MMDA and Gyeonggi-do join hands to improve the Traffic system in Manila

MMDA and Gyeonggi-do join hands to improve the Traffic system in Manila

Korean subway is also well-known for its cleanness in the world. In addition, the screen door is highly recognized as it prevents passengers from harmful air and unexpected hazardous circumstances.

Finally, Korea got to recently export its bus traffic system to Philippines. The official said that Gyeonggi-do made an agreement for mutual cooperation with MMDA(Metro Manila Development Agency) on 27th last month with the attendance of Kim Moon-Soo, the Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, the chairman of MMDA, Philippines. Followed by this agreement, Gyeonggi-do will share the policies on Metro traffic systems such as BMS (Bus Management System) and BIS (Bus Information System) and will cooperate on building the infrastructure of Manila.

Gyeonggi-do will share the information on how to adopt CNG bus, traffic card system, and transit discount system and how to build Bus terminal complex.

Kim Moon-Soo, Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, Chairman of MMDA signed the agreement
(Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Korean companies will cover the technical matters. Manila development agency of Philippines Metro announced that they will integrate four major traffic systems such as Metro, Bus, Jeepney, and Tricycle. For this, the chairman Tolentino asked cooperation during his visit to Gyeonggi Province last February. Kim Moon-Su, the governor ofGyeonggi-do said that this agreement will help Philippines build more efficient traffic system. Furthermore it will definitely be the innovative traffic system in Philippines as well.

It seems that Korea’s transportation system is moving ahead to the World along with‘Korean Wave, Hallyu’. However, generosity comes first than institutions and systems. Let’s make the world that human is always comes before the cars.

FROM: PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION FOR NATION BRANDING WEBSITE

SEOUL: WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2010

SEOUL: WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2010

Geographically, Korea is positioned as a bridge between its neighbours in Asia and the influence of Korean culture is strongly felt in the region as Korea strives to connect the traditional East with the West while keeping its roots firmly planted in its history and tradition.

During the Korean War in the 50′s Seoul was abandoned by many of its residents but in subsequent years the population expanded by the millions making it one of the world’s most densely populated cities. As such, the government of Seoul has recognised the need for a master plan to help the city evolve into a cleaner, safer and more attractive place for businesses, citizens, and tourists.

A “soft city” with creative energy
Seoul is a healthy ecological city with a splendid and lively natural landscape as much as it is a refined city steeped in history and culture. As one of the most advanced cities in terms of IT infrastructure, it is also a knowledge-based city due to the recent profusion of high-tech Korean consumer products around the globe.  From brands such as LG Electronics Inc., Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo, Helio and Kia, Seoul has been redefining its international image in terms of its design capabilities.

On the basis of these properties, Seoul intends to be reborn as a “soft city” centred on diversity of culture and design.

Through such projects as the Namsan Renaissance, the Hangang Renaissance and the Stree Renaissance, Seoul is utilizing the dynamic force of its creative industries to enhance the brand-value of the city and enrich its culture and economy.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in his acceptance speech declared, “Design is a growth driver of the Seoul economy. We have surprised the world with the Miracle of the Han River and advancements in the IT sector. Now we would like to bring global attention to Seoul with strong design.”

Mayor Oh expressed high hopes for the city’s future and added, “With Seoul’s designation as World Design Capital 2010, the city will be able to breath creative energy into the design industry and reinvent itself into a globally recognised city of design and collaborate with other cities in the world to communicate with design. Seoul will send out the message that design is the power to change the world for the better.”

In addition to improving quality of life, design in Seoul provides important opportunities for aligning the city’s quantitative growth with its qualitative growth and reflects on the core elements that represent the city’s intangible assets such as its identity, as well as its history. With the designation of World Design Capital 2010, Seoul is making efforts to transform itself to become a city in which its citizens are at the heart of every consideration. Such is the vision of Seoul – to create an attractive and desirable city: “Design for All”.

Such determination is clearly present in the city’s programme of events for the WDC 2010 calendar year. The planning for the individual programmes has promoted participation from various design sectors with a specific objective to contribute to the advancement of society, culture and the economy. The city will exert every effort to include both domestic and global communities of design to witness the potential of Seoul and showcase a yearlong festival of design-inspired events in which the citizens of Seoul, together with the world’s design industry can celebrate and enjoy together.

For more information on Seoul’s programme of events, please visit www.wdcseoul.kr.

from: http://www.worlddesigncapital.com/world-design-capitals/past-capital-seoul-south-korea/

GOING LOCO OVER COCO

GOING LOCO OVER COCO

Seafood Curry

After our orientation at Seoul Global Center, my friends and I were confronted with the usual question during meals…”Where and what to eat?” Here in Myeongdong you can find all sorts of cuisines from Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese or even Turkish restaurants.  Its lunchtime and most of the Korean Shiktangs are full and some patrons, particularly office workers queue forcing us to eat somewhere else. Glenn, suggested that we eat at his fave resto---Coco Ichibanya.

Pork 'Shabu' Curry

Coco Ichibanya is a famous Japanese restaurant specializing on curry…well, though the delicacy originated from India, Japanese and Korean prepare curry on a different manner.  Their service is unique as you can customize the amount of carbo-intake. As they will ask you to choose the rice serving and they also cook the sauce based on your palate...they have a picture showing a facial expression indicating its spiciness.

Brianna got tired after a long morning walk in Myeongdong

The price is just right as the service and the ambiance provides a cozy break after shopping or just having a break during your downtown Seoul trip. Try their pork ‘Shabu-shabu’ curry or their seafood curry. Coco Ichibanya will definitely satisfy your craving J

LOVING INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIPORT(인천국제공항)

LOVING INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIPORT(인천국제공항)

The Airport is the first and the last place a visitor will see and visit during his tour or transit at a particular country. Korea indeed charms each and every traveler as Incheon International Airport (IIA) gives a colorful and fascinating prelude to your tour here at the soul of Asia.

IIA is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul national capital area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. Since 2005, it has been consecutively rated as the best airport in the world by the Airports Council International and received the full 5-star ranking by Skytrax, a recognition shared only by Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. 

Passengers gallivanting at the airport shops where you can buy signature items and goods

The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. Various exhibitions and cultural performances are also held that adds to the vibrant and cozy atmosphere of  the terminal. The mixture of modern and futuristic designs maximized the use of space and minimal objects like designs and furniture. IIA is a proof of how the city of Seoul became a world design capital last 2010.

I like the design of this cafe...it looks like a big lampshade 

I ordered a Marina Orange juice and some chocolate cake

LOCATION

Located 70 km (43 mi) west of Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, Incheon International Airport is the main hub for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and Polar Air Cargo. The airport serves as a hub for international civilian air transportation and cargo traffic in East Asia. Incheon International Airport is also currently Asia's eighth busiest airport in terms of passengers, the world's second busiest airport in terms of international cargo and freight, and the world's ninth busiest airport in terms of international passengers in 2010.

Korean Air planes

The airport opened for business in early 2001, replacing the older Gimpo International Airport, which now serves mostly domestic destinations plus shuttle flights to Tokyo (Haneda), Shanghai (Hongqiao), Osaka (Kansai) and limited service to Nagoya and Tsushima.

Incheon International Airport is located west of Incheon's city center, on an artificially created piece of land between Yeongjong and Yongyu islands. The two islands were originally separated by shallow sea. That area between the two islands was reclaimed for the construction project, effectively connecting the once separate Yeongjong and Yongyu islands. The reclaimed area as well as the two islands are all part of Jung-gu, an administrative district of Incheon.

As a hardworking Senator, Sen. Edgardo J. Angara (SEJA) met with Korean investors, government officials and other Filipino leaders here in South Korea during his transit time prior to his flight back home.

It is connected to the mainland by Incheon International Airport Expressway (Expressway 130), a part of which is Yeongjong Bridge. The expressway also connects Gimpo International Airport to provide connections between domestic flight service with international air traffic, an advantage that makes it much easier to travel from southern Korean regions to Incheon, and then to airports all over the globe. The airport is served by frequent bus service from all parts of South Korea as well as by traditional ferry service between Yeongjong pier and Incheon. Airport limousines operate around the clock from Seoul to Incheon, and several backup highway buses escort people from places within and outside Seoul.

The Incheon International Airport Railroad connects Incheon International Airport to Gimpo International Airport and Seoul Subway Line 5 and Line 9 which opened March 23, 2007. A further extension in December 2010 connects the airport to Line 2, Line 4, and Line 6.

The airport was awarded the Best in Service Award in Class at the 1st International Conference on Airport Quality and Service by the IATA and the Airports Council International (ACI), and ranked second in Best Airport Worldwide, behind Hong Kong International Airport, and ahead of Singapore Changi Airport. It was also ranked No. in the world by the (ACI).

Another view of the lounge

Seoul Incheon International Airport's terminal has 74 boarding gates altogether, with 44 in the main terminal and 30 in Concourse A.

SEOUL SUMMER SALE 2011 (SSS2011)

SEOUL SUMMER SALE 2011 (SSS2011)

Seoul Summer Sale 2011 opens last June 24, 2011. I was selected as one of the Supporters and our goal is to see to it that all affiliated establishments are adhering to the terms and conditions of this program.

Super Junior is the official endorser for this year.

SSS2011 will excite all visitors and expatriates as it runs until July 31.  Lotte, Shinsegae and international brands like Zara, Forever 21, HnM, Faceshop etc are giving lots of freebies and discounts so don’t miss this event.  I will post more updates these coming weeks.

for more information, please visit:  

http://www.seoulsale.com/main.asp?sub_num=35&pageNo=1&state=view&idx=28

THE COMFORTS OF A HANOK: TRADITIONAL KOREAN HOUSE

I am homeless for 6 days…(well not actually home-LESS) I am currently staying on a training center within the university compound together with other 25 students, better than staying somewhere else. I can’t imagine myself pulling my trunk outside the school and struggling to get inside the subway station and in the end sleeping on a hostel or motel.   This morning, I woke up sleeping on a mat enveloped by the humid air generated by all the people  (snoring..honking?...and some sneezing) and the fact that they turned off the airconditioning system. Anyways, I cannot complain since I am just one of the borders here… I wanted to go out and go to Lotte World but it’s raining today L I wish I can just sleep on a Hanok..:( and sip tea matched with some nice Korean breakfast---fish, some vegetables, a soup and of course, Kimchi.

Brianna looks so happy at these shot

Hanok is a term to describe Korean traditional houses. Korean architecture lends consideration to the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and seasons. The interior structure of the house is also planned accordingly. This principle is also called Baesanimsu (배산임수), literally meaning that the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in the front, with the ondol heated rock system for heating during cold winters and a wide daecheong (대청) front porch for keeping the house cool during hot summers.

Houses differ according to region. In the cold northern regions of Korea, houses are built in a closed square form to retain heat better. In the central regions, houses are 'L' shaped. Houses in the southernmost regions of Korea are built in an open 'I' form. Houses can also be classified according to class and social status.

Walking along the Hanok Village

The environment-friendly aspects of traditional Korean houses range from the structure's inner layout to the building materials which were used. Another unique feature of traditional houses is their special design for cooling the interior in summer and heating the interior in winter. Since Korea has hot summers and cold winters, the 'Ondol(Gudeul),' a floor-based heating system, and 'Daecheong,' a cool wooden-floor style hall were devised long ago to help Koreans survive the frigid winters and to block sunlight during summer.

Notice the chimney-like structure? it is a part of the ondol heating system

Onggi jars line up outside one of the main pavillions of this Hanok

posing with the onggi jars...similar to the Philippine tapayan

Some jars are to be buried on the ground. They say the best tasting Kimchi are prepared through this process.

A very calm morning welcomed me on my second day in Jeonju.

Brianna watching the sun rise :)

 These primitive types of heating and air-conditioning were so effective that they are still in use in many homes today¹). The posts, or 'Daedulbo' are not inserted into the ground, but are fitted into the corner stones to keep Hanok safe from earthquakes.

This is the view of the Hanok beside the place where I stayed ovenight.

The main gate...I feel like I am transported back to the Joseon era, Korea.

The raw materials used in Hanok, such as soil, timber, and rock, are all natural and recyclable and do not cause pollution. Hanoks have their own tiled roofs (Giwa), wooden beams and stone-block construction. Cheoma is the edge of Hanok's curvy roofs. The lengths of the Cheoma can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight that enters the house. Hanji (Korean traditional paper) is lubricated with bean oil making it waterproof and polished. Windows and doors made with Hanji are beautiful and breathable.

The Hanok is made of a combination of hard wood, metal, mud bricks and some stones.

A typical Hanok wall is not too tall or too short. In this way, you can still view your neighbor's backyard showing kinship and community spirit.

This one resembles a yangban gate

An artificial waterfalls located at the street.

The room where I stayed.

The shapes of Hanok differ regionally. Due to the warmer weather in the southern region, Koreans built Hanok in a straight line like the number 1. In order to allow good wind circulation, there are open wooden floored living area and many windows. The shape of the most popular Hanok in the central region is like letter "L" or Korean letter "ㄱ", an architectural mixture of the shapes in the northern and the southern regions. Hanoks in the cold northern region, are box-shaped like Korean letter "ㅁ" so that it would be able to block the wind flow in building Hanoks. They do not have an open wooden floored area but the rooms are all joined together.

Decorations and furniture inside the room

Traditional Korean breakfast

The structure of Hanok is also classified according to social class. Typical yangban (upper class) houses with giwa (tiled roof) emphasized not only the function of the house, but also possess great artistic value. On the other hand, the houses of the commoners (as well as some impoverished yangban) with choga (a roof plaited by rice straw) were built in a more strictly functional manner.

THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH KIM DAE GON, THE FIRST KOREAN SAINT

THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH

KIM DAE GON, THE FIRST KOREAN SAINT

Paying respect to St. Kim Dae Gon

At the cliff, where all the Korean martyrs were said to be beheaded.

at the church holding a collection and dioramas dedicated to St. Kim Dae Gon and the 103 Korean Martyrs.

St. Andrew Kim Taegon (김대건 안드레아, Hanja: 金大建) was the first Korean-born Catholic priest. In the late 18th century, Roman Catholicism began to take root slowly in Korea,^[1] and was introduced by laypeople. It was not until 1836 that Korea saw its first consecrated missionaries (members of the Paris Foreign Missions Society) arrive,^[2] only to find out that the people there were already practicing Catholicism.

At the Church veranda, overlooking the statue of the first Korean Saint

Kim Dae Gon, Pray for us!

Born of yangban, Kim Taegon's parents were converts and his father was subsequently martyred for practising Christianity, a prohibited activity in heavily Confucian Korea. After being baptized at age 15, Andrew studied at a seminary in the Portuguese colony of Macau. He was ordained a priest in Shanghai after nine years (1845) by the French bishop Jean Joseph Ferréol. He then returned to Korea to preach and evangelize. During the Joseon Dynasty, Christianity was suppressed and many Christians were persecuted and executed. Catholics had to covertly practise their faith. Kim Taegon was one of several thousand Christians who were executed during this time. Before going back to Korea, he settled for sometime in Lolomboy in Bocaue, Bulacan. He now has a shrine and a parish named after him. In 1846, at the age of 25, he was tortured and beheaded near Seoul on the Han River. His last words were:

With the memorial of Blessed John Paull II

“

"This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively : if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and for my God. It is for Him that I die. My immortal life is on the point of beginning. Become Christians if you wish to be happy after death, because God has eternal chastisements in store for those who have refused to know Him."[3]

”

Before Ferréol, the first Bishop of Korea, died from exhaustion on the third of February, 1853, he wanted to be buried beside Andrew Kim, stating, “You will never know how sad I was to lose this young native priest. I have loved him as a father loved his son; it is a consolation for me to think of his eternal happiness.”^[4]

On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Andrew Kim Taegon along with 103 other Korean Martyrs, includingPaul Chong Hasang, during his trip to Korea. Their memorial is September 20.

References

1. ^ Michael Walsh, ed. "Butler's Lives of the Saints" (HarperCollins Publishers: New York, 1991), p. 297.
2. ^ The Liturgy of the Hours Supplement (New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1992, pp. 17–18.
3. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=QMUCAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA87&dq=%22barbara+ko%22#PPA118,M1
4. ^ New World Encyclopedia

COUNTRIES PINOYS CAN VISIT VISA FREE...:)

Most Filipinos would love to travel especially when visa is not required. There are less than 40 countries Filipinos can go to which are the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, some countries in South America, and South Africa. Below are updated list of countries Philippine Passport Holders can go visa-free with conditions posted after the name of the country.

Countries in Asia

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Brunei	Up to 14 days	none found	+63-2-816-2836 +63-2-816-2837
Cambodia	Up to 21 days	Homepage	+63-2-818-9981 +63-2-810-1896
Hong Kong	Up to 14 days	Visa requirement page (See Table)
Indonesia	Up to 30 days	Visa exemption page	+63-2-892-5061
Israel	Up to 90 days	Visa exemption PDF	+63-2-894-0441 +63-2-894-0443
Laos	Up to 30 days	Exemption table	+63-2-852-5759 +63-2-852-5979
Macau	Up to 30 days	Visa free countries	webmaster@macau-embassy.org (US)
Malaysia	Up to 30 days	Requirement table	(632) 864 0761 To 68
Mongolia	Up to 21 days	List of countries with no visa	esyam@mongolianembassy.us
Singapore	Up to 30 days	Philippines is not listed in the countries requiring entry visa	63-(2)-856 9922
Thailand	Up to 30 days	Visa-fee exemptions page	63-(2)-815-4221
Vietnam	Up to 21 days	Visa exemption page	63-(2)-525 2837  63-(2)-521 6843

Countries in South America

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Bolivia	Up to 30 days	Info page (Spanish)	None
Brazil	90 days	Exemption List	+63-2-845-3651 +63-2-845-3654 +63-2-845-3655 +63-2-845-3662 +63-2-845-3668 +63-917-574-4513
Colombia	Up to 90 days	List of exempted countries (Filipinas)	+63-2-911-3101
Ecuador	90 days	Embassy in US homepage	+63-2-8700-100
Peru	Up to 183 days	See Filipinas	+63-2-813-8731 +63-2-813-8732 +63-2-813-8733
Suriname	Up to 90 days	Check the list at the bottom	esuriname@covad.net (US)

Countries in Africa

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Morocco	Up to 90 days	Visa application page(see countries that do no need a visa)	Consulate Office  +63-8191686 +63-8866178 +63-8896170 +63-8896181
Saint Helena	Up to 90 days	none found	was@minbuza.nl (US)
Seychelles	Up to 30 days	US website	63-(2)-631-6075
Tuvalu	Up to 90 days	Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore	tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)

Countries in North America

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Costa Rica	Up to 30 days	Country list (click Philippines)	+63-2-818-6740 +63-2-816-7851
Haiti	Up to 90 days	Embassy of Haiti in US	embassy@haiti.org (US)
Saint Vincent Grenadines	Up to 30 days	Website	mail@embsvg.com (US)

Country in Europe

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Kosovo	Unlimited for valid passport	Site of embassy in the US	embassy.usa@ks-gov.net (US)

Countries in Oceania

Country	No. of days allowed	Official Webpage	Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Fiji	Up to 120 days	Visitor visa page (see exemptions)	+852-375-1618 (Hong Kong)
Micronesia	Up to 21 days	Country list of requirements	(202) 223-4383 (US)
Nauru	Up to 30 days	none found	none found
Niue	Up to 30 days	none found	none found
Palau	Up to 30 days	US embassy website	+63-2-817-9666
Pitcairn Islands	Up to 14 days (entry permit of $30)	Information	admin@pitcairn.gov.pn (New Zealand)
Samoa	Up to 60 days	none found	no contact info found
Tuvalu	Up to 90 days	Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore	tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)