Are You Asian? | Friday, March 25th, 2005
Posted in General

I could see the disappointment in their eyes. I was not as exotic as they thought I should have been. They were put off because I was as modern as they were, and my English was even better than theirs. They prodded me for more information as if wanting to prove to themselves that I […]

Underpaid Hardworkers Back Home | Monday, March 14th, 2005
Posted in General

How can one with mediocre skills stand out amidst people who are known all over the world to be highly-skilled, efficient lot?!?
When I look around and observe the people I work with, I am always filled with wonder. What is their secret? What could possibly be wrong with the Filipinos, in comparison? What are the […]

Ready to Leave | Monday, March 14th, 2005
Posted in General

Long before my 5-year work permit in Germany expired, I had it nullified. Instead, I was given a permanent Residence Permit. Because what should have been a short assignment turned into a lifelong commitment, when I married a local. I am convinced that had I stayed single until now, I would have already gone back […]

Babalik Ka Rin | Friday, March 4th, 2005
Posted in General

As much as I complain about homesickness, I have no regrets about the time I have spent overseas. I may not know everything about this continent but it has ceased to be a mystery. I am as confident here, as I am back home.
I still cringe everytime I think about the experiences I have had. […]

Dare to Be Pinoy | Tuesday, January 4th, 2005
Posted in General

Have you ever felt the urge to just bonk someone in the head and blurt out magpakatotoo ka! (be true to yourself!) to them?
Our flight from HK-Manila was filled with fellow balikbayans coming from all over the world. I do not know if some of them are just plain show-offs (which is pointless […]

Guk Mal! | Wednesday, December 22nd, 2004
Posted in General

Guk mal! Da! Auto Ja Nein Mehr are just some of the words that my son has been using. Even his way of catching our attention is in German. He says Hallo instead of Hello. When he falls down, he says hopalla instead of the easier ooops.
I know that he will grow up to be […]

bigot yata ako | Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004
Posted in General

My sister and I were wracking our brains for countries which may be classified as color-blind. France and the Netherlands were mentioned. But, they are not quite there yet. For now.
I get all strung up every time I feel that I am being discriminated against. I’ll go righteous on someone if that person dare say […]

There She Goes Again | Tuesday, October 5th, 2004
Posted in General

I have learned not to take people at face value. It is always important to look for subtle clues which could lead you to a person’s real character. One of the things that I learned here in Germany. A smile directed my way may mean that you are friendly but, it doesn’t translate that you […]

Embassy Clerks | Tuesday, July 27th, 2004
Posted in General

According to the official website of the Department of Foreign Affairs, one of their core efforts is “to promote the welfare of Filipinos through assistance to nationals abroad and effective delivery of consular services“.
Rigggghhhht…
I have my axe to grind with some of the Philippine Embassy staff. For the past decade, I have visited the embassy/consulate […]

Culture Clash | Friday, June 25th, 2004
Posted in General

I was raised this way and look how i turned out…
My way is better, yours will not work!
Cultural differences rearing it’s ugly head.
I have never ever been seriously/romantically involved with anyone raised in the same culture as I. Apart from J, I’ve only had 3 other serious boyfriends/near-marriage (had it progressed into the next level, […]