Today was the start of Safety and Compliance training and it felt so good to be able to change into jumpsuits instead of the never ending business wear. The training center felt a little empty though, with the Japanese and Chinese OSC (Overseas Crew) batch having graduated last week. And the mixed OSC batch (composed of Vietnamese, Thai and Uzbek) were nowhere in sight. They'll be graduating next week; so maybe they're on the OJT flight or something.
The Theory of Flight instructor said we're the last OSC batch for this year so I guess we'd be seeing just Koreans from now on--if we even see new batches. To our surprise, interviews were ongoing today, and yea, Korean girls. OMG they're so pretty! Flawless skin and all.
I was able to open (and close) a Boeing 737 door today. Grabe, super heavy. I don't know why they hire female flight attendants! Hehe.
And for the second night we had sinigang for dinner, courtesy of my roommate Precious, who bought it from a carinderia near [their] Iglesia ni Cristo church.
The uniforms came today, except the shoes and the scarf. And pretty soon those would follow along with the trolley and bag. Hopefully! :)
Had a test regarding airport codes today and I gotta run coz I have two tests tomorrow. Life.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Shoe Shopping
The black pumps that I brought from the Philippines weren't the right one (they said the heels were too thick) so I have to buy another pair here. The dilemma was finding a pair according to their specifications. And cheap. The nearby mall offers a pair for around 84,000 won (around 4,200 pesos) and the weekly allowance is only 140,000 won!
+ + +
Anyway most of us slept the whole morning, but I got up by 8.30 and headed for the hotel resto but there wasn't any food. I asked the waitress if there's no breakfast on weekends. It turned out they only serve bread and juice on weekends; maybe because most would rather catch more sleep than eat. So there I was in an empty resto with my favorite mug and slices of bread (my roommate wouldn't get up).
After breakfast I headed back to our room--606--and guess what, I soaked myself in a hot tub! Yey ultimate stress relief! And with earphones plugged, I'm in heaven. Well, almost. :) I actually warned my roommate that I sing when I'm on my mp3 player.
As I got off the tub I asked my roommate if the housekeeping personnel had come while I was, uh, away. They hadn't so I got dressed and proceeded to look for them (calling them won't make any progress, with the very little Korean I know) and out of the corner of the hallway came the front desk agent informing us that we're moving to the eighth floor. The Japanese trainees have graduated so the better rooms are now available. I wondered if better is actually better.
Me and my roommate Precious re-packed our bags/suitcases and I headed for the eighth. Same location, same floor area, different beds. The former had a double and a single and now we have two singles so we had more floor space. I got the housekeeping personnel to remove the single couch that they'd squeezed in between the beds for more space. Then instead of parallel beds I re-layout-ed it. :)
So excited about the pc so I tried it at once and was so happy that we got a better one, really. I was able to download YM for me and Chikka for my roommate.
And this is why I have this long post instead of a hurried one at the business center. Bow.
+ + +
Right after we settled down, Bianca called me to ask me if I want to go shoe shopping at some place that looks Divi. I agreed and then off we went. We took a cab to Hwagok station of Line 5 subway (they have so many subway lines, confusing!) and took the subway til Singil station. Then transferred to Line 1 to go to Seoul station. Then walked for around 10 minutes til we reached the place. (I forgot what it's called.)
Among the tiangges we reached someplace that looks a bit like a mall and shopped for a good pair and after 15minutes they closed down. 5 o'clock! OMG. Jila panicked and bought the pair she last fitted even if it was one size smaller than what she needs. It was 35,000 won.
Me and Bianca felt really bad about spending so much to get there and not being able to buy any. We shopped around the tiangges and got into a nicer store where Bianca was offered a pair for 55,000 won. I knew I needed to buy a pair so that our little adventure won't be useless but still I can't get myself to pay so much for something to be used for just around a month or so.
So while Bianca was waiting for the pair of her size, I went out and scanned different stores. One was on sale for just 8,000 per pair so I thought there must be something lower than 30. (I didn't find shoes in that 8000 won store, they're more on sandals) I was getting depressed and most stalls are really starting to pack up and we started tracing back our steps, frequently stopping at some shoe stores.
I was feeling hopeless but still tried when I got into this one store and found one and was asked for 25,000 won for it. I was having second thoughts. Then I tried, uh, my lola's greatest talent: asking for a discount. I gave my price, 20,000 won (1000 pesos) but he wanted 23,000 so I pleaded but he won't give it to me. So I handed over the shoes and he said, "Okay, okay. 20." Hahahaa. Charm.
As he was wrapping up the deal and wrapping my shoes as well, I said, "In Philippines, 20 thousand, expensive!" (Excuse my English coz this is how I said it, really. You know, you just need to give the key words or else they won't understand you at all.) I added, "I buy only 10 thousand." [big smile here] And he goes, "10 thousand, China. Korea, 20." [his big smile here] Haha.
Anyway, the three of us felt the achievement that we were able to go through that. Taking public transportation and all. We ended our "achievement" with a slice of fresh and sweet watermelon for 500 won.
+ + +
Anyway most of us slept the whole morning, but I got up by 8.30 and headed for the hotel resto but there wasn't any food. I asked the waitress if there's no breakfast on weekends. It turned out they only serve bread and juice on weekends; maybe because most would rather catch more sleep than eat. So there I was in an empty resto with my favorite mug and slices of bread (my roommate wouldn't get up).
After breakfast I headed back to our room--606--and guess what, I soaked myself in a hot tub! Yey ultimate stress relief! And with earphones plugged, I'm in heaven. Well, almost. :) I actually warned my roommate that I sing when I'm on my mp3 player.
As I got off the tub I asked my roommate if the housekeeping personnel had come while I was, uh, away. They hadn't so I got dressed and proceeded to look for them (calling them won't make any progress, with the very little Korean I know) and out of the corner of the hallway came the front desk agent informing us that we're moving to the eighth floor. The Japanese trainees have graduated so the better rooms are now available. I wondered if better is actually better.
Me and my roommate Precious re-packed our bags/suitcases and I headed for the eighth. Same location, same floor area, different beds. The former had a double and a single and now we have two singles so we had more floor space. I got the housekeeping personnel to remove the single couch that they'd squeezed in between the beds for more space. Then instead of parallel beds I re-layout-ed it. :)
So excited about the pc so I tried it at once and was so happy that we got a better one, really. I was able to download YM for me and Chikka for my roommate.
And this is why I have this long post instead of a hurried one at the business center. Bow.
+ + +
Right after we settled down, Bianca called me to ask me if I want to go shoe shopping at some place that looks Divi. I agreed and then off we went. We took a cab to Hwagok station of Line 5 subway (they have so many subway lines, confusing!) and took the subway til Singil station. Then transferred to Line 1 to go to Seoul station. Then walked for around 10 minutes til we reached the place. (I forgot what it's called.)
Among the tiangges we reached someplace that looks a bit like a mall and shopped for a good pair and after 15minutes they closed down. 5 o'clock! OMG. Jila panicked and bought the pair she last fitted even if it was one size smaller than what she needs. It was 35,000 won.
Me and Bianca felt really bad about spending so much to get there and not being able to buy any. We shopped around the tiangges and got into a nicer store where Bianca was offered a pair for 55,000 won. I knew I needed to buy a pair so that our little adventure won't be useless but still I can't get myself to pay so much for something to be used for just around a month or so.
So while Bianca was waiting for the pair of her size, I went out and scanned different stores. One was on sale for just 8,000 per pair so I thought there must be something lower than 30. (I didn't find shoes in that 8000 won store, they're more on sandals) I was getting depressed and most stalls are really starting to pack up and we started tracing back our steps, frequently stopping at some shoe stores.
I was feeling hopeless but still tried when I got into this one store and found one and was asked for 25,000 won for it. I was having second thoughts. Then I tried, uh, my lola's greatest talent: asking for a discount. I gave my price, 20,000 won (1000 pesos) but he wanted 23,000 so I pleaded but he won't give it to me. So I handed over the shoes and he said, "Okay, okay. 20." Hahahaa. Charm.
As he was wrapping up the deal and wrapping my shoes as well, I said, "In Philippines, 20 thousand, expensive!" (Excuse my English coz this is how I said it, really. You know, you just need to give the key words or else they won't understand you at all.) I added, "I buy only 10 thousand." [big smile here] And he goes, "10 thousand, China. Korea, 20." [his big smile here] Haha.
Anyway, the three of us felt the achievement that we were able to go through that. Taking public transportation and all. We ended our "achievement" with a slice of fresh and sweet watermelon for 500 won.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I hate memorization
If ever I become very busy for the next three weeks, it's coz Safety & Compliance training will start by Monday.
120 hours. 15 days. 18 subjects. 20 tests. 10 textbooks to memorize.
Will blog longer tomorrow.
120 hours. 15 days. 18 subjects. 20 tests. 10 textbooks to memorize.
Will blog longer tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Culture shock
Yey I'm lucky I got off the shuttle first today so I dashed to the Biz Center right away. hehe. Today we're really lucky we got dismissed by 6.00 when most of the time we go home by 6.30. Go back to the hotel, I mean.
Makeup class was again a disaster, when some of the makeup items we bought weren't allowed as well. And the shades. Argh.
What's more disappointing is that they reprimand us for some actions that are offensive to their culture when we don't even know that what we're doing is offensive. Take for example, crossing your arms. They get mad. And I'm thinking, back in Navotas I tell my 5-year old cousin to cross his arms if I want him to behave. And today, Jackie got scolded when she handed the cutter over to our adviser using just one hand.
I mean, they should explain it first before getting all mad. They are sensitive about their culture, they should be sensitive with ours as well.
Tin, I hope you'd be onboard one of our planes when I become a cabin crew. I'll give all the extras that you need ;P
They're super strict. Super strict. Super strict. This introductory week is supposed to be the easiest pa nga eh! We'll start having Korean lessons tomorrow; at least we won't have to make sign language everytime we buy from a convenience store or something.
Argh I still haven't bought the required shoes. The one we saw was 84,000 Won. Aw cmon! And I haven't perfected applying the required bright red nail polish. Gawsh.
Miss you all. Looking forward to my OJT flight to Manila.
Makeup class was again a disaster, when some of the makeup items we bought weren't allowed as well. And the shades. Argh.
What's more disappointing is that they reprimand us for some actions that are offensive to their culture when we don't even know that what we're doing is offensive. Take for example, crossing your arms. They get mad. And I'm thinking, back in Navotas I tell my 5-year old cousin to cross his arms if I want him to behave. And today, Jackie got scolded when she handed the cutter over to our adviser using just one hand.
I mean, they should explain it first before getting all mad. They are sensitive about their culture, they should be sensitive with ours as well.
Tin, I hope you'd be onboard one of our planes when I become a cabin crew. I'll give all the extras that you need ;P
They're super strict. Super strict. Super strict. This introductory week is supposed to be the easiest pa nga eh! We'll start having Korean lessons tomorrow; at least we won't have to make sign language everytime we buy from a convenience store or something.
Argh I still haven't bought the required shoes. The one we saw was 84,000 Won. Aw cmon! And I haven't perfected applying the required bright red nail polish. Gawsh.
Miss you all. Looking forward to my OJT flight to Manila.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Toxic
Niko, this isn't my first logon from Seoul. My room's pc is very much virus infected and hundred of popups appear everytime so it's giving me a hard time to chat, laging naghahang.
No, it's not 100k salary, less than. Middle eastern airlines get those. Di naman sila makakauwi for one year. Kami yata every month at least a couple of days.
Thanks everyone... Will tell Song Hye Kyo if I see her.
+ + +
Bad trip, sobrang toxic dito, my first three days seemed like two months already. We get up and leave and arrive home with nothing in mind but to sleep, but we can't. Workaholic yung mga Koreans so laging extended training hours namin til 6.30 although the sched says 5.00. And travel time pa to and fro the training center.
Before we left we were told to bring makeup kits with us so I went on a shopping spree. And then today in our makeup class they tell us that some of the things weren't what they wanted us to use. Kasi naman bakit di nalang inispecify beforehand. We went on panic buying again at one of the malls, using our daily allowances. Gad I spent 30,000 Won for that! Bad trip.
Ang taas taas pala ng standards nitong airline na to. Kaya sobrang hirap. Not to mention culture and the very hard to understand English nila.
Gusto ko na yata umuwi! Kung di lang nakakapanghinayang. Anyway I won't shempre naman. Joke lang yun. Haha.
Send me a line. I need you to cheer me up. Please? :) Kahit email sa Gmail ko or comment na lang dito.
I'm on a rush nandito kase ko sa Business center ng hotel, dami pang gagamit. Haay.
No, it's not 100k salary, less than. Middle eastern airlines get those. Di naman sila makakauwi for one year. Kami yata every month at least a couple of days.
Thanks everyone... Will tell Song Hye Kyo if I see her.
+ + +
Bad trip, sobrang toxic dito, my first three days seemed like two months already. We get up and leave and arrive home with nothing in mind but to sleep, but we can't. Workaholic yung mga Koreans so laging extended training hours namin til 6.30 although the sched says 5.00. And travel time pa to and fro the training center.
Before we left we were told to bring makeup kits with us so I went on a shopping spree. And then today in our makeup class they tell us that some of the things weren't what they wanted us to use. Kasi naman bakit di nalang inispecify beforehand. We went on panic buying again at one of the malls, using our daily allowances. Gad I spent 30,000 Won for that! Bad trip.
Ang taas taas pala ng standards nitong airline na to. Kaya sobrang hirap. Not to mention culture and the very hard to understand English nila.
Gusto ko na yata umuwi! Kung di lang nakakapanghinayang. Anyway I won't shempre naman. Joke lang yun. Haha.
Send me a line. I need you to cheer me up. Please? :) Kahit email sa Gmail ko or comment na lang dito.
I'm on a rush nandito kase ko sa Business center ng hotel, dami pang gagamit. Haay.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Climax
Whew! After so much drama I'm now on the climax of "fulfilling my dreams." For some it's already the happy ending, but the truth is, it's not. (Am I making sense?)
Okay so I got the flight attendant job (or the training) for Asiana. We had our pre-departure orientation Friday afternoon and the shock was unbelievable. We're leaving on Sunday afternoon! Gawd. That leaves me, what, one day to buy everything, plan everything and pack everything. Most of my colleagues have their suitcases packed already while my jaw dropped at the thought that I don't even have a suitcase yet! Talk about cramming. And panic buying.
Sadly, I had to back out from our supposed reunion with my college friends--makikifiesta dapat kami sa Kawit. And inasmuch as I wanted time for the thought of leaving in a matter of 48 hours to sink in, I don't have time. Instant shopping at Megamall. Of course that's after office hours already so I wasn't really able to shop. And I was wearing heels for goodness sake! I never go on a shopping spree with heels on, always in rubber shoes.
Well, that panic shopping would continue tomorrow. But for now, I'm done with informing all my friends. I got mixed reactions, really.
Sadness. Coz I'm leaving so soon, nary a time for goodbyes nor even a despedida party for tomorrow will be spent packing and family time.
Happiness. Thank you to all the people who were so happy that I'm fulfilling my dreams at a very early stage.
Pride. Especially from my blockmates, I guess I made them feel proud that we finally (or so I think) have a flight attendant from our section. And it's really a tough industry, [me and my classmates] know that.
Comic reactions. Princess wanted me to kiss Rain if ever I see him. Sir Kiel wants to say hi to Lee Dong Wok (Julian in My Girl). Sarie for Jenny of Endless Love. And who votes for Jodi and Cholo? Haha. Koreanovela invasion!
I'm overwhelmed, really. And Niko even made that post about me leaving. And the bestest e-friend actually feeling sad about this. Aw.
I want to thank all of you. But most importantly, God. I've been praying like crazy. And bribing God. (Take that!) I promised God that my first 100,000 pesos salary would go to Maverick, my second cousin who was diagnosed of Leukemia a week ago. He's twelve.
If I'm leaving some people clueless, I'm leaving for Seoul on Sunday for the nine-week intensive training. I'd surely try to make time for my online activities. To all of those who have my mobile phone number, please don't delete it. I'll try to use it again once I get back. For the meantime, you may reach me thru my email address(es) and Friendster account.
Hope I could rename this blog Flight Attendant Diaries after that nine weeks. *fingers crossed*
Okay so I got the flight attendant job (or the training) for Asiana. We had our pre-departure orientation Friday afternoon and the shock was unbelievable. We're leaving on Sunday afternoon! Gawd. That leaves me, what, one day to buy everything, plan everything and pack everything. Most of my colleagues have their suitcases packed already while my jaw dropped at the thought that I don't even have a suitcase yet! Talk about cramming. And panic buying.
Sadly, I had to back out from our supposed reunion with my college friends--makikifiesta dapat kami sa Kawit. And inasmuch as I wanted time for the thought of leaving in a matter of 48 hours to sink in, I don't have time. Instant shopping at Megamall. Of course that's after office hours already so I wasn't really able to shop. And I was wearing heels for goodness sake! I never go on a shopping spree with heels on, always in rubber shoes.
Well, that panic shopping would continue tomorrow. But for now, I'm done with informing all my friends. I got mixed reactions, really.
Sadness. Coz I'm leaving so soon, nary a time for goodbyes nor even a despedida party for tomorrow will be spent packing and family time.
Happiness. Thank you to all the people who were so happy that I'm fulfilling my dreams at a very early stage.
Pride. Especially from my blockmates, I guess I made them feel proud that we finally (or so I think) have a flight attendant from our section. And it's really a tough industry, [me and my classmates] know that.
Comic reactions. Princess wanted me to kiss Rain if ever I see him. Sir Kiel wants to say hi to Lee Dong Wok (Julian in My Girl). Sarie for Jenny of Endless Love. And who votes for Jodi and Cholo? Haha. Koreanovela invasion!
I'm overwhelmed, really. And Niko even made that post about me leaving. And the bestest e-friend actually feeling sad about this. Aw.
I want to thank all of you. But most importantly, God. I've been praying like crazy. And bribing God. (Take that!) I promised God that my first 100,000 pesos salary would go to Maverick, my second cousin who was diagnosed of Leukemia a week ago. He's twelve.
If I'm leaving some people clueless, I'm leaving for Seoul on Sunday for the nine-week intensive training. I'd surely try to make time for my online activities. To all of those who have my mobile phone number, please don't delete it. I'll try to use it again once I get back. For the meantime, you may reach me thru my email address(es) and Friendster account.
Hope I could rename this blog Flight Attendant Diaries after that nine weeks. *fingers crossed*
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)