In Loving Memory of "Bon"

Today I found out VIA skype that my dog died last Monday, October 11,2011. I was so devastated and I cried when I heard the news. I have always dread the day that she will be gone. I have often worried how she is getting old and now she is gone for good. She was the ideal pet anyone can have. She was loving, sweet and knows how to cheer me up. I have always loved her over our other pets. She is so special because she was always there. Some people might find it weird that I talk to animals but it really feels good to tell someone or something (with life) about things going on with your life. I had Bon since I was in 3rd year highschool. I think she is 8 years old in human age. I remembered when she was just a pup we brought her in our room and fitted a diaper for her by cutting a hole for her small tail. It was so cute. She slept soundly throughout the night and did not make a mess. I also remembered how she does not like getting wet. She hates water I guess. Giving her a bath is always a hard time. She is also scared of fireworks. She eats her food in a very demure way. No mess and she cleans up well.

Everytime I go home she welcomes me and looks very alert and excited. She wags her tail and keeps on brushing through my legs. Then she stares at me with her piercing eyes as if telling me to pet her before going inside the house. I have always loved her expressive eyes. It pains me that she died while I am in a foreign land. I hate her for not waiting for me. Though she is a mongrel (not pure breed) she will always have a special place in my heart. She was beautiful. She was the best pet ever.

I Love You Bon! Thank you for watching over our house and my family. Thank you for sacrificing your life for my grandmother (We believe that she died because of a Filipino belief of "palit buhay" wherein her life will be taken instead of a person). We believed that because she just started peeing and pooping blood for no apparent reason at the same time my bedridden grandmother was having diarrhea. It's as if she knew what she has to do. Give up her life for her masters who will always be grateful to her. I will never forget you Cheeky Bon Bon!  I will never forget all our good memories. I hope you are in a better place now - Dog Heaven.. : ))))

My First Time Travelling Alone

There is always a first time for everything. This first time experience that I would be sharing is my first time to travel ABROAD alone. It is something I am very proud of. An independent move I must say. Since I was young I have always had a fear of being alone. I also have abandonment issues and it is quite hard for me to do stuff alone especially something as big as going to another country (who hardly speaks English). It was really scary. The thought of being alone in the airport and in the plane kills me.

Luckily, I have put my being a Tourism Graduate into good use. I have so many classmates working for different airlines and they were more than willing to help me/assist me in the airport. They especially met me, waited with me and guided me all throughout the airport procedures. I was so fortunate and happy at the same time.

My airport connections allowed me to have more bags than usual. Haha. I was able to check in one huge suitcase, a backpack full of more clothes and hand carry a laptop bag and a medium sized personal bag with more clothes. All my stuff would have caused an ordinary passenger to pay for excess baggage but thanks to my friends it was all for free for me. Talk about abuse. ^_^

It was just sad when I have to say goodbye to them but all good things must come to an end. So after waving to them at the boarding gate I was alone again. I was so nervous during my entire 4 hour flight that I wasn't able to take pictures of anything. I was not able to document my Asiana Airlines Flight (sad face). When I got to the Incheon Airport, I just manned up and walked as if I know the place very well. The Korean woman I was seated next to from the flight even offered me a ride or a phone call but I was very confident that someone from the school will be waiting for me. So I promptly declined her offer and lined up in Immigration and waited for my luggage. After a few minutes, I got out and 'Lo and Behold' a signboard (it was more of a bond paper) with the name GRADUATE SCHOOL of the CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY of KOREA. After reading that I felt safe. I did it. I conquered my fear.

The Day I said 'GOODBYE' to my home

So many things has happened to me over the past few months. But, the major life changing event that happened, is me moving to South Korea to study. I left my graduate school in the Philippines because I got accepted for a Masters Scholarship in a university in Korea. Me leaving to study abroad is I guess the biggest decision by far I have made in my life. It is a new chapter in my life that I must embrace.

Living in a foreign country is something I can handle but what pains me the most is leaving my family. It is the hardest part for me because I have always been used to people I love and care about beside me whenever I need anything. What made things worse is leaving my grandparents who are quite old. I hated the feeling. I hated leaving them behind without knowing if i'll be seeing them again alive when I get back. It was unbearable. But, no matter how hard it was I must go on.

This is a big step for me. I dreaded the day that I will be leaving which was August 26, 2011. When the day finally arrived, I thought I will not cry but the thought of leaving everything behind did not help. I was in tears as I said goodbye to everyone one by one. Before the car left, I looked back and stared at my house for some time. I caught a last quick glance and never looked back. It was easier that way.