Substance Over Form

I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events while in one of my classes tonight. The discussion was well into the different economic models and which one we think the country would benefit more from. Until a classmate shared her “observation” about me – and that my job experience had been planned toward a greater career development. I know, but this is a usual thing from her. First of all, I did not want to be put on the spot like that. How I chose my jobs had nothing to do with her or anyone in that class. Second, the comment had nothing to do with the course or the topic at hand. I did not want to respond to such comments, until our Professor chimed in to say, “What’s wrong with Cristine is that her experience is only in employment. She has a wide experience in the industry but she chose to be an employee.” It was like a slap in the face. All I could muster to say was that the variety in my industry experience helped me to get to where I am now. Deep inside, however, I wanted to shake them both to their senses. Our Professor continued to compare me with my classmate and implied that I lacked confidence compared to her, as evident in our class sharing and discussion.

First off, they have no right to judge my job choice because they were never in my shoes. I never had it easy and I had to work as soon as I turned 18 as a means to support my studies. Working was not a choice for me to begin with, but a necessity. However, I never regretted every single bit of it, just like I never saw my rough past as a sob story, but rather as a story of triumph over adversity. Second, I am the oldest in a single-parent household. If you’re a Filipino or raised in a Filipino household, you know what that means. If you’re not the sole breadwinner, you are expected to support your siblings. Second, my confidence cannot be correlated with the class sharing. I prefer to share what is relevant to the topic, while I also engage in some lighthearted discussions that come up from time to time. No, I don’t think sharing for the sake of talking in class (i.e. exposure) translates to confidence. Maybe for the Professor, it showed she was confident to open her mouth to share something so infantile. I am confident that what I am sharing makes sense, and that I read and researched about it. These are not just wanton sharing. If I must share, I want the people to gain something from it. I’m afraid I may have to continue my studies elsewhere if this is a pattern here that a Professor, who hoped to be a role model for all of us, prefers the “confidence” of someone shallow versus the confidence from someone who came prepared to the meeting.

2014 Korean Government Scholarship Program – GRADUATE PROGRAM

My post for last year’s (2013) Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) got a lot of interest.  I’m happy to update everyone that applications are now open for the 2014 KGSP – Graduate Program.  Please note that this is not for the Undergraduate Program.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announced in their website that applications are now being accepted for international students hoping to take further studies (Master’s or Doctoral) in Korea.  You have until 5:00PM of March 28, 2014 to submit all the required documents and forms to the KGSP In-charge at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.

You must have at least an undergraduate degree to qualify for the Master’s program, which you need to complete in two (2) years after one (1) year of Korean language studies.  Doctoral program hopefuls need a Master’s degree to qualify.  Doctoral programs must be completed in three (3) years, after one (1) year of Korean language.  That means students taking their Master’s should expect to stay for a total of three (3) years in Korea, while Doctoral candidates should expect to stay in Korea for four (4) years.

As always the case from previous offerings of the KGSP, each country will have a limit or a quota of scholars.  For the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the country can only select up to five (5) Filipinos to qualify for the program.  There will be nine (9) other Filipinos who will get a chance when you apply through a participating Korean university.  In total, 14 lucky Filipinos will get a chance to advance their studies in Korea this year, courtesy of the Korean Government.  Remember that you may only apply through one of the two channels (Embassy or University).  If you apply through both, you will automatically be disqualified.

For a list of the participating Korean universities, please check the attached files for more information.

Please note that I am not in any way connected to the Korean government or any of the offices connected to the Korean Government Scholarship Program and thus I am not in the position to answer your questions regarding grades to maintain, courses, universities, etc.  Please consult with the Korean consulate or Korean embassy nearest you for more accurate information.  You may also reach the Korean university of your choice for more information, should you choose to apply through a university.  From experience, they can be very helpful.

Good luck! 🙂

For more information, please visit the following:

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines
• Study in Korea

Downloads (source: Study in Korea):

• 2014 GKS Graduate Program Guidelines (doc)
• 2014 GKS Graduate Courses FAQ (doc)
• 2014 GKS Graduate Courses University Info (pdf)
• 2014 GKS Graduate Courses REGULATIONS (pdf)

 

So over 2013…

To say that 2013 was a rollercoaster ride is an understatement.  There were so many extreme emotions and events surrounding my past year.  On the up side, I re-discovered myself and my strength.  There were definitely moments, especially in the last quarter, that I almost gave it up.  Here I am, a self-proclaimed optimist who always sees the silver lining to every cloud and the half-filled glass, almost at the brink of just giving up and looking for the easy way out.  However, I kept my faith and the prayers my friends and family said for me, and even just the knowledge of the overwhelming support they have for me while in that most difficult situation pushed away the dark clouds that were looming over me.  I’ve never prayed so hard before in my life.  I kept telling myself that if I chose to end it that way, they win.  My enemies will win.  And I have no plans of just giving them an easy win.  But it was tough.  I realized that no matter how emotional I can get, some voice of reason will always manage to knock me to my senses. I also realized that the few friendships that I chose to maintain were the truest out there.

I got ‘stranded’ in China for a couple of weeks and I was so happy when they finally let me go.  I cried when my plane took off from the Shanghai airport to Manila.  Really.

I had planned on spending  a week celebrating my birthday.  Because they won’t let me leave, I didn’t want to celebrate another birthday in China.  I had several activities in mind that I’d like to do when I got back.  I was able to spend time with family before tragedy struck our country.  It was a back-to-back blow for the country.  First, the earthquake that shook Bohol and Cebu.  I have never been scared of an earthquake before October 15th.  It was devastating for the people of Bohol, as well as to other parts of my hometown Cebu.  Then, on November 8th, a super typhoon ravaged the northern part of Cebu, and of course, the places in Samar, Leyte, Capiz, and other neighboring islands.  Our family were spared from both incidents, but we were definitely not in a happy mood.  In fact, feelings of dissatisfaction, sadness and even anger were present during that time.  However, we also felt overwhelming feelings of gratitude, relief and happiness with the way the rest of the nation and the whole world responded to the call for help of a small country of over 7,000 islands.

Although, I must say that the year ended on a more pleasant note.  Spent Christmas with family over a simple meal we prepared.  New Year’s was celebrated with our new neighbors.  May 2014 bring in a more steady and positive vibe for me and my family.  So long, 2013.

Mothers Day

My relationship with my mom is complicated.  But aren’t most mother-child relationships?

There was a time when my mom and I were very close, like close friends, even.  And then came the time when we grew apart.  That was when I grew up.  That experience taught me that I can stand on my own, too.

It took some time before we were okay again.  But she is still my mom.  She was there to support me when I decided to take this job and be so far away from home.  Even if that meant missing out on many important family events, my mom encouraged me and assured me that everything will be okay.

And all the difficult times we went through growing?  I wouldn’t change them.  I might have done things differently, but I am also thankful for the experience made me into a stronger person.  And that’s all thanks to Mommy.

Happy mothers day!  I miss you.

Jenny’s Wedding

April 6, 2013 – My bookmarked weather forecast site said that it would be a sunny Saturday morning, with winds up to 14kph.  I don’t care if it says ‘sunny’; it’s the ‘windy’ part that determines how cold it’s going to be.

This will be my second wedding invitation in Fushun, China.  Jenny is another Chinese colleague getting married.  Well, technically, she and her ‘fiance’ are officially married six months prior after signing the marriage certificate at the City Hall.  This ceremony, as I’m told, is merely for celebratory purposes.

This may be my second wedding invitation, but this will be the first time where I get to perform a dance number with my fellow Filipino teachers.  For the first wedding I was invited to, I was merely the person who took the video while they danced.  I just got here then and I didn’t get to practice the dance.

The wedding invitation states that the wedding is at 10:58 that morning.  (If you read my post on the first wedding, you will see why it’s not 11:00 or 10:30.)  So, my roommates and I got dolled up and prepped as early as 7 AM.  A car was to pick us up at 9:30 because we wanted to be at the reception venue earlier so we can assess the stage where we’ll be performing.

By 9:30, another Chinese colleague phoned my roommate to let us know that our ride was waiting for us by the apartment complex gate.  It was quite windy, but I was glad to see the sun was out.  After a couple of photos outside, we all piled in the black Buick sedan that had the pink ribbon tied to its side mirrors – a tell-tale sign that this car is part of the wedding party.

It was a long drive to the venue.  Looking out of the window, I knew we were outside of the city limits.  We passed by many fields being prepped for the coming spring farming season.  Houses became smaller and I could no longer see the tall apartment buildings that seem to dominate our city.  Instead, I could see brick single-story cottages with a makeshift storage for corn.

After about 30 minutes, we finally pulled up to a small two-story building with a huge red (or is it fuchsia?) blow-up arch in front.  Our friendly driver showed us in and even ushered us to our table.

It was so cold inside that we chose to sit at the table near the gas-powered heater.  A lot of older guests were already inside when we got there.  They were probably relatives of the bride who live near the reception hall.  The wedding party were still at the couple’s new home in the city for another pre-wedding ceremony.

This time, I noticed a big difference in the venues between the two weddings.  The first wedding was held in the city, where the space was bigger, tables were cleaner, and the utensils, glass and plate was wrapped in sealed plastic.  This reception hall was a little, um, dingy.  Soup spoons were strewn about the table that was covered in a thin white plastic that seemed greasy.  Plastic orange bowls were clearly not washed properly as shown by the grease streaks.  Plastic cups were placed with the rim down on the same table.

The table held a plate of cigarettes and candies.  There was a bottle of some Chinese liquor, and a bottle each of two liters of Coke and Sprite.  At around 10:15, some other Chinese colleagues showed up.  A few minutes later, the wedding party arrived and went up to the dressing room on the second floor.

At exactly 10:58, the couple marched down the short aisle to the center of the stage, where a host was waiting.  Everything was in Chinese so I didn’t even bother to find out what was said.  After the ‘ceremony’, the couple’s parents gave their respective speech, with a couple moving the newlyweds to tears.  A Chinese friend was kind enough to try and translate the message into English for us.  We were then called to the stage to have our photo taken with the newlyweds.

Jenny then went up to the dressing room to change into her second dress of the day – a hot pink one-shoulder mini dress.  We all know what that means – it’s showtime!

People all trooped to the front of the stage armed with their camera and camera phones.  And finally, the dance.  We danced to the Wonder Girls’ Be My Baby.  There were a few close calls with the stage being unstable, but we finished the dance with no one getting hurt.

Back at the table, lunch was served.  Everyone, and that includes the Chinese colleagues at our table refused to use the bowls.  Our only consolation was that they gave us the disposable wooden chopsticks in plastic, rather than the plastic or metal ones, which needed washing.  We all decided to eat off the serving platters.  We had vegetables, the traditional meat balls (too salty), Guo ba rou (my favorite), a couple of fish dishes and some glutinous rice balls with sweet filling.

Jenny was back, dressed in a red strapless gown with some embroidery in gold on the bodice.  The couple went from table to table to get the hong bao or the red envelopes we prepared with money inside.  In return, the groom would offer a stick of cigarette or some other wedding favor.  After that, we were off.  It was time to go.

Even before I could stand from my seat, a lady approached our table with a plastic bag in hand and took the food left over from our table and dumped them into her bag.  I was so surprised!  Then a couple more came and did the same thing!  Takeaways!  LOL

By the time we got home we were all so tired.  We managed to snap some more photos at home before retiring to our own rooms.  I slept till 7 that night and was so surprised at how exhausted I was.

Behind Every Smile

…there’s pain.

After the last of my students were picked up by their parents, our class helper and I made our way back up the stairs, where we bumped into another class helper.  Upon seeing me, she called my name in a sing-song voice.  She usually does that every time we see each other in the hallway or in the classroom.  I answered in the same sing-song voice, this time saying her name.  She said something in Chinese I did not understand.  I asked her what she just said, to which she mimed that I was smiling again, with a finger each to the side of her own smile.

I guess I haven’t been able to smile lately.  I smile in front of my class and the children, but I just couldn’t do it when I’m by myself these days.  Unfortunately, the smile they saw today was a huge effort on my part to appear like everything’s normal, even if it isn’t. I had to do it because apparently, the Chinese teachers and staff have been talking that something was bothering me.  I only found out when one of the teachers who spoke some English assured me that if I needed to talk to someone that I can talk to the Chinese teachers.  That was when I broke down and my tears were uncontrollable.  That was yesterday.

So you see, I had to make the effort to project that ‘happiness’ because I never knew it was that obvious.  But if you ask me if I’m okay, I’m not.  And that’s my honest answer.  I’m not.

A Little Respect

I tried a little search for some quotes on respect to open this blog post.  There were some notable ones, but none was an actual fit of what I feel right now.  From memory, I remember what my mom used to tell me, “Respect is earned and not freely given.”  And I really believe that to be true to this day.

Over the years, experience also taught me that respect and fear should not be confused with each other.  In fact, I’d rather be respected than feared by my subordinates, even by my students now.  I was a student once, too so I can tell how I really felt toward a teacher I respected and a teacher I feared.  Don’t get me wrong, though.  I still think it is important to discipline students, but I have never and will ever do it so they will be afraid to do the same mistake again.  Though my way is more difficult for me, I would like them to avoid making the same mistake again because they know that it isn’t the right thing to do and what the consequences of their actions are going to be.

So as children, the adults demanded respect from us.  When we became adults, we feel it’s about time we also get the respect we gave our teachers, parents, and elders before.  But many seem to forget that respect is not given freely.  It is earned.  We have to earn the respect of others, the same way that others need to earn our respect.  Exactly how do I do that?

If you’re one of my friends, then you remember your first impression of me.  Most of my friends have bravely told me that their impression of me when we first met in school, or at work, or at a social gathering was that I was aloof, quiet, or even a snob.  I was taken aback at first when I first heard about it, but after I was told that, I was self-conscious and even observed myself when meeting new people.  They were right, of course.

I started to analyze my own behavior.  I realized that I don’t warm up to people as easily as before.  I guess it’s because I’ve been burned at least once before.  I used to be so trusting of everyone.  I didn’t doubt their motive for befriending me.  Heck I even thought my entire class in college (all 23 of them) were my friends!  I learned the hard way that in fact, of the 23, only five didn’t have any motive other than being friends with me.

It’s also interesting to note that the same people who were good enough to tell me their first impression of me are now my close friends.  And believe me, I only have a few people I sincerely call ‘close friends’.  I call my former classmates or colleagues friends, too, if we had that relationship, otherwise, you’ll be introduced as a colleague, or classmate.  If you are my close friend, you deserve my respect, time, and loyalty.  And I expect the same from you, too.

Almost six months back, I first met my new colleagues in my new job here in China.  Like me, they are also Filipinos.  There were just four of us Filipinos in this kindergarten.  The rest are Chinese.  One trait of the Filipinos is they keep close ties with other Filipinos in a foreign country.  I know this from my friends and from my own travels.  But these three are so different.

It’s also probably because they have bonded for more than a year before I came, or they just don’t like me.  They warned me a few weeks after I arrived not to trust the other teachers and should stick to the Filipinos.  I think what they meant is that no matter what happens, I should be loyal to them.  I listened to what they had to say and became cautious around the Chinese teachers.  Cautious, yes, but I did not let that prevent me from talking to them or forming friendships.  I have learned to give respect to some and to avoid some others after observing them for a few weeks and months.

Respect can be understanding and accepting the differences in culture, methods and opinion.  Respect is not undermining the other person’s decision or opinion just because you think your decision and opinion is the only decision and opinion that matters.

I had respect for the three teachers with me, but they took that away a few months before.  Not only did they lose my respect, they also erased the trust I used to have for them.

What’s ironic is that the people who warned me about trusting our Chinese colleagues proved to be the ones I no longer trust.  All because they cannot afford to give me or any one they think is below them a little respect.

2013 Korean Government Scholarship Program (Graduate Studies)

Here’s some good news to those who are hoping to go to grad school in Korea.  You may just be able to go on a government-sponsored scholarship!

Korea’s National Institute for International Education (NIIED) just announced that applications for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) for international students are now open.  The application is solely for those pursuing a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate).

There are two ways to apply for the scholarship:

1. through the Korean embassy in your country, or
2. through the designated Korean university of your choice.

Please note that you may only apply through either one.  Meaning, you may only apply through the Korean embassy in your country OR through the designated Korean university.  You cannot apply through both channels, otherwise your application will be disqualified.  This is very important.

Each country are given a quota of the number of scholarship grantees.  For the Philippines, for example, only four (4) of the applicants screened by the Korean embassy will be selected, while eight (8) of the Filipino applicants from the 60 designated Korean universities will have the chance to get the scholarship.  That is only 12 Filipinos of the 760 grants the KGSP will be providing.  I know it’s a long shot, but you’ll never know unless you try.  I sent mine for last year’s, but I didn’t get in.  I would try again this year if I could, but I’m tied to my work contract here, so I might try again next time.

So what is in the scholarship package?

• 1 year Korean language studies (full coverage)
• Airfare: Round-trip economy class ticket to Korea (not including domestic travel in scholar’s home country)
• Monthly allowance of 900,000 Korean Won (KRW) per month
• Research allowance between 210,000 KRW to 240,000 KRW, depending on your degree/program
• A one-time relocation/settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW upon arrival
• Tuition: all admission fees will be waived by the designated university, and tuition will be paid for by NIIED
• Medical insurance of 20,000 KRW per month (limited coverage)

Coverage period of the scholarship:

• Three years for Master’s (1 year Korean language studies + 2 years of Master’s)
  • September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2016
• Four years for Doctoral (1 year Korean language studies + 3 years of Doctoral)
  • September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2017

Deadline for applications is on March 31, 2013, but better check with your chosen designated university for their respective deadline.  So hurry and start getting your documents in order.

For more information, visit NIIED’s website for more details, and download the information and application packet here.

Good luck!  화이팅! ^^

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is based on the information packet provided by the NIIED website, posted on February 7, 2013.  Changes may be made by the scholarship body, so it is best to check the website provided above for accuracy.

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Happy (Lunar) New Year!

Back home, we’d say ‘Kung Hei Fat Choi‘.  But now that I’m in China, everybody just  greets each other ‘Xin nian kuai le‘ or ‘Happy new year!’

The last five months have been filled of many ‘firsts’ for me:

•     First birthday in China
•     First Christmas in China
•     First New Year’s Day in China

With the ‘firsts’ I’ve mentioned, I also became aware of how different the two cultures  celebrate each occasion.  Mainly because most of the Chinese I know here are without religion. Or are not practicing. Thus, they don’t celebrate Christmas, after all it is a  Christian event.

The New Year’s Day I was referring to is the one on the first of January.  They also don’t care about that.  To them, this is a Western tradition.  On New Year’s Eve, in fact, I stayed up till past midnight to talk to my family via Skype while they gathered to have dinner.  It’s
sad, but that’s the life I have chosen when I took on this job and I manage.

During the holiday season last year, some stores and restaurants had Christmas decorations – it isn’t as grand as I’m used to back home, but they weren’t bad either.  I even saw some giant Christmas trees on some intersection while on our way to Tesco.

But the Lunar New Year gets a whole new different treatment.  Aside from the Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival), the Lunar New Year is a very grand and important occasion for the Chinese.  This is the time where they travel across the country to go home to their parents or hometown to spend time with the family.  We are all given a week-long holiday and most businesses, including banks, are closed for the week.

When February rolled in, our street was already decked with red hanging lanterns called deng long.  Some vendors have put up makeshift stalls selling all kinds of fireworks.

Then yesterday, despite the heavy snowfall we had, fireworks and firecrackers have been going off around our building since late morning.  There was more as midnight approached. It was just so beautiful outside my elevent-floor window as different colors illuminated the dark evening sky.

A Chinese co-teacher told me that it is tradition to wear new clothes today, and eat dumplings.  I had to explain that I simply don’t have the time nor the skills to make dumplings.  She laughed, of course, and informed me that I can simply buy a package of dumplings from the supermarket.

In return, I enlightened her of the Filipino-Chinese way of celebrating the same holiday.  I told her that the family usually gets together for a small feast, making sure that lucky fruits (usually round fruits) were on the table, and a sticky rice-cake called Tikoy (Gao Nian in Mandarin) is usually present.  The round lucky fruits symbolize luck, or wealth, as I was told.  But I honestly don’t remember.  While the Tikoy’s sticky characteristic is said to symbolize having luck and wealth ‘stick’ to your. Oh, and red is also a color mostly worn on this day.

Red is also the color of the money envelopes given as presents.  Employees usually get these red money envelopes or ang pao (hong bao in Mandarin) from their employers.  They include a small sum as monetary gifts.

Right now, I’m wearing a red hoodie, though not new.  I won’t be eating dumplings since I don’t have any.  But hey, Happy New Year all the same!

Xin Nian Kuai Le! Kung Hei Fat Choi!  Happy New Year!  Let’s ring in the Year of the Snake with a bang!

Thoughts on Fushun: Weddings

Thoughts on Fushun is a series on my take of the different things, events and culture I get to experience while I am living and working here in Fushun, Liaoning, China.  The following is simply my opinion and observation and is not intended to be a criticism on any person, place or event.  Since September 2012, I tried many things unique China, or Fushun has to offer. My intention is simply to share my experience to those who are interested to learn of a culture different to their own, as it is to mine.

Barely a week into my job here as a teacher and I already got a wedding invitation from a Chinese teacher.  I have not her before since she went on leave just before I started, but I still got this red card that simply said ‘Invitation’ in front.

I was immediately reminded by my fellow Filipino teachers of how different Filipino weddings are from the Chinese weddings.  In fact, the wedding ceremony here in China are a mere show, if I may say so, since what makes it official is the document which the couple signs.

The invitation asks us to be at the venue at 9:26 in the morning.  Yes, it is that specific.  I think it has to do with the couple having good fortune or what-not.  Being part-Chinese myself, I know that the culture dictates that major decisions should be made with luck or good fortune in mind.

My co-teachers also told me that most of the attendees/guests will be not be wearing their Sunday best.  Since they have been to a few weddings, they noticed some came in jeans and even track suit!  But we refused to follow them.

We were at this wedding hall at 9:20.  We met a few of the teachers and administrator of our school.  Our boss, the owner, was in attendance, too.

The first thing that greeted us was the smell of cigarette smoke.  Apparently, smoking is allowed in wedding halls, at least here in Fushun.  And I saw that the crowd was a mix of old and young people.  As I was told, they seem to have not made an effort to dress up for the occasion.

There was a host and a stage with a heart-shaped arch in front of it.  A lighted LED sign at the back said ‘Wedding’.  The guests were seated at round tables with red linen over white, and a plastic wrap on top.  There were some treats for the guests, too – candies, wine, and cigarettes on a plate.  Yes, you read it right – cigarettes.

Fireworks signaled the start of the ceremony.  There was some activity up front and the camera crew assembled to get the perfect shot for when the bride enters the hall.

The whole ceremony, or show, lasted for about 30 minutes, from the time the bride walked down the aisle, to the time when the couple sealed the union with a kiss.

After a quick costume change of the bride and groom, the next part of the program was the giving of the gifts, or in our case, money in the small red envelope (see below).  The couple went from table to table and handed us more candy in return.

And while this was all going on, we were also served our food.  And here is where I experienced eating from dishes stacked on top of another like a pyramid since there isn’t enough room on the table.

That was my first wedding experience.