A Pinoy in Korea

Five years and counting.


I never realized it until a note from the Korean Immigration arrived to remind me that my working visa is about to expire.

Yes, five years. Still here, enjoying the life in Seoul, which is just about three and a half hours away from Manila. I have finally completed all my requirements with a lot of help from Eun-Ah, who's a secretary from another department. I should treat her to lunch when I get my visa renewed.


Five years. Still working in the same professional services firm and actually enjoying my job.


Five years. Still living in the same apartment in Hannam-dong, with a nice, quiet, and safe neighborhood.


Five years. Still have the same friends and making new ones.


Five years. Still travelling and discovering Korea.


Five years. Still can't understand why women always get a 'high' when they are shopping in Myeongdong or in Dongdaemun, when the prices are...well, pricey. Although, I am guilty of splurging on something else. Ha-ha-ha!


Five years. Still improving my backhand on the clay courts of Seoul. Modesty aside, my forehand is already very mean.


Five years. From the President Lee Myung-bak, to Tom Cruise, to Nicholas Cage (and later Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, no less!) -- a few people I met or bumped into in Seoul. I expect to meet more interesting people along the way.


Five years. From Pita Time, to Tacos, to Thai Garden, to Agra, to Due Cose...just a few restaurants and fast food nooks which always never fail to make me happy after a meal.


Five years. From Starbucks, to Cafe Apassionato, to TomnToms...just a few coffee shops where I seek shelter for a coffee and a table where I can blog away.


Five years...of keeping in touch with Pinoys in Korea and enjoying Pinoy food with them.


Five years. Still haven't completed my diving lessons, though I love the ocean..without the sharks, of course.


Five years. Still not good at 한 굴. Ha-ha-ha!


On my sixth year, I will look back and write about the five years of my life, experiences and travels in Korea.


I am a Pinoy in Korea.

P.S. 'Pinoy' is slang for 'Filipino'.