I will never forget the day I got the chance to have an exclusive chat with the late Charles Causley, one of Great Britain's most distinguished poets. The great thing was that he gave me his latest book with his signature on it. 

I have always dreamed of furthering my studies abroad, particularly in the UK because of its academic tradition of excellence. When I came here, I was absolutely looking forward to heed the challenges and opportunities that may come my way.

COMMUNIST ME?
Expect the unexpected in a foreign land and be ready to deal with it. Feeling bored and homesick, I decided to have a needed walk in the park and see what the city life has to offer. Unconscious about the people around me, I was distracted when an English lad skating around shouted at me with these 'lovely' words; “What the f**k! Go back to your country, you communist!” 

Did I feel mesmerized? I pretended that I heard nothing but I just can't stomach it. Although nervous but undeniably infuriated, I talked back and explained that I'm not a communist, I definitely love democracy and I'm a freedom fighter. 

How did he respond? The guy became tamed, perhaps of my American twang, which I believe most Filipinos possessed. He then apologized and for whatever reason he had in his mind, he thought that I was Chinese, probably because of my features.   Lesson learned here: don't be afraid of anything as long as you're on the right track and most importantly, go on with your walk in the park!

BRIT SLANG 101
There are words and slang terms, Brits are fond of making use of, that you need to use and remember if you want to 'thrive' in the country. It is essential that you also learn to adapt to their accent so that you'll not be mistaken taking 'building two' instead of 'building tour' as what happened to me during my first visit to the University. Don't worry though as these are not the only words left in the English dictionary as what I first thought.

Fancy a hunky 'bloke' (guy)? Perhaps a 'snog' (kissing) is the best way to stimulate two people from a 'massive' party crowd as they make the most of their intimacy before they decide to settle for a 'bloody' but definitely 'smashing' 'shag'. Get it? Cheers mate?

BRITISH GG
Life is not so easy especially when you miss your country so badly. It can be so frustrating, lonely and sobbing. What I'm doing to fight boredom and homesickness is to watch Tagalog flicks, which I bought from Quiapo and Recto before jetting off here. 

Speaking of Tagalog flicks, I remember the movie 'American Adobo' when in a Christmas party organized by a Filipino community in the Cornwall area; a Filipina unabashedly brought her 'best recipe', which was adobong galunggong to compliment with English finger foods. We burst into enormous laughter when we saw it served as if someone would dare to eat it considering that we're on a dance party. Someone creatively suggested to call it; “the adobong GG (galunggong) with British accent.” 

Anyway, I was tempted to ask the cook if I could take some home as I really miss Pinoy foods.

KABAYAN!
There's no substitute to enjoying your student life than meeting fellow Filipinos in the UK. They have their own funny, interesting and moving stories to tell that even scriptwriters, if you like, would dare to consider their 'award-winning' life stories.

I met this Filipina (former Imelda Marcos' PA as she would introduce herself) who hasn't gone home to the Philippines for more than 20 years now. Her husband would not allow her to. Besides, she doesn't have enough money to buy a ticket. The couple just depends on social security benefits.

Meanwhile, another Filipina ran away from her Arabian boss in a London hotel to find her pen pal who eventually became her husband. Oh, lovely! It's nice to know that they are open, unpretentious of their past and uninhibited in sharing their stories, unraveling the lessons they've learned and giving me pieces of advice to ponder with.

On the other hand, there are also a huge number of Filipino nurses and other health care professionals based here. Noteworthy is the fact they were commended for their competence, unparalleled professionalism and genuine service. In a Reader's Digest article, a hospital administrator from Hammersmith Hospital in London was quoted as saying that Filipino nurses are significant and invaluable professionals who are of great help in the delivery of health care services to the country.

Although still adjusting to my life overseas, I have discovered many things about myself, the people around me and personal and familial pursuits in life. My stay here gives me a keener appreciation of my place in the world because of the lessons, experiences and adventures I've embraced. The best thing is that my UK experience serves as a beacon for reflection as I aspire for greater heights and promising opportunities.

It's a cliché to say that 'there's no place like home' but it's true indeed! Amidst the political and socio-economic turmoil in the Philippines, I would still love to come back and do my share in nation building. It's not enough that we say we love the country; we have to do something to make things better and to make life easier. Oh man, I miss the busyness and uncertainties of Manila, I miss talking 'heavy accented Ilocano', I miss my family, fishballs ni Manong, banana cue and stuff. But for now, I just love living my life  simple yet complicated, call it bloody yet lovely!

(Algy hails originally from Rosales, Pangasinan. At 23, he's been to Korea, Japan, and Germany aside from the UK where he represented the country in international youth confabs. He also does volunteer works for various youth-serving and social organizations. Algy hopes to continue living his 'life less bloody yet lovely' as he aspires for more opportunities and invaluable experiences.)