Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Hi, it's been a little more than two years since I have posted an entry to my blog. I decided to blog today because I need an output about something. As the title says, this entry is about my Dongguk University Grades. I just viewed them few minutes ago and I gelt the urge to explain myself why I received those grades. And no, I am not ranting nor complaining about it. In fact, I am very well satisfied with my grades. So let me start by giving a summary of the grades I received.
Strategic Management: A+
International Business: A0
Organizational Behavior: A+
Global Operations Strategy: A0
Project Management: A0
Strategic Management:
To be honest, I am expecting no less than A+ in this subject. It is not to brag, but it's just that I felt that all my outputs were really excellent. Moreover, I have this feeling that the professor really like me. I was able to answer her exams well and my participation in class is good, not excellent, because I don't usually recite especially when she does not call me. However, my reports in her class were mostly excellently done. Also, I must add that this subject is my favorite among the five I took. Many might disagree with me, but I really like this subject.
International Business:
This subject is also one of the best I took. The teacher is really great and very knowledgeable in her profession. Not to mention kind since she always brings snacks in class. Alright, moving on to my final grade, I think the reason why I dis not receive the full mark (a+) is because I did not recite that often in her class. Because in this class, participation meant extra credit. I did not remember a moment in her class wherein I actually said something voluntarily, meaning without her actually calling me to recite. Though my exams in this subject just have a few mistakes, they're not enough. Primarily because there are persons that actually gets them perfect! One mistake in her exams really means a lot. Another reason that I could think of is my group projects. I really have a crappy group in this course. Crappy in a way that the group lack cooperation and I felt that the group members are satisfied with a mediocre work! Though they are nice persons, it's just that we lack cohesion as a group making our outputs not so competitive in comparison with the other groups in class.
Organizational Behavior:
If I have a grade that I did not expect, it would be this. Honestly, I never expected, even in my dreams, that I can get A+ in this subject. My tests, which is a major part of our grade, aren't that good. My case reports were not perfect. And in general, most of the criteria for the final grade is very subjective. The professor have a huge power to higher or lower our grades since most of the activities were also subjective themselves. However, I think the reason why I got A+ in this subject is because of the grading system of Dongguk University. They follow a ranking system, and not an absolute scale in terms of grading the students. So even if a student only get a passing mark, as long as he is the highest in the class, he would still get an A+. Thanks to this system and I got an A+!
Global Operations Strategy:
The grade I received in this subject also surprised me. I thought the highest grade I could get is only B+ or something, primarily because of the ranking grading system as mentioned above. Recitation/participation is 40% of the grading criteria in this subject, and obviously, I am not that guy who is so participative in class. So, I am actually quite nervous in this subject. I am actually worried that this is the only course that I would not get an A+/A0. But to my surprise I got A0. Maybe because the professor knew that I am a foreign student so he's more considerate. Or another reason could be is the remaining 60% of the grading system. These are composed of mostly group activities. And in this class, I really have great group mates, but not as awesome as my group mates on Strategic Management. Going back,our group activities received good marks in this class. Though there was a time where we only got B and a B+. However the rest were A+. I was really thankful with my group since if it was not for them, I could have not received A0 in this class.
Project Management:
Honestly, before I took the final exam in this class, I am expecting myself to receive A+, but that all changed after the finals. I literally messed it up! I have completely wrong answers for around 3 out of 5 questions in the exam. Good thing is that my midterm exam was good, and the professor is very generous when it comes to giving marks, so I guess I received partial points to those questions I literally failed to answer. I think the reason I flunked the final exam is because it the last finals I have to take, and I also became so lax because of the mark I got from the midterm exam. But when I was taking the final exam, I knew from that moment that my A+ vanished. I was very disappointed with myself, and this was probably my biggest academic regret in my Korean Experience. And this is the reason that urged me to write a blog. I need an output with the outburst of emotion inside my chest. But I think I am still satisfied with what I got, I just felt that I could hav done better. But the damaged has been done, and mourning with this would not change my grade into A+. I just have to accept what I got.
After writing this blog entry I felt liberated. I do not care if someone might be able to read this. But for me, what's important is that I was able to express what I needed to for my own sanity and peace of mind. In general, I am very much satisfied with the grades I received and I really felt that it reflected very well my performance in Dongguk University. I could not ask for more and I am thankful of what I received from my professors.
Labels: Donggul University, Grades, korea, school, thoughts
Thursday, December 25, 2008
My last entry was about Hong Kong Ocean Park, now here I am again writing an entry still about Hing Kong. Basically I am back in here. And I am loving it! So here it goes.
We rode the MTR Tung Chung Line all the way to Tung Chung, and from there we rode cable car. But before that we took our lunch first at Food Republic. It is a vast food court-ish type of place, but instead of different food stalls/booths international cuisines of all sort, mostly or I think all of it are Asian. I bought a noodle set in the Korean food stall and it cost me 40 HKD which is about 240 php. It was delicious really but I was not able to finish it. It just too much. They do serve big in here! So after our lunch we now queued for the cable car.
We were in queue in approximately two hours1 There were just too much people wanting to go to Lantau Island. Well, it's Christamas Day, I can't blame them. That would just mean blaming myself for going there too. Hahaha. So until after two hours we were able to get on our cable car. The ride was abut 25 minutes. It was not scary. At least for me. I like the scenery from there, mountains, sea, horizon, and all that.
When we get off the cable car we bought Starbucks first. I wanted to get Dark Cherry Mocha Frappucino (mya fave this season) but hell, they don't fuckng serve Frappucino for that beverage. So I ended up getting the Hot one. It's still delicious, and according to y tounge they brew better conapred to our local Starbucks in the Philippines. Oh by the way they have three season specials namely Dark Cherry Mocha, Toffee Nut, and that Ginger thing. As for us, we only have two, Dark Cherry Mocha and Toffee Nut. We had the Ginger thing last year I suppose, or maybe last two years ago. I am not su sure about that.
After the Starbucks, we walked all the way to the giant buddha. It's so Huge. The walk was tiring, but I think It's all worth it. Seeing the view from the top is just relaxing. Going down was way easier than climbing. everyone agrees right?
After the giant Buddha walking escapade, we now went in the Monkey Theater. We watched an animated short film entitled the "The Legend of the Monkey Warrior" if memory serves me right. It was funny and good too. Along the animations, was the real effects. Like falling leaves and stuff. Also, the sound sort of moves arounds you. Damn, I can't explain it. It's sorround in a sense that you could hear it move from you front to your sides, rear, and back to your front. Errrr, just pretend you do understand it. Hahaha.
After the monkey theater, we now went inside the Walking with Buddha. This time was about the founder of the buddhist religion, Siddharta. It basically narrated his story and how he lived his life according to his calling. Amidst the fact that he would be leaving his family, loved ones, and fortune. What I found amusing in these theater is the narration. Before we entered we were given headsets individually. That served as the audio system. There were different type of headsets, each gives different language of narration. What I say there was English, German, Japanese, and perhaps, Cantonese and Mandarin as well. After the show we were asked to make wishes ang give it to the Budhha. I am not really sure what I wished there. Hahaha. Anyway, what I know is that I made a wish. I just can't remember it.
After Walking with Buddha, we now rode the cable carl. We just used the express lane. So express that you have to ride standing. it does not make a diferrence though. Because when want to sit, you have to queue for another two hours. It's like four times the amount of time you have to spend standing when you are in the expressed lane.
After the cable car back. It was my favorite time of the day. SHOPPING. Hahaha. I bought shoes. Yeah just shoes. Hahaha. After shopping we ate at KFC. I wasn't able to eat that much primarily because I am not that hungry. I even felt like throwing up on the midst of eating my chicken. Hahaha. What I like in Hong Kong's KFC is that they really stick up to there motto, "Finger lickin' good." They don't give spoon and fork, instead they give sporks and plastic gloves. Sporks for the rice ang gloves for holding up your chicken. Haha. It's fun eating your chicken on hands. Hahaha. I also like the egg tart and their fries! Yum Yum. But I should say Philippines KFC chicken is better than Hong Kong. I felt that Hong Kong's KFC chicken was not drained well of its oil and their Hot n Crispy isn't that crispy. So I still go for Philippine's KFC chicken. <3
After the dinner we rode the MTR back to Central Hong Kong and walked back to our flat.
That's my Lantau Island adventure. Tomorrow is Disney Land Day!
Yey.
I can't wait to see the fireworks. And oh their roller coater too. Haha..
Labels: adventure, Christmas, Lantau Island, vacation. Hong Kong
Monday, October 27, 2008
I went to Ocean Park Hong Kong. Technically I am not alone, but i felt like I am alone. Because I tried all the amenities all by myself. It's like having a company, yet you don't feel it. Anyway, I am really fine with that. I don't really care if I go there all by myself. Because for me, what matters most is I enjoy what the place has to offer.
First of was the cable car. Upon entering the station there's this picture booth. There were two attendants on that spot. They were speaking cantonese so I don't understand whatever they were saying. But based on their actions, it seems like they were aking me if I want to take a picture (I really thought it was compulsary at first, so i just kept nodding my head). They actually re-did the picture taking because I wasn't prepared the first time. Hahaha. So while in the cable car, there's this two chinese men entered int our car. I felt so awkward about it. I mean there's a lot of cars on queue (empty), and why do they have to ride with us? I felt so violated. Hahaha. The feeling was exciting and at the same time worrying. I just felt that anytime, it would just fall off it's cable and we'll go rumbling down the mountains to the ocean. I also saw this dragon (or was it a seahorse) shape tree arrangement engraved on the mountain cliff. It was so cool. I tried taking a pic, but I failed. Hahaha..
After the cable car ride I get to ride the rides! My favorite part of the trip. The first ride I rode was the space wheel. It was so exciting. It was like my initiation to all the ride I will be riding on.
The next ride was the Wild River. It is like the Jungle Log Jump (not sure with name) from EK. In this ride you would enter dry and get out dripping wet. And I mean it. It was like you were submerged in the river. Hahahaha. But I wasn't that wet because I covered my shirt with my bag. the only part that's wet when I came out was my hair, hallf of my pants, and a little of my shoes. And no I am not dripping when I went out. Hahaha.
After that I rode the Mine Train. This is like a little roller coaster with no spins but full of drops. Hahaha... It was fun too and i really enjoyed it amidst the grave heat of the sun shining upon me. And before this ride ends, they have this auto picture taker and yeah I smiled before it. Good thing i was in the middle part so I have a split second of preparation, that was just enough for me.
After that Mine Train ride, It's time to take a rest and watch the Sea Dreams show in one of the Theater. It was so good. I was so amazed that they were able to train those dolphins and sea lions really well. I like how they performed the tricks. But there was one naughty sea lion. It did not follow its master instead, it swam around the pool half of the program's duration. Hahaha. It's kinda cute you know!
After the show we took our lunch at McDonalds. It was expensive! I spent like HK$65 for one 6 pieces nuggets, crispy chicken fillet burger, minute maid orange juice, and a medium sprite. and take note that value meal was not available that time so I have to pay for those goods individually. There was even no fries.
After taking the lunch, I felt I am not ready for the other rides. So i just went in the aquarium (Atol Reef). And it was really beatiful in there. Way better than Manila Ocean Park (MOP). The water in the aquarium in MOP was a little blurry, but in Hong Kong Ocean Park, It was so clear, and it's as if there was no water at all in tha enourmous tank. Their tank was very diferent beacuse is not a tunnel, though they have that too, but on a different amenity). You have turn around that big cylindrical fish tank that is around 3-5 floors! It was so cool. You can take a look at the pictures in my multiply.
Upon finishing the Atol Reef tour, I felt that I am just ready to continue my rides. I rode the Eagle which is like the Condor in EK. But this one is way better, because the seats change angles. though it's hot, I felt like I not feeling it because I enjoyed the ride too much.
After that Eagle ride, I went to the Abyss. Sounds scary? Yeah, It is perhaps the scariest ride I rode in my trip. Because in that ride I screamed with ever screaming. Weird? Have you ever felt that you wanted to scream yet no scream or a single voice came out of your mouth? That exactly what happened with me! I screamed in no voice. That's actually the first time I have experienced that! That is a one moment to treasure. So how is the ride anyway? You would be lifted very high, like a 20-40 storey building and it would drop you with the acceleration of 9.8 m/s. It's a feeling of free fall. I was the scariest yet the fondest ride I ride. In that ride I felt falling without ever falling and screamed without ever screaming. Hahaha.
After that fun ride, I rode another ride named Crazy Galleon. It is like a mini version of anchor's away in EK. But the same intense. It was funny because everyone in the ride seems laughing. Hahaha. Crazy indeed.
I really rode the Dragon last. It is like the space shuttle in EK. It was very fun and scary too. But i wasn't that scared and the intenstiy in the Abyss is was better than that. In fact, I got more scared in the Abyss compared to the Dragon. But it was fu though.
So I rode all the rides on that side after he Dragon. So it's time to go back to the other side of the park. There's was really nothing to see in there but a bunch of kid's stuff. We were suppose to go home but i heard in the announcement that there will be a show in the Whisler's theater, so i just head there. The show is about how thw trainers train the sea lions. It was amazing. Though there were less tricks and stunts comapred to the first show i watched, it was still good overall. An that show comcluded my Ocean Park Hong Kong Adventures.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Why do they have to leave me?
I thought it was all right for me to be left alone, after all it was my decision. I never knew that I'll be feeling this way after they left. Here goes the story for a clearer picture.
One day while I was going my Mom asked me if I want to come with them on Hong Kong for a week for a short vacation. My initial reaction was I did not want to go, I do have classes and I can't afford to miss any of them. When I finally arrived home, my Mom said that my older brother will come so basically I have to be left alone in our house. I was like 'WTF all by myself in a week?!?' I paused for a second to think and came to the decision that I would just go with them. After my answer she called my cousin to reserve us a ticket. Yeah that fast! But after an hour or two my father said that one of us (older brother and me) must be left. At that time it was really all right for me to not go with them, I have sembreak anyway to go there. So there everything was fine that time. Then as the time of their departure drew nearer and nearer, It came to my knowledge that my father postponed our, MY sembreak trip. For what reason? Because no one else in the family is available that time to go with me. And that day I started regreting what I said, all I said.
And this moring before dawn was there scheduled flight. It was difficult for me getting a straight sleep a while ago. For some weird reason I just find myself staring either at the wall or at the ceiling. I was feeling heavy that time, thinking that they all get to enjoy and something in their list of amazing events, whereas I will have a plain ol' day.
Up to this time of my writing I am feeling that feeling of REGRETS, or perhaps even JEALOUSY. I thought I will be fine all along, I thought I can live with it, I thought I will never have to feel this way. But what's happening are all the opposite of my expectations...
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Whenever we have chance, me and and my high school friends always meet up with each other and have some fun. The latest get-together was last March 1, 2008. This was because one of our friend would be celebrating her debut and this will also serve as her despidida for she would migrate to Canada soon. That night was filled with both happiness and joy. All of us became a part as she entered the womanhood, but accompanying this transformation was the sad fact that she was leaving us anytime soon. I just hope that as she move to another world, she won't forget us and would still be in touched with us. I know it would take a very long time before we get to see each other again, but I know nothing could hinder us, because we all know that our friendship is solid and unbreakable no matter what.
Monday, December 31, 2007
The year 2007 for me is a year of change. There are a lot of happenings that triggered a change in my point of views, philosophy, dream, as well as my personality and person hood.
FAMILY
The year 2007 for my family is a very good year. Though there were a lot of tragedies and obstacles, I am so happy that we were able to conquer and make through them. Through those challenges we were able to develop our relationship to each other and made it stronger than before. It's been a tough year for us. But then we are tougher.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
I should say that this is one of the highlights of this year for me and this great event has two faces. One face is that finally my four years of cramming nights and nonnegotiable rules is done. No more staying up late at night to finish a notebook that MUST BE designed. No more nights of reading a couple of chapters of Noli me Tangere, El Filibusterismo and others. No more weekend practices for school presentations. However, bidding my farewells and goodbyes to my alma mater is VERY difficult for me. It has been my second home for ten long years. To put it simply, saying byebye has never been this sad.
UNIVERSITY OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
I am so glad that at last I am a student of my dream university. Being a college student is one thing. But being a UA&P dragon is ANOTHER. the first six months of my stay in this university has made a lot of change in me. It developed a better sense of responsibility. It helped me socioalize and bring out the best in me. It helped me explore my self. It made me realize that I can do this and that, that seems to be just in my dreams. In other words, It put me out of my BOX.
KULTOLICIOUS
They are my super best of friends during my high school, until now and FOREVER. Though we don't get to see each other as often as we want to, I could say that the bond has never been broken or lessened, instead it made us tighter. Though our schedules conflict to one another, we always see to it that we meet at least once a month, especially during vacations and school breaks. During those times we do all crazy stuff we can actually think off: movies, food marathon/fest, house hopping, and all that. Guys, hopefully this 2008 no one will change and hopefully we stay as crazy or even crazier!! I miss you!
UA&P FRIENDS
They are the ones who made me realize that I can do more than I can think of. They gave so much advice on different things. They made me think of complicated things as simple as 1 2 3. I must admit that I am not going with them during night outs, over nights, parties, but I should say they never left me out. So I am really glad that I were able to meet them in my college.
KORERO
This is my online virtual community. Though I cannot see them in person, I can feel the concern and love they are willing to offer. I do not consider then friends, instead a FAMILY. They taught me lessons that I can apply to real life. I know that this community is not permanent. Sooner or later it will be disband and stay as a history. But the friendship that was developed will stay in my heart.
If you will ask me on the things that I will leave and bring this 2008 I should say that I will leave all the memories of hatred, suffering, sadness, and all that brings negativities and I will bring my FRIENDS and all those that brought me happiness during the past year. And of course I will never forget to bring the lessons I have learned the past year.
To all my friends especially to KULTOLICIOUS,I will never ever forget all the memories. I will never forgot you. I promise.
2007! BYE-BYE..
A prosperous 2008 to all!!! XD
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It is no doubt that Christmas is just around the corner. I hear the children's melodious voices singing and asking for "aguinaldos". I see the lights blinking and playing with my eyes. I look up high in the Christmas Trees that almost each house has. These are my observations before, like five years ago.
Gazing on our balcony this year to see what each house prepared for this Christmas I suddenly felt sad. Then, I asked myself "Do they still have the Christmas Spirit in them?" I start my next day with that question, and hoping to find the answer.
I spent most of my time in our balcony hoping to find what I was looking for. It was Wednesday, 19th of December, most of the schools would celebrate Christmas Party. I first thing that caught my eye was a child carrying a gift. I assumed that this was for his baby in their Christmas Party. The kid was asking his yaya to carry it for him. Yes, I did admit that was quite big, but I doubt was heavy that it would come to a point wherein he couldn't carry it anymore. I just felt sorry for the child. It seemed like he would just give gift just for the sake of giving it. He didn't know what was the essence or purpose of what he's doing.
I remember when I was still in the kindergarten wherein when the Christmas Party comes I was so eager to carry the bunch of gifts to our school. That it even came to a point wherein I was getting mad and throwing tantrums whenever someone tried to help me. I was just the total opposite of that child.
Another thing that I witness was that a neighbor of ours reminded his husband if he got the Christmas present for someone. I heard my neighbor said that he got it already and showed an "ampao" His wife then asked how much was inside it and the husband said that 1000 pesos. The wife just nodded her head which seemed a satisfaction.
I do admit that I am happy if I received a cash for Christmas. But then I realized that it is still better to have something that will serve as a remembrance for you of him/her for that Christmas. Yes you can buy something out of that money for yourself that will remind you of him/her, but then the thought is less compared with something the giver bought him/herself.
One more thing that observed was a group of teenagers was passing by. They were carrying bags and bags of gifts with themselves. And while walking they were like teasing someone maybe because he has nothing to give to the others.
It seems like children nowadays expect something in return for the gifts they would give to someone. Though the children I saw was just fooling around, i always put into my mind that "jokes are half meant" which I believe in my case true after all i had been through.
With the three situations that I saw, It seems like as the time goes on, the spirit of Christmas is becoming less and less. They are now concentrated with the gifts that they receive and give. Which I know is wrong. We should stick into our minds that Christmas is not about the gifts alone, but most importantly it is to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.