I'm lovin it

First week of lectures was an easy going one. My class even get to dismiss earlier than the timetable. So far we had Language Description, Emotional Intelligence, English Studies, Social Studies and Language Development. I have to say that Social Studies is my favourite so far because it simply can be related to what's revolving around anywhere at anytime. Anyhow, still think it's a little too early to judge because this week was all about the introductions and knowing what to expect.

I casted my vote yesterday for the very first time for the JPP election. An official voting where you have to cross the candidate that you choose and put it into the box provided. Ha ha.. I was hyped up a while for feeling all important. Vain. There's this event tomorrow called 1Murid 1Sukan 1Malaysia that will be held simultaneously throughout schools in Malaysia to officiate the implementation of 1Murid 1Sukan. 3 million participations is said to be expected. This time I will not be running as a school pupil anymore, but as a Teacher Trainee. Cross fingers I will not end up strutting.

On another hand, today's discussion during Language Development class was about Writing Process where our topic just had to be..... Justin Bieber. Bieberism. Bieber Fever. How did he started? What's our role? Why has he affected us? ( I know right! ) Very interesting and argumental much because obviously there was love and hate opinions where hatred dominated and my group solely remained neutral, no feelings, we're neutral observers. As for me, I have nothing against Bieber, I have the shirt from his recent concert in KL, I listen to his songs and he's living his dream. Come on, give that boy some space to live his life. As simple as that. We too talked about homosexuality and how gay people have their basic rights. I love intriguing discussions! After LD we were supposed to have Thinking Skills lecture but lecturer didn't turn up so pictures below marks the end of the first Friday at IPG.

Nicole and I. Coincidently wore the same turquoise coloured kurung

As camera ready as ever

That's Nicole, Tara, Bobby, Bernard and I. Bernard has the biiiigest obsession on Gaga! I will be happily stucked in class with this people for another 5 years half. Of course the others too but they're a little special due to their whacky-ness. They're such joy!

Happy running to all the students in the whole country and be sure to have all the fun you can in your own ways! I'm talking like a teacher already.

South Korea Day 2

Hello South Korea! At Incheon International Airport.

After about 4 hours and 30 minutes in the plane, we have officially landed at the Incheon International Airport, South Korea! We then ride on a bus for another 3 hours to our destination, the Okcheon and Modan School. Doctor Yun and Mr. Kim were there to welcome our arrival. Mr. Kim presented a slide show on the activities and purposes of the school and he emphasized on "Sarangbang". Sarangbang is a project based on the concept of 'People Makes the City'. It involves public cultural activities with the villagers, having a closer contact with local community, and use of abandoned hair-shop for the project. Their main activities were reading, watching movie and program development for the multi-cultural community and their children. Amongst programmes for multi-cultural community that was held before were "Cook the Poem" in the year 2009 where they had chat about their culture through a cooking session followed by "Cook the Life" which was a combined cooking and counseling program in the year 2010.

Geng blakang bas -Michael, Michelle, Adam, Me & Serena. We were on our way to Okcheon and Modan School.

With darling Beny. I can't recall the name of this place. We stopped by a little while for some snacks where I had Dunkin Donuts

Behind the truck that transported us and our bags to the school. I was all hyped up!

The welcoming banner for the Sabahans. Thank you with love!


Attentively listening to Mr. Kim

After the brief explanation made by Doctor Yun and Mr. Kim, we proceeded to ceramic mug painting. We get to design our very own mug which was out of my expertise. *smirks* Towards afternoon, we had our very first meal in a foreign place, which also means foreign taste and the thought of "saaadaaap ka tu ah?" It turned out ok lah! He he heh.

With our mugs

All that I could think of to paint on my mug. Is that even painting?

My very 'artistic' side!

Lunch - white rice + bull's eye egg + kimchii (this was a torture to my starving tummy)

Dr. Yun brought us for BMW RIDING around the school. BMW - not the car. It meant sightseeing, sightseeing by feet. Done with sightseeing, we then watched the students of the school perform Salmonari in an open space stage area. Salmonari in Malaysia is similar to the Pancaragam, but using their very own traditional instruments. Despite the languange barrier, I appreciate all their efforts in teaching us to play and eventually we sounded right and cool yo! ;-P

Sherry and I. She's a sturdent there. Very helpful and can speak English!

Salmonari session. The session where awkward sign languanges came in handy

Before we head for *shrugs* dinner, we did two rounds of rehearsals at the open stage. After dinner, we got back into the bus and headed to the village we were to perform. 6 of my friends involved in the Pinakang dance (lthank good...ness I wasn't in the dance, I was bad at Pinakang..real bad) had to perform in an unusual cold weather. The remaining of us watched from not so far, in a tahan sejuk air~~

Left to right - Serena, Eleena, Bosco, Jerry, Ira & Kathleen

Sharin, Beny & I at our seats

As soon as they finished performing, we were finally brought to the place where we were to stay for 2 nights. We the girls had our own house and the boys with the teachers in another house. There, we met Jaramier Joibi, a KDCA-ISCEP Alumni and currently pursuing his studies in one of the university in Korea. We had him to share with us his experience and oh boy, you should have listened to him talk Korean, super fluent! Soon after, we the girls got back to our house and goodnight, it was indeed a long day.

Oh wait!

My girls and I having our supper... Maggi (Malaysian Maggi!) before bed!
Now,Goodnight!

South Korea Day 1

I would like to share a once in a lifetime experience that was given to me last year in October. I was chosen to represent my school for the KDCA-International Students Exchange Program to South Korea 2010. Alongside with me from my school were two of my juniors Michelle Boyou and Freda Jane as well as a teacher which was Miss Jackelyn Robert (one of my favourite teacher!). Earlier in May, the KDCA-ISCEP Fundraising Concert was held and my involvement was being the emcee with Adam. All the 23 students chosen for this program were also those involved in the Fundraising Concert. To begin with, we were given a green covered note book as our journal during our 8 days stay. The following will be what I've penned down in that book..

Day 1 - 15th October 2010

I have arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport with my mother, my little sister Alisha and my cousin Gwen. Before I left for KKIA, I went to my grandparents' place to bid them goodbye. ( I know, 8days only). Many of my relatives were there to prepare for my aunt's wedding the next day. I was in tears because I've waited so long for the day she will be wedded. I wouldn't missed it for the world, but I eventually did. Anyhow, I gave a hug to everyone and left for KKIA. At KKIA, as soon as all the boarding procedures were completed, we took group pictures and had meal at McD's and departed for South Korea at 12.15 A.M.

Aunt Beryl and I. Yes this is my aunt who was about to get married the following day. Look at the background, wedding day chaos.

The entourage before leaving for South Korea

My plane mates, Adam and Jonathan


Bukan slalu naik Korean Air! Korean Air stewardess and I. This was upon arrival. We were observing her paitung-ed face all the time. Spot the difference