Asahi Beer Headquarters.

Rainbow Bridge

No man's an island.

We could have alighted at Odaiba Pier where we were really headed. But we alighted at Hinode Pier and walked towards Hinode station. Dad had to go to a meeting so we had lunch in a tonkatsu restaurant in the train station which was connected to the Yurikamome line through Shimbashi station. There were also other piers where the ferry/water bus could stop. Check them out here.

Keep walking.

We were walking a lot in Japan ever since we arrived. I just could imagine the lifestyle people had here. Japanese were definitely a fan of walking since riding cars were not that popular. Driving a car is useless when you can arrive to your destinations on time by riding a train.

By the way, I have no problems with walking.

Next: Odaiba and Minato-Mirai

Asakusa station

Asakusa was our first destination. Towards Asakusa station, my Dad and I took the subway Ginza line from Shimbashi station. During the train ride, I noticed that there were many people who rode from the Ginza station. But as the train got closer and closer to Asakusa, people were getting fewer and fewer. I guess not all people were up early for a temple run. Who would when you could rise up from the bed late and enjoy a holiday? I thought that Japanese would. But unexpectedly, many people still alighted the train in different stops. We mixed into the crowd as we entered the ticket gates in Asakusa station.



Dad and I waited for Erik at the lobby. While waiting, we took some pictures of ourselves and of other people who were busy staring at the ticket booths or patiently waiting like us.

Tourists studying the train maps

Everywhere you go in Japan, there is a taste of its culture. Everything seemed organized and helpful, especially to tourists. If tourists know the language, the task of navigating will become much easier. But there are enough instructions around that can help a lot.

When Erik arrived, we went out of the station and into the massive mixture of tourists. Around the corner, we found a Ghibli Museum gift shop. I could not control my happiness. Because I know I would develop the desire to buy everything, I quickly looked around with a big smile on my face.

A Kaonashi (No-Face) is holding our one peso coin. (((:

A long array of tourist shops aligned the path toward Sensoji Temple or also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. This shopping street is named Nakamise. I was surprised to see that most of the tourists were following two lines. One line on the right were all going toward the direction of the temple. The line on the left were the people who were going back from the temple. But of course, there was a mixed-up once in awhile because some of the people were curious to look at the shops on both sides.

In our school, the character trait for the month of March is courageous. In class, we are currently talking about being brave and courageous in different settings.

In our church, we are also talking about being so afraid. I told my class a story about the video shown to us in church last Sunday. One man wanted to jump off a cliff and swim in the lake but his fears were stopping him from doing so. A friend who encouraged him caused him to jump. They jumped off the cliff together.

We discussed the story. Then I had them write down their fears on a sheet of paper. Some wrote a list of their fears. Others drew them. I also write mine. When they were done, each of us talked about it in front of class. Then I asked them, at the count of five, to tear their lists of fears as a start of braving out and saying goodbye to them. We did this together, all at the same time.


Except for one child. I was surprised that one child could not say tear his paper. He said, "I don't like tearing my drawing!" He had tears in his eyes. I kept on explaining to him that it was not because we did not like the drawing but it served as a sign of saying facing our fears and saying goodbye to them. It served as a sign of courage and bravery. He thought about it for awhile then he slowly tore his drawings. He even hid some in his pockets so that they would not be thrown away. I told him, "Leave nothing behind. Let it all go. Give all your fears to God." He smiled, hesitating at first, emptied his pockets and threw the torn pieces of papers in the trash.

In my mind, I thought that I am sometimes similar to this child. A picture of myself caving in and being afraid came to view. This happens to most of us. We sometimes get wrong notions about what will happen in the process of tearing our fears down. If we do tear some of them, we still hide in order to avoid some. Why? Because we are afraid of the uncertainty that we might not be able to handle it and still end up more afraid.

If you are like this child, like me, you are not alone. I am also afraid. But there is a promise to all of us, if we believe. "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Despite the lack of posts for two weeks due to work and studies, I have been wanting to write about what 2014 has been doing in my life.

In January, I celebrated the new year with my family in our humble home. We didn't light up any firecrackers but we still ate food and greeted each other at midnight. I also spent that morning traveling to Olongapo with my Mom, two titas, and one cousin. We visited the Merzas, our relatives from my grandmother's side.  Since it was a day trip, we traveled back home early in the afternoon. That night, I went to Genesis bus terminal in Cubao with two of my greatest college friends and we traveled to Baler, Aurora. We surfed, practiced yoga, ate, and visited one beautiful tourist spot. Being with the family and friends was a great trip to start the year.

A day of firsts.

Classes resumed once more and I was back to work and to my MA classes in Eduk. Though I missed the Christmas vacation a lot, I was energized and off to a good start. I also fasted for 5 days alongside my Victory churchmates. God guided me in making my faith goals. This time, I survived liquid fast and one-two meals each day. There was also another great challenge that God made me face. It was to stand up for my rights as an employee and let our voices be heard. After the meeting, our concerns were addressed and every detail was explained as it was supposed to be from the start. All thanks to God!

Back to school with a smile (:

February was filled with love.  Despite the great list of things to do, I felt God's love everywhere I went. I rekindled myself in His embrace as I faced each day. He guided me when I wrote the students reports and conducted the Parent-Teacher Conferences. He also boosted my strength when I started writing and rewriting my mock thesis Chapters 1 and 2 and preparing my Chapter 3 for my Educational Research class. Also, God even gave me a greater challenge when I found out that I am supposed to write another set of Chapters 1-3 for my Special Education research class. I could not complain neither to God nor to my teachers. So I accepted the challenge with a calm heart and mind. I can do this through God who gives me strength! I also continued my yoga practice despite my lack of budget and time. I entrusted my financial concerns and time management to God. And so far, I have been attending at least once or twice a month. (:

Even my commitment to volunteer in church this year has been renewed. I am now committed to joining the Kids Church Ministry for it is the only ministry that I could afford to give my time. There is no need to practice throughout the week and no need to attend rehearsals on Saturdays or early Sunday mornings. I just need to be early before the service twice a month. Honestly, I will definitely miss Music Team. But the right ministry for me was part of my faith goals. I know God is leading me back to my first calling which is to teach.


As for Valentine's Day/Love Month, I  have enjoyed and learned a lot from the It's Not That Complicated series in church. I was also blessed by the lovely people who kept on showing me love and care and inspired to witness my future love story that God has started to write for me. I know it is going to be beautifully written. For now, I will continue to have wonderful dates with my God.

Though I am not sure what God has in store for me in March and the rest of the year, I am sure that he will give me challenges that I can face and breakthroughs that will bring me joy. I am inspired to do more things for Him!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John14:27