Jyet ¤ Rocks

Day 02 - Taipei Part 1

2011-05-16T20:59:00.003+08:00

May 16, 2011:

I can't sleep. This usually my problem during my first night on a foreign land. My body still adjusting with its new surrounding.

Also, current suffering a bad case of stomach-ache, been in and out of the bathroom. (#tmi).

It's also my first day back in Taipei Office, to do some training.

Ate lunch at Burger King, since I'm in no mood to look for the 'dakot-dakot' food stores at the back of the office.

My initial plan for the day is after work I'll be going to HTC Care Center near ZhongXiào Xinsheng MRT Station, to have my yUna fixed. But since I'm not feeling well and it's still raining outside, I decided to planned it some other day.

Day 01 - Taipei Part 1

2011-05-16T20:52:00.001+08:00

May 15, 2011:

So here I am again at Taipei, after 4 years.

Nothing's changed I guess.

Still lots of Scooters

Doors are still made of steels.

Still rainy althrough-out the day!

The apartment building still looks the same.

I'll be here for almost three weeks, then be back in the Philippines for 4 days, then back in Taipei for 1 month. Atleast that's the plan.

I'll guess I'm just going to make the most out of it.

Say No To Coke

2011-01-24T11:10:00.000+08:00

Part of my New Resolution, (meron pala ako nun ngayon ko lang na realize) is to lessen my consumption of Carbonated Drinks especially Coke. It's been a habit of me that every snacks, every meal or when I’m just plain thirsty is to drink Coca-cola rather than water of juice. This doubles up whenever I'm not in the Philippines since water and Coke almost cost the same.

That's why I decided to abstain myself from drinking any carbonated drinks for my entire stay here in Tokyo.

The plan is, if I could just let go drinking coke, at least I could gain confidence of letting go of other things, like rice or pork or maybe star bucks (#asa).

So far I've been sober for 2 weeks and I'm not suffering from any withdraw syndrome. There's a few instance that I've been tempted to buy one and drink, but so far I haven't relapse yet.

Welcome to the Land of NO Free WiFi!!!

2011-01-18T12:30:00.001+08:00

For starters, I'm back in Tokyo, Japan and I'm going to stay here for 89 Days from January 11 to April 9.

It was supposed to be a 4 hour flight from Manila to Tokyo, but since most airlines are already fully booked (must be due to the influx of 'Japayukis' returning to Japan) we we're booked on a Cathay Pacific flight bound to Hong Kong with a connecting flight to Tokyo. So what turns out to be a 4 hour flight turns to a 6 Hours flight with 3 Hours lay over at Hong Kong Airport.

Hong Kong Airport probably the most beautiful airport I’ve ever been to. It's huge with a magnificent interiors. Add the fact that they have FREE WiFi connections very useful for those who had long layovers. I did quite enjoyed my time at the Hong Kong airport. Gaining my Jetsetter and swarm Foursquare badge is one of them.

We landed at Narita Airport in Tokyo at around 6 AM. I checked using my phone if they had a free WiFi access, unfortunately all WiFi access cost 500 yen for a one day unlimited access. Too bad I can’t check-in here via Foursquare. We then rode a Airport Bus to Shinjuku, probably an hour and half ride

When we got off from the bus, it was like we've entered a Freezer! It's so cold that could numb your hands and face! Much colder when I was here 1 year ago.

We went first to our Hatagaya Apartment before reporting at the Office so that we could freshen up and change our clothes, (wala ng ligo ligo para patas ang laban!).

We went to the office around eleven. Nothing's change, same people, same faces, same volume of workload. Work was already waiting for us so we really don't have any idle time.

The next days was as busy as we should be.

We spend the weekends going to shopping areas looking for winter clothes. But I end up buying nothing.

Truth be told, Tokyo could be a very boring place if you've been here several times. The first time will always be the best one since there's excitement on experiencing adventure on an unknown terrain. I guess I just have to wait for Spring to come and see some cherry blossom to lighten up my stay here, or probably look for a new place to explore.

I just wished there’s a free WiFi somewhere so that I could still do foursquare and live tweeting on my where-about.

18 Days: Food Homesickness

2010-08-04T09:46:00.001+08:00

August 03, 2010

I love eating fishballs! Be it on roving street vendor, a food stall, or home-cooked, nothing beats this classic street food.

When I was in high school, we used to sell fishballs, squid balls, kwek-kweks, and kikiam right outside our house.

Since I'm longing to eat one, I bought a Fish Ball at an Asian Store. I was dissappointed since it's not the typical fishballs I used to eat in the Philippine, but will still suffice my cavings. Then I googled on how to make the sauce and made it by myself.

The sauce with the Fishball taste so good, the only problem is the sauce lacks the thickness, like it should be.

However, I'm happy with what I made.

Song Inspiration:
Coldplay - Yellow

19 Days: Android

2010-08-04T09:29:00.000+08:00

August 02, 2010

Since I bought an Android Phone last Spring, I've been longing to also own an Android Toy I could put on display.

Andrew Bell is a toy designer who was commissioned by Google to release an Android Toy. It was released last February 2010, was sold out in an instant.

I was browsing ebay this past months monitoring the prices of the Toy, however most sellers overpricing the toy, not untill i saw a $15.00 one. I immediately ordered it.

Then, I visited the toy website again, and says they will release another set of toys.

Argh!!!

Song Inspiration:
Chad Kroeger - Hero

20 Days: iHop, uHop, weHop

2010-08-02T13:29:00.000+08:00

August 1, 2010

Such a dull day. I didn't even dared to go out today, since it's scourging hot outside with 38 Degrees weather.

I pretty much hang out inside the house, finished watching The Office (UK series), did some laundry, washed some dishes, and cleared out some stuffs that i might forgot to pack.

Night comes, Karl and Jessa got bored and ask me to go out with them and have a dinner at iHop and eat some pancakes... yes for dinner hahaha!!!

It was my first time eating there, I usually go to Denny's when I'm for pancakes or some American Breakfast. I ordered a Chocolate Chip Pancake with suasage, egg and hashbrown on the sides. From the looks of it, it seems to be a burnt pancake, but it did taste so good and chocolatey to especially the melted chocolate chip. I can't even eat a whole 1 piece of the pancake, so I have to boxed it out so I good still eat it tomorrow morning.

Song Inspiration:
Jewel - You Were Meant For Me

21 Days: One Down

2010-08-02T13:08:00.000+08:00

July 31, 2010

I already start packing up my things especially the one that I'll be sending ahead of me via Door-To-Door Cargo.

Must say, it's not an easy task. Even though there are no weight limit, I'm having a hard time fitting everything in a box. Thus, I end up with the rest of the pasalubongs unpacked.

Might as well pay American Airlines for my checkin baggage, if i can't fit everything in my luggage. I still have 21 days more, maybe I could ask somebody else to bring this things back home for me. Anyone Willing?

Song Inspiration:
Jason Mraz - Curbside Prophet

22 Days: Newly Acquired Indulgence

2010-08-02T12:29:00.001+08:00

July 30, 2010

I just bought a new set of book, it's Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy book, which is currently leading the best seller book list.

It's a suspense, investigative type of story according to reviews. The main reason why I bought the book is because the lead is a Hacker.

I don't know when I'm going to start reading these books, I'm still currently trying to finish two books, The Gargoyle and Para Ka B.

Only time will tell...

Song Inspiration:
Nadasurf - Always Love

23 Days: Welcome To The Frontline

2010-07-30T12:06:00.000+08:00

July 29, 2010

Just got a copy of the latest release of B0dy C0mbat, you know the group exercise I got obsess about this past two years.

So far, I'm not liking this current release, probably because there's no exciting track or new steps going on. The only good thing about this release is the komodo dragon / alligator pushups and the jiu-jitsu step at the condition track.

I already missed two releases of B0dy C0mbat and when I return in September, it will Mix 'N Match tracks again, not that I don't like Mix N Match's but I just like the feeling of doing a release for a whole month until your too tired of doing the same thing over and over again.

Song Inspiration:
Foo Fighters - The Pretenders

24 Days: Singing Along To Feeling Alright

2010-07-29T10:04:00.000+08:00

July 28, 2010

Here's a good thing of coming home, alone, you could sing at the top of your lungs without bothering anybody.

I could rock my voice out, singing from the top of my lungs. At times I've even dared recording it just for fun.

Maybe I should try uploading one.

Would you listen to it?

Song Inspiration:
Hansons - Penny and Me

25 Days: Home Alone

2010-07-28T08:55:00.000+08:00

July 27, 2010

My housemate left yesterday. My new housemate will move in next week after the bedsheets on the other room has been replaced by the cleaning ladies.

Guess I have the apartment by myself 'till the end of the week.

Song Inspiration:
Greenday - Boulevard of Broken Dreams

26 Days: Inception

2010-07-28T08:40:00.000+08:00

July 25, 2010

Sunday... a very dull day, we decided to watch a movie to kill the boredom.

We watched Inception, since every body talks about it either in facebook or in twitverse. I was very intrigued about this movie, and been anticipating to watch it on its first week.

The main premise of the movie is to show how powerful a dream could be, and how this affect your outlook in life.

With a brilliant cast backing up a superb script, no wonder this movie became the talk of the whole cyberworld.

Now, how can you be sure that the world your living in is just a dream, or a reality... guess i must find my own totem to test reality. What would it be? Hmmm...

Song Inspiration:
The Cranberries - Dreams

27 Days: To The Moon... and Back

2010-07-26T01:44:00.000+08:00

July 25, 2010

It's been one hell of a roadtrip to and from Houston.

First, it's a very long trip. Imagine being in a car for almost 5 hours, even though your playing your favorite song on the radio, it still won't suffice to the uneasiness of being in an enclosed space for a long time.

Add to that, we almost got into an accident while we're heading to Houston along Interstate 45. This stupid driver suddenly, out of no where cut us off, on our blind spot! And we're about to enter a curved road.

Because we left Arlington late, we were unable to view all the spots I've planned to go. We didn't enter NASA Space Center also since we arrive there past noon and paying $20 for a whole days worth of tour is not worth on the time we had. But we got lucky cause there's a free musuem in one of the NASA complex where you could take a look a huge Rocket Ship, the Saturn V.

I also got my Houston Starbucks City Mug, which completes the Texas City Mugs I must have.

At the end of the day, we decided to head back home, and I was tasked to drive back. I've got used to do long driving here in the US during the night time, since I'm the one who always drive on the night. This time it was different because I saw some Deers along the shoulder of the freeway! The thought of them crossing the freeway came to my mind, getting worried if i might bumped them off and have an accident because of that. Good thing, no Deers crossed in our way.

However this time, I really did get sleepy on the final hour of our drive. My eyes are failing me, closing if i see a bright light coming from the other side. I just endured it and focus on the road. Good thing we got home safe and sound.

Song Inspiration:

Savage Gardeen - To The Moon And Back

28 Days: I'm A Weirdo

2010-07-24T14:40:00.003+08:00

July 24, 2010:

Do you watch Kyle XY? His a genetically enhanced human being being without any belly button and loves sleeping in a bath tub.

Well last week, because it's too noisy outside my room, I decided to sleep in the bath tub, just to minimize the noise. I grabbed the comforter, my pillows and laid it in the tub.

I know I'm weird, but I'm too desperate to sleep that day, and I have to do something

I could still hear their noise, but is not minimal. I think I slept for over an hour, then after sensing that they're not there anymore, i decided to return to my bed, and have some decent sleep.

Song Selection:
Radiohead - Creep

29 Days: Life on the Moon

2010-07-24T12:13:00.001+08:00

July 23, 2010
Guess where we're heading tomorrow…

Not on the moon, you silly! We’ll be going to Houston, Texas, home of the NASA Space Center.

It’s almost a 5 hour drive, but who cares? I wanna see some Space Crafts!!!

Besides of visiting the Space Center, we would also roam the city, probably find some nice tourist spots.

But definitely, I need to look for the Starbucks Houston City Mug!

Song Inspiration

David Cook - Life On The Moon

30 Days: A New Beginning…

2010-07-23T12:59:00.003+08:00

July 22, 2010:
Today, I officially letting go my laptop for two years, my ever loyal HP DV5-1017nr.

Two years ago, when I was asked to attend the Black Hat Conference in Las Vegas, USA, I decided to buy my first Laptop at a nearby Best Buy Store along Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. I remember how foolish I was in agreeing to add a Trend Micro License on my laptop package. I was also so scared when we ride the public bus because there are too many suspicious persons with us in the Bus. So once we’ve reached the Stripped we quickly asked to driver to pull over and went straight back to our hotel.

We’ve been to many places, my laptop and I. From Las Vegas, Tokyo, California, Texas, malls, tons of Starbucks Stores in the Philippines. I almost bring with my laptop everywhere I go, my own personal digital sidekick.

But everything is subject to its end, last Monday, the LCD finally gave up. It seems to be a cable problem connecting the LCD to the Video card; my tech friend says it might be the LCD inverter. Worst case, I must replace the entire LCD.

I never saw this coming, I was eager that I could save about 1/3 of my allowance here. I was so close in reaching it, but alas, this happened.

I decided to replace my HP and buy a new one. Yesterday I bought an Asus UL30JT, a small portable, yet powerful laptop that has a 10 hour battery life.

So far, I’m still getting used to it, especially the small screen, since for two years, I’ve been using a 15.4 inch with barely 10 pounds laptop. I have no problem with Windows 7 since I’ve been using Vista ever since I had a laptop; the only thing I noticed is the speed.

As for my old HP, I’ll still have it fixed, probably sold it to someone. The system is still working smoothly, besides the LCD problem, so I guess it’s still marketable. Right?

Song Inspiration:
Semisonic - Closing Time

FroYo!!!

2010-05-24T11:56:00.003+08:00

May 23, 2010:

The long wait is over. After Google announced last Thursday on the Google I/O conference held at San Francisco, California, Android 2.2 codename FroYo has already surfaced and most Nexus One owner are now enjoying with the latest OS update.

I've got a chance to update mine using the manual update link I got from the Engadget article. I had no trouble installing it on my phone. Update is really fast! Only took me about 20 minutes to completely update my Nexus One to Android Froyo OS.

So far I'm having a blast using it, especially the increase in speed, because of the JIT compiler. Flash also works flawlessly, especially on embedded videos. However I'm still on a hunt into searching for a kickass Flash Game I could play.

On the sad note, the App2SD card is still not working, since the Apps needed to be updated for this new feature. I'm still hoping the Apps will have updates in the near future supporting this.

For the rest of the features of this new OS, please refer to the video below:

Defensive Driving

2010-05-24T11:33:00.001+08:00

May 22, 2010:

The company required us drivers to attend a defensive driving class, so that we could learn some rules, common malpractices, and often cause of accidents here in the US.

Most of our classmates got a speeding ticket, we're only 5 out there who attend just to learns stuffs.

I had a lot of fun with the class, mostly because it's a comedy defensive driving class, means that the instructor, besides teaching stuffs about defensive driving, is also giving us jokes sometimes with regards to the topic just to keep the class alive, and pretty much we're all awake the whole 6 hours of it.

Got WiFi?

2010-05-22T10:16:00.001+08:00

May 21, 2010:

Starbucks recently emailed me, that I already reached Green Level.

I've been using the Starbuck card that I got from the conference I attended last 2008 in Las Vegas, to purchase drinks at Starbucks.

Every purchase seems to gain a star. So far, I ready have 7 stars. It only takes 5 stars to reached the Green level.

So what's the perks of having a Green Level status? First a free drink on your birthday. A free espress shot or syrup on every purchase. And a 2 hour free wifi access in all Starbucks store.

Now with free wifi, maybe I could start hanging out at Starbucks like what I used to do back in the Philippines! That would be so great!!!

(Note: Only applicable in US/Canada area)

Unboxing Canon 24-70mm

2010-05-21T11:05:00.001+08:00

March 20, 2010:

Since I still have 100 days left here in the US before I go back to the Philippines, I decided to go back to blogosphere today.

Lately I’ve been pre-occupied rummaging twitterverse, consuming all of my idle time. I became terribly addicted to it.

And what's a nice way of starting my countdown blog is blogging about a gadget I recently bought.

Last week, I ordered a Canon 24-70mm Lens. It is considered the most efficient general purpose lens since it has a good 24mm wide shot and decent zoom length. Plus it is equipped with a 2.8 aperture all throughout.

Today, the package arrived

The package includes a whooping 4.0 lbs lens, an EW-83F lens hood a Lens Case and a Manual

Side by side with my other lenses

(From Left Canon 10-20mm UWA, Sigma 70-300 SuperZoom, Canon 24-70mm, Canon 50mm Prime)

Extended Mode

Now down with my test shots

Guess I'll need to have a new project using this lens.

(Shot using my Nexus One)

Unboxing Yuna: My Google Nexus One Smartphone

2010-03-18T07:59:00.002+08:00

March 17, 2010:

Since the release of Google's 2nd smartphone, the Nexus One, I'm already itching to have one. I fell in love with it the moment I laid my eyes on it.

Boosting with a 1 GHZ Processor, 3.7 inch AMOLED touchscreen, 5 MP Camera, and Android 2.1 (Eclair) OS, truly it is an iPhone killer.

I saw a blog by Yugatech that he had already ordered one, I believe a week after its release, and expecting to receive the phone in two weeks time. So I waited for his blog review for the phone and if he recommends it for Philippine use.

A friend of mine in Singapore, also drooled over this Nexus One, and ordered right away, the minute he think he could buy one. When I went to Singapore last January, I had chance to try out his phone, and I was really ablaze with excitement, the more I want to have one.

Later that week, Yugatech had already posted his review about the phone and it indeed work's flawlessly including 3G in the Philippines. And that's it, I'm convinced that I'm going to buy one.

I also started tuning in to other video review comparing it to iPhone 3GS, just to make sure that I'm making the right choice.

February, I set foot in US soil for the third time (oh! I forgot to tell you that I'll be here in the US, particularly in Northern Texas for 6 months!), I waited for the right time to buy the phone.

Yesterday, I finally had the courage to buy the Nexus One, and today it arrive.

My Yuna...

I haven't explored it yet though. According to instruction, i should charged it first before using, so that's what I'm doing right now. I'm so excited using it but I have to wait!

Argh!!! I hate waiting!!!

Travelling Through... ALONE!!!

2010-02-19T21:10:00.000+08:00

February 19, 2009:

Here i am again at the airport tarmac, waiting for my flight to US, bound to LA California, but my final destination will be to Texas this time.

This will be the first time that I'll be flying alone, without anyone i knew of. I just it's scary, but I guess it’s very adventurous experience.

I'll be gone for 6 months, and be back by September. Yes, it will be the longest so far that i'm out of the country. Guess I'll be missing a lot of things, like the election, our Town's Annual Traditional Salubong on Easter Sunday, and especially the relocation of our office in Eastwood.

I also ask my manager if i could have a one week leave after my YY assignment and visit my relatives as San Francisco. Thus I'm not going to spend my Birthday in the middle of Pacific Ocean yey!!!

Also I'll be missing my friend Maan who will be resigning at the end of February to venture a new career in Microsoft in Ireland. I don't know when I will see her again. I'm just hoping that she will buy us plane tickets to Europe soon, so that we could visit her and eh her soon-to-be Audi car.

On the side note, i think i left my cellphone on my car. Geez!!! Paging Lowla Jessa, can you bring it with you next month huhuhu!!!

I'll be boarding in a few minutes now. I just hope there's a free internet in L.A.X when I get there tomorrow. I'll have 6 hours lay off though, so I definitely need an internet.

Talk to you soon...

Backpacking...

2010-01-26T02:35:00.000+08:00

January 26, 2010:

I'll be going a 3 day Vacation to the Land of the Merlion, Asia's Tiger, The Singapore.

This will be the first time that I'm going outside the country using my own money.

It was supposed to be a group tour, however, Angelica already went last November, by herself, without inviting us, thus me and Maki were left behind.

We'll be staying at a friend's house for three days, hopefully they could also treat us for foods et. al. hahaha!!!

I'm only backpacking, carrying only a duffel bag, and Camera Backpack. No laptops, No Suitcases. Travelling Lite indeed.

The plane will leave by 6:25 via PAL, and land 9:55 in Changi International Airport. I'm really looking forward experiencing Changi Airport, because according to celebrities, its own of the most beautiful airports in Asia. Now my camera's getting excited!

So let's start this journey!!!

Singapore, I'm Coming!!!

Goodbye, 2009…

2009-12-31T21:32:00.002+08:00

December 31, 2009:

Remember the year-end blog that I posted last year? Well it’s time to answer that letter that I wrote to myself.

Dear 2009 Jethro,

The year 2009 has been so unpredictable to you. A lot of things happened so quickly, but yet it’s always for the better.

The year started with an ambition, to learn how to drive. At first you’re quite hesitant about it, but still u pursued and endured the quick driving course, on a Manual Transmission car. After a month, you got your first Driving License, I’m really so proud of you, it’s one step closer in full-filling your dream to have a car.

Again for the second time, you got a chance to go to America, this time in the state of California. I bet you really enjoyed your time there even for just a span of 3 months. You’ve toured every single tourist spot in the area, and also got a chance to do state hopping in just 3 days.

When you got back from the states, after experiencing driving by yourself in the US, you decided that it’s time for you to have your own car. You’ve checked your savings, and found that you could afford buying a used car. After two months of looking, a week after your birthday, you’ve found Yuri, your Honda Civic 97 Grey car. You’re so excited with your car that the day after you’ve bought, so started driving with it alone, challenging your driving skills, by voyaging the ever reckless road of the Philippines. Today, you still can’t believe that you actually own a car.

Your love for photography is still there. You started buying accessories for your camera like an external flash and lenses. You even joined a studio photography crash course, and pretty much was amused by the shots you’ve taken. Now all you need is lots of practice and a proper guide and critic.

Up till now, you still love attending Body Combat classes. It’s your stress –reliever. Even though you don’t talk too much with your Combatmates, I guess they always missed you whenever you are not attending the class for a long time, they just embarrassed of showing it, hahaha. Besides Combat classes, you’ve also got addicted joining Tina’s Cycling class in Eastwood and Metroeast Fitness First. Good job! Now target to slim down to your desired weight of 125 by 2009 okay?

In terms of technology, you got addicted with Facebook and Twitter, a new innovation in the social networking world. You’ve abandoned Friendster, nearly neglected Multiply, totally forgotten Blogspot, because of these two micro-blogging website. You even do Facebook and Twitter on the go, thanks to mobile Tweeting, 3G internet, your Nokia e71, you iPod Touch, and of course the free WiFi Internet service found in malls across Metro Manila.

On a sad note, Ondoy and Pepeng happened, wrecking almost the entire Luzon. Many people died. Many lost their houses and other properties. But thanks to God, and the Bayanihan Spirit of Filipino people, we all atleast recovered from that graved tragedy, hoping for it not to happen again. Thus, I’m so proud, that From Where I’m From, Everyone’s A Hero!

I guess 2009 turn out to be on your side. These past few months, you even won a lot of things, like the Pepper Lunch Cap, via the Twitter Contest of Pepper Lunch Philippines. You also won a New Nintendo DS Lite on your Company’s Christmas Party, while you’re assigned in Tokyo, yet again. And before the year end, you also again won a 500 Globe Prepaid Load via Yugatech’s Merry Tweetmas contest. Wow 3 winning streaks! You should definitely try your luck joining the super mega Lotto!

2010 shall come unpredictable, but as always you should be always prepared.

Hello 2010, and cheers to 2009!

Always and Forever,

Jethro

The Narita Express (成田エクスプレス) Experience

2009-12-25T00:09:00.001+08:00

December 23, 2009:

Trains or Densha are the common mode of transportation in the Land of the Rising Sun. It is even the best and cheap option if you are going to Narita Airport in class.

JR Line is the one managing this train, called the Narita Express or N'EX. It is a reserve seating train, which you can ride if you are bound to go to Narita Airport, or from Narita Airport to Key Cities in Tokyo (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, etc.).

From Shinjuku, it would probably take around 45 minutes to get to Narita Airport. Price usually cost around 3,110 Yen.

Compared to other trains that I already ridden, I guess so far, this one is the best. The new Model of the E259, which was only launched last October 2009, features a much chic atmosphere, as if your already on a plane. The seats are comfortable. There's a electricity socket which can be found on one of the armrest. Also WiFi Internet is also offered, for a price. LCD monitors inside the cars are also informative, flashing recent nwews in Japan and the World, flight status, guide inside Narita Airport especially which Terminal you need to get off.

Besides from the long walks we need to endure pulling our heavy baggage just to get to the Train Station, I guess it's worth the experience, which every one visiting Tokyo must experience.

四十 Yon Juu: All My Bags Are Packed...

2009-12-23T10:29:00.000+08:00

December 23, 2009:

All my bags are packed, I'm so going home!!!

I already posting my last day blog in JP, since I don't know if I could find some free WiFi internet in Narita Airport.

40 days has been so short, compared to last year. But at least I enjoyed my stay here. All those mindless shopping, long walks, and ever freezing weather.

Tokyo, I'm going to miss you. Hope I could visit you again someday.

Till We Meet Again,

Otsukaresamadesu!!!

三十九 San Juu Kyuu: Sobriety Ends Today

2009-12-22T23:16:00.001+08:00

December 22, 2009:

It was our last day in the office, still so much work, cases, file checking, file backup, mailbox backup.

Good thing when the day end, we were treated for company party at a restaurant.

It was fun, we ate a lot, drunk a lot, and thus my alcohol sobriety ends today. I’ve been sober since June. When I was still in Orange County last spring, I always end up the one throwing up. So I decided to cut this ugly vice.

I was able to have a small chit chat with the managers. Sorry Maan, I have no guts to take a picture of your crush L.

Will be flying back home tomorrow by 6 pm. We must check out by noon and ride the Narita Express by 2 PM. I’m hoping we could ride the new Narita Express Train. But for now, I must finished packing my stuff.

三十八 San Juu Hachi: Done Packing

2009-12-21T21:56:00.002+08:00

December 21, 2009:

Two more days left, but I'm already done packing my stuff. What's left to pack are dirty laundries, my laptop, and toiletries.

Tomorrow, we need to surrender the company phone that was lend to us. Also we need to return the LAN cable, so worst case, if we will be unsuccessful setting up the WiFi Router at Paul's room, we will end up with no internet tomorrow. Hopefully not, otherwise, I won't be able to do by Day 39 and Day 40 blog.

Also our train ticket bound for Narita Airport haven't arrived yet. Maybe I should nag Kaori-san tomorrow about the tickets.

The team will also conduct they're Christmas Party-slash-Farewell Party for us. I still don't know where yet.

Note to self for last day in the office:

- Bring LAN Cable

- Bring Company Phone

- Bring Charger

- Surrender Company Proximity Card

- Do some snapshots

三十七 San Juu Shichi: Last Weekend Shopping

2009-12-20T22:17:00.001+08:00

December 20, 2009:

I went to Shibuya today to do my last weekend shopping. Shibuya is like the Fashion Shopping Mecca in Japan. Most designer stuffs and other local designers have their store here. Harajuku is also situated in Shibuya, the home of the world famous Harajuku Fashion Style, just like Gwen Stefani describe in here song Harajuku Girls.

Another thing that Shibuya si famous for is the diagonal pedestrian lane, wherein you could cross an intersection diagonally. Sometimes it could look like havoc because of the numbers of people crossing.

The Harajuku Station is usuall the most crowded JR Line Station that I experience. Incoming and outgoing passengers are not moving at all, because of the crowded hallways.

I also went to Yoyogi Park, which is just a few walks away Harajuku, and witness an Elvis Prestly commeration-like event, where men are dress like Elvis (not the Honky Tonk Elvis Dress) and gurls are dress like Diner Service Girls from the 50s. They are also dancing to Elvis Songs, and do seems to enjoy it.

I headed back to Shibuya Station to ride back to Shinjuku since it is a much better option than force myself to the maddening crowd in Harajuku Station.

When I got to Shinjuku, i then went to Shinjuku Southern Terrace and did some Bokeh Testing.

The air becomes so chilly so i decided to return back to my apartment.

三十六 San Juu Roku: Marathon

2009-12-20T00:14:00.001+08:00

December 19, 2009:

Late ng natulog, busy sa panood ng Koreanovela, mag aalas tres na ata ng madaling araw, ng napagdesisyunang matulog.

Pagkagising kinaumagahan, salang agad ng Koreanovelang di natapos. Kumain ng agahan / tanghalian ng bandang alas onse, habang nanood pa rin ng Koreanovelang di matantanan.

Umalis panandalian at nag tungo ng Asakusa para mamili ng pamimigay sa mga kamag-anakan at kaibigan.

Pagkabalik sa tinutuluyan, salang ulit ng Koreanovela. Mahirap talagang maadik sa kakanood ng mga gantong palabas. Sige nood pa! Wala namang pasok bukas!

三十五 San Juu Go: Excited Much

2009-12-18T22:41:00.001+08:00

December 18, 2009:

5 more days before, I'll be returning to the Philippines. However I'm now preparing to pack all my stuffs on my suit case.

Tomorrow I'll be buying some few pabilins, and some pasalubongs.

By Sunday, I hope that I already finished packing, 'cause come Monday and Tuesday, I'll have no time to pack things, since we will have a farewell dinner on Tuesday, hoping to get drunk. Or maybe I should not drink instead.

三十四 San Juu Shi: Boring Season

2009-12-17T22:30:00.001+08:00

December 17, 2009:

This is the season that I truly hate. I'm not talking about the Christmas Season, I love Christmas. What I'm referring to is the Fall Series Finale of all US TV Series that I'm watching.

Some will resume airing by January next year, 2010, while sum like Glee will resume on April 2010, to give way to the start of American Idol 9.

Which leads me being bored at night with nothing to watch. Thus I end up watching Korean Series. Maybe I should try watching Boys Over Flowers, it ain't too late for that, right?

三十三 San Juu San: No Option

2009-12-16T22:26:00.001+08:00

December 16, 2009:

We received an email from Nakakuma-san, the one arranging our hotels, apartment, and train tickets here in JP, regarding what time we will she purchase for the train ride (via Narita Express) to the Airport on December 23, our last day here in Japan.

Just like last year, we were not offered a hotel accommodation on the last day before the flight. But this time, I could understand why. Our flight is not until 6 PM, previously, flights are in the morning, so a hotel accommodation near Narita Airport is a must. So for the second time, no hotel option on our last day. Argh!

三十二 San Juu Ni: Bad Trip

2009-12-15T21:55:00.001+08:00

December 15, 2009:

I intend to write a rant blog about why I am not in a mood to feel good, but I ended up deleting the draft I created, because I don't want to hurt anyone else feeling, although my ego has already been bruised. Let it be the only casuality.

All I'm about to say is that I already disconnected my Twitter with my Facebook wall post. It would lessen the noise on your Facebook Walls (if you haven't hide me yet), but i guess its for the best.

If you still want to hear from my random rants about anything, you could still do so by following me on my Twitter.

三十一 San Juu Ichi: De-Roamed

2009-12-14T21:48:00.002+08:00

December 14, 2009:

Last Saturday, i removed my Globe Sim from my Nokia E71, because the company phone issued to me ran out of battery, and I need to call Paul since i can't locate him.

I haven't return the Globe Sim back on my phone, not until this morning, when a friend told that she texted me. When I insert the sim, then turn-on the phone, I manually searched for network service and choose Softbank. After few seconds of attempting to connect, the network replied No Access. I tried it again this time on NTT Docomo network, same results.

It only means one thing, my roaming is only setup for 30 days. I said to the customer service last month, before leaving the country that i will be out for about 40 days. Guess she only set 30 days on my roaming.

Stupid CSA.

On the bright side, I no longer need to barred incoming phone calls, without worrying of being charged even on miss calls. Also I could use my phone instead of the company phone. It's really hard to use this phone issued to us, especially the texting part.

三十 San Juu: Curled Up

2009-12-13T21:36:00.001+08:00

December 13, 2009:

I decided not to go out of my apartment today. Actually I just don’t want to spend again on buying nonsensical things, so I just hang out on my room, curled up in bed while watching a marathon of Big Bang Theory on my Laptop. The only time that I need to leave the room is when I need to dump my trash on the garbage chute.

Alas, I finally had a rest, no long walks, no dismal train rides, and no freezing coldness of the outside world. The only thing that I regret is that I felt like a complete slob; eat, lie in bed, watch on my laptop, typical bum activities.

Oh life…

二十九 Ni Juu Kyuu: Confessions of a Mindless Shopper

2009-12-12T22:33:00.003+08:00

December 12, 2009:

Two more weekends left before we set our ways back home. We have already toured almost all the tourist spot in Tokyo, what's left is buying things for pasalubong for friends and family.

I had an brunch around 10 A.M., while doing my laundry and watching the second season of Big Bang Theory. I finished all my chores by noon. I went to shower, got dress, pulled some "Lapad" from my stash, and set my foot to the ever teasing shopping world of Tokyo.

I first went to H & M, to buy Maantotz her H & M scarf, which she specifically requested because there are no H & Ms in Arlington, Texas area.

Then I went again to Uniqlo, for the nth time and bought another long sleeve shirt. Too bad, it is no discount this time.

After shopping for clothes, my next stop is gadgets. I went to BicCamera at Odakyu HALC, and bought an earphone which I could use when I'm running ( i can't used my Apple iPod earphone because the Mic piece is sensitive to sweat and might break easily ). I also bought an Headphone Amplifier, to give boost to my X-Mini II speakers, and unleashed the power of my Sennheiser Headphone.

I also bought some Camera stuffs like a 12 inch reflector and a White Card for Customize White Balance.

I ate my lunch after wards, while trying to contact Paul, my officemate who's with me here in Tokyo, so that we could meet up and go to Shibuya to buy other stuffs.

We met at Starbucks Maynds Tower, and headed straight to the Shinjuku Station to take a ride to Harajuku, Shibuya.

We went to KiddieLand, a one famous Toy Store in Harajuku. I bought some Hello Kitty stuff for my friend's daughter, then others as pasalubong.

When we're done at KiddieLand, we then moved to Akihabara, and went shopping for other anime stuffs.

Here, I saw this Vincent Valentine of Final Fantasy 7 fame Toy which caught my interest. Without thinking, I bought it because I'm a huge fan of the Final Fantasy franchise. Actually there's some thinking involve, whether to buy Vincent, Sephiroth or Cloud. I like both three but I end up buying Vincent because it is much cooler and kickass than the two.

In summation, all the "lapad" i currently have on my wat are gone in just a span of barely 12 hours. Don't ask me how much I spent, for I won't tell you hehehe.

Argh, I'm still not done buying pasalubongs. I need to buy some other stuffs like Pocky, and the 100 Yen chocolate, plus other pabilis.

二十八 Ni Juu Hachi: Friday, I'm In Love

2009-12-11T21:44:00.007+08:00

December 11, 2009:

When I was in the US last March Till June, i kept buying my T Shirts on Threadless, basically because of their cool unique tshirt designs. One of the shirts that I lurve wearing the most is the Friday, I'm In Love Shirt.

The shirt immortalizes one of the famous 'The Cure' songs, by a visual representation of every line of the song (except saturday and sunday). It is probably the most ingenious Tshirt ever done on Threadless.

Kudos to the creator of this magnificent shirt and to Threadless of course!!

二十七 Ni Juu Shichi: Nothing To Say

2009-12-10T22:49:00.001+08:00

December 10, 2009:

“If you ever have something that you wanted to say, you better start talking before I go away” – Harem Scarem.

Blog fail. It’s really hard keeping up a daily blog, especially if you have nothing to blog or talk about.

Obviously I have nothing to say. I just needed to have something to post for this day.

So there.

二十六 Ni Juu Roku: Exchanged

2009-12-09T22:38:00.001+08:00

December 09, 2009:

So as i was saying yesterday, I need to exchange my perdiem into yen.

Here they are:

Now that all my money is in local currency, i'm now tempted to shop.

Yikes!

二十五 Ni Juu Go: Unconventional Truth

2009-12-08T22:31:00.005+08:00

December 8, 2009:

I just learned today that we need to exchange all our per diem to the local currency to be able to avail the reimbursement of the get the missing per day allowance agreement.

Usually I only exchanged half of the perdiem and save the rest and bank it up when I get back home. Because I believe it is much stable and safer to save up in dollars instead of peso. Plus the fact that dollars is so weak over Yen.

Last year, we almost hit rock bottom because of the exchange rate. Our perdiem that time doesn't match-up with the cost of living in Tokyo. Now the exchange rate is much lower, than before. It almost hit 70 Yen per USD.

Guess I need to open up again a peso savings account, or exchange it back to dollars. Still can’t decide. Will cross the bridge when I get there.

二十四 Ni Juu Shi: Celebrity Encounter

2009-12-07T22:56:00.003+08:00

December 7, 2009:

We were busy working awhile ago, when my Japanese boss tap me and said that we have a Celebrity Visitor.

My initial reaction is a ‘huh’ moment, because honestly, I’m only familiar with the stars of Densha Otoko, which I forgot the name, and Utada Hikaru, among anyone else. My boss said that, she is a famous Japanese Actress. I just say ah okay, hehehe.

The whole group congregated in front of the room and did some group photo-ops with the lovely nameless star (at that moment I did not know her name) that graces her presence on our office.

After the lady left, my boss said that she is a Celebrity Endorser of our product here and Japan, and he showed me the video of the Advertisement.

I showed the video to my friend, ‘te Rian who speaks and read Nihonggo, and said her name is Nakama Risa.

Base from this experience today, Japanese are like Pinoys, they could get gah-gah when they see Celebrities in person, face-to-face.

二十三 Ni Juu San: Damn Rheumatism

2009-12-06T21:43:00.002+08:00

December 6, 2009:

Did some walk-a-ton a while ago from Roppongi Hills to Tokyo Tower. It is probably the longest walk I ever did while I’m in Tokyo.

So why did we do this to ourselves? We went to Roppongi Hills to do some shots of the Giant Spider Statue of Maman. Then we noticed that Tokyo Tower is like so near, so we decided to go there, by walking instead of riding the subway train which is about two stations away and probably would cause 200 Yen.

It was a really long walk. Guessing from the distance, it’s probably about 2 or 3 kilometers of walking. So we did an instant cardio workout, besides the fact that we were already walking nonstop from Asakusa awhile ago.

Now, I’m paying with all these walkings we just did. My knees are now feeling numb because of the exhaustion and the coldness.

Thus I’m so tired and want to sleep right away, but I can’t because I have to do this daily blog. But now since I already had an entry, I could now sleep soundly, and hoping that my knees are better when I wake up. Damn you Rheumatism!!!

二十二 Ni Juu Ni: Rainy Saturday

2009-12-05T22:34:00.000+08:00

December 5, 2009:

Yahoo Weather said that it will rain today, so we decided not go anywhere.

I spent all my morning juggling task on my laptop , like rearranging my MP3s, which is taking ten years to finish, watching Ded Na Si Lolo, which a hilarious satirical movie about Filipino “Pamahiin” on a wake.

By 2 P.M. I got bored with rearranging my MP3s and catching up with some US Series. Since I haven’t eaten my lunch yet, and the rain is not yet pouring, I snuck out a headed to Shinjuku, to have late lunch, check out stuffs at BicCamera, maybe window shopping, and possibly lounging at Starbucks.

When I got off at Shinjuku, rain started pouring, so I quickly looked for a place to eat, and end up at a curry house. After eating my lunch I headed to BicCamera and look for the thing my friend is requesting me to check out. I didn’t find any, so I said, maybe I should walk around, and do window shopping, but the rain starting to down pour more, and the wind is suddenly felt so chilly.

To cut the story short, I went at Starbucks Maynds Tower, and ordered a Hot Café Mocha to go and headed back home, back to being bored, on a rainy saturday.

二十一 Ni Juu Ichi: Hording

2009-12-04T23:24:00.000+08:00

December 4, 2009:

Since the Macadamia Chocolate Covered Nut Snack is back on our local vendo machine in the office, I started hording some packs of it, by buying 2 or 3 packs in the morning, then again on the afternoon.

I’ve been doing this since yesterday. Call me selfish, but the 90 Yen difference from the Konbini is a major reason why I’m hording it. It’s not that I’m going to eat it all, well maybe some, but I’m trying to stack up for my pasalubongs to you guys, hehehe (rumarason pa hahaha!)

So far I have 6 packs (it was originally 7 but I ate one hehehe). Hoping that next week they won’t change the lineup of snacks in vendo.

二十 Ni Juu: Halfway There

2009-12-03T22:31:00.000+08:00

December 3, 2009:

Twenty more days left before we could back with our life in Manila.

Our boss here invited us to attend the team’s Year End Party on the 22nd of the month, a day before our flight.

Last year, the party, which is also our Farewell Party was held at a Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu restaurant, where we could eat Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu for as many as we can. Drinks are also bottomless, so you could order sake, beer or softdrinks. I don’t know if it’ll be same again.

This past 20 days, passed-by so quickly. I didn’t notice that we only have 20 more days left, and we have toured yet all scenic spots in Tokyo.

Well, we still have 3 more weekends left, so maybe we could squeeze everything in, including buying pasalubongs, pabilis, and some personal stuffs.

十九 Juu Kyuu: Battle For Macadamia

2009-12-02T21:53:00.003+08:00

December 2, 2009:

I’ve been tweeting yesterday about the return of the elusive chocolate-covered macadamia snack in the Tokyo Office’s vendo machine.

Today, we arrive at the office at about 9:30. Usually we will go straight ahead to the pantry and get some iced coffee from the vendo and have a peek on what’s the food vendo have to offer. Then I saw that there are only 2 Macadamia left. It’s only been 30 minutes since office starts and only 2 left. Amazing!

I said to Paul to give it a try, so I let him have one then I bought the other one.

By lunch time, usually the vendo will be refilled by the delivery guy however probably minutes after it has been refilled, the macadamia is nowhere to be found.

Seems like someone’s hoarding it, buying everything all at once. I can’t blame him/her. It’s truly delicious chocolate snack for only 30 Yen. Normally it is being sold by Konbini (convenient stores) for 105 Yen.

十八 Juu Hachi: The First Day for the Last Month of the Decade

2009-12-01T21:52:00.002+08:00

December 1, 2009:

I just came to realize that today is the first day for the last month of the first decade of the new millennium.

Wow! 10 years have been so quick, I don’t even seen it coming. It seems like it was just yesterday, when we are all worrying about what would the year 2000 will offer to us, especially with the fear of the Y2K bug. But the turn of the millennium did pass by so smoothly that neither an end of the world scare nor Y2K bug could ever ruined it.

As predicted, a lot of advancement in technology happened this past decade, especially in the field of robotics, and the world wide web. But so far, no signs of flying cars as what sci-fi movies dictates will happen by year 2000.

So what’s in store for the next decade? I really don’t know but I’m really looking forward to it.

十七 Juu Shichi: McChicken

2009-11-30T21:02:00.001+08:00

November 30, 2009:

Dahil wala akong baon kaninang tanghali, napilitan akong kumain sa labas para maibsan ang gutom na nararamdaman ng akong tiyan.

Unang pumasok sa isipan ko habang nag iisip ng kakainan ay and McDonalds, para maiba naman.

Inorder ko ung typical na inoorder ko sa pinas, McChicken Meal, pero syempre dahil di ako marunong mag nihonggo, turo turo at hand gestures ang systema ng pag order.

Naorder ko naman ng tama ang dapat kong orderin. Mga ilang minuto kumpleto na ang order ko kaya nag hanap na ako ng pwepwestuhan.

Sa may smoking area ako nauwi, dahil dun lang ang may bakanteng pwesto, kahit labag man sa aking kalooban. Mahirap kasing kumakain ng nakakalanghap ng usok ng sigarilyo, lalo na sa kulong na lugar. Parang nasisinghot mo na lahat ng Carbon Monoxide na binubuga ng maninigarilyo. Nakakawalang gana din kumain.

Di ko alam kung dahil sa amoy ng sigarilyo pero iba lasa ng McChicken dito, mas gusto ko pa rin ung McChicken sa pinas or ung Southern Chicken Sandwich sa US.Mas malasa, mas malinamnam. Pero ung fries ganun pa rin lasa, walang pinagkaiba, maalat hahaha!!!

十六 Juu Roku: Tired

2009-11-29T20:17:00.001+08:00

November 29, 2009:

I'm having hard time sleeping again. Usually I sleep so soundly before. However these past few days I'm having sleep deprivation issues. Add to that, that the sun shines so brightly on my room by 6 am, even though I have the curtains down, still it penetrates through it, causing me to wake up early, even on weekends.

We still have three more weekends left before we go back to the Philippines, maybe i could set on day as a rest day so I could just sleep the rest of the day.

十五 Juu Go: Escape to Odaiba

2009-11-29T00:13:00.005+08:00

November 29, 2009:

Paul and I went to Odaiba today to take some photos of the lovely Rainbow Bridge and practice our photo skills.

Odaiba, is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, just across the Rainbow Bridge, in Tokyo, Japan. It was built as originally for defensive purpose, similar to the Philippines Corregidor, which serves as fortress against the Japanese . Now it is transformed into a seaport district.

To get there, we have to take 3 train rides from Hatagaya to Shinjuku via New Keio Line, then Shinjuku to Shiodome via Toei-Oedo Line then Shiodome to Daiba via Yurikamome Line.

Earlier this year, a Giant Gundam Robot was built in Odaiba, in commemoration of it’s 30th Anniversary. Too bad it was only put up there for from June to August.

Gundom Photo Credit to MikeC,
(hehehe!!! di na ako nag paalam hehehe!!!)

十四 Juu Shi: Stop Calling Me Please!!!

2009-11-27T22:28:00.010+08:00

November 27, 2009:

These past few days, I’ve been receiving missed calls from several numbers whom I’m not familiar with and not on my phonebook.

The first one, coming from some 0920-9389671, I rejected the call because I thought that probably if I answered the call I would get charged. But someone told me that I will still get charged even if I ignored the call since I am on roaming.

A while ago, I received another mysterious missed call, this time coming from a certain 0922-8567743. I just saw the missed call on my phone, maybe the opportunist called my phone when I’m doing my laundry that’s why I’m unable to answer it. But probably if I do answer the call, I guess I would get so angry with the caller because I would definitely get charged with the call. Plus the fact that I don’t recognize your number!

Please if you want to reach me, please do it by texting my phone and not by calling it! And if you do text, please have the decency of introducing yourself. I also removed my phone number on my Facebook Profile to avoid another similar incident of random people calling my number!

Argh!!! I should have barred incoming calls!!! Grrr!!!

P.S.
I was about to do a blog about my newly acquired used Canon EF-S 10-20mm USM lens but I was so furious with all these calls. Here is a sample shot from the lens at 10mm:

十三 Juu San: This Time...

2009-11-26T20:53:00.003+08:00

November 26, 2009:

This time last year, I ranted about the day Twilight's first showdate in the Philippines; How I wished that I could watch it also. Only to get dissappointed few weeks later about its so-so production, pale acting and espasol-ish make-up.

Now, I couldn't care less if the its second offering is now being shown across the globe. As a matter of fact, I'm not excited with it. Must be because I have overcome the hype since everyone else raving about it.

But I will still watch it soon, maybe when i get back on December, before the Metro Manila Film Fest, infest all cinemas in Metro Manila.

十二 Juu Ni: Depressing

2009-11-25T22:06:00.001+08:00

November 25, 2009:

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of depressing news back home.

There’s this Krista-Manny-Jinkie Brouhaha, then there’s this very tragic and barbaric Maguindanao Massacre that happened earlier this week. Then a while ago stumbled-upon news that a streetkid, killed another streetkid by stabbing on the throat.

This news made me really depress on what’s happening on my country. After Ondoy and Pepeng’s monstrous destruction, then came this barbaric news. When will be able to have a euphoric life, livin’ life in peace?

Hay...

十一 Juu Ichi: Soba!

2009-11-24T20:14:00.001+08:00

November 24, 2009:

Had a first taste of Soba. Our boss treated us to a welcome lunch. He insist that the soba is great in the restaurant where he brought us so we ordered the Hot Soba. I do want to try the cold one, but it would really be weird to eat a cold noodles.

Verdict: I love it, especially the broth. So very tasty indeed! Oishi!!!

十 Juu: Key To Shopping

2009-11-23T19:49:00.003+08:00

November 23, 2009:

The key to shopping on a foreign land is DON’T convert everything to your native land currency. You’ll end up not buying anything.

This morning I woke up with my mind settled on buying new jackets that I could use here in Tokyo, where the weather is becoming so freezing cold as autumn ends. I went to Keio Mall first at Shinjuku and found a Uniqlo Fleece Reversible jacket which only cost 990 Yen since it’s on sale. Without hesitation I bought the jacket.

Then I walked towards Odakyu Mall, and try looking for other things that would interest my impulsive buying ways. I saw a blue Adidas Jersey jacket, which I immediately bought after fitting it. It cost 5,000 Yen, pretty expensive, but I like it so I didn’t hesitate to think it over. Atleast I didn’t bought a 20,000 Yen worth of North Face / Columbia Outdoor wear. Hehehe!!!

九 Kyuu: Freezing!!!

2009-11-22T22:31:00.003+08:00

November 22, 2009:

It’s freezing outside. Autumn is about to end and you could really feel the change in temperature.

We went strolling at Shinjuku Gyoen Park awhile ago. It was really hard taking decent pictures when your hands are getting numb because of the chilly air. Good thing I brought a tripod so less camera shake.

With the sudden drop in temperature, I’m now contemplating on buying appropriate clothing because when December comes, it will be more chilly. However, I’m having hard time looking for North Face Clothing. I tried looking at Takashimaya Times Square but all I could see are signature clothing like D & G, CK, DKNY, but no North Face. Also prices of winter clothing here cost about 78K yen!!!

But first things first, I need to buy gloves to protect my hands from chilling.

八 Hachi: Not Meant To Be

2009-11-21T22:37:00.003+08:00

November 21, 2009:

I woke up, fully decided that I’m going to buy the Used Canon UWA lens that I found at Map Camera, so before we headed to our weekend tourist mode, I went to Shinjuku, feeling so positive that within the day I’ll be having the UWA lens.

When I got to Map Camera, the one that I tested yesterday is no longer there. It’s already been sold said by the sales lady. The only one that is left is the one with dusts inside the lens body. She said there’s no way of cleaning it, so I decided that I won’t buy it. Maybe it’s not the right time to buy that UWA lens. Maybe the universe is conspiring for me not to buy one here in Japan, since it is too pricey.

Disappointed as I am, I headed straight to Starbucks and ordered my favorite Frappucino, Mocha Frappucino. And I
also bought this one:

It ain’t a Typical Starbucks City Mug, but atleast it has Tokyo on it.

七 Shichi: Starbucks Sobriety 2009 Edition

2009-11-20T21:49:00.002+08:00

November 20, 2009:

My Name is Jethro and I am a Starbucks addict. I won’t let a day passed-by without drinking a cup or two of a Starbucks Coffee. It’s my way of life. I don’t think I could live without drinking one. Yes I am indeed an addict.

It’s been about 7 days since I had my last sipped of my favorite coffee. I remember, I even treated my shipmeyts for some frappuccinos just to be able to complete one Starbucks Annual Planner gimmick.

I am now resisting myself to buy one. A while ago I was in the midst of entering the Starbucks at the lobby of Maynds Tower, where our office in Tokyo is situated. Then I remembered that I didn’t packed a lunch today, thus my Coffee money has been compromised.

I’m not planning to have a complete 40 day sobriety from Starbucks, but at least I really want to try to have one at the end of the week probably a Friday or a Saturday. Maybe I could hang out there tomorrow morning. You’ll never know…

六 Roku: Second-Thoughts

2009-11-20T21:48:00.002+08:00

November 19, 2009:

We went canvassing for UWA lens a while ago.

First we went to MapCamera, a second hand camera store in Shinjuku. I saw a potential UWA Lens, a Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens worth 62k Yen and 52K Yen. I photographed the price tag so that I could have it read by ‘te Rian, in case it says what are the defects of the item.

Next we went to BicCamera and looked for the similar lens. The brand new one cost around 87k yen, almost the same price of my camera when I bought it last year. Then I looked for Manong Maki’s UWA lens, the Sigma 10-20mm lens and it cost around 58k yen.
When I got back at home I send the photos to ‘te Rian and have it read. It only says that it has a 6 months warranty and includes a lens cap and probably the rear, no hoods I guess.

I also checked the item at Amazon to see which one is much cheaper, the US market price or the Japanese Market Price. It turns out, the Japanese price is way much expensive after all, about a couple hundred expensive! I could have ask Maan to buy one for me there instead of buying it here. Now I’m having second-thought of buying the lens. What to do, what to do?!?

Ninuninuninuninu...

五 Shi: Expenses

2009-11-20T21:47:00.012+08:00

November 18, 2009:

My aunt IMed me this morning saying that Yuri’s aircon is acting up and need to be fix.
In case you’re wondering, I informally named my car Yuri, just for the sake of it having a name since its quite common now to name cars. I always wanted use a Russian name on something, so I gave my car a Russian name. Hehehe…

So it would cost about 3000 pesos for the repair of the car aircon. I should really have avail and insurance for my car when I got back. Is car repair covered in the insurance? I really don’t know. Hopefully it’s only the aircon that is malfunctioning.

Speaking of expenses, I’m planning on buying a Ultra Wide Angle Lens. Any recommends? I’m kinda looking at buying Sigma’s 10mm-20mm. What do you think?

I haven’t canvass yet for the price but, starting yesterday, we were already bringing lunch to work just to save up, just like last year. Hope that could really save up, and diet as well. I haven't even drank a single Starbucks since i got here and that's already been 5 days. How long it could last , I don't know. But as long as keep it once a week or none at all, my finances would still be fine, i hope...

四 Go: Umaaraw, Umuulan

2009-11-20T21:47:00.009+08:00

November 17, 2009:

Umaaraw, Umuulan, ang buhay ay sadyang ganyan...

Truly it was. Just yesterday, the Sun is shining so bright. It is so sunny, but you could still feel the cold breeze of the air.

Today, totally the inverse. It’s raining non-stop. Just like last year, it seems that the weather in Tokyo gone into a shifting schedule. Totally crazy.

三 San: Craving for Katsudon!

2009-11-20T21:46:00.004+08:00

November 16, 2009:

First day back at the office in Japan. A lot of things changed here from the last time I’ve been here. New boss, new seat mates, same old environment.

I am still mourning for the lost of my favorite lunch spot in Shinjuku Area, Beef Bawl. I’ve already been whining about it since I got back, because it’s one of the thing that I missed in Tokyo. I don’t think there could anymore out there that could surmount the Beef Bawl. But since Katsudon is one of my favorite Japanese Dish, I have to look for another spot. Back at home, whenever I’m craving for Katsudon, I always go to Komoro Soba in Megamall. It’s very affordable, only 79 php, and it’s so good quite close to Beef Bawls taste. Aww… Katsudon.

We also transferred to our Hatagaya apartment. The room this time is quite smaller than the one we have last year. Even the closet is only two doors unlike last year it’s 3 doors. Also there’s an overhead cabinet above the bed! Hopefully it won’t fall off or else, untug ang ulo ko!

(Photo is not mine grabbed it somewhere in picasa. Hope he don't mind me grabbing it.)

二 Ni: Just Do It!

2009-11-20T21:44:00.002+08:00

November 15, 2009:

Today is Pacman’s fight against the Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Last Friday, I decided to buy my very first MP Nike tshirt. Months ago I was looking for the first MP Nike tshirt that came out, however it is not available anymore. I think that the first one is the best of all MP shirts that ever came out.

We didn’t stayed up on our hotel room waiting for the match. For me, I still believe that Pacman is inevitable and no one could ever bring him done.

So, we went first to Tokyo Metropolitan Tower, to have a panoramic view of Tokyo. When we reach the viewing deck, I pulled out my camera and alas, no memory card. I forgot it was on my laptop. So after we grabbed a Map and a City guide at the tower, when return back to our hotel.

We headed to Harajuku, Tokyo’s famous Fashion District, to visit the Meiji Jingu Temple and do some snaps on the Cosplayers by the Bridge going to Meiji Jingu.

We are having fun doing shooting portraits of Children dress up in their traditional kimonos. It seems that it is like their baptism day or something. The shrine is just full of children. So Kawaii!!

That’s when I realize that my Hotel Key Card is missing. I searched it all over my bag, on my pocket, in the jacket, but it can’t be found. We tried retracing where we came from, but we still can’t find it. I just said, Oh well I could always ask for a spare, just like we always do at Candlewoods in Lake Forest. So we return back to the temple.

When we reached the temple, we got lucky to witness a Traditional Wedding Ceremony so did a few snaps of the Bride and Groom.

We left the temple and headed to Harajuku Street and do some strolling, then we got back to Shinjuku.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I asked the front desk if I could have a spare key card of my room because I lost mine. She said that she could, but I have to pay her ¥ 500 as penalty for losing it. I said, what the heck, Just Do It, pay that key card, for there is nothing else to do, I lost the card, it’s my fault, so I have to be punished.

Tomorrow we will be transferred to an apartment in Hatagaya, about 2 Subway stations away from the office. It will also be our first day reporting to the office. I know there’s already work waiting for us, but I just hope that it’s not that intense and dragging just like last year. Goodluck to us!

一 Ichi: Here We Go Again…

2009-11-20T21:40:00.003+08:00

November 14, 2009:

Guess what?!?

I’m back in the blogosphere again, for I’m out of the country again. And one way of killing the boredom is expressing my thoughts by rumbling random stuffs over cyberlandia.

I’m back here in Tokyo, Japan, this time for only 40 days though, but still it’s OK. At least I’m going to spend my Christmas and New Year back at home.

It was my first time entering NAIA Terminal 1 or the old one. If you follow my tweets, probably you have an idea on how I describe NAIA 1 experience. Yup it feels like it is really an airport (long walks from one process to the other) but the problem is seems that no one wants to restore it. The interiors are too outdated and some place also lacks the carpet. At least there’s free wifi connection, however it is only accessible in the lobby area. If you’re on the boarding area chances are there’s no wifi connection while waiting to board the plane. Oh well, maybe they have plans renovating it, I hope so.

It was also my first time to ride a non-PAL flight from Manila to Another Country. The company booked us a JAL flight. It was pleasant. We were designated to be-seated on the upper deck part, which also a first time. However my only complaint is that it feels so crowdy up there, especially the luggage bins.

When we landed we choose to ride the Airport Limousine since it will drop us off exactly in front of the hotel, Shinjuku Sunroute, just right beside the company’s office building, where the company booked us to stay for two days before we transfer to the apartment at Hatagaya, Shibuya District.

I never thought that the sizes of the rooms is almost standardize in every hotel, (atleast in Sunroute and Washington). They’re too identical. Room can be measured with two arm extended people! It’s that small! But in fairness it’s still cozy.

Actually nothing changed after all. Tokyo is still the Tokyo I remembered from last year. Probably because it’s the same season like last year, Fall, where days are very much shortened because of early night fall by 4 or 5 pm.

The only noticeable changed is Beef Bawl, one of my favorite lunch spots is no longer there. My Katsudon!!! Amps!!!

We are still free tomorrow since it’s Sunday, Pacquiao day. We’ll be reporting in the office by Monday.

P.S.

Yup I’ll try again to journalize my day to day experience yet again. So please don’t get annoyed.

The Wrath Of Mother Nature

2009-10-01T01:41:00.010+08:00

September 26. 2009:

Midnight, kakagaling lang namin sa Greenbelt, kumain saglit sa Fushion dahil sa gutom na inabot namin pagkatapos panoorin ang Spring Awakening sa RCBC plaza.

Naglalakad na kami papuntang car park sa tapat ng Glorietta 3. Unti unti ng bumubuhos ang ulan. Sinabihan na ako ng Nanay ko na may paparating nga na bagyo ng araw na iyon. Inisip ko lang parang normal lang na bagyo. Mali pala.

Di na sumabay si Roms sa amin. Hinatid ko si Te Malu sa apartment nila sa Evanghelista. Palakas na ng konti ang ulan, first time ko pa mag EDSA ng gabi. Pagkatapos kong ihatid si Te Malu, balik akong Ayala para ihatid naman si Te Jing sa condo nila. Medyo lumalakas pa lalo ang ulan. Nakakatakot din pala sa Makati ng gabi, lahat ng traffic lights blinking yellow lang so dapat caution lagi sa intersection.

Binabagtas ko na ang kahabaan ng EDSA patungong Ortigas Center ng bumuhos bigla ang ubod ng lakas ang ulan. Halos wala na akong makita sa dinadaanan ko. Inisip kong tumigil sandali at mag pagpatila muna ng ulan at ipagpatuloy ang pag dridrive pauwi, pero di ko sinubukan. Inisip ko na lang na mas mabuting makauwi na ako agad bago pa may mangyaring kung anu.

Minabuti ko ng huwag dumaan sa Floodway dahil baka bumabaha na ng oras na un dun. Mag aalas dos na ng madaling araw. Sa halip, sa highway ng Cainta/Taytay na lang ako dumaan. Wala naman masyadong gamambala sa trapiko okay lang, pwera sa ulan.

Nagsisimula ng mamuo ang tubig baha sa Don Mariano Cainta ng mga oras na un. Kaya lalo kong inisip na kailangan ko ng umuwi dahil baka may madaanan pa akong mas bahang lugar.

Nakarating ako sa bahay halos mga 2:30 na. Malakas pa rin ang ulan. Nasira pa payong ko sa pag bukas ng gate, sumabit sa gate, nabali.

Pagkarating ko sa kwarto, nakapag twitter pa ako at facebook. Nag stat tungkol sa Spring Awakening bago matulog. Mag aalas tres na ng umaga ng mga panahong yun.

Kinaumagahan, nagising ako ng mga alas syete ng umaga... malakas lakas pa rin ulan... inisip ko pa kung mag gygym pa rin ako ng 10 am sa Metroeast... nakakatamad malakas ulan... masarap pa matulog at magpagulong-gulong sa kama...

Naalimpungatan ako ng marinig ko kapatid ko, bumabaha na daw sa labas. Mag aalas otso na un ng umaga. Di ko agad nailipat pwesto ung kotse ko dahil mabilis pag taas ng tubig. Tuhod na agad sya sa kalye wala pang 30 minuto. Kaya minabuti na lang namin magsimulang mag panik bg gamit sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Inuna namin ang ref dahil un ung pinaka-mabigat malake. Sinunod namin ung mga TV tapos yung washing machine at dryer.

Tumataas na lalo ang tubig sa kalye. Konti na lang malapit na syang pumasok sa bahay. Nakuha ko pang mag picture ng baha sa labas at iupload sa twitter at facebook. Ilang sandali na lang pumasok na ung tubig sa bahay.

Binuksan na namin ung mga gate namin para tuloy tuloy ang daloy ng baha, papasok at papalabas. Kung di bubuksan, sisirain lanh ito ng baha. Binarhan na rin ang tambutcho ng kotse para di masyadong pumasok ang tubig kung sakaling tumaas. Sofa na lang ang natira sa baba ng bahay. Halos lahat na ng gamit asa taas.

May kuryente at internet pa ng mga panahong yun, kaya nagagawa ko pang mag update nf kalagayan naminsa twitter at facebook. Dun ko nga rin nalaman na pati sa ibang lugar tumataas na rin ang tubig. Ung isang kilala ko unti unti na daw nilalamon ng baha ung kotse nya na di naagapan ibahin ng pwesto. Pinagmasdan na lang daw nya. Napatingin ako bigla sa bintana upang tignan kung ganu ka taas na ung baha. Abot baywang na sya sa kalye. Malakas pa rin ang ulan. Pataas na rin lalo ang baha...

Magtatanghali na umuulan pa rin. Di pa rin kami nakakain. Pataas pa rin ng pataas ang tubig. Abot hita na sya sa loob ng bahay. Ng mga oras na yun, nawala na ng kuryente, wala na ring telephono. Wala na rin akong kontak sa mga nangyayari sa ibang lugar.

Ng humina hina ang ulan, nakatulog ako sa kwarto. Pag-gising ko, Ambon na lang. Wala na ring baha. Pero nag iwan sya ng gabundok na putek at buhangin galing sa kabundukan ng Angono at Antipolo.

Pagbaba ko, tinignan ko ung sasakyan kung hanggang san inabot. Hanggang tambutcho lang, buti naman. Kung inabot ang makina. Lagot lagot na. Lumabas ako ng bahay para tignan kung ganu kalala ang iniwan ni Ondoy.

Madalas bahain ang Bayan namin. Pero ito na ata ang pinaka malalang bagyo na naranasan namin sa aming talambuhay.

Pasalamat na lang sa Diyos at wala masyadong na pinsala sa aming pamilya, bukod sa gakapal na putek na iniwan nya sa loob at labas ng bahay. Maghahating gabi na ng makatulog ako. Nag text na rin ako sa opisina na di ako makakapasok kinabukasab dahil sa baha ang lahat ng dadaanan.

Kailangan ng matulog. Bukas, kailangan ng mag hukay ng putek at maglimas ng tubig-baha.

Blah Blah Blah-Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah!!!

2009-09-29T08:22:00.002+08:00

September 26, 2009:

Went last night to watch Spring Awakening’s first production in the Philippines at RCBC Plaza’s Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

Spring Awakening is a very controversial Broadway Musical of 2007 which won several Tony Awards including the Best Broadway Musical.

It is a turn of the age musical that tackles several issues about growing-up teens, including how parents are not open about discussion regarding sex to their children, wrong perception of how a female could get pregnant, and parents giving too much pressure on their children causing them to commit suicide. A pretty much serious theme for a musical.

What pretty much hyped this musical is that the music used was created by Duncan Sheik, of Half-Life fame (one of my favorite song).

Also this musical becomes Lea Michele’s gateway into stardom, by playing the lead , Wendla. Now she’s the main lead in ABC’s new series, Glee.

Spring Awakening Manila was produced by the same production company that brought Rent, Hairspray and Avenue Q to the Philippines, which will run from September 25 to October 18, 2009.

Taking the lead is Joaqin Valdez (Host, Breakfast, Studio 23) playing Melchior Gabor, a rebellious yet intelligent teenager, Kelly Lati playing Wendla Bergmann, an naïve young lady, who fell deeply in love with Melchior and Nicco Manalo playing Moritz Stiefel, best friend of Melchior who always dreams women and their legs. Also starring in this musical are famous Singers like Sitti and Jett Pangan. Equip with rock and roll music by Duncan Sheik, some songs can pretty much kept stung in your head for days like Mama Who Bore Me, The Bitch Of The Living, My Junk is You, I Believe, Left Behind, Totally Fucked and The Song of Purple Summer.

But comparing to Avenue Q, the latter is far more addictive than this one, must be of the comedic approached to social problems people are currently facing. But still the cast especially the leads should be given high praises especially on the ‘I Believe’ Scene. Totally unexpected! O-M-G factor!!! ‘I can’t believe she did that!’ kind of feeling!!!

To give you an idea regarding how brilliant Spring Awakening is, here’s the Original Broadway Cast performing some scenes from the musical on the 2007 Tony Music Awards.

And as line from one of their song...

Yeah, you’re f*cked all right – and all for spite
You can kiss your sorry ass goodbye
Totally f*cked – will they mess you up?
Well you know they’re gonna try

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah

Totally f*cked!

Yet Another Birthday Blog

2009-08-20T00:23:00.001+08:00

August 20, 2009:

Another year old, another year wiser. I'm so sick of this well wishes. Is there any other wish you could give me on my birthday. It's so cliche. As if everybody's expecting me to be more mature than I currently am. It just sucks that it seems that your wishing me to wise up, as if I'm such a dumb person these past years. Dense yes, but dumb, I guess not.

Yes I should be really happy now, I must celebrate life!!!

It's just that everytime that I turn a year older, the more depress I get. Probably because I'm still alone.

I dine alone. I watch movies alone. I go to mall alone. Even in the Gym I'm still alone.

It's not that I'm starting to hate being alone. But would it be more fun if you’re with somebody sharing a dinner, a movie, or malling. It's not but to be alone, but somewhere deep inside, you wish that you have somebody with you. But then again, part that real sucks is I'm really an aloof person, which probably causes everyone to stir up against my way, the downside of being a loner.

I'm sorry I'm sounding so pessimistic all of a sudden, especially on my birthday. Maybe all these bitterness surrounding me it’s trying to affect me also, that's why I'm sounding a little bit negative. Note to self... stay away from the Krung Krung Girls (joke!!!).

On lighter side, on my 25th year I was so blessed. Been to two countries, got loads of new gadgets, got slimmed even for just a few months, (I'm still trying to slim down to what I weight last August, around 10 more pounds to lose).

On my 26th year of existence, I'm still hoping that I could by my first car within this year, even if I spend all my life's savings (lol). I'm that desperate on having a car. That's probably the only dream I could wished for as of the moment.

Happy 26th Birthday, Alvin Jethro Calderon Bacani!!!
You're so freakin' awesome!!!

Fast And Furious

2009-04-04T20:34:00.003+08:00

April 3, 2009:

My colleagues and I decided that after work, we would watch Fast and Furious at a nearby theater house. It was my first time watching a movie on a foreign theater house so I'm all excited for this experience. The movie cost $11.50, which is way higher compared to Gateway Cineplex or Eastwood Cinemas back in the Philippines.

Expectations: Well I thought that it is a reserve seating movie house. It was not. You need to come early just to have the best seats possible. Thus we end up 5 rows away from the big screen. End-result; my eyes becomes teary, the clashing of cars made me so dizzy, and it seems like the film was in your face.

The Crowd: Most of the audience are teen-agers, or maybe not, I really don't know. Parang SM Cinema lang, ang ingay!!! ang kalat!!!, the only thing the differs is english ang salita nila! Hehehe.

The Movie: It's the fourth installment of the film. Some said that if you rearrange the films, this should be the 3rd one. Lots of awesome cars, lot of hot girls, di na ata mawawala un sa Fast and Furious francise, reciprocal na sila, basta may awesome car kailangan may hot girls. Pero parang pahapyaw na lang racing. Maybe there would be a fifth one, base on how this movie ends.

In totality, the fine was good. If only we are not viewing it so near maybe it would be great. In next monts, lots of must watch films will be shown; Dragon Ball, Wolverine, Star Trek, Angels And Demons, Transformers?. Makapanood pa kaya ulit ako? Medyo mahal din eh. But who knows? Sana...

Add To Cart

2009-03-19T05:53:00.000+08:00

Finally!!! I got hold of a debit card. I applied a debit card awhile ago and placed 3/4 of my first month allowance there.

And first thing that I did, I went online, open my browser and went to Amazon.com. I search for a Canon 430ex 2, an eneloop battery and charger, a omni-bounce diffuser, and a Canon Lens Hood. Click add to cart, place my shipping and billing information, and whalah!!! I just purchased my first online shopping madness.

Hope the shipment won't get delayed, I really want to experiment with the External Flash that I just purchased.

Cat Feet

2009-03-13T18:36:00.002+08:00

March 13, 2009:

Uso pala dito ang mag baon ng pagkain. Nag kukuripot ang mga tao, para nga naman may pang shopping sila, hehehe!!!

Nung nasa Japan din ako, madalas kaming magbaon ng pagkain, para may pang laboy naman kami, atsaka, medyo may kamahalan ang pagkain sa Tokyo.

First day ko sa office, kaya wala akong kamuwang-muwang na uso pala ang magbaon ng pagkain. Buti na lang may nagtitinda ng Food sa may labasan ng Building. Si Manong Vietnamese, isang roving van na nag titinda ng ulam na may kanin, or sandwich.

For $4.00, may lunch ka na. Aakalain mo mahal na ung $4.00 pero di rin, mura na yun, normal na na price ng food dito yun. I order a Pork something meal, di ko alam kung anung klaseng luto yun. Medyo may karamihan, kaya lagot lagot sa diet.

Sabi ni Manong Vietnamese bukas daw mag seserve sya ng Cat Feet. Anu daw Cat Feet, syet!!! Yun pala Cat Fish ang tinutukoy nya.

Magsisimula na rin akong magbaon, makikiuso na rin ako sa knila. Tagtipid para may pambili ng gadget. Hehehe,

Pang iwas over-eating din sa big serving na pagkain ni manong.

Viva Californication!!!

2009-03-12T16:49:00.000+08:00

Wala naman masyadong aberyang nangyari sa flight ko ngayon. Bukod sa hirap makatulog, ang daming turbulence atang na encounter ng flight namin. Masakit sa ulo, nakakahilo. Salamat na lang at nakatulog ako kahit konti.

Sa aking maikling pagtulog, nanaginip pa ako na nag emergency landing daw ang flight naming sa isang Highway. Maraming kotse. Di ko maalala bakit kailangan mag emergency landing. Mga ilang sandal lang lumipad na ulit ang eroplano. Pagsilip ko sa may bintana ng eroplano, nakita ko ang Las Vegas. Nagflashback tuloy ang 10 days stay ko dun last August. Pagkatapos nun, nag aantay ako ng 2nd food ng trip, dahil nga pagkaaalam ko dalawang food ang ni seserve ng PAL. Sabi ng stewardess, isa na lang daw, recession nagtitipid.

Naalimpungatan ako sa pag kalabit sa akin ng katabi ko, kakain na daw ng second meal. Syet buti panaginip lang un, gutom na kasi ako hahaha!!!

Pag dating naming ng LAX Airport, madaming taong nakapila sa Immigration. Nakita ulit namin si Yael Yuzon, ang bokalista ng bandang Sponge Cola. Kagabi nasa likuran namin sya habang nag checheck-in kami ng mga bagahe namin. May pagka coniotic pala sya hehehe!!

Paglabas naming ng Airport, may nag aantay sa amin na manong na mag dadala sa amin sa aming titirhan sa loob ng tatlong buwan.

Mahaba din ang biyahe papuntang Lake Forest. Pag dating naming sa hotel. Nag check-in muna kami sa aming mga kwarto pagkatapos ay nag punta muna kami sa grocery para mamili ng mga gagamitin (inumin, sabon, bigas, pagkain).

Madaling araw na ng matapos akong maka pag tanggal ng mga gamit ko sa aking maleta.

Madaling araw na rin ako nakapag hapunan.

Madaling araw na rin ng tangkain kong matulog.

Yun lang, nabiktima nanaman ako ng haring jetlag, ilang oras na akong nakahiga pero di pa rin ako makatulog. Nakakabingi rin ang katahimikan dito sa lugar namin. Parang may vacuum na humihigop sa aking pandinig. Sinubukan kong magpasak ng earphone at makinig ng mga boring na kanta sa aking iPod, ngunit wala pa rin epekto. Ayaw pa rin ako dapuan ng antok. Gising pa rin ako. Anu ba naman ito.

Mamaya papasok na kami sa aming opisina dito. Goodluck na lang sa akin. Sana wag akong dapuan ng antok.

California... Here We Come!!!

2009-03-11T16:49:00.002+08:00

March 11, 2008:

Here I am again at the NAIA Terminal 2, waiting for our flight to Los Angeles California. It would be my second trip to USA, but this time I guess I would enjoy it more than the previous one.

I just hope that it won’t be as painful as my first US Flight, wherein there is too much drama involve (random checking grrr!!!).

I will be gone for three months, but you know me naman, I’ll blog every details of my trip just like what I did when I went to Japan.

‘Till then…

California!!! Here We Come!!!

3 Stars and A Sun Phenomenon

2009-03-08T13:48:00.004+08:00

March 8, 2009:

I went to Broadway Centrum today, to buy a shirt from the Francis Magalona Clothing Company (FMCC). I want to have one of his shirts since Thursday, then come Friday, when his death was announced, the more I want to own one.

At first I tried ordering from the t-shirt company's Multiply account. But I haven't got a reply yet. Maybe the webmasters/moderators of the Multiply account is busy with his wake so i decided to go instead to their store at Broadway Centrum.

When I got to Broadway Centrum, I was welcomed by a long line of people, each wanting to have a shirt from FMCC. Everyone wants to own one, it became an instant hit. Then I think if I still want to buy one or not. Worst case, when I fall in line and waited for my turn to buy, the shirts that I wanted would already be sold out, or run out of my size. So I decided to turn my back and hope that FMCC's multiply site would reply to my order before I left the country this week.

Hay...

Ode From The Master Rapper

2009-03-06T17:47:00.002+08:00

every colour, every hue
is represented by me and you
take a slide in a slope
take a look at the kaleidoscope
spinning round, make a twirl
in this kaleidoscope world

(Kaleidoscope World, Freeman 1995)

thank you for the music, FrancisM

Forever

2009-02-01T15:58:00.004+08:00

Dahil likas akong manggagaya at uto-uto, gumawa rin ako alinsunod sa mga pinag gagawa ni Maantots, Anghelika, at Biskitty

"Put your player on shuffle and hit the 'Next' button to get your answer to every question. You must indicate the title and artist, no matter how far-fetched it sounds. Tag people who might be interested in doing this same thing. No cheating."

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? My Boo - When I Met You - Apo Hiking Society

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Beautiful Day - Hady Mirza (Asian Idol)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Trouble - Coldplay

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? I Could Not Ask For More - Nina

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Touch My Hands - David Archuleta

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Oo - UP Dharma Down

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Decode - Paramore

WHAT SONG WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? The Good Stuff - Schuyler Fisk

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? Livin Your Life - T.I. Feat Rihanna

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? T-Short - Shontelle

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Poker Face - Lady Gaga

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Kahit Pa - Hale

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? A Little Not Over You - David Archuleta

HOW WILL YOU DIE? Misery Business - Paramore

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? In My Place - Coldplay

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Just Stand Up - Various Artist

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? Stop and Stare - One Republic

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Viva La Vida - Coldplay

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Seasons Of Love - Rent Musical

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? So Far Away - Tina Arena

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Forever - Chris Brown

Di ko gets ung iba pero watever!!!

Yung Tuhod Mo!!!

2009-01-26T13:12:00.003+08:00

As advised by Jhona, I decided to join Body Pump today, well actually I started attending Body Pump last Thursday. But this time, the class is doing the new release. Newbie as I am, I'm still clueless on what to setup every track, how many weights will I use, etc. That's why I'm just copying from what the others are doing.

I was actually doing good until the track "Listen To My Heart" by Roxette started. The track started with lounges; left knee lounge, right knee lounge, then as a finale, a squat routine. That's when everything mess up. The instructor started shouting (loud music so he needs to shoutout) at my direction, Yung Tuhod Mo!!!. I really can't understand what he was telling me. Then at the end of the track he called my attention and explained that my knees are positioned the wrong way. Everyone's looking at me. I really felt so embarrassed. Sorinaman, second time ko pa lang mag Body Pump. Please don't judge me with your eyes!!! Hahaha!!!

I thought that I won't be noticed since I was at the back of the studio, so that when I make some mistakes, it won't be seen easily. That's what I thought.

Maybe next time I could do the track right. Thanks to the instructor for calling my attention that I'm doing it the wrong way. At least I knew now that I made mistakes and must not do it again the next time.

College Poseurs

2009-01-24T10:04:00.002+08:00

Last week, we were lucky enough to be able to go back to college, at least for 3 days. We joined the C++ training program at Ateneo De Manila University.

For three days, we were an Atenista Poseurs, pretending to be regular students. I even paid student rate for my tricycle ride. Even the Manong Driver thought that I am a student. Maybe I totally looked one. Hehehe!

Being back to college is really an experience worth looking forward too. It seems that the student's lives is so simple and careless. All they need to care is passed the subjects and graduate. I even envied them for they have lots of time wandering around the campus, lounging on corridors, and hanging out in the school quad. For as my case, when I was in college, we have no campus, only a building, but we considered Sta. Lucia Mall as part of our campus hahaha.

I can't help to think to go back to college, probably pursue a Masters Degree. But I know that I can't even if I want to. First, because I am currently working and my work schedule is ever changing. Add to that I even don't the luxury of time to be combine work, studies, and may extracurricular activities. Maybe in the near future I could, but as for now, I guess I'll just put the whole idea on hold.

The Year That Was…

2008-12-31T11:00:00.003+08:00

December 31, 2008:

Dear Jethro,

How was the year for you, I hope it was a blast… atleast.

First of all, your long time dream came true. You finally got a chance to set foot on US Soil. It was a short trip but still, even though all of the brouhahas that happened, it is still a very much fulfilling trip. You even bought your laptop there, as a gift for yourself on your 25th Birthday.

Then after a month, off you go again to another country, Japan, this time. Although your workload there is pretty much headache-prone, still you got a chance to get to know the country, with all the places that you’ve toured. You even conquered your fear of riding roller coasters or a sudden-fall-kind-of ride. You also got your Canon Kiss X2 there. What more can you ask for.

But besides from what you gain, you also lost a lot of things, especially a dear Friend. Your year was just starting when you heard of news that a dear friend died. You were totally shocked and devastated. But you have to move on, because the truth is, she is now in a better place, with no sufferings and problems.

Your first ever Ipod also give up this year. After one and half years of service, it just suddenly died. You were too deranged if you will replace it with an Ipod Touch or just an Ipod Classic. You end up buying the latter, for reasons that you need an external drive and a player in one gadget.

You also did lose a lot of weight this year. You became so addicted with the Body Combat classes at Fitness First that you end up attending the class almost 4x a week. You even memorize every routine. You are a certified addict, a Body Combat Freak. Yikes.

So what’s in store you this 2009.

A lot of your friends will be getting married next year. They will be walking on a new path in their lives. How about you? When will you ever realize that you’re getting older, and you have to come to a point that you need to minimize being so self-centered, selfish and start caring for others.

Are you still listening to David Archuleta’s song, Crush? Please move on. It is not healthy anymore. It already reached a thousand playcount on your Ipod. The song only makes you so depressed. Stop playing it. Please!!!

More Body Combat classes for you. If needed, please try attending RPM Classes also. They say the it is the best Cardio workout yet. Who knows, but the end of 2009, you might reached your ideal weight.

As a long term goal for 2009 I hope that you could buy your own car. I know for a fact that you are itching to have your one since College. I know you could buy one right now, but if you do so, your savings will gravely affected. Maybe if you lessen your Coffee Fetish, then maybe you could atleast save some extra money in funding your car.

The future maybe bleak and gray, you’ll never know what will come in your way. But I hope that you could have a good 2009.

Happy New Year to you, to your friends and your family!

Always At Your Side,

Your Conscience

Takipsilim

2008-12-25T03:49:00.004+08:00

Uso ang mga remake sa Philippine TV. Mga TV Series na banyaga, gagawan ng local version, para sa kasiyahan ng mga manonood.

Pero nitong nakaraang araw, may isang balitang gumulantang sa buong sangkatauhan. Ayon kay Perez Hilton, gagawan daw ng Filipino Version ang sikat na nobela ni Stephanie Meyer, and Twilight Saga. Una kong naisip, di naman siguro totoo ito. Isa syang hoax.

Pero hindi pala, totoo ang balita, gagawan nga ng remake ang Twilight, at ito'y pangangalanang Takipsilim. Naglabas na ng press release ang ABS-CBN, na syang nakabili ng rights para gawan ng localize version ang Twilight for 1 Million US Dollar. Ang bida, si Rayver Cruz bilang Edward Cullen, at Shaina Magdayao, bilang Bella Swan. Hay bakit lahat na lang kasi kailangang gawin ng tagalog version.

May isang campaign ngayon ang kumakalat para pigilan ang pag sasagawa ng remake na ito. Para sa akin, ok lang gawan ng TV Series ang Twilight Saga, dahil ang story line naman talaga nya ay mas appopriate sa TV kesa sa film. Pero mayroon na kasing pelikula, bakit kailangang pang makisakay sa kasikatan ng pelikula. Ganun na ba ka bobo ang mga manunulat na Filipino, puro remake na lang tayo aasa?

Hay, kung ikaw tatanungin, papayag ka ba nagawan ng remake ang Twilight?

Pasko Nanaman!!!

2008-12-24T19:49:00.002+08:00

Hay Pasko nanaman, aside from heavy traffic, and uber populated malls, di ko pa rin ramdam ang essence ng kapaskuhan.

Some says that Christmas is for the kids. As I get older, I did realize that it is the season for kids. All they worried are the dress that they will present to their Ninongs and Ninangs, so that they will receive lots of moneys or gifts. At the end of the day, mag bibilangan kung magkano kinita, at makikipag competensya sa mga kapatid at pinsan kung sino mas mayaman. But now, it flipped 180 degrees.

As I grew older, especially now that I am working, Christmas becomes the season where there is an influx of cash-in cash-out. May papasok na pera dahil sa Year End Bonus, pero lalabas din agad dahil sa dami ng gastos ng season na ito.

But whatever it is, just don’t forget that we have Christmas not because of the gifts, the bonuses or other tangible things. We have Christmas because it is the day our Lord was born. For us Filipinos, Christmas is not a commercial event like our neighboring countries, but rather as a tradition that we commemorate whole heartedly, without qualms or a glimpse of hesitation. That even if the economy is so bad we still found ways to celebrate the birth of Christ, in our own special way

Merry Christmas Guys!!!

La-la-la-la-la-la-lasing!!!

2008-12-21T11:36:00.012+08:00

Our company recently held our annual Themed Christmas Party. This year the theme is Las Vegas Nights.

Compared to last year's event, I can say that I much like last year, especially the food and the drinks.

I brought my camera with me, thus I end up becoming the official photographer of our table, and the nearby table as well.

In the middle of the party, I start collecting the cocktail stubs from those who won't drink. I end up collecting 10 stubs. I started drinking Orange Sling, a combo of Orange Juice and Vodka. No kick, none at all. Then on my second try, I drank an Asian Mojito, a combo of Lime, 7up and vodka. It did had a kick alright, but I really not into Lime. On my third attempt, I tried the Mudslide, a combo of Milk Chocolate and Gin. I like it so much that I end up drinking it bottoms-up. Then came the fourth, fifth and the sixth, all bottoms-up, ending me totally wasted!!!

Because I'm so drunk, some of the photos that I took are either blurry, out of focus, or to much over exposed.

The night end up with our department, Anti-Malware, sweeping all of the awards, Mr.and Ms Trend Micro and the Best Department Presentation, tying up with the Small Group department.

To formally close the night, we were enticed with a free Parokya Ni Edgar concert! The crowd went crazy with their performance. Everybody's singing out loud with every songs, jumping here and there, head banging with every beat, bodyslammin' with everybody!!! Even Parokya admits that they thought that they are going to sing in a Christmas Party, they never thought that it would end up as a Concert!!!

I got drunk, I took crappy photos, I have only few photos of myself, and I enjoyed watching Parokya ni Edgar Concert for free.

Who said that they didn't have fun at all. I knew I did!!!

Panawagan:

I lost my remote controller for my DSLR during the said event. Maybe due to my drunkenness. If you happened to found one please return it back huhuhu...

Saan Na Nga Ba?

2008-12-16T13:01:00.002+08:00

Magpapasko na pala, di ko man lang namalayan. Dulot na rin siguro ng mahigit dalawang buwan kong pagkawala sa ating bansa.

Kanina nga lang, alas-tres pa lang ng umaga na gising na ako sa tunog ng kampana at bandang romoronda at nanunundo ng mga taong magsisidalo sa misa de gallo.

Nung hayskul ako, madalas akong mag simbang gabi, sampu ng aking mga kabarkada. Dahil malapit lang ako sa simbahan, ako nakatoka na magreserba ng uupuan namin, awayin man kami ng ibang gustong maupo.

Kanya kanyang panalangin at kahilingan pag nakumpleto ang siyam na umagang misa. Karamihan sa mga nahiling ko na tupad naman, ung iba hindi.

Lumipas ang mga taon, nag katamaran ng gumising ng umaga. Naging abala na rin sa kanya kanyang karera sa buhay at trabaho. Nag laho bigla ang tradisyon ng barkada.

Minsan iniisip ko mag aya sa kanila, subalit ung iba, sa ibang bayan na nakatira. Hindi na pwedeng sunduin. Hindi na pwedeng bulabugin.

Ika nga ng APO Hiking Society, "Sa'n na nga bang barkada ngayon..."

Disappointed

2008-12-14T17:56:00.002+08:00

Nanood ako kanina ng Twilight, the Movie, sa wakas. Nakakailang linggo na rin, puno pa rin ang sinehan. Panget tuloy ang nakuhang kong pwesto; taas na di pa dead center.

Una kong na pansin, ang panget ng boses ni Bella. Masyadong monotonous. Sumunod parang espasol ang mukha ng Cullens, pale white dapat. Atsaka dapat sobrang kinis ng mga mukha nila, di naman.

Sumunod, exaggerated ang actingan ng mga cast. Panget din ang effects lalo na ung dapat kumikinang si Edward, kung di mo titignang maiigi di mo makikita na kumikinang sya. Sabi sa book dapat masisilaw ka, di naman ganun nang yari.

Pati ang story line, iniba din. Kung nabasa mo libro, marami kang I eexpect na dapat andun. Pero ala. Hay anu pa bang aasahan natin eh Indie Produced nga ung film. Sana naman makabawi sila sa New Moon.

At Home At Last

2008-12-13T17:11:00.002+08:00

December 13, 2008:

Back at home, back to reality.

I gained almost 5 pounds, means I need to start hitting the gym at once.

I am now here in my room, turning everything upside down, Typhoon Jethro, hits again.

Two months and two weeks living in a foreign land has its ups and downs. I guess the thing that I would miss most in Tokyo is the Internet connection, because it is so freakin’ fast, and maybe the peace and order of the place.

Yes, I always rant about all the misfortunes that happened to us on our stay in Tokyo. But it doesn’t mean that I did not enjoy my stay. If I didn’t, then why did I create a 68 Day journal of my life in Japan.

But it is so good to be back at home. Tomorrow is a very much hectic day for me. I need to catch-up on almost everything that I missed.

By morning I’ll be going back to Fitness First and burn fats that I gained, lots of them. By noon, MUST go to Gateway Mall to watch Twilight, the movie. By afternoon, buy Tales of Beedle the Bard, since Maan eventually didn’t buy me a copy, and maybe lounge at Starbucks. By night time, need to meet up a friend who will buy my old Camera.

Also since I’m already back at home, I might not do the daily blogs anymore. I will still blog but not on a daily basis.

I thank everyone who continues to patronize my blogs this past 68 days. Thanks for listening to my adventures and misfortunes. Hope you’ll stick reading my future blogs, even if will not do it quite often.

See you on my next blog.

Day 68: All My Bags Are Packed…

2008-12-12T17:19:00.004+08:00

December 12, 2008:

Hours from now, we will be returning back to our homeland.

As I said before, I only brought one suitcase with me, that’s why I’m having troubles packing all my stuff. I have to resort on using paperbacks. Maybe I could hand carry it with me.

We will leave tomorrow very early, around 4:30 to catch the earliest Train to Shinjuku. From there we will take the Narita Express Train, and get off at Narita Terminal 2.

By noon, Hello Philippines once again!!!

I’m so going home now!!!

Day 65: Strategize

2008-12-10T17:43:00.002+08:00

December 10, 2008:

Few days from now, we will be on our flight back to the Philippines. I did some test packing tonight, and I'm having trouble fitting up all what I have bought here, and my clothes on one baggage.

Usually when I'm travelling, I also bring an extra bag, just to make sure that in case my stuffs won't fit in my suitcase, I'll still have an extra bag to use.

Guess I thought that I could buy a new bag here in case it won't fit. But I'm not going to buy a bag. All I need is to strategize my packing so that all my stuffs would fit in. I still got my backpack, I guess I'm going stuff it up with some of the bulky ones.

Goodluck na lang sa akin!!!

Day 64: Thread Killer

2008-12-09T14:36:00.005+08:00

December 9, 2008:

We love to chat, my shipmeyts and I. Actual chats, YM conference chats, even transforming our own email to chatrooms.

But recently I kind-of notice that whenever I’m replying on our email chats, the thread suddenly ends. No one is replying anymore. I officially ended the thread.

I’m a Thread Killer. Yikes!!!

Have I said something sarcastic? Did I offended anybody with my replies? Am I annoying anyone? If I am please say so because, I getting paranoid clicking the send/receive button waiting for someone to reply on what I emailed.

Maybe next time, I would just keep my mouth shut, so that the thread will keep on flowing and not get cursed with my replies.

P.S: Hindi ako galit o nagtatampo. Hehehe... Wala lang akong ma-blog...

Day 63: Lunchless

2008-12-08T17:25:00.000+08:00

December 08, 20008:

First day of the week, so much to do.

We didn't even had a proper lunch.

Hay!!! Pauwi na lang kami tambak pa rin trabaho.

Hay!!! Di pa rin ako nag iimpake. Di pa rin ako nakakabili ng pasalubong na chicha!!!

Goodluck na lang!!!

Day 63: Last Weekend

2008-12-07T17:03:00.000+08:00

December 7, 2008:

Tinanghali na ako ng gising. Laban nga pala ni Pacman ngayon. Nakatanggap ako ng mensahe sa YM ng link sa isang website kung san pwedeng makapanood ng laban nya. Tinignan ko saglit pero di ko rin pinanood. Sawa na rin ako. Lagi naman sya nanalo. Predictable na resulta, mag lalaba na lang ako. Hahaha!!!

Last weekend na namin dito sa Japan. Napag isipan kong kumuha ng ilang larawan ng aming tinituluyan. Binalak ko pa ngang umakyat sa rooftop ng apartment para makakuha ako ng Panoramic Shot kung ng aming lugar. Yun lang, naka kandado ang pintuan, bawal pumasok, baka nga naman may tumalon sa Rooftop mahirap na.

Maaga-aga din nag simula ang Dotahan namin, mga alas-tres pa lang nag babakbakan na kami. Lumipas pitong oras na Dotahan, nagkapaguran na rin, nag uumpisa ng mag ayawan.

Hindi pa rin ako nakakapag impake. Tinatamad pa. Nakakalat pa mga gamit ko sa kwarto. Parang binagyo, kawawa naman mag lilinis nito bukas, daming basura, daming kalat.

Bukas balik trabaho nanaman. Limang araw na lang titiisin, makakauwi na rin ako sa Pilipinas.

Paano ko kaya pag kakasyahin ang 4000 Yen sa isang linggo.

Ayaw ko na papalit. Bahala na!!!

Day 62: 3 Cities, 6 Train Rides, Dozens of Buildings, 0 Eat/Rest

2008-12-06T15:38:00.003+08:00

December 6, 2008:

Since this is our last week at Japan, I went shopping today for souvenirs and pasalubongs to my family and friends.

I went to Asakusa, to buy some souvenirs, like magnets, keychains, Japanese Headbands, Chopstix, Fans, and wallet. Then I went to Akihabara to look for Anime Keychains and Anime Shirt. I went from building to building just to find an Anime Shirt. After almost two hours I eventually found one. Then by night time I went to Biccamera @ Shinjuku to buy watches for my Parents.

After 3 Cities, 6 Train Rides, Dozens of Buildings, Hundred of footsteps, Thousands of Yen spent, and Zero Eat nor Rest, I am now totally exhausted.

Guess by tomorrow, I’ll be resting for the whole day. I might even start packing my things up.

One more week...

Day 61: The Weekend

2008-12-06T05:16:00.000+08:00

December 5, 2008:

While I’m here at Japan, some of my closest friends are going to Singapore this weekend to visit ‘te Rian.

Ang yayaman nila no?!? Hehehe!!!

They just planned this 2 months ago, and now they bound to spent the weekend roaming one of the smallest country in the entire world.

If I haven’t been extended here for a couple more of weeks, I might have joined them. But then again, I don’t have the spare money for travel, since I spent almost all my allowance here in buying my Camera, and touring all over the city.

Guys, don’t forget my Laksa Instant Noodles and Deep Fried Mars Bar. I-Shopping nyo na rin ako ng Christmas Present nyo para sa akin dyan!!!

Yey!!!

Day 60: Released

2008-12-04T17:39:00.000+08:00

December 4, 2008:

Release date na ng Tales of Beedle The Bard.

Binili na nga ako ni Maan ng kopya ko. Yey!!!

Salamat Xmas Early Present!!!

Day 59: Rework

2008-12-03T15:05:00.000+08:00

December 3, 2008:

Remember the malware that I was analyzing a couple of weeks ago? I already submitted my analysis last week. Today, they said that I’ve analyzed the wrong file. WHAT!!!

They sent me the correct file that needed to be analyzed. They should have done that when they requested it in the first place. When they requested it, they did not evenprovide the file, so I assume I would just picked one of the files detected. Now I need to rework on everything, the only good thing is the routines are the same, just a little adjusting. Even so, it is rework. Hayness!!!

Day 58: pǝʇɹǝʌuı

2008-12-02T16:59:00.002+08:00

December 2, 2008:

¡¡¡ƃıʇzɐ ¡¡¡sƃuıɹʇs pǝʇɹǝʌuı ʎןןɐʇoʇ ɐ ¿ʇɥƃıɹ ƃuızɐɯɐ ¿ǝɯ pɐǝɹ noʎ uɐɔ

While browsing blogs of some of my friends, I’ve encountered an interesting entry, about a link to a site that totally inverted the text you entered.

The site called is FlipAText, all you need to do is type the text that you want to invert, click flip and wahlah, your text will be inverted.

I haven’t checked it yet how the site did it. The geek in me wants to investigate further, but currently I have no time, maybe soon.

You should try it, and annoy some of your friends, by sending the m inverted IMs, or even emails.

Day 57: 12 Days To Go

2008-12-01T19:04:00.000+08:00

December 1, 2008:

Woke up pretty late. My head is still aching, even my back aches a lot, probably an aftermath of intense activity we did yesterday.

Whenever I'm trying to remember what I just did yesterday, I started to get nauseous again. I don't know why, but it feels like my head is spinning round and round. I even took a couple of Biogesic, just to ease the pain and the dizziness.

Also, it's already December, means that it's 24 more days before Christmas. I definitely need to start making my Christmas wishlist so you guys will have an idea of what you could give to me this yuletide season.

Speaking of countdowns, it's 12 days to go, before I could finally go home.

12 more days!!!

Day 56: What It Feels Like

2008-12-01T11:06:00.002+08:00

November 30, 2008:

We were invited by Matsuakawa-san to tour us where ever we like. We already went almost every tourist spot in Tokyo, including Hakone, so as suggested previously by Maan, we requested to take us to Sea Paradise at Yokohoma, a town from the outskirts of Tokyo.

We met at 9 AM outside Maynds Tower. He brought his children with him, Shun-chan and Momo-chan. We were also accompanied by Takao-san, from Trend Micro Japan also.

It took us about an hour and half to get to Sea Paradise. We bought a One Day pass ticket, so that we could enter the Aqua Museum, watch show, and enjoy at the Amusement Park, which showcases a 330 Feet Free-fall ride.

We first enter the Aqua-Museum, wherein we saw many marine living creatures. The aquarium glass used in this museums are quite different, I felt so nauseated while changing places, just to get a nice shot. Maybe it’s a special kind of glass, but whatever it is, it really made me dizzy.

After viewing the Aquarium, we went to watch the show. The Sea Lions are cute, so kawaii, so playful. Then enter the Beluga, or Dugongs, so serene looking creatures.

Then a small penguin went crossing the stage. Then as a final act, we were enticed with Dolphins and their High Jumps.

By noon, we took our lunch at the Food Court. Then after so, let the nerve wracking experience commence!!!

First, we went to Blue Fall, a 330 ft vertical free fall tower ride. My knees are shaking while I sit on the ride. I did think of backing out, but what the heck, it is a once in a life time experience. I could feel my heart pounding too fast as we reached the top of the tower. You can see the panoramic view of Yokohama, even see a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, but then in seconds, we were suddenly falling very very fast. It is probably the loudest I ever screamed in my whole life, like I’m battling with nature to let me live!!! As we fall, I could feel the force of gravity. I even thought of my shoes getting lost as we stride down the huge pole. In seconds, we reached the ground, with dizzy heads, and trembling knees, catching my breath!!! I really didn't’t believe what I have done! Never in my life I have thought of riding such stuffs. Now I know what it feels like jumping on a bridge or a tall building!!!

Minutes after the ride, my head is still experiencing after shock the 330 feet fall we just did, we then ride another nauseous ride, The Viking, similar to Enchanted Kingdom’s Anchors Away. Again, I felt so dizzy, but I neglect that, I just concentrate on the face of the other children on the opposite side of the boat, who’s faces are distorting, like their about to cry whenever it’s their turn to reach the top. I can’t help but to burst into laughter. We again took it for a second try, this time some Filipinos are on the other side of the Boat. It’s getting dizzier the second time around, so I started shouting, P.I.!!! TAMA NA UUWI NA AKO!!! BABA NYO KO!!! Matsukawa-san, invited us to join him for another ride, but I bailed out, that I can’t ride anymore.

We then rode the roller coaster ride. It didn’t have any vertical loops, only dozens of curves and spiral loops. First plunge, I started shouting, because it’s getting cold!!! Half of the ride is exposed in Sea Water, so you could feel the cold breeze coming from the sea. Second Plunge, I kept my mouth shut, because, I my starts to get numb, due to coldness. Minutes passed more curves and spirals, the ride ended, alas!!!

By 6:30 PM, Matsukawa-san said we are heading back to Shinjuku. As we left Sea Paradise, I take a few moment looking back to this bizarre and unbelievable day. Never in my lifetime, I’ve imagined my self conquering my fears of riding roller coaster or even a deep fast free fall ride. If I ever ask if I would do it again, my answer would be...

Definitely… maybe!!!

Day 55: Shopping at Shibuya

2008-11-29T18:20:00.000+08:00

November 29, 2008:

Went to Shibuya to buy some toys at Disney Store and Kiddie Land.

The place is crazy!!!

Shibuya is so packed with shoppers, locals and foreigners.

I almost spent 10,000 yen for the stuffs I bought, mostly my stuffs, hehehe!!!

Tomorrow, we will be going to Sea Paradise at Yokohoma with Matsukawa-san and Takao-san.

Hope it will be a good weather.

Till tomorrow

XOXO

Day 54: Letter To The Future

2008-11-28T15:33:00.001+08:00

November 28, 2008:

I want to create a letter to myself, for the future me.

I haven't decided yet for the time span before I will be receiving the letter. All I know is that it should be long enough just to give an ample time for me to forget that I have done this letter and I will be surprise one the day that is suddenly appears on my mail.

Also, I haven't decided on what kind of letter, traditional (Snail Mail) or contemporary (E-mail). Maybe the latter, since it is the easiest way, and I guess the most reliable on.

But why I am doing this? Maybe for the reason that I just want to remind the future me of all the mistakes that I did and hope by that time I’ve already learned from them. To check if all my dreams, plans, goals, and ambition I already attain by that time. And also just to have something to look back.

I guess it is a fun thing to do, I every influence some of my friends into doing it. Maybe you could do it also, who knows what the future you could learn from the current you.