Comfort and Conveniences

With my exams finished (for now --- come November/ December, it"ll be hello cramming sessions!), and completely sifting through the accumulated 2-week paperwork, I can now indulge myself and relive my Japan experience.

Towards the end of my kenshu, I was super raring to go ho
me. I couldnt wait to see my family and friends, be in my in own room and bed, browse through English books in bookstores, drive my own kuruma, live my real life. Navigating the JR and Subway stations were getting to be familiar that I was getting anxious for Manila -- before I get too comfortable breathing Japanese air.

And why not? With fall coming in, the temperature is cozily nippy. Although sometimes, it feels warm with all the walking we did. Still, all in all, it's perfect walking weather.

In Singapore, I swore that that would be the last time I wear my heels to go around and see the city. I swore too soon, because the first day of the program I was in 2.5 pointy heels.

As I was in meetings the whole day, business attire was the way to go. Hindi naman maganda na naka-sneakers di ba? So I didnt think much of the pinching because I was accustomed to wearing them the whole day in Manila. What I didnt count on was that after the sessions at hq, we would still be gallivanting around town. Kailangang i-maximize ang oras.

For lack of "individual meetings", my colleagues from Sydney and Mexico and I rode the train to Roppongi to scope the area and get a bite to eat.

We found ourselves at a street corner which was notorious as a pick-up hotspot for Caucasian men and Japanese women. Of course, we made ourselves available there

Chisato and me at the infamous corner.

Liz and me still hanging around the pick-up corner.
Still no luck with the pick-ups. Just a couple of curious looks.

Because we couldnt wait for the men to take notice, we decided to prowl Roppongi. According to the guidebooks, Roppongi is known to be more international and touristy, thus more expensive. No hakyuen shops (Y100) around the major street; only a 24-hour duty-free supa which carried everything from cosmetics to laundry soap to food and electronics. I bought me my new I-pod earphones there. It's about time...

A store window, which I now realize, isnt that remarkable .

The coelecanth (right??) is the Duty-Free Supa's mascot.

Thankfully, we ate at a New Zealand pub. I had the salmon sandwich and a Mexicola.

Owarimashita!

Finished!

My entries have just about started in this journal but two weeks have already passed and am on my way to the airport in 30 minutes. Ganon lang kabilis ang mga pangyayari.

I've been to Japan 4 times but every time it gets better. There's so much to see and hear and taste and smell and touch and feel in this country. But then, my thoughts always go back to home.

Although I know it will be smoggy and humid and, in my house, a bit cluttered, I can't wait to be in my house (my bed), with my family. It was nice turning Japanese for 2 weeks, but now, back to reality --- cramming for final Japanese exams, the predictability of work, the confidence and comfort with family and friends.

As soon as I get back to Manila, there will a photo barrage, I tell you. Till then, mata ne!

I'm Ireland

You're Ireland!

Mystical and rain-soaked, you remain mysterious to many people, and this
makes you intriguing.  You also like a good night at the pub, though many are just as
worried that you will blow up the pub as drink your beverage of choice.  You're good
with words, remarkably lucky, and know and enjoy at least fifteen ways of eating a potato.
 You really don't like snakes.


Take the Country Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid

Sad

Just read sad news late last night. A high school friend passed away last Saturday because of diabetes.

Why do I always think everything will get better? My friend died last year of a stab wound. I got to visit him while I thought he was recovering fine. Nobody dies from a simple stab wound these days, do they? People have survived more complicated accidents.

Now this. A business contact mentioned that my friend, Liezl, was not in good condition just last month, maybe 2/3 weeks ago. I meant to visit her really. But then work and other stuff got in the way. I meant to surprise her during the Angono fiesta, but I wasnt able to attend that too.

I really thought she will get better. Let your family, friends and important people in your life know you truly love and care for them now...

Day 3: Still No Sushi

It's only my third day in Japan, the second day of the program and it feels that we've done a lot already. I feel very close to my other colleagues from the other overseas offices and it's such a joy and comfort that we all experience the same things more or less --- the pressure, the feeling of being under or unappreciated, the confusion, the joy in putting together plans and people together, the satisfaction of having not just a successful but a meaningful project, the gratitude that we have a job we love to do.

This morning, we got introduced to the UNC's programs. It all went over my head as the speakers were mostly speaking Nihongo. They started to speak in English but it became a bit blurry as I found it hard to distinguish whether it was Japanese or English. Shame shame shame.

When the session ended, we took the train to Roppongi ichome, where the hq is. There's nothing like seeing the mother ship... hehehe. It was only 2 floors (20th/21st) but it had a lot of divisions and personnel. Sayang,　I wasnt able to meet my former boss. But I was able to meet other staff who I worked with in past projects. I never thought I would be hugging them, but I did ;) hehehe.

I also thought how similar our offices were like. Like our office in Manila has a starbucks in the ground floor and the hq has one! When I took a peek at the hq stockroom, I thought to myself, "it suddenly feels like i never left the office."

I would also think that the hq staffmembers would be more formal, but they were warm and welcoming. All of us (the participants) felt included and genuinely appreciated. I also thought they (hq staff) would all be suited up, but they were more casual.. dare I say, I do dress a bit like them when I'm in Manila at work. And that is casual :P

Like I said earlier, this is only the third day but it feels like it's already towards the end, because we've learned a lot of things and met people, and experienced wonderful things, how could it get any better? but it will... i'm sure.

Anyway, I'm still waiting for the sushi. I have tasted soba and ramen and fish-katsu (fried fish), but I can't say that I like it. So far the only meal I really liked was the smoked salmon sandwich I had at a New Zealand cafe in Roppongi and the cheese pizza I had tonight nearby. I'm still waiting to be blown away by Japanese food. Hopefully tomorrow at the awarding ceremony and reception.

My feet are aching and I refuse to look (or even smell) them as they are sure to be red and swollen. Pero even if I was feeling that way around 5pm, I still went on to Akihabara to look for a maid cafe. Iika-ika na, ka-echosan pa ang hinahanap... Oh, I also found a casio exilim camera for about 10,000 -- i like! should i buy? hmmmm.... anyway...

So eto na nga, lakad pa rin kami at hanap ng maid cafe until we came upon a gaming complex where they have the novelty stuff --- the pick-up crane for the stuffed toys, the manga figurines, and the purikura.

The purikura I know is very straightforward. You settle in the booth, adopt a couple of fun poses, your picture is taken and you wait for the photos to come out. Ganon pa rin naman ngayon, except we borrowed and wore cosplay wear! hahahaha!!! it was such a treat!

This thing is only for girls. Males aren't allowed to even enter the sanctuary of girly kawaii-dom. I put on a school girl's uniform, which I thought was too short and actually too tight around the waist :P while my friend, a colleague from Australia wore the maid's costume! It was so much fun I tell you. We are seriously thinking of buying an authentic cosplay attire after the program if there are still funds available. Mahal kasi e ￥10000!

So we have a free morning tomorrow, when I plan to wash clothes. Then it's the noh and kyogen in the afternoon, then the JF awards ceremony and reception. We get to meet the president of JF! I just hope my feet dont hurt as much tomorrow...

No photos yet because I dont want to download the photos to the pc... soon, I hope.

Ja, ashita- ne!

Day １：Japan Touchdown

It's almost 10pm; I am at the Japan Foundation Language Institute in Urawa safe and sound. Yeheee.

This trip seems very promising and exciting as it presents a lot of firsts for me. It is my first time to travel alone to Japan and my first time to go around and find my way to Japan. For most of my time here, I will be left to fend for myself. I have to figure out the train system, directions, signs, and finally pay attention to the Japanese I hear. Why oh why dont I remember my lessons? Oh well, I guess I shouldnt fret too much. I can study a bit as I brought along my books and other materials.

I thought I would have enough time to relax and explore the place as I thought I will arrive by 6pm. But no such luck. Finding my bus (to Omiya) and getting on the train to Kita-Urawa, was easy enough. The only weird thing was my luggage seemed to get heavier every minute. My arms are achy as I pound on the keys right now. Not only did I have to lug my luggage, I also had to carry it down 2 flights of steps and continue lugging it for about 15 minutes in the rain.

Good thing there were some good citizens who pointed the way to the JF Nihongo Center.

It's Sunday today so the place is very quiet and not much going on, but there are a lot of Japanese language students staying in the dorms. My room reminds me of the Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete. It is modest, no-frills and just right. Nothing ostentatious or guilt-ridden. No forefingers wagging, worrying about Japanese taxpayers'money.

I met the person in charge of the program, Mr. Nakajima, and he looks relaxed and casual. I Nakajima, and he looks relaxed and casual. I hope he is like he looks relaxed and casual. I hope he is like that tomorrow as well when we visit the headquarters.

My colleagues from the other overseas offices (Sydney and Mexico) are also very nice. I still have a hard time opening up, probably because I am thinking which language to use... Japanese or English... but they are nice girls. We're all pretty pleased that we're about the same age group. One girl reminded me of a partner from the Ayala Museum. Sobra! Ako kaya? Do they remind me of someone in their countries?

Well, so much for now. I still have to study and prepare my clothes for tomorrow.

All My Bags are Packed

In a couple of hours, I hie off to the land of the rising sun... Sayonara (for now).
Ja, mata!

No Drowning in this Puddle

You Want a Social Life, With Friends

Poem by Kenneth Koch

You want a social life, with friends,

A passionate love life as well

To work hard every day. What’s true

Is of these three you may have two

And two can pay you dividends

But never may have three

There isn’t time enough, my friends –

Though dawn begins, yet midnight ends –

To find the time to have love, work, and friends.

Michelangelo had feeling

For Vittoria and Ceiling

But did he go to parties at day’s end?

Homer nightly went to banquets

Wrote all day but had no lockets

Bright with pictures of his Girl.

I know one who loves and parties

And has done so since his thirties

But writes hardly anything at all.

* * * * *

totoo ba ito? sigh

My Wonky Eye and the Binondo Break

Sa lahat pa naman ng maipapareho ko kay Paris Hilton, itong hindi pagkakapantay ng mata ko ang super obvious.

It gets so pronounced especially when I get sleepy or I don't get enough rest. Ano kaya yon? Because I only developed this now... and I never noticed it before. Although I knew that my eyes kinda sloped downward and looked sad most of the time, they look more tired than sad now. Eep.

Its been a long time since I last wrote, and there have been a lot going on. We just completed a contemporary dance project at the CCP, which was a success, if I may say so myself :) Oh, but the drama and frustration of putting it together... Sigh... exciting times in the life of a coordinator.

And I cant upload my photos because i misplaced my camera cable, so no photos yet... Before I forget what I have been doing, I want to place some of my memories in this space... it gets kinda fast sometimes.

Before I forget the wonderful Thursday I spent with my college friends, Mabi and Joey in Binondo... I did an unusual thing which was to take a break in the middle of the week, just before things get crazy while preparing a project. We met each at the LRT station, synchronizing watches and updating each other each other's location just so we can meet each other at a particular coach. Buti naman nagkita-kita kami.

Then we proceeded to Quiapo from the Recto station. An layo, men... pero sabi ko, keri naman kasi nagte-treadmill naman ako e... but the stench of Quiapo... I dont mind the walk, but the smell was really foul. If the new mayor would like to do something about Manila, then he should start a campaign against that... tapos i-expand sa mga katauhan :P

We passed by Quiapo Church to say our prayers and then had a Jollibee breakfast. Buti na lang medyo heavy ang breakfast ko kasi nilakad na naman namin papuntang Binondo!! Posible pala yon... It was a good thing that it wasnt such a hot day nor did it rain. It was a good day for walking and wallllllkkkk we did.

In fairness, the route was easy and we had a blast passing through landmarks and churches. We almost crashed Carlos Celdran's walking tour, hehehe. While in Binondo, we dropped by Eng Bee Tin to buy some chinese delicacies, walked some more looking for a particular Chinese beer and plopped tired at President's for lunch.

I was not a dimsum person. Whenever I ordered something at a Chinese resto, it was always beef mami. But when I tasted Dimsum & Dumplings sharksfin dumpling with rice, I was a convert. Now, D&D's dumplings and siomai taste like flour, and we had the taste of the real deal at President's. Hay busog ever. 

Naikot na yata namin ang Binondo kaya ang balikbayan kong kaibigan, naglambing at gustong mag-kalesa papuntang National Museum. O di ba? Masaya naman. Sana nga hanggang Pasig na e. 

We looked through the galleries like tourists and it was great. Whenever I visit Philippine museums lately, it is connected with work. So this experience was refreshing as I got to appreciate it with friends. 

We wrapped up our day at that white halo-halo place, Razon's. I am not a halo-halo person so I just ordered palabok and ate my Korean laver. Yum. 

I have been to Binondo many times and it has always been pleasant cause I've always been there with friends. Maybe another few trips and my wonky eye will shape up in a jiffy.

Alphabet of Backlog

I just realized that I have been raring to blog the whole day today. Thinking of topics to write about. Even ruminating of starting other blogs that are more directed, more anonymous Asa pa. So since I don't have much time to build another blog, I will humor my drained brain and write about things that have been happening to and around me.

A - Ateneo Art Awards. Impressive and social! It was a pity I didnt make it early to see the awarding ceremonies, but at least I got to see the works. The winners this year are Lyle Buencamino, Wawi Navarozza and MM Yu. Note to self: Retire my big printed frocks because I just realized that even if my boobs look generous in them, my girth also doubles visually. Not good to look like a frump in such a chichi crowd, di ba?

B - Books. Because I felt kinda out of sorts last night after the AAA, I went to Fully Booked and bought not 1, but 2 books! I'm reading through a couple of books and still have a full shelf of unread ones. If the books I buy were only clothes, I will be more fashionable (siguro). But because I choose to invest in these stacks, I only have clutter. What to do next?

C-Choir. Because sometimes our village choir sucks (hehehe --- sorry pero totoo), I have joked that I will join the group only to improve and uplift the musicality of our humble village. Now, that I have joined, I admire the members of the choir who are dedicated to the music ministry. And in fairness, I did not join the sucky choir, thank goodness. I like singing church songs as it reminds me of grade school and high school, so even if it is a bit nerdy to practice while everybody cool is going out, and even if it is a bit unnerving to be called "po" & "tita" to your face, effect na rin.

D- Dentist. I need to see mine. The thingy he spackled on my front tooth has become very obvious and I couldn't smile as wide I would like. Goody cos I will see him this Saturday.

E- Entertaining at Home. I hope that we will have some friends over for an intimate party.

F- Fully Booked. I like book complexes. National Bookstore, Powerbooks and the recently opened Fully Booked in Fort Bonifacio, I love love love. But one thing I really don't like with these places -- especially (some branches of) National Bookstore and yesterday's FB jaunt were really uncooperative and bordering on the rude. Case in point: I was looking for a book on bento and I asked the girls at customer service. "Meron ba kayong libro on Japanese bento?" The girl at the computer answered with a rather annoyed look on her face, "ano? bento? bento? ano? bento?" I said, "oo bento. japanese bento." After 3 beats, the girl replied but still with a miffed expression, "aaahh, bento." (teka, di ba bento nga yung tanong ko? these stiffs are messing with me) "don yon sa may pambata." "So, meron kayong book on bento sa children's section?" "Ay libro ba? baonan lang." Grrrrrrr... Ayan tuloy napabili ako ng 2 libro.

G- Gym. Because of my overlapping priorities, I havent been to the gym as much as I would like to. Gotta get my butt

H- Haaaayyyy. I'm running out of items per alphabet already.

I- Impress. Malamans sa malamang,

J- Japan. Gotta read up and prepare!

K- Kulit. Makulit ang driver namin. Ewan ko na lang kung matutuwa ako sa kanya pag magkasama kami bukas sa biyahe.

L- Longgan. The weird fruit that somehow looks like a lychee but can be more masarap. Ala lang malagay so ---

M- Movie. Last movie I saw was the marriage movie of Mandy Moore. Okay lang pero nothing exceptional.

N- Nihongo Lessons. What is new? Instead of studying my lessons, I'm blogging.

O-

P-Pimples. Lumalabas na naman sila. Maybe it's that time of the month. Akala ko ba matanda-tanda na ako?

Q- Questions. Some questions are really difficult to answer. (See P)

R- Recipes. My inbox is full of recipes already. I hope I can get around to do some cooking.

S- Singles for Christ. Since I will be in church every Saturday, why not attend CLP after the mass? Why not nga naman?

T- Tokyo Cafe. Had dinner with my colleagues at Tokyo Cafe at the Mall of Asia last night. Of course it was delish! Not only was the taste subtle and light (perfect for dainty eaters like moi. cough cough), but it was free! Nothing like a free meal

U- Una sa Dekada 90. My batchmates from highschool are meeting tomorrow. Something to look forward to.

V- Visa. Just read that I friend of mine was given a US visa. Multiple entry!

W- Write. Many times, I just want to erase this blog and just write in a private journal. But

X- X-ray. So my sister broke her ankle and her x-ray reveals that she has 2 metal rods and a screw on her lower leg.

Y- Yoshinoya. When I ate Yoshinoya in Japan, I wasn't too impressed. But now, as they are a potential partner for the next office projects, hehehe, I'm ready to be pleasantly surprised.

Z- Zasshi. They are becoming a fire hazard, so I am preparing to let go and dispose of something like 10 years of American oggling.

Sigh. This writeup is taking up too much study time already...

Meme Kayo Jan

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Voices :: Choir
   
2. Have to ::Enjoy
3. Machine ::Car
4. Seventh grade ::Spelling Bee
   
5. Beach ::Tan
6. Roommate ::Sisters
7. Cyclone ::Not in the Philippines
   
8. Theater ::PETA
9. Pregnant ::hopefully soon :P
   
10. Phoebe ::Friends

Blame it on the Moon

The moon outside is a sight. It is full and round but hazy (a new moon on tuesday?) just like my googly eyes.

I could've felt that there was something brewing in the heavens. But it took time to finally surface, at least in my speck of the galaxy. Ambagal ng reaction ko. I mean, in a month's time, my uncle died; our plane ride to my uncle's province got cancelled; I agonized over my elementary 3 japanese midterms (I passed!-- barely); my sister fell down our stairs and broke her ankle really bad; almost opened an exhibition with some of the pieces missing --- personally picked the cargo at the pier and installed them 2 hours before opening; negotiated with t'boli dancers; and then opened another show a couple of days after.

Barely enough time to breathe. I am still catching my breath. I would think I wouldn't have the time to do other things. But since my last post, I joined the village church choir and even indulged in some aimless text flirting.

All the other stuff I can handle, except the annoying, niggling, teasing on the other line --- nothing can come out of this. Give me all the other stuff except this wrenching longing. How other people can bear this long-distance, new technology communication hoo-ha, I have no idea.

In public, I smile, but in private, I sigh and I gasp for air. Farking pathetic. Exactly the word that spilled out of my head and on to my texting fingers. P-a-t-h-e-t-i-c.

So, sige na nga. Kasalanan na ng buwan. Bwakanang buwan yan.

Strange Requests

I got a call from a highschool batchmate who I just reconnected with. She would like to get me for a "raket" -- a cosmetics try-out/ survey. The cosmetics product was lipstick; and the test was a kissing test --- 4 minutes of lip to lip action.

I would have a partner, who according to my "agent" was nice, tall and good looking. Oh and he has a wife. But they are not in good terms. So he cannot bring in his wife to test the lipstick.

Because I was in theater, my "friend" assumed that I did this left and right. She assured me that this would just be a test. No emotions involved. A wham bam thank you thing. Kaliwaan ng 3 kiyaw after. Hindi naman daw kami magkikita uli.

Of course I said no. Busy ako :P

But then again, this is a new experience ;) What to do? what to do?

Whatchup Ketchup?

What else is new? I should be studying but here I am, blogging and thinking of better things to do aside from studying. I think I made a good decision putting off plans to pursue the masters this time. Next year...

This month is particularly busy at the Office of the Rising Sun. A couple of projects happening one after the other; our reading sen-tah's opening; frantic pencil-pushing and calling. Manageable enough, if that's all I have and want to do.

I wonder how my mother friends do it. With kids, sure life would be more meaningful, but when do you get the time to realize it if you're so busy? ;)

Konban, benkyoushimasen toki, shiken ga fusokusuru.

INFP

Your Score: Pollyanna- INFP

26% Extraversion, 53% Intuition, 20% Thinking, 46% Judging

http://is2.okcupid.com/users/136/238/13623884563866545256/mt1165223029.jpg">>

So, you want to make the world a better place? Too bad it's never gonna happen.

Of all the types, you have to be one of the hardest to find fault in. You have a selfless and caring nature. You're a good listener and someone who wants to avoid conflict. You genuinely desire to do good.

Of course, these all add up to an incredibly overpowered conscience which makes you feel guilty and responsible when anything goes wrong. Of course, it MUST be your fault EVERYTIME.

Though you're constantly on a mission to find the truth, you have no use for hard facts and logic, which is a source of great confusion for those of us with brains. Despite this, in a losing argument, you're not above spouting off inaccurate fact after fact in an effort to protect your precious values.

You're most probably a perfectionist, which in this case, is a bad thing. Any group work is destined to fail because of your incredibly high standards.

Disregard what I said before. You're just easy to find fault in as everyone else!

Luckily, you're generally very hard on yourself, meaning I don't need to waste my precious time insulting you. Instead, just find all your own faults and insult yourself.

*****************

If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check'>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=INFP">check out this.

*****************

The other personality types are as follows...

Lonerhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=0">Loner> - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
Pushoverhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=1">Pushover> - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging
Criminalhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=2">Criminal> - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving
Borefesthttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=3">Borefest> - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging
Freakhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=5">Freak> - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
Loserhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=6">Loser> - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
Crackpothttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=7">Crackpot> - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
Clownhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=8">Clown> - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
Saphttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=9">Sap> - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging
Commanderhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=10">Commander> - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving
Do'>http://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=11">Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging
Scumbaghttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=12">Scumbag> - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
Busybodyhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=13">Busybody> - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
Prickhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=14">Prick> - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
Dictatorhttp://www.okcupid.com/tests/describescore?testid=3076838567116464195&category=15">Dictator> - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

Link: The Brutally Honest Personality Test written by UltimateMaster on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Not Bad

Akala ko kulelat ako, hindi naman pala masyado :P

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Shoulda

I should be reviewing my Japanese. Instead, I play chuzzle and blog. Haaaaayyyy. Please give me the push to finally do what I should be doing...

Lots of chika to share but too unmotivated to do so... it is mercury retrogade after all.

Poof!

My horoscope says that I should stay away from the mundane and drudgery today. Not that I’m taking it to heart, but my mind is oh-so-far away from this desk of mine.

I’d better put all this mind loitering to good use and think up better ways to do my lined-up projects.

I couldn’t think about anything other than reading a good book under the covers. Best to blame it on the weather.

In a few days, I might be off to Baguio for an exhibit and workshop. Hope everything turns out well. It is another four days away from this city, in an area in Baguio that I haven’t been to, so am looking forward to the novelty of the experience.

This gloomy weather is really getting to me… so, just to perk me up…

My favorite things (today):

1. Nori seasoned potato chips. I discovered this treat on my first visit to Japan when all I could afford was kombini fare. Potato-face that I am, I gorged on this snack any chance I got. I never minded not eating dinner, as long as I had a pack of Calbee and a Coke.

I was overjoyed when I found out I could buy Calbee here in Manila, but lately the Calbee they sell here are manufactured in Malaysia or Thailand and not in Japan.. Waaaahhhh!!! Bring back my Japanese nori!

2. These cute dresses. My sister is coming up with her own line of dresses and I can’t wait to have mine in these styles. I hope I still get to wear them even if it boots and jacket season.

Unfortunately, this is all I could come up with. Ho-hum.

O sige, ito na lang… things to look forward to:

1. The office outing this weekend in Cavite. While other companies have team building sessions, we have an outing. Like it is purely for chica! Although I wish that this outing were to be a team building session instead.
2. Unpacking our pottery exhibition materials at the Ayala Museum. I know I am nerdy, but I learn a lot of things (and inside stories) this way. Hehehe.
3. My sister’s birthday. Kainan na naman!
4. DVD-shopping in Crossing next week.
5. A possible fortune-telling session later this evening. Even though I can read my own spread, I would rather hear a detached person interpret my cards for me.

Please *poof* me out of this cube!

Want to be a Superhero?

Now this is more interesting than Pinoy Big Brother, where they just sit around and do really mindless tasks like hide and seek and the like. Boring and totally senseless.

They should take a cue from this show I saw on JackTV, "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" It sure sounds and looks really preposterous, pero it is so entertaining! I saw its first episode at the gym and I was giggling during cardio, it was crazy.

It showed the screening of superheroes and introduced Hot Momma, Creature, and Monkey Girl. These are all female superhero wanna-bes; I forget the names of the men. Oh well. Their first challenge was the fastest to change into their superhero costumes and address a person in trouble. O di ba? Me katuturan sa pagiging superhero talaga.

Meanwhile, I encountered these superhero characters over the weekend...

You gotta hand it to them cosplayers... they know how to make an entrance and make a room take note! :D These were taken at the Mall of Asia for the Mangaholix launch.