minorities or majority are citizens too? 

Such negative impressions of the "injustice" from the ethnic minorities, as well as the dissatisfaction of the country's unequal wealth pie felt by the ethnic-majority are detrimental to the nation growth. Then what is the solutions? Malaysia needs to tackle the root cause of it- too much racial elements that were allowed to permeate here and there.

We have a race (and politically) based newspapers, multiple education systems (National, Chinese, Indian, etc), race-based political parties, a race-based armed regiment (e.g. Royal Malay Regiment), different admission processes for certain races, ethnic based quotas, and so forth. Wouldn't it be great if we are matured enough to see the benefits of uniting all Malaysians regardless of ethnicity? Let's start with the overhauling our education system first.

It would be nice to see a single unifying schooling system that all races can be uniquely interested in- classes that are taught fairly and admission to the universities are based on one's own merits. As expected, weak/poor students ought to be given better opportunity to attend additional classes and if needed, other supporting measures in the form of small allowances were given to ensure that they are able to buy books, uniforms, decent meals and attend classes.  

Teachers need to be trained as professionally as possible. Instead of allowing good but retiring teachers to retire, the government can recruit them to train the new teachers. Since the public perception of teaching is not glamorous, attracting bright students to become teachers is difficult. Government can give more overseas scholarships to bright students (interested to become a teacher) on the condition that they will come back and teach the students.

Once in a while, government scholars like from the JPA (Public Service Department) should be given the chance to teach temporarily so as to inspire the younger generations to dream big. Public universities and government's pre-universities that have admission based on ethnic backgrounds needs to be abolished or lowered (albeit temporarily) to ensure students are able to compete academically with each other. Admittedly, weak students need to be given additional support to improve themselves and they should not be penalized if they failed to meet the expectation for the first time.    

When fairness prevails, more Malaysians regardless of ethnicity will consider this country as an ideal place to settle down. This means no more infighting, more local investments, better opportunity for self improvement and the country prospers.

Nevertheless, I also knew such things are difficult to achieve. When the time comes, not necessarily with better education, but with more maturity and experience, Malaysians can live in a better place than before. I know we are not living in an idealistic world but I always hope for the best.

**  

Some of the "supplies" from home

Snowing makes me miss home but I know I have unfinished tasks to achieve. What I need now are self motivation, strong determination and a good cup of hot chocolate. I usually prepared months before the exams when I was in high school, weeks before I took the pre-university examination but last minute during my university life. Sometimes when I think of it, life in university can be so fun :) 

Daegu - Asia Song Festival 2011 (I)

Two more days and then, it's "Hello" to mid term exams but still I'm not as focused as last time. I went for a concert in Daegu yesterday - Asia Song Festival 2011. Before deciding to go, I reminded myself that this is my first Korean concert and it's free (VIP pass) so why not?

Daegu Asia Song Festival 2011 ticket!



Peter Ho from Taiwan



Like Being Hit by a Bullet, Chinese version



U-KISS



G.NA

And I got a nice seat too, it was only a short distance from the stage and wow - you can see them performing without relying on it being projected on the big screen all the time. And most importantly, it was in Daegu - my city.

BEAST supporters (Fiction, fiction... yes they were there yesterday...)

Yesterday was great, I like a Japanese song by AAA. It was a happy song, so nice and all my study stress dissipated away. Fuhh... Couldn't describe it as it was all in Japanese but music is universal and I liked it very much. G.NA's song "Black & white", she was so hot! erm.. I mean her song was great! ^^

AAA from Japan



Lee Seung Gi, hmmn.



SNSD or Girls' Generation



Just a kit lens (and not zoom lens) but quite a clear pic

I saw a shot of a Malaysian fan on the screen, instinctively, I recorded it. It was by Super Junior. Sadly, I do not know the names of any members of this group - not a K-pop fan. Yet. Haha :)

Super Junior

The second guy (plump guy) was quite funny because he spoke in a Daegu dialect, the fifth guy said "I do not have any plans of coming here (Daegu) again" and everyone were like "Huh?". Then when he said "I'm only lying", the girls were all like "AHHH.." -_-"

Besides the rest of the well-known ones from Korea, there were songs by Perfume from Japan (They were like dolls!), Tata Young from Thailand (but not so "young" anymore), Bibi Chou from China (Never knew her English is good!) and many more (including a few Korean performers too like Miss A).

Will update again after my exam! Good luck!

21 March 2011

Cute ler~

This is how some of my friends are. Hmmn. Today was another crazy day and I never like Monday. Luckily 1 class was cancelled so I spent my time de-stressing - running.

A few more days will be my second year in Korea, 27 March. Time flies really quick. How I wish it was just 2009, no expectations and carefree life. My second year in Korea, 3 more years left. I can't be eating kimchi everyday~ :)

**

Never Let Me Go

"Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time..."





Yesterday, I watched Never Let Me Go starring Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley. I will write a review if I have time. I felt the movie suited girls more than guys.

Not my type of movie I like :( More of a sad love story than a touching movie.

Timeless MV

At first, I thought this music video was for a movie. Very nice. :)

ADV - Secret Garden, the TV Drama is not to end

Secret Garden, a Korean TV drama that won favorable attention from the audience for the actors’ excellent performance and its famous lines, has just come to end. As the TV drama of the moment generating a lot of talks, not only its storyline but also the fashion, props and even NG takes became a great interest among the fans.

In particular, the location sites of the TV drama where the main characters’ scenes have been taken were what aroused the audiences’ curiosity the most. Let us have a closer look to the places Secret Garden invited their fans; the workshop location where Joo Won (Male leading charater) and Lime (female leading character) looked through the eyes of love of each other, Jeju hotel site where the two souls were switched and Petite France where the couple has first met.


Here I am

Petite France, Joo Won first meets Lime

Do you remember the place where Joo Won first meets Lime (I DUNNO COZ I DON'T WATCH THIS DRAMA. LOL), mistaking her as Park Chae Rin who Oscar had asked to find for him? The romantic and fairytale village that often appears on TV or movie screen is from Petite France, a French village located in Gapyeong-gun Cheongpyeong-myeon, Korea.

If you are a fan of Secret Garden, continue reading here to KNOW MORE about the shooting places and some short narative on this drama :)

I did not watch this drama so I couldn't tell more but I did watch IRIS. It was superb but too bad the ending sucks. I expected it to have more action in the otherwise heart suspense I chase YOU you CHASE me scenes.



One of the place shot in the IRIS drama, a tourist spot in Korea - Gwanghwamun Plaza.

ADV - K-Pop growth into the States, the heart of pop music

Last year, erm... actually on the New Year eve, I celebrated my new year in Seoul. The weather was freezing but seeing korean girl group performing in tight pants and no warm clothing was electrifying. It was minus 12 but the band performed so well that winter seemed to be like summer.



The girl group was Nine Muses performing Ladies. This was my first time listening to the group's song, I am neither a K-pop song fan nor Korean dramas serial watcher. Up to today... the only drama I watched was the Iris... haha. For songs, I am quite into songs by ... who? lol.



All sad songs. Where is all the happy songs??? Hmmn. This one is better.



Lets get "high" in this post below okay? ^^

In the 70s and 80s young Koreans listened to American pop music admiring the American pop stars, however in 2010 the scenario seems to have changed. Hanlyu (the Korean wave) in Japan and Thailand (MALAYSIA INCLUDED. I THINK) is now moving on to the Northern America; Korea is now receiving fair attention from their American fans enjoying Korean pop music. The fandom of Korean pop music (K-pop) is growing beyond its region reaching to America and Europe, the heart of pop music.


The very famous Winter Sonata that made Korean drama so well known

Hip hop, R&B, electronic dance and etc. were originated from the Western cultures, yet these genres had been interpreted by Asian sentiments in Korea and developed into a unique style of pop music. It then has been introduced back to the global market; it is pop music but from Korea. A recent research on K-pop video views statistics on YouTube, a global video-sharing website, well illustrates this phenomenon.

Hanlyu in America

The Korea Daily (Korea Joongang Daily USA) totaled the views of K-pop video clips on YouTube of year 2010, which counts those of netizens from 229 nations. 923 video clips of Korean pop-stars who belong to Korea’s top three major entertainment management agencies were analyzed and 793,570,000 was its total hits; by continents, views from Asia was 566,270,000, Northern America 123,470,000 and Europe 55,370,000. While Asia showed the largest number of views yet an increase of those in the US is shown: the number, 94,870,000 views in total, ranked third following Japan (113,540,000 views) and Thailand (99,510,000 views).



In fact, this is not that surprising if we take a look to rising K-pop starts receiving attention overseas. Recently Wonder Girls, a representative K-pop girl group success example in the overseas market, performed on the legendary funk band - Earth Wind & Fire’s 40th debut anniversary opening stage receiving favorable response from the audience.

Wonder Girls earlier performed the opening stage of a mega concert of which top musicians of America including Stevie Wonder had participated; there they received enthusiastic response for their songs Nobody and Tell Me while some fans following their song and dances. With their hit song Nobody, Wonder Girls became the first K-pop start to have their song ranked on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009 and as well had been introduced by Chicago Tribune, one of the 10 major newspapers in the US, on their daily paper and online site.

Wonder Girls

After the success of Wonder Girls other K-pop singers has been active to enter the overseas music market. JYJ a boy group of three members separated from the previous Dong Bang Shin Ki is planning to release their first regular album in the US. In fact they are the first Korean singer to make a contract with Warner Music, one of the top three major recording labels in the world. Warner will produce and distribute JYJ’s first US album and Kanye West, a renowned musician and producer will also be participating in this collaboration. For such reasons even before its release, this album received great attention introduced on the main page of Billboard magazine online.

In addition, BoA, who already has a bigger fandom in overseas as a singer will this time play the main role in Duane Adler’s – a renowned screenwriter of ‘Step up’ and ‘Save the Last Dance’ - new film as an actress.

Why K-pop?

Actually America has much more variety of popular culture...

Read more here

Jeonju - The sound of music

Do you notice any similarities in her with...



her?



She looked almost the same like Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) of Smallville! OMG! Actually when I saw her that day, I thought I had seen her somewhere before. ;) I only realized later after viewing the pictures and she really look almost the same as the one from the TV. Wow. Do watch the video below too.







It was kinda cool when I went to the WSK camp to watch the Korean Traditional musical performance. In Korea, there are lots of musical instruments. A majority of them are made from bamboo and sometimes oak so it is no wonder that some can cost millions of Won for a small piece of instrument.





I was kinda amused to know that one of the girls performing then almost resembled Lana. I used to watch smallville but since coming to Korea, it was kinda impossible because I really do not know where to watch or download the episodes online. Besides, I am also busy sometimes.



Anyway, in Korea, traditional musical performances are common accurrences to the foreigners because they (Koreans) are really proud of their cultures and really kin to promote them all. The costumes especially for the ladies are really eye-catching with so many variety of colours almost resembing a clown. :) Just kidding.



They look very "traditional" and "conservative" when wearing the traditional costumes. I did wear it before, but the one I wore was for the King and also to be worn during the marriage ceremony. It looked weird because the belt is not tight and I have to HOLD it instead of it SUPPORTING my waist. This is 100% true. The belt should be wider than the waist. No common sense but this is traditional costume la..



Pansori or Korean traditional music is quite a nuisance for some at first because the song is like a conversation. The lady will talk about her life or the villager's life. Usually it is accompanied by the tune of traditional musics.

I do not understand at first but after a while when my Korean becoming better, I can gradually understand them all. It's hard to explain it. :) Oh and one more thing, I realized that when we search for something over the net, the first thing that appear is from Wikipedia. Do try it.



Hmmn. Is it a good thing? Well, I think getting information over the wikipedia is just like plaigarism. I am avoiding wikipedia when writing because it is cliché and not original :( However, I do hope I have more time to write and think what to write. Wikipedia is really when learning statistics and mathematics especially the equations. All in a very simplified manner. Easy la.

PS. HEY READERS! Do you like long post or short post? And do you want infos from the net which is useful? Let me hear from you :)

World Students in Korea (WSK) in news (한국어)

37개국 외국인유학생블로거, 전주한옥마을에서 1박2일 -국가브랜드위원회 해외블로거 4기 캠프개최-
Bloggers from 37 different nationalities. Jeonju Hanok Vilage. 2 days 1 night. Korean Brand Committee, Foreign Bloggers 4th Camp.



국가브랜드위원회(위원장 : 이배용)는 12월 17일(금)~12월18일(토), 4기 해외블로거(World Students in Korea)를 초대하여 한국의 문화 및 산업체를 탐방하는 1박2일 해외블로거(World Students in Korea)캠프를 개최했다.

이번 행사는 충남 아산에 위치한 현대자동차 공장을 견학하여 현대자동차의 대표차종 중 하나인 소나타 승용차 생산라인 및 조립과정을 관람하는 등 한국을 대표하는 산업체 생산현장을 방문하여 한국의 산업발전과 기술력을 체험하고 한옥, 한식, 한지 등 한국의 전통문화의 보고(寶庫)라 할 수 있는 전주 한옥마을 탐방을 통하여 37개국의 해외블로거들에게 한국의 역사, 문화, 산업 등 한국에 대한 이해를 돕기 위해 기획되었다.

이번 캠프에서는 1977년 한옥마을 보존지구로 지정된 조선시대 양반가옥을 그대로 재현하여 한국의 전통생활양식을 경험할 수 있는 전주한옥마을내 부용헌, 동락원에서 숙박하며 다양한 문화적 배경을 가진 해외블로거들에게 한옥체험의 기회를 제공하였다.

전통문화예술회관에서는 한국을 대표하는 음식, 김치를 직접 담궈 보는 체험시간을 가졌으며, 겨울에 담근 김치를 땅에 묻어 다음해까지 저장하여 먹었던 한국인의 지혜와 높은 영양가치에 대해 설명을 듣는 시간을 가졌다.

또한, 저녁식사이후에는 1992년 창단하여 전통국악의 맥을 이어가고 있는 남원 국립민속국악원 공연팀의 기악 중주, 판소리, 남도민요 등의 연주를 들으며 한국 전통국악의 소리와 함께 전통 국악기에 대한 이해를 갖는 시간을 가졌다.

이어서, 전통국악을 현대화 하여 다양한 레퍼토리 연구와 실험정신으로 꾸준한 연주활동을 병행하고 있는 퓨전국악팀 「나니레」의 공연에서는 해외블로거들에게도 익숙한 현대음악 등을 국악기로 연주하여 큰 호응을 받기도 했다.

행사 마지막날에는 태조 이성계의 어진을 모셔둔 경기전, 교동아트센터, 한방문화센터, 한지원, 전주 공예품 전시관등 전주한옥마을 투어를 통하여 한국의 역사와 의,식,주 전반에 걸친 문화에 대한 이해를 돕는 프로그램을 진행하였다.

세계적으로 그 품질을 인정받고 있는 한지 제조 공정을 둘러보며 직접 한지로 만든 복주머니를 만들어 보면서 한지의 촉감과 특성을 손으로 느껴 볼 수 있는 체험의 시간을 가지며 이번 행사를 마쳤다.

이번 행사에 참석한 말레이시아의 Tan Kyle Jin Soon학생은 “이틀간의 일정은 너무나 즐거웠고 한국의 다양한 모습들을 직접 보고 느낄 수 있었다. 특히 김치 체험과 경기전 투어가 인상 깊었다”며 “WSK 프로그램은 정말 유익한 프로그램이며, 제가 이렇게 프로그램에 참가할 수 있어 큰 행운이다”라고 캠프에 대한 소감을 말했다.

(Translation : In this event, Kyle Tan Jin Soon [and not TAN KYLE JIN SOON] from Malaysia said that "In this 2-day program, we were able to see the various sights in Korea and I am sure everyone here were happy with it. We had lots of interest in the activities especially the kimchi-making experience and the tour." "WSK Program is really a beneficial program and I am fortunate to be able to attend this camp".)

I do not remember saying all this. -_-" Maybe 60% of it. lol. I was interviewed for 2 to 3 minutes in Korean and they just simply summarized. Hmmn.

국가브랜드위원회에서는 온라인을 통한 국가브랜드 홍보력 강화의 일환으로 “한국에 주재하고 있는 해외 유학생”을 대상으로 해외블로거 운영 사업을 2009년 6월부터 시작하여 현재 63개국, 210명의 해외블로거를 선발했으며, 이와 같은 사업을 통하여 외국인의 시각에서 바라본 한국의 모습을 자유롭게 이야기 할 수 있는, 온라인을 통한 소통의 장을 지속적으로 확대해 나갈 계획이다.

This article can be read over here with links to the many articles of this program.

I Believe

요즘 저는 공부하고 싶어도 급한 일이 많이 생겼어요. 오늘은 수업 다 마친 후에 한국어 수업을 든 거에요. 한시 이렇게 빨리 지나도 배의 소리가 조용히 난 것 같았어요.아~ "수업 수고했어요"다고 들었어요 내일 주말인데 어떤 일하고 싶은 것 하나 더 하나 생각했어요.

학생식당에 가는 길 때 여학생은 저를 갑자기 방해했어요. 신문을 주고 싶은 이유라서 저도 신문 잡았어요. 신문 제목은 "'학자금 대출' 고민에 여대생 목에 숨진 채 발견 (A female student committed suicide because of loan was discovered)"다고 나왔어요.

왜 한국은 이 문제가 이렇게 많이 생겼니? 세상에서 우리는 한번만 태어날수있도록 후회하지 말아요. 사실 이런 경우은 피할 수 있어요. 인간의 문제와 실수가 있어도 그냥 쉽게 풀으면 해결할 수 없어요. 우리는 계속하라~ 포기하지 말고 새로운 시작합시다

Link : '학자금 대출' 고민에 여대생 목매 숨진 채 발견



이 노래는 한국어, 중국어와 일본어로 불렸다

This song was sung during ICIS in 3 languages - Korean, Chinese and Japanese. This song (I believe) was one of theme song for "My Sassy Girl" (a Korean movie). The movie was about a guy falling in love with a girl but the girl could not reciprocate due to her inner past.

So they make a promise to meet one day but the girl did not turn up. Awww. Fate or not, in the end the boy met the girl and they fell in love again. Typical Korean movie. ;)

Spent some of my time today to edit the blog's template to a newer one but decided to switch back. Blogspot.com does not has great templates compare to wordpress.com. It makes editing or creating new templates look immaturish here. What a hassle...

Currently Listening

정신이 나갔었나봐



사랑눈 (Another Version)


My Exam is tomorrow. :)

Milestone - 101 Post

I started this blog to replace my old blog from friendster. I think I am among the earliest Malaysians who switch to facebook from friendster.

So I guess when the time came, I have to make a change of heart. Friendster is no longer the ultimate social networking website.

Then, most if not all schoolmates remain hooked to that friendster. Friendster is never a global company, it did not improve. No new changes and lots of spams. Who wants to use it?

Anyway, to "commemorate" my 101 post. I am gonna post this (check below), I wrote it just now k! Happy 101 post to me... Not many readers too. hmmn.

I hope one day when I wake up,
Fairness is fair,
Our abilities are recognized,
Our works are appreciated

I hope one day when I go to school,
We are not be judged,
based on colours, creeds or beliefs
but based on how we do our work.

I hope one day when I am on the way back home,
Everyone will have friends,
of different backgrounds mixing around,
confidently, proudly and happily

I hope one day when I am back from school,
We will see news on papers,
not on inequality, racial supremacy,
but on how we develop our country, together

I hope one day when I have my meals,
We will think of the others,
improvised, homeless and sickly
and help them tomorrow comes

I hope one day when I sleep,
We know we have done something right,
we can sleep like a child
innocent, hateless and peaceful.

That is the day I will be back home



A great song. "Can't you see" by Son Dam Bi (손담비)

Fancy ads

I always fancy Thai advertisments. they have lots of meaning in each and every of them but there's one that just caught my eyes..

In Malaysia we had the late Yasmin Ahmad, she was just superb. Her advertisments were simple yet delivered its message. I hope we can find another talented people like her.



Well...

Gotta do my homework now.

30 September 2010

I think I am sick.

From all the stresses, from all the pressures. Stressed because sometimes I can't understand the class, stress because the exams were difficult because of language, stress because the homeworks and books are in Korean.

So far 2 people had withdrawed from this university.

One in the third (or second?) year and one from my year. Imagine in a short span of time, there were people that did quit from this university. 10% had gave up.

Right now I had flu and feverish.

I do not know what makes me stay on. Is it worthwhile to continue?



Winterplay - Happy Bubble.

Walking on clouds

Hello 2010, Goodbye 2009

I was busy. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Chinese New Year everyone! "Ho Ho Ho, May you be live happily and eat till your belly becomes like mine" (Santa Claus on Spring time), "What resolution(s) this year? got meh?" (New Year was tweaked to late February, my style) and "Gong Xi Fa Chai" (CNY - no angpows to you...)

I know I should post it earlier. But well, it's better to be late than never, right? 2009 to me was totally a whole new year with plenty of new experiences, new sights and new people. I can't remember people's name well because I always choose not to remember, I always want to look at the future and I do not wish to look back.

2009 has its ups and downs. I do not talk about my downs here in this Everyone-can-read blog. People can go on and on talking about their downs but I liken that to "Washing your dirty linen in public"... not me... lol. But isn't it more interesting to read nice stuffs than reading emo, boring, I-am-so-sorry posts?

*bang*

2009 was interesting because I travelled to many places in Korea. So far, I had travelled to nearly everywhere in Korea except for the North-East part of Korea, Busan (been to the airport only on Feb 2010), Jeju Island, Nami Island, Gwangju area and the West Coast of Korea.

Throughout my stay in Korea, I like Seoul, Jeonju and of course my current city, Daegu the most. Seoul is a metropolis and been a metropolis means lots of nice and interesting spots centered on this city. Seoul is more like the heart, with the roads resembling the blood vessels. Busy, active and never sleeps.

Jeonju, a traditional town. There's nothing spectacular about this place but I like the quietness and the distance from the city. There's always nice Korean Traditional houses to stay, and it's also known as the food capital of Korea. My hometown in Malaysia, Penang is also known as the food capital so it has "sentimental value" to me.. just kidding... I really like learning people's culture and this place seemed to resemble the old Korea.

Daegu. 1 year (11 months to be a lil' accurate) and beyond. There's always nice aka positive things and negative things to say about it. At first Daegu doesn't really meet my expectations of it being the 3rd largest city in Korea. It looks small, it feels small. But what that matters is that it has that "feel" that makes you want to continue living here. Daegu - Nice and kind Koreans, tolerable weather, affordable city lifestyle, etc.

*okay... I'll keep on writing*

After a year staying in KNU (Kyungpook National University), getting and making new friends is easy but seeing them leaving after a year was heart wrenching, exaggerated but I am really going to miss them. And I made a video on our 1 year journey in Korea. It was my very first video.




Lera, Olesya, Oxana, Kay, Hsu Myat, June, Kay, Kampanart and Jaime - really nice knowing you all, nice memories, great people.

*Resolutions? Wth?*

"Dear Mr. Resolution,

I heard through watching TV that every new year, one has to make a list of what we want to achieve in that particular year. Is it really a custom or is it another scam? I found out that this idea of yours is only a mere time wasting tradition of writing unachievable goals. Undoubtly, there are some who can achieve their goals, wei, come on... they are the 0.00000001 % or even less..

So this year, I make a simpler list of resoulutions.

1. I wish I can sleep more. I slept at 1~2 am these days.
2. I want to look good and feel good. Isn't it great to feel good every morning?
3. Travel to other country while I am in Korea (actually I did that already! I went to China on Feb 12)
4. Study hard and ace the exam. "Be Optimistic! be Optimistic!"
5. Practice more Korean.
6.
7.

I can't think of it now... So I will leave no. 6 and 7 as the empty spaces which I will want to fill it someday. So do you think it's achievable?

Yours sincerely,

You-know-who

p/s shhhh... You want 1 sen? tolong me lah... (You want 1 cent? please help me okay...)"

I will be posting some pics if I have the time. My class will start next week too. Classes... hmmpff... 난 이번 학기는 아마 바쁘지만 꼭 쓰고 싶어

E is for the way Exam Ends (partly)

Mid-Term Exam OVER!!!

One word- glad.

But KLPT is 2 weeks away.

Had to study hard for it, "focus!" *Reminds me of my bio teacher that used to say this to a particular classmate of mine*

To learn Korean,

Try listening to the song above, slow and understandable, it comes from Stairway to Heaven Korean Drama.

"Bo go ship da", 보고 싶다... it means, I want to see you...

I think listening to Korean songs might help.

I prefer to write my blog in English because it will enable readers to understand better than in Korean, and also because I think my readers can understand English rather than Korean.

I'm always curious until now on why there's so many people that wants to learn Korean language, why not other than Korean?

요즘 난 생각이 많아... 친구 때문에 제한국 생활이 좀 힘들어서 말레이시아에 가고싶어 왜 이렇게? ㅋㅋ

*again, remember to pause the annoying background music to listen to the song, gonna remove the first song (my sassy girl) soon*

Knocking on heaven's door?

Nice song. Simple and repetitive yet I like the melody. The original song was sung by great music legend, Bob Dylan.

"The song describes the feelings and impressions of a dying deputy, who notices that it is getting dark around him as he is knocking on heaven's door. He realizes that he will never use his badge or his guns anymore..." taken directly from Wikipedia

I love when musicians play their guitars.

Have a great holiday (Koreans will be celebrating Chusok, also known as the Korean Thanksgiving this weekend)

While the Chineses (Malaysians, etc ones) will be celebrating Mid-Autumn festival, I miss the time when I'm young, the time when I used to play with lanterns and sometimes being a lil' mischievous (when I were a little boy, I like playing with fire, imagine starting a fire, and listening to the sound of twigs and leaves cracked to a melodious tune) Lucky no cases of my house got burned down ever happened... *touch wood*

I miss mooncakes too, here in Korea, mooncakes are available but only in chinese shops and its too bland, not delicious and without the duck yolk and lotus paste.

Anyway, I'm going out with friends on Fri (tomorrow), Sat and Sun.

Busy me.

But I will definately be studying. KLPT is getting near, argghhhhh... *clanks*


*Do remember to pause the background music before playing, erm, the girl is cute too*