Lunch date with Ana

Here's the continuation of my date with tita Amie and Ana! Ana invited us to Toscana Italian Restaurant downtown for lunch today. Wooow even it was raining... talagang sugod naman kami ni tita Amie! Basta kainan... di ba tita?! Lalo na raw pag-libre!

Talaga namang yummy ang mga foods nila! I will surely be back to that restaurant.

Here's Ana taking our pictures...

After our lunch... we had our coffee break at Ana's office in Hitoyado-cho. Bidahan ng mga family pictures and activities... then we also had some tutorial session regarding computer. That's it!

Ana lend me this book... The Secrets by Rhonda Byrne. It's more or less about the revelation and discoveries on how to achieve happiness, contentment and success in every aspect of life.

Andito cguro ang secret ni Ann kung bakit s'ya happy palagi lately! kekekeee!

When I left the office in the afternoon... the weather was fine... just like my feeling... it was fair!

Gochisosama and arigatou Ana... sana palaging birthday mo na lang! (^-^)v

A birthday date with Ana!

Amie and I went to Ana's birthday celebration held in Heartbeat. Actually si Amie ang surprise gift ko sa kanya...kekkekkeee! Sayang tita Liza did not make it!

Wooow... seductive ang beauty ni Ann with her white sexy outfit! Birthday n'ya nga naman!

Hisashiburi no omise... but we really enjoyed it. Maraming mga kakilala... mga lokah at kalog pa! Ang Pinoy talaga! Ganbatte guys-- Ann, Len, Elizabeth, Apple, Miho & Ricky!!!

We're thankful to Erap for treating us! Ana was like a busy butterfly last night... well... it was her night... that's why we decided to meet on Wednesday for a private date for the continuation of our chikas and bidahan! hehehe!

Again... may you'll always be happy Ann... not only on your birthday but 4ever!

Valentine Live Music!

I've just treated myself to a live music tonight!

Maritess did a stunning performance tonight on her Valentine Live... entitled Marites with Friends which was held in Flex-Munchen, Shizuoka City. The show was sponsored by Asahi TV Culture.

Our song bird... Maritess on her 1st stage... sexy huh!

The awesome band!Maritess on her 2nd stage... singing Save the Last Dance!Duet with David Cook... Quando, quandoBack on stage for an encore performance of her orig song... Life to Live! Some NAKAMA group who cheered the show!Our souvenir photo with MaritessWe did have a great time tonight! The show was trully fabulous! Yeheeeey!

Hanggang sa uulitin!

Demonstration of tea gathering

Two weeks ago... I joined this CHADOU or tea ceremony class... but our sensei or tea master said it's actually tea gathering class! On our first class meeting ... we learned some history of chadou.

This afternoon was our 2nd class meeting and our tea master showed us the demonstration of the tea gathering... from how they open the sliding door... the bowings.. the way they walk, the preparations of the tea, the manners on drinking and appreciating the tea... including the way of eating sweets and so on...and so forth!

Below photos is our chashitsu or tea room. The tea room must have tokonoma or alcove (too bad that our tea room have no proper tokonoma) . They place hanging scroll, flowers and incense burner in tokonoma.

Hanging scrolls is usually selected by the host and it has always a significant meaning as it also stands for the theme of the gathering. Like in the picture below... TOKU WA KONARAZU... means "always together" or "you're not alone". The flowers and incense suggest the season. In front of the tokonoma was placed the tea host tea sets like fresh water jar, kettle and fire brazier... some utensils used for tea preparations.
The host preparing tea for the guest. The guest observe the preparation.

Formal way of drinking tea... host offered sweets first to guests to balance the bitter taste of the tea.
After tea gathering
After the demonstrations... they taught us the manners and basic procedures of drinking tea in tea bowl and how to eat Japanese sweets. The procedures is quite sensitive... I felt that it's not all about drinking tea... it's their character, decipline, their art... yap... their culture!

Our last class will be next Saturday. o(^-^)0

Original Pinoy Animation: DAYO

This one is interesting! The first 3D animated movie of the Philippines, DAYO that was screened last December at the Metro Manila Film Fest 2008.

Dayo, a full-feature animated film that feature the story of an 11-year-old kid named Bubuy. The story revolves around Bubuy who has to save his grandparents who were abducted and brought to the strange land called Elementalia, which is home to a host of strange creatures.

The popular cultures of Pinoy was presented in this movie and they also used Pinoy mythological creatures like manananggal, tikbalang, tiyanak, kapre, diwata and many more that makes the story trully an original Pinoy.

More info at DAYO movie official site: http://www.dayomovie.com/

Below is my fave Lea Salonga's version of "Lipad," theme song of DAYO. The song was recorded with the FILharmoniKA, conducted by Gerard Salonga. Awesome di ba!

I've heard that this movie is also for international release... entitled, WANDERER.

Can't wait to watch!

Belated Happy Valentine's Day!

How was your Valentine's Day?

Here are some souvenir photos of gifts I received lately...It's not all about gifts but the thoughts...

At work... a Chinese friend, my co-foreigner staff at SAME gave each one of us this collections of Chinese Tea (on plastic pack below)

Here is a hand made Japanese box by my student, Nakajima san... with choco inside

My friend Oyagi san gave me chocos in accessory box...

Below, I personally prepared this choco gifts for Yuki kun and Yuta kun!

No doubts... tumataba na naman ako (^-^)v! Whaaaaah!

Food for thoughts!

Our Aoi District committee had a meeting tonight in City Hall regarding our up coming event on March 1st, the Aoi District Fiesta-- Sengen Doori de Omotenashi.

Before our meeting started one of our members, Shiratori san-- who was like a dear mom to me distributed to each one of us this two bean-jam rice cake (photo below) and what I discovered so unique was that she put them over the white paper where half part of it was folded in crane design! She said... we could place the chopstick or toothpick inside the folded part. Cool di ba? Much more amazing was that inside the white paper... some quotes were printed...... if I will simply translate it... it goes like this...

A single word can be challenging

A single word can be encouraging

A single word can set visions

A single word can make you feels good

A single word can make you strong.

A single world can also be aggravating

A single word can make you cry.

It is strange that in just a single word... it can give you great strenght

and it that slight single word... you can be lovely and pure hearted.

... some thoughts to be considered... meron nang food... meron pang good thoughts!

GOCHISOSAMA DESHITA... Shiratori san!

A Visit to Gotemba

It's holiday today celebrating Japan's National Foundation Day! Baabaa went to her Day Center... so I invited papie to go on driving and we end up in Gotenba Kogen Resort. We look around the place... there are some hotels, hot springs, sports facilities, stalls, restaurants and so on and so forth!

Traditional hot spring... Chame Yudono. For adults only lang daw! 'wonder what's inside!

The winter illumination event at day time

340 meter long tunnel... this event ends on March 8th

Giant dove statue !

Sachan will gonna love this stall... YAKI IMO (baked sweet potatoes)

We had lunch at this restaurant

Our lunch... ala kaming gana! hehehe!

The unique rounded slow house villas... too bad Mt. Fuji was covered with cloudy skies!

UCHUU NO HIBIKI (sounds of the universe)The giant bell ... bell of love daw!

... with giant face

Buddha Statue MountainAbout 1,800 little buddha statuesToday, we had quite an adventure!

We might come back with Sachan and hopefully Baabaa next time!

Uncle Jo's live in Esquinita

I just got back home tonight from uncle Jo's first solo live... a mini dinner concert to be exact held in Esquinita. The capacity of the venue is about 30-40 but it was really fully packed! Sign that it was a success! It's good to see same familiar faces! It was Sarah's birthday celebration too!The NAKAMA friends supported uncle Jo's live! ... but it was Dang who had his full support! Syempre! We enjoyed uncle's music while we enjoyed the foods! It's eat-all-u-can basis!I am so glad to see one of my long lost friend... Gigi! I was surprised that she can cook... and they're all tasty! She game me bopis as omiage too! I loved it!More power uncle JO!

Tea Gathering

At long last... after my 20 years stay here in Japan... I had the chance to attend the Japanese culture of CHADOU or known as tea ceremony class. We have three times meetings and we started the class this afternoon in KITEKO Japanese room. The class is sponsored by Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exchange.

Our class is lucky to have a good and humorous instructor, Prof. Shizuo Mochizuki of Urasenke International Association. He taught us that the CHADOU (literal is "Way of Tea") translation of tea ceremony is not proper. It should be tea gathering. Tea ceremony refers to the buddish priest or mocks who formally offers tea to the temple or shrine's buddha. Tea gathering is to enjoy the spirit of tea in warm and relax athmosphere.

Below is a hanging scroll with the principle of "way of tea" is written... harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. The way of tea has also this philosophy-- Peacefulness through a bowl of tea... which also means promoting peace all over the world... that tea is not only for Japanese but for everyone.
Learning that I came from the Philippines, Prof. Mochizuki told to the class that he had been to Philippines with his tea associates and his memorable experience was in Manila Cathedral where they showed to them the antique feather brush used as one of a tools in tea preparation. That was presented to the church by a well known Japanese Catholic tea master who was exiled to Philippines during those old era.
The lecture for today was all about the CHADOU introductions, history, philosophy and manners. I found it really interesting and I can't wait for our next meeting!

Another memorial ceremony experience!

My mom in law's sister... Kowanaya obachan's husband-- Ono ojiichan died last Monday and the memorial ceremony was held in Ainet Hall yesterday and today. Since they're related to our family... we need to attend the ceremony. Nataranta na naman ako coz we need to wear formal black dress! That's my problem everytime na merong memorial... whaaaa... wala na po kasing kasyang black dress sa aparador ko! Nakailan na yata akong bili ng formal black dress for such a gathering... nag-start yata ako sa small size... napunta sa medium... sa large... gosh ayoko na mapunta sa extra large! hehehe! Blessing at meron na pala akong black dress na malaki... pero talagang medyo malaki nga lang sa akin... but I have no choice... sinuot ko na rin... hehehe! I just covered it with my black coat! Buti na lang di pinahuhubad ang coat sa mga umaatend doon! hahaha!

I attended the vigil yesterday with papie and lola. We also joined their sushi dinner there.

↓Here's lola in her genuine leather winter coat! Bongga s'ya! Bigat n'yan... orig ba naman!

Then today... I attended the funeral ceremony and the reception at Japanese Restaurant in Nakajimaya Hotel as papie asked me to represent our family! (Bumabawi yata kasi s'ya lang ang umatend sa memorial ceremony ni uncle Jiro last year noong and2 pa cna tatay! )

Gosh from morning to late afternoon... lagare kami doon! As much as possible, I don't like to attend coz I thought that it will be boring since I don't know them that close... but I'm glad I was able to come. I met many people there and I learned many things too. I was able to study some of my husbands family backgrounds, some advices in life and I am really greatful to meet oneesan Kazue san from Fujieda. She's very fine, simple and very kind. We stayed together the whole ceremony. She also gave me this GENSO sweets designed like a soccer ball from Fujieda.

I wish I can meet her again someday. Sayang I wasn't able to get her cell number!

The vigil was actually simple and the cremation rites was only attended by family and close related friends... but I was surprised to the funeral ceremony... it was fully packed and was quite extravagant! hehehe! I was surprised to the 5 buddish priests who lined up at the mid of the hall and led the rites. I thought there will be a parade! I just thought na ... malaking bayaran 'to!

There is also an organist and a fluter who performed at the ceremony! Akala ko nga merong concert! hehehe!

But I was touch to those guest speakers who delivered their thoughts for Ono Ojiisan... dami nila... and I just can't imagine how great guy he is... they even call him GOFUKUCHO man for his long service in Gofukucho as chairman.

May he really rest in peace... and please say my hello to Giigii, Lucky and my nanay!

It was a tiresome day but I am thankful for some new experiences I had... thanks for the omiage like obento (that's too many from Konagaya obachan), flowers and of course great lunch... kumain na kami... kami pa rin ang binigyan ng gift certificates... not bad... basta meron ulit ganon... invite n'yo lang ako... I will be there again! nyahahaha!

Prisoner dancers strikes back!

This time with Haruna ayayaaaaaaa! This is with regards to Ken chan TV Program (forgot the title) tonight. Haruna went to location report in Philippines to see these prisoners dance presentation in Cebu.

She(?)... (well she's a "woman" already!) also taught the prisoners her Ayaya mimic performance. So far, the prisoners have 35 repertoire of dances and learning from Haruna's dance performance... which they included to for their dance show... that makes 36!
Lastly... Haruna was misty eyed kasi na-touch daw talaga s'ya sa mga prisoners na inspite andon cla sa loob they had the guts to performed such an entertaining show. Kakatuwa naman!

SETSUBUN NO HI

February 3rd is a traditional event of SETSUBUN here in Japan wherein people throw beans around the house, shrines and temples while shouting "fortune in and evils out"---meaning driving away the bad spirits and bringing in the good fortune.

Every year... we traditionally do this rituals in our home. We also throw beans around our home while shouting ONI WA SOTO--evil's out, and while throwing beans inside the house... we shout for FUKU WA UCHI-- fortune's in.

Afterwards, we pick up beans that corresponds to our age and eat it. Those beans are also known as fortune beans or FUKU MAME. They believed that eating those beans makes you happy and healthy! Sooo... I did... Idid... I did... and papa did eat too. We did not allow to eat Baabaa anymore coz the beans are like solid rock sa tigas po... besides we don't have enough beans that equals to her age... 85!

Another custom is by eating fortune sushi roll! That's what we had for our dinner!

Throwing beans is usually perform by the head of the family... but in our case at home... it was Sachan who always do the throwing. Since Sachan was not around since last year... I do the throwing in her behalf. This year is a perfect time for me to lead the throwing coz aside from the head of the family... the person who was born on the animal sign of the coming year can lead the throwing... well... it's Year of the Ox and it's my year... so it's really my turn to lead the throwing!

***

PS: It's Feb 3 ... Teddy's birthday!♪　 Today... he went back to Davao City again with my uncle Ben and cousin Jun, Susan with Aileen from their visit to Manila one week ago. Hoping you all had a wonderful stay in Manila and good luck to Aileen's board exam result! Again... happy birthday to Teddy and may you always stay healthy! (^-^)v

My fave... Daniel Powter

I love the songs of Daniel Powter! Lately... I often listen to his "Best of Me" from his album, Under the Radar! Gooosh... his music are cooool! Ohhh yah... check out his "Love you lately"... it's great too!

About three years ago... I fell in love to his "Bad Day"...

Where is the moment we needed the most

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

They tell me your blue skies fade to gray

They tell me your passion's gone away

And I don't need no carryin' on...

You stand in the line just to hit a new low

You're faking a smile with the coffee to-go

You tell me your life's been way off line

You're falling to pieces every time

And I don't need no carryin' on...

(Chorus)

Because you had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

The camera don't lie

You're coming back down and you really don't mind

You had a bad day

You had a bad day...

Will you need a blue sky holiday?

The point is they laugh at what you say

And I don't need no carryin' on...

(Chorus)

You had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

The camera don't lie

You're coming back down and you really don't mind

You had a bad day...(Oooh.. a holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink

And the whole thing turns out wrong

You might not make it back and you know

That you could be well oh that strong

And I'm not wrong...(Yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most

Oh... you and I

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

(Chorus)

Cause you had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

You've seen what you like

And how does it feel for one more time

You had a bad day

You had a bad day...

Enjoy listening... you'll probably love his music too! (^-^)d

Phil NAKAMA on year 2009

This afternoon... our group, Philippine NAKAMA gathered together in Aicel 21. It was our 1st general meeting for this year and at the same time... our SHIN NEN KAI or New Year's meeting. We talked about our past and future activities. There are some proposal events like another Maritess Summer Live concert and another overnight picnic! Ngayon ko pa lang isipin... gusto ko na maloka ulit! hehehe! But nothing is impossible to the group kapag ginusto nila! Not bad as long as we cooperate to each other and we enjoy what we are doing... especially if we are doing it for a cause!

What surprised everyone is that the election for new officers for year 2009-2011 will be held this summer already! Ang bilis nga naman ng 2 years! Graduating na as President si uncle Jo... and the big question is who will be our next leader!

The meeting was held in a Japanese room.

More than 20 members attended. Some new members also joined us. We also celebrated Sarah's 21st bday (sa Japan po!). Gochisosamadeshita Sarah! Our group pictures... KOTOSHIMO, YOROSHIKU! Our next general meeting will be on spring... hopefully on our HANAMI Picnic! But before that... the group is scheduled to perform Bamboo Dance at Aoi Festival on March 1st and another one on the mid of March at Miho, Shimizu.

For the meantime... some of our members will be seeing each other at uncle Jo's gig in Iskinita on Saturday... then on another gig on the 21st at Maritess with Friends Valentine Live.
OTANOSHIMINI!