Photo courtesy of Yahoo! PH News

Filipinos are currently facing the destruction that Super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) has created in central Philippines. The government along with NGOs and various people all over the country have been extending their help to their fellow kababayans. Netizens have been spreading out important information before, during, and after Yolanda. Bayanihan could be seen among our fellow countrymen as we put up a brave face to help each other. Despite this current hell that we are all in, many of us still hope that "This too shall pass." But this shall take awhile. For everybody is a victim, carrying it all is definitely difficult. Though the worst is over, there are still a lot to attend to.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo! PH News

The people spreading out that Filipinos are looting like criminals should be ashamed. Looting is allowed by the government in times of great catastrophe such as a landfall. People are in desperate need for food, water, shelter, and transportation. Looting for these basic needs is out of desperation but not out of greed. Let us be careful of how we label the looters in Leyte. They loot for survival.

As for the government officials who are still blaming each other or the people who live in these suffering towns, let us focus on the issues at hand and try our best to meet the victims' basic needs. I hope that promises for restoration are not just words or unfinished projects but a continuous effort.

I am not in Leyte to be able to tell how grave the situation is right now. The scenes we see in television or in the internet do not even show us what is really going on out there. But with all the information we get about our kababayans' state in the affected areas, let us send our help in any way that we can.
Every Nation has started relief efforts to the victims of the typhoon. Visit these sites for details on how you can extend your help wherever you are:

1. EN Philippines http://victory.org.ph/article/yolanda-relief/

2. EN Asia http://www.everynation.org/asia/help-the-victims-of-super-typhoon-haiyan/

3. EN North America https://admin.everynation.org/giving/?s=015012


Now is not the time to accuse and blame or make judgment but to show compassion to one another.

Matthew 9:36-38

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”"

Ohayou Gozaimas!

Waiting for ate Jonep

Early in the morning, we waited for her at the Shimbashi station. Since Shimbashi station has different exits, we did not know that she would be exiting at the Ginza subway exit [insert number here]. It was a good thing we found her right away after a few texts and calls.

SL Square (Spot the black train that Daddy obviously loved.)

Giggling like college girls ((:

Here we are!!!

Ate Jonep and I in front of comic stores

InuYasha (Daddy bought me these toys a couple of years ago)

Looks familiar? Family Computer!!

SEGA

Animate, largest retailer of anime, games, and manga in Japan.

Evangelion

Yes, I'm going to find you. (:

TamTam hobby shop

The model communities were similar to these with mountains, animals, and people.

Daddy, demonstrating how big the railroad tracks should be, in TamTam hobby shop.

We could pass for high schoolers right? ((:

We lined up to get bags. HAHA

My Teriyaki Chicken Burger

L'Arc En Ciel and Ate Jonep at long last

In response to 'Daijoubu desuka?' ((:

An owl can spot another owl

Children's Street Art

The perfect bike! <3

Portrait Drawing

Music + Art

Guide for the blind

Dad crossing

The building where Scott Wesley Brown had his concert in 1991. We were there.

Here's a perfect throwback.

LP store of Jazz artists

Yoroshiku!

When a massive earthquake hit Japan in 2011, I wrote a blog entitled The Land of the Rising Sun to express my sincere love for the beautiful country and hope for it to rise and shine again. Three years after, I found myself accompanying my Dad for a visa application and boarding the non-stop 3-hour flight. Smooth sailing. I felt like everything was meant to be.

During our flight, I prayed to God for this trip to not just become a blessing to me. I honestly wished that I would be a blessing to others, no matter how little or insignificant I might be. Of course, I also have needs. But setting those needs and putting others' above my own was an act I wish to accomplish in this trip. This is not just for sightseeing, spending money, buying gifts for myself and for my family and friends, but I also did hope for a deeper connection with God and His people in this country. Someday, I might understand better why I was here before, why I was here now, and why I still desire to come back.

When we arrived at the airport, my Dad and I took the Suica and Narita Express (N'EX) package from the JR-East booth. A one-way ticket cost us 3500 yen each. In an hour, we alighted at Tokyo station and transferred to the Yamanote Line. This line passed through Shimbashi station, the nearest train station to Ginza Nikko Hotel, our hotel for the next 8 days. My impression of the whole train ride was inspired with awe. The transportation system was so efficient and convenient that you would not leave a single minute wasted in your entire day. Time seemed so valuable in this country.

The smart toilet that I wish we have in the Philippines.

At Shimbashi station, we did not know which direction to go. Having no Maps or mobile internet was entirely difficult but my Dad printed out a Google map of the hotel. However, our orientation was entirely messed up so we walked in circles around the blocks, carrying our luggages. This usually happens when a person is tired, having a headache, hungry, or simply new to a place. I decided not to lose my cool. My father did not lose his either. This is why I love traveling and getting lost with my Dad. He he he.

At sundown, we finally found our hotel. We returned to the Shimbashi station and from there, we found the right way. We just had to walk straight instead of going left or right from the Ginza exit. We did manage to laugh at ourselves.

Spacious room (for me haha)

My Dad and I took separate hotel rooms. Compared to the hotel rooms in Tokyo, I was surprised at the size of my hotel room. Though it was a bit pricey, the room was cozy and spacious enough to walk on or even do a yoga stretch. I am serious on doing yoga. I managed to do a yoga stretch that night due to the long and tiring travel. I really love my room for I could see the main street outside and the room atmosphere comforted me a bit.

View from hotel

Dad and I saw a Lawson convenience store nearby. We decided to check out Studio Ghibli tickets after eating dinner. We walked around Ginza, finding a fast food restaurant and to my amazement, we found lanes of shops. I felt like I was back in Orchard Road, Singapore wherein expensive and famous shops were found. Being there was not a big deal for me. But I did enjoy seeing familiar stores like Zara, H&M, Uniqlo and stores I could never go to like Louis Vuitton and Prada. I could feel that everything is pricey. But in my mind, this is a first world country. More people could afford them here. Power dressing was very much evident in almost every person walking in Ginza. Every woman was wearing high heels. I felt so little yet contented that my feet were not suffering from them. Tiis ganda, as the Filipinos usually say. It is not that I do not appreciate their fashion style because I do. I really do. I just wish I can have a job that will require me to wear them, a job that will require me to be beautiful and sophisticated looking all the time. The job description does not simply describe an elementary school teacher though there is nothing that can stop me from dressing up differently.

The Hakuhinkan Toy Store <3

After walking some blocks, we found a Yoshinoya branch. Dad said that the Yoshinoya in Japan is entirely different from the Yoshinoya in the Philippines. It must be the taste. When we were about to go in, Dad changed his mind due to the ambiance of the place. The round table sits only a few persons making it a bit uncomfortable. So we tried another fast food katsudon restaurant beside it. It was a good find. The price is very reasonable as well and the food was already delicious. Authentic katsudon at last! The most interesting thing was we only needed to pay our orders in a vendo machine. Pretty cool.

Oishii

And this was our Day 1 in the Land of the Rising Sun. The full day in Tokyo begins tomorrow.

 

            Life has no ever-fixed mark. It is a pursuit to move forward, to add splendor, to meet a destination, and to keep moving forward again.

One thing that I can get really particular with is my hair. My hair has been under hair treatment since high school. It has undergone hair relax, rebonding, hot oil treatment, protein treatment, Powerdose, and coloring. But last year, I decided to cut out from all of these harmful treatments and give my hair a break. Yes, I stopped having any form of treatments until, well, the 21st of September.

Since I had my colored hair last year and I dyed the remaining strands black this year, my hair has been short and black. However, it gets unruly most of the time. So I decided to try to research about this popular and well-reviewed Brazilian blowout last week. I found out that though it is expensive, it can nourish the hair instead of harming it. It is even perfect for colored treated hair. Having all the trouble from the past with my hair, I decided to avail of the discount voucher in ensogo.ph at Urban Fringe Salon at Timog Avenue. It is near my workplace so it is very accessible to me. I called the salon first because I wanted to know if the discount was still ongoing. I explained to her my problem with my hair and the lady told me that dropping by the salon would be better. So I did. At first, I thought they were not going to give me the P1999 discounted price despite me doing an over-the-counter appointment to them. But the owner gave me the discount. Next thing I know, I am having my hair treated the way it should be and I had a free foot spa and massage.

The whole treatment only took 1 hour and 30 minutes. I don't remember the actual names of the treatment products they placed on my hair. But here is the process. They first washed and shampooed my hair. Then they provided blow dry and applied the acai treatment. After that, they washed it again, provided blowdry and straightened out my hair with a hair iron. Then they washed my hair again and put something on it. I waited 30 minutes to let the treatment remain in my hair. Then they provided blow dry and styled it. Done!

So there, I have a new stylish look (very different from the last one) and very manageable hair. My hairstylist, Ms. Rowena, told me that my former cut was so bizarre. I wouldn't name the salon who cut it before her. Ahaha! But it nearly gave me a nightmare. I was just too shy not to say it to my previous stylist's face. Now, I love how Ms. Rowena styled my hair. I will definitely go back for another Brazilian blowout and haircut in three months depending on my budget. This treatment usually costs P4500 for short hair, meaning nearly shoulder length like mine.

Back in 2010, I read the book entitled Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris for the very first time. This book was as special to me as his first book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. But I only bought his second book as a reminder of God's promise to me in 2002.

I once said in a blog that I would never write about *whoishe?* again until God says so. Actually, I still do not know who he is. But I just wanted to share how this book can really help us in waiting for the right one or in that season of finding out if he or she is the right one.

Finding the book once again after two years caused me to reread its now off-white pages. I want to understand more how God creates love stories. When I started reading Part I, I realized right away that I do not know enough. This book is speaking to me in a different light now. As I read the book, I listed some of God's quotable quotes.

1. Implicitly trust the Master to bring what is good.

Most of our questions are toward meeting the one. When in fact, we should simply relax and just enjoy the journey of meeting the one. Because God has already planned it well.

2. Do what is best for another.

When you truly care about another person, you act in accordance to him/her. You are no longer thinking about yourself. Your desire becomes selfless.

3. "No matter where we are today or what mistakes we've made in the past, He has given us everything we need to glorify Him right now."

Forever and ever amen. (: 

4. Falling in love was God's idea.

God is the author of romance. So we must always be reminded by the Song of Songs 8:4. Do not awaken love until it so desires. Simple? Nah. But trust me, it is worth it. I've been there. Letting go and letting God is the best decision you will ever make when it comes to falling in love.

 5. Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves.

Wisdom is essential in a skillfull romance. You are setting aside yourself and you are letting yourself be directed by what is true about God and about the world He has made.

6. Time is keeping everything from happening all at once.

I believe in this perspective about time. Everything has its own perfect timing. If all of your dreams were to happen all at once (the dream job, the wedding, the husband and kids, the travels, etcetera, etcetera...), how would you feel? Will you be able to do it all? Your dreams become more beautiful when the timing is right.

7. Date with a purpose. 

The purpose is to grow closer to each other but all for the very clearly stated purpose of finding out if God would have you married. Courtship, just like being in a relationship, is a commitment. You must consider marriage. This was a "WOW moment" to me. I have to ask myself several times if I am ready or will I be ready for it. Courtship is truly a serious thing.

8. Observe each other in real-life settings--in families, church life, with friends, and even handling pressure at work.

I have looked back on the times I have dated. I realized that all of them mostly include getting to know the person outside of the family, church, school, and with friends. We were always in our own exclusive world. Thus, those dates were far from the skillful romance that enables two people to know the true character of each other. In order to truly know each other, you need to know if the true character of someone can win your heart. The next one surely has to be a skillful romance.

 9. Philippians 4:6-7.

Keep in mind: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

10. Find a man that you can follow.

I always have a weak heart for fathers and daughters. I believe that fathers want their daughters to follow their commands and look up to them as an inspiration. Whether they have failed or succeeded in this, they desire a life that their daughters can follow. Because someday there is a possibility of a similar man that will lead their daughters' lives as well. Whether that man comes like a 'knight in shining armor' or 'quietly like an old friend,' fathers know that if it comes from the hand of God, then their daughters are in good hands. Let God find the man you can follow for you just as he chose your father for you to follow.

If you ask me if I am ready for romance, I am only rethinking. I believe only God knows who, when, where, or how and I entrust it all to Him. During this season of waiting, I will fix my eyes on Him and let Him lead me to it at the right time.


I will reread and write about Part II: The Season of Courtship once I get there. To you, my friends and family, who are in a season of courtship or getting there, may your stories be an inspiration.

I have never done much volunteer work in my life. I believe opportunities for volunteer work also come with the kind of education you are having or the job you are doing. It involves a lot of time. And in the last few years, I have not had the time to do it apart from my responsibilities at home and in school and my commitments to my current job. As a teacher, I thought that volunteering would be easier. But I have done more volunteer work during my undergraduate years due to my school organizations and course requirements than during my teaching career. I am always at school during the weekdays while I prioritize spending my time with family, friends, and of course God during the weekends. When there is a great need to help out in the communities, like typhoon relief operations, I made it to a point to volunteer and donate. However, that only happened once or thrice in the past three years.

Surprisingly, I had the opportunity last Saturday, July 20, 2013 to accompany some of our students at the Center for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Poster Making Contest through the courtesy of Autism Society of the Philippines. Since my co-teachers were not available and I was free, I volunteered to accompany the students along with their supportive parents.

I was more than excited to volunteer because this was my first time to do this kind of thing as a professional teacher outside the school. My co-teacher and I prepared the students through a meeting a fews days before the big day. I also gathered them one day before in order to give them some guidelines and check up on their concept design.


The contest with a theme of "Kahirapan Wakasan, Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban" (End poverty, fight for children's rights) was held at the Center for the Welfare of Children office in #10 Apo Street Sta. Mesa Heights, Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Quezon City. The contest was created mainly for children with all kinds of disabilities. Honestly, I had no idea that such an office existed until that day. When I researched about them the night before the contest, I was even happier that I volunteered to accompany our students. Sadly, I was looking for ways on how to share the contest online through Twitter or Facebook but there were no ads or posters on their site or social networking sites.

Libreng drawing class

Almost all of the students arrived on the venue on time. I was one of the early birds along with two of our students. The contest proper started late because there were a few speakers and a long drawing tutorial. We wished all the children benefited from the tutorial but I have to admit that only one participant did. As for the audience, I did. Hahaha.


One of our students had a difficult time when he arrived because he wore a uniform instead of a civilian clothing. He got so anxious. Before I got to talk to him, his mother called his father and his father was on his way to bring civilian clothes for him. Actually, if I were the parents, I would simply talk to the child and let him accept that wearing a uniform did not make him look bad. Wearing a school uniform could even show that he is proud of his school. My co-teacher texted me about it and I showed the text message to our student before the contest began. He shyly smiled after reading it. He was already dressed in his civilian clothing.

When asked who's the teacher in the middle, he said, "It's you!" Aww.

As for the student in my advisory class, I was happy that his mother was there to support him. Since this was his first time join a poster making contest, his mother was really nervous. I was a little nervous too because the student kept changing his mind about going to the contest a few days before. There were times when he would say that he was ready. Other times, he would say that he does not want to join. There was also a problem with creating a concept. Since he had difficulty with comprehension, he needed a guide to come up with an idea instead of creating an idea spontaneously on his own. The night before the contest, his tutor called me and we had a short concept-making for the child, hoping that he would be able to understand the theme of the poster and then come up with a plan. I am so relieved that he worked on his own the moment the contest started.


As for the other two students who joined the contest, there were no big problems. They were naturals in this thing. However, there was a little problem with their attitude towards others. Their tone of voice appeared disrespectful at times. And they were not smiling often. Social skills are skills that they are generally weak at. I am not surprised at all. I do believe that exposing them to these venues and teaching them how to behave will eventually change their misbehaviors.

Bonding with the parents for two hours while watching the participants finish their works of art was something that I was thankful for. I was able to understand their kids more. I was even learning how they deal with their sons when situations like these arise. I admire them for the hard work and support they are doing.

One moment in the contest caught my whole heart the most. I had the opportunity to talk to a physiologist (I am quite not sure actually). She said she is also a community worker in Tondo and Valenzuela. She has mistaken me as one of the volunteer students from UST. When I told her that I am a teacher of four of the contestants, she said that I looked younger for my age. I laughed it off. Then we talked about our jobs. She hoped that someday we could work together. I said that her job is actually my dream job, something that I wanted to do in the future: Volunteer; help out in the communities who are really in need of help; do it as a job or a part of my job. My heart made a leap. However, I was not able to talk to her again. I also did not get her contact number. But I was more than glad to have an idea of what I wanted to do someday.

Two of our students' artworks

There were plenty of food from Jollibee served throughout the morning. We were totally blessed. Setting aside a time for these children brought me joy. I am also proud of our students who shared their talents. We might not have an idea of who the winners are yet, but we are already happy for the experience this contest has brought to our students. As we have always reminded our students, "We are after the experience. winning is just a bonus."

I will definitely do this again and again.