The portrayal of the union of two souls among billions and the act of showing to the rest of the world the strong reason for such union is, in itself, unique. Continue reading »
Filed under Japan …
Weekly Photo Challenge: BIG (Perspectives)
I didn’t expect Tokyo Tower to be that imposing until we climbed up and look down on the city. It’s all a matter of perspective. Continue reading »
Plastic Usage in 4 Countries I Lived In
When it comes to environmental issues, I have a only one simple stand: the little efforts we make today are counted tomorrow and we are not only citizens of the present but also of the future. Continue reading »
Weekly Photo Challenge: URBAN (Urban Dwellers)
Through the following photos, I hope to show how urbanization in some parts of Asia shape the lifestyle of its dwellers, from transportation to cultural preservation. Continue reading »
Weekly Photo Challenge: WRONG (Wrong Impression)
He was a mime, stranded in his own invented world, mindless of the busy streets of Tokyo, least concerned of getting late for work or business meetings. Continue reading »
Weekly Photo Challenge: GROWTH (Changing Seasons)
Silent as it was, the seasons and the changes they bring to the trees, the mountains, the grass are reminders that this landscape is alive, growing every day, every moment like the person who watches it from afa Continue reading »
10 Things I Love About Japan
Take a look at my personal reasons why I love Japan, a once-secluded jewel of the far east which has become a subject of my fascination since I was 18 and cared for me for almost 2 years of my graduate studies, and who knows we might share the same appreciation. Continue reading »
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hiroshima
Aside from bringing the best travel buddies and the best Nihongo level you could muster, here are my tips on celebrating New Year’s Eve in one of the best cities in Japan. Continue reading »
The Surprises of Osaka
The ambiance is less stiff compared to Tokyo. People are more easy-going. This is the usual comparison between Osaka and Tokyo. But I don’t have the authority to conclude anything since I stayed there for only a few days and spent mostly on sightseeing. Continue reading »
Snow Country (Yukiguni)
Then the magic happened. The light was blinding and when I adjusted my sight to the sudden brightness, I thought for a moment that I was magically moved to a place where snow found its abode and a time when moments slowed down to dance with the falling snowflakes. Continue reading »
Owning Winter
The inevitable isolation that comes with winter paves the way for a familiarity of those closest to me, and most importantly, of me. Therefore, I am thankful to the “Snow Country” for teaching me that even though the season seemingly disowns me, I own myself the best possible way. Continue reading »
Sakura in Haiku
Only to return
From a long deep slumber
The proud sakura. Continue reading »
The Japanese Way of Tea
Everyone was in their formal winter kimono. Bandai-san looked radiant in her green ensemble. I greeted her and told in her in my broken Japanese that I love her kimono and my favorite color is green. She shyly thanked me and showed me the space where I can sit. She sat beside me and we were both facing a lady in a flattering pink kimono, stiff in her sitting position but with hands gentle as the water as she pours the first drop of hot tea in a ceramic cup. Continue reading »
Beyond Art: What Origami Taught Me
For every fold of each beautifully patterned papers, the conversations, the sharing of secrets, the hearty laugh, the growing trust, even the tea and biscuits we shared — all of these folded into a non-visual but deeper form of human art — that of friendship. Continue reading »
Sushi Love
My first roll was messy — the cucumber, the rice, even the nori itself crumbled at every slice. But despite the unpalatable presentation, my first sushi roll tasted good — thanks to the UMEX members and my classmates who made this experience “unforgettably delicious.” Continue reading »
Are we thinking rationally about Japan’s catastrophe?
If the Japanese government hides the true effects of hydrogen blasts in Fukushima, it risks more lives. And I am sure that all governments, except autocratic ones, cannot afford to be unreasonable as such. Why would any “responsible” government choose to allow deaths thru ignorance? Having lived in Japan for almost two (2) years and actually studied Japanese Politics, I believe that the current government is not guilty of these unreasonable decisions. Continue reading »
Watashi no Heya Desu／私の部屋です (My Room)
Original Post date: March 29, 2009 (Multiply) I have to admit that I miss the closed and dark room I stayed for 10 years at my father’s house located along the busy avenue of Kalayaan—with the feeling of security, being alone; it has been my own world during the years I searched for answers for … Continue reading »
Kyoto, JAPAN: Gold-digging!
My Kyoto trip (December 2008) was sponsored by the Matsushita International Foundation (MIF), the same scholarship foundation which sponsored my graduate studies, and it kicked off my next 18 month-adventure in Japan. But most importantly, I dug tons of gold and made me richer than Mark Zuckerberg. :) Continue reading »
History, Hiroshima, and the Hollowness of Regret
January 2, 2010 at the Peace Memorial Museum, I was looking back at this part of Hiroshima’s history. And then I realized why I didn’t like history. Continue reading »
My Love Affair with Ice Cream
I didn’t realize that I have a platonic love for ice cream until someone told me “Yeah, that’s the only thing you love” when I uttered unconsciously “I want to eat ice cream.” Continue reading »
One School Visit at a Time
The children at Hirokami Higashi Elementary School blew the change. And they have been transforming me one school visit at a time. Continue reading »
JAPAN: Hiroshima-Miyajima-Iwakuni-Okayama-Kobe-Himeji
31 December 2009 We’ve waited for the New Year’s countdown at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. Despite its southern and coastal location, Hiroshima is extremely cold during the winter season. The shrine was crowded with people lining up to make their wishes at the shrine. Food stalls are everywhere; most of them selling Hiroshima’s famous oystersand … Continue reading »
