sucking the marrow of life...

How I got my Japan Visa without an ITR

2011-10-20T22:30:00.001+08:00

It has been a year since I have written on this blog. I just want to introduce myself again.
My name is Ikeng and I'm currently living in Cagayan de Oro. At this time, I am helping in my father's business but I'm a tour organizer by profession.

I would like to share with you guys, how I was able to get my Japan visa. For Filipinos, getting a Japan visa is proven to be a difficult task. This is because of the previous anomalies involving the illegal recruitment of Filipinas as entertainers. I really do not have anything against that profession because I know times are tough and people resort to different things when they have no money. However, it has tarnished the image of Filipinos in general that we will possibly become illegal aliens or TNT (tago ng tago) once we set foot in Japan. Because of that, the Japanese Embassy has become stricter in processing VISAs.

Anyway, when I was still studying in UP as a Masters student, I became friends with two amazing Japanese girls. I might have included some of their pictures on the previous posts. These two friends gave me an invitation to go to Japan. Along with the invitation, they sent their residence certificate. Please check out the Japan Embassy site to get all the requirements.

Although they have provided me the invitation, both of them are not my guarantors. Of course, it is given that they will accommodate me in Japan. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan said that I need not get any documentation regarding my friend's financial status even if they accommodate me. I think it's only needed when if they have purchased the tickets for me.

I do not have my own ITR so I have used my mother's ITR and made a letter to the Ambassador that my mother will pay for my expenses. I think that worked because 2 days after I sent my papers (via Friendship tours, Makati), they have already gave me the VISA. I got a 15 day visa and now planning for the trip of my dreams!

Hope this helps any Filipino traveler who wants to go to Japan.

Cagayan-Davao-Manila-Davao-Cagayan de Oro

2010-10-29T01:42:00.001+08:00

Okay so I haven't written anything in a span of 4 months or so. Lots of things has happened. Lots of things that I want to happen, didn't happen.

I'm dividing my time between Davao and Cagayan de Oro now. But most of the time I am here in Cagayan de Oro. My father has decided to open a store here and I'm gonna be the one manning the site. I don't think I will be able to travel a lot now. On the other hand, that is fine too because well, it STILL does feel that I'm travelling mainly because of the fact that, I haven't really explored Cagayan de Oro that much. And Bukidnon is another part of Mindanao that I want to be familiar with. It is the next town after Cagayan de Oro. I do miss Manila sometimes. I have friends back home that I miss a lot, cafes like Pan de Americana and Qizia, and just our house in Marikina which is near to everything! Now, I live in this small apartment, just right across this tower of a cellphone network provider.I thought at first it is a good thing. But living near a tower doesn't necessarily guarantee a fast connection/signal. Anyway, I get chat hiccups a lot of times but that's fine. There's nothing that I can do about it.

My Bisaya is getting better. I can say that I can pretty much comprehend what the locals say to me and I can already advise the cab driver the best route to use when I'm going home. I think that's really important. I'm working on my Bisaya accent like saying EKING for IKENG. I love how they change the I to E. And how they say tricyKOL for tricycle, peanut BRITOL when they mean peanut brittle, goGGOLS for goggles. You get the drift. It sounds funny at first but I love the exaggeration.

My favorite word, I think I have mentioned this before, is LIBOG. Libog means "confused" in Bisaya.

But Libog in Tagalog, means totally different. It means HORNY. I love saying it most of the time without getting in trouble. Nalibog ko just means I'm confused but if you say that in Manila, I think people would really stare at me. Or maybe they think I have Tourette's.

This year Shao went back to Malaysia. But I met two new friends, Hans from Davao and Lester from Manila. I'm really happy to meet them! Hans told me that I should come and visit him in Seoul. I really want to try the Bunjee jumping there and ride the biggest rollercoaster in South Korea!

The last trip to Manila is hella tiring for me. I think I might have abused my body too much, this will definitely haunt me when I'm 50. Hans and Yong, his friend homestayed for two days. I wish I could've cooked them a nice Filipino meal.

Hans told me that Yong looks like a bear. I don't know why he said that...I don't know if it's because he had limited English. I wonder how he would described Yong if his English has gotten better. Actually for me, Yong looked like a hamster. Maybe the bear hamster.

I've been reading a lot. I have tons of books to finish. I really should have make list. I got a new Murakami book that I'm itching to read. But I'm trying to do a delayed gratification thing hee hee. One thing that I'm happy about--I think I will be getting my hands on Geek Love soon which is an awesome book about carnivals and freaks. The dark humour is a big come-on for me. My friend Les has agreed that I can ship it to his house in Alaska, same with what I've done with Pinball 1973 by Murakami when I asked Tom if I can have it shipped to Fukuoka. But Tom, being a good friend that he is, still hasn't asked his mom to mail it. But that's fine, as long as I know it's not lost or anything.

Very excited. Will be doing a lot of snail mails from now until the the end of November. Not so excited about Christmas though.

Davao foodtrip third part: Italian restaurants

2010-05-27T00:20:00.002+08:00

La Toscana Restaurant

Salutti

Davao foodtrip second part: The Sutokil Experience

2010-05-26T23:39:00.002+08:00

EDCIL's SUTOKIL

After the great day we had at Isla Reta, Talicud Beach, Karla decided to have our dinner at a Sutokil Restaurant. This is really my first time to have Sutokil. For some Bisdak or Bisayans, Sutokil is similar to Tapsilog in a sense that Sutokil actually means a combination of Sugba, Tola, and Kinilaw whereas Tapsilog is Tapa, Sinangag and Itlog. I had Imbao Tola, Tuna Belly Sugba and Kinilaw! So yummy! The price was only 179 pesos and it was good for two persons! WOW!

Laguna Food trip with Tom

2010-05-26T22:34:00.004+08:00

My friend Tom studies in UP Los Banos. I visited him to go on a Laguna foodtrip! All the way from Marikina yo! I really can't pass this up. We rode on his motorbike and literally hopped from one cool restaurant to another.

Mio Cusina, Los Banos, Laguna

First stop is in Mio Cucina which is a classy small Italian restaurant. Most of their clientele are professors from UPLB or probably researchers from IRRI. The interiors are sort of Asian. The whole area used to be a bodega so you can imagine how small the space is. They did a pretty good job though, maximizing the space.

Tom playing with the flowers while waiting for our meal.

I ordered Pasta with Brocolli. I think Tom ordered Beef Stroganoff. We also had Pako salad and 2 tall glasses of apple iced tea. Yummy.

We started off with Pako Salad which is extremely fresh. The salad also has sweet turnips and the pako, which are fern shoots, are so soft. I like how the salad is topped with kesong puti too. The vinaigrette is also great---not too sweet, not too sour.

The pasta was great! I loved it. I am a fan of olives and this pasta has generous amounts of it.

After I finished my pasta, I went around the room outside so I can take pictures of it.

This is a nice spot for two

The flowers seem to invite you in.

New Malaya Restaurant (Malaysian Restaurant)

It is extremely hot and we would have liked it if they had airconditioning. This place serves the best Malaysian authentic cuisine. I really want to try this despite the warm weather. Chilis in summer? Why not.

We ordered Beef Rendang and Mango and Apple Kerabu. We washed it all down with yummy milk tea.

Tom said we had to order something sweet to balance the spicyness of the Beef Rendang. He was right. For every bite of beef rendang, I had about a mouthful of rice and a spoonful of the kerabu. The Kerabu by the way is sort of a salad.

I know this is a poor image by my camera phone but this is the Beef Rendang.

Mango and Apple Kerabu!

Milk tea to wash all the chili down.

Tom said that a woman cooks for this restaurant but I think she was not there when I visited. I liked the food but I wish we had gone there in the evening. I was drenched in sweat after we ate due to the weather. Every bite was like throwing another log in the fire! Nice time with my friend though. Thanks tom!

Okay, all in all, my Laguna food trip was really great because I get to sample authentic Asian cuisines. There is one restaurant that we went to, Baan Thai, which is my favorite. However, my camera battery went dead on me so I didnt have pictures of what we ate. I loved the Sotanghon Salad! Great Thai cuisine :) People from Los Banos are really lucky because they have wide selection of cuisines, like you can go for Italian then Asian the next. The price are okay too. But well, my friend treated me so.... hehehe. Anyway, try these restaurants when you're in LB.

Cafes

2010-05-26T21:11:00.004+08:00

Roxas Avenue, Davao is peppered with cafes and grills. This is Chicco di Cafe and inside you can see nice comfy chairs for lounging. I'm not a big fan of coffee but I like chilling in airconditioned cafes.

They have a wide selection of cakes and pastries. They also have free wifi!

Davao foodtrip first part: Pastillan sa Ponce

2010-05-26T20:59:00.002+08:00

I asked my friend Kim if she can go with me on a foodtrip around Davao.
Our first stop is Pastillan sa Ponce which is near Ateneo de Davao.
Of course, UP's Mang Larry still comes to my mind when we're talking about Isaw.

But I have to try this Pastel! Nooo, this isn't the yummy buns from Camiguin. These are in fact, chicken innards that are cooked pretty much like adobo which you have as a rice topping.

There are tables and chairs that are set up outside and inside. We stayed inside the Pastillan though boy, it was extremely hot!

The Pastel is great, it's goes perfect with rice. The isaw however, is just okay. I guess having the tastebuds of a UP isaw eater makes it difficult for me to forget Mang Larry's goodies. There is one isaw that I really like though which is from Marikina. It is 10 pesos per stick, a bit pricey. I'll tell you more about it next time.

35th Bamboo Organ Festival Las Pinas: A concert for all music lovers

2010-05-26T20:41:00.001+08:00

These are the pics I took with my camera phone during the 2010 Bamboo Organ Festival.
This was a magical night for me. I just love the whole program. I will definitely come back next year!
Hopefully, next time, I would bring a group. It is sad to see that more foreigners came to see the show than Filipinos.

The facade of Las Pinas Church
If you notice, there's an entrance on the right side of the Church which will lead you to a small room that holds memorabilias of Bamboo organ festival of the previous years.

The Festival is held annually around the 3rd or 4th week of February.

This is the view from where we are seated.

The lighting was extremely romantic. And it adds to the ambience of the place. I love what the usherettes are wearing.

Note to myself: dress more formally next time you watch a classical concert. Off shoulders--big no no.

The pillars inside made it difficult to see the stage especially if you are in my row, but at least I get to see the pianist. Some people do prefer sitting in my row.

See you next year!

My new flip flops by Flojos

2010-04-15T02:20:00.001+08:00

My favorite flip flops by Ipanema was ripped apart by Luncheon, one of the Gloria's puppies.
So last week, I went out to look for a perfect pair of flip flops. I never really liked Havaianas. I just don't like the feel of it... I was inlove with Ipanema's Anatomica and I got 2 pairs of those. However, I wore them too much...so they look old after a week's use.

Because it was on sale, I got one of those flipflops from Flojos. I absolutely adore them. They are so comfy and they look good on my feet. I think it used to retail for 1500 but since they're on sale, I got them 1/3 of the price. Not bad, so I got them. It was a nice surprise! It has padded soles that feels really comfortable even after hours of walking.

I'm gonna try the other styles, hope they are on sale too.

I got this pic from Flojos website http://store.flojos.com/pgcart.pga?product=151

WOOT!

2010-04-07T20:00:00.000+08:00

Aha! Meron na akong bagong second hand na keyboard! Woot!

Bisaya Bisaya Bisaya---Libog moments

2010-04-05T14:50:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow I will be heading to Davao to help in my dad's business. I am really really excited to go to Mindanao again and to finally see people who speak Bisaya! I'm so happy because I have friends who are patient enough to teach me this wonderful dialect.

If there's gonna be one person whom I'll be missing when I leave Luzon, it's gonna be Boy Silingan. Masarap lang talaga na gawan siya ng kanta. Ewan ko ba kung bakit. Pati nga ako minsan na nalilito. Sa Bisaya, "Nalibog ko!" *guffaw* Minsan may mga pagkakataong na may nakikilala kang mga tao na nagiging inspirasyon mo, kahit alam mo sa sarili mo na wala namang talagang kahahantungan ito. Pero dahil sa realidad na ito, mas lalo mong naiisip na shit, buhay pa pala ako, iba itong experience na to...hindi pa ito nangyayari sakin. Tapos araw-araw naiisip mo na sana mapansin niya. Pero minsan nahihiya ka lang talaga. Nagawa ko ang kantang iyon dahil nakaka amaze siyang nilalang. Kahit hindi naman talaga uubra, kahit pa wala ka namang pag-asa para dun, kahit shit ang baduy, ang cheesy, kahit leche, ginagawa mo ng gago ang sarili mo...okay lang kasi, yun ang totoo mong naramdaman. Tapos isang araw, matatawa ka na lang kasi naging ganun ka, pero hindi ka magsisisi kasi, ang taong ito ay ispesyal. Parang ensaymada na may cheese. Cheesy talaga--- shemay.

Hahaha, sana yung nanay ko di mabasa tong blog na to.

2010-03-21T23:35:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I went to the wedding of one of my closest friends at the college, Ate Joyce.
It was a very beautiful wedding and during the service, I read an inspiring passage in the Bible about love. I wish them the best of luck in entering this new and wonderful journey.

After the wedding, I headed to SM North, The Block to claim the prize that I got from Freebies. Freebies is a fan page in Facebook where you can win stuff from the Bratpack store. I actually got a Kangol hat, similar to what Manny Pacquiao is wearing and it retails for 2300PHP. It was the first that I've won from that page. The administrator is Caloy Libosada, who is the Ecotourism Guru of the Philippines. I don't know how he gets those stuff. But if you're reading this, please please join and become a fan of Freebies!

So I got a new Sanuk tube flops and it retails for 1290 PHP. The best thing is, I get to share the prize with my sister! She also won but of course, I got her a different design. Dressing up like we're twins is so old school hehe.

This is me with my Sanuk Tube flops in Silver. Sweet! I love freebies! I tried to pair it with my skirt and dresses and it looked terrific. Can't wait to wear it.

This is the design that my sister chose. But I think that the socks are way too warm to wear for summer.
The fabric of my tube flops is similar to a stocking. But I guess the socks are more durable. I think mine will run easily.

While I was on my way home, I texted my good friend Donnie if he can do some percussions for the my new composition.

2010-03-19T01:34:00.000+08:00

Me when I was 20. Joe drew this picture for me. I don't know really if I should meet him in Thailand. First, I don't have money to spend there. Second, I don't know what to say to him when we meet.

Kaamulan 2010

2010-03-11T00:04:00.015+08:00

Two days after I got back from my Mindanao trip, I am feeling a little tense.

This is my second trip to CDO with a side trip to Bukidnon. For this trip, I experienced taking a shower at the public toilet. I also had the chance to ride the motorcycle to go around Bukidnon which is really far out! Shao and I got used to the futons on the cold, cold bamboo floor to sleep in. It was all together my favorite trip to Mindanao at the moment. This is gonna be a day by day account and some of the places I may not remember anymore but I will do my best to name them.

Let's rough it up!

Feb 25

I left Manila around 7pm and I got to Davao around 9pm. I was supposed to ride with RJ since Lonie and I practically have the same flight schedule, only we were on different airlines. But since I brought Pacman and I needed to go to the cargo section, I asked them not to wait for me. My parents picked me up from the airport. I still saw my sister Mae at my house in the evening and we chatted a bit about make up.

Feb 26

I can't think of anything that made this day memorable. I think I went to SM Davao to pay for Jack’s ticket but wasn’t able to do so since the bank was closed when I got there. Too bad.

Feb 27

This is the D-Day. I am booked for a flight to Cagayan de Oro from Davao around 6pm in the evening. I asked my mom if we can give some of our plates and some glasses to the Artisans. It took a lot of convincing and crying and even more drama to actually persuade my mom that I HAVE to go to CDO. The thing is, the Dire Husi artisans and the organization itself, made me feel alive. After my depression, Dire Husi was ultimately, my light at the end of the tunnel. In a way, I didn't want my mom to know how passionate I am because she might not understand and she might just feel that I'm doing more favors for other people than our family. But in all honesty, ever since I stepped out of the art house, I felt that I really needed to go back. I've said this to a friend... I like to bask in the positive energy of all the people living in there. The first trip to CDO was the pinnacle of my healing process. In here, everyone has their own stories to share, about broken dreams, unsupportive parents, dark past about drug addiction… but still I find solace in this commonality. Amidst this organized chaos we have in the art house, everyone seems to be a catalyst for change. Of course, we have different problems, different crosses to bear. I can never tell that some had it bad as I have because comparing yourself to other people’s life or misfortunes can leave you quite conceited or worse, lazy. But I got drawn to each and everyone of them like a moth to a flame.

Anyway, so I finally got to the airport and I first tried my Bisaya to the cab driver. He charged me 150 pesos for a twin sharing ride to Nazareth. I was ripped off but I think I did make myself sound as if I was from there so hehehe, that’s fine.

I can’t remember who I saw first but I remember Lance with her guitar and Tyrone was there too. Gat Ems was also there with them. I was jumping and I was so happy just to see them. I was so excited to see everyone and I also am excited to see Shao! The night was perfect; it was the full moon (or was it a new moon?). I can’t help but say to Shao, “You look lovely under the moonlight”.

I had my dinner there at the art house. One of the persons I really looked forward in seeing is Orwille who is like a brother to me! I was so surprised to see him and I was jumping and playing with him like how you see those little cubs in National Geographic channel. After our dinner, I showed him my paper crane but I really think mine looked better than he did haha. Finally I showed him my book about Billy Collins and also my journal. After a month of just talking online, it was nice to see him in person and just hang out and chill!

We went out to Divisoria for the night Café. I also met one of the newest guys in the art house who is Ian. Haven’t really talked to him much but he’s sweet and he’s funny. I also met Shane, his cousin.

Feb 28

This is a Sunday. Ate Nimfa visited us in the art house. The agenda for this day is to go around CDO with Solomon and Ian.

We went first to Opol. I took down some notes on how to get there.

Took a motorela to RE Uy. Then rode a jeepney to IPONAN, then dropped off at Terminal then rode another jeepney going to Gitagum.

If I didn’t point outside the jeepney and see the waves, we would have gotten farther from Opol than we would have wanted to. But anyway, it was a perfect Sunday. We stepped on the sturdy planks of the wooden bridge and the pathway was according to the sign “the most child friendly boardwalk”. I was quite hungry despite the great lunch we had at the art house so I decided to treat the guys to Panagatan. The ambience was really nice there and we have a chosen a table nearest to the sea.

We rode a jeepney to Opol Aviary which was for 5 pesos only. It was a short ride, didn’t even last for 5 minutes. At the Opol Aviary, I felt really sorry for the birds. If I had a choice I didn’t want to see how the birds are treated at the aviary. However, Solomon wanted to see if he can buy some birds that he can use for his magic. I didn’t want to tell him that because he was excited to take me there.

I forgot how to we got back but I saw lots of jeepney going to Cogon Market from Opol so we just rode one and paid 14 each, I think. We went to Gaston Park then beside it is the Cathedral. We headed to McArthur Park next then went back to the Art house.

March 1

From Molly, I wrote something about how this day is so important for me because I have met one of the most amazing individuals ever. Although I have seen David before at the Art house in January, I never really exchanged any word from him. I think he’s a conservative and reserved guy but funny as well. A walking contradiction perhaps but ahh, the art house is full of that. I think it’s super.

Shao and I went to Kaamulan Park just to get the feel of Bukidnon. We had some lanzones and Jojo took a climbing test at the wall. We wanted to ride a pony but suddenly we felt lazy.

We also got the chance to meet Jojo’s aunt who at first was extremely suspicious why Jojo brought two girls at their house. Shao did a great job in building up the confidence of Jojo’s aunt again, that he is a changed man and is still quite religious despite the fact that he turned away from being a Seventh Day Adventist. We had dinner at her aunt’s house and it was terrific.

The day ended with ukay-ukay shopping with Jojo and Shao since the three of us forgot to bring jackets. The cold was terrible. I got a maroon sweater with a hoodie for 50 pesos. It was cheap but we felt ripped off when we got to the next stall, they sold the jackets for 30 even 25 pesos. But at least it kept us warm for that night.

March 2

Ahh, this is my great Bukidnon day.

Jojo woke up early to rent a motorbike. At 12:40, we went to Cedar Center at Impalutao and we took pictures of the waterfalls there. We saw Gantungan falls and Dila falls. There is another one but we missed it, it is Natigbasan falls. It was a great day to be around trees and the air was sweet.

When we were about to go to Nasuli Spring Resort, our trip was halted by a police checkpoint. Mind you, we have neither license nor helmet so if those guys see us, we are definitely in big trouble. I played it cool and I just asked Jojo if we can use an off beaten track to dodge those guys. I got what I wished for. I have never seen such a large barren land full of wilted corn hobs. It was really a bumpy ride but I really enjoyed every minute of it. But an unexpected turn of event came when Jojo realized that the motorcycle key had fallen off during the ride. Ugh! To add it more craziness to our already crazy day, we realized that we have no more gas.

Despite what happened, we went ahead to Nasuli but only stayed for 5 minutes. It was just for photo op. We kept the motor running because we were afraid that it won’t start again if we turned it off. After that we went to Valencia and asked his brother on what to do. He directed us to NVM which is a mall in Valencia and fortunately there was a guy who could make us a key. I wanted to take it easy and not worry so much so I ordered a halo halo from Chowking.

I think around 3 pm we were back on the road again and headed off to see Jojo’s friend and went to Pulangi river. It was a beautiful river. We stayed for about an hour just hanging out with Piyong and his girlfriend, Rein who is painfully shy. She didn’t even want to have her picture taken with me.

Around 4: 40 we went headed to Malaybalay and Jojo told me that we can make it back around 5:10. And we did much to my amusement. He went so fast I felt like crying.

March 3

Just went around Bukidnon and in the evening Jojo and I saw the dancers practicing their routine at the highway. It was fantastic!

March 4

The Rodeo Day

We had so much food trip on this day it was like a marathon eating contest. We had quail eggs, boiled mani, puto, mangoes, ice cream, roasted mani, ice salad. The commentator was so fun and I actually understood what he was saying. Although of course, it helps that I got someone who can translate some words for me.

Ate at Mindy’s for dinner.

It was a great meal! I had squid, Jojo some spare ribs and Shao had some pork something.

Mar 5

I went to the ukay ukay with Shao from 9-11am. We shopped so much that day. For lunch we had a big pizza for the two of us. It was superb. We went to Gaisano and looked for other stuff like toiletries and other girly things. In the evening, we watched Jojo performed at Mindy’s only for 1 set. Shao and I wanted to go back because we spent so much time with Jojo and we haven’t even gotten the chance to talk with the others.

This was also the first night when most of the kids came from Cagayan de Oro.

March 6

Spent half day only at Bukidnon since our flight from CDO is at 5pm. Everyone was there and having fun. I remember Kuya Rhyan doing the face paint. Almost all of the artisans are applying henna on their clients. What a great day! Then before we left, Migs and Solomon did their number while Jojo and his friends were drumming away. Fantastic! Didn’t want to leave but we really have to. This Bukidnon trip was stretched so much….we originally planned to spend just two days maximum here but we stayed for 6 days. Kaamulan festival was utterly colorful and tribal. I didn’t get to see the rest of the street dancing though but I saw the grand floats of each tribe and their parade towards the Capitol Grounds.

I bought Rusty a small penguin balloon which he named Frenchskin. It was hilarious seeing them together. Rusty told me that after 2 days, Frenchskin can already do a henna tattoo. I believe him.

We left around 11:30 and Jojo saw us off at the terminal. We arrived about 2pm at CDO and I told Shao that we better get something to eat. The motorela driver charged us 20 each from Agorra Terminal to Nazareth.

I really wanted to go to Thai Me Up so I asked the driver to drop us off at Capistrano instead. But even if we were dropped off at Capistrano, the rate was the same. I think Shao and I looked funny because our face paint was wearing off. But the staff from Thai Me Up were amazing and accommodating. I even asked the waiter to make it fast since we were chasing our flights. I went to the restroom to freshen up and when I got back, Shao was already drinking the cooler something. It was a watermelon juice with bits of watermelon and mangoes. It was refreshing and perfect drink after the 2 hour ride from Bukidnon.

Our bill came to 700 pesos though. I was so full I thought I was gonna hurl.

I guess this ends my entry for now. I really want to go back to Bukidnon. I will definitely go back next year for Kaamulan! Won’t miss it for the world. I miss the cool weather, the great ukay ukay finds, going to the toilet near the orchids. I even miss waking up to the sound of the tambols practicing at the Capitol Grounds! Ultimately, I genuinely miss the warmth of the friendship from the Dire Husi artisans plus of course, my new friend, Shao Liew.

All pics are from Shao Liew.

How I spent my Valentine's day

2010-02-15T21:57:00.005+08:00

For the last three years, I have always had someone special to celebrate valentine's day with. This is the first time again that I'm single and well, celebrating Valentine's day with my friends. Although there is nothing terrible with that idea, of course I cannot help but feel a little jaded with all the consumerism that is being attached to this day. I think that's how all single girls must feel hehehe. Nonetheless, I still celebrated Valentine's day with a red shirt :) I actually did it for luck, since this year, the Chinese New Year and Valentine's falls on the same day.

Every year, UP holds their annual fair where the biggest bands in the country converge for a weeklong long celebration.
It's certainly an event not to be missed. I invited Mon, a Dire Husi artisan from Cagayan de Oro to visit Manila. Nope, I am NOT his date. Mon is really a nice guy but our relationship with each other is extremely platonic and truth is, that is all i'm wishing for.

Crazy as it sounds, I actually played Cupid for him. There's this one girl that I asked to be his textmate. They did meet at the fair and it was really fun seeing them together.

On heart's day, Mon and I visited my community in Banaba wherein he had performed his magic tricks for the kids of Buklod ng Kabataan. Afterwards, we headed to Taco Bell where I treated Mon for a big burrito. We also visited Cubao Expo where I showed him the shops where we can sell the DH crafts. After that, we went to UP again to watch the bands.

Some thoughts that crossed my mind that day.

If the X and I were still together...

1. I wouldn't have met the Dire Husi Artisans
2. I wouldn't have gone to Cagayan de Oro in the first place
3. I wouldn't have participated in the Buklod ng Kabataan Valentine's party

And if I missed out on these things, I think I would be a very sorry lass. There are moments to be thankful for and not to be bitter about. When something terrible happens, you have to see the whole picture and just deal with it.

My new baby, Molly

2010-02-04T11:59:00.009+08:00

Yesterday was an eventful day for me. I went to Robinson's Galleria because I needed to get a new journal. The other day, I bid goodbye to my old journal. I still keep it but I got no intentions
of writing entries on it any longer. I've had that journal since 2004. 6 years is quite a long time but it still has at least 10 blank pages on it. Given that, I think, my old journal has some negative feel into it ever since I started writing about my ex. I just remembered that my ex actually prohibited me from writing on my journal. He never ever wanted me to see me writing on it. He felt that I was trying to hide things from him. I think that's just plain nuts. Which adds to the fact that I really am better off without him. hehehe. Well, going back, almost all of the entries there are just plain text, I never tried putting any artwork on it. The last few pages though, I pasted my origami works. Parting with a journal is not easy. It was like bidding goodbye to a friend. My last entry was a prayer.

So my new journal's name is Molly. It's short for Moleskin. I've always wanted one. I absolutely adore that small notebook. It is awfully expensive though, almost 1000 pesos. Ouch. I think I should start exercising and just take walks when I need to ride the tricycle.

old journal in blue, new journal in black

Borrowing words from Dahl, it is whizzbanging and fantabulous! It is the same notebook that Picasso and Hemingway has. I'm not claiming that I am in those ranks haha, but somehow, we all have the same passion for a good notebook.And although blogging is easier and friendlier to the environment (since no trees are cut, yey!) I think, notebookism is still alive these days. The other week, I have read Orwille's blog about losing a notebook. It made me realize even more that notebooks are friends. I rely on my notebook as much as I would rely on a close friend...sometimes even more. When my spirits are low, writing makes me feel secure about myself. Writing on journals is like second nature to me, like drinking water.

My first entry on my notebook was a letter to Molly. If you have ever read Anne Frank's diary, you would know why. It was like an introduction of myself to her. However, I didn't notice
that I actually wrote my first entry on the 3rd page of the journal. So I went back to the
first page and wrote a small prayer for Molly. My next entry is should be a visayan paragraph about my memorable moment in Cagayan de Oro. This is my assignment from my CDO friend, Mon! I think my comprehension in Visayan dialect is getting better but I really need to practice my speaking skills.

Going back about my malling, my trip to Galleria didn't end with my purchase of my new journal. I went to a japanese store and I was expecting to see origami papers; I was not disappointed. I saw so many origami papers, it was crazy! There were papers for folding animal origami, insect origami, and they even have glow in the dark papers! However, since I used up all my money on my new notebook, I didn't buy anything at the store. For 85 pesos per set, it was a bit pricey.

I also saw weird items in the store. It was a banana keeper. Maybe the inventor of that item went bananas over bananas (pun not intended). It was made so that if you want to bring a piece of banana to work, to any place, it would not get bruised or mushed. hahaha. I must go back again! It was really fun just looking at amusing stuff you have no intention of buying.

Today my mother will be coming home from Davao. Wish me luck. I am alone in this house. It is so quiet I can hear the buzzing of the fly. I really hope that I can do all the cleaning before she comes home.

Manila-Makati-Paranaque

2010-01-24T13:19:00.015+08:00

I'm behind.
I'm really behind.

Last Thursday I sent out a nice package to a friend to DireHusi.
They were 2 sets of origami papers and a book.
The origami papers were from Yuka, which were sent to me last Monday.

Friday, Jan 22

I had to do 4 important things that day.
My agenda?

1. Go to SSS Marikina to provide a sketch of my house. I was told I need to submit that.
2. Go to Manila to pick up my calling cards.
3. Go to Makati to pick up the hat that I won from a Freebie group in Facebook.
It is a very tasteful hat; a Kangol, in fact! I wanted to go there right away because there are 5 of us who won, so I wanted to get the first dibs on the hats.
4. Purchase the ticket for my cousin at PAL Makati.

I took a jeepney from SSS Marikina Office to Santolan train station.
I brought my camera because I want to take nice pictures of Manila and Makati to put here on my blog. From Santolan, I got off at the last station, Recto.

The staff told me that the cards were ready.
These business cards are actually of my own design. But I got some inspiration from the cards that I saw from the internet and from a book. I do not claim originality on these ideas--I just fused the designs and basically, had it done my own way. We had a little argument about the number of boxes I have ordered. But I really do not want anymore hassle since I need to go to the PAL office before the office closes at 5pm. Anyway, I let it go. I realized that some people in Manila are not so nice and that they really do try to trick you sometimes.

From Doroteo Jose station I jumped to Gil Puyat. Then from there, I asked directions how to go to Makati. I took an FX to Ayala. From Ayala, I took a jeepney thinking that it take me to MRT Ayala station. I was wrong, it was going back to MRT Guadalupe station! It was extremely difficult for me to ride the jeepney at Makati. I was not so used anymore with the city life I guess. Marikina is more laidback than most of the cities in the South.

While I was walking, I remembered how I used to be back when I was still working at the call center. It was a rat race. Dog eat dog life. You spin in circles, making money, then going home, tired, unsatisfied. Although I was more independent back then, I can say that now, I am happier. I am optimistic that I would be successful in my travel company.

So I ended up getting a jeepney again at Ayala then I got off near the MRT Ayala station.
Since it is past 5pm, I decided to just go directly to Greenbelt 5. I had to put off going to the PAL Ticketing Office. I told myself, the Cubao office is open on Saturdays anyway.

I finally arrived in Glorietta. I went to Landmark brigdge to go to Greenbelt. Greenbelt 5 is the newest addition to the Ayala malls. It was so nice there! It has a park and there are lots of shops. But these are pretty high-end shops and I don't really have the money to buy stuff like that. I just like looking at the shiny windows.

The people from Bratpack were extremely nice. Although I am just getting a freebie, I was treated like a paying customer! I wore my hat right away.

While doing all these in Makati, I was also texting my friend Es** if I can be a third wheel. She usually has a date with her partner every Fridays. But I can't pass it up, I have to be with them! They were parked in Makati Avenue. So we had to walk to Jupiter street.

Jupiter street is like the red light district of Makati. So there are tons of LCD screens with asian girls clad in skimpy clothes being displayed on and on. I took a video of it. We don't have those stuff in Marikina.

We left Makati then went to Paranaque. I have never been around Paranaque at all. Only when I go to the airport, that's the time I get the chance to go there. We had dinner at a place called Flaming wings and they had a great serving of buffalo wings with rice and a tall glass of red ice tea. Perfect! Then we hung out at a place called PERK, a coffee shop. While we were hanging out, I was telling my friends about Dire Husi. I gave ES** some origami papers and she surprised me with a pretty origami of a school girl uniform. Sweet!

Les* drove us home to Marikina around 12am. Although Makati and Paranaque are two of the most progressive urban places in the metro, I still prefer my own city. Give me Marikina anytime!

children get older too.

2010-01-21T18:56:00.001+08:00

A week more and and I am gonna be a year older.
I haven't realized how time goes by so fast, until I saw the profile of a kid who I used to babysit when I was in highschool. Isn't that nuts? The kid has a facebook account. My, my. I almost fell off my seat.

I went to Marikina City Hall today and passed the requirements for my business permit. Everything seems to go my way. Even the government staffs are friendly.

Now I am swamped; I have to make quotations for my friends.
Facebook makes me lazy. The free wi-fi is a curse!

Just around Marikina

2010-01-19T11:08:00.009+08:00

Today I will be renewing my business permit for my small travel agency.
So it means, I would have to go to Marikina City Hall.
I remember one time when I went to the City Hall and they didn't allow me to get in for the simple reason that I was wearing flip flops. Since I really have to get in, I was forced to buy a new pair of sandals for about 300 pesos! That really sucks, you know. I learned how important the dress code the hard way.

I will go to the Marikina Post Office too.
I shall be sending 2 packages today. One for Yuka, a nice card for her birthday and some crafts from Dire Husi, and second, to Orwille, a nice book and some origami papers. I'll be sending the package to Orwille by courier though. It's easier and faster that way.
I think, I am pretty much done for today except that I might need to go to UP again for the discussion of Most Significant Change with some guys from OXFAM.

I don't know what to do with my dog, Pacman.
He's getting super annoying.

He is now bigger than what you see on this picture. 2 pounds heavier, I guess.

I'm thinking a doggie walk around 12am is a great idea!
Hehe. Maybe afterwards, I go to McDonald's and get something to eat. 24 hours Mcdonalds rocks! Especially if it's a stone throw's away from your house.

My addiction to snail mail

2010-01-18T11:39:00.013+08:00

I'm such a snail mail addict.
Although I love sending emails to my friends, I still find the usual envelope and paper more comforting and yes, cooler! Today I called EMS because Yuka sent a package for my birthday.

She emailed me yesterday and informed me that she has just received the Christmas card that I have sent her. It took about 3 weeks to get there; I mailed it from Davao. Such a drag!
Anyway, here's a pic of her holding the card.

Later on, I shall have a pic of myself holding the package she has sent me. So excited! The package contains the origami papers that I will be giving to a friend in Dire Husi and some sweet, kawaii stuff from Japan!

I worried about the EMS thing because I saw a lot of posts, which says EMS steals mails and stuff so I checked the site and here's what I found.

Detailed EMS search result

The item number searched is EG019105572JP
(EMS).

Date	Status	Details	Office	Prefecture
Date	Status	Details	ZIP code	Prefecture
Jan 15 18:34	Posting/Collection		YOKOHAMAMINATO	Kanagawa prefecture
Jan 15 18:34	Posting/Collection		231-8799	Kanagawa prefecture
Jan 16 2:56	Arrival at outward office of exchange		TOKYO INTERNATIONAL Branch	Tokyo metropolis
Jan 16 2:56	Arrival at outward office of exchange		138-8799	Tokyo metropolis
Jan 16 11:10	Dispatch from outward office of exchange		TOKYO INTERNATIONAL Branch	Tokyo metropolis
Jan 16 11:10	Dispatch from outward office of exchange		138-8799	Tokyo metropolis
Jan 17 9:16	Arrival at inward office of exchange		MANILA	PHILIPPINES
Jan 17 9:16	Arrival at inward office of exchange			PHILIPPINES

Things are super! Kudos to EMS! I paid 35 pesos for tax. I was so happy I gave the delivery man 50 pesos.

Here's me with my loot.

Should I stay or should I go? Back and forth Marikina-Mindanao

2010-01-17T23:13:00.011+08:00

I practically lived all my life in Marikina. My family first came here in 1989 when my parents bought their first house in the quiet neighborhood of Marikina Heights. I love my neighborhood. However, the media hype tarnished the reputation of this peaceful community since a lot of news has been written about rape tragedies and salvage killings during the 90s. But to me, it is a great place! I love my friends that I grew up with and also I love my school, St. Scholastica's Academy of Marikina. I still live in Marikina Heights with my sister, my cousin, and our pet beagle Pacman in St. James Villas.

This is our second house since the first one was sold when my parent's business went bad. This house is an apartment type building. My parents do not live here anymore because they have already gone to Davao for our business.

Because of that, I usually invite my friends to come over and stay with me during the weekend.
I have also hosted a lot of travelers from different parts of the world!

2008 was the year when I first got the chance to travel to Mindanao. My cousin from my father's side will get married and they have invited us. I like Davao. I like how you can go to Samal island and then go back, all in the same day. I like how it is clean, similar to Marikina.

This year I went to another part of Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro. It was a great trip for me!I was able to meet some friends from a youth organization, Dire Husi whose Art House is along Nazareth street.

Thanks to Cebu Pacific promo fares, I was able to book a flight to Cagayan de Oro from Davao for a really sweet price. I'm so excited to know more about Cagayan de Oro like which are the best places to go...and not just the touristy places. I like the small surprises of everyday, like 2 shirts for 5 pesos? Wow, Cogon is an ukay-ukay paradise I must say.

I love Marikina, no doubt about it. The small cafes like Pan de Americana and our favorite Tapsilog hangout, Tapsi ni Vivian, I will truly miss those. But I think, I'm ready for Cagayan de Oro! I'm actually planning to move out of Marikina but I don't know which is a good place for me, Davao or Cagayan de Oro? Truth be told, Cagayan de Oro was the first city that really made me want to stay...