Hoboken, USA -- This post is dedicated to all the people who told me that it will just be a lovely 15-minute walk from 6th street to Newport city.  There's a special place for you in the fiery dungeons beneath the earth.

Keys
It's another day at the ICSB Academy! Except I got a bit of a problem. (again) I don't have the keys. They told me that they left my card key at Westin Hotel in Newport City. "It will be a lovely 15-minute walk downtown'' as I was advised. After my class at the Babbio Center, I went to my dorm to get another layer of clothes and went out. I was walking tirelessly and got to the point wherein I realized that I was moving slowly in the map.

Walking for more than 40 minutes now, I got to the point where I'd slash my money for a cab. I asked a very kind gentleman at the carwash and he said that there's no random cab for hire at the streets. He said I was very far away from Westin Hotel. A walk that would cost me another hour.

Now I don't want to fill this post with rants but it was truly a painful experience.  But along the way, I've seen so much, experienced so much and understood so much. I got to see Carlo's Bakeshop with his famous cakes and goodies! I was overwhelmed by the vintage color combinations in Washington Street at Hoboken, as if it was cleverly orchestrated. It was a beauty by itself! Even the 7-11 looked vintage with its pastel colors and brass lamps. The dentist's clinic looked super fancy schmancy. It was a difficult walk -- but a surprisingly pleasurable walk!

Westin
It was almost 2 hours and I've finally arrived at the Westin New Jersey. To make things worse, I forgot my ID. What if they ask me for an identification card? I couldn't possibly go back and try again tomorrow?! But then I realized that my LPU card was at the back of my planner and eventually thanked God a million times.

I got the dorm keys and finally, I could now rest in peace. No wait...now I need to go back. Long story short: Got a 10-dollar cab at the concierge, dropped off at the best pizza place and went back at the dorm with a happy tummy and an immobile pair of legs.

It's a Special Administrative Region of mainland China.
Let's start with something relatively easy -- with a little bit of history. After the first Opium War in 1842, Hong Kong (Hong Kong Island) became a British crown colony. It was later occupied by Japan after the Second World War and was eventually returned to the British in 1945.

After a few years, several declarations came into effect which paved the way for Hong Kong's independent features. The People's Republic of China together with United Kingdom signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1985 to let Hong Kong continue the exercise of its sovereignty. In 1997, The British decided to "handover" or "return" Hong Kong back to the People's Republic of China making it a Special Administrative Region where it enjoyed the highest autonomy in China. (Or at least they said it was). Hong Kong and Mainland China always had a bittersweet relations with each other -- and it taught me a lot of things.

It's nothing like China
Even though it is technically a province of mainland China, I realized that it's nothing alike. They're completely different people bound by the same ethnic origins. Obviously, one is a communist while the other exercises limited democracy. They speak different languages/dialects. The people of Hong Kong speaks Cantonese while PRC speaks Mandarin chinese. Even from their culture to politics, they remain intrinsically divergent.

For the record, they're "one" on "some" things: military and diplomacy. Den Xiao-ping created the "one country, two systems" to provide an answer to Hong Kong. Under this doctrine, the Special Administrative Region of China is allowed to have their own set of government headed by the Chief Executive (not a President, like you thought it was), separate political system, monetary and fiscal systems, multi-party systems, legislatures and so on. Except in two things: national defense (military) and diplomatic affairs (foreign policy).

It uses it's economic power to carry out it's foreign policy
Hong Kong is an economic powerhouse and its economic prowess is deeply rooted in its location. As a less populated piece of territory in the 19th century, this entrepôt quickly blossomed into one of the most important financial hubs in the globe. While several factors come into play in determining a pivotal power in a region, (i.e. population, land mass, raw materials, climate etc) it is said that size doesn't really matter if it's strategically located in the map. According to the Global Power City Index (GPCI), most cities that doesn't possess a vast amount of raw resources and land mass, like Singapore, placed 5th on the global rankings. Many experts speculated that Singapore had a few advantages in their hands such as their location in the Southeast Asia and it proved to be their key feature to become a powerful figure in the global stage.

Like Singapore, Hong Kong remains to be a melting pot of human connections. It was a market governed by thousands of people who came across this hub decades ago -- and it continues to be this way until today. The open door policy of Den Xiao-ping created another era for Hong Kong's economy. At this point, Hong Kong could no longer depend on China's prosperity. Clearly, Hong Kong's economic growth achieved a staggering growth in its post-war industrialization stage as more immigrants, refugees and entrepreneurs flocked the city. Making it a vital part of mainland china to bolster its economic stability.

Hong Kong may not have the ability to send diplomats, independently sign treaties with other countries or send out troops to maintain geopolitical influence but it's economic power and influence is clearly understood by the world leaders as something to be given equal importance and thus becomes Hong Kong's most powerful card in the game of world affairs.

They love their umbrellas
During my trip to Kowloon, I've seen people with an umbrella stitched into almost everything. Umbrella keychains, schoolbags, notebook designs and so on. Why is it everywhere and what does it mean? In September 2014, thousands of people gathered in the streets of Mongkok in a pro-democracy protest. The People's Republic of China has reneged its promise to grant Hong Kong a universal form of suffrage by passing reforms to change Hong Kong's electoral systems. It was seen as pro-Beijing, highly-restrictive, and manipulative. As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) pre-screening only the "loyalists" of all the candidates. It came out as plain biased to the people of Hong Kong. Second, they wanted the current Chief Executive, Leung Chun-Ying, to step down after being seen as "pro-Beijing."

The Umbrella Revolution was named after the authorities unscrupulous use of pepper-spray instead of curbing the demonstrations. The umbrella became a popular choice to shield off the clouds of tear gas and pepper spray during the course of the protest.

Many Hong Kongers believe that Beijing fears Hong Kong will elect a pro-democracy Chief Executive that will ultimately sever ties little by little from the mainland.

It's most likely to remain under Beijing -- or not
The independence of Hong Kong remains to be unclear. Until 2047, under the 50-year agreement after 1997, Beijing will continue to exercise it's political influence in Hong Kong. According to the South China Morning Post, Democratic party Executive Director, Lam Cheuk-Ting, Beijing is likely to send troops to take over should the city seek to go independent. On the other hand, experts believed that Hong Kong is too important for Beijing to use military force in case of rebellion. The West will most likely intervene if ever the mainland would resort to aggression. One could try to predict the political status of both entities in the future. On the contrary, it's almost too early to predict anything. Given that a lot of things could happen in a decade, what more for 50 years? For the meantime, it's up to the people of Hong Kong to live up to their iron-weaved will to be independent from external control and enjoy the privilege of being called a Hong Konger rather than a Chinese.

Suwon, South Korea -- Quaint afternoon; T'was our last volunteer work for this year's International Hyundai Work Camp which was spearheaded by the International Workcamp Organization (IWO) in South Korea.

Hoboken, USA -- I've finally arrived!

It was 1:00 in the morning. While I was walking to the nearest building, I saw the breathtaking New York skyline across the Hudson river.

Welcome to the Stevens Institute of Technology!

I rushed to the admin hall and asked for the dormitory keys under my name. Unfortunately, the university concierge didn't have the list. I know what you're thinking; as if I hadn't enough bad luck for today. I stayed for almost an hour at the lobby with the officer-in-charge and we weren't able to find the keys or the list anywhere. I searched my mac, contacted almost every organizers at 2:00 in the morning (sorry) and felt that I could just honestly sleep at the lobby couch for the night cause I'm DEAD tired.

The thing is, Officer McCauley just needed to see the list so that he could just escort me to the dormitory hall and get myself some sleep. Catch: I downloaded every single document and guide the ICSB sent me except for the room assignment list and I could've sworn that sometimes, life really wants to play with you. I prayed several times and waited for any reply from the organizers. After hirty minutes, we got a go signal. (God bless your kind soul, human.)

The officer called someone to help me get inside the dormitory. I passed the well-lit hallway with the vivid turquoise doors to room 101. Michael (the other winner at the World Bank Business Competition -- Jury's Choice Award) was already asleep. I was just exhausted and the next thing I did was hit my head at the pillows. While I'm about to fall asleep, I realized that I've downloaded the excel file of the room assignments in my dropbox app. Yes, I shall soon punish myself for my feeble-mindedness.

I slowly lifted my eyelids as the rays of sunshine shone directly to my left eye. It was 6 in the morning; and I've been forever ready for this moment! (At least for all the things that happened to me before I got here) I was ecstatic and I couldn't wait to kick the day with a new breath of positivity! Carpe diem! (to be continued)

Manila, Philippines -- "I've always viewed life as a game -- and I think that's the secret in winning in life."

New York, USA -- I finally arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal! Good heavens! We rushed to the gates and asked for directions at the counter. I was instructed to go to bus route 126 at Gate 323 (PABT-Hoboken, New Jersey 12PM)

Long story short, we dazzled upon the maze-like gates inside the terminals. I went crazy with the broken escalators (I mean really? I got two huge suitcases y'all!) I had to bring it upstairs and cry ever-so-slightly until we reach the third floor. The NYPD were very kind and they gave us the directions for our specific gates. Up to this point I still don't know why we were running.

When we got the the ticket booth, my friend realized that he'll be staying for a night at the terminal since the next bus will arrive at 8AM the next day. I still have a bus going to Hoboken after an hour. So we shook hands, gave each other's business cards and hope we could connect later in the virtual world! Thank you Jasurbek!

And so I'm alone; everything went slow again. I got to the point where I was going in circles; they just kept giving me the wrong directions! It's almost 12AM and I'm still not at the correct gate. An officer was nearby and I went to her for help. Fortunately, she assisted me with the ticket dispenser and was finally at the waiting area.

While waiting for the bus, I was so lucky to connect to the terminal's wifi. There was definitely no time to spare as I searched for the maps and directions at the terminal's website. When the bus arrived, I got the chills again. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO.

While I knew the location I'm bound to go, a first time visitor wouldn't obviously know where in 9th street Washington Av. would you specifically go. Poor Adam flashing the maps across his face and praying for the best.

Then there's this lady beside me who told me to not use my phone as long as she's there. Just when you thought that you've already had enough confusion, poof! Voila. I'm assuming that she's not allowed with too much light? (I really don't know)

I told her that I was lost and I needed to look at the maps to keep track. She said, "Oh you're lost? Well where are you going my dear?" I said I needed to go to 9th street. "Oh don't you worry!", she exclaimed. "I'll tell you when you need to go down. It's a lovely place! You'll feel the breeze in your face uphill."

While I was already super thankful for being saved from my worries, I was kinda worried what she meant by "uphill."

It's time -- 8th street and I'm off! I have bidden farewell to the surprisingly kind lady and got off the bus. It was awfully quiet and dark; I thought I was at an abandoned village with vintage looking  dollhouses. It was nerve-racking. I could've sworn that I was the only person walking in Hoboken at that hour. My maps was obviously not loading and there was no single human whom I could talk to.

I was praying and walking and praying and walking (you get the drill) until I stumbled upon a dormitory with two guys listening to some loud music. I yelled from the outside and I felt like I scared them (lol). I mean, what would you feel hearing voices from the window at 1:30 in the morning? They replied, "Hello, who's there?" like I'm some kind of a telephone call. But then I replied that I was outside their window and was terribly lost at that moment. They told me that Stevens Institute of Technology was just straight ahead and it was already there after a 2-minute walk!

After a few steps uphill, I felt the breeze from the Hudson river. There was a huge open gate as if it was waiting for my arrival!

I AM HERE. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was facing the golden New York Skyline. T'was truly majestic! I could sit there all night.

Right off the bat, I was about to produce man tears.

TIP: Choose an earlier flight.

Off I went to the train and was supposed to pay 5 dollars but then the first disaster came. I only had 50 dollar bills and the machine only accepted up to 10 dollars. You're supposed to get and swipe the Metrocard at the gates to go out. Apparently, I forgot to get smaller denominations and I'm now stuck inside the train station. The operator told me he could get me out for while and buy something at the snack bar to get change. But then I saw a credit card sign at the Metrocard dispenser! I tried swiping my card and got a 10-dollar metro card in less than a minute! Holy guacamole! God is good! 

While at the Jamaica station, I began asking some NY folks about the B train to Times Square. Contrary to what many people say, New Yorkers are actually very accommodating and they actually take their time to fully explain to you your destination. (real or not) Yep, that's the twist though. 

I was finally at the Sutphin Blvd- Archer Av Station from JFK airport and got on-board the freakishly familiar train I used to see at the movies. I went sheepishly at the corner and heard some Russians talking at the other side. There wasn't any seat until we've reached a few more stations. When I got a seat, another Uzbek sat at my left and asked if I knew where's the Port Authority Bus Terminal was. I was dumbfounded since I knew it sounded familiar not realizing that it was also the same place I was bound to go! I honestly felt a divine intervention at that very moment! Out of all the people in New York.. I mean really?! You've got to be kidding me!

What happened next was a series of running underground the concrete jungle. I actually felt like I was in the Amazing Race! Except we have a fully loaded XL suitcases that took all the fun away. We were almost at the end of the exit. This is it, I whispered. I'm ready to take on ze Big Apple! 

There it was! A dark silhouette of gargantuan buildings. You'll feel like an ant trying to catch your breath (well that's because you lifted a ton of suitcases up to the second floor)

I felt the first breeze at the back of Times Square. I already felt half ill. Indeed, I could hear Frank Sinatra's voice in my left ear! It came in too soon. At this point, to be real honest, I was just following my friend in whichever direction he would go. Man, was I exhausted! We were rushing to the left block from the exit and all I could hear was sirens, traffic, arabic/persian language on my right and plain old english but in a different accent. It was truly different yet it felt familiar. Everything became slow as I observed and internalized my first New York encounter. 

Manila, Philippines - Ticking off my carry-on list, grabbing another cup of water and last minute hugs to my mom and to my dog, off we go for another early flight from Terminal 3.

T'was a nerve-racking point in my life. I couldn't even imagine myself being away from my country for 2 weeks. What more for a few months? I sat down at the backseat of the car contemplating what the heck am I supposed to do with my life for the next 48 hours. Yes, you'll look forward to it but that's just 50/50 of the equation. All I can do at this moment is pray and ask the Lord to guide my wandering arse.

After our driver parked for less than a minute at the departure area, I looked at the sky (and thought of the trouble awaiting me) Everything went silky smooth inside the airport. You all know those typical things you had to do inside. For example, watching some first time travelers struggle at the security scan. (just kidding)

I remember when I had my first flight, I had all the things you had to take off when passing through the scanner. Name it: watch, belt, boots, coins in my pocket, bracelets, laptop in my bag. It was a nightmare! Now with my 20th boarding pass, I've finally mastered the scanner-proof airport outfit! A plain tee, comfy black jogger pants and a light pair of white nike kaishi is all you need!

For the first time in my life, the immigration officer didn't utter a single word. Very far from my first travel in Seoul. I think I received 50+ questions regarding my work camp it was frustrating. God knows how much crap I've had in airports and he blessed me this time with faster immigration process!

When I stepped inside the departure gates, I grabbed a cup of Bo's coffee and a hamdesal-type of sandwich.

Woosh, I inhaled my last Philippine air and off we go to Dubai!

Manila, Philippines -- "An encounter with a smaller door after crossing the main entrance. A prerequisite to a new chapter." All photos are from the official page of LPU Manila and Ina Bernabe. All rights reserved.

Sendai, Japan -- "I found myself in a delusional position -- thinking that it's odd to call a person you just met 15 minutes ago, your father. Yet it felt natural I guess, it just felt natural."

We arrived at the JENESYS hall in Miyagi prefecture -- 20 minutes late --which was quite unusual in Japan. I saw people staring outside from the window. We rushed upstairs and catched our facilitators apologizing.

"Suddenly I was nervous."

T'was like waiting to be adopted and you don't have a clue of who your parents might be or would be like. I reached the number and saw their names. I was quite fidgety that night.


"Hello!" "Ah! Konbanwa!" I don't know why I said that but I just did. She said to call her Ka-chan or mom. Too cute! Trophy (from Thailand) and I formally introduced ourselves and had some few talks.

Ka-chan (mom) said that To-chan (dad) was at work and he'll arrive at the evening. The ceremony didn't took that long and we had to leave soon.