Surviving Korea

KOREA TIMES:Monthly childcare subsidies see big boost

2012-01-18T22:57:00.000+09:00

Monthly childcare subsidies see big boost
Parents with children between 3 and 4 to get 220,000 won per child

By Kim Tae-jong

The government will expand its childcare subsidy program to include all children aged between 3 and 4 attending kindergarten or daycare centers from next year, regardless of their parents’ financial status.

Under the expanded welfare program, parents will receive 220,000 won a month for each child.

Currently, only children from families in the bottom 70-percent income bracket are entitled to benefits of 197,000 won ($172) for 3-year-olds and 177,000 won for 4-year-olds.

The expansion comes after President Lee Myung-bak stressed the importance of childcare and pre-school programs in his New Year’s speech on Jan. 2. He also urged related ministries to set aside more of their budget for childcare support amid a record low birthrate.

The emphasis on pre-school programs comes as married couples are reportedly discouraged from having children due to soaring household spending on private tutoring including childcare fees, he said.

“The government believes that providing quality education for infants and pre-school children is crucial,” said an official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. “It is not just a matter of welfare but also the most effective investment for the future and a solution to cope with a low birthrate and aging society.”

In addition, the government will also expand the scale of beneficiaries of child-related subsidies.

Currently, only parents with children aged under 3 from the bottom 15-percent income bracket receive up to 200,000 won in monthly subsidies, but the program will be expanded to families in the bottom 70-percent income bracket from next year.

With this expansion, about 640,000 people will be entitled to the benefits next year, up from 96,000 this year.

An extra 2.5 trillion won from the annual budget, which will come from state coffers and various other state funding, will pay for the benefits. Along with the welfare programs for parents, the government will also improve working conditions for teachers at preschools and daycare centers.

These steps were announced at a politically-sensitive time with the nation preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections. Critics say that the government is unveiling expanded welfare programs to curry favor from voters without securing enough funds.

The government said it will press ahead with the plan to set up a uniform curriculum for children aged 3 and 4 at preschools and daycare centers. This is currently only in place for pre-school programs for those aged 5.

The move will allow children to receive the same level and quality of education, without worrying about an educational divide between children from high- and low-income families.

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr

Dunstan BABY LANGUAGE: A must watch video for NEW MOMS

2012-01-08T02:25:00.002+09:00

* While I was busy checking out a friend's Facebook page (she just gave birth via CS like me) I found an amazing video link for "baby language". I really advise new moms or even second time moms like me to watch the video and you will really be shocked to find out that babies indeed have a language of their own and that they are really hoping that adults like us will finally decipher what they were telling us all along. Enjoy the video MOMMIES!

A PINOY Christmas after 5 years

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000+09:00

Ever since I got married I never had the chance to spend Christmas in the Philippines again....but this year God granted me my wish to be able to enjoy another PINOY Christmas.

Anyway, I really missed the feeling of being surrounded by family on Christmas day. After all the rush buying Christmas gifts (it's amazing to find PINOYS rushing to buy Christmas gifts even if they don't have the money for it.....kkk....Pinoys will always say it's the thought that counts), Christmas day was spent preparing a small feast and attending mass together (the church was so packed that I even had to stand up while I carried baby Jacob the whole time the priest was celebrating mass.....RESULT: my legs and feet ached the entire holidays....hahahaha). After Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner),little Zach, my nephew Chitoboy and yes even my little Jacob enjoyed the shower of gifts and it felt good to see the three boys enjoying the moment (while looking at the 3 boys it made me wonder...when will we ever be able to spend Christmas this way again...sigh~). I know it will take another couple of years before I can experience a PINOY Christmas again so I really tried to enjoy every moment of it...but despite my efforts to do so I felt like something was missing...aside from missing my PAPA (it's been 11 years since my father died and I'm very sure he will be EXTREMELY happy to see 3 grandsons in front of him), I also missed my husband a lot. I know we can't have everything but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed...I hope someday I could have a COMPLETE Christmas....my hubby, my sons, and my family in the Philippines all together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.....I know God will find a way to grant my wish again.

A new life with MY BOYS

2011-12-06T19:02:00.000+09:00

I'm currently in the process of feeling like a FIRST TIME MOM once more.....I'm really feeling all the STRESS and FATIGUE all over again. I can barely manage my time and my body(yes my body! sometimes I struggle on which baby should I give attention first...sigh~), I'm just so lucky that my body is healing very well despite having a c-section (and honestly, my hubby was quite surprised on how fast I'm recovering.....it was an absolute opposite of how I felt when I gave birth to little Zach.)....I guess having a stronger support system in the Philippines made life easier for me. Anyway, my hubby is rushing my return to Korea (although I still want to stay in the Philippines I can feel my hubby's loneliness penetrating his voice every time he calls or chats with me) but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed....I still want to ESCAPE my other dreaded Korean holiday...SEOLLAL (Korean Lunar New Year)....hahahaha.

Anyway, hubby already found our new home (our MINI-house can no longer accommodate 2 very active kids...kkkk) and he's going to move in anytime now.....the only thing missing in this new house is the family that will make NEW memories with it. Hmmm...I guess I have to make the best out of my remaining time in the Philippines...because as soon as I return to Korea, it's going to be a NEW life with MY BOYS.

Welcome to the family my dear JACOB!

2011-11-21T19:40:00.000+09:00

I'm very happy to announce that the little guy in my tummy was born safely on Nov.14,2011 at 3:49pm. My dear Jacob was actually born a month earlier than his due date and even earlier than his scheduled Cesarian delivery (After intense discussions with my hubby and my obgyne....we finally settled on Nov.29 for CS delivery...but my little Jacob just couldn't wait any longer....kkkk). My entire pregnancy went on smoothly except for the 8th month wherein I experienced a continuous decrease in my amniotic fluid. My doctor had to give me strict instructions on how to REHYDRATE my body, but still my baby came out earlier than expected.

I was already in pain on Sunday but I still manged to clean my room, go to church, and go to to the mall to buy a graduation gift for a dear friend.....by Sunday night I was having contractions every 10-20mins for around 15 seconds but I thought it was just because I had a tiring day so I decided to sleep it over. I would wake up from time to time because of the contractions but I still ignored the signs because it was just too early. The next day Monday, as soon as I got up I knew it's time to rush to the hospital because my contractions were already on a 5minute interval in a very intense 30 seconds time frame. Stupid me I still thought maybe it was just time for poo-poo so I tried to relax myself by going to the bathroom to poop. I did poop alright but the pain was way TOO MUCH for me to handle. When my mom saw me in pain, she asked me what the problem was and after explaining how I felt she didn't even allow me to finish my story she just called my brother and and told him to rush me to the hospital ASAP! So there I was in excruciating pain but I was surprisingly CALM.... I didn't even SHOUT or CURSE (just like the other woman in labor beside me). I guess I trusted my OBGYNE a lot and just went with the flow. It was an absolute OPPOSITE of what I experienced when I gave birth in Korea. My decision to give birth in the Philippines may have costed me more(I wasn't eligible for the national insurance and other medical benefits because I didn't contribute my share after being based in Korea for almost 6 years) but it was worth it.

Now I'm home and enjoying my time with my little Zach, my dear baby Jacob, and of course my loving husband (Hubby was MIRACULOUSLY granted a week of vacation by the company's president.....kkkk). I will probably be back in Korea by February (yes you heard it right....it might be still too cold in Korea by that time, but my hubby just couldn't live without us any longer.....kkk) Thanks for all the prayers and for patiently waiting my next post....until next time.

Himig Pasko, Tinig PINOY

2011-10-27T15:07:00.000+09:00

Before I got married with my husband I was living the student life in Korea and in support of my fellow Filipino scholars in Korea I would like to introduce you guys to PIKO's Christmas Project "Himig Pasko, Tinig PINOY".

CONTEST MECHANICS

- The committee will choose 24 finalists to compete for the championship.

Contestants should submit all the requirements to be able to join the contest.

Failure to do so will be subjected to the committee’s deliberation and final

decision.

Contest Prizes

-First Prize Winner will receive a plaque and a cash prize of 1,000,000krw

(tax free)

-Second Prize winner, a plaque and a cash prize of 500,000krw (tax free)

-Third Prize Winner, a plaque and a cash prize of 250,000krw (tax free)

-Special awards will be given – Best Concept and People’s Choice

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTESTANTS

- A Filipino or Dual-Filipino Citizen

- Filled-out Application Form

- Registration Fee of 25 Raffle Tickets per contestant – considered sold (due on

or before November 24th, 2011 – tickets will serve as the official

entry pass)

- Maximum of 2 representatives/contestants per organization

- Sample Video or Link via email or Youtube

- All songs/music pieces should be CHRISTMAS OPM - Original Philippine

Music (English/Tagalog)

- Music Accompaniment depends on the contestants’ concept and style.

- No age limit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
You can contact Mr. Joel Sumagpang Closa at 010-7265-8302 or you can send an email to piko@pinoyiskolars.org.

KOREA TIMES: New visa to stabilize marriage immigrants' lives in Korea

2011-10-26T00:02:00.000+09:00

* This is a welcome change from the Korean Immigration, even if it took this long at least it was worth the wait.

New visa to stabilize marriage immigrants' lives in Korea

A new visa reserved for foreigners living in the country after marrying South Koreans will be introduced as part of efforts to guarantee their stable stay and better deal with their growing numbers, the Justice Ministry said Tuesday.

Under the legal revisions to the immigration control law, the so-called "marriage immigrants" will be given an exclusive F-6 visa, which allows them to legally stay in the country even if their marital life ends due to unexpected events such as their Korean spouses' death or disappearance.

The marriage immigrants currently receive F-2 residency permits, which are also issued to other long-term foreigners. This often causes trouble for the government in effectively handling the steady inflow of those immigrants, according to the ministry.

"The introduction of the new visa is expected to allow the government to devise proper measures that would help the marriage immigrants better adapt themselves to Korean society," Kim Se-jin from the ministry said.

The number of foreigners in the country married to a South Korean stood at 141,654 in 2010, up 13.2 percent from the previous year and 25 percent from 2006, according to government data.

The new revisions also include a provision that allows more foreign investors to earn the F-2 residency visa, a move aimed at encouraging inbound investment by foreigners to strengthen national competitiveness, the ministry said.

The revised law stipulates that the F-2 residency visa be given to foreigners who have invested more than US$500,000 in South Korea while staying here for over three years, and those who have made over $300,000 in investments while hiring more than two Koreans. Currently, the residency permit is available only for those from corporations that invest more than $500,000 in the country.

The new immigration law will take effect as early as the end of this year, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)

It's another little PRINCE!

2011-10-22T01:41:00.001+09:00

The long wait is over....I got the results of my very much awaited ultrasound check-up and now it can be said that I'm going to have another little PRINCE by my side. I guess I was born to be surrounded by MEN.....kkkkk.

To be honest, the thought of giving birth in the Philippines excited me a lot because of the possibility of being able to know the gender of my baby at around 5months compared to learning about it at 8months in Korea. But I was wrong, my Filipino obgyne opted to schedule me for an ultrasound check-up at 7months and I was even surprised to find out that in the Philippines ultrasound check-ups are not done as often as the doctors in Korea would do it. Anyway, after the long wait( I had to re-do my ultrasound at 8months because the one I did at 7months gave me an indefinite answer because the baby was very hesitant to show his private parts...kkkk) I'm just glad that I finally know the gender of my baby...kkkk....right after I found out the gender of my little one I ended up shopping for baby things right away....hahahaha. It feels good to buy quality baby stuff in the Philippines at a very affordable price compared to very expensive baby stuff in Korea. But of course I had to control myself or else I'll end up bringing tons of SUMMER clothes back to Korea....hahahaha. For all those who prayed and wished me and my baby well, thanks from the bottom of my heart.

KOREA TIMES: Naturalized Korean decries refusal of entry to sauna

2011-10-14T00:28:00.000+09:00

*There's a need to educate natural born Koreans that the current Korean society is not entirely HOMOGENOUS anymore.......besides the Korean government claims that Korea is now a MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY. I guess it's high time for the government to pass laws to protect the people that constitutes the so-called multicultural society.

Naturalized Korean decries refusal of entry to sauna

Lack of law against racial discrimination leaves foreigners vulnerable
By Kim Rahn

An ethnic Uzbekistan woman has filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission after she was denied entrance to a sauna here.

A sauna employee refused to admit to the woman, a naturalized Korean, saying she was still a “foreigner” by appearance and foreign users may “make water in bathtub dirty” and “pass on AIDS.”

Such an action was possible because there is no law on discrimination by race, according to a support center for immigrants.

“Many foreigners face such discrimination often but mostly they remain silent because they don’t speak Korean well and don’t know where they can appeal,” said Ku Su-jin, whose Uzbek name is Karina Kurbanova.

Assisted by a civic group, she held a media briefing at Gyeongnam Migrant Community Service Center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday.

“I’m filing the petition on behalf of other foreigners and especially our children including my seven-year-old boy, as I don’t want him to be discriminated against because of physically appearing different to Koreans,” she said.

Ku visited a sauna in Busan at around 3 p.m. on Sept. 25. But the employee denied her entry, saying foreigners are prohibited.

She reported this immediately to the police.

“The sauna worker told police that foreigners are not allowed there because they may make the water dirty. He also said Koreans customers don’t like using the facility with foreigners because in the town there are many foreign women working at bars and there were rumors that some have AIDS,” she said.

Ku is legally a Korean as she obtained citizenship in 2009 after marrying a Korean man. She told this to the owner, but he said she was a foreigner by appearance.

Police officers said there is no law to regulate such racist discrimination, advising her to go to another sauna, she said.

Officials at the center, who are supporting Ku’s petition, said the owner took advantage of a legal loophole regarding discrimination.

“There are laws banning discrimination by gender or by worker’s status. But there is none governing discrimination by race, not only do Koreans discriminate against foreigners but also Koreans discriminate against other Koreans like in Ku’s case,” a director of the center said.

The director said if the rights commission recommends the sauna to change, the group will help Ku file a civil suit against the sauna owner for the mental distress she sustained.

She said what Ku and the center ultimately call for is the establishment of a law banning discrimination by race, against both foreigners and naturalized Koreans.

“In these modern times when 1.3 million immigrants live here, it is shameful that they have their human rights infringed upon and are deprived of many entitled rights in daily life only because they look different or they came from other countries. Korea claims to stand for multiculturalism, but is far short of laws and systems for immigrants,” the director said.

Weight Loss during PREGNANCY

2011-09-29T11:50:00.001+09:00

My second pregnancy is proving to be an absolute opposite from my first. The difference is quite evident not just with the food I eat but with my weight as well. When I was pregnant with little Zach I could barely keep food in my tummy because I always end up throwing up everything I take (and that includes even water). But despite being so weak from extreme morning sickness I still ended up gaining a lot of weight. My Korean OBGYNE even had to instruct me to go on a diet during my pregnancy(to the extent of telling me to avoid drinking juices or eating fruits...hmp!) because he doesn't believe me when I say I keep throwing up all the time and he probably thought I was just making an excuse.

Anyway, I don't know if it's normal to be losing weight even during your third trimester but I've been experiencing weight loss ever since my second pregnancy started. It was understandble to lose weight on your first trimester especially if you've been having a difficult time with morning sickness but I've also experienced weight loss on my second trimester and now even on my third trimester. I don't know if I heard my doctor right when she said I should eat more (She even encouraged me to eat more MEAT...I don't know why but I can't stand eating pork and beef right now, I do eat chicken but I prefer the breast part only. When I was pregnant with little Zach all I wanted to eat was grilled pork/beef/and duck plus I couldn't eat veggies and fruits but now I prefer veggies and fruits)....kkkk. I guess I got used to hearing my Korean doctor telling me to control my food intake so hearing my Filipino doctor say that I should eat more was something new for me.

Before you get into any assumptions, I'M NOT ON A DIET....I do eat normally(meaning 3 meals a day and sometimes a snack on the side) but I just don't eat like a normal pregnant lady would. Some pregnant women would eat almost every minute but I don't. My mom would even tell me to eat even if I'm not hungry but whenever I do that I end up getting nauseous, dizzy, and it makes me suffer from indigestion the whole day. I just hope even if do lose weight during my entire pregnancy..... my baby would still be HEALTHY, NORMAL, and SAFE. Can you help me pray for that?

One sick PREGNANT lady

2011-09-29T11:18:00.000+09:00

Right after my hubbby visited Manila for Chuseok, I ended up sick. Since it was quite normal for me to catch a cold during my pregnancy (I usually get better after 2 days), I just opted to drink plenty of water and wait until I get better. But the problem was, it's been already a week and I wasn't getting better....I was actually feeling a lot worse.

So I decided to pay my OBGYNE a visit and consult her about my condition specially because I've started having chest heaviness along with my cough and colds. Good thing I did that or I would have been sorry if I decided to just wait for my next check-up(I remember experiencing the same situation when I was pregnant with little Zach and instead of getting an urgent response from my Korean doctor he just advised me to continue drinking tons of water.....I got my relief from my favorite oriental doctor instead). I was diagnosed with PNEUMONIA and was even encouraged by my obgyne to be confined at the hospital for a few days. I was able to convince my doctor to wait and see if my condition will get better and if not she can go ahead and admit me at the hospital. Thank God, right after I took the medicines she prescribed me I felt better and I was already up and about. Anyway, right now I'm definitely better than before but I still have to continue resting and eating nutritious food. I just hope that the baby in my tummy is also doing a lot better than me.

FREE Korean Movies at SM Mall of Asia, SM North, and SM Cebu

2011-09-18T23:00:00.001+09:00

The 2011 Korean Film Festival organized by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines will be sponsoring FREE ADMISSIONS for Korean Movies at the SM Mall of Asia, SM North, and SM Cebu from September 19-October 02. If you are Korean move fanatic, now is your chance to watch quality Korean movies for FREE. Check the information below for more details on the film festival.

2011 KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines

Screening Schedule

MALL OF ASIA, Cinema 6

19 September, PREMIER NIGHT

SECRET REUNION 의형제 7:30PM

20 September

Happy Life 즐거운 인생 1:15PM,
Scandal Maker 과속스캔들 8:30PM

21 September

My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 6:30PM
Hwang Jin Yi 황진이 9:30PM

22 September

Christmas in Aug 팔월의 크리스마스 6:30PM
Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 9:30PM

23 September

Secret reunion 의형제 6:30PM
Happy Life 즐거운 인생 9:30PM

24 September

Hwang Jin Yi 황진이 12:45PM
Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 3:00PM
Christmas in Aug 8월의 크리스마스 7:30PM

25 September

Happy Life 즐거운 인생 12:45PM
Scandal Maker 과속스캔들 3:00PM
My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 7:30PM

SM NORTH EDSA, Cinema 3

20 September

Hwang Jin Yi, 황진이 1:40PM
Secret Reunion 의형제 6:30PM

21 September

Scandal Maker 과속스캔들 1:40PM
Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 6:30PM

22 September

Happy Life 즐거운 인생 1:40PM
My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 6:30PM

23 September

Christmas in Aug 8월의 크리스마스 1:40PM
Scandal Maker 과속스캔들 6:30PM

24 September

Secret Reunion 의형제 1:40PM
Happy Life, 즐거운 인생 6:30PM
My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 9:30PM

25 September

Hwang Jin Yi 황진이 1:40PM
Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 6:30PM
Christmas in Aug 8월의 크리스마스 9:30PM

SM CEBU, Cinema 1

28 September PREMIER SCREENING

Scandal Maker 과속스캔들, 1:30PM

28 September REGULAR SCREENING

Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로, 7:30PM
Happy Life 즐거운 인생 9:30PM

29 September

Hwang Jin Yi 황진이 5:30PM
Christmas in Aug 8팔월의 크리스마스 7:30PM
Secret Reunion 의형제 9:30PM

30 September

Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 5:30PM
My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 7:30PM
Scandal Maker 과속스캔들. 9:30PM

01 October

Happy Life 즐거운 인생 5:30PM
Secret Reunion 의형제 7:30PM
My Dear Enemy 멋진 하루 9:30PM

02 October

Christmas in Aug 팔월의 크리스마스 5:30PM
Hwang Jin Yi 황진이 7:30PM
Eternal Hearts 별빛 속으로 9:30PM

FEATURED FILMS

SECRET REUNION (의형제)

Starring: Kang Dong Won, Song Kang HoSong Kang-ho, an ex-agent of the National Intelligence Service who is very

careful about his actions, is paired with Kang Dong-won, a former spy from the

North. Song’s character was released from the NIS six years after the gunfight

which happened in the heart of Seoul; however, both men keep their identities

hidden from each other.

SCANDAL Maker (과속스캔들)

Starring: Cha Tae Hyun, Park Bo Young, Wang Suk HyunNam Hyun Soo was a very famous idol worshipped like God by teens. Though

he is in his mid-thirties now, he is still one of the most sought-after celebrity

in the industry and a DJ in a radio show. One of his listeners, Jung-nam, sends

him letters narrating her willingness to see her father whom she never met.

Her story became a hit and catapults the show’s ratings to be the most popular

program. But one day, Jung-nam knocks on Hyun Soo’s door claiming that the

father he hasn’t met is none other than him.

A HAPPY LIFE (즐거운 인생)

Starring: Jang Geun Suk, Kim Yun Seok, Kim Sang Ho, Jung Jin YoungThe plot revolves around three former members of college rock band, Volcano,

who were reunited by the death of their leader. At the funeral, a young, jobless

lead guitarist Gi-Young (Jang Geun Suk) suggested that they reform the band

with him as the new front man.

MY DEAR ENEMY (멋진 하루)

Starring: Jeon Do Yeon, Ha Jeong WooHee-Soo, who is living a miserable life as a single woman in her thirties,

sets out to find her ex-boyfriend, Byoung Woon who owes her $1000. Byeong Woon

is also penniless but knows that girls are willing to give him money. Hee-Soo

follows him as he visits many girls for money and starts a one-day journey that

will change her life again.

HWANG JIN YI (황진이)

Starring: Song Hye Kyo, Yoo Ji TaeA film based on the story of Hwang Jin Yi, the most renowned courtesan of

the Chosun Dynasty. She was a beautiful, talented and intelligent young woman

who has no other choice but to become a gisaeng because she was an illegitimate

child. The movie shows how she used her position and her charm to gain favor

from the upper class, as well as his love affair with a male servant named Nom-yi.

FOR ETERNAL HEARTS (별빛 속으로)

Starring: Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Min Sun, Cha Soo YeonAn ordinary college boy Su-young meets an extraordinary girl named Pippi

on campus. He fell in love with Pippi which did not last long because the latter

ended her life at a student demonstration. While trying to get over Pippi, he

was hired as a tutor for a girl named Su-young. He was almost at the brink of

giving up because of Su-young’s peculiar personality but something is stopping

him from doing so. He soon fell in love with Su-young and bizarre things started

to happen.

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST (팔월의 크리스마스)

Starring: Han Suk Kyu, Shim Eun-HaThe film is about Jung-won who falls in love with Da-Rim while suffering

from an unnamed illness. He hides the fact to Da-Rim and tries to continue living

as usual, spending time with his friends and family.

Best Chuseok Ever

2011-09-15T12:34:00.000+09:00

So the CHUSEOK fever went by and for the first time I didn't feel any kind of STRESS....hahahaha. It may sound funny but it's true. If you are married to a Korean, Korean holidays are the most STRESSFUL part of the calendar. Since I am now in the Philippines(until I give birth to my second baby) and I was able to book a very cheap airplane ticket for my husband during the holidays...I was able to spend the BEST Chuseok celebration ever with my husband and little Zach here in Manila.

Anyway, my husband arrived on Sept. 11 and although it was a short vacation for him it was worth it because we got to spend precious time together after 2 months(my hubby's last visit to the Philippines was last July) of being away from each other. Of course my little Zach enjoyed every minute of it too.....kkkk. How I wish I can also escape the other dreadful Korean holiday...SEOLLAL.....kkkk...maybe I can, after all I won't be back in Korea until next year February. Hmmmm....I better convince my husband to book my flight after the Korean Lunar New Year....hahahaha.

2012 Korean Government Scholarship for International Students

2011-09-06T23:27:00.000+09:00

* Got the link from Betchay's famous blog Buhay sa Korea.......if you're interested better prepare the requirements ASAP!

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea announces the opening of the application for the 2012 Korean Government Scholarship Program for International Students for an Undergraduate Degree.

The Korean Government Scholarship Program aims to provide international students with an opportunity to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in Korea in order to promote international exchanges in education and mutual friendship between countries.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate degree courses (4 years) after preliminary Korean Language course (1 year)

Scholarship Period:

March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2017

Scholarship Benefits:

- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition Fees & Korean Language Training Expenses
- Medical Insurance
- Settlement and repatriation allowance

Application Deadline:

Deadline for sending the applications is on September 30, 2011

Place of Submission:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea
122 Upper McKinley Road,
McKinley Town Center,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634

Zach's HAPPY life in the Philippines

2011-09-06T17:49:00.000+09:00

It's been ages since I last made a post in this blog, although I do have some time to spare I always end up ignoring the fact that I have a blog that needs some updating. That's the complete opposite of what I did when I was pregnant with little Zach. While pregnant with little Zach all I did was blog about everything I experience and see around me. But now that I'm pregnant with my second child it seemed like my blog took the backseat....kkkk. Anyway, I'm writing this post just to remind my readers that SURVIVING KOREA still exists...it's just that the pregnant blogger is having GREAT time back in the Philippines....hahahaha.

Okay, little Zach is having the time of his life in the Philippines. Aside from the rapid development of his speech abilities, he is growing fast and is getting more and more active day by day....kkkk. He still enjoys his love and hate relationship with his cousin (my 6 year old nephew CHITOBOY...I said love and hate relationship because they would be playing and enjoying each other's company at one time and then suddenly shift to a very WAR-like relationship the next minute,,,,hahahahaha.....boys will be boys!). Little Zach also enjoys the fact that there are more people he could interact with at my mom's house than in our house in Korea (back in Korea it was just me and little Zach all the time). Although we do miss my hubby A LOT, no one can deny that my little prince is learning and experiencing more things in the Philippines than in Korea. Just last night he had his first MOVIE night with his cousin, he was raving about CARS 2 during bed time that even kept on telling the same story all over again....hahahaha. However, I think little Zach enjoyed eating HOTDOG and POPCORN more than he enjoyed watching the movie....hahahah. Okay that's it...I just hope I will have enough will power to write another post before I give birth...kkkk. Until next time, take care everyone.

KOREA TIMES: Vietnamese wife attempts to poison mother-in-law

2011-08-10T00:47:00.003+09:00

*Another case that reflects the problems of international marriages brought about by matchmaking services. I just hope the TRUTH will come out and it won't be another case of an innocent foreign wife being framed by the wicked Korean mother-in-law.

Vietnamese wife attempts to poison mother-in-law

By Lee Hyo-sik

A 23-year-old migrant wife from Vietnam has been booked without physical detention on charges of attempting to poison her mother-in-law, police said Tuesday.

According to the police in Gwangju, the Vietnamese woman, who settled in the southwestern city after marrying in 2008, is suspected of seeking to murder her 69-year-old mother-in-law Friday by putting poison into the older woman’s bowl of rice.

A police officer said the migrant wife decided to kill her mother-in-law because she was verbally abused and constantly ignored by her. But the wife’s murder attempt failed when the mother-in-law discovered the meal was poisoned and reported it to the police.

The mother-in-law later appealed for leniency from law enforcement officials after her daughter-in-law asked for forgiveness, the officer said.

Experts say this incident shows how problematic interracial marriages have become between Korean men and Asian women.

“I seriously doubt that the Vietnamese woman actually attempted to poison her mother-in-law. I think it was more likely that she was framed by her mother-in-law. If the migrant wife was found to have committed the crime, she did so because she was severely abused by her Korean family,” said Han Kuk-yom, the chief of the Women Migrants Human Rights Center.

Han then said the majority of international marriages brokered by private matchmaking agencies have ended in failure due to financial hardship, cultural differences and other reasons. The incident shows that the country has to do something drastic to fix this growing problem, she said.

“The fundamental problem is that Korean grooms and foreign brides tie the knot when they hardly know each other. It is difficult for them to know one another before marriage, given the way it is arranged. The government has to strengthen its supervision of matchmaking agencies to force them to put the welfare of brides and grooms before profits,” the expert said.

Many matchmaking agencies have been criticized for failing to properly check the financial and mental health of the bachelors.

Han then advised both men and women to obtain accurate information about their spouses-to-be, and to lower expectations for each other.

“International marriages have a much lower probability of success, compared to the ones between same nationals who speak the same language and share the same culture. Korean husbands and foreign wives should respect and treat each other well,” she said.

Kwon Mi-kyung, counseling director of the Emergency Support Center for Migrant Women, urged Korean men to avoid marrying foreign wives through matchmaking agencies.

“About 30,000 Korean men tie the knot with mostly Asian women each year through marriage brokers. But 30 percent of them end in failure. The main reason is that brides and grooms get married even though they do not know each other well. This will continue as long as matchmaking agencies arrange all the international marriages,” Kwon said.

The center, established in 2006 to help foreign women cope here, is affiliated with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Besides its headquarters in central Seoul, there are six other branch offices across the nation.

Kwon said following a series of domestic violence cases against migrant wives in recent years, the government has introduced a range of regulations aimed at preventing “problematic” international marriages.

“But they are simply not enough,” she stressed.

The government has imposed stricter rules on issuing F-2 spouse visas, requiring Korean men to take extensive educational courses to prepare for an international marriage before inviting their foreign spouses to join them in Korea.

Those seeking a foreign spouse are also required to present certificates of their marital status, health and employment, as well as any criminal record when they sign up to find a wife through a marriage agency.

Simplified Tourist Visa Requirements for Southeast Asian residents

2011-07-29T14:15:00.001+09:00

* I got this link from the FB page of Jeremy of Jempres in KR. It's a very useful information for all those Souteast Asians intending to visit South Korea in the future. Grab the chance of getting your Korean visa the easier way thanks to the newly implemented immigration law of the Korea Immigration Service.

Simplified Tourist Visa Requirements for Southeast Asian residents (or qualified Filipino citizens)

To attract more tourists from South East Asian countries, the Ministry of Justice in Korea has simplified the Korean tourist visa requirements and has started issuing double entry visa and extended multiple entry visa category and validity from1 year to 3 years.

Basic requirements are as follows:

- Application form

- Passport sized photo

- Original Passport (6Mons.Valid), Copy of passport first page.

A. Short-term Visas(C-3) for Tourists: Single Entry

- For short term visitors to Korea

- Visa Requirements

1. Employment Certificate or Business Registration issued by SEC or DTI.

2. Personal Bank Certificate

3. Individual ITR or Form 2316 Copy (the previous year).

※ Notes

- In case the applicant cannot submit one of the above mentioned requirements, he/she can submit additional documents such as Land Titles, vehicle registration, Country Club or Golf Membership , and Pension Certificates

- For an applicant who has travelled or has valid visa to any one of the OECD member countries within the last 5years, applicants are only required to submit the requirements number ⑴ & OECD countries visa copy and arrival stamps

- If applicants are students, applicants are required to submit their School Certificate, Birth Certificate and Parents’ Documents (1,2,3).

- In case of incentive tours supported by a company that is listed in the Philippine stock exchange market, applicants can submit only the guarantee letter from the company.

B. Double Visa

- For Visitors who plan to visit Korea 2 times within 6 months.

- Visa Requirements: Same requirements with Single Entry Visa

- Issuance Details: Status(C-3), Validity (6Mons.), Entry (Double)

C. Short Term Multiple Entry Visa

- Qualified applicants

Applicants who have obtained a permanent residency in any OECD member countries (except Korea) or people who visited OECD member countries more than 2times within the last 4years, or people who visited Korea more than 4 times within the last 2years.
Group Tour Guides who has travelled to Korea more than once for the last 2 years
Philippine Government Officials ,
High Rank Officials/employees of International Airline Companies to Korea.
Applicants who earn more than $10,000 annually or has Platinum international credit card
Applicants who are invited for contract and consultation by Korean public agencies in connection to resources and energy development
Applicants who are invited by the Korean Government to attend international forums, international conferences, international conventions.
Executive or high ranking staff of a company that is listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange market
Reporters,PD, journalists, news editors etc. people who works in major media company for more than one year
Professionals : i.e lawyers, doctors, accountants, professors( PRC or IBP card holders)
Popular Celebrities ; Artist/Athlete/writers who can be searched or viewed in Philippine major media websites
Retired workers aged 55 years above who are receiving pensions of more than P20,000 monthly
People who obtained a two year college degree or bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degree from Universities in Korea.
Spouse, minor aged children and Parent’s in law of a Korean national
Dependent(Spouse, Children etc) of Multiple visa holders

For the list of OECD member countries , please refer to this site:

http://www.oecd.org/document/58/0,3343,en_2649_201185_1889402_1_1_1_1,00.html

l Visa fees are as follows

- Base on visa fees exemption agreement, 59 days or less stay in Korea → Gratis

- More than 59days stay in korea → Single entry Php1500

→ Double Visa →Php3000

→ Multiple entry →Php4000

l Notes

- Applicants could be asked to submit additional documents as per consul’s evaluation.

- All visa applications are subject for approval

l Effectivity date: 2011-04-01

KOREA TIMES: Xenophobic groups grow more vocal

2011-07-27T20:26:00.000+09:00

* The recent attacks on Norway is alarming people in Korea too...I just hope it won't escalate into anything that might destroy the future of MULTICULTURALISM in Korea.

Xenophobic groups grow more vocal

By Na Jeong-ju

“Our citizens are being forced to compete with migrant workers for low-income jobs. What’s the government doing to protect our interests from the aliens?”

“Let’s keep our jobs from foreign workers and tell them to just go back to their own countries.”

Such messages are posted on the website of a Seoul-based anti-foreign civic group, which has more than 5,000 members. The group claims the government should rewrite laws to ban local firms from hiring migrant workers until the country achieves a $25,000 per capita income and disallow marriages between Korean women and those from poor nations.

The bombing and shooting rampage by an anti-Muslim extremist in Norway that killed 76 people has sparked fears of possible assaults on migrant workers here.

Government officials say Korea is relatively safe for foreigners to live in, but some analysts caution that xenophobic groups are becoming more vocal and organized as the number of immigrants increases significantly.

“Anders Behring Breivik, the Norway rampage culprit, said the attack was merciless, but necessary. It’s not just Norway’s case,” an anonymous member wrote on the group’s website. “In Korea as well, there are so many pseudo-human rights groups and politicians who are trying to protect immigrants and deceive people. We should act against them and keep our values.”

What’s gruesome is that many of the group’s members seem to be sharing Breivik’s paranoid and extremist views on foreigners. Breivik has criticized Norway’s openness and embrace of immigrants, saying his attacks were intended to start a revolution to inspire Norwegians to retake their country from Muslims.

The Seoul-based group is just one of the Internet-based organizations campaigning against immigrants. Some groups jointly launched a center to receive reports on foreign workers overstaying their visas and called for crackdowns on them.

They recently visited the office of Rep. Kim Sun-dong of the Democratic Labor Party to protest his submission of a bill aimed at giving more educational opportunities to the children of multicultural families and improving the welfare system for migrant workers.

“We are receiving more threatening calls from such groups than ever before,” said Kim Ki-don from the Korea Migrant Human Rights Center. “They regularly post anti-foreign messages on websites and spread news about crimes committed by foreigners. They are becoming organized.”

The number of petitions filed with the nation’s human rights agency against racial and religious discrimination has steadily increased in recent years, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tuesday.

It said 64 cases of complaints were lodged in 2010 regarding discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity and skin color, compared with 32 cases in 2005.

Kim Ho-ki, a sociology professor of Yonsei University, said the government must focus on educating the younger generation about multicultural values.

“It’s important to raise public awareness of the human rights of immigrants and develop people-to-people exchange programs to help Koreans better understand different cultures,” Kim said.

Prof. Han Kyung-koo of Seoul National University said xenophobia could become a major social problem in Korea like other countries around the world, but Koreans are mostly favorable toward foreigners.

“What’s important is to develop more programs to help immigrants adapt themselves and contribute to the development of the Korean society,” Han said

A visit from my HUBBY

2011-07-24T23:46:00.001+09:00

Hubby with little Zach and my nephew Chitoboy

I've been in Manila for almost a month and a half already and in that period, no words could ever express how much I really missed my hubby. So, imagine the excitement that I felt for just a 2 day visit from my hubby (he only has a 3 day summer vacation that even includes the weekend...don't expect a luxury of vacation leaves/sick leaves if you're working in Korea...even if it exists people pretend that it's non-existent.....too bad for a country hooked on being a WORKAHOLIC). Yes, it's a VERY SHORT visit but it's good enough for me and for my little Zach. The day my hubby arrived(his plane landed 12am Manila time and we were able to go home around 3am already) my little Zach couldn't control his longing for his Papa that he even stayed up until 5 am just to play with his Papa....kkkk. My hubby will be going back to Korea tomorrow, (sigh~) I just hope we won't FLOOD the airport with tears when we say our temporary goodbyes AGAIN (He'll be coming back on Chuseok...another thing to look forward to....kkkk). I will miss him but I know my little Zach will miss him even more.

NEW REQUIREMENT FOR FILIPINOS MARRYING FOREIGNERS

2011-07-20T19:39:00.000+09:00

NEW REQUIREMENT FOR FILIPINOS MARRYING FOREIGNERS

By: Philippine Embassy, South Korea

Effective 04 July 2011, Filipinos applying for a Legal Capacity to Marry a Foreigner or a Report of Marriage to a Foreigner are required to watch a short video presentation on the situation of Filipino spouses in South Korea. The Embassy will release the documents only after the applicants have seen the video, which talks about life in South Korea and lasts for only twenty (20) minutes.

The video is part of the Embassy’s educational / awareness campaign to help marriage migrants to South Korea. The video covers the family culture in South Korea, including stories about the experiences of other Filipinos and advice to ensure the welfare of Filipino nationals married to foreigners.

The applicant may choose from the following weekly schedule:

Tuesday - 11:30am -11:50am; 2:00-2:20pm

Thursday - 11:30am -11:50am; 2:00-2:20pm

HOME away from another HOME

2011-07-11T11:48:00.000+09:00

Yeah some of you might be wondering why I suddenly forced myself into sudden hibernation again...as I've mentioned in my previous post, I'm back in Manila and I've been trying to adjust to life in the Philippines again.

After a series of "what if's" my husband finally decided that it will be good for me and the baby inside me to stay in Manila until I give birth because of radiation fears brought about by Japan to Korea. We have decided to be on the safer side but our decision was not that easy. It will be the first time that my husband and I will be spending days, weeks, and even months away from each other and the scene that we have created in Incheon airport the day little Zach and I departed Korea was very similar to a tear-jerking Korean drama or movie. Tears were overflowing at the airport even if we knew that we can still see each other in a month or during the holidays. I have never seen my husband cry that much and I know why......we started in a long distance relationship and at that time we promised each other that we'll never be apart after we got married. True enough, we kept that promise....but we had to break that promise for the sake of little Zach and for the sake of the baby inside me. It's almost been a month since I left Korea and we've managed to deal with the sadness with the miracle of SKYPE. We may talk to each other everyday but nothing beats being together right? Whew~ it's going to be a long time away from each other but 1 month down and we still have around 8 months left. We just hope we can survive with flying colors.

Anyway, the strange thing is...while I was in Korea I was battling an extreme case of morning sickness...but the very day I arrived in the Philippines my morning sickness suddenly decided to HIBERNATE....hahahaha. Although I still throw up from time to time (from a 24-hour battle with morning sickenss nowadays I just throw up maybe once/twice a week...or only when I ate something that baby HATES...like sweets, oily food, any food with a trace of sourness in it, and anything with tomato sauce in it...kkkk) but it's a 180 degress turn with what I was dealing with while I was in Korea. I guess the baby wanted Pinoy food...kkkkk.

On the other hand, little Zach is also enjoying his stay in Manila. Aside from having a big brother to play with(he likes his cousin a lot..... they fight, they play, they laugh, and then they cry again...hahahah), my son is loving FILIPINO food. My family would often call him a " the super THIN EATING MACHINE"......hahahaha. Another good thing is, while we were in Korea little Zach had nose allergies that we had to deal with almost every week but in the Philippines...his allergies magically took a leave of absence. Nowadays, little Zach is also talking A LOT(his english is really GOOD right now and whenever we chat with hubby he still uses KOREAN.....it's amazing!)....I guess having a lot of people around him influenced his speech development a lot.

Hmmm....what else can I say?It feels good to be back home but I also left my dear hubby in Korea....I may laugh with my family and enjoy my time in the Philippines from time to time but my heart also longs for my husband. How I wish 2 weeks will pass by in a flash so I could spend 2 precious days with my husband in the Philippines.

Say hi to PAPA for us

2011-07-11T10:48:00.000+09:00

I've been in the Philippines for almost a month now but my stay was not filled will laughter during the first few weeks. My uncle who was suffering from cirrohis of the liver passed away a day before I arrived in Manila. My family was in too much pain because my uncle became our second father after my father passed away 11 years ago. To make the long story short, my family lost another father figure in our lives....but at least my uncle was free from all the pain and he's happy with his BIG BRO (my father was my uncle best friend and BIG BRO) in the kingdom of GOD. We'll surely miss you Uncle Buddy...say hi to PAPA for us.

ABS-CBN: Smoking ban in Manila public places starts May 30

2011-05-28T10:48:00.001+09:00

*Yipee! I'm so happy to hear about the SMOKING BAN that will be implemented in Manila's public places . But, are FILIPINOS ready to follow the ban? I hope so, it's high time for FILIPINOS to prove that they can be GOOD CITIZENS too! Oh well, KOREAN SMOKERS in the Philippine should also be aware of this ban too.

Smoking ban in Manila public places starts May 30
abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - Starting next week, smokers will be unwelcome in public places along major and secondary roads of the metropolis.
Officers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the 17 local government units (LGU) of Metro Manila, will prohibit lighting up in bus terminals, waiting sheds, schools, hospitals, recreational places and inside public utility vehicles starting May 30 as part of a joint campaign to protect Filipinos from secondhand smoke.
The smoking ban came just in time for the World No Tobacco Day celebration on June 1. New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies has approved a P9.5-million grant for the program.
"We'll be launching an information campaign so people will know that smoking will be prohibited in certain areas of main roads of the metropolis," Dr. Loida Alzona, division chief of MMDA's public health safety and environment protection, said in an interview on ANC's "Top Story" on Friday.
MMDA's "environmental enforcers" will issue warnings to those who will be caught violating the provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 for the month of June.
Alzona said penalties, which include fines and community service, will take effect in July.
While it supports the smoking ban in areas like schools, hospitals and public facilities, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) said it is against the smoking ban in major and secondary roads in Metro Manila.
PTI argued that the roads are not included in RA 9211's list of prohibited places, and hoped that the MMDA will reconsider its decision to implement the anti-smoking campaign.
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization showed that smoking kills 10 Filipinos every hour, or 80,000 every year. -- With a report from ANC
MANILA, Philippines - Starting next week, smokers will be unwelcome in public places along major and secondary roads of the metropolis.
Officers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the 17 local government units (LGU) of Metro Manila, will prohibit lighting up in bus terminals, waiting sheds, schools, hospitals, recreational places and inside public utility vehicles starting May 30 as part of a joint campaign to protect Filipinos from secondhand smoke.
The smoking ban came just in time for the World No Tobacco Day celebration on June 1. New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies has approved a P9.5-million grant for the program.
"We'll be launching an information campaign so people will know that smoking will be prohibited in certain areas of main roads of the metropolis," Dr. Loida Alzona, division chief of MMDA's public health safety and environment protection, said in an interview on ANC's "Top Story" on Friday.
MMDA's "environmental enforcers" will issue warnings to those who will be caught violating the provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 for the month of June.
Alzona said penalties, which include fines and community service, will take effect in July.
While it supports the smoking ban in areas like schools, hospitals and public facilities, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) said it is against the smoking ban in major and secondary roads in Metro Manila.
PTI argued that the roads are not included in RA 9211's list of prohibited places, and hoped that the MMDA will reconsider its decision to implement the anti-smoking campaign.
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization showed that smoking kills 10 Filipinos every hour, or 80,000 every year. -- With a report from ANC

KOREA TIMES: Smoking to be banned at major parks in Seoul

2011-05-25T10:48:00.000+09:00

* Why don't they ban SMOKERS from walking along the streets while puffing a cigarette...I REALLY HATE THAT! Although my husband is a smoker, I always tell him to choose a secluded place or stay as far away as possible from other people if he wants to smoke because NON-SMOKERS have the right to breathe FRESH AIR.

Smoking to be banned at major parks in Seoul

By Kim Rahn
Those who smoke at three major public parks in central Seoul will be fined 100,000 won from next month.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that the ordinance on the smoking ban will take effect in June.
Officials will issue fine notices to violators caught on the spot at the major public parks of Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Stream Plaza.
Another 21 parks managed by the city will become smoke-free starting September, as well as 295 bus stops on central bus lanes, starting December.

From next year, smoking will be prohibited at all bus stops, 1,024 smaller neighborhood parks and areas within a 50-meter radius from schools.

The fine imposed at those locations will also be 100,000 won.

Battling MORNING SICKNESS

2011-05-25T10:26:00.002+09:00

During my pregnancy with little Zach, I already had a hard time battling morning sickness. But, my second pregnancy seems to be surpassing the difficulties I experienced in my past pregnancy.

Last Sunday, I spent the whole day throwing up non-stop and I was way too dizzy to even stand up or do anything. Since my OB-GYNE already advised me to go to the hospital and get an IV therapy if I feel like I'm getting too weak and dehydrated because of TOO MUCH throwing up, my husband wasted NO TIME and rushed me to the hospital. I spent around an hour and a half at the hospital waiting for my IV to take effect. While I was lying down on the hospital bed, my boys went out for a VERY LATE dinner at the nearby SEOLLEONGTANG (Zach's favorite Korean soup made from OX bones, brisket, and cuts.) restaurant. When I checked out of the hospital, I felt a little bit better but I started throwing up again when we arrived at my house....tsk tsk tsk.

Forgive me for the poor quality of the picture and for my TERRIBLE looking pregnant BACK...kkk.
"ACUPRESSURE treatment from the HANUIWON".

Anyway, the following day I went to my regular HANUIWON doctor and I literally begged for some acupuncture or han-yak (Korean traditional medicine) but he promptly rejected my plea for help. He reminded me that it's not advisable to have acupuncture or drink han-yak while pregnant(specially if you're just in your first trimester of pregnancy) because it can harm the baby in one way or the other. He even told me to JUST ENDURE it for the sake of the baby. After continuously begging him to help me find some kind of relief, he opted to give me acupressure treatment by putting some kind of beans around the vital points of my back. My oriental doctor said it's the safest thing he could do for me. Well, it was worth it...although I still throw up a lot at least I don't feel that dizzy anymore. With all the difficulties I'm experiencing with my second pregnancy, I really pray that my baby will be born in this world HEALTHY.