Last Thursday was our beach time. We went to Tsuruga on Wednesday, spent the night at the beach and swam the following day. Totot, my cousin's hubby who's currently in Japan as a trainee was with us.

Here are the things we did:

1. travelled all the way to Tsuruga to enjoy the beach in summer
2. cooked barbeque for dinner, breakfast and lunch in a restricted area
3. sang "rain, rain go away" when it started drizzling (it was effective because that night it didn't rain despite what the weather forecast said)
4. slept on the mat under the tree because we forgot to bring the tent
5. counted the stars in the sky while lying down. before i fell asleep, there were only about five. hahaha =)
6. tried to read words in the reverse order (mga baliktad ug hunahuna!)
7. got up and found out that my niece ***tooot***
8. dipped our bodies in the sea. it was freaking hot
9. felt like models in our photo shoot with the big rock as our background
10. looked for the sexiest ladies with the nicest swimsuits. how i envy them!
11. chitchat about global warming and people back home on the way home
12. had dinner at the ramen house where i'm working as a part timer
13. took Totot home in Mie and saw his place

And I wondered why Japanese women still wear makeup when they go swimming. =)

Let me give you a list of those who took my breath away. Hahaha =)

1. Jomari Yllana (Remember gwapings? I bought a picture of him with Mark and Eric and placed it in my wallet.) 
2. Gio Alvarez (Pioneering talent of Ang TV. I never missed episodes of Ang TV and Home Along da Riles.)
3. Vince Hizon (I was once a Ginebra fan. I posted his big picture in my room.)
4. Martin Nievera (After his concert, I went to Marco Polo to get his autograph and kiss. With my friends' support ha. )
5. Hideaki Takizawa (Japanese actor. I translated one of his songs but I didn't like the message that much.)
6. Miguel Naranjilla (Pinoy Pop Superstar runner up. Made two profound stories for him.)
7. Miguel Mendoza (PDA Season 2 scholar. Voted for him lang.)

Kausa ra gyud ko sa isa ka tuig makakita ug dagat diri sa Japan. Kanindot oi!

Magsugod nako ug ligo ha. Ganina ra gyud ko nagpanikad.

Hala! Kadako sa balud. Nalingaw ko nga nahadlok. Dagaaaannnn....

Unya na lang ko ligo ug naa ko kauban. Dula na lang sa ko balas. =(

Summer isn't only the time for yukatas and fireworks in Japan but it is also the only season where the residents in the city I live in gathers in a weekend festival. The owner of the ramen shop I work for said it's called a "Train Festival". Don't ask me why. Hehe.

This year, I went there with my brother and his family. Like any other festivals in Japan, there were different food stalls. I bought myself a bowl of "kakigori", flavored crushed ice popular in summer. After paying the vendor, I turned around, walked a bit and "unconsciously" paused, looked at my kakigori and beamed. Then I heard someone said, "Ah, kuyawa oi, mura man ka ug bata nga first time nakadawat ug chocolate. (You look like a child who got a chocolate for the very first time)." It was Raffy, a family friend. Nauwaw ko kadali ba. Waaahhh...

There was a little program. Local performers sang and danced and a group of students played "taiko", Japanese drums. But the most exciting part for me was the finale. People flocked together near the stage to grab thrown packed bread. Kung sa bisaya pa, "pailuganay ug pan". Naa sad diay na diri. Haha. =)

Before I went home, I met Hirose Sensei, one of the Volunteer English Teachers I'm working with. We live in the same city. She introduced me to her kids and neighbors.

Note: I'm not sure if the inexperienced is qualified to write a story like this. But I hope you will enjoy reading a product of my imagination based from real stories of my friends. =)

I can see him out there, lying on his back, savoring every inch of sunlight. Well, he's not sun bathing in the park. He told me he often does this under the moon and stars. That's cute and romantic, huh? But this time, his being lunatic urged him to do it under the sun, for a change. I warned him he'd appear nuts with the burning heat but he just shrugged the idea off. It's not only this time that he's being stubborn and weird. He has told me some of his experience and ideas that ordinary people like me would find difficult to fathom. But I'm getting used to his idiotic side now. Not influenced though. So here I am, enjoying the shade of a tree, staring at my crazy friend.  

I met him exactly a month before yesterday. He was hired as the replacement for my position in the Audit Department. When I first saw him, I thought he doesn't have the face that would send the ladies giggling but I sensed something great in him. He's dark and a bit chubby but he has a certain aura that kinda trapped me. And that trap, as we work closely together each day, got tighter and tighter. I had to hand over to him all my responsibilities so we're together from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, including lunch and dinner time for the past month. We had to work overtime for my position has critical responsibilities that should be carefully handled. I have to admit although he's a weirdo, he's quick, sensible, light, gentleman and his humor perfects it all.

We just get along well. Period. It has only been a month but we've developed a friendship that just happened. It just came naturally, spontaneously. It wasn't forced, there were no efforts at all. I'm now convinced that relationships like that happen and it's amazing, if not magical. Everyone at the workplace notices it. Their stare and smiles seem to pull our legs. My closest friend nudged my elbow once and whispered there's just something in us. One time, we were in the hot seat and our colleagues asked us tons of intriguing questions. Luckily, using his natural gift of humor, he took charge of the situation and we were able to get away with them gracefully. I wish I was like him! You know, when it comes to my feelings for him, repression is the best solution... until last week...

My boss sent us on a business trip to another province. When we checked in at the hotel, we were told that our company secretary might have forgotten to make a reservation for us. Unfortunately, there was only one room available that night. We had no choice. It was already too late to look for another hotel. When we entered the room, we felt awkward with each other for the first time. I tried to appear alright. I sat on the bed and started to discuss what we should do the next day. He just intently listened. He listened so intently that he just shut his mouth and stared at me the whole time. It was one of his strange ways, I thought.

But when I was over, he came near me, leaned his head towards me and gave me a soft kiss. I was so startled that I moved my head away. But he kissed me again. And again. And again. And before I noticed it, I started kissing him back as passionately as he did. He began to caress my back and I felt how much he liked me even with the touch of his fingertips. When I brushed his hair with my fingers, he tried to undo the top button of my blouse. It was then that I abruptly pulled the brakes. His facial expression seemed to understand me. He just took my left hand and said, "I wish you were not wearing a wedding ring."

Yes, I'm married to a nice and responsible husband. I got married five years ago but my husband and I knew each other probably since birth. We were neighbors. We played hide-and-sick together, studied together, sneaked out of our houses together, hung out together, probably did almost all the same things together. We just started to part ways when we got employed at different companies, he as a medical representative and me as an auditor. Everyone thinks we're a perfect match in all aspects. I'm pretty sure we were until our individual careers unconsciously got in the way. We often forgot to lovingly look at each other in the eyes. We hardly have dinner together. We rarely go out on a date. We follow different sleeping schedules. Everything seems to have gone dry.

Of course I'm affected with our situation. I sometimes wonder if I'm just staying with my husband to protect our vows, if I'm too afraid to let go of an emotional investment, or maybe scared of what rumors will say. But a part of me has convinced myself that I'm keeping this marriage not because of fear, but because of love. And it's also because of that I've decided to give up my career and spend more time at home. I'll make sure he doesn't miss his breakfast, kiss him goodbye in the morning, hug him when he comes home from work, prepare him dinner and end the day with each other's arms. I want to become a mother this year too.  

But just when I have decided, here comes a man who seems to know who I really am with his sensitivity and intuition. I have to admit that for the first time, aside from my husband, I am attracted, captured and charmed by someone else. On that intimate night, I wanted to take off my wedding ring for the first time and I've felt the urge of making love with my friend over and over again just for that night. But being married takes away your right to food taste. It is a shadow that follows you. Sometimes it guides you. Sometimes it haunts you. Sometimes it's just right there. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you always bring with you your shadow.

That night too, I realized why couples get divorced or annulled, why married people are still fooling around, why some children have half brothers and sisters. Probably some couples realize that they're not meant to be even after exchanging marriage vows. It's sad but it's really possible. I also realized that temptations are everywhere and that, it's difficult to live by the promise of living together until death calls. But most of all, I came to understand that true love isn't a petal easily blown away by the strong wind but the root that sticks on the ground for the plant to grow. And I've decided that true love will paint my destiny with my husband.

Today, my department organized a small farewell party for me at a park close to our company. My friend and I arrived earlier than expected. He decided to lay down on the grass while waiting for the others and I decided to sit here and ponder. I feel sad that I'm leaving the company that has taught me plenty of things. I'll surely miss everyone I've worked with. And I'll surely miss the guy who became the ultimate test of my love. But I'm ready to say goodbye to all these things for a new beginning.  

Photo taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/samsamcardiff/499596607/.

It took me a year to make this entry. Lol. These are cherry trees along the stream close to my apartment. When I walk or bike to my brother's apartment, I pass them by and can't help but notice how they change beautifully. =)

When cherry blossoms are at their peak in spring...

When green leaves dominate in summer...

When leaves wither and fall in autumn...

When cherry trees feel the cold winter brings...

As you have probably expected, I've just arrived from a three-day backpacking adventure. The trip was great in a different way. We'd usually call an experience fun and exciting when we've got lots of hilarious stories, embarrassing moments, wild dare, and bold risks to remember, laugh at and share with others. What I had wasn't like any of those kind of pleasure. But it was great because I was very at ease being with myself alone. As the cliche says, being alone doesn't mean being lonely.

In that trip, I was more focused on my desires and whims. Yeah, it might be a kind of self-centeredness but I'd rather call it independence and freedom. I ate when I was hungry, drank when I was thirsty, slept when I was tired, read when I wanted to, walked wherever my feet led me, took as many pictures as I could, looked here, looked there and looked everywhere. I tried to own my time so I just checked my cellphone (in lieu of a watch) when I felt it was about time to get on the train.

Since I spent hours on the train travelling from one city to another, the train passed by small towns, large cities, dark tunnels, a few streams, and lots of forests. I couldn't help but wonder why Japan seems to have it all. It's an affluent industrialized country that hasn't only built skyscrapers but it has also fully conserved its beautiful forests. They may have dug tunnels for the railway but it still didn't destroy the natural beauty.

Hikone

My first stop was the small historic city Hikone, which is famous for one of the oldest castles in Japan. Before reaching the city, I mistakenly changed trains at the previous station. But I guess it was a blessing in disguise since I was so amused with the yellow train I took. Of all colors, that railway company has picked my favorite color! It surely made my day even brighter! Haha =)

When I got off at Hikone, the walking part of the trip started. The three-storey castle is just about 15 minutes away on foot from the station but it was terribly hot (it was better than rainy weather though). Like other castles, it's on an elevated area, with white walls and moated. The stairways inside are steep, so tourists have to be careful in going up and down. On the third floor I saw Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan, which looked like a sea because of its hugeness.

At the foot of the castle lies Genkyu-en garden. The pamphlet says it looks lovely in spring with the cherry blossoms or in fall with the autumn red leaves but its greenness this time made it just perfect for summer. At the center of the garden, you can see a large pond and the Hosho-dai guest house where visitors can drop by for tea (not free though). From the garden, you can see the 400 year old castle.

I had lunch at McDo (not again!!!) and then got on the train for my next destination.

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is quite far from Hikone so I had to spend about five hours on the train. Since I was using a cheap ticket, I had to change trains five times. To lessen the boredom of waiting, I started reading "Freedom from the Known", a book by Krishnamurti. I could say it was so deep that it stirred my mind. I had to put it aside from time to time to process what I read (not a keen learner kasi). I haven't finished it yet but I admit it's quite interesting.

Anyway, Amanohashidate is a sandbar formed by waves for many years that connects two towns. When I got there, I was too eager to look at the scenic view from a distance that I first went to a park located at the top of a hill by chair lift. I couldn't help but appreciate the splendid sight: the green row of pines trees, the green mountains and the peaceful blue ocean. It is believed that when you look at the sandbar, you have to bend over and look from between your legs. The sandbar will look like a bridge (hashi) to heaven (ama). Honestly, I tried it a few times but I guess my imagination failed. =(

When I went down, I immediately asked the park staff where the start of the sandbar trail is. She explained the map but reminded me that it will take about 50 minutes to reach the other side with a concerned tone of voice. The reminder surprised me a bit as  I thought walking is a usual thing though it didn't stop me from doing so. Fortunately, the sun was about to set so I was saved from the scorching heat. I noticed how well-preserved the pine trees are. Some trees are propped with bamboos to prevent them from falling. I saw a few residents walking like me, fishing, walking their dogs and riding their bicycles and motorcycles. Nobody was swimming as it was already a little late. I was also lucky enough to witness the lovely sunset in the area. I guess I really had fun because I didn't notice the passing time at all. When I reached the other town, I looked for the youth hostel where I'm going to spend the night. I slept in a dorm room with another transient traveller.

I started my second day without any delay. I went to Kasamatsu park at the middle part of another hill to see another angle of the sandbar. I did matanozoki again as I wasn't satisfied with what I saw the other day (lol). Then, instead of taking the scheduled buses, I climb the hill further to see the Nariai temple. This 30-minute hike is much harder than walking along the sandbar. I had a backpack, the sun was at its peak and I didn't buy myself a drink before climbing.  I wasn't expecting this in my trip. I wasn't sure if it was a wise thing to do but it was something the stupid side of me really wanted. When I reached the gate of the temple, I was sweating profusely.  Thanks God there was a vending machine.

At the top of this hill, tourists can enjoy looking at three sites: the pagoda, the temple and the Mt. Venten outlook. I first went to the pagoda and took some pictures of a structure unique to Japan and other Asian countries. Feeling a little tired, I spread my "malong" and lay down under the shade of a tree for a short rest. The place wasn't crowded so I really didn't care. Then, i went to the temple and offered a short prayer. The man I met there said I can make a wish at the "hitokoto" area, which  I did.

I then proceeded to the Mt. Venten outlook, where my sweat and effort paid off. It seemed like I was on top of the world, literally. I felt so free. No concerns. No worries. For a few minutes, I felt that my only reality consisted of the magnificent scenic view and the singing of birds and cicadas. I sang like a crazy woman, knowing that nobody would hear me. Haha. I took lots of pictures of myself with the view as the background. I looked at all sides of the forest and wondered what animals live there. The feeling was so great that I just can't put it down into words. Sorry for not being a gifted writer =(

I went back to the park by bus because I had to catch the train. This meant that I also couldn't walk along the sandbar in going to the station. Instead, I took a motorboat and it was pretty cool. I had lunch at a cafe, got on the train and headed for my last destination.

Kobe

When I got off at Kobe, I immediately sensed I was in a big city. It wasn't as big as Tokyo or Nagoya but you can see tall buildings and lots of shopping centers, the train station is crowded  and confusing and people are fashionably dressed. However, I also noticed that Kobe is an old city of Japan with its narrow main streets.

I went to Harborland to get a glimpse of the famous Kobe port, tower, maritime museum and other buildings. I wanted to look at the night view so I went to a nearby restaurant for dinner while waiting for twilight. Of course, I ordered beef steak since beef is part of Kobe's pride. How was it? Hmm, I can't really tell the difference. I'm not a food person, you know. =) Haha. When I got out, it was a bit dark and indeed, the night view is beautiful with the lights. They say it becomes even more beautiful in winter with the Christmas illumination.

After taking some pictures, I went to a cheap ryokan, Japanese traditional hotel for the night. My feet were already tired from walking for two days.

The following day, I went to Kitano Ijinkan area, another famous spot of Kobe. Ijinkan is a Western-style residence built for Westerners in Japan a long way back. I visited the German, Holland, Austrian and Denmark houses. At the Holland house, I got interested with the idea that they can make a perfume based on a survey of your favorites. I tried it and liked the scent of the perfume especially made for me. Coooollll.

After that, I walked to Iruka temple and said a little prayer. On the way to Chinatown (next famous spot), I stopped at a small restaurant for an early lunch to satisfy my grumbling stomach. But I regretted that early lunch a bit for  Chinatown has plenty of familiar, delicious and affordable Chinese eats. I ended up with China Mango. Sadly, I couldn't finish it because it was too sweet.

From here, I walked again to Meriken Park where I closely saw the the tower, museum, big fish cafe, some cruise ships and other buildings. I saw a couple of friends laughing at one side and about five people sitting at different parts of the park, probably enjoying the moment of being alone like me.

My legs were already complaining but I still managed to visit the Hyogo Daibutsu. I took the train for the next station, walked again for 15 minutes and saw the huge Buddha structure. The Buddha, which is about 11 meters tall was rebuilt in 1991.

I went home feeling very tired. I slept on the train most of the time. But there's no doubt I had a very memorable experience. Please view the some of the photos I posted days ago. =)

Today I attended the wedding ceremony of Yumi, my former Japanese teacher. It was a little costly for me but it's worth the experience! I guess I'll never be able to attend a Japanese wedding again for the rest of my life. Thanks to Yumi and Kazuhiro! =)

Unfortunately, with Kuya Wendel and Ate Lorraine climbing Mt. Fuji (Yeah, I missed it!) and Cecil vacationing in the Philippines, I did most of the preparation for the event all by myself. I went to Ate Chris who did my make-up. After the session,  I walked back to my apartment, which is about 10 minutes on foot, and it was freaking hot. When I got to my place, I was sweating a bit and  I had to retouch. Grrr...

I took a taxi and headed for Shin Gifu. I got there just a few minutes before Koji, Yumi's brother arrived. What I didn't know was he was going to pick up two ladies, me and Mana. Fortunately, Mana speaks English fluently as she and Yumi started their friendship in the UK where they both studied for about two to three years. Not only was she gorgeous, she was also friendly, nice and sweet. How grateful my soul was!

As I expected, the venue of the wedding wasn't a church. It was very Japanese. While waiting, I chatted with Koji. He's studying English in the UK as well but he's currently here for the her sister's wedding. He'll go back to the UK next week and he wants to travel around Europe. With his love for photography, I'm sure he can take beautiful shots of a historic continent. I love the idea!

Wedding Ceremony

When the ceremony started, I started to realize that this is the kind of wedding I want to have...

From the waiting room, the organizers (perhaps part of the venue package) led us to a room where the couple is going to exchange vows. It looked like a chapel without a cross or an altar. It has two rows of pews without kneelers, one for the family and friends of the groom and the other for the bride. The sixty visitors watched the groom entered the room first. Then, the bride accompanied by her father walked along the aisle. Clad is her simple wedding gown, all eyes were on her and all of us thought she was the most beautiful lady in the world at that moment.

The ceremony was short. There was no mass or an officiating person like how we do in the Philippines. There was an emcee who kept the flow of the ceremony though. At first, the couple read a message of gratitude for the visitors and then the reason why they are marrying each other. That part was really cute! Then, they signed a marriage contract, which was also signed by their mothers. It was followed by the wearing of wedding rings and then the kiss. That's it! While leaving the room, we popped crackers instead of blowing bubbles or throwing grain. I tried to hold back my tears but Mana couldn't. For her, to see her best friend marrying a guy she has been with for fourteen years is something special for her too.

Wedding Reception

The "hiroen" or reception started. Everyone applauded when the couple entered. It was explained that Yumi's gown was handcrafted by her mother and her necklace was made by her colleague. The groom's shoes were made by the bride herself. (By the way, Yumi makes bags, shoes, wallets, etc. for a living). Each visitor has an assigned seat. I sat between Mana and a Japanese guy I never spoke a word with the whole time. It was kinda awkward. =(

After the toast, the waiters started to serve the food. It wasn't buffet style. Each course was served to each visitor in a plate. When the visitor eats up, the waiter comes, gets the empty plate and gives another course. I'm not sure how to call that arrangement. Honestly, I didn't know what I ate (lol) but it was really good. While eating, the couple went around and distributed a piece of bread which wasn't supposed to be eaten until instructed. All guests opened it together and those which has filling got a nice gift: they were asked to give an impromptu speech! =)

In the middle of the reception, the couple left the room and changed their outfit. When they got back, the groom was in a different suit and the bride was wearing a Japanese kimono. This is part of Japanese traditions. Don't ask me why. =) Another highlight of the ceremony was the slicing of the cake. Many guests stood up to take a photo. Then, that cake was brought to the kitchen, sliced and given to the visitors. We also watched two videos Koji made. One video was about their future home in Yamanashi-ken and another was a slide show of pictures since they were young. Yumi's friend also played the saxophone beautifully.

The couple gave lots of presents for the visitors. First, they gave 10 CD albums of the saxophone player and small bags made by Yumi. My luck came when my number was picked to get the bouquet Yumi used in the wedding ceremony. (Does it mean I'm going to get married next? Lol!) Another lady was chosen to receive the reception bouquet. Lastly, they also gave bags to the necklace maker and the saxophone player as a sign of gratitude.

The reception ended with a message of the couple for the parents. Yumi read it and then, they gave a bunch of flowers to their parents. They lined up at the back of the room. The father of the groom gave a message. Then, the groom ended the reception with his own message for everyone. A couple of tears fell. I couldn't help it. I believe the couple couldn't have loved each other if they had not seen love in their parents.

All the visitors left the room not empty handed. Each was given a paper bag of souvenirs.

Awkwardness in Perfection

The wedding was a simple and solemn one. It was only attended by family members and close friends. The couple has organized everything well, from the invitations to the giveaways. Everyone was comfortable and everyone had fun. The couple looked so at ease perhaps it's because they have been together half of their lives. I could see that they're not only lovers but also friends.

I think everything was perfect except for my awkwardness. Defensively, I would say that I couldn't blame myself because it was my first time to attend such event and I didn't know anyone at all. But what frustrates me was the fact that I didn't try to speak Japanese with anyone. I was so shy to do that and I hate it. I couldn't figure out what's happening to my confidence and friendliness since I came to Japan. As I said, I didn't speak a single word to the man next to me and that sucks.

Nevertheless, I had a wonderful experience today. I witness again a commitment of love. Seeing the couple together,  I have faith that their marriage will last until they grow old. The party was also perfect. If I got married someday, I'd surely be asking tips from Yumi when it comes to preparation.

I got home, opened my souvenirs from the couple and I got a Japanese cloth, two glasses, a pack of cookies, two cake rolls, a box of chips and of course, my bouquet! =)

Some of you might have already read it but still, I want to repost this. This short love story is so beautiful that tears touched my cheeks.

Man Carves Wife a 6,000 Stair Path in Mountain 

A weird love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world. It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half century.

Over 50 years ago, Liu, was a 19 years-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu. At the time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.

To avoid the market gossips, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing area.

In the beginning, they had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to lighten up their lives.

Starting the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began, and continue for over 50 years, to hand carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.

A half century later in 2001, a group of adventures were exploring the forest, they surprisingly found the elderly couple and the over 6,000 stairs of hand carved ladder.

“My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day.” Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, “He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother’s convenience, although she doesn’t go down the mountain that much.”

The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years-old, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms.

So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife’s hand even after he had passed away.

“You promised me you’ll take care of me, you’ll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?”

Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband’s black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.

In 2006, their story had became one of the top 10 love stories from China, collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the “love ladder” and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.

Reposted from www.weirdasianews.com.

It is the same life that shoots in joy

through the dust of the earth into

numberless blades of grass and breaks

into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.

It is the same life that is rocked in the

ocean cradle of birth and death, in ebb and flow.

My limbs are made glorious by the touch

of this world of life.

And my pride is from the life throb of ages

dancing in my blood at this moment.

Someday, I want to do what Pooh and his friends are doing in this picture...

Wanna join me? =)

A few things that made me happy last week:

1. The fifth graders could sing "Sing" by The Carpenters without looking at their copies. I was surprised at how good they were. After our class, one student came to me and the VET and asked if we can teach them another famous English song.

2. Kuya's birthday dinner at his place

3. I got a bracelet made of beads as a present from Misaki, a fifth grader. It was unexpected! It was so nice and thoughtful of her.

4. Eri passed the English proficiency written test. The most thrilling part was when we opened the results together. I was as nervous as she was. Fortunately, she made it. I hope she'll make it in the interview as well. Let's cross our fingers.

5. Completion of my visa requirements. Thanks to Kaori who translated three documents from the Philippines.

6. Maegan's birthday party at a park

I can't go to national parks and mountains but I can wander in cities. I can't sleep in tents but I can get cheap accomodations. I can't do it for a week or more but at least, I can do it for three days. I can't do it with my family or friends but I can do it all by myself.

I'm going to go backpacking for three days in three different cities here in Japan and only God knows how excited I am!!! I'm not really sure if backpacking is the appropriate term. All I know is that in this budget-wise trip, I'm going to walk, see sights, meet and talk with people, use Japanese, ponder, learn new things,  wonder, wander and of course, bring a backpack with me! I'm going to enjoy every moment and have fun wherever my feet will bring me.

Summer means five-six weeks of no work. It is actually the best time to pay home a visit (my sister's taking advantage of the break) but it's not possible for me this time because I just spent the Christmas holidays in Davao last December. The other important reason is my visa is expiring in August and that means I need to process some important stuffs here.

Before getting a part-time job (which is something I'm still looking for this time), I want to spend a week of rest and recreation, something I'd do all by myself. I badly want some adventure and I'm determined to get it. Thanks to Japan's Seishun 18 Kippu! It's a ticket that allows you to travel anywhere in the country for five days on any date within a period of time using the local trains. The only disadvantage of this ticket is the long time spent on the trains since this doesn't include bullet trains. But for a person with budget constraints yet with a desire to explore the world, that doesn't prevent any cell in my body at all. Lol. =)

I've been busy carefully choosing which cities and spots I'm heading for. I've chosen closer cities that I have never been to and reachable with my budget constraints. Here's my schedule:

Day 1 (July 22) - My first stop is Hikone Castle in Hikone. It's one of the oldest castles in Japan. Then, I'll proceed to Amanohashidate and spend the night in a youth hostel there.

Day 2 (July 23) - I'll visit Amanohashidate. It's at the northern part of Kyoto. The internet says it's the most beautiful spot in Japan. I have to confirm that yet. In the evening, I'll take the train to Kobe where I'll spend my second night in a small ryokan, a typical Japanese hotel.

Day 3 (July 24) - I'll walk around Kobe, famous for its large port. Then, I'll take the train home.

On a separate day, I'll go to Mie where I'll see the most sacred shrines in Japan. I've always wanted to visit that place. I'd like to consider that my Day 4. I still have one more day left for travelling.

It's still a month ahead but I'm already counting the days. Hihi =)

Happy Fathers' Day to all fathers in the world,

especially to Papa Fred and Daddy Wendel! =)

For the past couple of weeks, I'd admit I'm somehow affected by what's happening in the Philippines. I'm not really a news-updated person but I assume that on top of what you'll read below, the police officers are busy fixing other violations.

1. Rice shortage - As what we all know, commercial rise has doubled its price and in effect, people are lining up to buy the affordable NFA rice. And this is really a serious problem considering that rice is a staple food in the country. To quote my friend Malinche, it seems that rice has become "pagkaing pangmayaman". That's really heartbreaking! But my other friend Agnes would insist that the problem isn't rice shortage but rice hoarding. Grrr!!!

2. A Chinese businesswoman in my hometown was hold up and killed about two weeks ago.

3. About two months ago, a banana grower was kidnapped. He was released soon but his security guard wasn't. (I just heard this story from my mother. I can't give more details.)

4. Kidnapping Drilon, her two cameramen and the professor at Sulu. No need to explain the details. Everything can be read on the Internet.

People always work for something better. We are never contented with what we have. Perhaps the farmers who shifted their crops from rice to bananas or pineapples for export want to have enough money to sustain their everyday needs. Perhaps kidnappers or holdup men want to be more financially capable. Perhaps trees are being cut down to provide materials for our gorgeous homes. Perhaps murderers were in need of a venue to express their rage and depression. Perhaps drug addicts are in need of enough attention or more excitement. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

From my dear friend Agnes...

thoughts
they can take you to places unknown
to motives undreamed of
to paths untravelled

If man is working for something better, why are simple things getting worse?

"Why do birds hate people?" My niece and I were walking to our apartment when she asked me that question.

I love watching birds. I'm envious of how they freely soar in the sky. But it never occured to me that birds hate people. So I gave her that puzzled look and said, "I don't think that's true. What made you say that?"

The cutie pouted and simply answered, "When I go near them, they fly away."

True. Now I'm wondering if birds really hate people. =)