Filipino Community Party with Tita Glo!

Ann invited me and tita Amie to attend the party of the Filipino Community with tita Glo (Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo). The event was held in Mariner's Court Hotel in Tokyo last Friday night.

About 500 kababayan were invited to the event. It's nice to see some familiar faces from the Philippine Embassy, UTAWIT and ABS-CBN related staff. The attire was Filipiniana... kaya nakakatuwa namang tingnan ang mga kababayan natin including some Japanese visitors in our traditional attire! Sayang nga lang... we still face some lack of discipline to behave in certain formal events like this. That is one reasons kung bakit we can't properly organize everything... lalo na sa time... very loose talaga tayong Pinoy! Tatak na ba talaga natin yon!? 'yun lang nga we're all cheerful... masayahin at mga kalog. Even we don't know each other... pagnagkadikit-dikit na ang magkababayan at nagkabiruan... masaya at game ang lahat!

...with Finance Secretary M. Teves... Ann's uncle Gary!

Traditional performances by the Filipino Community in Tokyo and students from Tokyo University were presented. They're all great! Meron ding singer courtesy of ABS-CBN... he's Richard Poon and he really can sing! He's pure Chinese who grew up in the Philippines.

The President was featured at the last part of the event. She talked about her visit to Japan... her report of her performances and plans for the development of the Philippines... Well, to cut the story short, we need to develop our country and in order to do that we also need to continue borrowing money like here in Japan to sustain our "needs"! Sige na nga... heheheh!

Anyway... while listening to her speech... I'm pretty amazed with her! She's actually delivering her long speech without reading. Maybe she had her outlines but she talks good, straight and with charisma... very convincing lalo na kung wala kang alam, heheh! She's really bright... small but terrible! huh!

Pres. Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo on her speech

I was taking some photos of tita Glo at the mid aisle... not knowing I was already in front of the stage... in front of tita Glo! I was pushed in there by the audiences at the back na gustong makipag-shake hands to tita Glo! Well I was already there so I also took the opportunity! hahahah! What a chance!!!

We'll ... that's my Friday night... another enjoyable rare experience! Di ba tita Amie?!

... and we owe Ann our heartful thanks... likewise Kuya Kuni, Morita san and Prince for the rides and everything! HONTOUNI MINASAN...OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA! DOMO ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITA!

Release stress in karaoke

It's boring today so I decided to go to karaoke to have some warm ups ika nga! hehehe!

Good timing when I received an email from Cecil asking me if what's my plan for today... so I said "I will go to karaoke"... wooow... without any second thought... she replied that she will go with me. Then we also asked Alisa if she's interested to come with us... wooow pa rin... she spontaneously replied... ok!

So finally, we are 3 and a half (that's Reichan actually) who went to Karaoke Box in Route One.

It's been a while since I had been to karaoke... but I really did enjoy our kalokohan! We all sang and danced to the fullest! hahahah! Lahat pa yata ng mga high pitch na songs ay walang takot din naming mga kinanta! Yeah... that was great! Lalo na yung mga nagtutuluan na ang mga fats namin este pawis pala! hahah! I can't imagine if how many cups? gallons? of fats este callories ang nawala sa amin! Our stresses were also relieved!

Kelan kaya mauulit yon!

Eye-catching view

Looks like snowflakes on the sea... but nope...

... it's clouds in the sky! I took this picture late in the afternoon yesterday.... about 6:30 pm.

I was attracted to the sky and clouds.

Cultural lecture in Matsuno School

I sacrificed my work at SAME today in order to attend the activities of EGG IBUNKA, an organization that teaches and promote different cultures of the world for intercultural understanding in different schools around Shizuoka.

The organization requested me together with other foreigner friends from Nepal and India to teach our cultures and traditions. I always took the opportunity to join the group which is one of my simple way to help promote our country and introduce our true way of life.

The intercultural lecture was held this afternoon in Matsuno Elementary School. They only have about 50 students from Grade 1~6.

Philippine booth with my supportive facilitators... Ishigami san and Uchida san

Some of Philippine stuffs... with some Philippine posters at the back of the display board

The classes was all held at the gymnastic hall

We were asked to teach only 15 minutes to every class. The time was very short... we're like spinning wheels... within that time... we're asked for self-introduction, quiz games, basic info about our countries, daily lives of Elementary students... wooo... I can't imagine how we short-cutted our lecture guide plan... hehehe! But everyone said we did fine... ohhh... just a flattery word? heheh! There's so much to teach to all but anyway... today's experience and adventures was pretty good advantage for me and most of all for intercultural understanding.

JENKINS Art Exhibit

Yesterday, after our lecture in English at CCC Bldg., my friend Nanako chan invited me upstairs to see some of the art exhibit of Mark Jenkins, a popular New Yorker artist. Jenkins is actually a well known street artist. He creates his work by using plastic or scotch tapes. His works is sooo artistic and interesting... sort of scary and disgusting sometimes but really for real!

↓Below pics... Jerkins and Nanako chan's original art ... good job, Nanako chan!

↓I am just trying to comfort him...

↓Which one do you think doesn't belong here?! ↓Nanako chan with her boyfriend!↓Breast feeding time!

↓She's mad!↓Cool

The flier

JENKINS Art is currently on exhibit at CCC Bldg, Tully's (outdoor) Miyuki-cho and Shizuoka City Hall (indoor).

Adventure of two private eyes

...naks parang totoo... but it's sort true po talaga!

A 15 years old girl, half Pinoy and Japanese who lives in the Philippines and a related friend of Neri asked her to find his long lost Japanese father named Toshihiro Noguchi san who used to live in Omaezaki City.

Finally... Neri and I got time to go there yesterday. Too bad it's raining but still we're lucky coz we easily found the place. It was a 3 storey building... parking on the 1st floor, a snack bar on the 2nd and their home on the 3rd floor. Unfortunately... there's nobody in the house of the given address but we're fortunate to get the telephone number of the house owner that was posted in the reception door. I told Neri to ask her husband to contact the concern person later.

Before we get back to Shizuoka City, we still nosed around the neighborhood to get some more information. According to some source... that house was not Noguchi san place. It was owned by a certain... (better not to publish his name) and that he owned the place ever since! This Noguchi san was only an employer before to that snack bar but they never see him already for a long time.

Updates: Neri's husband phoned to that house owner today. He's in abroad, so they just had a short conversation (overseas call are costly! hehehe!) According to the owner... Noguchi san went back to his former wife in Iwata... and he heard that Noguchi san died already! That's it! Still... the case is complicated! Sources can only be hearsays not unless you see it in your eyes... now the question is do we really need to trace the fact up to Iwata? How about if this former wife or family doesn't know about Noguchi san's daughter in the Philippines? But his daughter have the right to know about the truth. Yah... truth but sometimes... truth is scary...risky... and you know... sad!

Well... still wishing for the positive outcome.
Help!!! Noguchi san's whereabouts... anyone?!

Seldom seen friends

After my interpretation work yesterday, I picked up Ana to her office and we went to St. Joseph Home-for-the Aged to visit Kuya Ernie. He's still in bed but it's nice to see him not getting worse. We actually took him some pictures and got his thumb mark needed for the renewal of his passport. I heard from Ana that he is exempted for personal interview at the Embassy because he is sick and old enough to travel.

After our visit... we picked up tita Amie to her mansion and we had dinner together in DADA's. We'll... this is our 2nd date together this year. The 1st one was a treat from Ana on her birthday last February. This time was my advance birthday treat to both of them and looking forward to Amie's turn!

Getting together are always fun especially when seldom seen friends gather around!

Unexpected gathering

I thought it's my day to do some extra cleaning at home today but it turned out to be quite hectic (but it was fun!) due to some friends who by chance flucked together at my home. It was Neri who came by first for pc tutorings, then Jonalyn and Katsuki kun came by for lunch while Cecil and Rei chan followed to join the bonding!

It was actually Jonalyn's birthday so after having lunch and playing computers, she invited us to Mos Burger in Route 1 and treated us snack! I hope it's her birthday everyday! kekeekkkee!

Long live Jonalyn and avoid stress!

Lunch date with my girlfriends!

I had another lunch adventure today with my Phil NAKAMA girlfriends or should I say mga younger sisters ko! Sometimes it is nice to hang around with younger friends... nakakalimutan ko tuloy ang edad ko! kekekeeeh... o palagi ko namang nakakalimutan talaga?!

We had lunch at NAM Thai restaurant in Ryogae-cho owned by my Thai friend Nam chan. Pretty impressive place with some appealling Thai decors and the foods are good... and yes... the price is reasonable! I will surely be back to this place! pRoMiSe!!!The menu downstairsOur group (Precy, Maryann, Pam, Aji, Nerissa, Alisa, Cecil, Rei, and me) with Nam chanWe had such a fun time!Here's the counter with Nam chan and staff... they're all friendly!Appetizers, salad, soup and drinks are buffet styleMy lunch set... coconuts curry! It's good!... and below was my dessert... a CD of music collection from Pam... It's cool... seems we have the same taste...huh! Thanks a lot Pam... I'll treasure it!
I missed their Starbucks happenings after lunch becoz I need to work in the afternoon at SAME. Looking forward to having lunch again with you all... girls!

Sarah's home sweet home

Finally, Sarah got the chance to move to a city housing complex last March.

She set another date to invite some of her friends for her part 2 party of thanks for helping and supporting her on house moving... and that was yesterday! I missed the part 1 gathering so I avail myself this time!

I went to Sarah's new home sweet home with Amie! Glad the see her spacious 2LDK rooms!

Lilibeth with kids, Marissa and uncle Jo followed late in the afternoon!

We did enjoy the big delicious meal cooked by the Power Rangers... Sarah, Dang and Ysa!

We also enjoyed our chattings and kalokohan as seems we never see each other often!

Hanggang sa uulitin po!

Helpful information on Influenza A (H1N1)

Now that the new flu infection is also endemic to Japan... here are some sensible information and things to consider!

A New Influenza Virus

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well including here in Japan.

It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.

It’s uncertain at this time how severe this novel H1N1 outbreak will be in terms of illness and death compared with other influenza viruses. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against this novel H1N1 virus. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks.


Practical advice: What you need to know about 2009 H1N1 virus

What are the signs and symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 virus (“swine flu”) in people?

The 2009 H1N1 virus symptoms are similar to the symptoms of more typical strains of human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 virus infections. As seen with seasonal flu, H1N1 virus may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something that has flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing his or her hands.

Can I get H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?

No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How long can an infected person spread H1N1 virus to others?

Infected people may be able to pass the virus to others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. People with H1N1 virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces such as cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contaminated with the H1N1 virus from these common surfaces.

Are any medicines available to treat H1N1 virus?

Yes. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1N1 virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can help make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. They also may help prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if taken soon after getting sick (within two days of the onset of symptoms).

How can I help protect myself and others from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 virus, but certain everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth whenever possible, and especially after you have been around infected individuals. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick, and also try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
If you get sick or even develop symptoms of influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Get plenty of rest, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
Wear surgical-type mask in crowded places.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from becoming infected by germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where H1N1 virus cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms – including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea – you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. A health care professional can determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting



References: CDC H1N1 Flu and Marcer Online

Team work!

Target: Philippine Travel Consulting and Assisting Services

My girls!

I am delighted to see some of my girlfriends that I seldom meet. They visited me to my work at SAME Office today. We also discussed about their proposal to open a Japanese Class to be organized by Philippine NAKAMA group... if everything goes well... we are going to start the class this coming September. I'm keeping my fingers cross x(^-^)x

I also got the chance to catch up with my other girlfriends by phone whom I missed lately... that's Chatty and Precy! Nice talking with you all fellas! Keep in touch!

Peace to all!

Another day in Roppongi

I was in Roppongi again! Liza asked me to accompanied her in Philippine Embassy in Ropponggi, Tokyo for her passport processing today. This was supposed to be a very bright and fine day but not for Liza who dropped and lost her Y20,000 in Shizuoka Station! What a lucky day to someone who found it! ^-^;

Anyway... while Liza was busy processing her stuffs... I went walking alone along Roppongi roads until I reached out Roppongi Hills by chance. I took some pictures around then I went back to Phil Embassy, got some brochures at Tourism Department then had rest at the waiting area while waiting for Liza.

Maritess with collegue Carol surprised me by phone that they're in the Embassy too for passport renewal. I invited them with Liza in Hard Rock Cafe for lunch.

Philippine Embassy

Roppongi Hills Hard Rock Cafe in RoppongiLiza and I had lunch in Hard Rock Cafe... ... with Maritess and Carol.After lunch, Liza went back again in Embassy for passport renewal interview. I was not supposed to enter the facility because I don't have any business with them... but I don't know how it happened... I just found out myself inside the passporting area joining Liza while waiting for her turn to be called for interview! LOL

We had a glass of macha latte in Tully's Roppongi Hills... chatting then went back peacefully in Shizuoka (^-^)v

Dreadful festival

Yesterday, Liza invited me and Sarah to Mochimune Port Festival. It was raining hard! The event was really in a disaster!

Sarah with Yuta and me drived there in the afternoon... but the stalls were almost closed. Foods were in bargain... but still we did not enjoy it!

Liza and Cheche worked at the mid of the rain... OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA!

Parking at the port... rain were like TYPHOON!

Our rain boots were useless! Water dripped into our boots! We had umbrellas but we're all wet... awfully wet! wHhAaAhHh!

Lessons I got? Never go to outdoor event if raining!!! LOL!

Okinawa's memory

Some good old days photos! I just found this pics somewhere... heheh^^

Our family travel in Okinawa... hmmm... about 10 years ago if i am not mistaken.

I decided to post this as souvenir... how times past by... sigh...