This so true ↑. XD I always try to refrain from doing that, though. Haha.

I do this whenever I don’t like to answer awkward questions or refrain from discussing more about a subject. But, sometimes, I don’t mean to change the topic. ^^; I do have semi-short attention span.

(p_q)

 
South Korea: known for their cosmetics, fashion, dramas, and other hallyu stars. My first intention of why I want to go to S. Korea was to explore its architecture, culture, and other boring stuffs. The second was the food, third was buying a pair of boots and some BB creams. Lol Shobe’s was CD’s and cosmetics, and maybe some shoes.

Myeongdong

other part of Myeongdong

My dad’s cousin was not joking when she said cosmetic shops were like the local’s fast food chains—they were everywhere! (From the subways, random streets, CBD, etc.) Most of the prices of the cosmetics there were almost half of the price here. Example: nail polish, locally around 100php, there, 40php. (okay. so that was more than half.) Missha’s M Perfect Cover BB Cream is around 1000php++ for the 50ml locally. There it was 600php++! Of course I bought a bottle! I had read plenty of reviews regarding this BB cream, and most also did like this product.

Mom and shobe bought a lot of cosmetics. Hoarding they did. Achi and I bought some. Shobe and achi bought a lot of CDs. I bought mostly food, a CD, and a few cosmetic products. Achi, shobe, and I bought boots— 2 for achi, 1 for me, 1 for shobe, and another one which shobe and I shared. Haha ^^; Dad was all chill and enjoying random food he could find that smells good. I think he was overwhelmed when we stepped into Myeongdong. He enjoyed the architecture of the country, too. ^^;

Hoard from Myeongdong

The other purchases: CD’s

Achi’s

Shobe’s

…and mine haha

The lyrics sheet cover thing is actually also a poster!

The Keep Your Head Down and Girl’s Generation’s can cd (forgot what album title..) packaging were pretty *o*. JYJ’s In Heaven was also pretty, but expensive. KYHD was also expensive, but shobe said it’s bigger therefore more satisfaction or something like that… right. O_o; I only bought MATE’s Play, since it was my favorite album of theirs.

some snacks and juice

Bootsss

 
There were plenty of pretty and cheap clothes in Migliore. We didn’t buy any because most were winter clothes. It was November after all. They were tempting to buy, but we can’t wear them here in the Philippines. Haha. Imagine wearing a coat with fleece inner lining in a tropical country. Or a wool jacket even. =)) Uncomfortable!

 
I exchanged some of my cash to 120k KRW. I have 18k left with me o_o; I’m really thankful that this was a family trip. Not only did we bonded, but if mom and dad weren’t there, my sisters and I would’ve not experience some glorious sights and food. The Korail costs almost a plane ticket already. Some of the food were a tad bit expensive, too. ♥♥♥

 
South Korea Sneak Peek 2 next!

 
Get it? Bored meeting – board meeting? Hahaha! … … … *cough. Okay…
This was not really a board meeting… it was a bid meeting, as stated lol. ^^; My current firm was one of design consultants in the meeting. My boss tagged me along because we were also going to discuss something to the person also in the meeting. I drafted the plans, so in case my boss needed assistance, I was there to aid him. Like the dimensions. (._.);

 
So while they were discussing about the SOP of bidding, I was half listening and doodling. I have always thought the people we meet in those meetings were amusing and easy to draw. But that day, I met a few more people who reminded me of local comic characters. =)) I just have to draw them! My presence was not needed during that time yet. From their point of view, it was as if I was just writing down details that were being discussed. …Not like I needed to… o_o

 
I was not able to draw all of them. =\

 
The Court of Appeals has granted the appeal of PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers) to reverse the previous decisions of the Regional Trial Court. This was about the “preparing, signing, and affixing the seals on plans for submission to Building officials as a requirement for a building permit.” The said plans include the vicinity map/location plan, site development plan, perspective, floor plans, elevations, sections, etc. – in short, architectural plans.

 
The issue of who can sign architectural plans between architects and civil engineers in this country has long been around since forever. In the CE’s defense, they said that many years ago, they were allowed to sign and seal the said documents. Yeah well… that was decades ago. Present times do not always have to adhere to the past’s practices. Change is inevitable.

 
I don’t really understand why CE’s want to sign the architectural plans. They are called ARCHITECTURAL PLANS for a reason. OR they can take the architecture licensure exam so they are both Architect and Engineer. OR better yet… there is a course called architectural engineering. Maybe they can take that in college instead of just civil engineering.

 
First, there are differences in both professions. Architects design structures and plans functional spaces. CE’s studies the structural systems of a structure to ensure that it can withstand the loading conditions. CE’s curriculum also does not include architectural-related subjects. Architecture does at least have some engineering-related subjects. A bit unfair? Not really. When planning /designing a structure, an architect should also consider other components of a building like the utilities, columns, beams, etc. Architects design/plan with those factors in mind to achieve functional spaces habitable for the users.

 
A friend has a concern once engineers are able to sign architectural plans. Architecture graduates need to work for thousands of hours before they can take the board exam. CE’s can take the board exam right after graduating. So that means, a fresh CE graduate with license can sign architectural plans right away. Some (or most) clients’ concern is their budget. If they get a new almost naïve fledgling, they sure are getting to pay less. Hmm… doesn’t sound right… If CE’s do want to sign the arch’l docs, at least add several clauses regarding that issue among others.

 
I actually respect civil engineering as a profession. Yes, architects sometimes give headaches for engineers because they have to find the solution for the structural to achieve the design. But, once the final result is achieved, it becomes both the architect’s and engineer’s pride.

 
Architects can’t build their structures without the help of engineers. Engineers can’t answer the needs and wants of a client with respect of the external factors to achieve an aesthetically pleasing structure and functional spaces without the help of architects. With that, both professions actually complement each other. Architects have their own job descriptions, and so does civil engineers. So, I don’t really see why they need to fight over this really… It is kind of sad. Is this problem the same in other countries? Or is it another only in the Philippines thing?

 
 
Further reading:
Difference Between Civil engineering and Architecture
Court of Appeals Decision regarding signing of architectural plans
UAP : Official Position on CE Bills

 
I will mainly be posting our/my sightseeing trips in Foodietraveller. It’s my older sister’s food tripping and semi travel blog. I have thought of making another blog solely for travelling, but decided against it. Foodietraveller will be a food tripping AND travel blog. =) I will still be posting summaries here in miloe anyway just for my gushing of architecture, and other misc. things like street signs. Yes, you read right, street signs.

 
Second: I have started doing a 30 day photo challenge over at Through the Lenses~~! I didn’t make the list. lol. The link is at the bottom of the post. Apparently, I have stopped after day 1. Haha For some may now, we only have one (family) camera (has plans for the second one) and that my current cam phone sucks (I’m too poor to buy a new one). Achi took it with her to Bacolod late last week for our relative’s wedding. She should be home tonight. <_< so…yeah. Shall be updating that soon.

 
AND! Achi wrote in her facebook that Kuppa will be opening here in Metro Manila!!! Yey!!! Kuppa Coffee and Tea is a well-known café in Bacolod. It is like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaves, but with more choices. They also serve pastas, sandwiches, desserts and gelato ice cream. Our favorite of Kuppa is Matt’s Chocolate Cake (choco lava cake). A friend of mine from high school also loved it. He said it was the best lava cake he had ever tasted. There! The down side of this fact for me is that they will be opening at Fort Bonifacio. So far from home. ohwell. A bit closer to tasting another Choco Lava cake!

 
 
Cheers!

PS.A bit of RL news: I have officially resigned from my current job~~! I have until the end of the month here, then start working in another firm on the Feb 1! Rest? What rest? O_o. I have not heard of this word rest. (jk) But seriously, I can’t wait to start there.

PPS. Kuppa is already in business! =^^= should really drop by one of these days! Dad wanted to drop by this Friday. lol =)) not sure if it will happen. haha.
(edited Jan 17)