Eh-hum # 132

Oh, did I mention that my classes finished last week?

Yes, bakasyon na po ako (this is why I have been sleeping around 3:30 AM for the past three days; todo Internet na ito!) and am trying to think how I should spend two months away from school. But knowing me,　I might just go to the library (or libraries) to do research, review my Nihongo so I won't forget, visit some museums (yak, nerd talaga) and plan a trip to Tokyo. Also, if all things go according to plan, my sister will visit me this March. Asteeg

***

Oo nga pala, today's Valentine's Day! Happy Hearts day to all (single people included, hehehe). Here in the land of the rising sun, Valentines' Day is celebrated earnestly, with malls and supermarkets selling a wide variety of chocolates meant for a variety of individuals: boyfriend (and perhaps girlfriend), your boss or simply a friend. Giving chocolates does not reflect romance, as represented by the last two; but in Valentines' Day, guys would definitely received some sweets from their girlfriends (or girlfriend to be, especially if the chocolate is homemade or expensive). Yep, guys are NOT obligated to give chocolates, among other things, on this day. Hehehehe, olats, Japanese girls are spoiling their guys rotten. I suppose, this wouldn't work in the Philippines. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...unless her boyfriend remembered to give her some tulips today or shower her some affection. Ahhhh, love. For more info on Japan's Valentines' Day, read this article from Time.

***

I am afraid to read the Philippines local dailies. Why? Well, its the election season again (May 2007), and we won't have much good news on this topic, especially of the kind of people bent on getting a seat in the Senate, etc. For instance, I learned from my mother that Richard Gomez (the actor) will be running.　This is really BAD news. I doubt he has any knowledge on the Constitution and law making (he'll be spending most of his pork barrel in hiring people who will think for him). Foulmouthed, he speaks without thinking and arrogantly believes that he has a point when in fact he does not. In short, the guy is a freaking ass****. Great, just what we need, another clown in the Senate. Why, why, why do people like him who obviously have no political will/knowledge would want to be in politics (don't answer that)? If he really wants to help the masa, why not be part of an NGO ( I also raised this back when Jamby Madrigal ran for the Senate in 2004) or set up their own foundation. If these people really want to help the masses, they should spend their own money, not taxpayers' blood, sweat and tears. Anyway, if you want to know the who's who this coming elections (Senate), please read this.

Haynaku...

Eh-hum # 131

Eh-hum!

Wala lang, noticed that I have been posting videos lately. One, I finally learned how; and two, I recently upgraded my web browsers (IE and Mozilla) so I am now able to view them. The ones I have posted were, of course, my favorites. Ahhhh, welcome to the wonderful world of YouTube, Yahoo! Video (Philippines) and iFilm, where ordinary people get to produce witty/silly/crazy/ videos of themselves (and their friends) and then become celebrities overnight. Amazing how technology makes it easier for us to connect with the rest of the world by just a click of the mouse.

Speaking of viral videos and achieving celebrity status overnight, while surfing yesterday afternoon, I came across with a funny and unusual video on Yahoo!. This is old news, as I found out later on; I am talking about the video created and starred in by two Chinese boys who became famous (and now have fans) for lip-synching Back Street Boys' and other Pop songs. There are widely referred to as the Back Dormitory (or Dorm) Boys (BDB). "Dormitory" because they recorded most of their performances in their dorm room using a webcamera. But eventhough the videos are not exactly HD, most viewers found them hilarious. There is actually a third boy in the group, but in the videos, he rarely shows his face and can be seen playing Counter Strike. For me, this is the funny part; the third boy minds his own business, as if totally oblivious to the "performance" of the main "stars" of the videos. Since "releasing" their first viral video, the boys became instant celebrities and their act have also spawned some imitations. More importantly, the BDB phenomenon has further contributed to the popularity of the Internet and podcasting in China and the rest of the world. I am amazed how two lip-synching Chinese boys are getting this much attention; perhaps putting a twist on a not so new concept and the timing to join the online video craze helped them achieve web notoriety. Also, I think the main message of their mock videos is that its alright not to take yourself too seriously, you may end up getting endorsement deals from companies like Motorola. If you have been sleeping under a rock (like me, until I log on the Internet) and are not familiar with the boys, below is one of their many videos, which is an ad they did for Motorola. I admit, the song has a catchy tune. Enjoy!



***

Free time also allowed me to do some blog surfing, and I ended up visiting the blog of Filipino designer and fashion guru. One of her entries was about the big bag. From gradeschool until the present, I almost always carry a big bag, which may be any of the following: shoulder and body bags, gym bag, and back pack. I have never used what she referred to as a kili-kili bag (bags that are small enough to be considered a purse). I often get teased for using, for instance, a back pack, because I looked as if I brought my room or closet with me. But I see the convenience of bringing such a bag, especially when commuting. Moreover, the comment I found in her blog made me appreciate it more:

Don't friend girls with small bags, said Jessica Zafra. Particularly the kili-kili bag. A small bag is an indication of a blah girl.

A big bag tells me the girl could be interesting, fashionable, caring, high-maintenance, motherly, a traveler/explorer, obsessive-compulsive, rich, broke, generous, or all of the above—but never boring.

"Never Boring"...Yeba! Hehehehe.

Eh-hum # 130

While I am thinking of something interesting to share, please watch this video, which is actually a commercial for the Playstation. Love the dialogue (and the accents of the actors); who whould've thought that gaming can be so poetic.



***

Also, para sa mga ka-edad ko, naalala nyo pa ito:

haaayyy, trip down memory lane...

Eh-hum # 129

Wow, can't believe its February already, which means I have been living in Japan for a litte over four months now. Asteeeg...time flies when you're having fun, how true is that? Hehehehe.

When I am not busy studying (which may also mean that I am too lazy to do so), I watch some Japanese television. As I have observed, there three major components present in almost all Japanese talk shows I've seen: first, the hosts usually consists of a guy, or two guys, and a girl; second, the show would feature a lot of celebrities (artists, sports heroes, etc) and have them discuss a series of topics; and third, the crazy, colorful set designs. Aside from talk shows, they would also have these programs which I refer to as Japanese style reality television. These shows are not as sensationalized or far fetched as the ones in the US. These shows would usually involve a celebrity or two and a task (or set of tasks) for them to accomplish. In the process of completing their tasks, they meet and interact with the locals or even encounter star-struck fans. One program I saw involved Japan's number one actor, singer, hearthrob Kimura Takuya. Kimura was accompanied by a male host and a female comedian (Pinku, I think that's what they call her) and the task for the three of them was to promote Kimura's new tv drama. My favortie part of the whole episiode was when they visited (unannounced, most likely) an all-female University in Tokyo. Imagine the reaction of a hundred or more girls after realizing that Kimura is in their campus. And the girls who had the opportunity to see him up close (or even touch him) went into giggling/screaming fits. Its so hysterical that it was actually amusing. Heheheheh.

Since we are already on this subject, my reading and composition sensei said that Kimura is perhaps the only Japanese actor who did not lose his edge after he got married (also a Japanese singer, I think). Initially, I did not find him that goodlooking, until I found out that he also co-starred in the critically acclaimed Chinese film 2046 (see pic below; Kimura with Chinese singer/actress Faye Wong). Asteeg.



***

Something for you Dragon Ball Z/martial arts fans out there. Cool video, eventhough it was done indepedently:

Eh-hum # 128

YES! Finally an update! Sorry for the delay!

Writing this around 2:00 in the morning (Japan time) while eating Y70 worth of potato chips, my favorite junkfood. I normally sleep around 12 midnight, but my Internet connection is faster during the wee hours of the day/morning and my Nihonggo class scheduled at 10:00 am later was postponed for next Saturday. In short, I have some free time.

***

As I mentioned in my previous post, I signed up for a Snowboarding trip to Nagano from January 4 to 9. Initially, I had no intention to join the trip because I would rather spend the Y35,000 (which all participants had to pay for the hotel, meals and rental of equipment) to buy a new digital camera. But I went anyway and I am glad I did.

One reason was the SNOW. You may ask, is it not snowing in Kobe? Well, in areas near Mt. Rokko, it did snowed, like twice. According to reports, Kobe is currently experiencing a warm Winter. At almost 9 degrees centigrade, I guess that is pretty warm. But I am not complaining, honest.

I had a splitting headache when we first arrived at the hotel in Nagano. Mainly because we traveled by bus therefore I did not get any sleep. The breakfast wasn't any help because it was cold (in fairness, we always look forward to dinner time). But when we settled in our rooms, I was able to catch some ZZZZZZ's. It was short but sweet, plus the room was comfortably warm as opposed to the chilly air outside. I was bunked with five other students: 2 Chinese, 1 Mongolian and 2 (South) Koreans. They're nice young ladies, but I was the odd-man-out: they all speak good Japanese. *Sigh*, even on vacation, I am still thinking about grammer and vocabulary. Eh-hum

Shortly after my power nap, we set out to the snowy hills for snowboarding 101. Wearing layers of clothing for warmth (the temperature was between -8 and -10 degrees centigrade) plus a pair of heavy boots made quite difficult to walk to our first spot. Moreover, we each had to carry our boards through the slippery and soft snow. When we got to our spot, we did some stretching exercises and the lesson commenced. It was chaotic.

First lesson was distributing your weight on the board, then putting pressure on your toes for movement, then on your heels to stop. Stretch out your arms for balance and keep your eyes forward. You can also use your shoulders as guide to make a turn. It sounds simple enough, but it was a challenge, especially for beginners. Everytime I get on the board, I fell down flat on the ground. Thank goodness the snow wasn't like concrete. And then there's the ski lift. Tried it only once, it was scary as hell. I was tempted not to get off the lift when it reached the top. I couldn't feel the ground at the end so I jumped with disastrous (and a little bit funny) results: I fell flat on my face and had to be pulled out immediately so not to get hit by the revolving seats and other skiers/snowboarders who will get off. Because of that, I was more than happy to give my ski lift points to my Mongolian roommate (and impromtu Japanese tutor), Hana-san.

Judging from how many times they would walk to a good spot then go down a hill, most of students were bent on mastering the sport (particularly those from Europe and the US). As for me, I was there to enjoy myself and (try) to forget that I have some papers to write and assignments waiting for me back in Kobe. Part of the experience was admiring the falling snowflakes and the trees covered in snow; it was, like in the song, walking (or snowboarding) in a winter wonderland. Two of my friends, a fellow Pinay and an Indonesian, even made a snow, uh, person...TWICE. I recorded them while doing it and the end product was a short instructional video on how to make a snowman, Filipino and Indonesian style. It was pretty funny.

We left Nagano at 7:30 pm. Though it was brief, and we were not exactly ready to go back to school, the scenery and the snowboarding provided a much needed break for us hardworking students. As it turns out, Japanese winter is not so bad afterall.

***

And now, some pictures.

Me, one of the (crazy) ski instructors and Titiek-san. Hmmmm, it just occured to me that we forgot his name...hehehe, bad.

Snow queens: Me, Titiek-san, Hana-san (holding snowboard) and Adelle-san (seated)

One of our "training spots". Its higher than it looks. Abunai deshou...especially if you go unsupervised.

A self-portait: Me in winter/snowboarding clothing.

Work of art: the Snowperson with candy for nose and candy wrappers for eyes and mouth. And a hat...heheh.

*Notice that my number is 27. Its quite a significant number for me, especially since its 2007. Eh-hum

Eh-hum # 127

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!!!

Yes, as I am writing this, its already 12:30 midnight here in Kobe, Japan and the first day of 2007, and also my cousin's, Tin, 24th birthday.

2007 is the year of the Boar, or the Inushishi in Japanese. While the Chinese Year New is days away, perhaps weeks since I am not really sure, it wouldn't hurt to know Chinese animal predictions for 2007. People who were born under this sign may or may not experience the following:

This is a year when the Boar person is into its own year. You would be more prone to accidents and health problems. However, there is a lucky sign which would help you through most troubles. Meanwhile, you would be very adventurous, thus contracting many unnecessary troubles. You should think twice about what you want to do. If in doubt, get a friend to help you.

WORK: You have chances to try something new. You should stay mobile. You would favor trading, travel, import/export businesses. You do not favor the financial market or gambling.

WEALTH: Income through hard work would be better than speculative. You would make more money through businesses of public relations, human resources, marketing and entertainment businesses.

ROMANCE: Your relations would be volatile. However, you seem to be able to get off trouble every time.

HEALTH: Even though the boar person gets tired easily, you still have a lot of energy at work. Be careful of a bleeding sign.

For businessmen and women, please take note of the following "lucky" or favorable industries (Fire, Earth and Metal) this year:

Automobiles, especially those from Japan and Germany

Wind-related businesses, such as windmills

Electronics and computer/storage media (such as computer parts, consumer items, mobile phones), but competition would be fierce

Communications and Internets: machines would become smaller and smaller and yet more and more all-encompassing

Securities

Education

Financial

Show business

Metals and Machinery

New building materials

House renovations

Food businesses

Real Estate values would become far more selective. While most sectors would somewhat slow down, quality ones would continue to prosper in growing areas such as Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Southern California, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, etc.

If you want to know more, especially the predictions for those born under other animal signs, please click here.

***

I attended a pre-New Year dinner with other Filipinos last December 30. It was a simple gathering, but a meaningful at that. They have become my second/third family here in Japan, and I am soooo glad that I am able to spend time with them, it really keeps me missing home too much. For today, or rather yesterday by the time I post this, I decided to stay in my room and do some laundry. Not exactly the ideal thing to do when hours later, 2006 will end and 2007 will begin. But, I decided to stay put so that I could speak with my family at home and greet them a Happy New Year.

I am always excited to call home, which I do once a week, and I know my Mom looks forward to it as well. My Dad, after almost a decade on land, has decided to work overseas. He'll do it for 9 months (or less) and afterwards will be working most likely in a maritime/nautical school as an instructor. He hasn't reached the retiring age, so he really wanted to "continue" his work as Master Mariner. Calling home, which is now easier thanks to technology, keeps my Mom from being lonely. Our house used to be occupied by six people; but since my Dad and I are overseas while my sister's living near her workplace, that's down to three (Mom, my brother and Merly, our household companion of 20+ years). But she gets to speak with Dad like every single day, which is really cool. I am glad that everything is going smooth, and I thank God for that. For this New Year, instead of the usual resolutions, I would like to offer a prayer I found online for my family, relatives, friends, and even to complete strangers:

Grant me the strength from day to day, to bear what burdens come my way. Grant me throughout this bright New Year, more to endure and less to fear. Help me live that I may be, from spite and petty malice free. Let me not bitterly complain when cherished hopes of mine prove vain, or spoil with deeds of hate and rage some fair tomorrow's spotless page. Lord, as the days shall come and go in courage let me stronger grow....Lord, as the New Year dawns today help me to put my faults away. Let me be big in little things; Grant me the joy which friendship brings. Keep me from selfishness and spite; Let me be wise in what is right. A happy New Year! Grant that I May bring no tear to any eye. When this New Year in time shall end let it be said I've played the friend, have lived and loved and labored here, and made of it a happy year. Amen.

***

Minutes before the clock struck twelve, I opened the television to see what the Japanese are busy with to welcome 2007. One and perhaps the most traditional, is a visit to a shrine and offer prayers for the coming year. Next, an orchestra playing classical pieces such as the score used during graduation (forgive me, am not quite familiar with classical music). And for the young ones, a new year countdown concerts. There was one that caught to my attention, because I have never seen anything like it (as a matter of fact, I have never been to a real concert, ever, hmmmm). It was held at the Tokyo Dome and the performers were...all...Japanese...boy bands...in rather elaborate costumes and sporting fancy hairstyles I may add. And to my amusement, the audience were mostly, if not ALL, Japanese girls and women. Hehehehe, kakaiba talaga; the guys were singing and dancing on stages that moves around (or travels) the venue, so that the audience can catch a glimpse of her favorite singer or teen idol. The girls go in a frenzy, but since this is Japan, they do in an organized manner. Even the waving of their homemade signs expressing their undying love to their favorite band or singer was done in unison. Its unusual, but its quite amusing. Omoshiroi ne, eh-hum.

While writing this, I am doing an assignment which I have to pass before I go to Nagano for a school-sponsored Snowboarding trip. While I wish I could spend the winter break by doing absolutely NOTHING, but since I am a student here, I have some serious homeworks to do. Sigh.

By the way, Happy New Year Again ;).

Eh-hum # 126

As usual...this is a bit late...BUT, i really mean it.

To all my friends, and even the rest of the world, have a blessed, meaningful CHRISTMAS and a prosperous NEW YEAR!!!

Ung lang...hehehehe

Eh-hum # 125

HAPPY 2*th BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR, DEAR FRIEND, MACIS. LOVE YOU!

Finally have some ME time to update me blog (plus good Internet connection). Lightning Round!

1. Kyoto Trip Part 2

Since this is a quite late, I'll make it simple and short. The trip to Arashiyama was a treat. Its nice that even a highly developed (or industrialized) country as Japan, there are such places which, as the late Max Soliven said, "recapture the essence of what used to be Japan". The shrines, the lovely gardens and most especially the maple trees in red, bright orange and yellow, were a wonderful alternative (still looking for the right word) to the buildings, shops and malls I see everyday en route to the University. Moreover, its nice to do all those sightseeing with friends. Aside from seeing Japanese Autumn, other highlights of the visit were the vast bamboo (yes, that grass) grove which reminded me a scene in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (see below) and a Geisha/Maiko sighting. I was suppose to take a picture, or stolen shot, of the latter, but I was suddenly embarrassed to bring out the camera and suddenly take pictures of complete strangers. Maybe next time...hehehehe

2. Counquering Mount Rokko

About two weeks ago, me, my adviser, his wife, my senpai/friend and her husband, went on a little road trip to Mount Rokko. It was an impromtu trip, so I was not able to bring my camera with me. We went to three viewing spots on the mountain and all three gave breathtaking views of Kobe and Osaka, at night. It was all good, and we would've spend more time in each spot if it wasn't for the very, very cold weather. I wouldn't mind going there again, perhaps this time 1) when its summer; and 2) when the sun is about to set.

3. Tempura and Yakitori

I am all for trying Japanese dishes (well maybe not raw fish, at least not yet) since I love food (and it shows). After the brief but enjoyable trip to Mount Rokko, we had dinner at a Tempura shop in Anshiya. I like visiting these small, cozy and genuine Japanese restaurants, its a chance to learn more of Japanese culture (and did I mention eating?). We each had several servings of tempura veggies and fish (including the favorite, shrimp). My favorite was the combination of shitake mushroom and fish tempura; I love the light meat of the fish plus the soft texture of the mushroom, YUM! We were served a special kind of (soy) sauce plus grated radish, some spices and lemon juice. The last thing they served was sort of a tempura donburi bowl: vegetable and fish tempura with rice and sauce. It was reaaallllyyyy good.

Another favorite of mine is Yakitori, or roughly known as chicken barbecue or grilled chiken bits. I had the opportunity to eat at a Yakitori shop near a Hanshin Mikage train station. I remember we had chicken liver, yakitori, salad and this special traingle-shaped rice. It was a good meal. The thing is, eventhough the servings here (in restaurants) are small compared what I usually have back home, it is enough to make me full. Hmmm, wonder why?

4. Two Months na Po!

Time flies, really. And guess what, I have been in Japan for two months. And I thought I wouldn't stand for a week. Below is part of the report I sent a few weeks ago to my home university which pretty much describes how things have been for me for the last two months.

"...I’ve realized that living in Japan has helped me become more self-confident and independent. Again, others may think this to be unimportant, but for someone like me who has lived in a sheltered environment for a long time, this is a major breakthrough. I know I have Filipino friends here whom I can count on, but I still believe that everything will boil down to what I think is the right choice...On a lighter note, I have come to appreciate those chores my mother made me do when I was younger, or the times she would scold me for spending too much money. These are just little things you pick up as you grow older, and yet these reminders or lessons are extremely helpful when you need it the most. Thank God for the Filipino resourcefulness, or know-how (or roughly known as diskarte).

Meanwhile, I have been taking only Japanese lessons for this semester (plus two other courses at a different department). Unlike my Kanji lessons in which I really make time to sit down and study, I am having some difficulty studying, and eventually remembering, my grammar lessons. I have gotten used to writing research papers (as the usual requirement in my MA studies) that I have somehow forgotten what it was like to be a regular student, inside a classroom, listening to your teacher’s lecture...Lately, I have pressuring myself to study more, or at least to try to use nihongo as often as I can. During a conversation with my mother, she gave me an encouraging thought: you only have been there for two months; you still have lots of time to learn. Mothers always say the right things at the right time. "

Eh-hum # 124

B-LOG (as in back-log)

Some things/experiences I need/want to write about/share (sorry about that...):

1. Kyoto Trip Part 2: Observations

2. Counquering Rokko Mountain

3. Tempura Galore (Before that, Yakitori Galore)

4. TWO MONTHS NA PO!

Abangan...

Eh-hum # 123

SANAMAGAN! I am deeply saddened by the news that Maximo V. Soliven, one of the Philippines' influential journalists, passed away Friday morning in Japan. I even quoted him in my last blog entry (which was his second to the last article). I do not know Manong Max personally, but I always look forward to reading his opinion column, By The Way in the Philippine Star, of which he was also the publisher. His comments and writings, intelligent and straightforward with a dash of humor and at times, poetic, was always a treat to my serious side. Also, for the times I felt the Philippines was going nowhere, his optimism about the country's development gives me hope that yes, we can prevail. More importanly, his decision to stay in the Philippines despite his success is something the Filipinos should consider. There will never be anyone like Manong Max, and he will surely be missed (by both friends and foes alike). Am sure, he's being welcomed by another great journalist, Teodoro Benigno, Jr, in Heaven.

***

Soliven to get burial honors at Libingan

The Philippine Star 11/26/2006

The family of the late Philippine STAR publisher and board chairman Max Soliven has accepted the government’s offer to bury Soliven with honors as a war veteran at noon on Friday, December 1, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

Soliven had joined and fought in the resistance against the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines as a guerrilla volunteer while he was a cadet at the Ateneo de Manila Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) during World War II.

He was stricken with acute pulmonary and cardiac arrest on his way back to Manila from Tokyo, Japan last Friday. Soliven was rushed to the Narita Red Cross Hospital but efforts to revive him failed. Doctors declared Soliven dead at 11:26 a.m. (10:26 a.m. Manila time).

Soliven’s father Benito was also a World War II veteran whose exploits during the War in the Pacific were immortalized in Soliven’s column "By the Way," which saw print in The STAR. Soliven flew to Japan last week, where he delivered two major speeches, one before airline officials and the other before Japanese journalists in Osaka. His widow, Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, is still in Japan making arrangements for the return of his remains. Ambassador Soliven said it was her husband’s wish that his remains be cremated.

Ambassador Soliven is scheduled to return to Manila at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday with the urn containing her husband’s ashes. Arrival honors will be provided for Soliven at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by the Philippine National Police (PNP), and escorted all the way to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, where Soliven will lie in state. A Mass will be held immediately after arrival honors at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Mortuary at the St. Ignatius Cathedral in Camp Aguinaldo.

Masses will be held nightly at 8 p.m. for the duration of the wake. Final necrological rites for Soliven will be held on Friday, starting with a Mass at 8:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio. The Soliven family has asked that donations to The STAR’s Operation Damayan be given in lieu of flowers.

More on http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200611260404.htm

Eh-hum # 122

Invading Kyoto Part 1

An article from the Philippine Star written by veteran journalist Max Soliven convinced me to join a school-sponsored trip to Arashiyama, Kyoto and engage in a momijigari (maple-tree viewing). And I quote: "The former Imperial capital of 1,000 years, with a population of just 1.7 million, remains a spot of respectful pilgrimage – with Japanese flocking there to recapture the essence of what used to be Japan....It gave my heart to see the trees turning color – the autumn leaves flaming red on the maples, others flaring orange, golden yellow – a riot of shades which made you wonder whether you had fallen into some enchanted sleep and awakened to fairyland. " Here in Kobe, I've also noticed the leaves have turned either red or yellow in most trees, but my adviser told me that autumn is best seen/felt in Kyoto. While the Emperor's Palace was not part of our itenirary, the trip was subarashii...however, one must prepare to walk great distances to see the lovely sights Arashiyama has to offer.

Since we were only given a day (by the way, October 23 is a Japanese Holiday), we only have two major destinations: Nison-in Temple and Hogon-in Temple. Next to castles and Studio Ghibli, visiting real Japanese Temples and Shrines is a must for me. Between the two, Nison-in covered more land area, thus it offered more landmarks to take pictures with or to take pictures of. One is a Hall of the temple, a small shrine-like structure that sits quitely in an elevated lot.


Another is a huge Buddhist bell that people ring before offering a short prayer. Some tourists rang the bell then had their picture taken while doing it. I chose not too, thinking it is one way to respect Buddhism. But I requested my friend to take my picture while standing beside it.

Maybe because it was a holiday, some of Hogon-in's landmarks were not open to the public. It features lovely and manicured gardens that boasts trees already red in color. I did, however, manage to take a picture of a traditional Japanese home (from the outside, that is).

Stay tuned, more kwentos to come. Eh-hum

Eh-hum # 121

BRRRR...

Geez, from what I know, autumn is not over yet. But the weather we have here in Kobe is too much for someone like me (who has lived all her life in a tropical country). Moreover, getting ready for the cold season is EXPENSIVE, I had to buy some winter clothes plus accessories to protect myself for some serious sub-zero temperature. My skin is dry like land during drought, while my hands are numb as if I have been holding ice. Its so wierd that extreme cold could leave a burning sensation on your skin. Never in my life have I wished December-January be over. Back home, these are the most enjoyable months, because its cooler. Nonetheless, I'm glad I get to experience winter first, so that I can enjoy spring next year in April.

NIHON-HOPPING

I haven't had the opportunity to go sight-seeing, my classes has kept me quite busy. Also, the changing weather has kept me from visiting the neat places Kobe (and the rest of Japan) has to offer. However, all is not lost, I have still have more than 10 months, and I guess spring would be a better time for me to go around and get lost. More importantly, whenever other Filipino scholars have time to pahar-tei, I get to come as well. This usually means good (and crazy) fun and free food. HEHEHE.

PINOY NEWS

Sadly, I have not been updated with the happenings back home. But if its something about the elections next year, I rather not read the news, it leaves a bitter taste. However, the much awaited third bout between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Erik "El Terrible" Morales, was something we Pinoys (and perhaps our Latino friends as well) like to sink our teeth into. And I couldn't be more happier with the news that Pacman was too much for El Terrible. Knocking his opponent in the third round, Pacman, also known as the Philippines' Pambansang Kamao, proved that the Filipino fighters are a force to be reckoned with. More importantly, his win showed that even a panadero can make it big thanks to hardwork and dedication to his craft. Manny, MABUHAY KA!

Eh-hum # 120

I have been living and studying in Japan for a month. Though I couldn't say I have sucessfully adjusted to the Pinoy-in-Japan way of life (my definition is applying the Pinoy practical know-how or diskarte with Japan's rigid, off-beat, high-tech and expensive environment), I could say that I can see myself spending the next 11 months in this country. I've always dreamed of going to Japan to study, so why quit now?

Three weeks of attending Nihongo class was quite a challenge. The medium of instruction is of course, Nihongo. But whenever I give my sensei a blank look while saying "wakarimasen", she or he kindly explains in English (phrases, not sentences), but not without a "polite" chuckle. In my dormitory, I am one of the few students who cannot converse in Japanese. Most of the students are young, European/American University students who have the energy to go out every week or weekend to a party, event, etc. They're a friendly bunch, but I rarely go out with them, it sort of reminds me how old(er) I really am and how different my approach is while living in Japan. However, I do get along well with other research students and Ph D students (wink, wink). What keeps me from bursting a vein from trying to perfect my Japanese are my classes at another faculty. I am taking two other courses in English and are more in tune with my field of interest, which is international relations/peace and security/environment.

The more I stay here, the more it is okay to spend money, one amounting to 25000 yen. Last Thursday, I went to an electronic store and bought a spanking new electronic (duh) dictionary. It took me one whole week to debate whether I need to buy one. For one, I need to buy it for practical reasons, like a more up to date dictionary. On the other hand, I need it because its sorta, kinda feels awkward to consult my little Japanese-Engligh Oxford Dictionary while my seatmates are all digital (DAMN you peer pressure!). But I bought it anyways and am contented with it. Now, I am seriously considering of buying a new digital camera; my Canon Powershot A85 is experience some technical difficulties when taking pictures (sorry folks, no pictures in this blog).

Observations Part 1 (Celebration of Japan's Uniqueness, or rather, Intended Not to Offend Anyone)

1. (Almost) Everything here uses some state of the art sensor technology. You name it, doors, faucets, lights, escalator and even trash cans. One time, I thought the escalator is not working becuase it stopped moving. I took the stairs and when I got to the train platform, I saw an old couple using the escalator. It turns out, it shuts down when the sensors do not...uh, "sense" people who would use it.

2. Kobe is the shoe capital of Japan. A good 80% of the ladies here wear boots; stilettos, combat boots, cowboy boots, leather, suede, etc, etc. Usually paired with skinny jeans, short shorts and short skirts. Channeling Carrie Bradshaw, some of the stiletto loving ladies of Kobe can run to catch a bus and climb up a 60 degree angle hill wearing these killer boots.

3. Most of Kobe's young people here have an unique fashion sense (Note, I did not use strange, but for some, that could also work). Hair stylishly disheveled (will check spelling later, sowee) and dyed, purple pants, fur trimmed jackets, lotsa bling (bling!) and shoulder bags. YES, boys here use shoulder bags. For the ladies, the bigger the hair, the better. Also, leather, in whatever form, is good.

4. Need Make-Up Advice? Ask the girls and the boys. While its understood that girls love make-up (one girl was putting so much mascara that I thought she wont able to open her eyes just as soon as she blinks), the guys like to put a little of the stuff as well. Plus, they like to shave their eyebrows.

5. Love train rides. Though this may sound strange, I like riding trains. Back in the Philippines, I am a supporter of the MRT and LRT systems. Here, the trains are high-tech and clean with a capital C. The public transportation in Japan is excellent.

6. The senior citizens of Japan are so active (playing sports, taking their dogs for walks, going to the gorcery, etc), I think they can live to about 200 years old. It must be the tea.

Now back to studying...hehehehe.

Eh-hum # 119

Nothing will happen if I mope around in my room all day, so I decided to go out and see the sights and sound of Kobe.

Flea Market and Tabehoda

After attending Mass last Sunday, I went out with other Filipina students to a flea market in Harborland. I forgot to take a picture of the actual flea market, but its basically a parking lot where participants just place their goods on the pavement (the "stall" is simply delineated by masking tape) so that potential customers will have the chance to touch and examine the stuffs. We arrived there around 1:30; it was windy but the glaring sun made it tiring to go around and check every stall. In my case, I have just one objective: to buy a winter coat. And thankfully, all that walking around paid off, I was able to buy a slightly used coat (not too fancy, don't want to stand-out) that can be washed via washing machine. I was able to haggle the price and got 200 yen off the selling price. My flea market experience will not end here, this weekend, 2 flea markets will be held near my dormitory, which is much better.

After spending a good three hours at the flea market, we said goodbye to Harborland and went to Sannomiya to have dinner at an all-you-can-eat restaurant (Tabehoda, I think...hehehe). You pay Y1280 and must eat within a 90-minute time period. Eh-hum, that's not a problem for me. Within 90 minutes, I was able to eat 2 plates of rice curry, 1 plate of pasta, 2 plates of veggie salad, 2 glasses of juice, and 1 (somekinda) huge slice of cake (I dunno what it was, but it was good). I was stuffed, and from the looks of it, what I ate costs more than 1280 yen. That's Pinoy appetite for you.

Oh yeah, while in Harborland, I also had the chance to visit the Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park. Unfortunately, my camera's battery allowed me to take one picture...hehehe.

Eh-hum # 118

This is really nice. Enjoy watching!