I had an urge to work in the balcony. But it was too cold and windy. I might freeze to death. My skin was unbelievably thin.

When I came down, God spoke to me in a song. It was Coldplay's song entitled "Lovers in Japan." The song was in acoustic version so it gave the place a very cool vibe. Imagine a TV show moment when the main character was having a moment alone, contemplating about the day that has gone by. Haha! Seriously, God gave me a verse while listening to it.

Lovers: God and me

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.." Romans 15:5

I am not referring to any particular person at that moment. But I felt that God has been assuring me that *whoishe?* is just around. Like me, he is also being molded into the man that God destined him to be. Like me, he is also getting to know Him more and more and building a relationship with Him. I couldn't be happier at that moment when I received the Word. God was telling me that we are to endure and be encouraged because we are being transformed into the same attitude of mind toward each other that Jesus also had. It was such a beautiful verse. I am assured that there is no better way where I will meet *whoishe?* than through God as I completely set my eyes on Him. All I could think of at that moment was, "God this is such a beautiful artwork. Waiting upon You is an art. Every stroke You add to your artwork contributes to its fine finish."

God is truly the best artist we can ever have in this life. We are part of His artwork. <3

_________________________________________________________________________________

Dad's presentation went well. He looked happy when he went out of the building. He told me everything that happened on our way home. I am so proud of him! (:




I ended the day by meeting Gabriella, an old friend in Shimbashi station. We first met in the Philippines because of a highschool friend. We also met in Vienna last 2012 when I joined Mom in her conference there. Meeting in Japan this time was pretty cool. We kept on meeting in beautiful places! I am happy that we are still friends despite the cultural differences and the distance. She is such a nice and fun friend to have. I have God to thank for that.

Dinner at an unbelievably expensive Italian restaurant lol

After dinner, Gabriella and I went to her place. I forgot the name of the station where we alighted. But it was near Ueno station.



Gab lived in a cozy and nice apartment that she shared with other young professionals. In the dining area, we watched TV, had tea, and laughed the whole night because of a show called Legal High. The actor was totally hilarious. I even had to search for him when I got back home.

Masato Sakai in Legal High

For the first time in my life, I rode a train by myself late at night in a foreign country. I got into the right train, thank God! Then from the train station, for the first time in my life, I walked alone straight to my hotel. It made me feel braver and stronger. But I also felt safer. This country has been letting me feel a load of different emotions. Ha!

Once again, Oyasumi! (:

Next: Braving Tokyo

When we first arrived in Tokyo, my Dad told me about the numerous times he spent alone in the train. He told me about not having anyone to talk with. Even though he did not directly told me that he was thankful to have me with him, I was touched. I knew that my Dad wanted me to be there with him. Not because he needed someone to talk to but he needed someone dear to him to bond with and share a couple of memories with. Family. It never happened since we moved back to the Philippines in 1990. After two decades, I am thankful it did.

Our fifth day was spent in Tokyo Big Sight. I tagged along with my Dad to Odaiba because I wanted to see the conference sight and document it for him as well. We had our breakfast in our hotel. We shopped in the Family Mart near our hotel a few days ago so we were able to stock some food.

We were too early. But Dad registered inside. Then he got our IDs. We decided to go out and take pictures first.



We had our second breakfast at Family Mart inside the Tokyo Big Sight's premises.

Loving the triangle sandwiches in Family Mart and Boss Coffee. Wait, coffee??

I don't drink coffee everyday. But there are a few times when I do: 1) When I have a requirement that I need to submit and I could not stay awake any longer (College days). 2) When the coffee is good and sweet. 3) When I'm with someone who drinks coffee. That day, I was required to stay awake while I wait for my Dad. The Japanese coffee in the can that I bought was good and sweet, and I was with my Dad who drank coffee too. Big influence. So I did not mind drinking at all that day. ((:

I am an accompanying person. ((:

The weather was chilly. There was a typhoon coming. I could not believe that I will experience a typhoon during my stay here in Japan. It was a good thing that it didn't rain when we were "touring." ((:

There was wi-fi in Tokyo Big Sight. This was a good thing. "I wouldn't be bored!" I thought. Ha-ha. After a few minutes, Dad and I were back inside...

Men in black

What could have happen then if I did take engineering? Hahaha! Just a thought.


I could be one of these men in black. Naaat.







Since there was a typhoon coming, the conference in the afternoon has been cancelled. Classes in schools have been cancelled early as well. This was a swift cancellation. If I were to compare it to the Philippines suspension of classes and cancellation of conferences or work, then this is fast. People's safety is clearly a priority here in Japan.

Dad and I traveled back to the hotel. During dinner, I was left all alone in the hotel because Dad had to attend a gathering again. It was raining hard now. So there was no fun wandering around alone on a rainy night.

Rainy Ginza.

I wanted to find the bento take-out store nearby for my dinner. But my umbrella was too little for a hard rain. I got so wet. I ended up going back to our hotel and buying my dinner at Family Mart again. I am totally loving this store. It has been saving us since Day 1.

Despite the rain, I am thankful for the day. Being able to accompany my Dad in this trip has been the major purpose. I am actually very proud of him. I know that there has been numerous conferences and conventions, both local and international, that he had to attend on his own. I could imagine the lonely travel, lunches, hotel stays, and simply the hours when he misses us, especially Mom. He has gone through it all. And I am just glad that in at least one of them, I had been with him.

Next: Chilling around Tokyo