Nosebleed Everyday

While studying at UP, I was able to take 12 units of Nihongo even though only 6 units were required (for eng'g students: 3 units free elective slot = 6 units language elective). All of the grammar lessons in Hapon 10-13 are actually based from 1 textbook, which is the Minna No Nihongo book 1 (Japanese for Everybody book 1). This book, containing 25 lessons, seems to be the standard reference for those who want to learn Elementary Japanese.

I enrolled Hapon 10 and 11 in separate semesters, in order for me to at practice Nihongo for at least one full school year. 2 years later (my graduating year), I opted to take 6 more units (Hapon12-13) in Nihongo in order to have something to do aside from Thesis. All in all, it took me 3 semesters to finish book 1 of みんな　の　にほんご。

Now at work, I am continuing my Nihongo studies for my upcoming client-based deployment. Under the same sensei (Weng-sensei) from Hapon12-13, I am to finish book 2 by mid August. Book 2 of Minna No Nihongo means 25 more lessons and a lot more Kanji (~500). Just a few months fresh of being JLPT level 4 certified, I am now given less than 2 months to be equivalently skilled at level 3, finishing the whole Elementary Japanese course. At least, good for me that I already had a background. My partner had to start from scratch; thus, taking a crash course in Nihongo. For his part, he has to finish the whole book 1 prior to our deployment. Good luck for both of us! ;)

I feel like a student, in fact I still am. Haven't felt the pressure of 'work' yet, at least while I'm still here in the Philippines. As for now, all we have to do is study Nihongo. I guess I should be grateful for now.

This month, 2 more Engineers have joined our company. JC has just transferred from NEC Toppan (same building, 15th floor) while Paul had been in Canon for 5 years before his 1 year job at a software company in Makati. The more the merrier, I believe.

We're still stuck at our temporary office here in CyberOne. I can't wait to transfer at our REAL office at IBM Plaza. I wonder when it would be finished.