AB Teens Whereabouts - our piece of pie to share...

Golden Week 2009 (An open diary)

2010-04-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Golden Week 2009 (An open diary)

Face Cover

2009-12-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

For not so long ago, Ive seen a somewhat like big tissue box whenever I go to fitting room here in Japan.But it was not a tissue after all, it was like a square very thin cottony cloth =) (I cant describe) I usually see this on a package or a box, whenever I buy new shoes or new clothes from a not-so-cheap shop.
So I was wondering what is it doing in the fitting room? The first thing that came to my mind was - it will be use to put the clothes you are trying to fit so it might not get soiled, (maybe on the time you are taking off your clothes or putting in your clothes after fitting)..
But instinct told me that, maybe it was suppose to be wore on the head to spare Japanese shop's to put those clothes on sale whenever stain from makeups specially lipsticks unintentionally get in contact with the items.

Joven's make-your-own Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

This is the reason why he doesnt want me to visit his dorm nowadays! He kept on saying "Sorry, I will study Nihongo".. until I can't bear to hear those words again and cursed that I WILL NEVER EVER pay him a visit.. But just this night he sent me this file in YM with a note " hope you like it bhe :D" and all I can say was "Ahhhhhh.... " He's really creative.. sobra!

Some Anecdotes with Joven

2009-11-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

I decided to put some of our unforgettable conversation here so I wont forget I will just update from time to time. These are those cheesy moments, corny jokes or things I would like to remember

Nov. 9, 2009
Before hanging up the phone..
Pia: Bhe, is there anything you want to say pa
Jovs: hmm.. cguro ala na, ai meron pla..
Pia:anu un?
Jovs; I love you
Pia: Cheesy!

Nov. 13, 2009
We are heading to Totsuka with Mommy France, Ate Cingle and Monisop
Joven: Duldula..... (after few minutes) Duldula...
Pia: (annoyed) Anu ba yan Joven Duldula ka ng Duldula, para kang bata
Joven: Inaaway mo na nman ako
Pia: E kc nman paulit ulit
Mommy France: (in almost whispering voice) Duldula
Pia: (oh oh...)
*Duldula as it turns out was Monisop's way of saying Dudulas (slipping) when he play with his favorite toy car

Nov. 17, 2009
At work, I just thought of asking Joven if he will have a chance would he like to be
a lawyer or a doctor
Joven: Lawyer
Pia: Bakit, mas ok sau ung doctor
Joven: Ok cge doctor, basta OB GYNE..
Pia: hahaha pervert ka talga Jovs...

Nov.22, 2009
Joven: Pi, may pencil ka na?
Pia: Huh? oo bkit san ka papunta
Joven: Sa Daiso bibili ako ng pencil ko
Next Day..after exam
Joven: MAy bibigay ako sau, eto (mechanical pencil na thick ung lead)
Asar kala ko maibibigay ko sau, mgkaiba nga pala tau ng test site yayks!

Nov.23, 2009
Before going home,
Joven: Bye Ingat ...Kiss (**,)
Pia: OK c u tomorrow
Joven: Pakitapon nlng a
Pia: Huh? ung anu?
Joven: Basta Pkitapon nlng
Pia: I thought mineral water lng ung pinahawakan ko so
hinanap ko sa bag ko, sa plastic bag, un pla guess what?
Nasa Hood ng Jacket ko, nilagay nya nung nag kiss ako, tsk tsk asar! =P

3 Good Buys Today

2009-11-12T05:25:00.000-08:00

We went to Torihama Mitsui Outlet today. It is a factory outlet where you can buy items 30-70% off. Though it was almost closing time, I tried to check some stores to look for cheap but good quality items but to no avail. Finally, I was able to find Jeans on Sale in Levi's. I saved around 28000 yen for the items I bought today.
I bought a scarf and 2 Levi's jeans

Look for the original price of each
Although this scarf was not branded, its good to use for winter season and very cheap for the price

Original price was 14,700 down to 8800 and new price of 980!

Similarly, this jeans cost 15750, down to 9900 and now 980.

They were really good buys!!!

Disneyland Part 2

2009-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

This year we went to Disneyland twice. the first was last Feb with Joven's bday and today Nov. 10 with Joven's family. For last year's details please see my multiply account. Today's event was my story. We reached Disneyland at 1030. We didn't intend to be early so Monisop could find time to warm up in the morning. This experience was different from the rest because we rode most of the kid's ride this time. In fact I heard Ate Cingle's comment that DisneySea is for adult and Disneyland is really for kids and oh well kids at heart. Monisop really had the time of his life hmmm so far =) I know the best is yet to come! Of course we wont miss, picture with Disney Character, were lucky to see Pooh with a very short waiting.

1st ride was the Star Tours. Unfortunately we haven't set the mood yet for our kiddo, he doesnt want to sit on the designated seat and no lapping policy was strictly imposed so Ate Cingle missed the ride too. But no worries for her, I rate this ride as half star, an advance galaga not-to-be-brag-about experience. I just felt dizzy because the film is very old already. And then we went to Micro Adventure a 4D The Honey I Shrunk the audience as I called it.

We went to the second to the last row so we can have an English audio translation. Monisop cried after we got shrunk and the inventor's son seems to carry us, which made an aftershock effect. Tita France said maybe he recalled his experience in Stormrider in DisneySea where the high wind and dark sky due to a fake storm really scared him. But I noticed he stopped crying when he saw the big snake popped on the screen. He really was a brave little boy. Then we all squirked even me for the 2nd time around when we felt rats tails underneath. BTW, it is 4D because aside from seeing in 3D, it will also stimulate your 4th sense, feel/touch. At the end of the show the dog sneezed to the audience with the waterlike colds(sipon) effect. Then we went to the Grand Circuit Raceway, this is where I saw Monisop really got excited. He keep on looking back smiling so broadly to us who boarded behind their car.

It's like him saying "Ei look at me im driving with my mom on the passenger seat. Then we went to JAL Jetplane. Its an up and down plane about 2-storey high.

To tell you the truth I'm scared at riding one due to fear of heights but shame on me, Monisop was really thrilled and even asked for another one but was not able to have it, due to long queue. Then we ate at Plaza Restaurant. It's the only place to have a rice meal that I know, We had Kare Rice for Tita France, Seafood Rice Grattin for Ate Cingle and Beef and Veggies for Jovs and me. Just in time we manage to secure a place with a good view for the first day of White Chrismas Parade.

On a side note while waiting for the parade, a Japanese boy showed us his Karate Moves then Monisop tried to imitate him and go round and round the street and others also followed him!

I almost cried I don't know why but knowing the Christmas is just around the corner makes me feel happy and teary eyed. Next stops are mostly Monisop's ride but we did enjoy too. We had the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, where you can control the speed of the cup's rotation.

Following it was the ever classical Castle Carousel, We all hopped in the horse, Joven remain standing to take snapshots at us.

We manage also to see Snow White Adventures Never had I imagine that this ride was somewhat horror place for kids.

I barely saw Snow White mostly the witch in scary positions. After that we queue in Ate Cingle, Monisop and Mommy France in the super 1960 ride Pinnochio Daring Journey. Since it was just 15mins waiting, even if its not worth it =), at least we introduced Pinocchio to Monisop. While they are on the boring adventure of Pinnochio, Joven and I tried our fastpass to Space Mountain Oh boy its my first time not to shout but just tell Joven, "Takut ako takut ako(Im scared Im scared)". Im a two timer here but seeing yourself on the vast dark universe with only the stars and the fast circling maybe 6-seater train, will really wet off your pants. I hate this ride but I will surely hate it again the next time =) Then we queue on the Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin in Toontown. 35minutes wait really paid off. It's my first time in here, It's like Winnie the Pooh's ride where there is a 2-seater car and you will spin round and round around seeing very cute colorful cartoons.

At the end Monisop felt very tired. We waited at one Million Dream Lights Parade,

It was really heavenly. Then afterwards, we off to go to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blazer Its a 2-seater ride where you will shoot using your laser gun "Z" in square,circle, diamond shape hidden or obviously visible in the different parts of the wall, and you will get points. Mommy France beated me with the score 14000-10500. But after that we missed the Fireworks display, the bright side about it was we were able to get in again, and Mommy France opted to stay in 1 car by herself alone! She loved the ride...so much! After which Monisop was really tired and had some zzzz...

I looked at him while doing this blog while they made hirit to some more rides nearby. They had 3 more rides for less than an hour. They tried Haunted Mansion I fell in love with this ride honestly because I love Casper and holograms, someday I would like to develop in mobile phone (naks futuristic, so I can see Joven talking to me awww), Pooh's Hunny Hunt and Space Mountain Adventure, this time Mommy France and Ate Cingle tried it.

Ate Cingle said if I kept on saying "Takut ako takut ako", she utters/scream "Mommy Mommmy".. hahah.. Also, I would like to give my appreciation for Mommy France for taking the experience. It's a once in a lifetime achievement! I wonder what she screams while on ride maybe "Anak, anak!" =) Finally we headed home. But because we really love to have our last minute pictures

and shop for some stuffs, we stopped by from one spot to one spot and forgot about time. In the station we realized that we cannot go to Tokyo for we will miss Tokaido train. So we tried the 4 norikae (Transfer of Trains) just to get home because Joven said if we miss the train he will treat us to a relaxing shelter under the railway. Who would love that? So we off to our next journey how to chase trains AKA, Amazing Race Japan ed.. please click pic to enlarge.

From Maihama (Tokyo Disneyland Station) we have to ride on the Keiyo line going to Shin Kiba. Then we have to look for the Rinkai line going to Oimachi. On Oimachi, we realized that some of us has no charge on Suica(Prepaid Card for Trains here in Japan in which you will just tap it like the G-card pass) so we still need to charge it. We had team work. Ate Cingle dragged Monisop, Joven carried the stroller or they sometimes exchange, while I look for the train line. Then we climb the 4 storey high unimaginable escalator especially on this situation that we want to really hurry. But we managed to catch Keihin Tohoku line on our way to Kawasaki. In Kawasaki we need to transfer to another platform for Tokaido line going to Totsuka, Jovs second hometown. And guess what we made it, we forgot that we are hungry for we havent ate dinner yet, whew!.. In Yokohama, a station between Kawasaki and Totsuka, I got off the train to catch my 1236 train to Ookurayama. Alas I finally made it home. I took some pictures to grab the chance of shedding some fats due to the Amazing Race Adventure and Voila! I look skinny! nice tip to anyone!

Overall, Disneyland Adventure was still great but comment is it was so 1980s. Very Classical, I agreed because we only visited much of FantasyLand and desciption said it was classical disney! hence the old school impression. I realized the we also only visited Toon Town and Tomorrow Land.. Only half of what Disneyland can offer. But no worries, Ate Cingle might come back next year with a vengeance!

For there are still more to see and experience!!! Anyway for the meantime Advance Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Is this the sign?

2009-11-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

We went to Hama Rikyu garden with Joven's family and met Alex there. On our way home we passed by Starbucks because he needed to get himself feel warm from the cold autumn night. And we saw this black and white pictures on the walls of the shop. I told him "Why dont he take BW shots for a change" and he said he can take pictures on colors and just edit the effect of black and White. After going home, I was busy catching up for my friend's post on FB when Alex started to buzz me for he has a pic to share. He texted me and at the same time chatted on me on YM. Hmmm.. I wonder what's this commotion =D all about and Behold!! after 3 attempts of sending cancelled and one more that has finally succeeded, my unpatiently waiting shifted to unexplainable excitement. Very instantly I thought "Is this the sign already to get wed next year? =) His prowess in Photography has really gone on to the next level AKA "Pang prenup na ito!!!" Thanks Alex, I'll forever be indebted!

Nkakain ba ang Pride and I say No Way! =P

2009-11-08T05:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, Joven was so uneasy at work. I can sense that there's something wrong. Then he went outside to get some air and I just have seen that he posted something on his wall on fb something like "you can make perfect plan but you cannot execute it perfectly. Its the people who loves you that will make it perfect.".. Hmmm I knew, his problem was the weather. It wont cooperate according to his plan. Japan Metereological Agency (JMA), the one that predicts the weather accurately most of the time, said that it will rain next week starting at Wednesday. So he really need to readjust his plan for Tita France, Ate Cingle and Monisop. Between his click on the mouse and tap out of the keyboard, I can hear his sighs and I can't do anything at that moment. Then his leader passed by and I overheard him asked if there is something to do on the next day and apparently there wont be no urgent task for Video Team.. I can see him beam like the sun. After lunch I have seen this chocolate on the top of my desk with a note from him.

But the thing is.. I really can't go. I have to finished some tasks for the next day and I have to leave instructions to my teammates about the issue that I haven't solve yet. And so I gave him back this bar of chocolate. He never talk to me again after that.

Around 3pm, amidst my one halluva tasks coming right here and then, I remembered the chocolate. If I can only have a bite and follow the commercial's advice to "Have a break". I will feel much better. So as you might have guess, I swallowed my pride and asked him "Jan pa ba ung chocolate, penge naman" (Is the chocolate still there can I have some?) At first I had one bite then I thought to give it back, but there's this urge to bite some more and that more became half of the bar. Then I put it beside his desk, after 20 mins or so, it seems that he deliberately ignored it, I decided to ate the whole and said "Ui Sorry na" =P

Its on the angle

2009-11-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday we went to Tokyo Tower, I cannot write details for now coz its already 2am here. I just had this "Chamba" (lucky) shot just before the sunset that I wanted to share. The angle was just right and lightings have conspired to make this my picture perfect. Without further ado I now present you my Masterpiece #1

This shot was taken from my cam phone! nice shot dba?

APE Day

2009-11-02T02:33:00.000-08:00

It was our Annual Physical Exam today. It will only take about 1-2hrs but I decided to also go to the Municapal Hall to get my Income and Residence Tax as preparation for my Visa Renewal so I took a whole day off. My first stop was the City Hall. I went out of the dorm around 11:35, 25mins before the staff's breaktime. I was very nervous that I wont make it on time. I still have to walk 15mins to reach my destination. Alas, I arrived at 10mins before closing time. I don't know what to do, so I went to the Registration for Non-Japanese counter, but I was entertained by a non-English speaker. I explained that I need to renew my visa and I needed Tax documents but she can't understand me/XD. So she called a Japanese staff, who is very fluent in English(with American accent) and I was so relieved. She accompanied me on the third floor to fill-up my application. According to her, since this is a local gov't, they can only provide my residence tax and income tax should be provided by my company. But when we reached the counter and she mentioned to her colleague that I will be applying for the renewal of visa, the man replied that I also need to fill up another form for the income tax and buy two stamps,one for each.
And afterwards he gave me the certificate. These are the forms that I received. I hope the name of the form is correct.

On the top with the pencil is the residence tax certification or juminzei shoumeishou
and the bottom is income tax certification or shotoku kazei shomeishou

Then I went to Yokohama and look for my building. Last year, I went to the Health Check West Exit Yokohama-ST Building 3rd floor and so I went there again this time... but I noticed that my form said that I'll be on the 23rd floor but I cannot find the elevator because elevators in that building only serves 1-18th floors. So I asked a man standing in front of the floor guide(but he is not actually a receptionist, only a maintenance staff maybe) if he knows where to find the elevator going to the 23rd floor. He was also surprised that we cannot find it, so I showed him the building written in Kanji, and he told me that it was located on the White building across the street. It turns out he's a good samaritan in disguise. He accompany me going to the right building and left me as soon as we reached the elevator with the 23rd floor. I was very thankful!

Then I proceeded to the clinic.I put my shoes on the locker and got a new pair of slippers before entering the premises. I was greeted by the staff and checked my form. She then told me to take off my clothes, just remain my undergarment and put on the provided clothes,which i can find in locker 35 in the changing room. I asked her if I can bring my phone so I wont be bored but she said "Sumimamen,dekimasen" (I'm Sorry you cannot) and I just said OK (I thought "zannen desu ne.."/sweat (Sayang nman, bka may libreng WIFI!))

Then I did the usual routine.
1. First you have to urinate on a cup until it reached 25ml and put it in the glass window inside the cubicle. As I was washing my hands in the lavatory, a lady went out of the cubicle and asked me where to put her cup( Hihi! Its hard to be a newb sometimes :D ) and I point and said "ah!, Zono mado no glass" (I mean "There in the Glass window"). I don't know if my grammar is correct but she understood, nice Nihongo practice I guess.

2. Then I waited in the seat as directed and my name will be called again by a different staff. When they call you, they will always ask if your name is correct because maybe they don't want to mistakenly switch results later on. Next stop is getting of blood pressure which will eventually proceed to getting of blood samples. They will get 3 test tubes of blood, and that made me really weak. In here, they will insert a needle in your arm, which is attached to a small slender tube conencted and on the end is the test tube that will then catch your blood. They will just change the test tube at the end after the other one gets full.
This is a sample of the connector but not the blood bag, instead blood bag will be replaced by a testube

The tube connector touched my arm a little bit and I felt my blood was warm. Because I was not looking, I thought that my blood was oozing and it really made me sick /blur. I thought "Oh nurse please catch please catch.." then she said "Daijyoubu desu ka? (Are you OK)" and with wide-grinding-teeth smile I said "HAI, daijyoubu desu!" /please (Yes I'm ok but please be hurry!!!).

3. Next will be just getting your height and weight,then eye testing. For the height and weight, you will just stand in the scale facing backward and they will instantly get your measures. My weight went down to 50 from last year's 52. Huh I only shed 2kg after a year /floor. But I got taller by 2mm (as if it matters!). Then for the eye testing, the staff will asked you where is the opening of letter C. like for example U - up C - right etc.. There are 12 C oriented to Up, down,left or right getting smaller and smaller. On my left eye, I missed no.11, but on my right eye, I perfected the set. So the reading is 1.2 / 1.0. It make sense because Im a left handed, I might be using my left eye much also.

4. Next will be the test of your ears. You will be accompanied to a recording boot :P ,where youll be asked to put a headset and they will hand you a device with a button. Then, they will close the dark booth:D. If you hear the sound like throbbing "hn hn hn hn hn" you will need to push the button.Sounds will be coming from the right or the left ear and will get louder and louder until you push the button. They may also come in different frequencies, low and high, to test the range of what you can hear.

5. Next will be the ECG. I really was scared with this procedure. Aside from the fact, that this is the place where they will measure your waistline :))(which I dont know the connection to ECG btw), I felt like I will be toasted in an electric bed. Procedure is, you will lie on the bed and they will connect a big clip to each of your ankles and wrists, then they will stick some cold circular connectors like the one you use when you want to attach a windshield display.

These are the connecters I'm trying to describe but its just that you are lying on a bed.

6. Next will be your consultation to the OB-gyne. She will check your breast to see if there are any tumors. And and and... there was this incident that the assistant asked me to pull off my Zubon (trousers) and pants/shorts. I took my pants, and since I don't have shorts and trousers and pants are of the same thing, I left my undergarment intact. But when she notice that I'm still wearing something she told me to take off my pants again. That's when I knew that she was referring to the pant with a y. I wanted to correct her but hesitated because she might get offended.

7. Finally oh finally! /nobigdeal , the best part of the day, was a free coffee and small vanilla wafer. I think this is only serve for ladies. Well, its just part of the consolation. :)

8. Internal check-up (as they called it) was the final test I took. The doctor will just check your breathing through stethoscope, check your eyes and throat and ask you if you have fever. Then you are free to go.. Yahooo!!

Before I changed clothes, I took a picture of me secretly wearing the clothes they provided for a souvenir.

Afterwards, I strolled around and waited for Jovs and Alex to finish their APE in the other bldg. And at 4:30, we got the chance to grab our decent lunch. Whoa! what a day indeed!!!!

They have finally arrived!

2009-10-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Oct. 31, Joven and I headed to Narita Airport Terminal 2. Just in Time a Yokosuka line bound to Naruto was scheduled at 6:10 and we met at 6pm. We decided to try the Green Car. Here in Japan you can reserve your seats in the local train by having an additional charge from your normal fare. In our case we just added Y750. Actually it was not so crowded that time,we just wanted to experience riding one. A girl with electronic device in one hand and with baskets of goods in the other, greeted us after we seated. We intinctively gave her our Suica but she taught us that we will just tap it on the ceiling and the light will turn green from default red, which means we have taken the seats.

From the inside you cannot hear any noise from the outside, even the announcer that says "Doa ga shimarimasu" (The door is now closing) cannot be heard. It was a long journey though but good thing we had our gadgets with us :D. First thing we did is to take some pictures. Then around Sakura, we noticed that we are the only persons in our car. Joven decided to create a video out of boredom, which I eventually uploaded even if he didnt want me to. You see I'm very proud of his unique talents, he can dance uncontrollably and mimic voices of other nationality.=D>
Well, see it for your selves, I will upload the other one if Jovs will be free to give me the copy

Then we arrived in Narita Airport Terminal 2 at 8pm. PAL flight PR432 was delayed for 25mins and so we waited and waited. Good thing the airport has a WIFI connection, I was able to made myself busy with a very fast connection to the net. Then finally, our long wait was over.

The first word that I ever heard from Joven's nephew, Monisop (Not his real name, but the name he coined for himself) was "Joooven"! We cannot believe it!. Moments prior to their arrival I asked Joven, if he thinks his nephew can still recognize him and he answered maybe NOT but he stand corrected. Loud and clear his nephew uttered his name. I never imagined he will be so talkative. The last time I saw him, he can barely say a word. But now he can say "Chap chap" (Joven's brother) and Jessa(his nanny) over and over again and "Tinapay", "Labas tau" and so many others very clearly.
Then I greeted ate Cheryl, who is now by the way, very slimmed down and Joven's pretty mom. Im so happy to see them, it's like seeing my own family. Then Ate Cheryl tried Joven's headdress from Disneyland's. She really like it, it was so funny.=))

We rode the bus Limousine on our way to Yokohama, One thing I learned was always asked for the coupon, they will not offer it, you have to asked for it so you could get discount. Then ate Cheryl told us that it was Monisop's first bus experience.

He never rode a bus before in Manila, only Taxi or shuttle. So you can imagine how ecstatic he is. And then she gave me her omiyage, a beautiful, unconventional edible bouquet of Rose Pastillas. Who wouldnt love it! I was so touched and very happy.

Around 12pm we arrived in Yokohama, Joven's mom asked me, if it really take us that long going to the office, I think she was surprised about how long the trip was. But I said "it's not that long, only the airport was just situated very far". True enough, I remember on my first trip here, I wonder if all the places are as secluded as Narita airport.
When I bid goodbye to them on the Tokaido Ticket entance, they were not expecting that I would be transferring to another train, they thought Joven and I live next to each other. Haha! I told them that our company really planned to separate our dorm. I would like to think that because Joven's place is not suitable for girls because it is very far away from the eki(station).I wonder what their impressions would be after a long walk in Totsuka going to Jov's dorm:D I hope they wont complain much!
I'm very happy that the waiting was over. I was able to see the beaming face of Jovs upon seeing his family. Wait till you see the vid of how he transformed his filthy:P dorm into a cozy room. This only shows how he value his mom and sis. What a proud gf I am! A good son and brother sounds a very promising husband to me!/hmm

My Japanese Girl Friend

2009-10-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

I never had a true Japanese girl friend until I met Michi-chan. She was our assistant in SE. Assistant is like an HR, who assists employees. The first time I saw her was during our department Meeting. At first glance, she's just a simple Japanese lady, not the usual one with heavy make-up and dress-to-kill get-up. But when we were introduced by Tokutake San, during our Nomikai (Drinking Party) when we celebrated finishing an nth version of a certain specification, that's when I realize she's more than that meets the eye. She was very kind and looks prettier and prettier when you got the chance to talk to her. I remember asking her "Is your job very hard coz you have to deal with everyone's problem?" and she said "Yes it is, but Isn't it nice to know how important are you to other people?" and I commend her positive attitude for that. I was even surprised when she whispered to me to guess the price of her dress that night and revealed to me a surprising price of only Y1800 coz she bought it on sale.

Last Christmas we were exchanging stories about our vacation and I found out that she is also a great biker. Not an ordinary Mamachari biker but a sporty one. She biked from Tokyo to her hometown somewhere in the Miyagi Prefecture.

And here is a snippet of her email to me

"Thank you very much your kindly concern about my trip. Your mail are excitement to me. That was so so soooo long way home, But fantastic and joyful journey!!

My score are following.

Total Distance : 371km
Av. Speed : 13km
Top Speed : 46km/h
Time : 28h of 3days"

Unbelievable isnt it? She told me that her mom told her not to do that crazy trip again. BTW, its freezing 4-10 degrees outside when she did that journey.

After that party, we got a chance to go out for sometime with Filipino friends. The first one is when Bates invited her on our trip to Hakone with Sawayama-san. We really enjoyed having her and S-san's company in this trip. They are really outgoing, easy to get along with and very down to earth.

I remember we rode on the ropeway cable car and on our descent to the sulfur pit, you can barely hear one's voice because we are all laughing and teasing each other but then we just heard a loud "wooaaaahhhh woaahhhh ahhh" and we were puzzled from whom did it come from, and were very surprised to know that it was Michi-san in her very scared self,shouting so loudly in one corner and even more when our not-so-nice :D friends tried to shout "waaa!! kowai kowai (scary scary)"./blush

Then we got the next chance to be with her, when she invited us to attend a teaching demo of her friend Tomoe-san. Actually it was her guy friend who asked her to invite English speaking friends (ehem!) to evaluate the teacher Tomoe san, (actually a Law student) in their newly opened English school. We really had fun with the games they prepared for us. We also met, the cute petite bestfriend of Michi, Kasumi san. We were mesmerize by her very gentle charming beauty, like the charm of a Geisha. After the demo, we strolled in the near Rikugien Garden. We shared stories and laughter during the stroll

Then one day, she told me that she will be leaving SE soon. I was so sad, I almost cried but hold my tears back for I don't want her to feel sad too. Tokutake-san arranged a Yakiniku(Grilled meat) party then in Kawasaki last Oct.23. We spoke of good times, plans and unrevealed love life. We prepared a flower bouquet as a present and she bursted into tears, "happy tears", she said. We will really miss her. The night ended and when we parted ways, I told her there is no saying goodbye yet /no, but just see you soon!/hihi

Packet Hodai (Packet Unlimited) To the Max

2009-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I bought an IPhone 3 days ago, and I vowed that I will avoid surfing coz I don't want my bill to blow up. Anyway, to make the story short, I did not open my IPhone for 2 days, I only opened it last night and download free offline apps mostly for my Reviewer for JLPT and which I also highly recommend in order of preference, 1st being the best Jekana, JLPT Study 4, KOTOBA, Kanji Sensei, And some other non-Japanese related Apps, Bible Verses, Love Qoutes, Wisdom of Ages, facebook, Dictionary.com etc.. Mga kachipanggahan chuva ever... So the real thing is.. I dont want to use Packet Hodai.. I will minimize my usage, coz I dont want to pay a surprising bill on the 10th.. But to my dismay, after 48mins of usage, I already receive 2MB, which is past my min limit to pay only Y1029 (for packet only)

Huhu!!! how come, but I realize, its not an IPhone if I wont maximize the power of it. So "packet hodai kung packet hodai na ito, malugi na cla kung malugi, access to the max!!" And besides, its still cheap as my friend said compared to other countries. And there's a big difference if you will control yourself to a min amount of MB usage, than to just pay the fixed amount and you can do anything you want, anywhere anytime... =) For those of you who like to know/bookmark the English website of Softbank, here is it SOFTBANK WEBSITE

Playing Time with my built in Webcam

2009-10-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Its good thing Jorge told me to use this cute feature of my built in webcam.
Kaaliw!,feeling fashionista Bongga!

I say GoodBye. you say Hello!

2009-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I tried to sell my three precious possessions. My YA-MAN NHDS-1 Photo ION plus National EH2513 Pore suction and my IPod Touch. For the beauty gadgets, i do not have time to use it. I started to confirm that these things are purely wants not needs so I decided to sell it in GaijinPot. For my Ipod Touch, I really do not want to sell it. I tried to sell it in the same site but who will buy a one year old IPod touch for a price of Y18k whereareas the market is selling it at Y19k brand new. Two responded with my post, both of them are buying it at Y10k and I said "No way!" The thing is, I really don't want to sell it anyway. So I decided to remove my post.
What compels me to sell these things is because I am saying hello to my new gadget. Actually this isn't the usual "want" thing, this is both a "want" and a "need".

I am paying my cellphone bill for Y2k every month and I will just add Y1k plus and I now have an IPod Touch and a Phone, hence the IPhone! =P...

I also got this cute strap for free. and to add to that I was able to apply for Softbank credit card at no cost, it even doesn't have any annual fee. Great!
What will happened then to my old stuff? I decided to sell my beauty gadget to Joven for it will be embraced by his mom and sister. and the Touch will go to my kuya as omiyage(pasalubong!) this Christmas.

Sayonara Sensei!

2009-10-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye is really not so easy for me. I plan to tell my sensei a week before but hesitated for I don't want her to get sad anticipating our last meeting or prepare something for me. I just waited for this Sunday, Oct. 25 and reveal my situation to her. We started last year Nov. 2, 2008 and its almost a year now.
I didn't wait anymore for the actual anniversary to come though, for I don't want to heighten the emotions. I did not told her the real situation, If I can tell her that I'm a little bit off the budget and couldn't afford to take lessons anymore, I will really be embarrassed and so I just told her my alibi that I don't know yet if the company will still hire us for next year and due to this, I would like to prepare going home to my country for the coming weeks.

Of course, she felt sorry for me and she even told me that if I have a rest day, she would like to come over and meet my fiance and we can just have chat together. I really appreciated her good heart. I will miss her laughs and stories. I learned so much about Japan through her, and had fun talking in Japanese during Kaiwa (conversation) without hesitation. Surely if the pot gets full again, I will contact her (Online Sensei)and we'll have lessons during Sunday morn again. But if its otherwise, I hope she'll find another double chin but cute student in the future ;)

Replacing my 2-year old Airbed

2009-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Since we got here in Japan last Sept. 2007, I never regret that Joven insisted that we buy the airbed in Toytown Glorietta for it was very cheap for its price. It was only P700 for the single bed. He bought 2 and brought the heavy load during the trip. It was indeed a good choice for the only luxury you can get after a tiring day is to have a good night sleep,right?. And so when one Sunday Oct.19 that actually was yesterday, that I found out that I am sleeping in an airbed without the air =).

I really felt so bad. I would like to revive it but I know it will take much time. I decided to buy a replacement instead. This time it now cost me P1500 double the price of the old one. But good thing about it is that it has some many round-styled cussion for additional support so you wont get really flat when you sleep with it. Another one is I have to bid goodbye now on using the manual pump because I will only plug this new one and it will automatically be filled with air.

But I almost faint when I started to plug it! it created a very loud noise that sounds like you are using a vaccuum in the middle of the night. So, I was not able to feel the difference of using it from my precious old one because I was not able to fill it with right amount of air. My heart is really pounding so hard, afraid that my neighbhor will ring my bell and scold me for ruining the night. So first thing I did this morning is to filled it up with sufficient air and hoping that I will be able to sleep comfortably tonight. But guess what, I guess I'm still missing the old one.

Though its cheap, and dusty and ordinary blue colored, we have spend more than two years of nights together! But I still hope this radiant, pink colored new one will give me a cozy atmosphere at night and wonderful sleep all through out.

SEMC Festival 2009

2009-10-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Anually, Sony Ericsson holds a festival, where outsource employees can also join. This years event was held in Asakusa last Oct. 14. It was a themed park but only a small one like Perya in Pinas but SE rented the whole place. There are many not so heavy foods served like Vegetable salad with shrimp, crakers with different kinds of cheese, kare, yakiniku,and very small square-cut sandwhiches. Then we watched the magic show. It was very funny because the magician kept on revealing the secrets in his magic trick making it appeal he committed mistake while executing. The crowd really bought it! Then we tried the gun shooting.

I successfully knocked out one and got this small Hello Kitty Torotot(Trumpet)as a prize.

Then lottery came, guess what nobody among us won!! It was really saddening =) because you can win Blue-ray player, PS3 or Sony Bravia.

Oh well, I am really not that lucky during lottery.
It was almost perfect but it really rained so hard that night. We were not able to avail of the ride all you can benefit because some attractions were closed due to rain. But there is this one open ride which made me ecstatic. Its my first time to ride in a carousel. Yes you heard me right, and its the only place at that moment, given my age right now, where I can still ride one without feeling embarassed.

It was really a great experience!

Ondoy's Relief Operation

2009-10-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

We usually talk about anything during lunch time. But when we have heard how Ondoy hit Manila, we sort of think of how to reach out to our kababayans. It's was Ron's idea that we give some of our old clothes because some of which we dont use anymore and eating up space in our closets. Then Phil mentioned that his sensei(teacher) said we can send old clothes and goods to Transtech because the owner, which is her friend, told her that they have such activity till the end of October. And so we manage to make the plan to reality. In a side note, UTJ our own company was also asking us donation in monetary to be given to Japan Red Cross. Its just so perfect. We manage to give UTJ some financial help, and Transtech some clothes and goods. Going back, the day finally came, October 18, 2009. I tried to wash some of my rubber shoes and slippers in the morning so it will dried up at night just in time for the final packing. I'll tell you later what happened to that. In the meantime these are the things that happened during the day. Joven met Chito, Philip and Gap in Yokohama, then he accompanied them in my dorm. Good thing Jovs bought some plastics in Hyaku en(100 yen) Shop, which when vacuum together with the clothes will suck all the air inside and reduce the size the clothes will occupy.

After all are exhausted packing clothes in the plastics, we just drank pepsi and ate some chips, and we headed to Ron's dorm. Ron's dorm theme is a rock band room. Chito kept on saying "Pimp my room" because mine is a little girlie and Ron's a rockstar, Joven's a gamer's room etc.. Then Ron showed to us his amazing wrist exercize tool a gyroscope It will keep on rolling and you can hear the sound of a motor when you continue to make circular motion while holding it. Then after everyone tried it, we went to Saizeria to have our lunch(slash)dinner.

Its Ookurayama resident's treat for everyone who participated. It was Ron who suggested that he will treat us desserts - a yummy coffee jelly

and we just decided later on that we divide the bill among us (Ron,Lex and me). And then, we decided to play bowling, our very first experience while in Japan. Gap amazed everybody with his pro-like Bowling skills. Everyone challenge each self, and surprisingly, all of us had his winning STRIKE! Even I who is the lowest scorer in the 1st game manage to have 2 spares and 2 strikes during the 2nd game. Alex would have got a turkey at the end of second game, only if one of the pins did not stood still =).. It was a fun-filled day for us.

Going back to the story of my shoes, I was able to pack all but 2 rubber shoes which was not able to get dry due to a drizzy afternoon. I did not put them in the box because wet items will cause molds due to high moisture content it will bring to other items in the box. I guess they don't want to say goodbye to me yet. =) Lastly, Sunday came, I woke up early to wait for Mr. Transtech to come and around 1030 I think, he came and off went our relief box!

We will surely feel great with what we did. Job well done my friends!

Finally!

2009-10-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Remember that I said before that I am looking forward for tomato fruits to peep out through the leaves of my precious tomato plant, well, it did happen. One morning, I woke up and watered my mini tomato and Gee! many fruits are now visible. It was amazing to actually see that after a beautiful yellow flower blooms so openly, it will somewhat wilt and it will be replaced by the fruit itself. How wonderful,isn't it?

Better be Safe than Sorry...

2009-10-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have never loved any other shoes than Nike Free but one incident today made me feel to hate it. After having our heart to heart talk with Chito in First Kitchen, we separated ways in the South Exit of Yokohama. Jovs, Jorge and Chito headed their way to Totsuka via Tokaido line while Ron and I walk in the underground tunnel going to the station of Toyoko line. I stop by the toilet before going to the platform. It was so hot inside the station so I took off my sweater. I check all my belonging inside the bathroom before I meet my waiting friend near the escalator. I never notice that my shoelace has loosen. We are chatting on our way down to the platform. I am standing behind Ron. On the last step of the escalator, I cant move my foot, the shoelace got stuck in the escalator. All I can think of was to force the shoelace to detach from the moving edge of the escalator but to no avail. Ron saw me and upon knowing that there is no chance for me to let go of my shoelace, by his God given wit =) he remembered to push a certain button in the escalator and stop it from grinding my shoelace more. Of course, the escalator has totally stopped, and all he could say was "Gomen"(Sorry) to all the person looking at us riding on it, and who now have no other choice but to walk down. I drew all my strength to hide my embarrassment from the incident. But I learned two things today. I appreciate more having a companion going home, I cant imagine what to do if Ron is not around at that moment. And I realize I have to tie my shoelace twice or thrice and make sure it wont lose again even if I look like an OC(Obsessive Compulsive) person for it's better to be on the safe side always.

When Typhoon Melor Hits Japan

2009-10-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night we have been planning not to go to work, for there is a coming typhoon that any moment from that night will strike Yokohama. I asked Jovs to spend the night in my dorm for I fear that the electricity might be cut off due to the bad weather and I will be really scared if it happen. We bought foods that is too much for a day off just in case we find ourselves stuck in the dorm due to heavy rains and strong winds. Thursday came, I was really sleeping so soundly when I heard Jovs went down the loft, checked the weather and surf the net. Ithink its 7-8 in the morning. I can barely hear the sounds of the raging winds outside because I am really so sleepy. Then I woke up due to the sound of Jovs super Mario ringtone, our friend Ron called, he said that some JR lines are stopped due to the typhoon and many salary men are stranded. Good thing we did not attempt to go to work. He already reported that we will not come to office to our S-san, who on that moment was struggling his way going to office due to crowded stations in Yamanote. And then, we slept again. Then around 12pm Super Mario again rung, its our friend again, this time he said that S-san texted that at last he arrived in Shinagawa. I hope he doesnt mean that its OK now to commute and report to office because its the last thing I would like to do right now.
The weather is now getting fine. But I checked my Veranda and I was so sad to see my plants.

Oh Melor Look at what youve done to my flowers!
Anyway, I cooked cheese hotdog and small chicken pieces, I made apple shakes and a small vegie side-dish for lunch. Then around 6pm we decided to walk around Tsurumi river with Alex. A very nice experience indeed, a good weather, a star-lit place(because I cant see the moon but only stars), and a very care-free walk. We even find a small street, with shops that will cater almost anything you need. One of these days I will visit this street again. We stopped in Book Off, and saw sale DVDs and Console games. And to my surprised, HAC, a beauty store, pharmacy and supermarket roll into one place was just beyond the corner. I hurriedly look for a Vitamin C supplement named Cystina-C, for I read that it is not only a vitamin C supplement but also helps whiten skin. But I cannot find it, I almost decided to leave the store empty-handed, but Jovs insisted that I should just buy the California Prunes because its full of fiber which will help me in my Toilet problem =).. As when I was approaching the counter, Jovs saw a blue-box vitamin supplement name L-Cysteine. He just grabs the box and gave it to me, just in time I'll be handing my Prunes to the cashier. He told me he just saw that it is a Vitamin C in Katakana writings and felt its not just a Vitamin C. Truly, when we went home, we search the net and have known that this is indeed like Cystina-C, It helps reduce melanin to whiten dark spots and also slows down aging,Whoa..Im really happy.

Just for a note, we ate dinner in S-Gust, a fastfood resto where you can buy Karage (deep-fried chicken) in Tartar sauce, and burger rice. Its really delicious! Then we went to Round 1, an Entertainment center, where we won this cute stuff toy in the UFO catcher and Alex also had his luck to get an instant Ice cream only for a 100yen.

I got this stuffed toy from the combined effort of Jovs and Alex!
I guess we enjoyed our day off due to typhoon Melor and Im happy that it did not create so much destruction here in Japan, which in no doubt we now consider our second home..

The first thing I do every morning is..

2009-10-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Every morning, i look forward to see what's new in my mini-garden =). I have planted a mini tomato seeds in pots and also chili, which I always check everyday to see how much they've grown. Now my mini tomato has some flowers already and I'm looking forward for small tomatoes to peep out from their leaves any morning from now. I also have 3 pots of flowers, which I honestly don't know the name. The three has different hue of yellow and orange flowers. I have yellow flowers, an orange one and combination of both. I bought them 100 yen(Php50) each in the nearby flower shop. They are always on sale before winter comes. What's nice about these flowers is that, even if they wilt due to season change, if you just let them stay in the same pot, the next time a good season comes, a small plant will sprout again from the soil and you can revive again your flower plant.
Though Im not an early-to-rise kind of person, I see to it that just after I woke up from bed, I go to my veranda and water my precious possessions. I can tell every little change that has been going to them and it really made me feel so good that I can't explain!

See how vibrant they are!!

My mini tomato plants in the center and right side and my small hard-to-see chili plant on the left

Just because I successfully grown up two mini-tomato and chili plants, I decided to buy more pots to plant them. =)

Wednesday Blues

2009-10-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

I got up from bed with a headache and a lazy feeling. It's like when you don't want to go somewhere else but stay home. I ate my breakfast very slowly and decided to take a bath at 8:30am. At this time, I am suppose to be walking my way on the station to catch my 851 train to Yokohama. I finished preparing for work at 8:50. I told myself if I did not catch the train at 9:04, I won't go to the office anymore. And so I headed for the station, and the first thing that i check before I tap my Suica on the entrance was to look at the train's time of arrival, and guess what I can still catch the 9:04 train, as I was about to tap my Suica, an announcement came that there will be a train delay. So I thought its not meant for me to report to office today.
I hurriedly took out my cellphone and texted my Jovs to send an email notification that I will be absent. On my way home, I passed by a pharmacy to buy a medicine for cough and colds (seki and kase), buy some bread and kyat-kyat(mandarin)oranges and went straight home.
At home I texted my family back in the Philippines, for it's the only means I can get information of what's going on back there on Ondoy's aftermath. We still don't have electricity and phone connection. My mom told me that they are Ok although the water is still on waist level and she told me that my tatay was surprised to experience Baha because he is still in Saudi, working when we experience our home being submerge in water for two times. She also said that they have lots of foods because my sister listed their name in her company for recipients of food donations. My sister never fails to take care of my parents on her extraordinary way. She even texted me that she attempted to go to Pasig to check them and give them their needs but most of the streets are still unpassable due to flood. Going back to my mom, she said that she went to the bank with my dad to deposit remittance of Jovs to his parents and it was such a joy to ride on a boat floating in the flood =). And then the next text I receive was from my brother, he told me that I should not worry for they have lots of food, they even had a box of C2 drinking tea (oh how I miss C2) , and a box of noodles which also came from the ration of my sister's company. What's nice thing about my brother is that he is always looking at life in a bright perspective. He told me that they are just doing nothing now but to stay on our terrace and watch the different boats, which looks like vintas in his description, and how they manage our big dog latrel to go up 2nd floor because he cannot climb the stairs because all his life, he stays on his cage. and so on and so forth.. It gave me piece of mind that amidst the difficulties the flood gave my family, they are still looking at it in a very positive way.
I have read a nice blog that day which inspires me to do this blog. I found a link in that blog for the JDrama's One Liter of Tears. Its about a 15-year old girl stricken with spinocerebellar degeneration and how she tried to cope up with it although it is uncurable. I was really crying my heart out when I heard a ring on my doorbell, I was first expecting Jovs to see on the monitor but it was not him. It's our good friend Ron, who brought me a pizza, which came from Jovs, and an apple and a plastic full of mikan from him. He was startled to see me with swollen eyes, he thought I had a fight with Joven over the phone or I was crying due to some reasons but I explained that it was due to a very nice but sad movie.

It really made me feel so loved and blessed to have a thoughtful Jovs and a very kind hearted friend, Ron. I won't forget this day, for I feel so greatful. I ate 2 slices of pizza and 2 mikan for the night. After which I feel relieved and ready to go to work for the next day.

A promising bud..

2009-10-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

why blog? I would like to try jotting down my everyday experiences so I can maneuver my life into something more exciting and full of life. You see, i'm an average working girl in my late 20's earning a living in the land of the rising sun, who has less interest on anything but work, join friend's out on weekends and go to the bank for family remittance during month's end. It's not that I'm complaining but as I see it, I think I am aging without so much progress. At least by having this, I hope when the time comes I have to look back and see what I have done, I will realize that I live my life to its fullest.