tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46492372212864906372024-02-08T22:53:04.675+09:00The Brownie EffectI'm nothing special. I'm just a typical third-world-country guy living in South Korea. With such a slightly darker skin from the locals, here's what I say about living here
-- as a "brownie".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-80968560300516505062012-11-30T21:39:00.003+09:002012-11-30T21:40:41.014+09:00I Should Be 'Cause TV Says So I blame Discovery channel for this. The first time I lost faith of their fact-checking was when I came across their show about some head-hunters in the Philippines. One of the last words was "the head-hunters of Ibaloi."<br />
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This is not about that story though. It's about me being a Filipino. For some reason, these Koreans believe I came to Korea with no clothes on. I get asked from time to time, if I belong to those people who live in small islands where we wear nothing but coconut shells covering our genitals. I got asked if our women have breasts so saggy, they could just push one to their back for the baby (carried behind their back) to suckle. Once, I asked how much would it cost me to have a custom-made pair of boots (I heard it's practically the same price). Instead of giving an educated (or non-educated) guess, I got asked what would I do with boots when the Philippines is hot. The other says, "Do you wear shoes in those islands?"<br />
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When out of frustration, I protest saying, "The Philippines is not entirely this and that!" I get the "But Discovery Channels says..." I immediately interrupt, "Discovery Channel is a lie!"<br />
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I could protest all I want but these people just don't believe me. This afternoon (Nov. 30, and it's really cold), I was called to unload some stuff from a delivery truck. I know I'm going to sweat so I wore just a t-shirt and a vest. The delivery guy asked if I was cold. I said, "no."<br />
"Where are you from?"<br />
"Philippines."<br />
"Ah, then you should be cold."<br />
"I came from the northern part of my country. My region gets cold just like this."<br />
"...(shrug)"<br />
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I should be? I don't know how much change happened in my home town but I grew up seeing leather jackets lined with fur, and leather boots, as the common clothing (not fashion... clothing!). It's so common, it's almost like underwear; you just don't go out without it. Early mornings or late evenings, tap water is just as cold as ice water. I was grew up in this climate so much so, that I still feel the need to use thick blankets when I sleep on summer. Go a bit more north from my home town and you'll witness what's supposed to be morning dew, has turned into ice. It's that cold.<br />
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Summer is no different. I'm a sweaty person and I'm not ashamed of it (there's nothing much I can do anyway). Summer comes and I get asked if I'm hot, too often. When I say, "yes," they say "Philippines is hot too! You shouldn't be sweating like this." Again, I shouldn't be?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-73197663024589778512012-03-14T22:32:00.001+09:002012-03-14T22:32:37.419+09:00Knock Out! I laughed when I read one of my facebook friends ranting about Koreans leaving the door open, wherever they go. More so, when another replied that Koreans close the door behind them-- even when someone's just 2 feet behind them.<br />
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But this is not about my friend's rant. It's what I've been through in relation to his rant.<br />
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Years ago, my dad built a heavy, wooden, sliding door to his quarters. It takes quite a bit to get in his room. Furthermore, he regularly asks his co-workers (Koreans) to knock before entering his room. They often forget, but they do knock when reminded. Now that's not the disturbing part. It's how they knock and what they do afterwards. They knock once... yes, once... then slide the door open. Yes, one single knock, then slide the door open, a second (or less) after that, then enter while the door was still half-way open. And yes, it's the same sequence every time.<br />
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Dad and I sometimes talk about this and we just laugh at it. There's nothing much we can do really. You see, it's already a feat to ask a Korean to knock before entering. My dad had to go through, "왜?!" (Why?) many times before they leave him with a possible understanding. I used "?!" to emphasize on the tone. It's a very bossy tone (often with eyes glaring and hands on hips), as if you're asking permission to steal something. This is the truth and I've seen it done to my father. I also said, "possible understanding," because you'll never know if they agreed or not. They just leave you with no say, so all you can do is hope. Hope that they understand and agree.<br />
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So with that said, how much more will it take to ask them to do it properly (if there's such a way)? My way is to knock 5 times, gently but enough to be audible on the other side. Wait for acknowledgement, then enter if invited. But can I really ask them to do the same? No. I tried. I tried many times and made myself an example. I don't know if it's just part of their culture or for whatever reason they don't knock. I really don't like it. But as I said, all I can do is laugh it out. And now, wrote about it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Anseong-si, Bongsan-dong, 31-337.0079695 127.279678637.0075735 127.27906159999999 37.008365500000004 127.2802956tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-49852645551925437742012-03-13T13:45:00.001+09:002012-03-13T13:46:12.179+09:00Pasubo<br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> "If God allowed Adam and Eve the choice for themselves, why would someone shove their ideals down someone else's throat?"</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> For some reason this issue have been rolling all over the whole day. It's not that I care much but if a lot of stuff that happened today gets to relate to that question above, it does make me think of writing it down.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> It started when my mobile browser suddenly got localized. Every app that asks me to log-in from another internet page, leads me to a Korean version of that page (kr.yahoo instead of www.yahoo), which should be understandable since I am in Korea. The problem is I'm a brownie who happens to be more proficient in English than Hangul. This upset me more when I checked out my browsers and all of my searches lead me to Korean results. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> So I started suspecting that this has something to do with Google. I know it's stupid to just point the finger at anyone, but I happen to be watching some ads that mentioned Google's new privacy rules. Stupid excuse? Might be. Valid? Yes. Related? ...</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> I'm honestly not bothered by whatever Google is doing. Reading further on their new implementations, it doesn't sound so much about invading someone's private information. I think it's more about people's guilt. And that's okay. What I don't find okay is how people react over this. A lot of them probably have not read past half the first paragraph from Google and they're out there on a rampage. Some might have just heard from someone who heard from someone about this. What gets my nerve most is when they start screaming what Google should do. Google is free when one uses it, and it's free from bondage if one doesn't want to use it anymore. Simple as that. But no, people keep wailing and gnashing their teeth, campaigning, and lead to mobbing, in the hopes Google will listen.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> I just thought, "they could check the porn sites I visited if they want to. They could help me get a better experience with it if they do please."</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma;"> Come Facebook and my friend posting some pictures of his hands getting damaged from work-hazards. Now, I've been doing the same thing for some time and some of them are logged here on my blog. So to me, it's just normal. It's got nothing to do with fishing for sympathy, cause outrage, or asking for help. Just simply showing friends around that working abroad is no walk-in-the-park. So when my friend did the same, I felt sorry for him but that's it. But of course he also received other comments such as, "dapat umangal" (should complain), or "know your rights!" Which made me think otherwise. And in Filipino language we call these people "pasubo." It simply means, people who coax you to do something you'll regret later. </span><br />
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This made me remember one of my brownie rants. I was still half-year old here in Korea but there was also someone a bit more fresh than me. Being once the new guy, I often look after him in hopes he won't go through what I have.<br />
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I was telling him some of the lessons I've learned, when he suddenly almost shouted, "hindi pwede iyan, idedemanda ko agad sila!" I tried to calm him down until I have to ultimately tell him he's just an illegal immigrant and that we only have limited rights. In fact, even if he's legal, here in Korea, foreigners have a very small chance to win any case against the locals. It's not right but it's just the way it is.
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Outside the company, Filipinos from different companies meet for whatever occasion. People just can't avoid telling their stories, especially three bad ones. To me it's just a form of venting out. We all have our own sorry to tell. What ruins the moment most of the time, is when some cocky new arrival blurts out, "Hindi pwede sa akin iyan! Mag kaka problema tayo niyan!" (That won't work for me! We're gonna have some problem with that!"
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Yep! I said cocky. And although he may be in the right place, we all know that's nothing but talk. We usually just give him the "newbie" excuse. We all know that at the end of the day, all we-all could do, is tuck our tails between our legs and keep our head low. That's just how it works if you want to keep your job here.</div>
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One of the worst a fellow Pinoy could do (which has happened too often) is to coax someone to do something with all passion. Convincing someone to speak up, complain, or form a rally. And when the poor fellow goes through with it, he gets no supporter; not even the person(s) who talked him into it. Or worse, they take the opposite side. And even worse, laugh at the poor guy after falling. That's just as bad as saying, "Kawawa ka naman." (You poor thing) but leaves it at that. I've seen this happen many times and in fact, has been done to me a lot, even before coming to Korea.</div>
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I understand people's passion and concerns, especially to other people. But really, sometimes I wish they'd follow through with what they say. Practice what they preach. Or just shut up.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-49883711632603475912012-01-27T12:30:00.002+09:002012-03-01T17:50:41.692+09:00FootstepsBack in the Philippines, when I was a lot younger, I was quite known of my walk. I'm not talking about a runway/fashion model walk. I'm talking about just my ordinary walk. It's nothing special either. But it's noticeable.<br />
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When I was a kid, I had a hard time catching up to my dad whenever we go places. Being asthmatic makes it worse when I have to take three steps for each of my dad's single step. I think I didn't complain 'cause I just see dad as a giant. Apparently, he noticed how hard this was for me. So he taught me how to walk "his way". <br />
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"Take wider strides."<br />
"Use gravity/your weight to pull you forward."<br />
"Don't force it. It'll come naturally."<br />
As I grew up and got "the walk" I added "a steady rhythm." Fortunately I was a dance enthusiast that time. That helped a lot! Being light-footed but with powerful strides made me walk faster, stabilized, and steady. Add to that, it gave me power-thighs!<br />
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I walked this way everywhere I go, however the path may be. Be it climbing a mountain or treading downhill. Even the locals of the mountainous regions gave compliment to the way I walk. Some people recognized how I "pass by them like the wind." And even when it's not directly addressed to me, I hear talks about how fast I could go distances.<br />
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The only bad thing (but I don't consider it bad really) is when kids notice me. As I pass by them, I hear them counting "1... 2... 3... 4... 1... 2... 3... 4..." a lot of times. I can easily tell they're teasing how I walk as it's so steady and rhythmic, you'd mistake it for a march. I wouldn't say it's a bad thing, 'cause they just don't understand how beneficial to me, the way I walk. But it's sometimes annoying as I pass by people minding my own business, and get distracted by these petty mockery.<br />
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It's when I came here in Korea that everything changed. Lately, I noticed how bad I walk. I walk like a fat person with very short strides, no more heel-and-toe motion, and no sense of stability. I even lost my precious rhythm. Back in the Philippines, when I stopped dancing to concentrate on music, I gained a lot of weight. But that didn't affect the way I walk. It only affected the distance I could go to without rest. Here, I'm just pathetic.<br />
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I blame it on snow. I never learned how to walk on icy roads. It takes short strides with a strange footing (landing my foot very flat as I take a small step) to avoid the chance of slipping. In Ilokano, it takes to "baddek" (stump) instead of "magna" (walk), to cross a simple, icy, four-foot, walk. It shortens my stride to ensure my supporting leg is stabilized, and in case I slip, I can easily recover.<br />
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So there you go. I lost my walk that I was proud of. A walk that my dad taught me. All because of snow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-28237761769198556882011-12-30T04:53:00.002+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.591+09:00Band Aid Koreans have the tendency to adjust some English vocabulary so they can pronounce it easier and claim they know the language. They call it Konglish. I think it's stupid. Either learn the word or don't. This causes a lot of confusion sometimes especially when they start mixing one or two konglish word in their Korean language. What's worse is that they'll find Filipinoes stupid and liars if we don't immediately understand their Konglish. They believe it's enough to be understood. And since Filipinoes keep boasting we're proficient in English, yet we didn't understand their Konglish, we lied to them. That, or we're so stupid that we can't understand the most basic English.<br />
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Add the fact that Korean language often require an additional vowel in the end. The English word "band aid" is a bit too long for them that they shortened it to "band". Then add the vowel "u" pronounced as "uh" in "duh" would make the Konglish word "bendu".<br />
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Some years ago at work, when everyone was rushing out to get a ride back home, some of us were left behind to tend to some machines. Ordinary stuff like cleaning and what not. That day, there was a small add-on installed on the machine I was working with (I think it was an air regulator). By accident, my arm was caught at a moving needle and I ended up bleeding quite profusely, despite the thinnest wound I see. It was a critical moment where I have to keep on doing my job, chasing some dirt to clean before the solvent evaporates. So doing that, I asked one of my officials to get me some "bendu". I heard no footsteps so I repeated my request 3 times. I popped my head out and noticed that this superior or mine was ignoring me and just basking in his pride, looking at the newly installed thing, boasting to whomever about such an accomplishment. Again, I politely addressed him and requested for a band aid, if not a first aid kit while pointing at my wound. And again, I was ignored. This pissed me off and fortunately I was done with cleaning. With my left arm soaked in paint, solvent, and a lot of blood, I stumped past the official while muttering Ilokano words. Cursing them for not taking care of their employees. <br />
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It didn't matter if they understood what I said. They know I got issues whenever I do that. Good thing too, that I found another superior of mine. She was very much in a hurry so I just shouted I need a band aid. You see, there's also this annoying attitude of Koreans, where they ask you "why/what for" almost all the time, despite the obvious need for help. They even ask "why" as if you automatically did something wrong. So she asked me that, I just had my still bleeding wound in front of her face. This time, the official who ignored me, felt embarrassed and went straight to giving me a band aid. Yep! All because he didn't want me to bother another official when I'm supposed to be under his care.<br />
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It didn't end there. This official talked to my trainer (work related) for about a minute. I went back to cleaning the rest of the machine. This trainer came to me telling me "it's my fault". Because I didn't make it clear what "bendu" I'm requiring. Either a "band aid" or "something that bends," and I didn't clarify which one. I was too upset to argue. I just want to be done with the day and go home.<br />
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But lastly, he even had the nerve of demanding me to thank him for teaching me proper Konglish.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-23171237808569617952011-12-25T19:52:00.002+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.574+09:00Pride or Stupidity? This is a long one. It happened this year, so my memory of it is still intact. Recurrence of its effects are also frequent, that reminds me of its cause. But why should I debate whether it's pride or stupidity? It's in my character not to just let things go. Believe me though, that I'm a very patient and tolerant person. It's just that I have some buttons someone could push, that I find unforgivable. Is that normal?<br />
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I hate fish. I really don't like the smell of it whether its cooked in whatever ways or not. The taste is a bit tolerable but it's the smell in my breath that makes me even not want to eat it. In this company I currently work for, where we are fed 5 lunches a week (sometimes more if we work over-time or on Saturdays), we're served with pork or other meat only but once a week. I opted to eat separately and I'm compensated with a small amount of money (about 1/3 of what they would have spent if I ate their lunch). But there are rare times when they invite me over for lunch for free, whenever they're served meat. But very rarely. In addition, there's the occasional dinner where we all go out to eat <i>samgeupsal</i> together. It's the boss's treat. I always get invited with those and I'm more than glad to join them. In these occasions, they drink a lot of alcohol while I'm given just a bottle of coca-cola, ever since I'm sober (for years now).<br />
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Things have been going smoothly like this for the years I've been working here. But then came the time when my 3 officials decided to chip-in on their (almost) nightly drinking spree. Two of them are willing to do so, while the other has always been hesitant to spend money except for himself. But since it was always them who drink every night, he has no choice when it's his turn to pay the bill. <br />
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There are two of us foreigners working for this company. The other one's a new guy, so I guess he still doesn't have enough back bone to say "no" to anything. These 3 officials decided to ask the new guy to buy them some beer, and of course the new guy can't refuse. When I was told about this, I couldn't blame him "much" because he also joins with them on these nightly drinks. That's aside from being new. I did scold at him for some reasons.<br />
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The thing is, I've learned that it's Korean culture not to give freebies to anyone older or higher in social ranks. It's considered an insult, as if you're saying, "You're too poor to spend for such, so I'm gonna give you some out of pity." It's that offensive. Mind you, I read this from a Korean guide, and have asked 3 elders and confirmed it. The reasoning of this mindset goes way back to their old-ways of confucianism or bhuddism (not really sure which one), and I don't have the strength to explain it. But with this knowledge, I understand it.<br />
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So the 3 were happy to find the new guy gullible enough to spend some money for their drinks, they tried it on me. At first, I considered it a joke. I didn't reply and gestured that I don't like it. But as a joke, it shouldn't be repeated. But it was repeated. They asked me to buy them some beer again. This time, it's not a joke, but a joke if it doesn't work, and not a joke if it works. I find this offensive and I showed it to them. They laughed thinking I am protesting the fact that they often drink during working hours. But that's not my real reason. I'm insulted 'cause I don't drink anymore. They could've asked for food or coffee. Even expensive coffee! But no! They just have to push it and ask me for their beer.<br />
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You see, turning sober is a bit bothersome here. Time after time, I've been coaxed and even demanded to drink with them, even for just one shot. At first I completely refused. Then they kept pushing and pulled the "I'm older than you so you should follow my orders." card. I had no choice but to accept the shot glass, and did the old, "spit it in your coke bottle" trick. I made it extremely obvious that I didn't swallow the alcohol. Were they blind? I think so. Because all they cared about was I accepted the shot glass and therefore, I drank.<br />
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Some days after, I asked one of them if being sober is a bad thing to them. I expressed that I thought I should even be congratulated for this. Or at least have my actions respected. But them pushing me to go back to drinking is starting to annoy me. This official laughed and told me, "It's just Korean way to tease you." which upsets me. I told him I don't appreciate this.<br />
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Another 2 days and I was invited to have some <i>samgeupsal</i>. Of course, everyone's drinking but me again. And again, I was forcefully pressed to drink, just because they saw me accept the shot glass before. I knew I was going to regret what I did back then. And again, I had no choice but to pretend to drink that nasty <i>soju</i>, and showed them that I deliberately spat it out in my glass of cola... yet that last part, they ignored. After that first shot, I walked out of the restaurant and just glad I came with my bike. I don't have to wait for them for a ride.<br />
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Later on, I warned the other official (who's birthday is nearing) that I really don't want to be offered any more alcohol. I'd rather not go to his party if they'll insist. I watched his mouth carefully and I knew he was about to ask why I drank the previous ones "offered" to me. I immediately cut him saying I threw all of them out. I never drank any of them. That if only they noticed I never touched my cola after that, it's because there's alcohol in it.<br />
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And so that was settled...<br />
... But that was then.<br />
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Back to them asking me to pay for their drinks...<br />
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So yes, it might not be a big deal. But to me, this is just completely and deliberately insulting. Why should I spend for their drinks if I myself don't drink at all? All this "pulling out their ranks" to make me drink, then asking me to pay for them now... it's just one of those buttons they pushed that really irked me. I then considered that they're asking me to pay for every meal they've given me for free. A meal that they themselves didn't pay for. A meal that they themselves invited me to.<br />
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Should I call it pride? Because it's been a long while since this happened. But ever since, I refused to dine with them. I refused every meal that they offered. Doesn't matter whether it's a party or just one of those days when the boss feels generous. It doesn't even matter if the boss personally invites me. All I could think of is, "It's best you save the money for my share and spend it for your beers. At least I could consider that MY treat." But if only I could say these words in Korean. I'd definitely say it to my boss if I can translate it properly. I've been searching for the proper translation of this, so I won't be misunderstood. But for every attempt in asking Koreans, they refuse to translate it claiming, "It's too insulting and you shouldn't tell this to any Korean, no matter what they did."<br />
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Should I call it stupidity? The truth of the matter is, I miss those dinners. It's not much the food. Heck, I can buy my own with my own hard-earned money. But it's the bonding. That part where we could freely talk to each other about anything. The jokes and laughter. I missed those things. And what makes it worse, is that I'm getting more and more detached from my co-workers. Being sober alone does this. How much more with not dining with them?<br />
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The thing is, I will not be satisfied until this issues of mine be addressed by the boss. I really want to talk to him and explain why I keep refusing to join them. The problem is what to say. What to answer after they asked whatever, when I say it. What to reply when those 3 officials start to defend themselves just to save their faces (it's inevitable). And most importantly, how to say it in Korean. All I want is an apology and for them to keep me out of that drinking business. I think I can call it "principle."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-84519996103034337992011-12-24T22:47:00.001+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.699+09:00Show me the money Speaking of <a href="http://brownie-in-korea.blogspot.com/2011/12/beware-of-falling-rocks.html">bus rides</a>, there's another lesson I learned. During my earliest years in South Korea, my dad keeps mentioning that bus drivers are the "king of the road." I bet there's another meaning to that expression, but my dad simply means bus drivers have many unreasonable claims and no one dares to oppose.<br />
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I think that's true to some aspects during that time. They can freely over-charge a fare and use whatever excuse, should a passenger complains-- which is very rare. And as mentioned on my <a href="http://brownie-in-korea.blogspot.com/2011/12/beware-of-falling-rocks.html">last blog</a>, they can ignore certain passengers or stops, perhaps to catch up with the schedule. They can freely run through red light (even until now) and go up to dangerous speeds. They may also unload passengers even quite far from their designated bus stops or even in the middle of the road. Passengers eager to get out of the bus even want them to. After hitting the buzzer, and perhaps they didn't notice, they have the nerve to scold at a passenger for not calling them out when they passed by your stop. It happened to me many times. If a small vehicle causes the bus to stop, the bus driver could pull out the other car's driver and punch him in the face with a lot of shouting. I have to emphasize here that these either happened to me, or I saw them done to others with my own eyes. I don't have to mention what other stories I've heard in this regard. But sufficed to say, I agree with my dad.<br />
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At this time, there's a bus that goes straight from Yuram Sam Go-Ri to Geumcheon. That relieves me from taxi rides from our dormitory to another town, good for shopping and grocery. It was about 9 pm so there's not a lot of passengers. As the bus is nearing, I dug into my pocket for my fare. I got 2 bills of 1,000 won each. Fare was about 750 won that time (I think) so I separated the two. One bill for one hand and another for the other hand. As I climbed up the bus, I immediately slid my fare in the box and told the driver where I was going. I assumed I won't get any change but was just hoping for better luck, so sat on the nearest seat to the driver.<br />
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But then the driver started scolding at me with Korean words I still couldn't understand. A couple of seconds later, I realized he was accusing me of stealing money from the box instead of paying my fare. His proof was the other 1,000 won bill on my other hand. I told him I payed and the one I'm holding was mine. But with such language barrier, I couldn't explain much. There were less than 5 passengers in the bus and they started to complain 'cause the driver won't budge until I pay, and according to all of them, I'm at fault. I had no choice but to give my other bill. But then the driver won't give me my change and just kept murmuring when I asked for it. I spent 30 minutes in this bus with such dense air, and finally I came to my stop. For the last time, I asked for my change and guess what? He charged me 950 won.<br />
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I was angry. Really angry. Angry enough to stand on my stop and just stare at the driver as he goes (pretty much there's nothing else I could do). The driver stared back. On my mind I was praying he'd hit something or someone while he's staring back at me. But nothing happened that night.<br />
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The time I told this story to my dad, I was advised that I show the money for approval before putting it in the box. It doesn't matter whether it's a bunch of change or a single bill. I guess that makes sense. But even during my earlier months, when I show the bill and wait for the driver's approval, I got scolded for not moving quickly enough. Nevertheless, I'd rather be called slow than a thief and pay twice... and charged even more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-19728431190841722112011-12-24T21:28:00.003+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.532+09:00Beware of falling rocks. One of the first challenges I had here was public transportation. My dad used to work in Ilsan which is about 2 hours away from mine. Monday mornings, I take 2 bus rides and a cab from Ilsan to Gwangtan. That's from Ilsan to Geumcheon, Geumcheon to Gwangtan, and Gwangtan to Yuram Sam Go-Ri. I follow a strict schedule with this 'cause the rides will delay me 30-40 minutes from any of the bus, should I be late with one of them.<br />
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It was getting late and I still wasn't completely sure of the bus schedule. But what's confusing me that morning was where the proper bus stop should be. Some bus drivers are very strict with stopping on the proper bus stops. And yes, some bus stops are not meant for other buses. The buses are also color-coded but I haven't memorized which colors go where. That morning, I was waiting at my regular stop when my next ride just passed by me and went straight to the other stop. So I thought to my self, "maybe this is the wrong stop." And walked to where that bus picked up the other passenger. A few minutes passed by and I'm starting to doubt my decision. I know the terminal is near by but I don't know where in particular. I also questioned myself for waiting at this "other stop" when I've been picked up by the bus twice, where I usually wait.<br />
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There are also two buses that go to my destination. One is the regularly sized blue, and the other was a huge green. But both have their own routes. I was waiting for the latter, but time was really pressing that morning, I was considering on taking the other bus or even take a cab from here. But since it has a different route, I will be forced to walk about 2 blocks. A taxi will also cost me more than 10 times a bus fare, and it'll take me another block to walk to the taxi stand. What worries me is if any of the two buses pass by their designated stops, just as I'm in between them.<br />
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As this confusion goes and being worried of getting late at work, I decided to walk back to the middle of both stops. The one where I usually wait, and the one where the bus stopped that morning. If in case, I'll just run towards where the bus driver decides to pick passengers up. Both stops are about 50 meters apart. While doing this, a rock, about twice the size of my fist, was rolling past in front of me. And then another behind me. Second one was just 2 feet away from me. I looked at where it came from and I saw a Korean guy standing near the top of a construction building, staring at me rudely. He was just staring at me. Rudely. I didn't know how to deal with this. But I'm sure it was him who threw those rocks towards me. Good thing I have my job that I'm more worried about.<br />
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About 30 seconds after this incident, the bus appeared and stopped at where the earlier one passed me by. So I ran towards it as fast as I could, but I saw the Korean guy threw one last rock at me. I wasn't hit at all, and I'm just glad the bus showed up. "I think I can make it to work on time," is all I thought of.<br />
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So why did the earlier bus passed by me at the proper stop, then picked up a local passenger at the wrong stop? I don't know. And why did that Korean guy threw rocks at me 3 times? It's up to anyone's guess. But since that day, I decided to find the bus terminal and planned a different schedule for my Monday morning trips.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-30949257530189461542011-12-24T04:25:00.002+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.602+09:00Spaghetti It's not about Christmas. It's not about being alone either. <br />
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I ran out of coffee (which I always do) and decided to give myself a little treat while out buying some beans. On the grocery, I searched for cookies but all they have are the ones packed with all the varieties. I don't like most of them. I liked it when they're all displayed on a tray and I get to choose which flavor I want. Not some yucky stuff forced on my mouth. So forget about the coffee.<br />
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Roaming around looking for food, I found myself staring at some dried pasta section. In about 2 minutes of standing there, staring at them, I realized I feel sorry for myself. It's been years since I've tasted spaghetti. My own cooking. You see, when the company I worked for relocated, most of my basic needs were neglected. I do understand 'cause there are a lot more important things my boss has in mind. But it's been almost a year now. For the earlier months, having no bathroom didn't bother me much. I could easily go to a sauna and do my baths there. It's costs $10 for the night ( we don't just pay for the baths but for the public sleeping room as well). I don't think I should blame my highest boss though. These matters are supposed to be handled by the lower superiors. Alas, I mostly have to complain straight to the boss before anything could happen. Fortunately, we needed another worker. So they have the bathroom fixed... none of it look remotely close to what they've been telling me before. Week after week, I asked about the bathroom. My superiors keep telling me to wait until the ground is settled 'cause they intend to place some tiles on the flooring for the bathroom and the kitchen. They even described how it will look like and to me, it's a big improvement to the last one we had, from the place we left. Now we have an ugly bathroom with no tiled floors. It's still a bathroom.<br />
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So what does this have to do with spaghetti? Well, the intended kitchen is next door to the bathroom/toilet/laundry room. And it's completely and utterly unfacilitated. Nope. No sink, no tiles, no exhaust fan, no cabinets, no nothing. All it has is a tiny 2x1ft window and a hole in the middle of the floor. I think it's forgotten and none of my superiors intend to furnish it. I think it takes another complaining just to get what I need for this. But I'm getting tired of the process. Right now I'm just saving my complaint "pass" for when I absolutely need it.<br />
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... again, what does this have to do with spaghetti?<br />
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As I stare tonight at those pasta, I thought if I "can" actually cook some. All I have is a tiny hotplate. I thought of many ways to be able to cook just this once. But after 2 minutes, I gave up. And I feel sorry for myself. It's my favorite dish and I'm damn good at cooking it. And it breaks my heart that I can't cook just from the lack of my superiors's consideration.<br />
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So it's not about Christmas for sure. I absolutely hate Christmas and my birthday. But for about 5 years now that I haven't had spaghetti on Christmas, New Year, Birthday, or any of these so-called special days, the more I get to hate them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-61499712818231420322011-12-23T01:56:00.000+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.677+09:00In The Beginning... So what makes these fellow Filipinoes compete to step at their fellow Filipinoes? Where they chase around bosses and kiss their asses with all their charms and what-not? Where they tend to boast every little thing they have (or even don't have but fantasizes on having) just to make you feel they're better than you? It's frustration.<br />
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Its not about "crab mentality" or any of those sickening traits pinoys have. It's just that they can't take the Korean people's abuse any much longer. But they can't do anything about it. So where or who's the outlet? It's the new guy. Just another innocent pinoy who just arrived in this forsaken country. <br />
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Fresh from the Philippines, I was used to being friends with almost everyone. Regardless of how some so-called friends treat me back then, I am keen to find new friends when I arrived here in South Korea. I aimed to please, so much, that I'm doomed to become gullible. The fool that I was. <br />
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First days on the first company that I work for, each pinoy started flashing their self-acclaimed titles.<br />
"I'm the boss in this department."<br />
"I'm in charge of assigning people."<br />
"I'm the guy the boss talks to when it comes to foreigners."<br />
"I'm the pioneer of foreign workers in this company."<br />
"I speak the best Korean amongst all pinoys."<br />
"My words are as good as the boss's orders."<br />
"I'm the best worker."<br />
"I'm the most all-around."<br />
"I'm the most in-demand 'cause I've been through all the departments."<br />
Seriously? In the beginning, my eyes twinkle. I thought I'm surrounded by superior Filipinoes who became experts on their fields. I thought I'm in the good crowd and I was comfortable to be guided by them.<br />
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In the end, all their claims are worth nothing. Some of them get fired. Some of them quit because the boss just didn't care. Some of them sent to other departments for being incompetent. All of them are just plain fucks.<br />
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In the earlier years I've lived as a brownie here though, I slowly realized why these people became such. A lot of them are just naturally insecure. But some of them just had no other outlets. Korean bosses, officials, or even just an ordinary fellow worker, as long as we're foreigners, we were looked down on... and treated so bad. So bad, it'll drive the kindest person on earth to a suicidal maniac. But since we're poor, we have no other place to go, we could only keep on bearing it. So what to do? Nothing but petty, cheap, and stupid, things. Things that would make you feel just a bit better than someone else. No matter the cost, it'll make you feel better. Enough to face another emotional and psychological abuse of the day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649237221286490637.post-5204231394468213632011-12-23T01:34:00.000+09:002012-01-02T01:05:42.632+09:00The Truth It's not that I hate Korea. I'm not one of those infamous Seoul Ranters on Craigslist, who sometimes go overboard. It's jut that sometimes I'm irritated when I see some people dismissing my complaints against the people here in South Korea. I see some people automatically loving Koreans just because of mainstream impressions, or some telenovelas they've watched. I see some people automatically praising Koreans as if they're the good guys, just because they're some current pop idols. I see some people making excuses/defending them when they haven't even come here (South Korea) and have the real experience of dealing with them on a daily basis. It's just irritating and I see it's unfair.<br />
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Sure, I've had some good memories with some Korean people. Hell, I've had some emotional ones too. But the truth is, the bad experiences are just overwhelmingly more than the good ones.<br />
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Now don't lecture me about that black dot on a white piece of paper. It's not about that. In fact, I was once of those who believe in that. And no, don't assume I'm bitter. I'd rather be called "jaded." And yes, not all of them are bad. I know that too. But it's not about that. It's about justifying why I have a chip on my shoulder when we talk about Koreans or Korea in general. It's about telling my story so people could understand my sentiments. This is not whining. It's just a narration.<br />
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But since most of the things I write here are but memories, there's a possibility of running a bit vague or inaccurate. But I'll be as honest as I can remember. After all, these are confessions.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0