From Ueno Station, we walked a few blocks to Ueno Park which is located in central Tokyo. I had a tingling feeling inside of me. I felt like I had really been there when I was 2 or 3 with my parents. We were walking pass Ueno Zoo when Dad asked if we would like to go inside.


Since I have never seen a panda bear before, we decided that it would be a good opportunity to see one. So even though we felt like we were too old for a zoo, we entered and enjoyed every animal we set our eyes on.

Seeing a panda bear for the very first time, I smiled widely as I watched him. He was very playful. Due to the many people who visits him each showtime, he seemed to be used to all the attention already. Playfully cutting the bamboo sticks in half and portraying a happy face made everyone smile and laugh at him. He was a sight to behold.







The mangoes are pretty much sold here for a VERYYY high price, eh??

Near the Yamanote line station, there were a lot of restaurants. We could not easily decide where to eat. But we wanted something with soba and tempura so we chose the restaurant that serves them.


I keep on meeting friends in different places across the globe. I am indeed thankful to God for giving me wonderful companions throughout my trips. I might not have enjoyed it so much without them. Knowing that there is someone to share a particular experience or moment in a foreign country is priceless.

Dad and I had a great time with ate Jonep. However, we had to say goodbye to her that night. Her life in Japan had just begun. When we said our goodbyes, Dad and I went straight back to Ginza to check out the hobby shop and Fujiya building. My blog about Fujiya's "Milky" would be in a different blog. Hihi.



I have lived with a hobbyist all my life. So these TAMIYA color spray paints were really familiar to me. I used to play with them when I was a kid. The colors fascinated me. I didn't use them as sprays but as "people" though. I imagined they were people with different colored faces. HAHA.

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.