Adnilem's Journey

Life is short

2012-01-17T02:41:00.004+09:00

“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often.

If you don’t like something, change it.

If you don’t like your job, quit.

If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop;

they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.

Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful.

When you eat, appreciate every last bite.

Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.

Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.

Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.

Some opportunities only come once; seize them.

Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them,

so go out and start creating.

Live your dream, and wear your passion.

Life is short.”

Fight for it ...

2012-01-16T20:15:00.005+09:00

"if you love something let it go, if it comes back to you its yours,
if it doesn't, it never was..."
i could relate to this... ummm but why would we let it go when it meant to be ...
... we must fight for it... never give up ;-)

2012-01-01T21:04:00.001+09:00

Have a great year everyone... happy year 2012 !!!

Have a good laugh :D)))

2011-09-24T02:59:00.001+09:00

An 85-year-old man was requested by his doctor for a sperm count as part of his physical exam. The doctor gave the man a jar and said, "Take this jar home and bring back a "sample" tomorrow. The next day the 85-year-old man reappeared at the doctor's office and gave him the jar, which was as clean and empty as on the previous day. The doctor asked, what happened and the man explained. "Well, doc, it's like this--first I tried with my right hand, but nothing. Then I tried with my left hand, but still nothing. Then I asked my wife for help. She tried with her right hand, then with her left, still nothing. She tried with her mouth, first with the teeth in, then with her teeth out, still nothing. We even called up Arleen, the lady next door and she tried too, first with both hands, then an armpit, and she even tried squeezin' it between her knees, but still nothing." The doctor was shocked! "You asked your neighbor?" The old man replied, "Yep, none of us could get the jar open!"

Read closely ;-)

2011-09-19T15:37:00.002+09:00

I will seek and find you

I shall take you to bed and have my way with you

I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan

I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop

I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you...

And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days...

All my love,

The Flu or me?

Now, get your mind out of the gutter and go get your flu shot! ;-)

ODAIJINI :P

A day to remember with the Philippine NAKAMA Organization

2011-09-12T15:18:00.005+09:00

Wooohooo...thanks be to God and Allah... yesterday, my group here in Shizuoka City, the Philippine NAKAMA Organization celebrated our 10th anniversary thru a dinner gathering at Shizuoka Aoi Tower's Grandair Bouquet Tokai ... it was a blast!!! Imagine... it has been 10 years already since i founded our awesome group??? ohhh gosh ... time goes so quickly! What's soooo surprising is that our group made it to be there for 10 years already... woooow that is amazing ... we encountered lots of challenges, good and bad experiences, ups and down... marami rin ang mga naging pasaway.... but still we are heeeeere .... and that's because of the cooperation, effort, unity and support of one another. Well, yes... we are still here probably mainly because our objectives is really something good for the sake of the Filipino community here in Japan... mostly here in Shizuoka City.
With that... may we all continue and reach another 10 years of our good working relationships towards our common objectives especially on promoting the Philippine cultures and creating a spirit of friendship with the Filipino community as well as with the international groups and Japanese in general. May we also continue and support the Philippine NAKAMA Scholarship Program for the less fortunate Japanese- Filipino Children in the Philippines.

It's me posing with the lovely new batch dancers of Phil NAKAMA and with my Recognition Certificate from the group as "Most Outstanding NAKAMA-JIN"... thank u all <3 My sincere thanks to everyone who gave their support to make the celebration a success and special thanks to our very own Philippine Embassy Consul General, Mr. Sulficio Confiado with his wife, Priscilla Confiado for gracing our big event and to all our beloved friends and guest who came and celebrate with us.

The gathering also featured our events and activities for this past 10 years thru slides... it was nostalgic to see us 10 years ago ... ahhh... i was young then ... hahah... and it's funny how we changed for this past 10 years... as from slim to being chubby or bulky... our wrinkles... other loose their hairs :D))) ... growth of our kids ... old faces ... and amazing to see how we developed our group. I am so happy that we are still growing and still have such a great family feeling. Again... thank you to all my co-advisers and officers of NAKAMA for providing such a great leadership in such a growing group. Not an easy task!!!

Thank u all for believing us ... for understanding and supporting us !!!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!

BEST DIVORCE LETTER EVER

2011-09-04T00:57:00.000+09:00

Dear Wife,

I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I’m leaving you forever. I’ve been a good man to you for 7 years & I have nothing to show for it. These last 2 weeks have been hell. ... Your boss called to tell me that you quit your job today & that was the last straw. Last week, you came home & didn’t even notice I had a new haircut, had cooked your favorite meal... & even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers. You ate in 2 minutes, & went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps. You don’t tell me you love me anymore; you don’t want sex or anything that connects us as husband & wife. Either you’re cheating on me or you don’t love me anymore; whatever the case, I’m gone. Your EX-Husband P.S. don’t try to find me. Your SISTER & I are moving away to West Virginia together! Have a great life!

Dear Ex-Husband

Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It’s true you & I have been married for 7 years, although a good man is a far cry from what you’ve been. I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining & griping Too bad that doesn’t work. I DID notice when you got a hair cut last week, but the 1st thing that came to mind was ‘You look just like a girl!’ Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can’t say something nice, I didn’t comment. And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating pork 7 years ago. About those new silk boxers: I turned away from you because the $49.99 price tag was still on them, & I prayed it was a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed $50 from me that morning. After all of this, I still loved you & felt we could work it out. So when I hit the lotto for 10 million dollars, I quit my job & bought us 2 tickets to Jamaica But when I got home you were gone.. Everything happens for a reason, I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won’t get a dime from me. So take care. Signed, Your Ex-Wife, Rich As Hell & Free!
P.S. I don’t know if I ever told you this, but my sister Carla was born Carl. I hope that’s not a problem...

Summer Travel in Canada

2011-08-21T15:41:00.009+09:00

Ohhhh... I love travelling!!! This year of July, I had a chance to travel for two weeks in Canada ;-) It was soooo great. I visited Vancouver and Toronto.

... and I love to thank all my wonderful relatives and friends out there for making my trip a very memorable one <3

Steveston Fishermen's Wharf, Richmond, Vancouver, Canada Vancouver, CanadaButchart Garden, Victoria, B.C., Canada

Thru my ever kind cousin ate Ophel and lovely nieces-- Kath, Jack and Darling's effort... i was able to visit Seattle's downtown too...Space Needle, Seattle, USA

Over looking scene from CN Tower, Toronto Canada

Toronto's CN Tower at night

Meeeee at my friends and family-like wedding in TorontoNiagara Falls, Canada ... Canada... i'll be back again someday!!!

How i learned to mind my own business!!!

2011-08-21T15:16:00.003+09:00

I was walking past a mental hospital and
all the patients were yelling 13..13...13..13...13..

The fence was too high to see over so I put my eye to a hole in the fence
to see what was going on. I was promptly poked in the eye with a stick
and they all started yelling 14..14...14...14...14...14...

...ouch...lol... they got meeeee ugh!!! :D)))

Thanks and goodbye Serena... Welcome back X-trail

2011-02-17T19:40:00.005+09:00

Two weeks ago, I said goodbye to my Serena already :(

Was sad after her 3 years service to me including to my family and friends.

Serena was a great family car type... my awesome girlfriend.

Gonna miss u a lot Serena!!! Thanks a lot!!!

... and now... my X is back!!! my fav 4wd X-trail's latest model arrived last week!

Ohhh ... love this car because of his powerful engine .

Welcome back... buddy ;-)

Miss my blog... :(

2010-11-19T13:04:00.000+09:00

How are you everyone???!!!

Yaaaay... my goodness... seems my blog is being neglegted already!!! lol
Soooo sorry for not updating my blog lately :(

I've got a lot of exciting and funny things to share...
Well, I also have some sad and disappointing moments although i decided to myself that i will only share the good things here... hehehhe :P
...nway, hope I can post them in the near future...

For the meantime... I hope everyone are always doing fine out there.
Miss you all... xx

My dear friend Nanako chan's wedding

2010-09-18T19:41:00.004+09:00

I had a great day today at my dear Japanese friend Nanako chan's wedding gathering that was held in Shizuoka Century Hotel.

Yaaaaay... finally... Nana chan made it... hahahhah!!! Congratulation my dear friend!

As always... she's pretty and lovely but more stunning today with her gorgeous wedding gowns... the white wedding gown and the orange mexican-like gown :)

and as always i love her cute smiling face.

It's my first time to meet her hubs today... ohhh... he is cool and funny and warm... good for you Nanako chan!!! hehehhe.

It was an awesome wedding as a whole. I love the video film clip of Nanako chan and her husband Yamamoto san made by her brod Hiro kun. Nice to see some familiar faces like Yukari chan and Megu chan at the reception... and of course... Okaasaaaaan--- Arakawa san^^ , as well as Arakawa sensei... hmmm, i think the last time i saw Okaasan was when we went to Italy together last December.

It was also nice to meet new peps like Nanako chans former classmates and teachers. We actually shared same table^^.

It was also funny and cute when Nanako chan gave her wedding bouquet directly to Yukari chan... ohhhh i'm lookin forward having her wedding rites in France in the near future.

Another memorable moment for me at the wedding was when Nanako chan requested me to sing "Mamma Mia" theme coz she like that song and movie. OMG... I know the song but I was sooo tense coz i don't have any practiseeee... but the show must go on... and i did hit it!!! lol :D

Lastly... that heart warming speech of Nanako chan addressed to her parents was soooo touching with the background music of "Slippin Through My Fingers"... ummm... i love it! It did move me... ummm... i don't think it's only me... but many were touched.

Oh well... to Nanako chan and Yamamoto san...

Congratulation guys!!! Best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness^^

Summer in Disney Resort

2010-08-30T13:38:00.003+09:00

I had 3 days summer trip with my family in Tokyo Disney Resort. Yes... in Disney again coz my daughter Sachan really love this park... knowing that this year... she had been there for 4 times already!!! hehheh... Well, in her high school days... she used to go there for at least 6 times in a year :P

Summer... syempre maineeeeeet!!! So we enjoyed the splashing of water event in Disney Sea and Disneyland like "Dale and Chip's Cool Service" show and the "Cool the Heat" show.

Sachan's classmate-- cutie Mika chan with her lovely mom were staying in Hotel Miracosta that time and we had this chance to bond together watching "Bon Fire Dance" show and had fun riding at Indiana Jones adventures. The next day... we met them again in Disneyland after watching "Cool the Heat" show.

We all strolled in Ekspiri on our 3rd day... before Sachan left for Niigata City... ... hmmm... it's still summer but the fashion displays were for autumn already.

We all separated in the afternoon... Sachan went back to Niigata City coz her school will start this Monday... while me and hubs went back to Shizuoka City...

Whaaaaa... the summer fun was over with Sachan... geee... gonna miss my girl again... in fact i am missing her already... till we see you again Sachan and take care always!!!

Philipine Travel 2010

2010-08-26T14:01:00.002+09:00

Hello everyone^^

I'm back safe and sound with Sachan from our 10 days super duper trip in the Philippines.

We had a great time with my family... my friends and my relatives.

We explored Boracay this time and it's soooo awesome.

I loved the musical play--- CATS. I was lucky to see it with Sachan, Emily, Kath and Debbie held in Cultural Center of the Philippines!

I loved Lea Salonga who played one of the leading role. It was very amazing when she performed the song "Memory" ... sooo clear and touching.

One thing for sure that i will not forget with this travel was my reunion with my teenage friends--- the ESCAMADIANs. Ohhh my gosh... it's sooo nice to see them after about 30 years. Obviously we are not that young anymore but still... they are my dear friends i used to know.

Too bad we were not complete that time coz some of our members were living abroad already and some were hard to contact and the gathering was also held on working days... but still lots of us came!!! Ohhh... I am thankful to everyone... who joined, cooperated and supported that event. I love you all guys... looking forward to our grand reunion!!!

By the way... I would like to extend my heartful thanks to my BBF Edna... i loved our date, i missed many stories of our lives...lol ... you take care of yourself always especially your health.

I loved my dinner date with the Escamadian ladies-- peppi, tey, nids, susan and edna... you're all really funny and sweet and crazy!!! Thanks to all your souvenirs...hehheh^^

I love you too Peppie... i found a new sis in you!!! Direk Reddie, get well soon... Myno-- that was a great speech! Roel and Susan-- thanks for the wonderful support u extend to our charity program.... and yes to everybody... super kayo^^

I also miss my family especially the kids-- KDC, Emil and Kricel...

Sooo many things to share... so excited to share them all to you peps but i need to cut this for a while coz i need to upload more pix first...

some pix are posted in my facebook profile already.

to be continued... m(_ _)m

It's meeee!!!

2010-08-04T15:48:00.000+09:00

From my work... Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exchange monthly newsletter... August 2010 issue...

TY Miyamoto san for the article^^

ABE KAWA Fireworks Exhibition 2010

2010-07-25T16:19:00.001+09:00

As part of Philippine NAKAMA group social activities every year... we all gathered again last night in Abe River site to view the yearly Abe Kawa Hanabi Taikai or fireworks exhibition.

It's uncle Jo's bday too... and he did his celebration there... ohhh was a blast!!! Thanks for the Pinoy food provided by uncle Jo and Dang... i love the krema de prutas... tama ba? lol :D

We had a very nice and fun bonding... what do we expect kapag Pinoy na ang nag-bonding especially if everyone were tipsy??? It was cool!!!

Thanks to everyone who joined... i did have a great night with you all and the fireworks... yes... it was fabulous... i loved it... everyone enjoyed it^^

'til next summer everyone!!!

Cross-cultural experiences

2010-07-24T15:48:00.004+09:00

Goodness... it's sizzling hooooot lately... but it's not an excuse not to keep on going...

well, this time... i did some cross-cultural activities for kids.

Last Tuesday... I teached Philippine Culture in Sodeshi Elementary School in Shimizu District with my friends Deriff from Nepal and U-san from Myanmar under the supervision of EGG- Education by Global Group.

This is our one way of providing Japanese kids some knowledge about different cultures and traditions from other countries in order to develop more understanding and respect among each other... ano pa nga ba... heheheh...

Oh well, was a great day to teach... seems i was showering with my own sweat inside the classroom... coz... it's really hooooot... heheh.

Thanks to my facilitators-- Noriko and Koyanagi san for their great support in my lecture.

I introduced to the kids this game "Jack's stone"... as usual they loved it and everyone were asking me where they can buy that game stuff... hahhaha... sponsors, anyone?

nway... another international event that i attended was this Picture Story-Book Reading session held in Azarea today.
My ever kind-hearted Japanese friend-- Kawamura san of セブの少女たちに布地を送る会-- it's her volunteer group name... introduced me to her friends-- Koumura san and Hamada san who translated in Japanese and published the one of Filipino great picture story-book entitled "May mga Lihim Kami Ni Ingkong" or "Secrets of Lolo" and in Japanese... they actually changed the title to " Ojisan no Boshi' ... in English... it's "Grandpa's hat".

Well to cut the story short... the translated book is out now in the market this July and they're promoting this book lately... and since it's a Philippine book orig... they invited me for impromptu reading in Tagalog... while someone read it in Japanese. Wooow... i did recite it with my heart... and the feedback was that they loved the expressions in Tagalog^^ ... good that i was also trained as a radio talent on my college days... hahhaha :P

Truth was it's my first time to read that "Secret of Lolo"... wooow very impressive story... it touched my heart too and can't helped to fall my tears in the end coz i have same experience with the leading kid regarding my mom-in-law... it's actually a story of a close grandpa and his grandson... that one day becoz of old age... grandpa lost his memories and can't even recognized the kid... and the kid can't take it... coz they're very close. 'cant tell the whole story... you better buy a copy in the bookstore... hahhahh. I actually bought some copies to give away to all my "inaanak".

I also invited the Japanese publishers to Shizuoka International Fest on October to introduced the book to the public with Phil NAKAMA group.

After the session... i was surprised to see the Shizuoka YWCA group doing plea market at the event. Well... i was with their group long time ago but i am not active anymore due to my hectic world... heheh... but ohhh... it's nice to see them... it's nice to see old wonderful familiar faces.

That's it... my overall cross cultural experiences lately was fabulous... was also quite a good education for me... :)

Coast to coast

2010-07-19T23:12:00.005+09:00

Got some refreshing days from my 3 days holidays that started last Saturday and ended up today... Monday. I invited my hubs for driving from coast to coast... hahhaha^^... we started last Saturday in Omaezaki... ahhh the beach resort is natsukashiiii... maybe the last time i have been there was about 15 years ago... yup when Sachan was a kid, we used to go there every summer.

One thing different from before is that there are too many Brazilians around... cool!

Late afternoon, hubs and I proceeded to Shizuoka Apita.. we shopped and had our dinner there... we had hiyashi soba and jyajya men... wooow... it's really summer!!!

Last Sunday... hubs and i went driving in Izu. We went to Ito Marine Town. We also visited my Indonesian friend Danny to his working place... in SuruBaya Indonesian Restaurant inside the Marine Town building. We also had our lunch there... ohhh i love their tapioka with coconut ice cream. I would like to thank Danny for his Bali Cope treat... was good... like Philippine barako coffee... gochisosama deshita.

After lunch... hubs and I went to Seaside Spa within the facility. Ohhh... it was sooo refreshing. Seems i fully refilled all my energy for the coming weeks... heheh.

Then today... we headed driving in Shimizu... we're suppose to visit Shimizu S-Pulse but the parking spaces were fully packed... sooo... we just drove around Shimizu port and then we headed to Kunozan coast and end up in Sumpu Yume Hiroba. The Spa there is on new management so we get inside to experienced what's the difference from before... well, nothing much... but maybe better than before... i love the restaurant most... the foods are great.

They have some special show this time... they featured the ninja performance of Hiroz.

I am very thankful to my best friend... my hubs for keeping me company. 'was a wonderful vacation... was a good idea to escape from stress and worries in life^^

enjoy your summer everyone!!!

oh my goodness... negra na naman ako... hehehh!!!

Tequila and Salt

2010-07-04T15:26:00.002+09:00

Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated^^

Oh well... thanks to my sweet friend Ana and my dear online friends in Tagged for sharing this lovely thoughts...

This should probably be taped

To your bathroom mirror

Where you could read it every day.

You may not realize it,

But it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world

That you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world

Love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you

Is because they want to

Be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,

Even if they don't

Like you.

5. Every night,

SOMEONE thinks about you

Before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,

Something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world

Has turned its back on you

Take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received.

Forget about the rude remarks.

And always remember.....

When life hands you Lemons,

Ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........

You don't always see them,

But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens

Another, Even Though

Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word

From a friend while I'm here

Than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human,

Failures keeps You Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

Love keeps you going!

Another year older

2010-06-30T10:39:00.004+09:00

wheee... hello everyone... i turned a year older "again" :( heheh... wish i could stop it but i can't :D

nway... as the saying goes... the secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age... heheh... i don't need to lie about my age... just don't ask me please :P

well... this post is dedicated to all the wonderful people who remembered and sent me greetings and wishes.

i don't have any plan to celebrate my birthday this year because i am loaded of works and activities lately... but i was grateful to my daughter Sachan and my hubs for giving me an advance surprise birthday dinner in Vietnam Restaurant in Niigata City. that's a memorable family gathering for me.

then on my very special day... hmmm i was not actually in my birthday mode. i was spinning like a wheel that time... soooo busy with the UTAWIT Shizuoka event preparation... and everything. kakalokah :D

but it was amazing... my cellphone was too busy with SMS and emails messages and phone calls from friends and relatives... including my land line phone... oh to my sis Malu... i know u phoned... sorry i missed it. believe it or not... i am still answering some of my txt now... finally i got time to do it, heheh... sorry... sorry talaga... better late than never di ba? ;P

i am also thankful to some friends who visited at home for their personal greetings and handed in their gifts like to my dear lilibeth, sarah and yuta. we'll actually meet the next day but they insisted to visit me on the very day of my bday coz they said they want to greet me on time... ohhh ladies... that's very heartwarming... hugsss to all of you.

well to liza... "i know u were bc with your work that day... u just sent your gift ... and u were so silent there not to greet me personally even by txt or phone or net ... but i understand... yes... i do understand... heheheh^^ ... but i am very grateful to you for the support you gave me on our Sunday event... you were there for me from the start up to the last hours... i might seldom say this but thanks a lot for being one of my great buddies". cge na... that include tita amie, uncle jo, dang, sarah, precy... hmmm... too many to mention... marami lang ang magtatampo if i forgot some names... hahhah.

cge, continue pa natin ng konte... hehhe... cna olive, ana, maritess y & t , cecil, neri, pam, annalyn, ajie, ysa, beth, alisa, hayan di na to matatapos... basta mahal ko kayong lahat^^

i was also touched to see a lot of greetings from everyone in my different accounts in net like in Yahoo, FB, Friendster and Tagged... wooow... the power of internet is amazing... they remind everyone that it's your birthday... no wonder many are forced to greet... hahahah^^
but really from my heart... i appreciate everyone's greetings and wishes... especially those long messages that really touched my heart... and i can't helped to shed some tears...heheh. thank you guys... that's really warm and it's nice to know some lovely people who really cares for you. i won't forget that.

to friends i consider as my BFF... edna, lolit and richelle... thanks ladies... love u all always.

oh well not to forget, to my special friend somewhere out there... u made my birthday complete...thanks to your lovely message^^

'truth is i am not still done in answering some of my messages... but definetely... i will reply asap :P

and yes to emily who sent me greeting cards in behalf of her family with mama mary's cd... i also love the kids cute messages... so awesome...missed u all guys.

lastly to all my wonderful friends here... that in spite of our busy schedule at the event last Sunday... they gave time to celebrate my birthday together with Precy and Pam's bday... thanks for making our day great :) i love you all... bet u know that... hahahha
... and yes not to forget... for all the gifts... wooow that's too much... this is what nice on having bdays... u rcvd many gifts... hahahh... thanks a lot guys... honestly i still never open them all... otanoshimini... hahahha... and to those who still want to send their gifts... yes... no worries folks... i am still open to receive them all hahhaha :P
i hope i did not miss anyone... if ever... remind me please... ^^;

i am blessed for having a wonderful people around me... my big warm hugsss to all^^

Bonding with Sachan in Niigata City

2010-06-21T14:33:00.005+09:00

I'm back home from my 5 days visit to my dear daughter Sachan in Niigata City.
It has been a year since i last visited her place and more than 2 years since i last stayed in her place. Ohhh i missed the place... but i missed my Sachan the most :P
Sachan picked me up last Wednesday afternoon at the station... then we dated in Bandai City... why so soon i thought... oh well, she's busy with her schooling and have no time to date me ... and she had the chance that afternoon :)
As a tradition... don't have any omiage for her except my omiage from Australia...:P
The following day... as what she said... she's busy at school... so i made it a chance to clean her room. Wooow... i believed she's really busy... i can see it in her room...hahahh :D So i did the cleaning for 2 consecutive days.
This time visit was a good chance to meet her boyfriend too... was cool meeting... he drove us to ishi yaki or sizzling ramen restaurant. was good... as well as the guy is nice and funny... no problem da yoooo... heheheh! :D was wondering what the other strict tita's will say? hmmm...
Saturday morning, papa arrived from Shizuoka City to attend the conference at Sachan's university... we had lunch together at the nearby chinese restaurant. We like that restaurant coz foods are strong in flavour and we love their homemade taste... but actually... we are quite disappointed this time... coz it's too oily :( heheh.
after lunch we visited Sachan's campus... then Sachan and I went to stayed with papa to Hotel Okura... same hotel... same room as usual... heheh. Everytime we stay there, they have been giving us same room and that's for 4 consecutive years... so we called that room... our room already... and that's hotel... our home:P heheh...

Saturday night... Sachan reserved our dinner at Vietnam Restaurant. I thought it's our dinner for hubs Father's day... but ohhh i was the one surprised... i was enjoying watching the FIFA World Cup thru my cellphone... was Netherlands vs Japan match game... when suddenly the restaurant lights turned off... and a birthday background music played while a pretty staff brought a cake with sparkling lite candles to our table... and i was wondering... was it's my birthday? hahahah... coz my bday is still 6 days ahead... oh well... everyone was saying "omedetou"... so i finally realize yeah... it's a surprise birthday celebration... hahahha... hehehh...was touching, was overwhelming... lol... but anyway... thanks to sachan and papa for the wonderful treat... was a wonderful memory to me.
Sad to say that after we ate the cake, Japan didn't make it ... was 1-0. they had chances but did not score. nway, still glad coz samurai blue did a good job again :) imagine... only 1-0... how's that :D

oh well... Sunday... after our last family date in Kameda... agaaain... hehhe... well, we have visited the different spot in the city so we decided to have a window shopping only... and as i said... after that... papa and i went back home to Shizuoka City together.

Oh i'm missing Sachan again... gonna see her on summer... and this August... we'll visit Philippines. Yeah!!!

Aussie Adventure

2010-05-30T17:50:00.004+09:00

Hello everyone! I'm back from a week travel in Australia! It was a great adventure for me... :D I loved all the states i visited like Sydney, Ayers Rock and Adelaide.
I met a lot of beautiful people from my tour and of course... i would like to thank my dear friend Daisy who gave me a wonderful treat in Adelaide with her friends.
Likewise, i would like to congratulate her and my friend Manny coz they'll be getting married on December in the Philippines... wooow... omedetou to both of you and another exciting news i've heard was that i am one of their ninang to-be... yeheeey! Well... best wishes guys. You both deserve each other. All the best!
Well... back to my trip... when i was there... it was always raining especially in Sydney and Adelaide... but everytime i went out from the hotel... believe it or not... it became sunny or should i say fine weather... ummm... i didn't thought i'm HARE ONNA ... hehehh :)
Well... it was a blessings anyway... lucky me!
I can't think of any hassles on my trip except for the time scheds of my tour... sleeping hours were not enough... love to sleep pa naman when you are tired :P
Oh well... i took a lot of pics so please just take a look... i think my pics will help to tell you more about my escapades there.
All i can say is that i did enjoy every moment that i spent there. This is a new and unforgetable kind of trip for me :P

Sydney

Ayers Rock

Adelaide

All about my Golden Week

2010-05-09T18:02:00.007+09:00

Golden Week in Japan is a weeklong series of holidays that starts from last week of April and end up to first week of May.

GW this year started April 29th, the Showa Day... then May 3rd, the constitution Day, May 4th is Greenery Day and May 5th is Children's Day.

I used to travel with my family during GW... but i tell you... it's overflowing with people everywhere and the traffic is too crowded. Not to memtion that it's costly to travel during GW. Sooo... lately we used to spend it just relaxing at home and exploring some new spot around our place.

This GW... i enjoyed it with my hubs dining around the city and with friends doing and attending some activities.

April 29th, I visited my Japanese friend Masui san's new opened typical candy store. What's interesting with her store is that aside from Japanese typical confectionaries... it also have some sweets from other countries like Philippines. I posted more details about this below this post.

The following day... Sunday... i attended with my friends Precy, Maritess and my cutie Maika chan the Fiesta event in Shimizu Catholic Church. It was our kababayans first try to held this event in Shimizu but fortunately, it went fine with the cooperations of everyone from Shimizu church... good job guys :) It's also nice to see some Phil NAKAMA participated the event.
We were not able to finished the Fiesta event... coz we need to represent the Phil NAKAMA for the invitation of Mochizuki san's group, the Int'l Stationary Exchange Group at World Zoo Art Exhibit in Link Nishina. Two years ago, Phil NAKAMA supported their art exhibit in Philippines and this year, the exhibit was held in Thailand.
The next day, May 3rd... my hubs and i have a relaxation date in SURUGA KENKO LANDO in Okitsu. It was very crowded but we still enjoyed our spa and our lunch there. After our spa date... we picked up my friend Liza dowtown and we have dinner together in Royal Host. We enjoyed talking for maybe about 3 hours. What a long dinner time... hahahha:) Well... the following day, 4th of May... with my niece Belinda and her hubs uncle Jo decided to drive and visit our relatives... Abby and Miko in Kikugawa. It was a good chance coz Miko's mom is already leaving Japan for Philippines that coming Saturday so our gathering there turned out not only as welcome party for us but also a sayonara party for mom Cathy.
Ohhh... it's really nice to have bonding with relatives from time to time. Thanks to the warm reception by everyone out there including to Jan, Jenny and little Michael kun. We have typical Pinoy seafood dinner together... ummm was great... missing to have them again as well as i am missing our bondings there :D

Well... the rest of the holidays was spent by watching movies in DVDs at home. I was able to buy "Avatar" and "Up" dvd. OMOSHIROKATTTTTA :)

"Avatar" reminds me of Star Wars and Lord of the Ring in terms of special effect... well, maybe more advance tech. The story is also nice... reminds me of the history of American Indian vs the English people. It's like the movie... Dance with the Wolves and Princess Mononoke, one of Japanese quality animation movie :)

I also love "Up"... it's a cute and heartfelt adventure animated movie.

I was able to watch "The Shawshank Redemption" thru net. I know it's a worth watching movie and i always wanted to watch it. Ohhh well, thanks to my online friend Shane for reminding me to watch it... finally i did it :)

Ohhh it's a great movie about hope, friendship, salvation and yes... redemption. There are many good and cool lines or quotes there too... like "Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things, and no good thing ever dies" ... Love it :)

Well... that's how i spent my GW this year... if there is one thing i missed... it's surely my daughter Sachan... like last year she was not able to spent GW with us due to her club activities at her university. Hopefully... next year ;)

Chikyuu no Koe

2010-05-01T17:12:00.004+09:00

A Japanese friend... Masui san had just opened last April 22 a candy store with communication and recreation ground for kids, named DAGASHI YA HIROBA... CHIKYUU NO KOE or Earth's voice.
Masui san is related to multicultural information and assistance activities and she's being supported by her co-voluntary group.

The interesting part on her newly opened candy store is that you can enjoy varieties of candy and other sweet goods not only from Japan but also from different countries.
Every kids even their parents can have a chance to play with different kind of games from different countries too. Sometimes there are some native foreigners who will be present there to introduce their native games.
Oh yesss... there is also a corner there like a little library where kids can enjoy reading.

Well... i was not there on the opening... but i was able to visit the place today.
I am surprised coz the candy store is busy with customers today. Glad to see Kamiyama san around... one of the volunteer staff and a friend too... and I am glad I was able to help around introducing the Philippine sweets and intertaining some kids ... hehehh.
Opppsss... just a reminder... when I was there a TV staff and reporter Suzuki san from SBS were coveraging the candy store and they will aired that on May 5, Children's Day at 6:00 SBS News... so if u all got the chance to view it... please do so... hmmm... i was being interviewed too... but i am not happy coz i'm too haggard and not a telegenic... hahahhah! OMG...lol
If you have a chance to visit the place... it's located in 7-20 Miyamoto cho, Suruga District. Open from 14:30-18:00, Monday, Thursday and Saturday only. Closed during holidays.

Yoroshiku :)

Phil NAKAMA in Nihon Daira Hotel

2010-05-01T01:13:00.002+09:00

Phil NAKAMA group performed folk dances last April 8th at KINSEIRYU TAISHOGOTO BUNKAGOTO group anniversary event in Nihon Daira Hotel. We had lots of wonderful experiences. The bondings, team work, place and show were great. Thanks for the very good reception and treatment we received from the group headed by Okada sensei :) What a great party!!!

After the event... we all gathered in Sawayaka Steak House for a treat to ourselves... lol!

Hontoni minasan... otsukaresama deshita... arigatou ❤

Memories of Spring 2010

2010-04-30T18:05:00.012+09:00

Yippie... at long last... got this chance to update my blog... and here i am ... natataranta kung saan ko ba uumpisahan ang lahat. hmmm... it's been about 2 months yata ako nabakante... gosh...oh, ok i better start to this year's spring...

This year spring was actually odd... sometimes warm, sometimes cold like winter... yup in the mid of April... there were those days snowing in northern parts of Japan... hehehhe... strange :)Well spring... i'll start with Sachan's spring break... as usual during her spring break, she came back home from her university life in Niigata City. Everytime she came home... it is a tradition for her to celebrate this Hina Matsuri ... it's doll's festival for the celebration of Girl's Day every 3rd of March where every Japanese home with daughters in the family displayed hina dolls and wish the happiness and prosperity of the girl.

After the day of the festival is over, Japanese usually put away the doll display coz there is a superstition that says if the displayed dolls will not put away soon, there will have trouble marrying off their daughters.

Hmmm actually the festival is every March 3 and like this year... Sachan arrived home one week delayed but we still never put the displayed away coz Sachan still never celebrate the day. Anyway... we have a saying that superstition is only the fear of belief... right? :)Have you heard about Oushou Chinese Restaurant here in Japan? Well this restaurant is popular around Japan especially somewhere in Tokyo and gyoza or Chinese dumplings is very popular to this restaurant. We thought there's no chain restaurant here in Shizuoka... alas... there's one in Yaizu City... and at long last we were able to visit the place and had chance to eat their popular dishes like ramen and chahan too... as to be expected it was good... no wonder the place is always crowded. Well, since Sachan was around... our family decided to go to onsen or hot spring last March 14. We went to BIJIN YU... it's only here in the heart of Aoi District... bit near our place but it's our first time to visit this onsen. They said that this onsen is good for the skin... hehheh sounds convincing. It's a typical onsen... not bad... and the food is good too. Funny, we used to visit some onsen far away from home... truth is... there are many good onsen around Shizuoka City. After the terrific onsen with my family, I enjoyed the Latin Jazz Live by Taro san with the Hip Hop Band and Uncle Jo held in Malcome Hall in Shimizu District. All the performers were great and yes... uncle JO... you are impressive... i like your pop songs... like "In Your Eyes" and "Just Once" ... very nostalgic. Thanks to Hip hop band and uncle Jo's chocolates! After the event... wheee... at long last, got the chance to visit my friend Lei's KS Mart Pub nearby. We were starving expecting for a Pinoy dinner... but noooo as i said it's a Philippine Pub not restaurant, so all we had was yakisoba... but it was yummy!

Another unforgettable activities for me this spring was the meeting with the beautiful peepz from KINSEIRYU TAISHOGOTO BUNKAGOTO group held in Nihon Daira Hotel last March 19th. Yeeesss, i drove up in a zigzag road of Nihon Daira with Liza, Marites and Maika chan. Was fun as we enjoyed the natures of spring... so lovely! From above the hill of Nihon Daira Hotel was a wonderful overlooking view of Shimizu District... with the blue skies and blue sea... and the green natures... so peaceful ... truly awesome! Oh well... the meeting is about the invitation to Philippine NAKAMA group to perform some cultural dances for their anniversary event on April 18th at the same hotel. They showed us the venue and wooow... the stage is gorgeous... as in heeey we are back on real stage... lol!

Back to my family... after having lunch at sushi bar last March 20, we went for a walk in Hirono Beach Park in Suruga District. Yup... this park is also a bit near to our house but since this park was build in way back 10 years ago... would u believe that it's our first time to visit the park. We sometimes passed to this park but good at long last we got the chance to explore the place :PThis park includes a lot of playground stuffs and it has also a path that connected to Mochimune Fishing Port.

After our family bonding... with Sachan ... we had some bonding with some friends--- tita Amie, Sarah, Unno san and Kate in Ryo's part time work place-- a dart bar... the Boozer or was it Buzzer? Dochi dakke?! heheh... Of course, Ryo was there... and it's been a while meeting for Ryo and Sachan... oh well they are friends since they were kids and Ryo is like my son too coz he's tita Amie's loving son... her sons are my sons too... hehehhe! After this, Sarah invited us to karaoke where she released her stressess... nyahahah!
Late March... the sakura trees or cherry blossoms trees started to bloom... what a perfect time for HANAMI-- cherry blossom viewing!

Below was meee enjoying the scene of full bloom sakura trees in Sumpu Park...

below were sakura view in Tokiwa ParkEvery year when sakura are in full bloom... my group, Philippine NAKAMA held our HANAMI picnic in Sumpu Park, Hanami Ground. This year... we held the picnic last March 28th. Was a great gathering... attended by lots of friends. Ajie's bday was also held. It was nice of Marissa to bring and serve some salabat... the Philippine typical hot tea made of ginger... was good for the climate coz it's partly cold... not to mention that later in the afternoon... the picnic was devastated by rain... hahahha... but the picnic went on! Imagine we were having Hanami under the tent... hahahhaha! The next day, 29th of March... in the mid of spring... ice falls as hailstones in Shizuoka City! pheeew... weird! What's happening to our mother natures? lol... April 2... Sachan went back home again from Niigata City. Shizuoka Festival's 3 days event started that day up to 3rd... and we've heard that her former classmates from Futaba School is one of Miss. Shizuoka that will be featured in the parade... and was sched to appear on stage that YOZAKURARANBO night stage show in Sumpu Park... so we tried to catch her up... unfortunately... we came late already... so missed her classmates appearance. Next day, April 3rd... was the 1-day Bus Tour event of Philippine NAKAMA in Universal Studio Japan in Osaka. I was not able to sleep for 24 hours... that's what i hate in bus tours! Ummm Sachan did not join us too coz she hates long bus trip... I agree... :P The event was participated by about 25 members and families... it was a very long trip and very tiring but was a FUNtastic and memorable tour for us :) I was really tired and wanted to sleep a lot the next day but Sachan woke me up early to accompanied her to Shimin Bunka Hall... coz she had this invitation by her former Brass Band group of Futaba School to watch their performance. Yearly since she graduated from high school, she was being invited by the group... and this year.. she doesn't wanna miss it this time but her other co-graduate mates were all out of town... no company... and who else she can asked for... of course... it's meeee... so even i'm still sleepy... i went with her to watch the performance and geeee... i did not regret it... me and Sachan were surprised and amused to their performances... they're great... ohhh... they're really super compared to Sachan's generations... ummm they have a great instructor this time... sorry no offence to Sachan's former instructress but the instructor this time is really awesome!
Sachan got the chance to meet her instructress and some of her graduating junior mates... and after some greetings and picture takings... we went to Sumpu Park to meet some other friends. It's still Shizuoka Festival... so after the concert... on the way to Sumpu Park... we happened to see the parade of the event and Sachan saw her former classmates... one of Miss Shizuoka and greeted each other... "hi and otsukaresamadeshita" :)

We met Belinda and Uncle Jo in Sumpu Park's Hanami ground having Hanami with some friends... and it was surprising to see same faces who were also in USJ trip... aside from Dang... Sarah and Yuta were there... of course Yoko and Yoshi, Olive and Mona... hehhehe. Walang kapaguran! Dang and I invited our relatives... Abby and Miko to watch the Shizuoka Festival Yozakura ranbo and we were happy to see that they came with the whole family all the way from Kakegawa.. It's nice to see again Miko's mama and of course it's nice to meet his papa, Jen and Jenny and kid Michael. We also invited them for dinner in Jollibee Tropical Restaurant.

Oh it's nice to have some bondings with relatives from time to time! Hope to be with them again in the near future or maybe Dang, Jo and hopefully with Sachan should visit them in Kakegawa in exchange :P

March 12... was raining hard but the gathering at Alisa's new home in Shimizu was not postponed hahahah! She gathered all her friends for a house blessing-like party. The house is subarashiiiii... ummm lucky you Alisa :)

It's nice to see some of my girl friends there... almost all NAKAMA huh! heheh... oh love u all girls and heeey what's happening to you Ajie... as in Lucita... hmmm she's currently addicted to her iphone's FB... ummm love is weird lol! Ohhh... there are more memorable happenings on this spring... was quite hectic spring vacation... but it was great... more pictures are in my FB profile... :)

By the way... below pics is papa's 1 year old sakura tree. hmmm... i don't know what type of sakura is this... heard from pappie that it's magnolia... magnolia??? lol

Hope you are all enjoying the rest days of your spring season!

missed blogging...:(

2010-04-22T23:20:00.008+09:00

Waaah... i can't update this personal photo blog of mine lately... too busy busy busy!!! What keepin me busy? hmmm ... my work ... home ... personal and voluntary activities... ummm... and playing... hahahha! Well... we worked hard so after that we need to play... right?! :P

Besides... i got some problems with photo uploading here... hmmm can't fix it soon due to my occupied sched... sigh.

Hope to be back asap... really missed blogging... and sharing my silly stuffs... heheheh.

See you all soon... muah and hugs!

Funny CM... :D

2010-04-21T00:43:00.001+09:00

Compilation Funny Commercials - Click here for more home videos

Poor Old Lady!

2010-04-01T01:42:00.000+09:00

…sooo FUNNY! LoooL!

Defense Attorney:
Will you please state your age?

Little Old Lady:
I am 94 years old.

Defense Attorney:
Will you tell us, in your own words, what happened the night of April 1st?

Little Old Lady:
There I was, sitting there in my swing on my front porch on a warm spring evening,
when a young man comes creeping up on the porch and sat down beside me.

Defense Attorney:
Did you know him?

Little Old Lady:
No, but he sure was friendly.

Defense Attorney:
What happened after he sat down?

Little Old Lady:
He started to rub my thigh.

Defense Attorney:
Did you stop him?

Little Old Lady:
No, I didn’t stop him.

Defense Attorney:
Why not?

Little Old Lady:
It felt good. Nobody had done that since my Albert died some 30 years ago.

Defense Attorney:
What happened next?

Little Old Lady:
He began to rub my breasts.

Defense Attorney:
Did you stop him then?

Little Old Lady:
No, I did not stop him.

Defense Attorney:
Why not?

Little Old Lady:
His rubbing made me feel all alive and excited. I haven’t felt that good in years!

Defense Attorney:
What happened next?

Little Old Lady:
Well, by then, I was feeling so ’spicy’ that I just laid down and told him,
‘Take me, young man. Take me now!’

Defense Attorney:
Did he take you?

Little Old Lady:
Hell, no! He just yelled, ‘April Fool!’ And that’s when I shot him, the little bastard.

Try this one... LOL!

2010-03-18T23:40:00.003+09:00

To all my kababayan...

Just to make your day.... bigkasin sa abakada ng pinoy.
(Recite this using the Pilipino alphabet!)

B K W L K M G W
P R M S Y, T W K ........ H H H H
M S Y K N B ?
T W P ........H H H H H H
T M N, P R K N T NG !!!!!

This Too Shall Pass

2010-03-06T14:58:00.006+09:00

Very awesome and creative music video by OK Go band.
I'm sure this is only a one single take shot.
Good Job! hahahah!

Try to see their "Here It Goes Again" threadmill music video... it's one full take too... funny and great!

Alice Ochiai's bday bash in karaoke!

2010-02-16T02:19:00.001+09:00

February 14th is Valentine's day... likewise it's Alice birthday celebration too held in karaoke near our place.

We all had fun fun fun... and everyone rocks... lol

Thanks Alice... i think i drunk too much wine... but it was cool... hahahha!

Happy birthday my dear friend Alice and cheers!

Fun day with friends!

2010-02-08T22:42:00.006+09:00

Yesterday was our group first meeting for this year and since we still never held our Shinenkai or New Year's gathering... we also celebrate it together ... and of course ... the birthdays of Sarah and Cecil too... as in package deal! hahahah! The gathering was held in Japanese meeting room of Aicel 21.

Well... the meeting went fine... there were many suggestions too... and what everyone looking forward is our group bus tour in Universal Studio Japan in Osaka on April 3. Gonna be tough work again especially for the people behind this activity... ganbarimashou Precy! heheh!

Oh well... the whole gathering was really a success! More than 30 members and friends joined this gathering... i just did not notice some of our Japanese members around... hmmm where are they... did anybody contact them? Anyway, thanks a lot to everyone's cooperation and support. That was a great meeting... really! Oh... not to forget Dang's goodies... they are truly good!

After the group gathering... I went with some friends in Jollibee Tropical Restaurant for dinner. Every first Sunday of every month is TABEHOUDAI day in Jolibee... eat-all-you-can day for only Y1000 yen! Seem's like fiesta on that day coz there were lots of yummy Pinoy foods!
After our dinner... NIJIKAI desu heheh... the next gathering!!! Amie invited us to Ryo's part time job bar... the Boozer! Yes that's the old Boozer we used to know here in Shizuoka City... only it was a totally new Boozer... heheheh. They renovated the place into a cozy place... well there's still billard games and darts... and i love the atmosphere. Of course Ryo did a good job too in making us a China Green cocktail drinks. We'll definitely go back there... hopefully with Sachan!

Ohhh... what a day... really i enjoyed everyone's company... see you all again guys!

***

I'll post some photos later... it seems i exceeded my limits on photo sharing... so i am studying now some alternatives or possibilities on how to get more free storage... or else i will be forced to purchase some storage... grrrrrr!!! heeeelp! LOL!

That's life!

2010-02-05T20:38:00.004+09:00

I am touch to this video... funny and very inspiring.

Kudos to the Japanese artist who made this! Great idea and great job!

and yah... the background music... "Heaven and Hell" ... nice lol!

My new girlfriend!

2010-02-04T23:13:00.006+09:00

Finally... :)

It took me some months on which to buy coz i was torn between ipod nano and sony walkman. Both of them released their new editions last year and yes... with build in video camera !

I used to have this Sony which i gave to Sachan already and maybe just for a change...before X'mas ... i finally decided to buy this 5th edition of ipod nano... yup, my new girlfriend... heheh! Oh well... i'm still learning how to organize, share, grow and browse musics and videos with itunes.^^

Lately... she's my great buddy... wherever i go and whatever i do... we are always together. My great partner especially when i'm stressed and disappointed! hahah!

Out with the devil, In with the good fortune

2010-02-03T23:44:00.004+09:00

It's February 3! Well it's my brod Teddy's birthday today... happy birthday buddy! heheh:)

Oh well... here in Japan...it's Setsubun day... meaning the first day of spring and they celebrate this day thru beans throwing ceremonies. It is a traditional celebration here in Japan although it's not a national holiday. They throw roasted beans around the houses, temples and shrines while shouting "oni wa sotto, fuku wa uchi"-- meaning out with the devil, in with the good fortune! In another words... it's to bring in good luck and drive the bad spirits out. It is also a custom to eat the same number of beans as your age to bring happiness and health. Well... i did not take the chance this year... imagine... i'll eat more than 40 beans ahhh!!! lol!

Eating fortune sushi rolls-- called Eho maki is also a part of a custom... and here's some pointers on how to eat the fortune rolls, face toward the good fortune direction of the year at first. The good fortune direction is where the fortune god, Tokutoku-shin, stays. The good fortune direction changes every year. This year is facing west-southwest. Then, hold a sushi roll and eat it, making wishes. You shouldn't talk until you are done with eating a whole sushi roll. It's said that good fortune will be gone if you talk.

Oh well... my family did this tradition every year... just lately without Sachan... hoping that blessings really comes to our homes! Good luck to us all!

Uncle Jo's night on stage!

2010-01-28T16:19:00.002+09:00

The Kojima Taro & Hip Band with JO jazz concert in Eufonia Concert Hall here in Shizuoka City was held last Sunday, January 11th. It was totally amazing especially the original latin style jazz of Taro san.

One of the most awesome part of the concert was the special song number of uncle Jo. Singing the version of "Just Once" by Quincy Jones... that was really great! Wooow... uncle Jo is back to real stage! Congrats uncle... i am happy for you that you are still active on your singing profession. Keep on singing uncle... !!!

　 Taro san... you did a great performance!
Some friends who was around the concert.
After the concert... we all went to Carol's Phil Restaurant for gokorosama gathering!

Oh... really... what a night! ^^

What I Want In A Man!

2010-01-28T11:27:00.003+09:00

My friend Ana shared this note to me thru Facebook and i found it sooo funny and interesting... thought i also need to share this to all of you folks!

Original List:

1. Handsome
2.. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)

1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)

1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)

1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)

1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)

1. Breathing.
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.

See you again Sachan!

2010-01-10T17:01:00.002+09:00

Sachan's New Year's holiday is over... and she needs to go back to her university! Her school starts on Tuesday.

As I've said below post... after our performance in Shimizu yesterday... i went to Shizuoka JR Station with hubs and Liza to see Sachan off. Waiting for the bullet train bound for TokyoHmmm... mada da yo!!! Hmmm... mada desu!There it goes... Bye... Sachan... see you again on spring break!!!
Gonna miss you a lot!
hugsss with kissesss!!!^^

Well... according to her... she arrived Niigata City by night but safe and sound... i've heard she had dinner with her bf at kaiten sushi bar or a go-round sushi... a conveyor belt sushi... ahhh whatever... heheh... well good for u girl^^!

First activity of the year... our bamboo dance!

2010-01-10T16:40:00.003+09:00

Another hectic day for me! Actually, Doi sensei invited the Phil NAKAMA group about three months ago to perform bamboo dance at the 20th anniversary of Shimizu Nihongo Koryuu no Kai . The group accepted the invitation for the fact that we owe Doi sensei and company a lot and likewise... this is another good chance for us to promote Philippine culture.

Oh well... so the event was yesterday... it was held in Marine Building in Shimizu District.

Since the group has no rehearsals for about 3 months i think... we all decided to go to the venue early in the morning for bamboo dance practice.

Sooo... we all woke up early, I picked up all my co-members and I we drove down to Shimizu. We did the polishing of the dance on stage. It's quite complicated coz we need to adjust our choreograph coz on the last minutes... we're informed that Amie and Maika can not able join us. Anyway, the group cooperation was just fine so we were able to adjust and settle everything.

Another complicated situation i had that time was that Sachan will be back to her university after lunch... yes, her New Year vacation was over! I did panic when i was informed on the spot that our program dance number will be the last one at about 2pm... waaaah! How can i go with hubs and Sachan in station if our dance performance will be in the afternoon? But I need to go to station coz that's how it should be... family first!

Well... after some phone talks with Sachan... she finally decided that she'll wait a lil later. Oh thanks gosh... so after our dance number... i rushed to my car with my co-members and we drove back home. We escaped from the event which was supposed to end by 4pm. Escape with concent coz we told to Doi sensei my situation. We were in a hurry to meet Sachan before 3pm...but the more we hurried... the more the roads gets crowded! grrrr... well, anyway... the good thing is i was able to go to station with her... but sad to say... hubs needed to hurry back home coz lola will arrived from day center. heheh. in exchange ... liza went with me up to the station's platform of shinkansen or bullet train to see Sachan off.

So... here we are at the event with Doi sensei... before the event started. SBS TV personality on speech remarksJapanese speech contest was also held... Lei represents the Philippines talking about her experience as a mom in Japan ... and oh... she speaks so sweet and gentle... heheh! Cutie... Maika chan... her feet was in pain from skiing so she was not able to join our dance.Carol was around too... My friendly amiga... Angela from Peru KARUTA... Japanese card games... we did enjoy this game! Best!

Sorry to Maika... mama Mel beat her to this gameSorry Precy... i got the most cards!^^ heheh!Kampai!!!SAME Shimizu staff and some teachers from Nihongo Kai Calligraphy contest was also held. International performances ... this one is from Indonesia... opppsss pix is blurred! Our group!
...with the Brazillian-Japanese kid who performed sambaOur dance turned out to be just fine... thanks to everyone's effort! ^^

Well... the event was really a success... it's a variety! Everything was well prepared and done. Love their souvenir album! Kudos to all and again... happy 20th anniversary to Shimizu Nihongo Kouryu no Kai... long live!

First visit of the year to shrines

2010-01-09T22:27:00.001+09:00

... that means HATSUMODE in Japanese. It's a part of New Year's tradition to visit the shrines to pray the family's safety, health and comfort for the New Year. Many visits the shrines on the 1st day of the year... but it's always overcrowded and to avoid it... we usually visit a few days after. This year... we visited yesterday in Shizuoka Sengen Shrine.

Hubs and Sachan praying

2010 is Year of the Tiger... the eto sign or the zodiac animal sign Omikuji or sacred lottery... this predicts the year's fortuneMine is Suekichi... meaning near blessing... hmmm not good... not bad^^If the prediction is not good... it is a custom to tied it up to a tree or rope inside the shrine's ground. Well... i did^^; Good luck charms are for sale to help retain happiness, prosperity, healthy and safety. Sachan bought for her studies, papa for his job while mine is a CP strap charms for health! heheh! Shizuoka Sengen Jinja

After our visit to shrines...

We had lunch in Aroi-aroi Thai Restaurant It's been a while since we visited the place... oishikatta!
Then we had Ramen at Kagetsu for dinner with Yuta...

...and Sarah! May all your wishes comes true

Nice to have relatives in Japan

2010-01-04T23:14:00.002+09:00

At long last... I was able to meet today my niece Abigael with her hubs Miko and their mom who lives in Kikugawa. Abby just arrived here last November. My other niece Dang joined me to meet them with our friend Ysa and of course my family were around too. So, it turned out to be like a family reunion... heheh! Ohhh... yes... Sarah and uncle Jo... well, they both missed this gathering... heheh! ... and I am sure more adopted family of ours will protest for this ^^;

Another good coincidence is that my nieces and I are all living in the same prefecture^^

My daughter and nieces Cheers!
Our bondings!Miko and his mom are warm too! Abby, Miko and Ysa's order are not yet coming...heheh!

We had our dinner together in Tengu. It was a nice bonding... and hopefully to meet them again in the near future.

See you all again!!!

Nengajo 2010

2010-01-03T23:58:00.000+09:00

Finally... I was able to finish my nengajo or Japanese New Year's postcard today. This is a custom here in Japan as a greetings for New Year. Nengajo should be mailed before the end of December and the post office deliver them on January 1st all at once... but I was truly busy lately and wasn't able to send it on time... so very sorry... but as the saying goes... better late than never...

My personal nengajo! Papa and Sachan's nengajo
I will surely send this postcards tomorrow... so... please wait... ^^

Whatever... 'cant say NO! LOL!

2010-01-03T22:48:00.001+09:00

Yesterday, I woke up almost noon time already coz I am not feeling very well. I actually woke up coz of those annoying phone calls and when I finally answered one of the phone calls... well it was my close friend Sarah... asking why I never answer their phone call. Then I said, I just woke up and I was surprised when Sarah told me that Liza was waiting outside our house already while she and Amie were on the way to pick me up and Sachan for our New Year's date... whaaat?!!! I never remember that I promised such thing... LOL!

Well... whatever... I remember it or not... feeling good or not... I need to go with them coz they are my very close friends, almost like family... and yes... I owe them a lot... heheh. In other words... I can't say NO!

So I panic... I was having lunch already with my family that time. I was just in my pajama too and there they are... heheh. Well, they patiently waited for me and Sachan down stairs and let us finished our things to do.

After an hour delay of our date... we decided to walk downtown.

Souvenir pix in Tokiwa Koen on the way to downtown

I was sooo shocked to see a very crowded atmosphere... everywhere I looked... it's people and people and people... hahah!

All the places we wanna go like bowlings, game centers, cinemas, shopping centers, restaurants and everything were crowded. We decided to go to restaurant first coz my friends were starving... my gosh... we lined up and waited about 30 minutes before we can enter the restaurant.

After that... we decided to go shopping... well, today is the starts of the New Year sales.. so no wonder why it's crowded. We went to Parco... and gosh we need to lined up even in escalators^^;

The truth is... I did not enjoy our shopping... it's too crowded and seeing a lot of people made me more sick! heheh! Felt like i want to throw-up... and somewhat like dizzy and cold.

I took taxi already with Sachan, Sarah and Yuta on the way home... and when I reached home... OMG... all I want is my bed to rest... I am so tired and soooo sick!

Hanging up with friends on New Year!

2010-01-02T23:03:00.002+09:00

Happy New Year!

Kapapasok pa lang ng 2010... heto't invited na naman ako sa gathering... it's a New Year's party or SHINNENKAI with friends! It was held yesterday night in a Karaoke Box near our place. It's really close to my house but i was the one who arrived late already and also the one who went escaped back home early... heheh!

They rented two rooms... below was the room for those ... hmmm ... serious ones :)

so peaceful here...

and the other room was this....ooopppsss......akala n'yo mga seryoso sila?

whoaaa the room was sooo smokey!

and funky!!!

see... i'm singing with my back up dancers

stress reliever...ok sa gimik!saya talaga!

Hahahah... the party of young ones and young once... which is which... ?!!! lol

Well... hope this year also rocks me away!

AKE OME!!!

2010-01-01T15:49:00.001+09:00

Happy New Year to all! Wooow... how times fast... goodness... madadagdagan na naman pati edad ko...grrrrr! Well, it can't be helped!

Well... New Year's celebration is actually a family bonding for us. We all gathered first in the morning to celebrate the 1st day of the year... but this year... since we woke up late already except for papa... we celebrated it on noon time already... sumimasen... heheh!

The first sunrise of the year or hatsuhinode that I saw! Sorry... woke up late already...lol!Typical selection of dishes for New Year celebration or Osechi Ryouri!
sweets hmmm... Sachan is not eating soba... it's mochi...lol... mochi from Ozoni^^
Akemashite Omedetou! Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegaishimasu! Traditionally, Japanese send nengajou or New Years greeting cards on the very first day of the new year... and in behalf of our family... I would like to extend my thanks to all our friends, co-workers, acquaintance, my students, former teachers, hubs patients, Sachan classmates and relatives for all the thoughtful nengajou. Actually... I was not able to send our nengajou on time but surely it will reach you all even a lil bit late already...
hontouni sumimasen deshita m(_ _)m!

YOI OTOSHI WO

2010-01-01T03:11:00.003+09:00

It's the last day of the year 2009... and I am thankful coz this year had been so good to me somehow... except financially...lol! But still what matter most was that me and my family are safe, healthy and peaceful... same with my relatives and friends too^^

Well... I had a lunch date again with my family in eat-all-you-can restaurant... mean at Global Restaurant. Gosh... I don't wanna eat anymore... but I was forced to eat... sayang ang bayad ano?!

After lunch... we picked up mom in law at the short-stay center and we went back home together to prepare and spend New Year together.

At late night, as tradition at home, huds ordered Toshikoshi soba to be delivered at home... it's traditionally eaten here in Japan on New Year's eve symbolizing longevity.

When the ordered came about 9:00 pm... we called lola to her room to eat together... but we were alarmed to see lola not feeling well and she was sooo down and also vomiting. We calmed her down then we called an ambulance and accompanied her in the hospital. Doctors can't exactly find whats wrong with her except that maybe it's over-fatigue... ^^;

To recall it back... actually this is the 3rd consecutive years for lola to be rushed in hospital during eves... last year was Christmas eve... when she got injured. hmmm... too bad for her!

It's almost eve when we went back home together. We let lola rest soon... cleaned the mess and yes... since the Toshikoshi soba has not been touch yet... hubs, Sachan and I ate them under duress... hahah! It was soggy! Hontouni masukatta!!! hahah!

No gooood! LOL!

So that's how we ended our 2009... and of course through text, emails, phone calls and chats from relatives and friends... and I am touch to Malou's text with her pix with KDC and love letter... that moves me...huhuhuh.... but happy!

I am happy to talk to them too... including to Emily and kids... gosh... we miss u all out there in the Philippines too.
New Year's eve in the Philippines... pix sent thru FB by Emily

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2009... hello 2010!

2009-12-31T17:31:00.003+09:00

It's time to say goodbye to 2009 and begin looking ahead to 2010.

Cheers to year 2010... the Year of the Tigers!

Another year and chance for us to make things right!

皆さん…良いお年をお迎えください！

Year-end bondings with close friends!

2009-12-30T23:19:00.014+09:00

Sarah, Liza and I decided to play bowling with our kids today in Tomato Bowl.

Maria's kids-- Youko, Yumiko and Hiro without their mom and with cousin Rico and friends joined us too. They did not play bowling but waited for us in Karaoke room at the same building.

Long time no see ... Ate Sachan and YuukiMy rival... Yuta kun...LOL! ^^

The bowling game was moms vs kids. The kids were good of course... but too bad for them... mom's team won. The funniest thing was that... although we won... I am the pain in the ass with my group.. hahah... coz I am the worst player to their group... LOL! But still they owe me a lot... coz without me... the game won't be much more fun... yah... they did had a lot of fun with me... they can't find a worst player like me... that even I'm worst... still I can luckily hit a pin by chance and make a miracle strike...hahah... hohoh!

After the bowling... we went all to karaoke and joined the other kids. That was fun jumming with the young ones... hahah. They all rock!

Youko and Sachan... the future nurse and dentist... heheh!

Uncle Jo dropped by too. We had a duet of Endless Love and A whole New World... that was nostalgic. We used to duet that song before... he is far good already... and I need more practice... hahah... Good for you uncle... you are still active in singing! grrrr! LOLThe normal face......and the weird face! LOL!

Enjoy your holidays!

Happy birthday Alma!

2009-12-29T19:21:00.006+09:00

Alma invited me together with some of our dear friends to her debut birthday party... heheh! well... just what we wanna call it... lol! It was held in a karaoke today. She brought her homemade Philippine foods in there and yes... everything were yummy! She is not only a good singer but really a good cook too! And for more info... she is also catering foods... so if u wanna order... contact me folks... heheh!

The celebrant!

Happy birthday Alma!We enjoyed the non-stop Abba music at the end of the party... I love singing with Alma... she's good in second voice too!

Alma swinging with her hubs

To Alma... advance happy birthday on the 31st and really GOCHISOSAMA DESHITA to u and your hubs!

I like friends like you... pure and simple... hugsss!!!

Enjoying holidays!

2009-12-28T23:05:00.006+09:00

Our New Year holiday started today!

Time for family bonding! Well, Sachan have not been to Gotemba Kogen Resort, so hubs and I decided to bring her there where hubs and I used to date lately. We had our lunch there, enjoyed the hot spring and we watched the Winter Illuminations at night.

Mt. Fuji scene from Tomei Express on the way to Gotenba

Gotenba Kogen Resort

Our heavy lunch^^;

We are blessed to have a fine weather today... good chance to see Mt. Fuji :)

The hot spring...Ice cream and ice drop vending machineSachan enjoying her sweet potato^^Winter IlluminationWinter Illumination will be seen up to March.

Okaerinasai... Sachan:)

2009-12-26T21:55:00.000+09:00

Glad to have Sachan back home from her school in Niigata City this Christmas! We picked her up last night in the station... then had dinner together in Tengu. Well, we always missed her on Christmas eve this past two consecutive years but at least she's trying her best to be at home on Christmas day... She'll be staying at home for her winter break 'til 2nd week of January. Sachan with her haggard mom ^^; Unlike Christian countries... Christmas day in Japan is just an ordinary day. They also celebrate Christmas but more on commercial way. They usually celebrate it by eating Christmas cake on eve and yes... Kentucky Fried Chicken is also quite popular during this season... heheh!

It's also unusual here to see a house with Christmas illuminations... but since it's part of my traditions being a Christian... I tried to do it in our house every year... well... actually it's our personal tradition too since Sachan was a kid coz she likes it... 'glad my neighbors and friends love it... too^^

Another Christmas tradition at home is that we exchange Christmas gifts...
(Below) Papa's gift to SachanMama's gift to SachanSachan's gift collection... lol!Gifts from Sachan and friendsHealth goods gifts to papa and mama from Sachan... hmmm... plus science good for papa :)Thanks a lot Sachan... (^3^) mhwaaah!

Christmas gift givings is really fun and exciting but still the best of all gifts is the presence of a happy family^^

May the true spirit of Christmas be with you all... have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Private celebrations with friends

2009-12-26T21:46:00.000+09:00

Even Japan never celebrates Christmas... we always find time to celebrate it privately with family and friends. Well... this time is not only a Christmas celebration but also our year-end party or bonenkai. It was a pot luck gathering at home... attended by some closed friends. Some were not able to join already coz this is already a very busy season for everyone!

Minasan... otsukaresamadeshita... mAbUhAy!!!

Pot-luck!
The following are my friends and relatives... they're all like my family here in Japan!Thanks for all the support and kindness you shared me all these years...'thick or thin... being with you all was always great! I hope we'll always be good friends... hmmm... family!?

I appologize to some of our dear friends we failed to invite... we only have a limited capacity and if we are going to invite you all... we will be needing a dome... hahah... i mean a hall, LOL !

*more pix in my facebook*

Bonenkai Season!

2009-12-26T21:43:00.002+09:00

It's Bonenkai season again! Well... it means year-end party here in Japan or should I say like a Thanksgiving gatherings of friends or co-workers that generally takes place in December.

I actually have some different groups that I work or having activities with and below were some of the Bonenkai I attended this year...

Bonenkai with my co-staff in GAIKOKUGO News program in Dream Wave Shizuoka Cable TV... held in Diego last December 15th. It was indeed full of fun! Tagalog and Portugal program's staffExciting bingo games^^ The lovely Spanish program staffMINASAN OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA "PO"HONTOUNI TANOSHIKATTA "PO"! With Ishiguro san, our SAME representative with Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog staff... ... Portugal and English staff... and Cable TV staffs

I also enjoyed the EGG-- Education by Global Group's---Bonenkai which was held in former Ichiban-cho School last December 16th. It was a lunch time celebration. Minasan... hontouni gochisosama deshita!

Ishigami sanCourtesy by EGG... flowers from Ishigami san... arigatou!

...with Yoshida sensei of Shimizu Fureai Int'l group

Bonenkai with my EIKAIWA class was held in Nakajimaya Hotel. We had ladies lunch set dinner and it was truly delicious and the place was cozy. We all enjoyed our lunch and chatting... as we forgot the time... we actually end up over 3:00 pm already... lol

Ladies lunch set!
They're like my second mothers in Japan... thanks a lot for the treat!
There's many more Bonenkai I attended this year... and sorry for those group I wasn't able to join due to some sched conflict... m(_ _)m Anyway... I am really enjoying working with you all!!!

Phil NAKAMA Christmas Party 2009

2009-12-23T00:46:00.001+09:00

Ohhh... glad I had this chance to update my blog despite of my crazy scheds lately... well... i need to share this one coz this is one of the exciting activities i had lately... the Philippine NAKAMA Christmas Party 2009.

As usual... the yearly party activity was held in Couple Kaikan last December 13th, Sunday. It was attended by about 200 members, friends and visitors... and I am grateful to my co-members and friends for the fantastic team work and effort we did to this event coz everyone said that we had a great party! Cheers led by Kishibata san!Inspirational talk from one of our Japanese adviser... Arakawa sanThe receptionGrace all the way from Hongo Prefecture drove down to present her dance performances. She's always a terrific dancers! Kudos! "Just Once" ... i love it uncle Jo! Deriff was so nice to present his Nepal's traditional dance. It was an audience participation number and it rocks! heheh^^The debut of Miho boys! They interpreted the song Chiquitita by Abba thru comedy dance. Well... they are really funny and the crowds enjoyed their performance!
Daidougei performer MOMOTCHI was truly amazing! Our visitors... Thanks to Mochizuki san and Suzuki san group too

Gifts from members and friends for Bingo and parlor games... arigatou po!Winners of "Find NAKAMA Letters" game It was a lucky day for Ochiai san to won many bingo prizes!

The former Elfin's! heheh^^Our Japanese advisers with friends Yoshida sensei and Doi sensei...
my cute daughters-like... Rei and Trinity
Merry Christmas!

You did a great job... Precy!Minasan... otsukaresama deshita!

Thanks to all who helped us around to make this event a success!

See you all next year!

More photos at Phil NAKAMA home page

Mr. Bean's Christmas :)

2009-12-19T11:04:00.004+09:00

This is cool and sooo funny... LOOOOOL!!!

Enjoy your Christmas everyone!

Great tour in Rome

2009-12-19T00:56:00.018+09:00

One of my unforgetable travel this year was this travel in Rome, Italy this December with my dear friends... Arakawa family. Rome is a wonderful city... full of fascinating historical places. Touring around the city is like walking on the streets of museum.

The Vatican City is also one of the memorable place we have been... well, the highlight of Rome! I'm so touched and I can't exactly explain why...lol! Sooo amuzing and interesting city! St. Peter Basilica was overwhelming and of course i loved the Vatican museum... very interesting!

Architectures, monuments, paintings, sculptures and other different kind of arts was really great!

This photo was in Moscow duty free on the way to Rome...
The Metro train

coffee time
Spanish Plaza's stepsstreet's stalls

Pantheon... ... was build as a temple to all the gods in Ancient Rome

I loved Pasta!

Mouth of the Truth... said to bite off hte hands of a lier! heheh!

Pizza was great!

Monument to Vittorio Imanuelle IIRome's City Hall

Forum Romanum

Roman Collesseum, the symbol of Rome's eternity

Vatican City's St Peter Basilica

"Pieta" sculpted by Michelangelo
The altar and the domeSt Peter's square in Vatican City

Last night in Rome... Rome was a great experience for me... really awesome!

*more photos in my facebook profile*

Holiday in Rome?! ^^

2009-12-10T11:32:00.003+09:00

I'm back... safe and sound from my trip to Rome! It was a great trip with Nanako chan and family. More details coming up... i'm too busy busy busy lately to update this blog... ^^; OTANOSHIMINI!

Pre-meeting for Phil NAKAMA's Christmas Party 2009

2009-11-30T12:51:00.003+09:00

I end up my November with another busy activities. Well... for our NAKAMA group... we had this pre-meeting for the preparation of our Christmas Party 2009 for December 13th activity.

The meeting was held yesterday, 29th and was supposed to be held in Tokiwa Park but due to rain forecast... I made a room reservation last Wednesday in Aicel 21.

(more pix on Phil NAKAMA webpage) Kore kara mo ganbarimasu p(^^)qChristmas Carol practice

Join the Philippine Christmas spirit with us... there will be some Christmas stage presentations, parlor games, raffles, bingo games, lunch and many more. Philippine NAKAMA Christmas Party 2009 will be held in Coupole Kaikan in Koyamachi cho on December 13th, Sunday. Tickets for adult is Y3,000 yen and for kids from 3 to 12 yrs old is Y1,500. You can buy tickets to any officers and advicers of Phil NAKAMA.

Happy 21st bday Sachan!

2009-11-25T12:00:00.019+09:00

Today is a special day for me coz it's my precious daughter Sachan's birthday! Unfortunately... we are not together now coz she's studying away from us so... i did miss her sooo much... but anyway, i did not miss celebrating her birthday with the family this last weekend. We actually had 3 days holidays-- from Saturday to Monday and like last year... we celebrated it together again in Tokyo Disney Resort as hubby's gift for Sachan's bday. Well... she's always an avid fan of Disney since she was a kid and if there is any place she always wants to visit... surely it's Disney... heheh!

Last Saturday, we all met in Sheraton Hotel wherein we stayed this time. If I remember it right, the last time we stayed there was about 5 years ago... when my sis Emily and Emil visited Japan.

Well... we went first to Disney Sea, then the next day was in Disneyland. We also enjoyed the hotel's SPA. On our last day, we spent it in Ekspiri-- it's a shopping mall in Disney Resort.

Mt. Fuji scene from Tomei Express

Disney SeaLovely Xmas tree in Disney SeaAdvance Merry Xmas from Sheraton HotelPuppet show of Disney charactersChristmas Fantasy Parade in Disneyland "UP"--a must-to-see animation movie of the year!Peace Sachan (^^)vParades on rainy daysDinner in Blue Bayoo... the best! Cheers! Happy birthday

We celebrated Sachan's bday at Sheraton's bar... it was also hubs treat for Sachan's bday... with surprise cake!^^"Thanks to mama, tita amie and tita liza!" My girl turned 21!We had some drink together but I was the one who drunk most... well, I never drink so here's what I got... tipsy and freak! dame da!!!time to sleep! morning breakfast at Sheraton'sfamily picScene from Ekspiri Dusk from Tokyo Rainbow BridgeFurikura!

~more pics in my Facebook site~

Well, that was our two nights and three days fun in Disney... we enjoyed our bondings but it was very cold! So... Sachan suggested that from now on, we must go to Disney on summer season... and for her bday next year... she said that hot spring will be fine! lol!
"To Sachan... Your best years is still ahead of you... happy birthday with love! miss you always! love... mama"

Internet Lover

2009-11-20T10:59:00.004+09:00

This is a funny video... cool and true... really made me LOL! hahah!

So... it's true... if you are talking to someone you dont know in the internet... be careful... and don't be sooo serious... who knows!!!

Jesus rocks!

2009-11-19T17:03:00.004+09:00

Some friends from Tagged sent me interesting videos... mostly funny videos... and yesterday... a friend shared me this video which I found so hilarious and I can't help laughing everytime I watch this... It's a parody of Jesus... who goes wild while singing "I will Survive" ... LOL!

Reminders... this might be offensive to others but this is only parody... just for fun!

Unique bag

2009-11-17T21:43:00.002+09:00

It's interesting how people turn trush into treasures!

Imagine... newspapers can be recycled into bags?! This is awesome!!!I found this bag at SAME office made by Satomi chan's friend... very impressive!

Time to decorate for Xmas!

2009-11-17T21:11:00.004+09:00

It's raining and it's coooold... just like what i'm feeling lately... dull, boring and frustrated... lol!

On my way to work at SAME... while I was driving along Aoba Symbol Road... this Christmas Tree below caught my attention... they still decorating it as part of the yearly Winter Illuminations event in Shizuoka in the heart of Aoba Symbol Road. The illuminations will start on November 20 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Oh... well... that reminds me that really Christmas is past approaching... and yah i need to prepare decorating for Christmas at home too. Ahhhh tooooo busy and tooooo cold to do things lately... Ganbarimasu! p(^^)q.

Happy birthday tita Amie!

2009-11-11T23:16:00.012+09:00

Amie's birthday was last Monday but she did treat me and Liza for lunch today... at Italian restaurant downtown. It was a great celebration... full of silly stories and laughters... heheh!

Below is tita Amie with her presents from us... and yah... thanks to Liza for giving me and herself some gift too... an angel's figurine... pair angels(?!) LOL!

After lunch... we shopped to Isetan at "Daddy oh Daddy" for gifts to Amy's grand son lil Allan in Canada. He was baptized in Catholic last Sunday and I was one of the god mom! Then... I also bought Anna Sue's gift for my daughter's birthday... and I was surprised that Liza and Amie bought something for her too. I know I should be grateful for that but that means... me and Amie should buy something also for Liza's daughter's birthday... hahah! BAWIAN BA? LOL!

Well... privately... we been close for years.... and we are almost like relatives... our families are all close too... and it's nice having each other sooo close except for the fact that it's costly to be with them on times of occasional events...LOL!

After our shopping... I had this date with Kaori chan... for an interview about my life(?) lol! Well, that's for her research studies on foreigners living here in Japan. So... I met her...we went to a coffee shop with Amie and Liza... she interviewed me... later Liza... and it turned out to be interesting... heheh!

with friendly Kaori chan

^^v

Girlfriends birthday!

2009-11-09T19:11:00.010+09:00

It's party time again! Well... it's Nerissa, Alisa, Maryann and Nao-chan's birthday gathering in karaoke today. Emi was supposed to join this group but unfortunately her aunt in the Philippines died lately and she went back there to attend the funeral. Condolence Emi!

On the other hand... Nao chan was not around too coz she's schooling so in exchange, her mom Analyn and Eri chan attended the gathering!

Well... today is tita Amie's birthday too but she was not able to join the event due to her work but I will see her on Wednesday anyway. Too many birthdays this week... they really cost me a lot... lol!

Today's party was a blast... karaoke was truly a stress-buster...lol! ... and yes... the foods are really great... and too many... so after the event... we all took home some of the foods!

The celebrants!Happy birthday!Pinoy food cooked by AlmaBirthday cake!kids!they can dance and sing too... like mom, like daughters! katuwaan!Karaoke timesweet couple!

threesome? hmmm...
*********

rei chan and cecil visited at home too!

I did had a good time with you girls... really happy birthday to the celebrants and OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA to everyone. We've just finished this gathering ... and here's another birthday party invitation for us... it's on Alma's birthday party on December... lots of friends... full of parties... lol!

... and hey did anyone see my ethnic-like bracelet? I lost it maybe in karaoke? it means a lot to me ... coz it's a pair bracelet with my close friends from Tokyo... huhuhuh... yoroshiku?

Viva! Sto Nino!

2009-11-08T23:38:00.008+09:00

The Sto Nino Festival 2009 was held today. This festival which Kuya Ernie founded about 20 years ago was yearly being held in Jonai Catholic Church. Lately, the LINK group is organizing it in cooperation of Jonai Catholic Church.

Well... our group, Philippine NAKAMA was also invited to join and cooperate with this event. Actually, we are suppose to perform some folkdance number but due to some reasons we decided to just gave a donations from our group... heheh!

Well... I was not able to attend the celebrations for some years but this year celebration was truly satisfying especially the mass rendered by Father Bob.

After the mass... party was held at the hall. We enjoyed the foods and friends we met especially those long lost friends! heheh! There was some stage and game presentations. Uncle JO also performed his songs for all.

LINK group acknowledgement to Phil NAKAMA's donationWith Fr. Bob, Fr. Harada and Pao of Tokyo PNB Ochiai san... too busy! heheh!With some friends Bikong Ube... nostalgic! To LINK group and church staff... OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA... You all did a good job!

Viva! Sto Nino!

******

After the event... NAKAMA group went to Sumpu Koen for a brief meeting about our Xmas celebrations... but actually... we decided to have a general meeting on Nov. 29th in Tokiwa Koen for the preparations and rehearsals of Xmas Carols. Gosh... my busy days are here again! LOL!

Our new cute Japanese friend... Oishi san *more pictures in Phil NAKAMA website and Facebook*

My first visit to Nanako chan's home!

2009-11-06T22:54:00.006+09:00

I traveled by train today to Fujieda City. Well... I actually visited my close Japanese friends, Nanako chan and her mama to their home and gosh... I did had a great time with them.

It was our plan already that Nanako chan will teach me the easy way of cooking Paella in her home. Well, she did it not in paella pan but in hot pot and it's cool! Here's the easy way of Paella cooking by Nanako chan and her mama:
1. Heat olive oil in the hot pot, then saute garlic.
2. Add chicken, saute until brown all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Steam in 60cc of cooking wine or sake
4. Set aside the chicken when tender.
5. Saute vegetables (tomatoes, asparagus, bell pepper)
Add 2 cups of water and 1 table spoon of Paella mix

Paella mix... this is the secret ingredient...LOL!

6. Add 2 cups of rice. Cook in medium heat for about 4 minutes.
7. Add clams. Cook in lower heat for about 10 minutes.
8. When clams opened... arranged them on top of the rice with the chicken pieces.
9. Steam for 3 minutes. Then serve it while hot!

Nanako's original paella! She did it... really yummy!!!

Mother's taste... Okaasan's ODEN... great!

It's autumn! Fruits on autumn season!

with Nanako chan and her mama... they're super duper!

My omiage from them... autumn DA YO!

I am really grateful to the wonderful reception of Nanako chan and her dear mama.

I did enjoy our lunch and coffee time! Well... we enjoyed our conversations also... and it was a great chance for us to know more about each others. We did talk about some planning also about our trip together... where and when... well, to be announced soon! heheh! Good for those who knows already! LOL!

Looking forward to visiting them again in the near future.

Nanako chan was sooo nice coz she's willing to adopt me to their home just in case I run-away from my home...heheh! Well... they have plenty of rooms anyway... they have a lovely house... home sweet home!

Cultural lecture in Irie Elementary School

2009-11-05T23:38:00.002+09:00

The EGG- Education by Global Group invited me today to teach Philippine culture in Grade 6 class this afternoon at Irie Elementary School in Shimizu. Today is the part 1 of the lecture and part 2 will be on December.

I enjoyed teaching the class I handled today coz they showed full interest to know the Philippines. They listened attentively, cooperated and asked so many questions.

When asked them what comes to their mind when it comes to Philippines... it's funny that majority answered "banana" next to Philippine beach or resort. They're also surprised to know that Philippine's national fruit is mango! LOL!

Students including teachers are all in mask as preventive measures for influenza that going around lately! Good idea!The class... on preparationMy facilitator-- Sesaki sensei in Barong Tagalog costume! heheh dandy DESU YO?!My facilitator... ever smart Ishigami san!...with lovely students in Phil costumesWith my friend Derif from Nepal. 3 cultures were being introduce today... Phil, Nepal and Brazil.Dusk view from by-pass on the way home

I wanna thank my facilitators... Ishigami san and Sesaki sensei for the great support they did to me today. They really did a good job! Extra thanks to Sesaki sensei for picking me up and dropping me off at my home. MINASAN OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA... see u all on December!

Kids activities in Philippines

2009-11-05T20:28:00.001+09:00

I just want to share some photos of my pamangkins from the Philippines which my sis Emily sent to me thru email. Wala lang... kinda missed them and i like their pics... so cute... jejejeh!

First was this Emil's activity in his school-- St. Dominic Savio Learning Center-- last end of October, the United Nation's Day event. There was this contest of Little Mr. and Miss UN... Emil represent the Philippines and yup... he won that title, Little Mr. UN. heheh! Good job Emil! Congrats!

Below is Emil on question and answer portion. He was ask that if he's lost in department store... what would you do? He answered, "I will keep looking for my mom, if I did not find her, I'll ask the sales ladies or the security guards for help". Well... smart kid! heheh!

saling pusa lang po si bunsong Kricel!The Philippines representatives

Little Mr. and Miss UN 2009

At home!
Well... below pics was taken last halloween night. This was before they went to the kids party.

I like this photo of my niece--Kricel as a witch! Soooo cute...LOLKricel and Emil with their cousin Camille-- also my dear niece!
Emil on his pirate costume... napakinabangan ang omiage ni tito Ted from Disney!

Lastly, below pics was taken last feast of All Soul's Day in Manila Memorial cemetery during the kids visit to their late grandma!

Here's Kricel at my mom's tomb while my other nieces are inside the tent--- KDC-- Kath, Debbie and Camille! 'missing u all!

I missed u all this year but hopefully I can visit you all next year with ate Sachan and friends on August!

Gathering in Jollibee

2009-11-02T01:13:00.004+09:00

Phil NAKAMA group had a dinner gathering today at Jolibee Restaurant. It's our OTSUKARESAMA KAI for the good cooperation and support did by everyone at the last International Festival in Shizuoka event. It's a buffet promo of Jolibee today for only Y1050 excluding drinks. Very reasonable... heheh! They actually held it every 1st Sunday of the month.

Well... the restaurant was actually fully pack tonight... that even my reservation for 20 people was unable to organized. Sooo disappointing coz our group members were seated separately and we were not able to have a meeting... not even the otsukaresama kampai. ^^; Well... everyone resched the meeting on the 8th in Sumpu Park after the Sto Nino Fest in Jonai Catholic Church.After the gathering ... we're separated in groups... Jonalyn and company invited me to come with them for Disco... but I refused already coz I felt that I need to have a cup of coffee instead in order to have a peace of mind that night...lol!

Some of the group went to Shimizu... while Arakawa san, Ishigami san, Amie, Liza, Sarah and Ajie went with me to St. Mark coffee shop downtown and continue our "interesting" chika in there. ^^
Oh...well... to everyone... otsukaresama deshita! Thanks for the lift Ajie and hubs!

Happy 3rd bday Kricel!

2009-11-01T16:41:00.004+09:00

I just received some pix thru email today from my sis Emily taken from Kricel's bday . It was my niece Kricel bday last October 27th... and mama MEL should say sorry to Kricel for neglecting her very special day. She even tried to call me thru YM many times on her bday... really I am very sorry sweetie... mama MEL will make up for my negligence... promise... heheh!

My nieces... Camille and Kricel and nephew... Emil... 'miss u all! Your present is coming your way... mhwaaah! (^3^)/

Happy birthday with love sweetie... talk to u again thru YM!

We're in Cable TV!

2009-10-29T16:29:00.002+09:00

SAME's news info for foreign residents here in Shizuoka is not only available in newletters or in TAKE FIVE radio program but also in cable TV thru Dream Wave Shizuoka called GAIKOKUGO News. This program was being aired since last spring.

with our friendly staff on recording

Philippine team Watch for it! ヨロシク♪

Mamma Mia... another favorite!

2009-10-28T22:11:00.003+09:00

Talking about musical stuff... well, one my favorite is this stage to film adaptation of Mamma Mia! Obviously... I love the music of ABBA ever since and well... I used to sing some of their songs even up to now... heheh! Meryl Streep who leads the cast is also one of my favorite actress... sooo what more could I ask!

... and last Friday, I was surprised to NANAKO chan when she gave me a CD soundtrack of Mamma Mia... and she said it was a gift... OMG Nanako chan... you are an angel... you just don't know how much this CD would mean to me. From my heart... thank you so much!

Well... i dubbed this CD even to my car... and everytime i listen to it... i remember Nanako chan... heheh!

I still don't have the DVD but i will definetely buy... as additional to my DVD musical movie collections.

OHISASHIBURI again!

2009-10-22T19:10:00.002+09:00

I'm back... after my i dunno busy days? heheh!

Well... lately i dunno if what's happening to me... actually, before... even i'm pretty occupied... i always find time to update this blog... hmmm... maybe i am too tired lately... and yes... lazy!

well...

below are some of my unforgetable escapades this autumn... as usual... some happenings with my friends... my NAKAMA group...

by the way... the orionid meteor shower peaks this week. did u see some? well, i missed it... damn... i was unable to make a wish to the shooting stars! LOL!

Photos below are from Asahi shinbun and Japan news online
富士山の山頂近くに光るオリオン座流星群の流れ星
＝２２日未明、真鍋英敏さん撮影

International Fest in Shizuoka 2009

2009-10-22T15:47:00.014+09:00

Last Sunday... October 18th was held the 6th International Festival in Shizuoka of SAME-- Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exhange in CCC.
As usual... our Phil NAKAMA group was also invited to this event to represent and introduce the Philippines.

Since I am also one of the over-all-coordinator to this event... as usual I need to come early and go back late after the event. Hmmm... do I sound complaining? heheheh...

Here are the early batch who came to help us out!Dang was the food in-chargeOur YATAI booth NAKAMA membersSome of the Pinoy dishes sold at the event Well... the festival was a success as well as Phil NAKAMA's activity. We also participated at the WORLD YATAI... in less than 3 hours... our foods were sold -out! Sayang lang nga dahil di kami kumita ng husto... heheh! I also noticed that we missed some instructions regarding the food preparations.

Then, our stage performances were also appreciated by many... though I am not that satisfied ... we really need more practice in everything... yes practice makes perfect... well almost perfect i mean...lol! The problem is our time shed for the rehearsals... ITSUMO BARABARA... sooo disappointing ^^;

Pandango sa Ilaw
TiniklingMonaliza's Tagalog song numberPhil NAKAMA's performers

Anyway... I am so grateful to all NAKAMA group... most of them were there to help, support and cooperate. Thank you guys! HONTOUNI OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA!

Our directors from City Hall
Our office at SAME Henna art by Monica from India Mochizuki san with her angels... lol!It's nice to be with Chattie and Yu... OHISASHIBURI! Plus with Angela and Miya chan! henna artsNAKAMA members with our adorable kids!Finale stageKotomi chan and I did the English and Japanese version of SEKAI NI HITOTSU DAKE NO HANA... sort of katuwaan lang! Our dinner was a treat from my hubs... arigatou!hmmm... see you all at the OTSUKARESAMA KAI on November 1 in Jollibee Restaurant downtown.

more photo at Phil NAKAMA Organization website, photo gallery

Tokyo trip with friends!

2009-10-22T14:38:00.012+09:00

Philippine NAKAMA had a bus trip last October 11, Sunday in Tokyo. We're about 30 members to be exact. Precy and I acted as an over-all-coordinators in this trip supported by my co-advisers and officers.

Wooow JR... i love your t-shirt... my motto is " no music, no life" ... but it is also true... "no sex, no life"...lol! It was a first time experience to Phil NAKAMA group to have a trip activity in Tokyo. Well... our aim was to cheer Monaliza in UTAWIT 2009 grand finals ... and since we'll be there already... we decided to visit Odaiba wherein we celebrated Olive's birthday at the coast park.

The rainbow bridge!Happy birthday Olive! The Shimizu guys surprised bday cake while singing bday song for Olive was touching... good job guys! Treat meal from Olive but thanks to Dang for all the efforts on cooking!The wife and the AIJIN! LOL!Our birthday gift to Olive... we are all pairs... one is for all , all is for one! heheh!Well... we're all punctual that time but it was sooo disappointing that our Japanese driver was a lil careless that time.... mean... our main objective was to go to Meguro at the site of the UTAWIT grand finals... and I can't believe that he never even researh for it...not knowing that we don't have any car navigators... in short... we lost our ways and we lost a lot of time for the main event.
But I am trully thankful to our friend Irene... one of the execom of UTAWIT who adjusted and delayed the time of the main event... just for us!!! wooow... that was KANDOU Irene... thanks a lot sweetie.

My special thanks also goes to Joel, one of the execom of UTAWIT who picked us up in Meguro Station and lead us to the venue.

Cheering squad! LOL!
My idol... friend Dennis, an artist... i love his arts!Thanks Irene... Julius... 'love u guys!relatives...

Well... anything can really happen... this is what we call... nothing is perfect... what matter most was that we all have fun and really had a great trip!

Otsukaresama deshita to Precy too... you did a good job sweetie... keep it up!

Looking forward to another adventurous trip in the near future!

*more pictures at Philippine NAKAMA website... photo gallery! *

Animal Art Exhibit in Nihon Daira Zoo

2009-10-22T13:17:00.002+09:00

I was surprised when my friend Mochizuki san, former Assemblyman of Shizuoka invited me and the Phil NAKAMA group to attend and be a member of his staff at the opening ceremony of his World Animal Art Exhibit in Nihon Daira Zoo. This event was actually organized by his group, the International Stationary Exchange Club of Japan. Yes... surprised because he invited me and the group 2 weeks before the main event... lol! Panic.... coz I am busy lately!

This event was held last October 11, Saturday. Oneday before our trip to Tokyo! Very hectic sched but I am thankful to Precy, Maritess, Lilibeth and Maryann for helping me around.

Mochizuki san handling the mic to me for a speech

meee talking about the exhibit held in the Philippines last year

The next tour exhibit will be held in Thailand. This is Ni-san on her remarks inbehalf of her Thailand group.

Bouquet flowers from the exhibit staffs as a token of their gratitude for supporting their project.

World Animal Art Exhibit

Exhibit hall

Some of the stuffs from last year exhibit in the Philippines

Last year, this exhibit was held in the Philippines and the Philippine NAKAMA Organization in cooperation of the International Christian Academy in Paranaque were the sponsors. All the excellent arts of Pinoy students of ICA were featured in the exhibit.

Play time!

Well... we had a great day... great experience and yah... good chance to see Russie... the bear from Russia! heheh!

Pass it on...

2009-10-05T10:40:00.003+09:00

We, humbly pray to you as a nation. We plead to
your HEAVENLY KINGDOM. We pray for those who are in
lost and those trying to get home to their Family.
Make their way easy. We pray for those who have lost
there Homes. Give them Comfort. We pray to those who
are expose to the Bad conditions and awaiting HELP.
give them strenght. Everything we do for our unfortunate
bretheren, we offer to YOU and YOUR GLORY.
All this we pray in the most HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
HELP THE PHILIPPINES. " WE ARE THE WORLD. "
PASS THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS. PLEASE !!!

Disasters everywhere!

2009-10-04T13:52:00.011+09:00

The Philippines is still reeling from a Sept. 26 typhoon called Ondoy that caused the worst flooding in 40 years, killing more than 300-- just i am not sure if the unregistered kababayan are included. Followed by this was the powerful winds of typhoon Pepeng last Saturday but changed it's direction and headed to Taiwan and now is this typhoon Melor...

Many kababayans in Luzon and central of Metro Manila were badly affected by this horrible storm Ondoy. There are places that waters roses up to 10 feets. Rich or poor... most of their things were washed away by the floods.

I am thankful to God that my families in Manila were all safe... even our homes... even my father and his family in Pangasinan except partly for their home, i've heared...and i am sure Ted is fine too coz he is in Davao City... but still let us pray together and show our humanity to all the victims of this terrible storms... not only in the Philippines but also to Vietnam, India and Taiwan... and also to the earthquake disaster in Samoa and Indonesia.

... and you know what... i am also touched to all my Japanese friends here who sent me emails, phone calls and even visited me directly just to relay their affections and sympathies to our families in the Philippines. Some of them even hand me some donations for all the families they knew there.

Gosh... I am really delighted and grateful to that kind of gestures especially when you never ask for any help but they offer. I love you all my Japanese friends... you are all so sweet and for real. I am glad to have friends like you guys!

... and speaking of donations... here is a warning. If you want to give some donations... if possible, please give it directly to all the victims. Let's face it... in the midst of crisis like this... there are some people who can't be trust... heart-less and opportunist! Hope those kind of people live a miserable life of guilt!

Lastly... everyone were asking... who's to blame? Well... typhoon is a natural disaster... but people contributes to the disastrous effect of this. People throw their trash on drainage canals and they allow people to build their houses on the break waters and on top of drainage canals. Developers fill up the natural drainage or creeks so they can build houses. So we are all to blame... we are the one destroying our natures and environments. Likewise... our country leaders should also be blamed. I hope their houses also submerged in flood so that they could feel and think what our country really needs.

God bless you all!

It's my day at work!

2009-09-29T23:08:00.002+09:00

Today is the deadline of my "Mabuhay!" newsletter for October issue... and I can't believe my very self that I just did the manuscript only in ONE day... that's yesterday! I was so pressured! This is the first time that happened to me...well, this is the reward of my laziness lately... oh gosh I won't do that again... promise! I thought I wanna give up already... for the fact that some of my friends were bugging me around too while doing the manuscript, lol! But at around midnight... i did challenge myself... "i can do it, i can do it"... and presto... by about 3:00 am... i'm done! Well... I did a great job and I deserve a pat on the back... lol! So... today... I was able to print them at SAME. YATTA!

Today is also Ishiguro san's (Ito san for me... SAME staff) special day! I didn't know it's her birthday... so she missed my gift... lol! She had a snack bday celebration at SAME. Almost all the staff including from Shimizu staff were there coz they had a general meeting this afternoon. We enjoyed her yummy cakes with tea. Ahhh... GOCHISOSAMA DESHITA!

Cutie Ito san... OTANJOOBI OMEDETOU!

The beauties of SAME

Meee... posing for "i did it"! Banzai!

Kore kara mo ganbarimasu!

Japanese Class started

2009-09-24T17:07:00.001+09:00

Opppsss... the silver week was over.... back to normal life... back to wooork! Damn... i can't believe it... lol!

Well today... at long last, the Philippine NAKAMA Japanese Class session have started. We are scheduled to begin the class last week but unfortunately due to influenza epidemic... we decided to postponed it and as I said... we started the class today.

It's a 10 times session every Thursday from 10:00 am-12:00 nn in Aicel 21. I am the over-all-coordinator of the class with Liza so we need to be there on their first day to check everything.

The class was supposed to be limited in 8 students but we actually reached 9 and hopefully become 10 students next week. It's the first day of the class but Liza and I were disappointed that most of the students were late... as usual! Well... Philippine time or Shizuoka time is not good alibis... it's the principle and character that counts! lol!

I assigned Ajie to be the leader of the class... to be assisted by May.

We are also lucky to have a cute, kind and yes... young Japanese instructress named Takahashi sensei. Yoroshiku!

The beauties... 'mean the class

... with Liza and meee!

After the class... we all went to Nam's Thai restaurant for lunch. Sensei was not able to come with us due to her next date. our lunch

back to woooooooooork... ? shiranaaaaai?!!!

Well... to all the students... KORE KARA MO...NAKAYOKU BENKYOUSHITE, GANBATTE KUDASAI.

Gathering with friends

2009-09-23T23:57:00.002+09:00

Still on holiday! Today... together with some friends from Philippine NAKAMA held our OTSUKARESAMA KAI at Liza's place in Yaizu City.

It's a thanksgiving party for all who made the anniversary event a success. The gathering was attended by almost all the officers and advicers. Some did not able to make it due to conflict schedules.

We're suppose to celebrate this gathering last week but due to influenza epidemic... we cancelled the gathering and decided to held it at Liza's place. It was another chance to visit Liza's home since most of us have not been there since she transfered there last year.

Sooo... about 10:30 am... i picked up Raita, Amie, Jonalyn and Kazu kun in Max Value supermarket and we drove to Yaizu City. Other members arrived there at noon. We started the lunch party at almost 12:00. Barbeque was great so was the other foods shared by the other member. I like Ysa's laing too... natsukashii!

We also had a meeting regarding our up-coming events. We also watched and reviewed the anniversary event video together courtesy of Tess Tahara.

I went home with Amie and company before 6:00 pm. Some of the members remained there for dinner and drinking! I was not able to drink this time coz I am a driver... lol! kuyashii!!! ...demo tanoshikatta!

Our group... with manong ed and manang merlyn

Otoosan Onoda and Liza... gochisosamadeshita!

Minasan... otsukaresamadeshita! Kampai!

ittadakimasu!

barbeque!

salo-salo, halo-halo!

Kenta kun... kakkuiii!

My girlfriend... Serena... yoroshiku!

Uncle Jo arrived at the last spot of the gathering

More pictures at Phil NAKAMA's website

Onsen in Gotenba...

2009-09-23T23:45:00.002+09:00

As part of our silver week holidays... my hubs and I went out of town last Monday! We went to hotspring or spa in Gotemba Kogen Resort. It's our second time date to that place... we actually been there last end of winter. How I wish Sachan can visit this place with us too! Aside from spa, the facility have some interesting restaurants, shoppings, events and some sightseeings. Well... this time... we enjoyed the spa at KIRAKUBO and of course the colorful windmills all around the resort.

The colourful wind mills Yakisoba is trully yummy! KIRAKUBO hotspringYAPPARI ONSEN NO HOU GA SAIKO DA! やっぱり温泉のほうが最高だ！

Tour in Chiba!

2009-09-20T20:09:00.006+09:00

Yeheeey ... we have a five days holiday this week!

I started my free day yesterday having a bus tour with Liza. Actually it was a mystery tour according to Yomiuri tour promo... and I was so excited what's the mystery behind that tour... well, actually... it's about a tour wherein nobody knows where they'll gonna take us... a surprise in other word! lol! But actually... we had some idea already on where to go according to some hints written in the guide line schedule. Yes... my hubs said we will be obviously taken to Chiba!

He was right... our tour was in Chiba!

Below is a Cosmos plantation in Tokyo German Village

Tokyo German Village

Sea coast in Chiba Well... it was pretty exciting! We enjoyed sight seeings, experienced harvesting and enjoyed the foods and many omiage like sanma fish, sweet potatoes, peanuts and even 1 kilo of rice...lol!

Looking forward to another bus tour... hopefully this autumn!

Above are photos from our bus tour in Chiba

Long time no see!

2009-09-14T14:03:00.008+09:00

Minasan... hisashiburiiiiiii! At long last... i got this chance to update this blog. I was soooo busy this past few weeks.... nakakataranta at nakakalokah talaga of which to do first coz my work was all around! Sooo... after those busy days... heto naman ako feeling soooo tired, dull and languid due to over fatigue! I still be needing to recharge myself to regain some more energy... but how... how... how... ?
Oh well... I already can smell the up coming holidays here... from 19th to 23rd... gosh... i am so excited! I have some plans already like on weekend, i am going to a Mystery Tour with Liza... i dunno what is mystery behind that tour... it was liza's idea... tell u then...lol!
Another plan is that we are going to have a GOKOROSAMA gathering for the past Phil NAKAMA's anniversary event. This will be held at liza's place in Yaizu City on the 22nd and i heard... this is a barbeque party!
More plans but nothing is definite yet... i let u know then...
For the meantime... i posted some of my past escapades below... huli man daw at magaling, naiihabol pa rin... see... huli pa rin talaga... lol!

Well... one thing that probably making me busy was this Mafia Wars and Sorority Life games! I'm addicted to these games... and below was the result of my SL last Thursday... it was my first experience to become number one at the catwalk... thanks to all my sis, brod and friends votes!

I just tried to be on it... but I don't want to try it again... it took and consumed me a lot of time and effort! LOL!

Here they come, here they go!

2009-09-14T13:41:00.003+09:00

New staffs came... some will leave... but for reasons. Yup... that's what happening always to our staffs in SAME especially the foreigners coz most of them are students.
Sooo ... another NOMIKAI or drinking gathering for them!

Last Friday, 11th... we held this welcome and farewell party of SAME at Dammaya Suisan. Many staff joined --- thanks for the effort of Satomi chan to gathered them!

We welcome our foreign staff-- Chou san of China, Fabi of Peru and Kousaka san of Brazil while Josh bid for goodbye coz he is leaving Japan to go back to America on the 18th.

SAME staff... Shizuoka and Shimizu office

Our SAME director... Odamaki san

...with his daughters!

Enjoying the foods and drinks!

Josh on his farewell remarks

This is fry-EBI

I went back walking alone... drunk... but it felt gooood!

A special day for Phil NAKAMA

2009-09-14T13:31:00.001+09:00

Sept 9th year 2001 was the official day when we founded the Phil NAKAMA Organization. Last Sept 6th was another memorable day for Phil NAKAMA because this was the day we celebrated the 8th anniversary of our group.

We held the gathering at the Music Hall in Aicel 21. Inline with the program was the induction of the officers and new members of the group and of course the regional qualifying rounds on UTAWIT 2009 in Shizuoka.

We were new to the venue and we prepared everything by our selves in less than two weeks to be exact but i am so grateful to say that we did it! The event was a blast, the UTAWIT contest was stunning, the music system was great, the performers were amazing and the cooperation of everyone was super!

B4 them... meeee first!

with Irene, Beth, Joseph-- UTAWIT 2009 execom!Some of my girl friends...

The Fandango sa Ilaw

Induction Ceremony of new officers for 2009-2011 headed by Precy as President.Induction Ceremony of the new members Meeee and uncle Jo hosting the UTAWIT-Shizuoka The trophies courtesy of Philippine NAKAMA to UTAWIT 2009- Shizuoka winners. What's funny??? ...and the winners are...

Maritess and Uncle Jo's special duet number Lastly... I would like to thank each and everyone involve to Phil NAKAMA, be a member or not... for being a part of our group! For 8th years... we are still here and we owe that to each and everyone of us... thanks to all your support, hardwork, dedication and belief to our objectives!

Long live to Phil NAKAMA!

*****************************
After the event... we're sturving so some of us went together to Jolibee tropical restaurant for dinner. It's a buffet dinner in only Y1050. Amy... the owner only do this promo once in a month... only on first Sunday of the month. It's very reasonable and damn OISHI! We enjoyed the karaoke too except to Jonalyn's annoying voice... lol! I wanna kill the judges who allowed her to pass the audition in the Philippines... it's too unfair for Filipinos who really had talents! LOL! Just i love this woman for being so sport to admit what i been saying! hahahah! I know she wants to kill me too! hahahah! OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA!

Night picnic in Abe River?!

2009-09-14T12:23:00.001+09:00

The Abe River HANABI TAI KAI or fireworks exhibition which was originally scheduled on July 25th has been cancelled due to continuous rains and it was resched last August 29th.... and if there some people who were glad it was resched ... well, it was me, Liza, Amie and Sarah!

Actually, we are always watching together that Hanabi Tai Kai every year ... but this year ... the date of the event got conflict to our Summer Live group event. So we prayed for hopes that it would rain on Hanabi Tai Kai's event (bad girls deshou?! lol!)... so they could resched it and we can have the chance to watch it!

Our mother nature had been so cooperative... our wish was granted! LOL!

This time... we watched the event by having a picnic with Phil NAKAMA group. We didn't expect that many friends will gonna join us... our big blue picnic sheet was sooo crowded!

We enjoyed eating, drinking and yelling together while watching the exhibitions. Gosh... i enjoyed everyone's company... and we are the only noisy group in there! LOL!

We reserved our group's place!

TANOSHIKATTA YO!

After the event... liza, sarah and yuta were my boarders... they stayed and slept at home and we been together 'til the next day... roaming around the city. Gusto restaurant has been our dining room for late at night meal and breakfast! It was also our first time to visit Liza's place in Yaizu when we drove her home.

Group discussion about Shizuoka

2009-09-14T00:14:00.006+09:00

August was really another busy month for me... this time... my friend Kotomi-chan, a college student in Shizuoka University had this circle doing some symposiums on different topics about their interest in life...somewhat like pulong-pulong sa kaunlaran.

This time discussions was about cross-cultural. It was held in a restaurant named ITALI-TEI (?) near Parco last August 28, Friday night.

They had this topic about foreign residents view in Shizuoka. So... Kotomi chan and her group invited 3 foreign residents from Shizuoka ---that's me, Shajid from Sri Lanka and Ken from America as guest speakers and we were ask to talk about our experiences, opinions and some comparisons of the way of living here and our own countries.

...with Kotomi chan

We're divided in some groups and they change groups after every 30 minutes discussions.
I was surprised that they even asking me about the current economics and political situations in the Philippines... how could I answer that personally if almost half of the century of my life was already spent here in Japan... lol! Tough question... po talaga!

More than 20 people joined the discussions... and it was fun talking with them...

I was able to meet many Japanese and became friends.