My IC life started in July 2008 even though I officially moved into IC on the 2nd week of November, 4 1/2 months later. The person I have to thank for all the wonderful beginnings would be Joy. I met her in one of my social work classes and he introduced me to many of my IC friends. I was also classmates with Bon, Rika, Asami, Yuko and Mariko but as I started hanging out with Joy more, I got closer to them. Meeting Ava during Filipino night, IC became my 2nd home. I hung out here so much the residents were like family even before I moved in.
Bon @ Kazusa Takemika
Somehow, when Bon and I realized that we both shared the same blood group (AB - the 'weird genius'es), we also realized that we shared similar interests and liked similar things; namely, cakes. We had similar Korean best friend-situations and we enjoyed just hanging out somewhere,anywhere.. chatting. I enjoyed many of my happy memories at the front of IC's bench. There, Bon and Joy were my companions. And very so often, I would 'borrow' the IC female's CR. I used that CR even more then the one of my boarding house at Pook Dagohoy!! The visitor's guestbook was also filled with my log ins. ^^
After moving to IC, Bon and I became room neighbours. Being 3 doors away from me, we were always together. I remember the first time we cooked our first meal together. The memory still radiates a warmth in my heart. As I lacked utensils then, we had to share many of hers. When I got mine, I shared everything with her too! We would listen to songs as we cut onions, taste each other's dishes, plan what to cook, chase away IC house cats, and take turns carrying our cooked
dishes to the 'bench'. And at the 'bench', we shared our deepest sorrows and latest updates. We were like inseparable sisters who found each other after a long time. When I was sick or extremely exhausted, Bon would visit my room; once with chocolate cake sent from her dad all the way from Japan with a cup of hot tea. Her presence in IC completed the picture of a family.
She was truly a sister to all of us. She made sure we ate, she made us tea, cooked for us and was always there to listen to our stories. On top of that, she was actively involved with her NGO works and was also the project director of UPICA. Without her by my side, I would never have managed the international night's coordination works. with her angelic smile, Bon's presence at almost every single potluck dinners, IC friends' hangout and goodbye send offs was the symbol of
the international friendship and the being of a true IC family.
Her send off at the airport on March 8 was a truly heart- wrenching experience for many of us. As 14 of us of 7 nationalities bid our farewells to Bon, our eyes and hearts teared watching her go. We created such a crying scene at the immigration to the extend that the officer asked Bon to say another last goodbye with us even after her passport was stamped. Our last group hug would forever remain in our memories as a
closing chapter of Bon's IC life.
Charles @ Lee Cheol Se
Through a mutual friend, Doo, Charles and I met outside the IC main door's bench. He was sitting on one side, and I, on another. As usual, he was practising English by himself and I thought that he was very much a weirdo! Upon our introduction, Charles and I became fast friends. Even though I told him many stories about my life back then in September 2008 during
our initial meetings, he could only absorb 30% of my conversation. After hanging out for a month or so, he started to understand me better - to a point of 70%!!! Charles and I hung out everyday and through these sessions, he learnt his share of English and I gained a companion. We met every single day to the extend that we were like each other's shadows. People used us to track each other's whereabouts. When a very good friend left at the end of October, Charles stood by
me as I painfully said my first 'IC goodbye'. Coincidentally at that time, Ava, Bon and Joy were all not around. It was then that I realized that though he may not always come up with the best phrases or sweetest comment, he was truly my IC best friend - for he truly realized the phrase of 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'.
With my back injury that worsened in October, Charles helped me with my daily chores - laundry, shopping, carrying my bags etc. We shopped for Christmas and Valentine day cards together, we spent numerous big celebrations with each other's company and countless dinners and outings through the 6 month duration of our friendship. Through tedious preparations for Korean night and International night, our friendship was challenged as we spent less time together. However, the success of both 'nights' with our somewhat significant contributions made us feel so proud of each other's hard work. Charles tagged along even hen I met friends from outside IC and joined my NGO office Christmas outing to Baguio as well. I do admit that in many
ways, I was very dependant on him. Yet with a new romantic relationship that he found during his stay in IC, my IC best friend did not neglect me.
After minor arguments and disagreements, I tried so hard to depart from this 'temporary' friendship that doesn't seem to have a happy ending. I knew that when he left, it would tear me apart if I continued to be so dependant on him. I would be the one who's left behind to roam the familiar places, alone again. Nevertheless, as my roommate Danee puts it, I would be so selfish to deprive him of a friendship he has so sincerely offered. And so, despite the possibility of getting hurt when he eventually had to leave, I let down my guard and erased the lines I drew
to protect myself from truly being a friend and from being emotionally attached with a person.
Charles was a people's person. He was friendly with everyone in IC. His bubbly personality contributed much to a more cheerful atmosphere in IC. As we said our goodbyes on March 7, I had to steady myself for one of the worst days of my life. And as I walk around UP campus or IC grounds without my 'shadow', my eyes find it impossible to remain dry.
Goodbyes in IC are worse than breakups. I'm serious. A break up usually ends on a bad note or the fact that you have mutually agreed to part ways and end the relationship. However, IC goodbyes are one which you part because you have to - because a party needs to go home. And as you reluctantly cook your last dish for some one's farewell party, or drink your last bottle of San Mig during your last 'barkada' outing, you hold on to beautiful memories that you have shared and promises of future reunions and visits. You feel no sore remorse or regret for your past experiences together.
And you can't let go off such enriching bitter sweet moments shared. Unlike a break up, you have no reason to ditch these memories and let go...
Yes, it is true that there is a way to protect yourself from feeling all these sadness and emotional turmoil. You could numb yourself to goodbyes, you could choose to not care so much, set boundaries and barriers.. There are so many formulas of what to do and what not to do. Nevertheless, formulas might exist but these are humanly emotions. There are no straight
cut formulas to defend one's self against the hellos and goodbyes of an IC relationship. Our relationship runs deep, we're not just friends.. we are a family.
Note from the contributor: The 2 previous IC residents were chosen to be 'highlights' of this article based on very personal encounters. However, it doesn't mean that these personal encounters may not be repeated in other relationships in IC. Pause for a moment, think for awhile... don't those shared memories sound familiar? It could be of similar experiences you have shared with your IC friend(s). And if you have no recall of such memories with another IC resident, it might be time for you to join the next IC event!!!
p.s. Kimchi brothers, Sushi sisters and to any of my friends who are leaving as well.. not featuring you in this article does not mean I love you less!!! You know I love you girls/guys ^^
this was written in March 2009 after Charles and Bon left.
Bon @ Kazusa Takemika
Somehow, when Bon and I realized that we both shared the same blood group (AB - the 'weird genius'es), we also realized that we shared similar interests and liked similar things; namely, cakes. We had similar Korean best friend-situations and we enjoyed just hanging out somewhere,anywhere.. chatting. I enjoyed many of my happy memories at the front of IC's bench. There, Bon and Joy were my companions. And very so often, I would 'borrow' the IC female's CR. I used that CR even more then the one of my boarding house at Pook Dagohoy!! The visitor's guestbook was also filled with my log ins. ^^
After moving to IC, Bon and I became room neighbours. Being 3 doors away from me, we were always together. I remember the first time we cooked our first meal together. The memory still radiates a warmth in my heart. As I lacked utensils then, we had to share many of hers. When I got mine, I shared everything with her too! We would listen to songs as we cut onions, taste each other's dishes, plan what to cook, chase away IC house cats, and take turns carrying our cooked
dishes to the 'bench'. And at the 'bench', we shared our deepest sorrows and latest updates. We were like inseparable sisters who found each other after a long time. When I was sick or extremely exhausted, Bon would visit my room; once with chocolate cake sent from her dad all the way from Japan with a cup of hot tea. Her presence in IC completed the picture of a family.
She was truly a sister to all of us. She made sure we ate, she made us tea, cooked for us and was always there to listen to our stories. On top of that, she was actively involved with her NGO works and was also the project director of UPICA. Without her by my side, I would never have managed the international night's coordination works. with her angelic smile, Bon's presence at almost every single potluck dinners, IC friends' hangout and goodbye send offs was the symbol of
the international friendship and the being of a true IC family.
Her send off at the airport on March 8 was a truly heart- wrenching experience for many of us. As 14 of us of 7 nationalities bid our farewells to Bon, our eyes and hearts teared watching her go. We created such a crying scene at the immigration to the extend that the officer asked Bon to say another last goodbye with us even after her passport was stamped. Our last group hug would forever remain in our memories as a
closing chapter of Bon's IC life.
Charles @ Lee Cheol Se
Through a mutual friend, Doo, Charles and I met outside the IC main door's bench. He was sitting on one side, and I, on another. As usual, he was practising English by himself and I thought that he was very much a weirdo! Upon our introduction, Charles and I became fast friends. Even though I told him many stories about my life back then in September 2008 during
our initial meetings, he could only absorb 30% of my conversation. After hanging out for a month or so, he started to understand me better - to a point of 70%!!! Charles and I hung out everyday and through these sessions, he learnt his share of English and I gained a companion. We met every single day to the extend that we were like each other's shadows. People used us to track each other's whereabouts. When a very good friend left at the end of October, Charles stood by
me as I painfully said my first 'IC goodbye'. Coincidentally at that time, Ava, Bon and Joy were all not around. It was then that I realized that though he may not always come up with the best phrases or sweetest comment, he was truly my IC best friend - for he truly realized the phrase of 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'.
With my back injury that worsened in October, Charles helped me with my daily chores - laundry, shopping, carrying my bags etc. We shopped for Christmas and Valentine day cards together, we spent numerous big celebrations with each other's company and countless dinners and outings through the 6 month duration of our friendship. Through tedious preparations for Korean night and International night, our friendship was challenged as we spent less time together. However, the success of both 'nights' with our somewhat significant contributions made us feel so proud of each other's hard work. Charles tagged along even hen I met friends from outside IC and joined my NGO office Christmas outing to Baguio as well. I do admit that in many
ways, I was very dependant on him. Yet with a new romantic relationship that he found during his stay in IC, my IC best friend did not neglect me.
After minor arguments and disagreements, I tried so hard to depart from this 'temporary' friendship that doesn't seem to have a happy ending. I knew that when he left, it would tear me apart if I continued to be so dependant on him. I would be the one who's left behind to roam the familiar places, alone again. Nevertheless, as my roommate Danee puts it, I would be so selfish to deprive him of a friendship he has so sincerely offered. And so, despite the possibility of getting hurt when he eventually had to leave, I let down my guard and erased the lines I drew
to protect myself from truly being a friend and from being emotionally attached with a person.
Charles was a people's person. He was friendly with everyone in IC. His bubbly personality contributed much to a more cheerful atmosphere in IC. As we said our goodbyes on March 7, I had to steady myself for one of the worst days of my life. And as I walk around UP campus or IC grounds without my 'shadow', my eyes find it impossible to remain dry.
Goodbyes in IC are worse than breakups. I'm serious. A break up usually ends on a bad note or the fact that you have mutually agreed to part ways and end the relationship. However, IC goodbyes are one which you part because you have to - because a party needs to go home. And as you reluctantly cook your last dish for some one's farewell party, or drink your last bottle of San Mig during your last 'barkada' outing, you hold on to beautiful memories that you have shared and promises of future reunions and visits. You feel no sore remorse or regret for your past experiences together.
And you can't let go off such enriching bitter sweet moments shared. Unlike a break up, you have no reason to ditch these memories and let go...
Yes, it is true that there is a way to protect yourself from feeling all these sadness and emotional turmoil. You could numb yourself to goodbyes, you could choose to not care so much, set boundaries and barriers.. There are so many formulas of what to do and what not to do. Nevertheless, formulas might exist but these are humanly emotions. There are no straight
cut formulas to defend one's self against the hellos and goodbyes of an IC relationship. Our relationship runs deep, we're not just friends.. we are a family.
Note from the contributor: The 2 previous IC residents were chosen to be 'highlights' of this article based on very personal encounters. However, it doesn't mean that these personal encounters may not be repeated in other relationships in IC. Pause for a moment, think for awhile... don't those shared memories sound familiar? It could be of similar experiences you have shared with your IC friend(s). And if you have no recall of such memories with another IC resident, it might be time for you to join the next IC event!!!
p.s. Kimchi brothers, Sushi sisters and to any of my friends who are leaving as well.. not featuring you in this article does not mean I love you less!!! You know I love you girls/guys ^^
this was written in March 2009 after Charles and Bon left.
