#and the auntie who owns our local filipino story is the best

[v3ronica-summ3rs]

When your boyfriend is (half) Filipino, so you become addicted to this crack right here...

[ @stacieconrad - this post is probably mostly for you]

[purplesurveys]

695

How do you feel about the last person you hugged? That hug with Gabie was almost four weeks ago, buuuut she’s my girlfriend and I love her a lot, and I can trust her with everything. Do you ever say 'OMG' in person? Yeah but I try to lessen it now because I think I’m literally the only one left who still has the tendency to say the initials hahaha. Who was the last person you really felt like punching? This fucker named Sam Morales. A trans woman – this’ll be important later on – tweeted out their story about how Sam catfished her for 8 months and even recruited her friends to join in on the catfishing, and apparently it was all borne from Sam’s homophobia and transphobia. The girl revealed that Sam was bullied by gay boys when she was younger, so it sparked a lifelong hatred for LGBTQIA+ individuals and ever since then she’s been targeting just them for her catfishing. When the woman told her story, a lot of other LGBTQIA+ folks came forward with their similar experiences with Sam and her cronies. It’s a big deal because as it turns out, Sam has a pretty reputable position in the local media industry, has rubbed shoulders with important celebrities, and has done ads for companies like H&M that we unknowingly pass by everyday, so it’s been infuriating having to hear someone use her position to abuse those already in a marginalized position, and having to use her childhood trauma to traumatize others. Are you taller for your age, shorter, or average? Average for a Filipino, shorter if we’re talking global lol. Did you tell your last girlfriend/boyfriend that you love them? Yeah I make sure to remind her everyday.

How do you know the last person you hung out with? We went to the same school for 14 years but we were personally introduced to each other in Grade 7. If you went to the beach right now, what would you bring? A pair of bikinis, a beach robe, sunscreen, flip-flops, the bottle of soju my dad just bought for me this morning haha, my wallet for extra cash, and Gabie. Where did you get the clothes you wore today? My shirt is from the school intramurals for when I was a sophomore and my bitch of a teammate insisted that we have our own table tennis ~jerseys, even though we didn’t really need it. But she didn’t take no for an answer so I relented and now I have this dumb shirt that wasn’t even free. My shorts are from some store and I just bought it cos I needed it as part of a costume a few years ago, so now I just wear it around the house. What's better: a surprise or knowing you're going to get it? I like knowing there’s a surprise in store, but I prefer not knowing what the surprise is just yet. Just tell me I have a surprise and I won’t be antsy, haha. Does your weight have three numbers in it? Nope. Can you taste the difference between store brand food and brand name food? We don’t buy store-brand food, so I don’t know if I’d be able to tell the difference. Do you know anyone whose last name starts with P? Sure, there’s a number of people - Pia, Summer, Hannah, Kate, Reiven, etc. When's the last time you were on neopets? 2007. Someone wakes you up at 3am, what's your first thought? Ok first of all, big chance I’d still be up by then lmao. But hypothetically, if I was woken up that late I’d be...groggy at first, then when that fades I’d be a little pissed. What's the last time you got in a vending machine? Bottled water. What was the last thing your parents got mad at you for? My mom got mad when she found out I lent my new UP varsity jacket to a friend even though it was to help out that friend, who had to walk through the rain but didn’t have an umbrella -_____- I don’t remember my dad getting mad at me recently. Have you ever had a bathing suit fall off of you while swimming? Yep but it was always while swimming at the beach/in the sea so I was thankfully always hidden haha. Where do you go when you skip school? If I wanna skip the whole day I just stay at home. But if there’s one or two classes I feel like cutting in the middle of the day, I stay at my org’s common area which is somewhere in the college. Do your pets have favorites? My dog definitely loves me more than anyone else in my family. He still growls at each of them at times. Do find flirting over IM easier then in person? OMG noooo I hate doing stuff like that on IM/text. I can’t even sext, I find it too awkward having to type out actions or parts of the anatomy shjdgfdjfkdhg. What were you thinking about five minutes ago? I was playing Mario Kart on the Switch that long ago so I was most likely concentrated on not fucking up and ending on the off-road area. Have you ever heard the last person you laughed with swear? Yes. If the last person you called were in the hospital, would you visit them? For sure. I’d bring my dad’s quarantine pass and go through all the checkpoints. Are there any dirty dishes in the room you're in? Nope. How many people could sleep comfortably in the room you're in? It’s the dining room so it’s not the most conducive for sleeping... but uhhh I guess around 10-15 can fit here, as long as we remove the dining table and chairs and replace everything with mattresses. Would you like to have a treadmill in your house? I wouldn’t mind if we had one. What's the longest you've ever liked someone without telling them? I only seriously liked Gabie and it took me arounddd 11 months. Do/did you prefer your english or math teacher? I’m not taking either subject anymore. Would you rather live with your parents or your grandparents? Parents. I love all my grandparents, though. I just feel like the generation gap is strongest there and that we have a different set of religious and political beliefs, and so staying with them long enough would only drive me insane. Where were you 3 hours ago? I was in the living room playing the Switch. Did you prank anyone on April fool's day? That’s tomorrow, and no I don’t plan on fooling anyone in my family.

Can/Did you get away with skipping class? Sure did. The only time it backfired was when I cut my Psych 101 elective around 10 times? And my final grade was 1.75. Totally deserved it. When is the last time you were on a swingset? Last December. One of my titas has a playground at their place that I grew up playing in, so I rode the swing for old time’s sake. At sleepovers, do you usually sleep on a bed, couch or floor? Depends on what the friend has to offer. I sleep with Gab and Angela on their beds and when I slept over at Laurice’s she offered us mattresses on the floor. Rita had a couch in their guest room that I called dibs on. When's the last time you wished you could just disappear? Why? Last Thursday when I became the target of bullying in a private group consisting of people in my high school. It didn’t last very long but it still reopened some wounds/trauma I closed long ago, so it sucked for a while. What's the sweetest thing a gf/bf can do to get you to forgive them? Getting me finger food that I like, like Mini Donuts, Potato Corner, or Auntie Anne’s hehe. Do you dislike when surveys ask to describe your underwear? Yeah a little bit lol. It’s uncomfortable but I answer them the best I can anyway.

What was your last sent text about? I haven’t had load on my phone for a couple of weeks. I don’t really need them these days because I’m stuck at home anyway. What would you do if the last person you hugged proposed to you? Ask them if it’s a dare. Who do you talk to the most in science? In my last science-related class (though it was 2 years ago lmao) I was talking to Alliyah the most cos she was the only one I knew in that class. Did you check to see how much fat/calories was in the last thing you ate? No. I know it’s unhealthy, though. If the last person you kissed gave you roses, what would you do? Right now? I’d get mad that she violated quarantine rules just to do that, but I’d be appreciative anyway.   Do you need to wash your hair? Not yet.

[toraberaa]

2019 Recap

7 countries and 17 cities:

🇨🇳 Shenzhen, China

🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong

🇲🇴 Macau,  Macau

🇧🇳 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

🇲🇾 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

🇰🇷 Seoul, South Korea

🇰🇷 Suwon, South Korea

🇰🇷 Paju, South Korea

🇰🇷 Anyang, South Korea

🇰🇷 Sokcho, South Korea

🇰🇷 Ansan, South Korea

🇵🇭 Cebu, Philippines

🇵🇭 Bagac, Bataan, Philippines

🇵🇭 Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines

🇵🇭 Angeles, Pampanga Philippines

🇵🇭 Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines

🇵🇭 Manila, Philippines

4 mountains:

⛰ Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia

⛰ Mt. Seorak, South Korea

⛰ Mt. Canumay (unclimbed), Rizal, Philippines

⛰ Mt. Sipit- Ulang, Rizal, Philippines

How was my trip this year?

1. Which was your favorite place you visited?

Difficult question. Maybe traveling to South Korea during summer. Although it was my second time, it was a different perspective and vibes.

Seoraksan

Sokcho Beach

2. What surprised you the most about how people live there?

I was surprised about the people who live in Kota Kinabalu. It’s very much like Philippines, my home country, particularly Mindanao. The weather, the food and people were look like Filipinos too or they are REALLY Filipinos. Sometimes I used or spoke Tagalog there. In fact, Kota Kinabalu have Filipino Town. After all, Kota Kinabalu is just one sail away from Zamboanga city as they said.

3. Were you able to pick up some of the local language?

Well, we know Malaysian uses “lah” a lot in daily conversation as if it’s a period. Well at Sabah, under same country, if you were not yet aware, there’s a noticeable slang word. Instead of “lah”, they used “bah” word. My Malaysian friend also confirmed this. Maybe that’s where the name Sa-“bah” originated. Haha!

4. What was your favorite neighbourhood? 

Hmmm. Bandar Seri Begawan? It was very unique vibes. It shows how religious they are. It speaks for discipline. Some may say that Brunei is a boring country. There’s no nightlife here. Their night market closes around 8-9 pm already. Alcohol and cigarettes are banned here and strictly for drugs. Mall doesn’t offer much. Walking around midnight here is safe. It is quiet. No noise can be heard. It is said to par with Singapore and Japan when it comes to security. If what you are looking for are similar like those, then you are in wrong place. It doesn’t try hard for tourism. For what I saw, this place is for settlement. To build up a family with strong ties. To raise children under good social provision. Well, if you asked me, I like it to live this way.  Way of life is simple. They study, work, and gave their praises back to their god. After all it is called The Land of Abode of Peace.

5. Was the country/city like you expected it to be?

Macau for its bright neon lights, casinos, egg tart, beef jerky and etc. What you heard or read about Macau is what you get.

6. Did the places you visited remind you of anywhere else?

Hong Kong is a small bustling country like Singapore to me. While Disneyland HK matches with Universal Studios Singapore. Also, Brunei and Laos when it comes to serenity and religious people. Muslim for Brunei and Buddhism for Laos. Macau is to Las Vegas (as if I already went to Vegas) so.. maybe Pasay City near NAIA? Hahaha! Kidding!

7. What was the most memorable meal of the trip?

Shenzhen-Hongkong- Macau: Food trip with my Chinese friends

Every meal was memorable with them because there’s a story in every meal. One unforgettable instance was that every time I ordered some meal in the menu. I asked them if this was “traditional” food. So when we will order food, they will always say “traditional” like the word “Itadakimasu!” was replaced by it. It became our word for the rest of the trip. I don’t know. It is still funny when ever I think about it.

  Suprise birthday celebration for Tina. It was simple. But for the effort how we hide the wine and cake and how we planned and executed it was perfect. And how we crossed some miles to spend and celebrate birthday for her.

Sheng ri kuai le Tina!

Beef jerky fest at Koi Kei in Macau. Before we left Macau, we wanted to brought some souvenirs (pasalubong). We decided to buy beef jerky. There’s a lot of variation to choose. They offered free taste which was good. So good, that they offered so much, you can even try other products enough to fill up your tummy or until you give up.

Seoul

I didn’t ate a lot in South Korea. Don’t get me wrong. I love Korean foods. However, I didn’t felt any hunger when I’m traveling. Maybe so fascinated on my trips that I forgot to eat? or maybe just saving some Korean Won? LOL! Anyways, although I haven’t done food trip. Most of my memorable meal was in South Korea.

이모 – Imo (Auntie) of Gwangjang Market –  I was strolling and can’t find a food that enticed me.  Actually, the menu and price were same as the others that there’s no need for me to circled around the market twice. Until, I saw someone’s food that makes my tummy growled. Imo waved at me and happily welcomed me in her mini stall. The couple seated beside me was kind too. We had a chit-chat and talked that they went Philippines before (Boracay). There was another foreign couple seated beside me. (forgot where they came from but they are westerners)  I became their translator because I know and understand some Korean words. We toasted some makgeolli (Korean rice wine) together. Korean style!

Kamsahamnida!

TL;DR: Imo offered me some food and drinks for free. Just to “try” them. She was happy to saw that I ate it. To pay back, I said delicious in Korean. And that make her more happier. I feel like I’m a stray dog waiting for someone for me to be adopted and fed to perform some tricks. I felt bad because I felt cheated on a taxi on that day.  But이모 reminded me that good people exists too. Hospitality at its best.

Breakfast at my hostel – There were two Ahjussi (아저씨) that owned the hostel. They offered me free foods – rice, kimchi and ramyeun; and coffee. Just wash the dishes after eating. The best part was it wasn’t just free. But, they were also the one who cooked it for me. It feels like your parents served you a meal. They are sooooooo kind and friendly. It feels like home.

Lunch at Sokcho – Philippines is also rich when it comes to sea foods. But every sea food that I ate at Sokcho was my first time to try. Flounder fish, king crab, krill and lots of fish that I don’t know. Like what I also said before, best to eat with local so I ate it in Korean style.

Lunch with Jooyoung 🙂

Early Dinner at Songtan – It was my pre-birthday celebration. So my Korean bestfriend’s (Jooyoung) treated me. She also gave her gift to me.  Talking about how “memorable” it was. I slipped some noodles and stained my clothes.

8. What was the highlight of your trip?

I think climbing Mt. Kinabalu was the main highlight for this year’s trip. It was one of a kind experience. I had a good taste of what high altitude was. It was very challenging. All aspects of my body were challenged – Physically, mentally, emotionally as I climbed alone, spiritually as not to be confident to myself  but to be confident with God and financially as it was expensive.  It feels like a pilgrimage as it leads to personal transformation. Conquering great mountain like Kinabalu makes me feel like that every problem, no matter how big it is, can be overcome.

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9. Would you re-visit anywhere you went?

YES! Definitely yes, except Mt. Kinabalu? Kidding, might as well try Walk-the-Torq next time.

10. Will you go back to see other parts of the country?

Yes. There are still many to discover and to explore. And even if I already explored it. I will definitely go back to visit my friends from the other parts of the country.

11. Would you ever consider moving there?

Hmmm. Honestly, I have a thought before moving to and working at China and South Korea. But now, maybe the chance had decreased. Well, who knows.

12. Did you encounter any problems during your vacation?

Hong Kong

I was hold and interviewed when passing from Shenzhen to Hong Kong border. I remained composed and calm. I believed there was nothing to worry about. I just answered honestly any questions they throw. It was just a hassle to stay there for an hour.

At the borderline

Another one was when I was at the Disneyland. When we were waiting for the gates to open, a sad news was delivered to me. My auntie was in shock state or coma. Irony was that, I’m at the said happiest place on Earth yet I couldn’t hide my sadness and tears.

Brunei

I went to Brunei during Ramadan and you can’t eat nor drink in public during fasting month. So what’s the big deal about that? My trip in Brunei will began at Friday. And every Friday means that there will be a prayer (jumaat) from 12 pm to 2 pm. It is because Brunei is under Shariah law. So even you want to eat in private, most establishment were closed. Even if they were open, they will also be closed early.

Public transport was rarely used in Brunei. Maybe because the price of oil was so cheap that they can also afford car. In that case, I have to walk kilometers to my next destination. To add a challenge, it was summer. It was too hot. Sometimes, I needed to go back again since the spot was closed.

It feels like I’m trapped at Brunei. Good side, I had a company to talk about our miseries.

South Korea

I guess, it was also South Korea who tops this round. It’s because not only during but even before the trip. I will list it down.

Before vacation

I thought my Visa will not make it. I mean it was just approved weeks before the flight. Whew!

Stated above, I haven’t book the flight to Jeju and the slot for DMZ (Panmunjom) was already sold out. It was a blessing in disguise as I have to explore Seoul more and booked DMZ tour on the day which was also the 25th Korean War Anniversary.

I had a bad dry cough. I brought my medicines to South Korea to get better.  I was worried that I might deported back due to my illness.

During vacation:

My flight was delayed. As usual.

Because my flight was delayed, I missed the last train (AREX). So I took late night bus. Good thing, before it left, I’m able to catch it. Bad thing was, the last stop was only at Seoul Station (still far from my hotel)

Since, my flight was delayed and missed last train ride. I took taxi at Seoul Station. I knew some taxi driver wouldn’t follow the meter. Like the last time I went here. When I rode a metered taxi, the Ahjussi told me to step out and referred me to other cab. (private car) Here, I bargained. Good thing, I knew some Korean phrases and got 25% off of the offered price. I didn’t argue much because it’s already late and I was tired.

My flight was delayed, missed last train ride, rode expensive taxi. Another problem arise. I already contacted the home keeper beforehand that my flight will be delayed. He said that he will just leave an envelope along with a key on the counter so I could self check-in. I searched the whole area, but there were no single envelope nor key I seen. I was worried I might suspected as a burglar. Anyways, I tried to call him again. No luck. I had ideas running at my mind. It’s either I will stay at PC bang (computer cafe/shop), noraebang (videoke) or jjimjilbang (water spa) or..stay at the living room with full of large mosquitoes. Yikes! Few minutes passed. Another guests arrived, from what I could tell, they were also Filipinos. Was the accent really noticeable? However, they said, I look like Korean. (well..) Anyways, we teamed up and thank God we were able to contact the house keeper and able to rest.

Got scratches and developed a wound on my feet due to back area of the shoe.

Almost missed the bus ride to Sokcho. We almost ran the whole city to catch up.

Thought it will not happened again, we almost missed again the bus ride back to Seoul. Some people really never learned lesson. LOL. 미안해

13. Did you have any bad experiences?

Hmmm. None. Only what I stated above. Looking at the bright side, it really makes my trip memorable.

14. Did you meet any interesting people? 

Too many!

Shenzhen

Finally met Tina’s girlfriend, Kris Lee? Oda Lee? She got a fierce aura.

Brunei – Stayed at the same hotel with me

Bob from Netherlands. My roommate.

Rose from Netherlands also. She stayed BGC (McKinley) for 10 years and have a brother married to a Filipina.

Lotha? (Didn’t know the correct spelling) from Netherlands too. She was proud to ate balut but doesn’t like chocolate peanut butter pie at McDonald’s.

Athena Zhang – Beautiful and sexy Chinese girl raised in Atlanta, US. Met her again at Kota Kinabalu at the same hostel also. Amazing isn’t??

Rachel Zhao (Yi Zhao) – Chinese girl from Tianjin. Same name as my friend. I love talking to her. She had a sense of humor and very interesting girl.

  Kota Kinabalu

The Escape Backpackers owner (Ate – I forgot the name) – She cooked breakfast everyday, listened to my stories. Even laughed at my funny (corny) jokes (HAHA!) and showed motherly love. She sometimes go to Philippines (Paranaque). She visit her Filipina best friend and do charity services. She gave school supplies to homeless children.

Valerie – The cute receptionist. What I know about her was that he go-to-go for dresses and gown is Divisoria. She said that dressmakers in Divisoria are better and the dress have cheaper price.

Brother John Bryan Dora & Sister Shirley Dora from Local of Kota Kinabalu who offered me a prayer for my guidance before I hike Mt. Kinabalu.

Bro. Levi of Local of Kota Kinabalu – Very kind man and entertained me. Who also assisted me to grab a taxi way back to hostel.

My Mt. Kinabalu tour guide – I thanked him for watching over me and helped me to reached Mt. Kinabalu peak.

My Laban Rata’s roommate – Sadly, I forgot their names. They are also Malaysians, but from Kuala Lumpur.  I befriended them. We shared same hardships on Mt. Kinabalu. One memorable thing, was that they asked me to lead a prayer before we sleep. Furthermore, my agency arranged that I could share the trip way back to hostel with them.

Seoul

The kind lady of Gwangjang Market

The two ahjussi of Isak Livingtel

Our tour guide for DMZ – Youn. She’s so professional and so cool. Lots of information I never read or heard from book nor internet. I learned a lot about Korea from her.

Bro. Alvin? of Local of Ansan  who also prayed for me for safe travel.

My brethren from Local of Seoul and Ate Christine who welcomed me and offered also a prayer. I feel like a celebrity like Kristel Fulgar when I visited there.

15. What souvenirs did you buy?

Keychains and ref magnets from different cities. Certificate of completion from Mt. Kinabalu was another treasure. Maybe one of the prized souvenirs I bought was the wire fence from DMZ and the shirt. As per my guide, you can’t buy it anywhere. Available only at DMZ. Another one was the train ticket to Pyongyang, North Korea. Additional item for collection was The Little Prince book perfume.

Thanks to God! Thanks my friends for the support, cheer and prayers. I’m still alive.

How to use it?

16. What was the best food you ate during your vacation? 

I can’t think anything particularly. Maybe the sea foods I ate at Sokcho.

King Crab

from top counter clockwise: Squid, oyster with sesame sauce, sea pineapple.

Shellfishes

King Crab Ramyeun

17. What was the most enjoyable thing that you did during your vacation?

I can’t say if climbing Mt. Kinabalu was the most enjoyable thing that I did. Haha! Maybe spending 10 bucks at the casino in Macau and felt like we were winning.

18. What was the most interesting thing that you did during the vacation?

I hunted down all I Seoul U location. If you are curious, you may refer to this link. Also, I searched some K-Drama locations and imitated their pose.

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19. What was the best trip you took this year?

Hard to say. Too difficult to choose. But you know that my theme for traveling this year is to visit and meet again my friends who resides from different parts of the world. So, to saw and met them again was already enough for me. Travelling together with them was a bonus treat.

20. Next stop on your bucket list?

To complete East Asia and South East Asia countries. Japan and Myanmar for next year. Perhaps Dubai. 🙂

A lot of memories flushed in after I answered these. I decided to post it separately. wait for it. 🙂 Thanks for this questionnaire. Without it, maybe I can’t compose anything.

Thanks for reading. Have a happy and prosperous new year. More travels for us.

Cheers!

Meet Me at World’s End 2019 Recap 7 countries and 17 cities: 🇨🇳 Shenzhen, China 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong 🇲🇴 Macau,  Macau…

[clarysjourney]

My ASEAN Explorer Camp in Jakarta, Indonesia Experience:

I made new friends, explored a new country, learned new lessons, and I’m forever grateful for it.

As I was still digesting everything that happened last 16-18th of July, one thing crossed my mind- My ASEAN Explorer Camp in Jakarta, Indonesia is Amazing! It was A(plus)-kay!!

Let’s talk about it one by one, piece by piece, so grab a drink and relax. Let me start of the day before my flight, It was a very busy day for me since I have a lot of agenda. I have my accounting class from 8:00-2:00PM then after that, our whole clan will celebrate the wedding anniversary of our beloved great grandfather and great grandmother, then I have to attend my best friend’s debut at 7:00PM onwards, then went home at 11:00 PM to pack my baggage and went to the airport at 2:00 in the midnight for my auntie’s departure, and so is my flight. I know, I get it, I’m so busy? Yeah, but I enjoyed every single agenda that I have before my flight.

It was my first solo flight and in contrary, I was not afraid. I enjoyed it. I love the view in the airport and the fluffy clouds.It is my kind of aesthetic.

Some people thought I was Indonesian and talked to me in their native language. I agree, Indonesian looks like a Filipino. Jakarta looks like Manila, too! I From that moment, I feel like I’m home. A home far away from home. I’m used to this, when I am in Malaysia for a stop over, Airport personnels thought I’m Malaysian and when me and my family went to Hong Kong, they thought I am from Hong Kong and talked to me in Cantonese. Am I a representative of another country, as well? Haha.

The flight may be long, but it was worth it, especially when we finally arrived at Jakarta. Thank you Ms. PA for waiting for us and accompanying us to the hotel.

When we arrived at the hotel, I finally saw Prisca and Ate Hershel. We were so excited and hugged each other. After that, we went for an ample rest. Not to mention that the hotel is instagram worthy, especially the walls inside the rooms, and so, me and my roommate, Ate Amae went for an instagram photo during our last stay in the hotel.

Add more, the sky garden which made my city heart more happy.

We went outside to eat dinner, we tried local Indonesian food. I hate spicy food, but it tastes good!

Second day:This the highlight, we meet our fellow Indonesian Field Reporters, have some time to know each other and conducted an interview with them. I teamed up with the very smart and pretty, Niswah, together with Ms. Pham to supervise us. Thank you for your patience, Ms. Pham. The interview is fun and challenging. We got rejected and accepted by some businesses in Indonesia, but the experience is worth it. We learned how to approach people, interview them face to face and even learn from their personal experiences. When one business closed its door, expect that another door will be opened, better and bigger.

We conducted 3 interviews around Jakarta. The first interview is about a family business whom the late Father is the founder. The business is still on its operations until today, despite the death of the founder. It just shows that a business can continue in its operation no matter what. As of today, the business is managed by the Late Founder’s children.

The second interview is a Cafe. The cafe is inspiring to be international, and as a matter of fact, they have an employee who traveled all the way to Australia to study.

The third interview focuses on the steps and struggles of how he became an HR in his company. He said that it was not easy and it is indeed full of struggles, but as you analyze it, it is his struggles that made him who he is today.

The interview is challenging and fun despite of the sunny weather that day, but it broadened my idea on how business operates and how people work in a company.

(Also see: https://www.instagram.com/p/BXNeJt3jYqI/?taken-by=clarysjourney )

After the interview, we went to ASEAN Foundation. We met the people behind it and learned from their projects. We also received our certificates. This talk encouraged me to broaden my horizon and empower the whole ASEAN community.

After the said talk, we went inside the ASEAN Foundation room again to report about what happened during our interviews. This is my favorite part, since I learned from other experiences, if I can vote for every team, I will.

After that, we went to Grand Indonesia Shopping centre for dinner. This is also a time where we talked about each and every one’s interest.

The announcement of the winner for reporting our experiences finally came, Thank you everyone! Hardworks really pay off. We did it!!

Though it’s hard to say goodbye, we don’t have any choice, but to say it. Our fellow Field Reporters from Jakarta has to leave. We enjoyed their presence and hospitality.

After saying goodbye to our fellow Field Reporters, we went to another mall and just explored it.

Third day: This is the last and heartbreaking day of the camp. Last breakfast together. Last face to face talks. Last day. It’s time to leave.

It was a heartfelt opportunity to meet Mrs. Ingrid from Lestari Sayang Anak. I might not be able to finish her whole story, but right from the start, I saw her heart for her orphanage. Mrs. Ingrid may not have any child, but she has a family fueled by love, compassion, and goodness.

Me and the Cambodian guys, Songg, Piseth, and Nara  went straight to the airport after the breakfast. Thank you for talking in your native language when I was with you guys, I understand every word, but thank you.

It’s time to go back to my country, but the lessons and memories will forever bloom. I didn’t not say goodbye, but instead, see you soon!

Jakarta. 3 days. 6 countries. 1 Amazing Team. Countless smiles.

Being a Field Reporter helped me to explore, not only in the sense of setting foot to another country, but on relationships, career, and life.

In another country: You need to go out of your own land to see the world or one side of the world. One side of another country may look like home, and the other one may not look like one, but enjoy it. It’s once in a lifetime opportunity. Try their local foods, eventhough it’s spicy. Grab a little or more. Be friends with locals. Explore the place.

On relationships: Be friendly as you can, though it’s hard, open yourself to others. Let them know you. Let them learn from you and learn from them. Know their backgrounds, cultures, and even how their names are organized.

On career: There’s a lot of struggles that you’ll face. One door may be closed, but take heart, another door will be opened. If you got rejected, walk or run, look around and you’ll find good doors reserved only for you.

Have a heart for other causes. Empower your country, empower the whole ASEAN community, and hopefully, the world. Help the abandoned and treat them as your family.

On life: Step, no matter how big and small. Leap, if you can, but as you advance, never forget those people who made you smile.

Maraming Salamat, Mr. Teoh, Ate Hershel, Ate Amae, Niswah and the whole A-team. See you soon :)