Webby is Free! Check out his Top 10 reactions/questions

Disclosure:
This is a stolen copied post from the really funny blog of Professional Heckler.
Do you remember Dobby the house-elf when he was set free? he blurted.. ~Dobby is Free! Yeah I stole that too. ;p

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Fifteen years after he and six others were imprisoned for the massacre of three Vizconde family members, Hubert Jeffrey Webb, son of former Senator Freddie Webb was acquitted by the Supreme Court Tuesday, December 14. Shortly after his release, one joke that circulated online said Hubert was astonished to learn that 15 years later, Mara Clara is still being shown on TV.

But wait, there’s more. Here goes…

Hubert Webb’s Top 10 Reactions/Questions After He Got Home Following His Release From the New Bilibid Prisons

No. 10: “Whaaaaaaat? Single pa rin si Kris?!”

No. 9: “Does Kabayan ever get tired? He’s been doing TV Patrol for like… forever!”

No. 8: “Can you turn the radio on to Campus Radio please? I wonder what’s the new No. 1 song on Triggerman’s Top 20 at 12.”

No. 7: “Thoss, Peek, Pennisi, Seigle, Norwood, Weinstein, Hatfield, Carey, Dillinger. Geez! Dad, did the PBA change its name to Fil-Am Basketball of the Philippines?”

No. 6: “Sandali! Hindi kita maintindihan Joshua. Again, what’s LOL, LMAO, STFU, BRB and GTG?”

No. 5: “Mom, bakit nakatayo ang mga newscasters?”

No. 4: “Wait lang! You mean, ‘yong interview sa ‘kin kanina ni Ms Mel Tiangco was aired not on ABS-CBN but on GMA 7?

No. 3: “I always hear the name P.Noy? What’s that Pinky? A new cartoon strip like A. Lipin of the Inquirer?”

No. 2: “I don’t get it Jason. Are they insulting me or are they just pulling my leg. Do I really look fashionable? Kasi people keep saying things like, I am a hot trending topic daw. Trend? Jesus, I’ve only sported an orange shirt for the last 15 years. What trend?”

And Hubert Webb’s No. 1 reaction/question when he got home following his release from prison…

“I can’t believe this Fritz! Did Ernie Baron undergo plastic surgery? Seriously! And why the use of a screen name?!? “Kuya Kim?!?” Funny bro!! Ha-ha-ha!

Random Stuff

Here are pictures of some of the things I did in the past few weeks ...

...hiked a mountain


well actually half a mountain ;P my legs couldn't take it!

and of course,enjoyed the view...

... also made kimchi..


...lots of kimchi... my first Kimjang ever!


...tasted some really weird cake. Behold the Green Tea-Sweet Potato Cake!


... stepped on a North Korean soil

Well, actually this side is still SK, I couldn't take a pic of the other side. ㅜ.ㅜ

Oh, and yeah I've turned into a Christmas tree for a few seconds.



What about you? What have you been doing lately?

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Mike Portnoy is leaving Dreamtheater

I can't believe it's happening.. why oh why would you do that? It's just never gonna be the same without you. Life would be a little hollow. . .

Here's a copy of Mike Portnoy's press realease.

I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write:

After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater...

Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...

Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about "always following your heart and being true to yourself"...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be "going through the motions", and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....

You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

Sadly...
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP

"Move on be brave, don;t weep at my grave, because I am no longer here. . .

But please never let your memory of me disappear..."

---The Spirit Carries On-

PS- Dreamtheater is (my favorite band!) an American progressive rock band founded by Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci and John Myung (yes, he's Korean-American). With James LaBrie and Jordan Rudess.

Borrowed

Annabel Lee
-Edgar Allan Poe-

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea:
But we loved with a love that was more than love-
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me-
Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we-
Of many far wiser than we-
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

To whom it may concern

The owner of this site is



... and will be back to regular programming soon.

Are you smarter than these 4th graders?

While studying on comparatives and superlatives.

Teacher: No. 3. 'Smart'. Do you know what 'smart' means?

Matthew: Yes, of course. I'm smart.

Grace: Teacher, I'm smarter.

Teacher: Dave, do you know the meaning of smart?

Dave: Yes, Smart Phone.

Boinkz. Toinkz.

Philippine Embassy launches essay contest

The Philippine Embassy to Korea tweeted last Feb 25 that they would conduct an essay writing contest for Korean students and Filipinos in Korea. There are two categories;

1. Category A - for Korean students under the theme “The Philippines in the Korean War”
2. Category B - for Filipinos living in Daehan-minkuk to discuss “Finding Jose Rizal in South Korea: A Migrant’s Perspective

The essay should have 1000 to 1500 words and written in English for Category A and English or Filipino for Category B. Deadline for submission is on March 26, 2010 at 5 pm (yes most definitely Korean time!) Essays must be emailed to seoulpe (at) philembassy-seoul.com. The top entry will receive the Medal of Academic Excellence from the Office of the Philippine President, a plaque and cash award. Runners-up will also receive plaques. The winning entries will also be published in both Philippine and Korean publications.

The essay writing contest is sponsored by the Philippine Embassy to Korea in partnership with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Seoul Global Center, and the Philippine Resource Persons Group.

For more details, check out the website of the Philippine Embassy. You can also read it on Korea Times and Korea Herald.

You can also follow the Philippine Embassy on Twitter. While you're at it, might as well follow mine. That's twitter.com/jempres

I Heart Eggs

I heart eggs. Be it sunny-side up, over easy, boiled, fried, poached, baked, scrambled with tomatoes or even with tortured eggplants (that’s tortang talong for you). But one thing I really enjoy making is gyeran mari or Korean egg rolls (or rolled omelet). I thought it would be really difficult to make. Turns out it is very simple. All you need is a fry pan, some cooking oil and eggs. You can also mix it with pieces of ham or sausages, carrots, spinach and other vegetables.
Last month, I joined Aeri's cookbook contest. I didn't win but I was still happy to see my entry on her youtube video. The task was to make heart-shaped gyeran mari which she featured on Valentine's day. If you want to learn how to make them, check out her video and her blog.

5 Bad foods that are good for us

I was browsing around the web when this article caught my eyes. There are new studies that suggest these once forbidden but really tasty and delicious treats may actually give us health benefits and may lead to longer life.

1. Ice Cream - Depending on your choice, ice cream will give you an impressive dose of calcium for your bones and blood pressure.

2. Chocolates - Who doesn't like chocolates? I am definitely happy to know that my favorite dark or bittersweet chocolate is in fact rich in flavonoids or the antioxidants that protect the heart by preventing blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots that can cause a heart attack. They said a 1.5-ounce bar have the same antioxidant power as a 5-ounce glass of red wine. In short, chocolates are definitely good for the heart.

3. Cheese - Cheese contains CLA or conjugated linoleic acid, a special kind of fat that may be a new weapon against breast cancer. Also eating hard cheese at the end of the meal can protect your teeth from tooth decay, who would've thought? I so love cheese, just too bad that cheese in Korea is mainly the sliced pieces you can get from Emart. I hope there's a place where we can get Edam cheese, some Mascarpone or Parmesan. And no I'm not talking about the grated, preserved varieties we can find in the supermarket.

4. Beef - "Beef is one of the richest and best-absorbed sources of zinc, a key mineral in your immune system's fight against many enemies, from viruses to cancer." We can actually strengthen our immune system by eating a piece of steak. What a treat! And yeah, it doesn't matter whether we get US beef or Korean beef.

5. Pizza - Pizza? Really? Why not. Pizza sauce actually gives us a lot of lycopene which helps fend off prostate cancer. And don't forget that cheese in there that provides calcium for healthier bones, lower blood pressure and also inhibit colon cancer.

This is definitely good news for me. All of these are my favorites and knowing that they have health benefits, eating them will no longer be just guilty pleasures. Be cautious though. Don't overindulge. Too much of anything is still bad for our body. Just take minimal servings.

Check out the whole article here.

I need glasses

For the past few weeks, my eyes get tired so easily. Be it from watching movies, reading my favorite books or being in front of the computer for some time. In my Korean class, there are also times when I can’t see what’s written on the white board from the back. I may need eye glasses soon. But getting quality eye glasses can be expensive in Korea. Luckily we can order online. They offer quality eyeglasses for a low cost. Their prices for prescription glasses start at $8. So cheap.

According to this review article, “There is a place with cheap eyeglasses that are just as good as what you'll find elsewhere. The place I'm talking about is Z Optical and their prices will blow you away.”
It’s so nice to know that it is actually possible to get quality eyeglasses for a low cost. It’s even better that the eyeglasses orders include anti scratch coating and full UV protection. They also offer flat rate for shipping and handling charge. Maybe I’ll go later to an optometrist to have my eyes checked and get a prescription so I can order quality eyeglasses for a low cost.

Guidebook for living in Korea

Last Monday, Korean language classes at the women's center where I study resumed after a short winter break. When I dropped by the office to submit my updated contact form, I saw stacks of new books on the floor, including the new textbooks. I heard that they had revised the curriculum for the program. I noticed this guidebook among the stacks of books, I immediately asked one of the staff if I can have a copy. I remember reading about it somewhere in the web. This guidebook has versions in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and of course Korean. Heck, I think I even saw one in Tagalog.

"Guidebook for Living in Korea for Foreigners"or 한국생활 가이드북 is really helpful for foreigners living in Korea, especially migrant women. It contains some general info and introduction about South Korea, about places to go, visa, transportation, employment info and even labor issues. Most of the contents are intended for migrant women. There are guides on pregnancy, childcare, education of children and all of those stuff. It could have been better if they included a list of hospitals and educational centers that we can easily go to. Although there are lists of phone numbers and websites should you need some assistance while living in Korea.

You can grab a copy from any Multicultural Family Support Center. You can also download a PDF copy from http://www.liveinkorea.go.kr/. They said it would be up and running by February but last time I checked, the website is still unaccessible.

Appeal for the retention of the Filipino Market in Seoul

In line with the recent reports of the closure of the Filipino market in Hyehwa, a few representatives of the Flipino community met earlier in the week to discuss the matter. They will be launching an appeal for the retention of the market. Those who will be in Hyehwa on Sunday may sign the petition that will be presented to the Mayor of Seoul.

Here are some excerpts from the petition letter (re: appeal for the retention of the Filipino Market in Hyehwadong Rotary) sent by Prof. Abagat:

The Filipino Market, also called as “Little Manila,” in Hyehwadong Rotary existed since 1997. It is a place where Filipinos in Korea can buy food and meet their friends on Sundays, immediately after celebrating the Holy Mass. It has become symbolic of a home, a community, a family, and of Filipino culture. It is a “home away from home” for a lot of Filipinos in Korea. However, due to the Jongno District Office Development Plan, this popular place which has become a center of the Filipinos’ religious, social, economic and cultural activities on Sundays is in danger of disintegration.

The district officers are pushing through this plan effective in March 2010 on the following grounds:
1. They received complaints regarding the Filipino market;
2. They wanted to maintain order and cleanliness in the sidewalk where the Filipino market is located;
3. They wanted to ease out the traffic flow in Hyehwadong Rotary;
4. They wanted to enhance the artificial small stream they built along the sidewalk and make additional physical development; and
5. They want to transfer the Filipino market to Nagwon-dong in Jongno, where they are now constructing a multicultural street market.

The members of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic community are willing to cooperate and are hoping to solve the problem in a win-win solution. They would also propose alternative ways of solving the issue. All the Filipinos in Korea are urged to unite for this cause.

Update: Another report on Korea Times.

More UPDATE: The removal of Filipino market at Hyehwa-dong is on hold pending talks by authorities, Phil. Embassy & vendors' group: ~ Phil. Embassy

Here's a related article written by Dr. Emely Dicolen-Abagat for the Joongang Daily.

*Hyehwa Station exit 1

Filipino market in Hyehwa-dong faces closure

While we were still shaken about that minor earthquake, another report broke out. Filipino market in Hyehwa-dong is facing CLOSURE! From the Korea Times report:

“Jongno District Office in Seoul has told the Filipino community to stop holding a market in Hyehwa-dong, citing complaints from passers-by and residents.”

This is indeed sad and disappointing. The weekly market has been there since 1997. It has become a representation of the Filipino culture in Korea, a mark of the Filipino community in Korea. Lots of Filipinos, some from other parts of the country travel to Hyehwa to have a taste of home, purchase their Filipino food supply, meet their friends and families and also attend the mass in Hyehwa Catholic Church.

According to Father Alvin:
"The reasons they gave up us was one, they received complaints from neighbors and pedestrians in the area; two, there were concerns about cleanliness and order; three, they want to redevelop the sidewalk and include a waterfall wall in the area; and four, they want to transfer the market to a new multicultural market," the priest told The Korea Times over the phone. "It's a Philippine way of life. We go to church, then go to the market to buy provisions and meet friends. It's an expression of Philippine culture. The national government has a policy about supporting multiculturalism in Korea, but there seems to be a contradiction with the district office's plans. The church and the market should go together and not be separated," he said.

Huwat?! Complaints from neighbors and pedestrians- it’s been there for more than a decade. Did they only get the complaints just now? Cleanliness and order- yeah right. Relocation to a new multicultural street, the market is there because it is beside the church. These can be just lousy excuses. There may be more to it than what it seems. Or it could just be because of the redevelopment project. They are just throwing in some other excuses reasons to give the market a negative appeal. Whatever it is, I hope that they arrive at a resolution which can be beneficial to both the district government and the Filipino community.

Check out the whole report on Korea Times.

Also Buhaykorea, Jehan, Zenkimchi and Roboseyo wrote about it.

* Hyehwa station exit 1

3.0 magnitude earthquake in Seoul, Siheung

Just a little after 6 pm last night, a minor earthquake was felt in Seoul and other parts of Gyeong-gi including Siheung city where I live. I was then infront of my computer when I heard a thunder-like sound followed by a soft but distinct rumble. At first I didn't know what it was. My first instinct was just to run to my daughter who's at the other room to check if she had some accident with some furniture or something. Then I thought maybe it was the upstairs neighbors, their children always run around and drop things. But still I checked out the window for a trace of a thunderstorm or a traffic accident. It's been raining all day. None of those. Just within a couple of minutes, tweets have been pouring in confirming of an earthquake felt around Seoul. People were in their office or apartments when they felt their buildings shake. Fortunate that there were no casualties nor property damage.

One of the first news break is from Stephen Revere of 10 magazine.

"Yes, that was an earthquake you just experienced. Sure it was a mild, 3 to 4 seconds, but it was an earthquake. Details are just coming in, but it appears that is was a 3.0 earthquake centered in Gyeonggi Province’s Shiheung City.
Korean twitter is alight with updates of Koreans from all over the northern part of the peninsula , which seems to be the only place that has felt it. Twitters out of Daegu and South Jeolla Province say that they didn’t feel anything, but the greater Seoul area appears to have all felt it. Most of the tweets are talking about how safe they previously felt from earthquakes, but they are now not feeling as secure as they did before".

Here are the reports on Yonhap, Koreatimes, and JoongangDaily.

Las Vegas models with good English skills

Be a Las Vegas model. OR learn English from her.

please Emil them so they can arrenz a fersonal entrophy.Tengs.
(transcript stolen borrowed from Chuvaness)

Goo Jun Pyo's Vegetarian Meal

Dosirak (도시락) is the Korean term for packed meal or lunchboxes. It is the Korean equivalent of Japan's bento. The ultimate dosirak content has got to be kimbap or rice rolls. Just simple, easy and inexpensive. But nowadays, just like the Japanese counterpart, it has become more sophisticated and has turned into art. Check out this Korean guy's blog for pictures.

This vegetarian dosirak was made on an impulse. Sometime last year, I was gonna join an online contest for bentos showcasing a vegetarian menu but for some reason wasn't able to submit it.

Goo Jun Pyo inspired dosirak includes some small rice balls rolled into some crushed seaweed laver (김) for the Goo JunPyo-style hair(구준표) , 계란마리-gyeran mari or eggrolls, boiled flower-shaped carrots and cherry tomatoes for fillers on the top compartment. On the second compartment- 시금치 ,콩나물 무침 or seasoned spinach and beansprouts , some fried tofu, 호박전 or pan-fried zuccini slices, 팽이버섯 or seasoned enoki mushrooms, cucumber strips tied with spring onion, dongchimi (동치미) strips also tied with spring onion. dongchimi (동치미) is the winter radish kimchi. And some boiled flower-shaped carrots for fillers. I use only olive and grapeseed oil for this meal for that full vegetarian effect.

Pinoy develops new Malaria vaccine

Filipino entomologist and biologist at John Hopkins University Hospital Rhoel Dinglasan discovered a new vaccine against Malaria. This one is called TBV or transmission-blocking vaccine. It actually works by preventing the Malaria-carrying mosquitos from spreading it.

Check out the story on Times magazine.

The Korea Herald also runs a story on this.

This is how a Pinoy scientist looks like. Here's his pic I stole borrowed from Daphne's.

Validation

I wanna share a really inspiring short film - Validation. Starring Fox drama Bones' TJ Thyne and Vicki Davis. Check out what the power of smile can do.




Smile. You're wonderful.

Prayers for baby Emma

This is baby Emma. She was born 10 weeks early at 990 grams on October 21, 2009. She has underdeveloped kidneys, heart and lungs which are causing numerous problems on her fragile little body. After her first operation, her lungs began functioning well and she seemed to be growing strong and healthy. But on a Sunday night a month later, Emma went thru a septic shock. It is a fatal infection in the blood stream that shuts down all the organs. She had gone through dialysis and several surgeries including stitching up a ripped intestine.

As of now, baby Emma has already undergone 10 operations. She has made this far and still showing so much strength. She needs our prayers.

I'm urging you to pray for Emma.

1: Her brain. Pray that there would be no long-term brain damage from all the

challenges she's faced.

2: Her kidneys: Pray that her kidneys would function in perfect health to filter her body and produce urine on a daily basis.

3: Her intestines: Pray that this would also heal as soon as possible.

4: The doctors told us today that her lungs seem to be getting a bit weaker the past few days.

Pray for strength and health for the lungs too.

5: Her heart: Her heart rate dropped quite a bit several times the past few days. Pray it would be strong again.

Your prayer support is Emma's life support.

Check her facebook page.

UPDATE: Eddie and Hyun's princess~ Baby Emma Byun passed away on Saturday morning, Jan. 23. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for the strength of the family.

My condolences.